DAVAO CITY — The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have successfully initiated a local roadshow as part of the 1st BARMM Conventional Energy Resource Bid Round, marking a significant milestone in the region’s energy sector.

The activity is primarily part of the operationalization of the provision outlined in the Bangsamoro Organic Law, specifically Article XIII, Section 10, which empowers the National Government and the Bangsamoro Government to jointly grant rights, privileges, and concessions for exploration, development, and utilization of uranium and fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal within the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro.

Recalling the inaugural launch of the 1st BARMM Conventional Energy Bid Round and the 2024 Philippine Bid Round last February 26, four significant Pre-Determined Areas (PDAs) designated for investment, exploration, development, and production of coal and petroleum resources within the Bangsamoro region were unveiled.

The coal exploration site is specifically situated in Kapai and Tagoloan, Lanao Del Sur, covering a total area of 14,856 hectares.

In petroleum exploration, three PDAs were revealed: PDA-BP-1 encompasses Cotabato City and the provinces of Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao Del Norte, and Maguindanao Del Sur, extending over 229,240 hectares in the Cotabato Basin. Both PDA-BP-2 and PDA-BP-3 are located in the Sulu Sea Basin, with areas of 780,000 hectares and 532,083 hectares, respectively.

The bid round local roadshows, held in Davao City on March 5 and General Santos City on March 7, 2024, respectively, brought together key stakeholders, industry experts, and investors to explore opportunities in conventional energy resource development within the BARMM and the Philippines as a whole.

The BARMM Conventional Energy Resource Bid Round aimed to harness the region’s potential in conventional energy sources across the country, fostering sustainable development and economic growth while ensuring environmental responsibility. With a focus on promoting energy security and diversification, the bid round showcased the BARMM and the Philippines’ commitment to meeting its growing energy demands through responsible resource management and investment.

“These bid rounds represent a significant step forward in unlocking the energy potential of the BARMM and the Philippines. As we embark on this next phase of our journey, let us do so with renewed peace, unity, and determination. Together, we will ensure a sustainable, energy-secure future for the Bangsamoro Region,” said MENRE Minister Akmad Brahim.

The bid rounds underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for energy investment, promoting transparency, and maximizing the value of the country’s energy resources for the benefit of all stakeholders.

As the energy sector continues to play a crucial role in driving socio-economic progress, the successful conclusion of these bid rounds sets the stage for further collaboration, innovation, and investment in the Philippine energy landscape.