MANILA — The Bangsamoro region is set to bolster energy production in the Philippines after the Ceremonial Signing between the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) – BARMM and the Department of Energy (DOE) held at Malacañang Palace on July 06, 2023.
This momentous event is a strategic partnership agreement between the Bangsamoro Government and the National Government through the Intergovernmental Energy Board (IEB) Circular which will eventually enchance the energy sector istanbul escort within the region and across the country.
MENRE Minister Akmad A. Brahim and DOE Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla signed the said Circular, which aims to facilitate the growth of the energy sector and attract foreign investments in the Bangsamoro.
BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim said in his message that “This initiative manifests the unwavering commitment of the Government of the Philippines and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to work together to sustain the dividends of the peace process.”
He further added that “the signing of this important document on the energy sector that establishes the policies and guidelines for the joint exercise of the Bangsamoro Government and the National Government is another milestone, not only advancing energy security in the Bangsamoro but also having a positive effect on our growing economy.”
The IEB Circular operationalizes the provision in Section 10, Article XIII of Republic Act No. 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to jointly grant rights, privileges, and concessions for the exploration, development, and utilization of uranium and fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal within the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who witnessed the event, reiterated the significance of this milestone and expressed his support to this endeavor.
“Let us wholeheartedly embark on this journey with determination and goodwill. We must recognize that through our unity and our commitment — we wield the ability and the power to shape our nation’s destiny,” the President said.
As Minister Brahim signed the Circular, he shared that this forms part of the Bangsamoro’s major milestone and it symbolizes a substantial step forward in ensuring the responsible utilization of energy resources, advancing the collective goals of the Bangsamoro Government and the National Government towards a properous and sustainable future. This also stays true to the Ministry’s mandate to explore, utilize, manage, and sustainably develop the region’s potential energy sources.
Energy Secretary Lotilla, moreover, underscored to President Marcos the energy development needs of the Bangsamoro, which the Secretary aims that it will be prioritized by the President’s administration.
“We commit ourselves to work towards the success of energy development in the BARMM, and in the rest of the Philippines under your leadership,” Lotilla told Marcos.
Joining Minister Brahim were the officials from the MENRE – Director General Atty. Badr E. Salendab, Energy Management and Development Services Director Nasiri B. Abas, Chief Energy Regulations Officer Engr. Al-Montazer S. Mandong, Engr. Yussof Ali, Engr. Eduardo Longakit, Engr. Zurhaiden Engga, and consultants Husain Dagloc and Atty. MJ Nery Sandoval.
In presence were the key officials of the Bangsamoro Government, the IGRB Co-Chair and MBHTE Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal, Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof A. Macacua, IEB Members MPW Minister Eduard U. Guerra, MILG Minister Naguib G. Sinarimbo, MTIT Minister Abu Amri Taddik, BPDA Dir. Gen. Mohajirin T. Ali, and the Executive Assistant of the Chief Minister Hamsur S. Mama.
Among the Enhanced 12-Point Priority Agenda of the Bangsamoro Government is on energy security. The BARMM targets to improve energy security through the exploration, development and utilization of energy resources, and improvement of the investment climate for the energy sector to attract private investment and, in the process, generate more jobs, create more revenue sources, and develop human capital in the BARMM.
