Two roadshows were recently held in Bangsamoro in the quest for exploring conventional energy resources. Staged in Davao City and General Santos City, the 1st BARMM Conventional Energy Resource Bid Round roadshows brought together stakeholders, industry experts, and investors seeking to unlock the region’s energy potential.
The roadshows were led by the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MINRE) and the Department of Energy (DOE).
Four Predetermined Areas (PDAs) were identified for investment, exploration, development, and production in Bangsamoro. One PDA was selected for coal exploration in Kapai and Tagoloan, Lanao Del Sur, with a total area of 14,856 hectares. For petroleum exploration, a PDA was identified within 229,240 hectares of the Cotabato Basin, covering Cotabato City and the provinces of Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao Del Norte, and Maguindanao Del Sur. Two more PDAs are situated in the Sulu Sea Basin, with areas of 780,000 hectares and 532,083 hectares.
The PDAs are offered up for bids under the provisions outlined in the Bangsamoro Organic Law, Article XIII, Section 10. Under this law, “the Bangsamoro Government and the National Government shall jointly exercise the power to grant rights, privileges, and concessions over the exploration, development, and utilization of uranium and fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal in the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro.”
Exploring conventional energy resources is part of the drive towards economic growth through sustainable development. Working together, the BARMM and the national government is committed to meeting the country’s energy needs in a sustainable and environmentally-responsible way.
“These bid rounds represent a significant step forward in unlocking the energy potential of the BARMM and the Philippines,” according to MINRE Minister Akmad Brahim. “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.”
References:
