MENRE, DOE Talks on Coal Exploration in BARMM
COTABATO CITY (May 28, 2024) — A significant step towards coal exploration in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was achieved after the historical launching of 1st BARMM Conventional Energy Bid Round held on February 26, as an applicant submitted documents for a Coal Operating Contract (COC) yesterday, May 27, 2024, for Predetermined Areas for Coal in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) (PDA-BC-1).
The said event was organized by the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE), Energy Management and Development Services (EMDS), and the Department of Energy (DOE) at Park Inn Hotel, Davao City.
Following the event, Atty. Sha Elijah B. Dumama-Alba, Minister of Interior and Local Government and Co-chair of the Joint Review and Evaluation Committee (J-REC) for the Bangsamoro Government, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “The collaboration between MENRE and DOE, alongside the active participation of various stakeholders, underscores our shared vision for a prosperous and sustainable future. It is our collective efforts that we will transform these resources into lasting benefits for our communities,” she said.
DOE Undersecretary Alessandro O. Sales, J-REC co-chair from the National Government, highlighted the event’s significance. “Another milestone as we continue our journey in the Intergovernmental Energy Board, particularly in the upstream sector,” Sales noted.
The coal exploration site in Kapai and Tagoloan, Lanao del Sur covers 14,856 hectares and was unveiled during the February 26 Energy Bid Round to attract energy investors.
USec. Sales acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic. “If we continue to collaborate and work together with the right intentions in our hearts, we can overcome any obstacle and fulfill our respective mandates to deliver for the benefit of the Bangsamoro and the national government.”
Minister Akmad A. Brahim expressed optimism about the future. “Today, we start a journey to tap into BARMM’s coal resources, which will boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve energy security. Developing these resources responsibly is key to meeting our region’s energy needs and supporting the Philippines’ overall energy supply,” he said.
The J-REC Technical Working Group opened the bids to verify the completion of requirements, and the documents were then submitted for substantive evaluation. The Bid Round is part of implementing BOL, specifically Article XIII, Section 10, which allows the National and Bangsamoro Governments to jointly grant rights for the exploration and utilization of fossil fuels, including coal.
The operationalization of this provision in the BOL was significantly advanced when Minister Brahim and DOE Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla signed the Intergovernmental Energy Board (IEB) Circular on the Joint Award of Petroleum Service Contracts and Coal Operating Contracts at Malacañang Palace on July 6, 2023. The signing was witnessed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim, aiming to boost the energy sector and attract foreign investments in Bangsamoro. (Sahara A. Saban, BMN/BangsamoroToday)
