Chief Minister Ebrahim Witnesses Ceremonial Signing of the 1st Coal Operating Contract in Bangsamoro
COTABATO CITY (October 24, 2024) — BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim officiated the ceremonial signing of the first coal operating contract in the Bangsamoro, alongside the Department of Energy led by Secretary Raphael Lotilla, on Thursday, October 24, at the Bangsamoro Government Center.
In his keynote address, Chief Minister Ebrahim expressed his humility and pride in witnessing this historic event. “Today, we are witnessing a turning point in the history of the Bangsamoro. This momentous occasion signifies a new chapter in the narrative of the region after its establishment,” he said.
He emphasized that this contract represents a new journey toward sustainable development and economic empowerment. “By leveraging on the untapped potentials of the region. This will certainly generate employment opportunities, nurture a thriving economic landscape in the Bangsamoro, and bring us closer to our goal of an empowered, cohesive, and progressive Bangsamoro,” Chief Minister Ebrahim said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of responsible resource management, “As you commence to explore coal reserves that are in commercial quantity, we must pledge to the highest standards of environmental management and corporate social responsibility,” he asserted.
“As custodians of this land, let us all be reminded that with this opportunity comes even greater responsibility. We must not forget to engage in sustainable practices that protect our environment and the welfare of the future Bangsamoro,” the BARMM Chief Minister stressed.
Joining Chief Minister Ebrahim at the event were Assistant Senior Minister Mohajirin T. Ali, MENRE Minister Akmad Brahim, and MOST Minister Aida Silongan, and on the national government side included Secretary Lotilla, DOE Undersecretaries Alessandro Sales and Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, and Presidential Assistant for Bangsamoro David Diciano. (Tu Alid Alfonso, BMN/BangsamoroToday)
