DAVAO CITY — With the vast resources that the Bangsamoro Region has, the government launched its first Conventional Energy Bid by unveiling four significant Pre-Determined Areas for investment, exploration, development, and production of coal and petroleum resources within the region.
The government proposed that the venture be done in Kapai and Tagoloan, Lanao Del Sur, covering a total area of 14,856 hectares.
The petroleum exploration, will cover one from Cotabato City and in the provinces of Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao Del Norte, and Maguindanao Del Sur, extending over 229,240 hectares towards the Cotabato Basin.
One of the potential energy sources in the Bangsamoro Region is the reported natural gas deposit in Liguasan Marsh. It is described as the largest wetlands in the Philippines.
Liguasan Marsh Wikipedia states “The marsh covers an area of around 2,200 square kilometers (850 sq mi)[2] spanning the provinces of Cotabato, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.[3] 300 square kilometers (120 sq mi) of this area is reserved for a game refuge and bird sanctuary[2]“
On March 7, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) and the Department of Energy (DOE) hosted a local roadshow in General Santos City which showcased the opportunities for energy exploration across the country and in the Bangsamoro region.
The activities aimed at inviting local investors for petroleum, coal, and hydrogen explorations in predetermined areas.
Potential domestic who actively participated in the event include the Bangsamoro Ligawasan Resources and Development Corporation, MinSuPala Energy and Mineral Resources Development Corporation, Daguma Agro-Mineral Corporation, and Anoy Small Scale Coal Mining Corporation.
Environment Minister Akmad Brahim said the roadshow played a pivotal role in advancing the agenda on energy security and socio-economic development in the region, saying it was “A collective effort to tap into the energy potential within the Bangsamoro region.”
“This local roadshow is more than an event, it is a strategic initiative to engage directly with our communities, attract investments, and explore innovative technologies and partnerships that will propel our energy sector forward,” he added.
Recognizing the critical role of local government units (LGUs) in these initiatives, Minister Brahim emphasized the need for insights, support, and collaboration from LGUs to unlock the energy potential of the Bangsamoro region.
During the General Santos City event, Department of Energy Undersecretary Alessandro Sales acknowledged the potential of the still untapped resources of the Bangsamoro region and the necessity of scientific endeavors to unlock them.
Sales assured the Bangsamoro government that his agency will continue to closely the development in collaboration with the Environment office of BARMM as it will spur development in the region and help Mindanao’s economy.
The bidders will start dropping their bid documents for coal and petroleum exploration on August 26 and end on August 27 respectively.
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.
Brahim emphasized that this initiative demonstrates unity and resilience, aiming for a brighter and sustainable future in the Bangsamoro region.
“This effort demonstrates our strong commitment to responsibly come into the abundant energy resources in the heart of the Bangsamoro region,” he added.
Sales expressed satisfaction with the interest shown by renowned oil and gas exploration and production players from Asia, North America, and Europe, urging further evaluation of the petroleum potentials in the Philippines.
“I encourage you to further evaluate these petroleum potentials. We have the best contractual terms to offer that could match and compete with other countries,” he said, saying the applicants must demonstrate prior experience in exploration and field development in similar areas, along with the necessary risk capital and financial capability.
The DOE and MENRE will study the business profile of the applicants who are knowledgeable in said industries.
Applicants are reminded to submit Petroleum Service Contract (PSC) applications within 180 days and Coal Operating Contract (COC) applications within 60 days after the publication of the Pre-Determined Areas.
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla invited local and foreign investors to partner in achieving energy security and self-sufficiency.
“As we go another step forward to harnessing these assets, our aspirations for promoting economic growth, generating employment opportunities, and nurturing a thriving business landscape in the region are even closer to realization,” he said.
The launching was under the auspices of Department of Budget and Management Secretary Aminah Pangandaman and BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim which aligns with Section 10, Article XIII of Republic Act No. 11054, enabling the joint granting of rights for the exploration, development, and utilization of energy resources within the Bangsamoro’s territorial jurisdiction.
