MARAWI CITY —The inaugural launch of the 1st BARMM Conventional Energy Bid Round in Manila on February 26 unveiled four significant Pre-Determined Areas (PDAs) designated for investment, exploration, development, and production of coal and petroleum resources within the Bangsamoro region.

The coal exploration site is situated in Kapai and Tagoloan in Lanao Del Sur province, covering 14,856 hectares

In petroleum exploration, three PDAs were revealed: PDA-BP-1 encompasses Cotabato City and the provinces of Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao Del Norte, and Maguindanao Del Sur, extending over 229,240 hectares in the Cotabato Basin.

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.

Minister of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) Akmad 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 said.

Undersecretary Alessandro Sales of the Department of Energy (DOE) 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.

Usec. Sales stressed that applicants must demonstrate prior experience in exploration and field development in similar areas and the necessary risk capital and financial capability.

DOE and MENRE will scrutinize applicants with a robust understanding of resource potential and a viable work program for mapping and testing.

Applicants must submit Petroleum Service Contract (PSC) applications within 180 days and Coal Operating Contract (COC) applications within 60 days after the Pre-Determined Areas are published.

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.

Secretary Amenah Pangandaman of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Minister Mohagher Iqbal of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE), Undersecretary Leo Angelo Larcia of the DBM, Director-General Engr. Mohajirin Ali of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA), and other government officials graced the event.

The launch of the 1st BARMM Conventional Energy Bid Round operationalizes Section 10, Article XIII of Republic Act No. 11054, allowing the joint granting of rights for exploring, developing, and utilizing energy resources within Bangsamoro's territorial jurisdiction. (BIO/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)