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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider DOE, BARMM fast-track Sulu Sea petroleum deals, native hydrogen rules

DOE, BARMM fast-track Sulu Sea petroleum deals, native hydrogen rules

Published Aug 13, 2026 01:13 pm

The Department of Energy (DOE) and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are fast-tracking joint management arrangements for newly awarded petroleum contracts in Sulu Sea while establishing a regulatory framework for native hydrogen exploration in the region.

In a statement on Thursday, Aug. 13, the DOE and BARMM’s Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) said they are finalizing a joint circular that would allow them to co-manage newly awarded petroleum service contracts (SCs) 80 and 81.

These contracts are under the consortium of Australia’s Triangle Energy (Global) Ltd., the United Kingdom’s (UK) Sunda Energy Plc, PXP Energy Corp., and local company The Philodrill Corp. They would allow Manuel V. Pangilinan-led PXP to expand its petroleum activities in Sulu Sea.

In addition, the DOE and MENRE are expected to adopt a regulatory framework for native hydrogen exploration and development in BARMM. This would mark the country’s second native hydrogen initiative, following exploration work kicked off by United States (US)-based Koloma Inc. in Pangasinan and Zambales provinces.

Beyond resource development, the DOE is gradually transferring power and electrification functions to MENRE to strengthen BARMM’s capacity to manage its own energy sector. Both agencies are also drafting the proposed BARMM Energy Code to set up long-term rules and policies for the region.

To close remaining access gaps, the DOE and MENRE are also mapping out an electrification plan targeting BARMM’s isolated and off-grid areas, including the hard-to-reach Turtle Islands.

DOE Undersecretary Giovanni Bacordo said these developments would help accelerate and improve the regional energy landscape.

“Total electrification must mean reaching communities where providing electricity is most difficult. Our objective is both improving electrification figures and making sure that geography does not hinder Bangsamoro family to electricity access,” Bacordo said. - Gabriell Christel Galang

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