The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Musim Mindanao (BARMM) signed today, 27 November 2024, a Transition Agreement to support the Bangsamoro Government in implementing the provisions of Republic Act (RA) No. 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008.
Signed by Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla and MENRE Minister Akmad A. Brahim, this Transition Agreement formalizes the collaboration between the two governments for the smooth transfer of the administration, application and development of renewable energy in the Bangsamoro area.
Section 8, Article XIII of the Bangsamoro Organic Law grants the Bangsamoro Government the authority to explore, develop, and utilize natural resources, including renewable energy sources, within the Bangsamoro region. Inland waters that are a source of energy for areas outside the BARMM are co-managed by the BARMM and the national government.
As part of the implementation process, the DOE-Renewable Energy Management Bureau (DOE-REMB) will continue to provide capacity building support to the Bangsamoro Government. This includes training and guidance to MENRE on key policy and operational matters, as well as guidelines for the processing and award of renewable energy service contracts and operating contracts and other registrations within the BARMM.
“Through DOE-REMB, we commit our full assistance to MENRE to facilitate its full assumption of the powers, functions, and responsibilities delegated to the DOE under the Renewable Energy Act, including those powers, functions, and responsibilities pertaining to the REMB, and other regulations that applies to the BARMM,” Secretary Lotilla said.
“By working hand-in-hand and providing full assistance to MENRE, we are committed to ensuring that the Bangsamoro Government has the necessary support, resources, and expertise to successfully implement renewable energy policies and initiatives in the region. This partnership will not only help drive the development of renewable energy projects but also create long-term benefits for the region, along with improved energy access, environmental sustainability, and economic growth,” the Secretary added.
These transition activities shall be performed and completed by both parties no later than 31 December 2024 or until an agreed upon later date by both parties. Within this period, the DOE-REMB shall also transfer to MENRE the custody and responsibility over data and files relating to renewable energy projects located within the BARMM.
Following the transition period, the MENRE will officially take over the administration of all renewable energy service contracts and operating contracts that have been awarded by the DOE within the BARMM. “This transition marks a key moment in the empowerment of the Bangsamoro Government, as MENRE assumes full responsibility for overseeing the implementation and management of renewable energy projects in the region,” the Secretary said.
As part of this responsibility, MENRE will ensure that all contracts are managed in accordance with its established policies and guidelines, which are specifically designed to align with the unique needs and priorities of BARMM. ###