MENRE to facilitate RE dev’t in Bangsamoro area
THE Department of Energy (DoE) will be transferring functions in facilitating renewable energy (RE) resources in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE).
Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla and MENRE Minister Akmad A. Brahim signed a transition agreement to formalize the collaboration between the two governments for the smooth transfer of administration, application, and development of RE in the Bangsamoro area, according to DoE’s statement on Wednesday.
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.
The DoE-Renewable Energy Management Bureau (DoE-REMB) will continue to provide capacity building support to the Bangsamoro Government, the department said.
“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,” Mr. Lotilla said.
Transition activities will be completed by both parties by the end of December or until an agreed upon later date by both parties.
“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,” the DoE said. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera
