COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), through the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE), partnered with the Department of Energy (DOE) to enhance stakeholder awareness and technical knowledge on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas policies, standards, and safety practices during a two-day program held on August 27–28, 2025.
The initiative was organized by MENRE’s Energy Management and Development Services (EMDS) in collaboration with DOE’s Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) and Mindanao Field Office (MFO).
In his welcome message, MENRE Minister Akmad A. Brahim underscored the ministry’s commitment to advancing energy development in BARMM while safeguarding environmental sustainability. He stressed that the region’s progress in the energy sector relies on strong collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and local communities.
DOE–MFO Director Nilo J. Geroche, through a video message, highlighted the importance of aligning BARMM’s initiatives with national energy policies. He praised MENRE’s proactive role in strengthening the downstream oil and gas industry and assured DOE’s continuing support for the ministry’s efforts.
The first day of the program featured comprehensive discussions on the latest developments in the downstream oil and gas sector. DOE experts presented updates on Republic Act 11592, or the LPG Industry Regulation Act (LIRA), as well as the Philippine National Standards (PNS) for bulk LPG transport facilities, retail outlets, and plant validation. The afternoon sessions shifted to the natural gas industry, with an overview of Republic Act 12120, or the Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Act, outlining its policy framework and roadmap toward a natural gas-ready future.
On the second day, participants conducted site visits to LPG facilities in Davao City. At the Isla LPG Corp. Sasa Plant, they observed operations, safety measures, and compliance practices. Later, they toured the LPG Cylinder Requalification Plant of Allied Metal Ventures Corp., where they gained firsthand insights into cylinder testing, requalification, and safety assurance.
Key MENRE officials present included Director General for Energy Nasiri B. Abas; EMDS Chiefs Al-Montazer S. Mandong and Moammer A. Tabara; Environment Management Services (EMS) Chiefs Nasser M. Awal and Mahid Gayak; and Atty. Noranissa A. Aliudin of the Legal, Legislative and Liaison Division. The Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) was represented by Director Shamera Abobakar and BOI Chief Khomine Tayuan. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) also joined the sessions, represented by Fire Senior Inspector Atty. Maria Estrellieta G. Lara and Senior Fire Officer Adziz Herb S. Nor. From DOE, the OIMB delegation was led by Assistant Director Rodela I. Romero, along with senior officials from the MFO.
The program highlighted the shared commitment of MENRE and DOE to ensuring a safe, compliant, and sustainable downstream oil and gas sector in BARMM and across the country. By combining policy updates with technical exposure, the sessions aimed to strengthen stakeholder capacity, reinforce regulatory compliance, and move the region closer to a secure and sustainable energy future.