MANILA — Top officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) led by Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua were in Malacañang on Wednesday morning for the signing of a contract on oil and gas exploration in the municipality of Mapun, Tawi-Tawi.
The ceremonial signing, graced by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., marks a significant step toward developing the energy sector in the Bangsamoro region. The initiative is expected to pave the way for energy self-sufficiency and broader economic opportunities in the island province of Tawi-Tawi.
The event was attended by key BARMM officials, including Minister of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) Akmad Brahim; Minister of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) and MILF Peace Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal; Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) Director-General Engr. Mohajirin Ali; and Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael “Mang” Sali.
Bangsamoro Parliament Member and Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Chair Datu Tawakal Midtimbang confirmed that the signing was part of BARMM’s continuing efforts to strengthen the region’s energy sector and promote sustainable development.
“The project is expected to open new opportunities in energy development and economic growth, particularly for the islands of Tawi-Tawi,” Midtimbang said in a statement.
A photo from the ceremony shows President Marcos Jr., Chief Minister Macacua, and Minister Iqbal witnessing the historic signing, underscoring the partnership between the national government and the Bangsamoro leadership in pursuing resource development within the autonomous region.