COTABATO CITY — In a move signaling the Bangsamoro government’s growing openness to strategic and sustainable energy partnerships, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) welcomed officials of Malaysia-based Watan Energy Solution during a courtesy visit on January 27, 2026, aimed at exploring potential collaboration in the region’s emerging energy sector.
The visit served as a formal introduction of Watan Energy Solution, an international energy services company with extensive experience in equipment rental, sales, and technical support for offshore oil and gas platforms and land-based geothermal operations. Company representatives presented their organizational values, technical capabilities, and proven track record, expressing readiness to support energy development initiatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Leading the MENRE delegation was Director General for Energy Nasiri Abas, joined by technical personnel from the Energy Management and Development Services (EMDS). The ministry team engaged the visitors in in-depth discussions on possible areas of cooperation, grounding the exchange on MENRE’s mandate to promote energy development that is efficient, reliable, environmentally responsible, and people-centered.
Officials emphasized that while BARMM is rich in natural resources, energy development must be carefully managed to ensure it drives inclusive growth without compromising environmental integrity. In this context, MENRE underscored the importance of working only with credible partners capable of aligning technical expertise with the region’s sustainability goals.
Beyond technical presentations, the meeting reflected a shared commitment to dialogue, trust, and mutual respect, as both sides explored how international expertise could complement local priorities. MENRE reiterated its openness to partnerships that strengthen energy security, stimulate economic growth, and uphold environmental stewardship in the Bangsamoro.
As BARMM continues to lay the groundwork for a more resilient and self-sustaining energy sector, engagements like this highlight the role of international collaboration in shaping the region’s future. MENRE officials stressed that responsible energy development is not only about powering industries and communities today, but also about ensuring that the benefits of growth endure for future generations of Bangsamoro people.