On September 19 at the PNOC Corporate Office, two entities sealed a partnership set to hasten the electrification initiatives for Maguindanao and the full industrialization of its Polloc Port.

The Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) together with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and their leaders represented by PNOC President Mr. Oliver B. Butalid amd BARMM Minister Mr. Akmad A. Brahim oversaw the signing ceremony at the PNOC corporate office.

The objective of this agreement is to explore ways on how to develop the energy sector of BARMM, beginning with its flagship project, the self generating industrialization of Polloc Port located at Brgy. Parang, Maguindanao.

PNOC President Oliver Butalid remarks “Our signing today is significant for two reasons: One it establishes clear levels of expectations. After many months of discussions, we now have formally expressed our intention to work towards a project, which is the conversion of the Polloc Port into one of the first self generating industrial parks.

Second, this MOU helps establish trust. In any partnership, especially in business, it requires building a relationship of trust, and communication. After this MOU, we look forward to technical cooperation, and a technical working group (TWG), so that we can move forward. It signifies that both parties are willing to pull in their resources to make this MOU meaningful. We will be deploying more man hours, more people, and we will get our technology partners to visit the target areas in BARMM because of this.

We are still at the first phase. The second phase includes signing particular contracts (MOAs), which are legally binding. While the third phase includes execution. I am thankful that we have come to this point since BARMM is a special region, and is the first autonomous region authorized by the constitution, and the only one enacted into law.”

Under BARMM law, BARMM is mandated to create its own interdepartmental energy board composed of representatives in the energy sector from both the National and Bangsamoro government. Similarly, this activity highlights PNOC’s support in the startup phase of the project, such as but not limited to, linking potential project partners, future joint activities for exploration, to capacity building. Both BARMM and PNOC agree to cooperate and contribute their resources and know-how for the fulfillment of the agreement. Each party is also expected to bear their own respective costs and expenses in connection with the preparation, negotiation and implementation of the MOU.

BARMM Minister Brahim says that this MOU is focused on uplifting BARMM’s constituents “Together we are committed to exploring new frontiers and creating impactful initiatives that will uplift the lives of the people from BARMM. Our agreement with PNOC will assume a pivotal role in working closely on various initiatives. Our commitment is rooted in our desire to uplift the communities within the BARMM region. We see this collaboration as a way to accelerate economic progress, create jobs and provide reliable energy that will power homes, industries, and institutions close to BARMM.”

BARMM Minister Brahim furthers, “Today marks a significant step in fostering collaboration that will not only benefit the BARMM region but will also contribute to the country’s energy security, sustainability and progress. The partnership with PNOC is built on a shared vision of addressing energy resources for development, with the focus on inclusive growth, technological innovation and environmental sustainability. Let me stress my gratitude to the leadership of PNOC for the trust you have placed in BARMM. This partnership is a testament of what we can achieve when organizations work together towards a common goal. Together we are not only empowering BARMM but we are lighting the way for the people of the BARMM.”

President Butalid concludes, “We would like our contribution to BARMM to become a transformation story that can be told to the world. How we (PNOC) were able to be part of what once was a conflict area and to help contribute to BARMM’s goals of becoming an economically prosperous region. We are very happy to collaborate at this point in time for economic development. Minister, you are assured that PNOC will do what we can to make sure that we realize the objectives of this MOU.”

With PNOC’s ambitious energy targets, this partnership with BARMM comes at an opportune time where both parties can fulfill their respective organizational directives.