The Bangsamoro Government, through the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE), convened key officials and stakeholders on 3 December, 2025 for the region’s first ever BARMM Sustainable Energy Summit, a landmark event marking the presentation of the Bangsamoro Sustainable Energy Master Plan (BSEMP).
The BSEMP outlines a long-term vision to expand energy access, support economic growth, and position the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to allow sustainable infrastructure investments. The development of the BSEMP was made possible through a 15-month collaboration between MENRE and the Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) a programme of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), with additional support from the Department of Energy. The partnership reflects a shared goal to accelerate just, inclusive, and sustainable energy transitions across Southeast Asia.
Minister of MENRE, Akmad A. Brahim emphasized in his welcome message the Bangsamoro Government’s commitment to environmental protection and moral governance . He underscored that access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy is central to lasting peace and social progress.
“The next generation […] deserve the benefits of peace which light every household, power in every school, energy that fuels industries, opportunities, and progress,” Minister Brahim said, by highlighting the BSEMP as part of the legacy the government aims to build.
Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin highlighted the national government’s support for BARMM’s aspirations. She emphasized the country’s broader energy direction as clean, affordable, and dependable power, which aligns closely with the vision articulated in the Master Plan. She also noted that enhancing energy access can ignite development throughout the archipelago by energizing schools, strengthening health systems, and enabling small businesses to thrive regardless of geography.
Director General Mohajirin Ali of the Bangsamoro Development and Development Authority (BPDA) and Secretary Leo Tereso Magno of the Mindanao Development Authority both provided messages of support, underscoring how collaborative but streamlined efforts across agencies will be important in fulfilling the goals of the BSEMP. DG Ali recalled how the whole process of a systematic energy planning for BARMM was conceptualised, for which the BPDA has been instrumental in linking BARMM with development partners.
Bangsamoro Director General for Energy Nasiri Abas presented the technical foundation of the Master Plan, outlining how the BSEMP can shape economic development, improve quality of life, and strengthen the region’s long-term energy security. His presentation demonstrated how modern energy systems can unlock new opportunities for communities that have historically faced limited access to basic infrastructure.
In her opening remarks to the gathering, ETP Country Coordinator Anna Dominique Ortiz highlighted how the BSEMP lays out the key pillars necessary for achieving a cleaner and more resilient energy future for BARMM: robust planning, reliable data, adequate financing, strategic partnerships, climate resilience, and a just transition.
Joining virtually, ETP’s Senior Programme Manager, John Cotton recognized the dedication of Minister Akmad Brahim and Director General for Energy Nasiri Abas and his team at MENRE. He noted that the Master Plan’s success rests on its collaborative strengths, emphasizing strategic energy planning, strong partnerships, resilience, and a just transition for BARMM’s energy future, and mentioned how ETP is privileged to be a partner in this vital endeavor.
The inaugural Summit brought together a diverse group of actors, including national and regional government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, development partners, distribution utilities , private investors, civil society organizations, and academic institutions. Panel discussions featured technical insights and strategic perspectives on energy planning, access to financing sustainable investments, and private sector participation enriching the continuing refinement of the BSEMP ahead of full implementation.
Through collaborative planning and shared commitment, the Bangsamoro Government is accelerating efforts to build modern and sustainable energy systems, particularly in communities that have long been underserved. Investor participation and financing partnerships will play a vital role in implementing the Master Plan, especially for projects requiring long-term capital and capacity development support.
As BARMM moves forward, the region claims its commitment to transforming peace into tangible progress. With the BSEMP guiding future investments and policymaking, the Bangsamoro Government signals its readiness to empower communities with energy access and build a future where development reaches every household for today and future generations to come.
