TAGUIG CITY- The Department of Energy (DOE) through its Energy Resource Development Bureau (ERDB) has officially opened the application for the nominated area in the Sulu Sea Basin under the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program (PCECP) on Friday (16 August) at the agency’s headquarters.

Formally launched on 22 November 2018, parties interested to engage in oil and gas exploration and/or development activities may apply under the PCECP either from the 14 pre-determined areas offered by the DOE, or through nominating other areas of interest.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said, “We have been continuously pushing for the reinvigoration of energy development and exploration in the country through the PCECP given potential energy resources we should be harnessing for our benefit. I am confident that in cooperation with investors, we would be able to ‘Explore, Explore, Explore’ to help bring us closer to our goal of energy security, self-sufficiency, and sustainability.”

The nomination for the area in the Sulu Sea Basin was submitted by Sulu Sea Energy Resources Development Corporation (SSE). Established in 2016, SSE is a wholly-Filipino owned company based in Mindanao which aims not only to contribute to the development of the region, but to the country’s energy security through the provision of energy services.

During the opening activity, SSE’s application was acknowledged by the ERDB and was then forwarded to the DOE Centralized Review and Evaluation Committee (C-REC) for a comprehensive documentary assessment. After finding that SSE submitted complete documents, the DOE will communicate with the company within 15 working days to further discuss its application.

Also present in the event were DOE Undersecretary and C-REC Chairperson Donato D. Marcos, ERDB Supervising Assistant Secretary Leonido J. Pulido III, ERDB Director Cesar G. Dela Fuente III, Financial Services Director Araceli S. Soluta, and Legal Services Director Arthus T. Tenazas.

Source: Facebook