Energy exploration in BARMM opened for bidding
The Department of Energy has opened four areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao for exploration, development, and production of indigenous energy sources.
Energy Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said coal exploration marked as “PDA-BC-1” covering 14,856 hectares in Kapai and Tagoloan towns in Lanao del Sur is open for bidding.
Exploration for petroleum in Cotabato Basin, including Cotabato City, and the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte covering 299,240 hectares marked as “PDA-BP-1” is also open for bidding.
Sales said 14 wells were previously drilled in these areas, and 10 showed positive results in oil and gas. The other two areas open for exploration—PDA-BP-2 and PDA-BP 3—are in the Sulu Sea basin, he added.
He said the bidding is only open for local companies.
Zamboanga planning to close night market infested with bats
The City Government of Zamboanga is planning to close a night market where bats made the old acacia trees in a park their roosting place.
Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite, City Health Officer, filed a resolution before the Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office to close down the night market at Pettit Barracks, saying that the presence of the bats in the acacia trees that grew in the area posed a health hazard to the public.
“We never knew if these bats are carrying a disease, knowing the persistent threat of avian or bird flu,” Miravite said.
More than 100 stall owners would be affected by the closure of the Rizal night market in Pettit Barracks.
Scientists said bats are attracted to acacia trees to forage for insects.
Camiguin town declared sanctuary for bats, dolphins
The town of Catarman in Camiguin Island has declared itself as a wildlife sanctuary for bats, dolphins and other natural flora.
Catarman Mayor Kiterio Antonio Palarca II said he signed an ordinance seeking to preserve and protect the wildlife and flora and to enforce environmental protection.
Palarca said his town is where dolphins and whale sharks are found, aside from different species of butterflies.
He said a major point in their protection is a century-old Balite tree where giant bats come to roost every evening, making it a major tourist attraction in their town.
