The Department of Energy in the Philippines has attracted attention from companies across Australia, Europe, and North America for participating in the bidding for two specific areas earmarked for native hydrogen exploration in Central Luzon as part of the 2024 Philippine bid round. Undersecretary Alessandro O. Sales expressed surprise at the level of interest shown by various companies in these areas dedicated to hydrogen exploration, emphasizing that the Philippines stands out as the only country with such designated zones. Sales highlighted the difference in focus between Japanese and Chinese firms, who are more involved in hydrogen manufacturing, and the Philippines, which seeks to support the extraction of naturally occurring hydrogen. The bid round, which began in February, offers two locations in Zambales for hydrogen exploration, with a deadline set for August. Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla mentioned the previous discoveries of natural hydrogen in Mali and France, attributing the interest from European entities to this factor and anticipating similar curiosity from neighboring East Asian countries.