By Sheldin Joy Talavera, reporter
Department of Energy (DoE) is ready to open a bid Round included on February 27 for coal fields with verified reservesThe region is operated by the country's largest coal miner.
In a statement on Wednesday, the DOE said it would hold a bidding process dedicated to offering pre-determined areas for coal development and production, as part of efforts to support broader energy security.
Under the bidding round, three coal fields covering 18 coal blocks will be offered. These include 10 blocks of Semirara Island in Kailua, Antique; five blocks in the municipalities of Benito Soliven, Naguilian, Cauayan in Isabela; and three blocks spread across the municipalities of Amulung and Iguig in Cagayan province.
The auction will include blocks under coal operating contracts currently held by Consunji-led Semirara Mining and Power Corporation, the Philippines' largest coal producer.
The government plans to open bidding for the contract, which expires next year, after a legal opinion said it could not be renewed.
From launch day, interested parties will have 60 calendar days to submit their application documents. Application forms will be opened only on the last date.
A pre-submission conference will be held 20 days after the launch to accommodate bidders' inquiries and clarify requirements.
The bidding round is a competition for pre-determined areasProactive process where identified resource areas are offered For development and production under transparent assessment and reward mechanism.
The DOE said the auction is aimed at “ensuring orderly and responsible development and production of indigenous coal resources while maintaining strict safeguards for public safety, environmental protection and host-community welfare.”
The delivery of contracts will be governed by recently released rules, which introduce a new type of contract that will speed up the development of confirmed coal reserves.
Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said the government's goal is to “uphold the rule of law while protecting our indigenous energy resources.”
“Any future engagement or continuation of operations must strictly adhere to constitutional limits and clearly protect both the national interest and our host communities,” he said.
Asked for comment, Michael T. Toledo, president and chairman of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, said the structured bid rounds show policy consistency, which helps Build investor confidence, especially for long-term projects.
“Investors value stable regulations, transparency and responsible standards. Strengthening these benefits not only coal but also the broader mining and natural resources sectors,” Mr. Toledo explained. Businessworld.
While coal dominates the Philippines' electricity generation, it imports more than 90% of its needs.
DoE data till April 2025 shows that in 2024, the country imported 39.87 million metric tonnes of coal, up 12.2% from the previous year.
However, the country is trying to move away from fossil fuels with the goal of increasing the use of renewable energy to reduce the risk of volatile global prices and reduce carbon emissions.
“While the energy transition is underway, indigenous resources such as coal still play a role in ensuring reliable power supply and reducing dependence on imports,” Mr. Toledo said.
“Strategic development must therefore be guided by strong governance, environmental standards and clear long-term policy direction,” he said.