Philippine diocese calls for Semirara energy transition roadmap
05 October 2026 | WRITTEN BY Paula Fabe
The Diocese of Antique in the Philippines is urging the Department of Energy to include a Just Transition roadmap for Semirara in the Philippine Energy Plan as Semirara Mining and Power’s (PSE:SCC) coal operating contract is set to expire next year.
The appeal follows a gathering of Semirara Island residents in Caluya, Antique, who raised concerns about job losses.
While acknowledging the company’s worker welfare, environmental rehabilitation, livelihood, and economic diversification efforts, the diocese notes the absence of an overarching, publicly articulated, time-bound, and adequately funded strategy.
“Any future operator should be required not only to present a credible plan for extracting coal, but also an enforceable plan for workers, communities, environmental rehabilitation, economic diversification, and the island’s progressive transition away from dependence on coal,” the diocese says in a pastoral letter.
It adds that care for the environment is a shared mission across government and industry.
Semirara Mining and Power is a major coal producer operating on Semirara Island in the Philippines.
Source: Mining.com.au