NEWS

ILOILO CITY – The community at the country’s largest coal mining reserve on Semirara Island in Antique province expressed fear over the impending impact of the government’s cancellation of the coal bidding process.

Miners and their families held a rally on Friday, Sept. 25, to inform the Department of Energy (DOE) of their concerns.

“DOE, pamilya namin ang nakataya (DOE, our family’s livelihood is at stake),” one placard stated.

The DOE scrapped the 2026 coal bidding process to overhaul the regulatory framework on Sept. 15.

One of those affected was Semirara Island where more than 90 percent of the country’s coal is produced. The DOE is looking into reported water seepage in coal areas for the suspension.

Concerns of the local mining community are growing as the coal operating contract (COC) of Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) is set to expire in July 2027.

While it is unclear if SMPC will get to renew its COC or it would be taken over by another private firm, the mining community urged DOE to hasten its coal bidding process.

Beyond regulatory procedures, the Semirara community reiterated that there will be a domino impact.

Economic activity on Semirara is heavily dependent on mining operations. Transportation, food establishments, retailers, contractors, suppliers, and other small businesses are feeling the uncertainty.

“The delay in the DOE bidding creates uncertainty about the future of mining operations on Semirara. For small business owners like us, this directly affects our livelihood because our customers are mostly employees, contractors, and their families,” a resident and businesswoman, Janice Lim, said.

“When people become uncertain about their jobs or income, they spend less. We hope for a timely and transparent resolution (by the DOE),” added Lim, who owns a variety store.