The Department of Energy (DOE) will open at least 18 coal blocks across the country to private investors as part of a competitive bidding round set to begin on February 27, 2026.
The agency said the pre-determined area (PDA) bid round will offer three coal resource areas with confirmed mineable reserves. These include 10 blocks in Semirara Island in Caluya, Antique; three blocks in Amulung and Iguig, Cagayan; and five blocks in Benito Soliven, Naguilian, and Cauayan, Isabela.
The bidding process also covers coal rights currently held by Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC), owned by the Consunji Group, which are set to expire on July 14, 2027.
The deadline for bid submissions and the opening of applications will both take place on April 28, 2026. A pre-submission conference will be held next month to answer questions from interested bidders.
The DOE said the bid round aims to boost energy security while ensuring transparency and fair competition. Under the PDA system, the government offers identified coal areas for development, and qualified companies compete under clear evaluation rules.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said any new contract or continued operations must comply with the law and protect national and community interests.
The agency stressed that coal projects will be subject to stricter safety, environmental, and governance standards. These include tighter mine safety rules, environmental protection measures, rehabilitation and decommissioning plans, and stronger monitoring of geotechnical and occupational safety requirements.
The move comes as the Philippines continues to rely heavily on imported coal. In 2024, the country consumed 46.67 million metric tons (MT) of coal but produced only 15.92 million MT locally. Of that amount, SMPC accounted for 14.92 million MT, or 93.7 percent of total domestic output.
By offering new coal areas for development, the DOE hopes to increase local production, reduce dependence on imports, and support the country’s energy transition goals while maintaining regulatory oversight throughout the life of coal contracts.
