The Department of Energy (DOE) will open a competitive bidding round for coal mining, offering areas with proven coal reserves to qualified developers to help secure the country’s energy supply and support the energy transition.

The bid, which will be launch on on 27 February, covers 18 coal blocks across three areas: 10 in Semirara Island, Antique; three in Amulung and Iguig, Cagayan; and five in Benito Soliven, Naguilian, and Cauayan, Isabela.

Companies have 60 days to submit applications, with a Pre-Submission Conference set 20 days after launch to answer bidder questions.

“The government’s priority is to uphold the rule of law while safeguarding our indigenous energy resources,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said on Wednesday.

“Any future contract or continuation of operations must strictly comply with constitutional limits and demonstrably protect both the national interest and our host communities,” she added.

Based on DOE rules, all bids must follow a transparent, competitive process, and coal operations will be monitored for safety and environmental protection.

The updated regulations balance the use of local coal resources with strict oversight, supporting energy security while keeping operations responsible and legal.