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DOE to hold Bid Round for PDAs for coal development and production
Date published: Feb 18 2026 02:30 PM
MEDIA RELEASE
18 February 2026
DOE to hold Bid Round for PDAs for coal development and production
The Department of Energy (DOE) will launch a Pre-Determined Area (PDA) Bid Round for coal development and production on 27 February 2026, offering coal areas with identified mineable reserves to support broader energy security and transition agenda under a transparent and competitive contracting process.
Under the bid round, the DOE will offer three coal areas covering a total of eighteen (18) coal blocks. These include ten (10) blocks in Semirara Island, Caluya, Antique; three (3) blocks in Amulung and Iguig, Cagayan; and five (5) blocks in Benito Soliven, Naguilian, and Cauayan, Isabela. The launch will mark Day 1 of the bidding program, with interested applicants given sixty (60) calendar days to submit their application documents. The deadline for submission is 11:00 a.m. on the 60th day, followed by the opening of applications at 1:00 p.m. on the same day. A Pre-Submission Conference will be held twenty (20) days after launch to address bidder inquiries and clarify requirements.
A PDA Bid Round is a competitive process where the government offers identified resource areas for development and production, and qualified parties participate under a transparent evaluation and award mechanism. By offering areas with established mineable reserves through a structured bid round, the DOE aims to ensure the orderly and responsible development and production of indigenous coal resources, while maintaining strict safeguards for public safety, environmental protection, and host-community welfare.
To support orderly development of these established mineable reserves while maintaining the State’s full control and supervision and keeping contract structure within constitutional limits, the DOE has strengthened its contracting and regulatory framework for the award of Coal Operating Contracts (COCs). Recently, the DOE issued Department Circular (DC) No. 2026-02-004, which sets out guidelines for awarding COCs for development and production. This Circular reinforces the open, transparent, and competitive process under DC2017-09-0010, which adopts the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program for awarding COCs and establishes the Review and Evaluation Committee (REC). Accordingly, the DOE assures the public that all contracting and regulatory actions will remain transparent, competitive, and firmly anchored in law.
“The government’s priority is to uphold the rule of law while safeguarding our indigenous energy resources,” said Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin. “Any future contract or continuation of operations must strictly comply with constitutional limits and demonstrably protect both the national interest and our host communities.”
At the same time, the DOE emphasizes that coal operations remain subject to strengthened governance, safety, and environmental standards as part of the country’s energy transition pathway. The Department continues to review and enhance regulatory frameworks to align with evolving energy security, environmental, and economic priorities. Updated operational standards and progressive safeguards reflect a balanced approach that supports indigenous resource utilization while ensuring responsible stewardship in areas where coal operations exist.
This includes reinforcing mine safety and environmental standards; institutionalizing progressive rehabilitation and coal mine decommissioning requirements; and strengthening compliance obligations on geotechnical monitoring, slope stability assessments, occupational health and safety protocols, environmental protection, and reporting. The DOE underscored the continuing application of these regulatory safeguards under existing rules, including the Coal Mine Safety and Health Rules and Regulations pursuant to DC2018-12-0028 and the Guidelines on Progressive Rehabilitation and Coal Mine Decommissioning provided under DC2025-10-0021.
The DOE reiterates that the PDA Bid Round is firmly grounded in law and conducted through a transparent and competitive process that safeguards public interest. The mechanism ensures equal opportunity among qualified proponents and strict adherence to established eligibility and evaluation standards. Regulatory oversight continues beyond contract award, with sustained compliance monitoring and enforcement of safety and environmental requirements throughout the life of coal operating contracts. This framework upholds the State’s supervisory authority and ensures that coal development is undertaken responsibly and lawfully. ###