The Department of Energy (DOE) posted that it has stepped in to address coal mining issues in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, holding a high-level dialogue aimed at balancing energy development with community welfare.
Assistant Director Demujin F. Antiporda, who leads DOE’s Energy Resource Development Bureau and its Mindanao Field joined a roundtable, with its Mindanao Field Office, organized by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) region XII in Barangay Ned, home to Coal Operating Contracts (COC) Nos. 126 and 134 operated by Daguma Agro-Minerals Inc. (DAMI) and Sultan Energy Philippines Corp. (SEPC).
They sat down with representatives from national and local governments, civil society groups, indigenous cultural communities, and local leaders. Participants discussed environmental and social pressures that connect to mining.
The roundtable discussion welcomed concerns and questions and was given its proper response. The DOE also conducted one-on-one consultations with civil society organizations and indigenous peoples’ groups to deepen dialogue and understanding beyond the roundtable
The agency had secured agreements with DAMI and SEPC, setting out steps to ensure that mining operations deliver not just energy, but also meaningful social and economic benefits to nearby communities.
DOE said these commitments will be closely monitored to uphold environmental safeguards, build local trust, and guarantee that development projects do not leave communities behind.
DOE added “At the heart of every energy project is not just supply, it’s people. And the DOE is making sure no community is left behind.”
What do you think? Can government, industry, and communities work together to keep no one left behind in resource development?
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