Two sites in Negros Island have been identified as "areas on offer" for coal energy development by the Department of Energy.

The areas are located in Calatrava, Negros Occidental, within three barangays, Macasilao, Bongabon-Ania and Matatas, and in Bayawan City, Oriental Negros, also within three sites.

DOE data on the Philippine Energy Contracting Round show that Calatrava has an estimated coal reserve of 2.02 million metric tons while Bayawan, 4.5 million metric tons.

Based on the 2007 Philippine Energy Plan Update presented during the recent public consultation in Bacolod , DOE will offer prospective areas under the PECR located in Negros, Zamboanga Sibugay, Surigao del Sur and Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Quezon Province and Cebu. In revitalizating the exploration and development of coal fuel, DOE is also implementing a Joint Assessment Project of the Coal Bed Methane and Coal Resources in the Philippines, Mine Safety, Rescue and Emergency Preparedness in Coal Mining Project and Coal to Market Linkage Program.

Other action plans include the review of the consolidated draft of the amended Small-Scale Coal Mining Circular and the Coal Mine Safety Regulations this year, and drafting of a new circular providing the guidelines for Coal Methane exploration, development, and production.*NLG

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