Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the release of PHP44.17 billion to accelerate the implementation of the Metro Manila Subway Project Phase I and the North-South Commuter Railway system.

The funds were released to the Department of Transportation after the Department of Budget and Management, led by Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo, approved two Special Allotment Release Orders on March 23.

In a statement, the DBM said the allocation will cover critical loan proceeds requirements to ensure construction timelines remain on track and project momentum is sustained.

The funding will be sourced from the Unprogrammed Appropriations under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, specifically allocated for Support to Foreign-Assisted Projects. The DBM said this mechanism enables the continued implementation of infrastructure projects once financing conditions are met.

Of the total amount, approximately PHP21.28 billion will fund portions of the subway and commuter railway projects financed through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, while the remaining PHP22.88 billion will support the railway system under its loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank.

Once completed, the Metro Manila Subway Project and the North-South Commuter Railway are expected to reduce travel time, ease congestion along major corridors, and improve mobility for millions of daily commuters.

Toledo said the fund release reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring infrastructure investments translate into immediate public benefits.

“These are projects that Filipinos have waited decades for,” he said. “We are making sure that funding is not the bottleneck so these projects can move faster and deliver real relief to commuters.”

Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC) is preparing an upgraded mining plan aimed at securing government approval for the renewal of its coal operating contract (COC) for the Semirara Island mine in Antique, as it moves to sustain production and long-term operations.

The company said it is finalizing what it described as its “best mining plan” to support its application for a new contract covering continued exploration, development and extraction activities in the area. The existing contract, which governs operations on the 55-square-kilometer Semirara Island, is set to expire in 2027.

SMPC President and Chief Operating Officer Maria Cristina Gotianun said the company is working to ensure that the proposed plan meets regulatory requirements while maintaining operational efficiency and environmental compliance.

The mining plan will be submitted to the Department of Energy (DOE), which oversees coal operating contracts in the Philippines. Approval is a critical step for SMPC to continue its role as the country’s largest coal producer, supplying fuel for domestic power generation.

Focus on sustainability and compliance

The company emphasized that its updated proposal will incorporate improved mining methodologies and environmental safeguards, reflecting evolving regulatory expectations and industry standards.

Gotianun said the company aims to balance production targets with responsible resource management, particularly as scrutiny increases on extractive industries’ environmental impact.

The Semirara mine has long been a key component of the Philippines’ energy mix, providing a significant share of the coal used in local power plants. As such, continuity of operations is viewed as important not only for the company but also for national energy security.

SMPC noted that its revised plan is designed to ensure safe and efficient mining while minimizing environmental risks. This includes ongoing rehabilitation efforts, waste management improvements, and adherence to government-mandated environmental protections.

Strategic importance of contract renewal

The renewal of the coal operating contract is central to SMPC’s long-term strategy, as it seeks to extend the life of its core asset and maintain stable production levels beyond 2027.

Without a renewed contract, the company would be unable to continue operations in Semirara, which accounts for the bulk of its mining activities. The mine’s output plays a significant role in supplying coal to the domestic market, particularly for baseload power generation.

Industry observers note that securing regulatory approval will depend on the robustness of the proposed mining plan, particularly in addressing environmental, safety and community considerations.

The DOE is expected to evaluate the plan based on technical, financial and environmental criteria before granting approval.

Balancing energy needs and environmental pressures

The move comes as the Philippines continues to navigate the balance between energy security and environmental sustainability. While coal remains a major energy source, the government has also been promoting renewable energy development and stricter environmental standards.

SMPC’s approach reflects this dual pressure, with the company highlighting both its operational capabilities and its commitment to responsible mining practices.

Gotianun said the company remains confident that its experience and track record will support its application for contract renewal, adding that SMPC is committed to aligning its operations with government policies and regulatory frameworks.

As SMPC prepares to submit its enhanced mining plan, attention will shift to the regulatory review process and the DOE’s assessment of the proposal.

The outcome will be critical not only for the company’s future operations but also for the broader energy sector, given Semirara’s role in supporting power generation in the Philippines.

If approved, the renewed contract would provide SMPC with operational continuity and allow it to further optimize its mining activities. Conversely, delays or rejection could have implications for coal supply and energy stability. For now, the company is focused on ensuring that its proposal meets the necessary standards, positioning itself for a favorable decision as the 2027 contract expiry approaches.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has begun extending assistance to 1,296 workers expected to be displaced by the planned closure of FCF Minerals Corp.’s mining operations in Barangay Runruno, Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya by the end of 2026.

The company earlier announced that its Runruno Gold Project will cease operations due to depleted ore reserves and the suspension of exploration activities.

In response, DOLE, through its Nueva Vizcaya Field Office, in coordination with the Public Employment Service Office of Quezon town, has launched a comprehensive needs assessment covering worker profiling, skills mapping, and identification of employment and livelihood requirements.

Initial findings showed that many affected workers are seeking immediate job opportunities, referrals, and participation in job fairs, while others expressed interest in skills training. Livelihood assistance and financial support were also cited as priority needs.

“We are assessing the workers’ skills and identifying the most suitable program assistance and government interventions to support their transition,” said DOLE Nueva Vizcaya Field Office head Elizabeth Martinez.

As part of its initial intervention, DOLE will grant a P1.5-million livelihood assistance package to the Runruno Friends Group of Highlands Union, benefiting 153 members. The project, a mini gas station with auto lubricant retailing, is scheduled for awarding on May 1.

Other displaced workers may avail themselves of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program, while some will be referred for local employment opportunities through coordination with PESOs and local government units.

DOLE is also facilitating coordination with partner agencies, including the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the Department of Trade and Industry, to provide skills training, digital employment opportunities, and enterprise development support.

In addition, the agency is conducting Labor and Employment Education Services sessions to inform workers of their rights and benefits, including guidance on separation pay and labor standards compliance.

Martinez said DOLE remains actively engaged on the ground to ensure timely and appropriate assistance for affected workers.

“We are hands-on in supporting the workers during this transition. Our goal is to help them move forward by connecting them to available programs, employment opportunities, and livelihood assistance,” she said.

One of the main events of 2025 was the Philippines-Australia Business Council’s (PABC) 50th Anniversary. Established in July 1975, PABC commemorated this special occasion in a grand celebration that was held at Manila Polo Club in Makati last November 12.

This milestone event marks five decades of excellence, collaboration, and growth through active engagement across the industries, businesses and government sectors of the Philippines and Australia. Their primary goal is to promote trade, economic cooperation, and fostering friendship between the business communities of both countries.

PABC is more than just a business group. For five decades, their dedication and hard work in establishing good business relations between Philippines and Australia are testaments of their commitment in bringing national prosperity and progress.

Listed natural resources development company Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC) said it has surpassed its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) target and enhanced sustainability tracking systems as it marked the midpoint of its 2030 environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda.

The company assessed its sustainability performance five years after launching its “Sustainability Journey” in 2021, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

NAC recently convened a hybrid conference involving data owners, resident mine managers, project managers, verifiers and sector heads to review progress across its ESG pillars.

The evaluation used a digital platform that provides a science-based assessment of the company’s sustainability initiatives over the past five years.

“One of NAC’s biggest accomplishments highlighted during this activity is securing accurate data on greenhouse gas emissions accounting, growth of coverage of biodiversity protection in mining areas, and solid waste and energy consumption management, to name a few,” said Anaelle Milano, assistant manager for environment programs.

Milano said the data enables the company to interpret its sustainability performance more effectively, offering insights into both gains and challenges in achieving targets under its sustainability roadmap.

On the social front, NAC reported exceeding its internal DEI target, with women now comprising 35 percent of employees in middle management roles, above the company’s 30-percent goal.

Paolo Alonzo, assistant manager for social programs, also highlighted the company’s economic contribution through local procurement, which reached P11.5 billion in 2025.

The spending supports local value chains and drives economic activity in host communities, including the creation of indirect employment, he said.

Under its governance pillar, NAC cited progress in implementing anti-bribery policies and strengthening incident and risk management systems.

The company said the data gathered from the review will inform strategies as it enters the second phase of its sustainability journey, with longer-term targets extending to 2050.

NAC said the midterm report underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that stakeholders increasingly view sustainability disclosures as equally important as financial reporting.

The company added that its approach places strong emphasis on robust data collection to ensure that sustainability targets are measurable, credible and grounded in evidence.

Nickel Asia Corp. (PSE: NIKL) operates seven nickel mines in the Philippines, holds a 10-percent stake in the Taganito high-pressure acid leach (HPAL) project, and has a growing renewable energy portfolio spanning solar, wind and geothermal developments.

SILANGAN Mindanao Mining Co. Inc. (SMMCI) is nearing a key milestone as its flagship project moves closer to commissioning and first metal production, with top executives conducting on-site inspections to ensure operational readiness.

Company President and CEO Engr. Eulalio B. Austin Jr., along with members of the management committee of Philex Mining Corp., recently led a technical audit of the project’s process plant, a critical component in Silangan’s transition from construction to production.

Austin was joined by Victor A. Francisco, vice president for corporate environment and community relations, and Francis Joseph G. Ballesteros Jr., head of corporate affairs and communications. The inspection focused on evaluating progress, engineering integrity and system readiness ahead of commissioning targeted by the end of March.

Beyond the process plant, Austin also visited other key facilities, including the pipeline to the tailings storage facility (TSF), the TSF area, and the +95 level of underground operations. These components form part of an integrated system essential to supporting the start of operations.

The audit forms part of regular on-ground reviews aimed at ensuring compliance with safety standards, engineering specifications and project timelines. Company officials said the inspections provide leadership with direct visibility of progress while enabling closer coordination with technical teams.

As commissioning approaches, activity across the site has intensified, with final inspections, system validations and completion works ongoing in various operational areas.

Austin emphasized that commissioning is not merely about meeting deadlines but ensuring that all systems, from pipelines to processing circuits, perform as designed to support long-term operations.

The visit also underscored the company’s focus on maintaining technical excellence as it transitions from development to production. Officials said leadership presence on-site reinforces accountability and alignment across all levels of the organization.

Once commissioned, the process plant will mark a significant step for SMMCI, representing years of planning and execution as the company advances to the next phase of its operations.

Apex Mining Co. Inc. has doubled its cash dividend rate to 20 percent of consolidated net income and declared a special dividend, bringing total payouts to ₱3.83 billion.

The company said its board of directors approved the amendment to its dividend policy on March 17, increasing the payout from the previous 10 percent of consolidated net income based on audited financial statements. The dividends will be sourced from unrestricted retained earnings.

Apex Mining President and Chief Executive Officer Luis R. Sarmiento said the higher payout reflects the firm’s commitment to delivering value to shareholders. The company first declared cash dividends in 2022.

The board also approved a regular cash dividend and a special cash dividend, subject to separate disclosure.

Apex Mining reported strong financial results for 2025, with consolidated revenues rising to ₱21.34 billion from ₱15.1 billion in 2024. Net income reached ₱7.66 billion, up 77 percent from ₱4.32 billion a year earlier.

Revenues were driven by gold and silver sales from its operating mines — the Maco Mine in Davao de Oro and the Sangilo Mine in Benguet, operated by wholly owned subsidiary Itogon-Suyoc Resources Inc.

Gold sales totaled 100,425 ounces in 2025, down 4 percent from the previous year, but the realized price climbed 45 percent to $3,531 per ounce from $2,436 per ounce in 2024.

Silver sales rose 4 percent to 365,007 ounces from 350,151 ounces in 2024. The realized price also increased 50 percent to $43.04 per ounce from $28.63 per ounce.

“Through the years, we have been focusing on strengthening and stabilizing our balance sheet. We have been channeling our earnings back to mining operations, exploration and development of new sources of ores, as well as the acquisition of new machinery and equipment,” Sarmiento said.

He added that despite global uncertainties, the company’s expansion plans are progressing, with continued prudence in spending to protect and strengthen cash flow.

Chief Financial Officer Billy G. Torres said the acquisition of Asia-Alliance Mining Resources Corp. in 2023 provides additional opportunities for growth and expansion.

Apex Mining’s first cash dividend in 2022 totaled ₱65.7 million, based on net income after tax of ₱657 million in 2021.

The company’s stock has surged nearly 600 percent from January 2020 to April 2025. Between January and February 2026, its share price peaked at ₱17.68 and fell to a low of ₱11.62.

Apex Mining is a publicly listed company that operates the Maco Gold Mine in Davao de Oro. Its subsidiaries include Itogon-Suyoc Resources Inc., which operates the Sangilo Mine in Benguet, and Monte Oro Resources Inc., which manages other business interests locally and abroad. Another subsidiary, Asia-Alliance Mining Resources Corp., is not currently operating a mine.

Operational excellence that encompasses environmental protection and community partnership

Demonstrating its continuing commitment to responsible and sustainable mining practices, TVIRD Group projects recently underwent the annual Tenement Safety, Health, Environment, and Social Development (TSHES) Audit, conducted by the DENR’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

The audit covered the Balabag Gold-Silver Project of TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) in Zamboanga del Sur and the Siana Gold Project in Surigao del Norte, which is operated by the company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Greenstone Resources Corporation.

Government auditors conducted a thorough review of the company’s operational systems and practices across four key areas: tenement management, occupational safety and health, environmental protection, and social development programs.

From principles to practice

Over the course of the audit, representatives from the respective MGB regional offices engaged with various departments, conducted field inspections, and reviewed documentation reflecting the companies’ operational performance over the past year. The process provided an opportunity for the teams to demonstrate how responsible mining principles are translated into everyday practice on the ground — from safety protocols and environmental stewardship to community development initiatives.

“This process allows us to reflect on our operations and strengthen the systems that ensure the safety of our people, the protection of the environment, and the sustainability of our partnerships with host communities,” said Greenstone President and concurrent TVIRD Vice President for Support, Engr. Anthony B. Quijano.

The same holistic approach

At Siana, the company highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening environmental management systems and maintaining strict occupational safety standards across operational areas. Meanwhile, the Balabag Gold-Silver Project demonstrated its integrated approach to responsible mining through its safety practices and the sustained implementation of programs that benefit surrounding communities.

The audit also reviewed the implementation of each project’s Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), which supports livelihood opportunities, infrastructure development, education, and health services for host and neighboring communities.

Through these initiatives, both projects continue to align their operational goals with broader ESG principles that guide the TVIRD Group.

A concerted effort

The successful completion of the audit reflects the collaborative efforts of various departments across the two TVIRD projects — from safety and environment teams to community relations and tenement management units — all working together to uphold the company’s standards of operational excellence. For Siana and Balabag, the TSHES Audit is more than just a regulatory exercise. It is a vital platform for continuous improvement.

As the mining industry continues to evolve, the annual TSHES Audit remains a key mechanism in ensuring that mining operations not only meet regulatory requirements but also advance responsible mineral development that balances economic progress with environmental protection and community well-being.

“Speaking to the media at the Australian Embassy’s Annual Journalists’ Reception, Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Marc Innes-Brown, honored Filipino journalists for connecting people and illuminating the truth. He emphasized that fearless reporting and quality journalism are essential for upholding democracy and strengthening ties between nations. In a world flooded with disinformation, Philippine journalists play a vital role in safeguarding freedom of speech and sharing the story of the Australia–Philippines partnership.” (Australian Embassy in the Philippine media release)

For a wonderful start of the year, Philippine Mining and Exploration Association Monthly Membership Meeting focused on sustainable industrial solutions and advanced exploration technology, featuring speakers Michael Maglipon (President) from GFRP Philippines and Joven Brett Pacyaya (Asst. Manager, Geology) from Cordillera Exploration Co., Inc. The meeting was held on February 2, 2026.

‎PMEA President, Joey Nelson Ayson, reported the Industry Updates and PMEA Matters.

‎The bar sponsored for the evening was GFRP Philippines Manufacturing Corporation.

RTN has successfully completed an Integrated Management System (IMS) surveillance audit covering three international ISO standards, achieving zero non-conformity findings.

The audit, conducted from March 10 to 12, 2026 by TÜV NORD Philippines Inc., assessed the company’s compliance with ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems, ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management Systems, and ISO 45001:2018 for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.

RTN said the result demonstrates the organization’s continued commitment to maintaining high standards in quality management, environmental responsibility and workplace health and safety.

The company attributed the achievement to the collective efforts of its departments and teams, including process owners, the IMS steering committee, document control representatives and employees supporting the implementation of the management systems.

RTN said the outcome reflects its focus on teamwork and continuous improvement in sustaining its integrated management practices.

The Philippines is interested in forging a possible critical minerals agreement with Canada to further develop the country’s mining sector, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said the potential partnership was discussed during the Philippines’ participation in the 2026 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention in Toronto earlier this month. Canadian counterparts at both the federal and provincial levels expressed interest in cooperating with the Philippines on critical minerals development.

The Philippines is seeking to strengthen its role in global supply chains for minerals essential to clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.

The Philippine Resources earlier reported that the Philippines also used the PDAC 2026 convention to promote its mining potential to global investors and strengthen cooperation with Canada in responsible and sustainable mineral development.

Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga met with officials from the Mining Association of Canada in Ottawa to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration in the mining sector, including critical minerals development, investment facilitation and industry partnerships.

During the convention, the Philippines launched its first-ever “Philippine Country Space,” highlighting the country’s mineral reserves and its readiness to deepen partnerships with international stakeholders involved in exploration, investment and sustainable mining practices.

The Philippine delegation included representatives from the DTI, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippine Nickel Industry Association and other industry stakeholders.

Officials said the country’s participation at PDAC reflects efforts to position the Philippines as a reliable supplier of critical minerals needed for the global energy transition, including nickel, copper and gold.

In a recent report by Philippine Nuclear Research Institute of the Department of Science and technology (DOST-PNRI), radiation-processed plastic waste can now be used as construction materials.

Plastic waste accumulation is a global problem and the Philippines is particularly identified as the top source of ocean plastic pollution in the world according to multiple studies and reports released in 2025-2026. One of them is a study published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin in 2024 (and cited throughout 2025) which reported that the Philippines is a top contributor to oceanic plastic pollution by 2025, specifically noting it as first globally for riverine plastic emissions.

In an industry long dominated by multinational giants, Paramina’s rise over the past three decades reads like a classic David-and-Goliath story. Paramina International — formerly operating as Paramina Earth Technologies — was founded in 1996 as a Philippine-based mining contractor and technical solutions provider with a straightforward goal: fill a gap in the market for a responsive, locally grounded partner capable of delivering reliable, high-quality services to mining companies. 

Today, as Paramina approaches its 30th anniversary in 2026, the company has transformed from a small challenger into a respected player in underground mining and technical consulting, with projects spanning multiple countries and a growing international footprint.  

“When Paramina started the business, we were stepping into an industry dominated by global giants — a true David-and-Goliath landscape,” said Karl Resabal. “The market gap we set out to address was clear: customers needed a reliable, responsive, and locally grounded partner who could deliver high-quality solutions without the delays, bureaucracy, or distance of multinational brands.” 

Over time, the company’s mission has broadened beyond simply competing with larger firms. Paramina now positions itself as a comprehensive solutions provider for the mining industry. 

“Over the past three decades, that mission has evolved from simply challenging the giants to redefining what customers should expect from a trusted industry partner,” Resabal said. “Today, Paramina focuses on delivering complete, end-to-end solutions built on engineering expertise, service reliability, and long-term partnership — a far cry from the small challenger we once were.” 

Landmark projects across Asia-Pacific 

Paramina’s journey has been defined by several milestone projects that demonstrated both its technical capability and willingness to tackle complex mining environments. 

One of its earliest landmark engagements was supporting the development of Philex’s second trackless mining operation in the Philippines. The project involved the deployment of hydraulic long-hole drilling systems, helping modernize underground mining practices in the country. 

Another major achievement came in Vietnam, where Paramina helped establish the first two underground gold mines in the country. The project marked a historic milestone for Vietnam’s mining sector while showcasing Paramina’s ability to support pioneering international ventures. 

The company also contributed to one of its most technically challenging assignments in Papua New Guinea — the opening of an underground gold mine located at about 1,300 meters above sea level. The remote terrain required transporting equipment and personnel by helicopter, highlighting the company’s ability to operate in demanding and logistically complex environments. 

Integrated model and digital solutions 

A key differentiator for Paramina has been its integrated business model. Unlike many companies that focus solely on contracting or consultancy, Paramina combines underground mining services with technical solutions, mine planning support and digital tools. 

Central to this approach is its partnership with Dassault Systems GEOVIA, a provider of advanced mining software and platform solutions. 

“Paramina’s partnership with GEOVIA has allowed us to partner with the biggest mining companies in our country, both local and international players, and has positioned itself as the mining solutions authority in the Philippine mining sector, not only as a solutions provider for GEOVIA but also as a mining consultancy and contractor,” Resabal said. 

Through this collaboration, the company helps mining operators implement digital tools such as Surpac, Whittle and MineSched to improve mine planning, scheduling, and project evaluation. 

“Many of our clients swear by the efficiency of using GEOVIA programs such as Surpac, Whittle, and MineSched to optimize their mining operations, be it in planning, scheduling, or even in evaluating the financial viability of a project,” he said. “Through our guidance in software training, they are able to maximize their use of the software in a way that their operations are done smarter, faster, and more efficiently.” 

Global reach driven by reputation 

While Paramina began as a local Philippine contractor, its work has increasingly expanded beyond national borders. According to the company, about 70 percent of its projects today are located overseas. 

“Around 70% of Paramina’s projects are now overseas,” Resabal said. “We continue to expand wherever our expertise is needed and where meaningful opportunities arise.” 

Interestingly, the company’s international growth has come largely through reputation rather than traditional marketing. 

“Despite not engaging in traditional advertising, our work has consistently spoken for itself — and through word of mouth, we have been selected for major international projects across multiple countries,” he said. 

Sustainability and stewardship 

Like many players in the mining sector, Paramina is also navigating increasing scrutiny around environmental, social and governance standards. 

The company frames its approach in simple terms that reflect its long-term relationship with project sites. 

“We treat our mining project as our home. We take care of our home,” Resabal said. 

Preparing the next generation 

As Paramina looks toward its fourth decade, leadership transition is already part of the company’s long-term strategy. 

“In the next five years, Paramina will turnover the management and operations to younger engineers and managers,” Resabal said, signaling a deliberate shift to the next generation of industry leaders. 

The goal is to ensure continuity while maintaining the company’s core values of resilience and reliability. 

“Because of its resilience through every high and low, Paramina has earned a reputation for consistency, integrity, and strength,” he said. “By our 30th anniversary, I would like clients and industry peers to describe Paramina as one of the top mining contractors in the Philippines — a company that has weathered challenges, adapted to change, and continued to deliver exceptional results no matter the circumstances.” 

Three decades after entering the industry as an underdog, Paramina now finds itself firmly established as a trusted partner for mining projects across the Asia-Pacific region — proof that even in a Goliath-dominated sector, determined challengers can build lasting influence. 

From mapping mountains to mentoring generations, the Geological Society of the Philippines (GSP) has been the pillars of Philippine geology. To celebrate its 80th Anniversary, GSP’s Oak Jubilee and Geological Convention (GEOCON) 2025 was held at the Solaire Resort North, Quezon on December 2-3, 2025.

The event honored the leaders in geoscience, latest research and discoveries in geology, natural hazards, and technology-driven solutions. Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) was the keynote speaker. 

Agata Mining Ventures Inc., operator of the maiden nickel mining project of TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD), which is now in its final rehabilitation stage, was recognized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) with both regional and national Kabalikat Awards last November 24 at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

The company was conferred honors for demonstrating its strong commitment to industry development and community empowerment through its partnership with TESDA. Its contributions to technical-vocational education and training (TVET) likewise highlight its role in fostering growth and enhancing the skills of the local workforce.

The Kabalikat Awards is TESDA's premier recognition program for public and private sector partners whose collaboration has significantly strengthened the country's TVET ecosystem. This year's awardees, including Agata, represent diverse sectors that have gone beyond supporting skills training, employability, and inclusive workforce development.

The National Award

The Agata Nickel Laterite Project concluded its successful nine-year run in 2023 — a project that established the TVIRD Group as a steady supplier of nickel ore to Asian direct markets and helped elevate the host towns of Tubay and Santiago from fourth- to first-class municipalities.

At the same time, its host municipality, Jabonga, progressed from fourth- to second-class status, further validating that TVIRD's approach to social progress is the right one.

Despite already being in its final mine rehabilitation phase and being converted into a nature farm, Agata emerged as the national TESDA awardee in the Industry Category for its apprenticeship and employment programs for local trainees through its Mabakas Techno Demo Farm. The award likewise underscores Agata's role in aligning industry-led skills development with TESDA's mission to produce a globally competitive Filipino workforce.

"Taon-taon, napapatunayan natin na (every year, we prove that) it takes collaboration to really make the change that we want to see. So, today is a chance for us to once again show that when we work together — that is, the government, the industry, and academe — we shape a better future for every Filipino," said TESDA Director General Jose Francisco "Kiko" Benitez during the awarding ceremony, underscoring the importance of partnerships and encouraging greater teamwork.

He further emphasized the pivotal role of private sector Kabalikat awardees: “You help provide the necessary tools and infrastructure, and you facilitate employment and enrichment of our TVET graduates. Kaya hindi maitatanggi na malaki ang contribution ninyo sa socio-economic development ng bansa (your enormous contribution to the country’s socio-economic development cannot be denied).”

The Regional Accolade

On the regional level, Agata's achievement was celebrated along with other local awardees, including the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte. TESDA Caraga Regional Director Florencio F. Sunico Jr. expressed that when sectors work together, they can uplift local communities and improve lives through shared initiatives.

Agata received top honors last December 18 at the JMX Convention Center in Butuan City.

"As we close the year, we celebrate another milestone for the TVIRD Group. Being recognized as both a regional and national TESDA Kabalikat awardee reflects Agata's unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of its communities through innovative and sustainable livelihood programs," stated TVIRD Director for Environment and concurrent Agata General Manager for Final Rehabilitation Jesalyn Guingguing, EnP.

This recognition not only honors Agata's contributions but also emphasizes how its collaboration with TESDA benefits local communities and stakeholders through capacity building and employment opportunities that support socio-economic growth, according to the executive.

About the Kabalikat Awards

The TESDA Kabalikat Awards is one of the highest honors given annually by TESDA to outstanding partners who significantly contribute to strengthening technical-vocational education and training in the Philippines. It recognizes institutions, local government units, legislators, organizations, and industry partners whose consistent support has expanded public access to skills training, livelihood programs, and employment opportunities for Filipinos, as well as heralds TESDA's mission of building a skilled and globally competitive workforce.

Through its ongoing collaboration with TESDA, Agata advances its social responsibility objectives by empowering Filipinos with skills and opportunities, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive development and sustainable industry growth.

About TVI in the Philippines

TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. ("TVIRD") is owned in part by TVI Pacific Inc. (TSX: TVI), a publicly listed Canadian mining company focused on the exploration, development, and production of precious and base metals from district-scale, large-system, high-margin projects located in the Philippines. Concurrent ownership of ventures is shared with partner company Prime Resource Holdings Inc.

The Agata Nickel Laterite Mine is the third successful mining project that TVIRD brought on stream in a period of 10 years, while its Balabag Gold-Silver Mine further cements its position as a steady producer of precious metals in the country. With the commercial operations of its Siana Gold Mine, the company's proven track record and commitment to responsible mining practices promote transparency, responsible stewardship of the environment, and the inalienable rights to life, dignity, and sustainable development of its host communities, ensuring a secure and sustainable future for the project.

n (TMC) held its 3rd PO Conference on February 13–14, 2026, at the Taganito Sports and Cultural Center in Claver, Surigao del Norte. The event gathered over 100 PO member-beneficiaries.

With the theme “Innovative Strategies for Business Growth,” the conference aimed to enhance the entrepreneurial capacity of POs by providing learning opportunities, sharing best practices, and strengthening collaboration among community partners.

It also served as a venue to recognize the progress of POs in building sustainable livelihood initiatives.

A key highlight of the conference was the launch of the Hulagway Livelihood Magazine, which features the stories, journeys, and products of various POs.

The launch was complemented by a photo and product exhibit showcasing a wide range of livelihood ventures—from agriculture and food processing to retail and small-scale enterprises—developed through collective effort and perseverance.

In his message, TMC Mine Operations Division OIC Engr. Vicente Benamer emphasized the significance of the magazine, noting that each page reflects the hard work, dedication, and faith that have shaped the success of the POs.

TMC Admin Group Manager Agnes Sabijon described the conference as a celebration of partnership, unity, and shared vision, reaffirming TMC’s commitment to supporting people’s organizations as key contributors to resilient and empowered communities.

Claver Mayor Georgia Gokiangkee also addressed the participants, describing the event as more than a typical conference.

She expressed gratitude to private partners, particularly TMC, for their longstanding support and noted the visible transformation of Barangay Taganito and the Municipality of Claver over the years.

To inspire participants, TMC invited successful local entrepreneurs as resource speakers, including Tirso Lisbos of Lisbos Cacao Trading; Jose Feron E. Cacanando, author and owner of Moriah Farms in Bukidnon; and Matilde Mainit of Taganito Bakehouse and General Merchandise. Their talks shared practical lessons drawn from real-life business experiences.

Cacanando focused on financial discipline and wealth-building, highlighting key principles such as responsible borrowing, consistent saving, and patience as foundations for long-term financial stability.

The conference concluded with a recognition ceremony honoring POs for best practices in partnership and collaboration, product innovation, organizational and financial management, environmental stewardship, safety, and leadership.

Participants expressed appreciation for the conference and TMC’s continued support. Many shared that the sessions provided valuable insights and motivation to strengthen their livelihoods and organizations.

Through the 3rd People’s Organizations Conference and the launch of the Hulagway Livelihood Magazine, TMC reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable livelihoods, and strong partnerships with its host and neighboring communities.

If you are developing or operating a mine in the Philippines, you understand complexity. Geological variability, high rainfall, seismic exposure, through to capital discipline, all shape decisions from the earliest concept stage.

For 30 years, RDCL has worked alongside mining companies across the Philippines — from investigation and feasibility through to detailed design, construction support, and operations. We are a specialist geotechnical consultancy that is committed to continuity and staying involved. We understand what happens when ground risk is underestimated — and how to manage it properly.

From three decades of involvement in Philippine mining, here are five lessons that consistently stand out.

1. Geotechnics Should Enable Your Mine — Not Slow It Down

Your objective is not to get a completed geotechnical report, but to build and operate a commercially viable mine.

Geotechnical engineering sits at the centre of your project — linking geology, mine planning, structural engineering, tailings design, water management, and operations. When that link functions well, it strengthens every part of the system. When it becomes isolated or slowed due to cautious mindsets, it creates delay and friction.

The greatest value comes from seamless integration between geotechnical advice and the wider project team. Slope angles influence stripping ratios. Tailings design affects consenting and long-term liability. Foundation performance impacts construction sequencing. Geotechnical advice cannot sit in a silo — it must reflect the whole mine.

Ground risk must be managed rigorously, but always in alignment with operational and commercial objectives. When geotechnical input enables progress rather than obstructing it, projects move forward with confidence.

2. Decisiveness Is Key

Mining in the Philippines involves uncertainty. Deep weathering, faulting, seismic loading, groundwater interaction, and intense rainfall all introduce complexity.

But complexity should not translate into indecision.

Across feasibility studies, regulatory review, construction, and operations, problems rarely arise because risks were completely unknown. More often, they arise because risks were not clearly structured, prioritised, or acted upon.

You need geotechnical advisors who will:

• Identify potential failure modes early
• Maintain disciplined risk frameworks
• Evaluate realistic design options
• Make confident, defensible recommendations

Experience sharpens judgement. When you have seen projects through construction and into operation, you understand which risks materially affect long-term performance — and which can be proportionately managed.

Clear decisions protect both capital and schedule. Choose partners who can define the best pathway forward with confidence and certainty.

3. Bench Strength Matters

Geotechnical delivery spans multiple interconnected disciplines across the life of mine. It is not a single technical stream — it is a coordinated framework of expertise.

Mining projects typically require capability in:

• Geological interpretation and ground modelling
• Open pit slope stability and rock mass characterisation
• Underground excavation behaviour and support design
• Tailings storage facility investigation and embankment design
• Seismic hazard and stability assessment
• Groundwater and high-rainfall performance
• Earthworks and embankment construction
• Plant and critical infrastructure foundations

Each discipline carries its own risks and directly influences the others — from mine economics and long-term liability to stability and infrastructure durability.

Effective geotechnical delivery requires breadth as well as depth. It demands integration across technical streams and continuity from feasibility through construction. In environments such as the Philippines — where geological variability, seismic exposure, and climatic pressures compound risk — that breadth is essential.

True end-to-end expertise means having a supplier who has the breadth of skills in their team to navigate a wide range of scenarios, align assumptions across each stage, and support performance from first investigation through to operation. Choose a supplier who has good bench strength.

4. Make It Simple

Ground conditions in the Philippines can be complex. Communication should not be.

Whether dealing with regulators, financiers, independent reviewers, boards, or operational teams, clarity is critical. You must be able to explain what the ground risks are, how significant they are, how they are being managed, and what residual exposure remains.

Overly complicated explanations erode confidence. Clear, defensible advice strengthens approvals and funding pathways. If a risk cannot be explained clearly, it has not yet been properly resolved. Clarity is not simplification for its own sake — it is disciplined risk management.

5. Ground-Up Delivery Requires an Operational Mindset

Mining projects are delivered under schedule pressure and in demanding environments. Conditions change quickly. Construction windows are tight. Decisions cannot wait for perfect information.

In this context, geotechnical design must be practical as well as technically sound. It must be constructible. Information must be delivered when it is needed. Recommendations must reflect actual site conditions — not assumptions carried forward from a desktop model.

Ground conditions must be verified in the field. Design assumptions must be tested against observation. Technical judgement must align with how work is carried out on site.

The greatest value comes from geotechnical partners who understand construction sequencing, contractor interfaces, and production pressures — and who can deliver timely advice that keeps projects moving.

Technical knowledge is key. Practical judgement converts it into value.

In Summary: End-to-End Expertise in the Philippine Context

Operating continuously in the Philippines for over 30 years has provided more than technical experience. It has provided perspective — an understanding of how mining projects evolve over time.

Across these projects, one principle stands out: the greatest value lies in lifecycle integration.

Mining will always involve uncertainty. Ground conditions can never be fully known before excavation. But uncertainty can be managed confidently when geotechnical expertise is applied early, decisively, and across the entire life of the mine.

That is what three decades in Philippine mining has taught us.

 

Cam Wylie is a Professional Engineer and Executive Director of RDCL, a geotechnical and geophysical consultancy operating in the Philippines, New Zealand, and the Pacific. He has 30 years’ experience across Philippine mining and infrastructure projects, with a special interest in new development.

Major Drilling’s Philippines branch achieved a significant milestone—10 years of safe operations without a Lost Time Injury (LTI). In 2025, the branch surpassed 4 million LTI-free hours by emphasizing proactive safety standards, ongoing training, and open communication. This achievement reflects a sustained commitment to workplace safety and operational discipline, setting a benchmark for the mineral drilling sector in the region.

Major Drilling Philippines (known locally as MDGI Philippines Inc.) supports mineral exploration and development projects across the country, providing specialized services such as coring, reverse circulation, underground, and geotechnical drilling. The branch has grown alongside the industry’s evolving requirements, applying global best practices in safety and technology while maintaining a strong local workforce.

Global Context: Scale and Specialized Expertise

While the Philippines branch celebrates its safety record, Major Drilling Group International enters 2026 with expanded capabilities worldwide. Founded in 1980 in New Brunswick, Canada, the company has evolved from a regional contractor into a global leader in specialized drilling services. Today, it operates across six continents, offering a broad range of specialized drilling services—supported by technology-driven tools for data capture and analytics.

“We’re proud to be part of this great company and bring our branch’s impressive safety record and cohesion to the greater team,” Daniel Paradis, General Manager of the Branch, said. “This creates productive days for clients and helps us keep our particular focus on safety best practices and social responsibility.”

Safety and Fiscal Strength

In fiscal 2025, Major Drilling reported $727.6 million in revenue and invested $72.5 million in fleet modernization, while achieving a Total Recordable Incident Frequency Rate (TRIFR) of 0.74, its lowest in 45 years. These results underscore the company’s emphasis on operational discipline and a safety-first culture.

A major contributor to recent growth was the integration of Explomin Perforaciones in late 2024, adding 92 drills and expanding Major Drilling’s fleet to more than 700 rigs. This acquisition strengthened the company’s presence in South America and increased exposure to copper-focused regions such as Peru, supporting complex drilling programs across multiple jurisdictions.

Driving Innovation: Major+ and AI-Assisted Core Logging

Alongside geographic expansion, Major Drilling has advanced its Major+ innovation platform, combining drilling services with imaging, surveying, and AI-assisted logging. In partnership with KORE GeoSystems, the company introduced a drillside imaging unit that captures high-resolution core photos and uses AI to produce rapid logs, including RQD measurements. Early pilots at G Mining Ventures’ Tocantinzinho project in Brazil demonstrated improvements in decision-making and data consistency.

How It Works

The system integrates a ruggedized imaging station at the drill site, equipped with high-resolution cameras and lighting to capture consistent core photographs. These images are processed through KORE GeoSystems’ AI engine, which applies depth referencing, segmentation, and automated calculations such as RQD and fracture counts. The workflow eliminates manual logging delays by generating preliminary logs within seconds, accessible through a secure cloud platform.

Benefits for Geologists and Project Managers

Traditionally, core logging is labor-intensive and subject to variability in measurement and interpretation. By automating key steps, the AI-assisted system improves accuracy, repeatability, and auditability. Geologists can validate geological models in near real time, reducing the lag between drilling and decision-making. For project managers, this translates into greater agility—holes can be extended, shortened, or redirected while drilling is still in progress, optimizing resource allocation and reducing unnecessary meters drilled.

Impact on Cost and Scheduling

The ability to make informed decisions at the rig site has direct implications for project economics. Faster logging reduces downtime, while improved data quality minimizes the risk of costly errors in resource modeling. For remote projects, where logistics and mobilization costs are significant, these efficiencies can represent substantial savings.

Industry Implications

Beyond operational gains, AI-assisted logging supports data standardization across projects and jurisdictions. Images and logs are indexed, searchable, and depth-referenced, creating a digital audit trail that meets the growing demand for verifiable geodata in compliance reporting and due diligence. The system also enables remote collaboration, allowing experts to review core images and logs from anywhere in the world**,** a capability that became particularly valuable during recent global travel restrictions.

Future Developments

Major Drilling and its technology partners are exploring integration with predictive analytics and geological modeling software, aiming to link real-time logging with dynamic resource models. This could allow drill programs to adapt continuously based on evolving geological interpretations, further reducing uncertainty and improving project outcomes.

Workforce Diversity and Sustainability

Major Drilling employs more than 6,000 people worldwide and invests in workforce development through programs such as Core College and training on new technologies. Its sustainability framework, formalized in 2020, addresses greenhouse gas tracking, water stewardship, community engagement, encouraging women in mining, and partnerships with Indigenous groups. A 2025 idling policy aligns with industry efforts to reduce emissions.

Outlook for the Philippines and Beyond

The Philippines branch’s decade-long safety record illustrates how structured programs and practices can deliver measurable results at the site level. As global mining increasingly targets deeper and more complex deposits, and as sustainability and safety standards rise, drilling contractors capable of integrating technology with skilled execution will play a critical role in project success.

For Major Drilling, this means continuing to combine scale with specialized expertise, embedding data and automation into workflows, and maintaining safety performance that meets the expectations of mining partners worldwide.

 

Visit majordrilling.com to learn more about the company's services.

As the Philippines continues to pursue economic growth through the development of its natural resources, the relevance of laws, policies, and regulatory institutions has never been more critical.

The 2025 Geological Convention (GeoCon 2025), held in celebration of the Geological Society of the Philippines’ 80th Oak Jubilee, brought together geoscientists, policymakers, and industry practitioners to reflect on this challenge under the theme “Forged by Time, Strengthened by Integrity, Driven by Professionalism.”

The convention underscored a pressing national question: how well do existing legal and policy frameworks respond to evolving industry practices, societal expectations, and sustainability goals?

This article draws from the context of GeoCon 2025 and my plenary discourse on 02 December 2025 focusing on the continuing relevance of laws and policies in natural resource development, examining the need for stronger governance, updated regulatory frameworks, and deeper stakeholder collaboration to ensure responsible and equitable resource management in the Philippines.

Collectively, these policy instruments serve as the foundation for a resilient, low-carbon, and technologically adaptive economy aligned with international sustainability commitments.

Critical Minerals

The Philippines is positioned to play a major role in the global clean energy transition due to its large deposits of nickel, copper, cobalt, and other strategic minerals. These materials are essential for manufacturing electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, solar technologies, and energy storage systems.

However, the country currently captures only a small portion of the value chain, as most minerals are exported in low-value form. To shift toward value-added processing, the government must establish stable fiscal terms, investor certainty, and a clear industrial strategy that supports mineral processing, refining, and associated manufacturing.

This strategy also depends on energy affordability and infrastructure readiness. Processing plants require continuous, cost-effective, and preferably low-carbon electricity, which aligns mineral development with national decarbonization goals. In parallel, mining operations must uphold strict environmental safeguards, including responsible tailings management, watershed protection, progressive rehabilitation, and transparent monitoring systems.

Market rules should strike a balance between allowing mineral exports and encouraging domestic processing. A milestones-based export policy can help—letting new mines export early to recover costs and generate cashflow, while gradually shifting toward local value-added processing as capabilities develop.

At the same time, requiring transparent and fair off-take agreements ensures that pricing and supply arrangements are clear, competitive, and aligned with national development goals.

Petroleum Exploration (Natural Gas)

Natural gas remains a critical element of the Philippines’ power generation mix, providing stability, flexibility, and reliability as the share of intermittent renewable energy increases.

However, the Malampaya field is entering maturity, and without new discoveries or efficient management, the country may face supply shortages and volatility in electricity prices. To avoid this, policies must encourage exploration in frontier basins, provide predictable contract terms, and reduce regulatory risks that slow project development.

At the same time, the Philippines is expanding LNG import capability to supplement domestic gas. To manage this dual-source system effectively, government must clearly define quality standards, interconnection rules, tariff structures, and coordination mechanisms among gas suppliers, pipelines, power plants, and storage facilities. This prevents operational bottlenecks and ensures that both domestic and imported gas can be dispatched efficiently and competitively.

Strengthening midstream access rules—particularly for pipeline connections and terminal capacity—will reduce commercialization risk for new gas discoveries. Combined with transparent market operations and coherent energy planning, these reforms preserve reliability while supporting the gradual transition toward a cleaner power generation mix.

Renewable Energy

The Philippines has high potential for solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal, but slow permitting, unclear land access, and transmission bottlenecks continue to delay project development. A one-stop, time-bound permitting system can greatly reduce administrative burden while maintaining environmental and social safeguards. Clear land acquisition and zoning rules are critical, especially for large-scale solar and onshore/offshore wind developments.

Geothermal energy offers continuous, baseload renewable power, which is especially valuable in balancing variable solar and wind generation. However, exploration and drilling are expensive and risky. Government-backed risk mitigation measures—such as drilling insurance, cost-sharing funds, or exploration guarantees—would encourage increased private participation and accelerate geothermal expansion.

Renewable energy growth also presents opportunities to build domestic industries, including manufacturing components, assembly of battery systems, and clean-energy-powered mineral processing. Tying renewable deployment to local supply-chain development ensures that job creation and economic value remain in the Philippines, not solely in imported equipment or foreign-operated generation assets.

Nuclear Energy

As the Philippines seeks long-term grid stability and low-carbon baseload power, nuclear energy is being considered as part of the future energy mix. However, this requires careful and comprehensive regulatory preparation. The Philippine nuclear regulatory authority must finalize licensing standards for both large reactors and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), define inspection and safety protocols, and adopt international best practices on operational transparency and personnel qualification.

Nuclear development also requires public trust and robust emergency planning. This includes transparent siting studies, seismic and coastal safety assessments, evacuation and medical response planning, and ongoing community engagement. Additionally, clear long-term strategies for spent fuel storage, eventual decommissioning, and financial liability are crucial to ensure intergenerational safety and accountability.

To make early nuclear projects economically viable, government may need to establish long-term power purchase frameworks, capacity market recognition, and risk-sharing mechanisms with the private sector. Simultaneously, the national grid must be reinforced to integrate nuclear facilities and ensure system reliability.

Hydrogen

Hydrogen has the potential to support industrial decarbonization, long-duration storage, and clean transport, but the market is still emerging and requires policy support. To move from feasibility studies to pilot projects, the government should implement targeted incentives such as tax credits, preferential financing, and demand-side programs in refineries, industrial facilities, and bus or truck fleets.

A national Hydrogen Code must define standards for safety, blending with natural gas, pipeline transport, storage, fueling stations, and worker training. Establishing a Guarantee of Origin (GO) certification ensures hydrogen can enter international supply chains, especially where buyers require proof of low carbon emissions.

Native hydrogen development requires a clear resource governance framework that defines legal ownership, tenure terms, exploration work obligations, data reporting, and environmental safeguards.

Building on the early awards in Zambales and Pangasinan, regulations should ensure transparent exploration results and responsible operational practices. At the same time, a structured pilot-to-commercial pathway is needed—establishing safety protocols, community engagement requirements, and decommissioning plans for pilot sites, with a streamlined process for scaling up to commercial production if technical and environmental performance thresholds are met.

Artificial Intelligence, Data Privacy & Digital Governance

Open and standardized geoscience data can significantly reduce exploration risk and accelerate the identification of new mineral and energy prospects. By adopting an open-file data-sharing system, the government can ensure that geological maps, drill results, and resource assessments become accessible after reasonable confidentiality periods.

However, this openness must be paired with clear privacy and sovereignty safeguards, ensuring that sensitive information is handled responsibly and used to support—not undermine—local and national interests.

A modern exploration data governance framework should require companies to submit exploration results in structured, digital formats that can be quickly integrated into national geoscience databases. This allows new information to immediately improve the understanding of an area’s resource potential, supporting transparent decision-making for future exploration licenses and contract awards.

Such a system helps attract credible investors, reduces duplication of effort, and promotes more efficient, evidence-based resource development.

Data governance for digitalized operations should ensure that information generated from sensors, monitoring systems, and predictive maintenance tools is handled in line with national privacy regulations and emerging AI oversight frameworks. This means energy and resource companies must adopt secure data-handling practices, maintain clear audit trails, safeguard operational and customer information, and ensure that automated systems support—not replace—responsible human decision-making.

Grid Connection and Transmission

Many planned renewable and clean energy projects cannot proceed because transmission lines are insufficient or delayed. To unlock investment, grid expansion must be planned ahead of energy development, not after. This includes new transmission corridors, substation upgrades, and inter-island connectivity.

The grid must also be modernized to handle more variable renewable power, energy storage systems, hydrogen-to-power facilities, and eventually nuclear plants. Updating grid codes, reserve market rules, and system flexibility arrangements will enable a stable, resilient, and future-ready power system.

Geoscience Profession Action Points

The geoscience profession plays a pivotal role in the Philippines’ modernized energy and resources framework by ensuring that exploration, extraction, and resource management are grounded in scientific integrity and sustainability.

Geoscientists lead in mapping, evaluating, and managing critical minerals such as nickel, copper, and rare earth elements under the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Mining, while also advancing subsurface studies for renewable, geothermal, and hydrogen energy development. Their technical expertise supports environmentally responsible extraction and provides a foundation for data-driven investment and policy decisions.

Beyond exploration, geoscientists are increasingly involved in advisory and regulatory roles—helping shape standards for environmental protection, carbon accounting, and geological safety.

By combining technical capability with governance and ethical responsibility, the geoscience profession strengthens national energy transition efforts, ensuring resource development that is sustainable, transparent, and beneficial for communities and investors alike.

Conclusion

The Philippines’ evolving energy and resources landscape demonstrates a powerful convergence of policy modernization, technological innovation, and sustainability-driven governance.

With forward-looking reforms spanning critical minerals, renewable energy, nuclear development, hydrogen, and digital transformation, the nation is laying a solid foundation for long-term energy security and economic competitiveness.

These efforts are not merely reactive responses to global trends—they represent a proactive commitment to reimagining national development through cleaner, more resilient, and inclusive systems of energy and resource management.

Ultimately, success will hinge on effective implementation, consistent regulatory clarity, and the meaningful integration of science, policy, and industry expertise.

By fostering collaboration among geoscientists, engineers, policymakers, and investors, the Philippines can ensure that each reform translates into real progress—empowering communities, preserving ecosystems, and reinforcing the country’s position as a regional model for sustainable energy governance.

Days ago, the U.S. Supreme Court did something deceptively old-fashioned: it reminded a president that tariffs are not a vibe, not a threat, not a negotiating posture — but a tax, and taxes belong to Congress.

In Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump (decided Feb. 20, 2026), the Court held 6–3 that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the President to impose tariffs. The Chief Justice’s opinion opens with the Constitution’s blunt allocation of power: “The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises.” The government, the Court noted, conceded the President has no inherent peacetime authority to impose tariffs, so everything depended on whether IEEPA’s phrase authorizing the President to “regulate … importation” could bear the weight of a worldwide import tax. 

It could not. The Chief Justice described the administration’s theory as resting on “two words separated by 16 others” — “regulate” and “importation” — to claim “independent power to impose tariffs” of essentially unlimited reach. That is not interpretation so much as alchemy. And because tariffs are an instrument with “major” economic and political consequences, the Court insisted on what it called “clear congressional authorization” before the Executive may claim such a power. 

That doctrinal move matters for the world beyond the courthouse. A tariff is not merely a cost; it is a signal that reorders investment and logistics. When the United States can impose a near-universal duty by emergency proclamation, every export-dependent country is forced to price in presidential volatility. When the Court narrows that pathway, it does not end uncertainty — but it changes its shape. 

The first proof came immediately. After the decision, President Trump moved to a new legal hook: Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits a temporary import surcharge (up to 15%) for a limited period without prior congressional approval. Reuters reports the administration is also pointing toward other trade tools (like Section 301 investigations) that can still generate significant duties, though with more procedure and predicates. In short: the ruling weakens the President’s ability to impose instant, global tariffs under IEEPA — but it does not abolish the tariff state. It forces the White House to use narrower statutes, take more steps, and accept more legal vulnerability. 

What about tariffs “imposed on other countries”? If those duties were justified solely under IEEPA, the Court’s holding means they lack statutory authority and cannot be sustained on that basis. But a critical caveat is that many U.S. tariffs can be re-anchored to other laws — and the dissent itself practically supplied the roadmap. 

Justice Brett Kavanaugh dissented, joined by Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. His argument is a study in executive pragmatism: if IEEPA allows the President to impose quotas or embargoes — even to block imports altogether — why would it forbid the “lesser” tool of tariffs, which merely condition importation on payment? Kavanaugh also criticized the majority’s reliance (in part) on the “major questions” canon and warned that, in foreign-affairs cases, courts should not apply that doctrine as “a thumb on the scale against the President.” Yet even he acknowledged the practical reality that “numerous other federal statutes authorize the President to impose tariffs,” including Section 232 and Sections 122, 201, and 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The dissent’s bottom line is revealing: today’s decision is wrong, but the tariff machine can keep running — it will just run on different tracks. 

Now place Manila in that picture.

The Philippines is not a spectator to American tariff drama; it is one of the countries that absorbs its tremors. The U.S. is a major trading partner, and Philippine exporters — especially in electronics and related supply chains — are exquisitely sensitive to across-the-board U.S. duties that act like a tax on access. For an economy where trade in goods and services is roughly two-thirds of GDP by World Bank measures, tariff uncertainty is macroeconomic uncertainty. A “temporary” U.S. surcharge can become permanent in business planning, because factories and contracts do not turn on judicial syllabi. 

Here is the comparative twist: the Philippine Constitution anticipated this problem more cleanly than the American statute fight did. Article VI, Section 28(2) expressly allows Congress to authorize the President, “within specified limits” and “subject to … limitations and restrictions,” to fix tariff rates and related imposts. Delegation is not smuggled in through an emergency law; it is written in the constitutional design. 

And the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (R.A. 10863) operationalizes that design with guardrails. Its “Flexible Clause” (Section 1608) empowers the President — upon recommendation and subject to stated limits — to increase, reduce, or remove existing import duty rates, and even impose an additional duty (not exceeding 10% ad valorem) when necessary, among other measures. It also makes the delegation politically reversible: the power may be withdrawn or terminated by Congress through a joint resolution. That is what “agility with accountability” looks like in statutory form. 

So the Supreme Court’s lesson is not simply “Trump lost.” It is that tariff power, when exercised at scale, is governance at its most invasive: it reaches straight into prices, jobs, and the cost of living — “access to the pockets of the people,” as the Court quotes Madison. In the United States, the Court has now insisted that Congress must clearly hand over that key before the President may use it. In the Philippines, Congress already can hand it over — but only with limits, procedures, and the ever-present possibility of taking it back. 

The deeper point is democratic ownership. When tariffs become a president’s improvisational instrument — raised, lowered, announced, threatened, relabeled — trade partners learn to treat policy like weather. The Court’s decision tries, in its own lawyerly way, to make trade policy political again: debated, enacted, and answerable. 

In an era when a “national emergency” can be declared as easily as a press conference, that is not judicial fussiness. It is constitutional hygiene. 

Noel B. Lazaro is general counsel of Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc., a two-time Asian Legal Business In-House Counsel of the Year finalist, and a Top Tier In-House Counsel awardee of the In-House Community. He is also a law professor and columnist.