Asean energy body cites Semirara CSR

MANILA, Philippines - Semirara Mining Corp. won 2nd runner-up in the ASEAN Best Practices in Coal Projects in the recently-concluded 2013 ASEAN Energy Awards (AEA), Southeast Asia’s prestigious annual awards program that recognizes outstanding work in the field of energy.

The company was cited under the Corporate Social Responsibility category for its 5Es Program, encompassing Education, Environment Protection, Economic Empowerment, Employment & Livelihood and Electrification, that aims to balance the impact of Semirara’s mining operations on the environment and the host community in Semirara Island, Caluya in Antique Province, where it operates the Panian coal mine.

Since 1997, Semirara Mining has been working to provide structured interventions to empower the island community by pursuing the vision of island sustainability. Its 5Es program is designed to engage the full participation of the community for sustainable growth through economic, social and environmental development.  

Apart from the direct benefits of the company’s different CSR activities to the community, the 5Es Program provides additional employment opportunities. In order to achieve and sustain the goal of 5Es, the company has spent about P496.84 million (US$11.83 million) as of June 30, 2013.

The ASEAN Energy awarding ceremony was held during the joint gala dinner of the 31st ASEAN Ministers of Energy Meeting and the ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF) last Sept. 25, at Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, Bali, Indonesia.

The AEA, which began in 2000, recognizes programs by companies from member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for their excellence, creativity, practicality and dedication toa cause in the field of energy.

Apart from the Best Practices for Coal, this year’s other major awards categories are: 1. ASEAN Best Practices on Energy Management for Building and Industry; 2. ASEAN Energy Efficiency and Conservation Best Practices for Energy Efficient Buildings; 3. ASEAN Best Practices on Renewable Energy;  and 4. Excellence in Energy Management by Individual.