Amid allegations of environment degradation, coal miner and power producer Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) has committed to protect marine protected areas (MPA) surrounding its coal mines in Semirara Island in Antique. SMPC disclosed yesterday it has pledged to support the Caluya local government’s campaign to declare two near-shore sites in Semirara Island as MPA or marine reserves. MPAs are coastal or marine areas placed under conservation or protection regimes by communities, local ordinances or national laws to restrict human activity.

Rivera, D. (2016, November 18). Semirara vows to protect marine protected areas. The Philippine Star, p. B-12.