SMPC’s Agro Model Farm Earns ASEAN Recognition for Advancing Food Security

(Leftmost) Creslito D. Bangalao, SMPC Site Admin, receiving the ASEAN Coal Award for CSR in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Semirara Mining and Power Corporation’s flagship agribusiness initiative, the Agro Model Farm, was recently recognized for its contribution to food security and economic self-sufficiency. The project was awarded 2nd Runner-Up in the Corporate Social Responsibility (Large Company) project category of the ASEAN Coal Awards, held during the ASEAN Energy Business Forum and Awards Ceremony in Kuala Lumpur last October 16, 2025. 

Jointly established in 2021 with the Department of Energy, the Agro Model Farm spans 8 hectares and currently benefits 23 local farmers and seasonal workers. The project also adopted a 52-hectare mango farm, providing farmers with additional income opportunities amid strong demand for mangoes. 

SMPC supports the initiative end-to-end, from training and seed propagation to production and marketing. 

The Agro Model Farm aims to strengthen farm-to-market opportunities by providing a consistent and accessible food supply to island residents. Locally-grown produce is also more affordable, as it eliminates added costs of inter-island transport.

In 2025 alone, the farm produced a combined yield of over 14,000 kilos of produce, benefitting both local markets and community consumption. Their top crops this year are sitaw (string beans), mais (corn), and talong (eggplant).

Comprehensive support for livelihood

The Agro Model Farm is integrated into SMPC’s community ecosystem on the island. Its harvests are distributed at the commercial hub, which hosts local markets, small entrepreneurs, and artisan shops. This allows residents to access fresh, locally-grown produce cultivated within the island.  

Additionally, the island also hosts several related industries such as handicrafts, dressmaking, fishing, and others, which are supported by SMPC within the goal of developing these as permanent means of employment. 

SMPC and the local government have also established infrastructure, including markets, roads, and transport hubs that support Semirara Island on its journey to economic independence. 

Sustainable community development is at the center of SMPC’s business philosophy. Through projects such as the Agro Model Farm, SMPC continues to deliver scalable and impactful development to Semirara Island, empowering residents to build thriving, self-sufficient communities.