Semirara Island in the municipality of Caluya, Antique, is known for its natural resources and role as an energy industry hub. However, the island’s identity has developed beyond that, thanks to its growing number of entrepreneurs, artisans, and local MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises).
With support from Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC) and local government units, various livelihood programs have been able to capitalize on these emerging industries to produce home-grown products that support local communities.
Fresh Produce on Demand: Agro Model Farm
SMPC’s flagship agrobusiness initiative, the Agro Model Farm, aims to enhance food security on Semirara Island. The project promotes local crop production while helping reduce market prices by eliminating inter-island transport costs. Worker beneficiaries are employed to produce staple crops for market selling and local consumption.
The Agro Model Farm harvested over 14,300 kg of vegetables and crops in 2025, bringing total harvests since 2022 to over 108,400 kg. Its role in enhancing the island’s food security was recognized by the ASEAN Energy Awards in October 2025.
Crafting Opportunity from Waste: Handicrafts and Furniture
SMPC conducts training programs on upcycling discarded materials such as waste wood, felled logs, old tires, and natural fibers into useful and decorative handicrafts.
Local housewives were empowered to produce various handicrafts and souvenirs like placemats, wall décor, and handbags made from banig (woven mats).
Meanwhile, carpenters and former fishermen were employed to craft furniture such as dining tables, chairs, and decorative centerpieces which are sold at the SMPC Food Court.
Stitching the Future: Dressmaking and Tailoring
One of the local community groups backed by SMPC is the Semirara Caluya Women's Association, which has developed a thriving tailoring business that provides livelihood opportunities for local housewives. SMPC supports the organization by providing equipment, production facilities, and logistical support.
Today, the association produces uniforms for the Divine Word School of Semirara Island, Inc. (DWSSII), as well as for SMPC employees, barangay staff, and various local events. In 2025 alone, Semirara’s dressmakers produced and sold over 17,000 uniforms.
Fuelling Infrastructure: Concrete Hollow Blocks
The growing demand for residential and commercial infrastructure on Semirara Island has created opportunities in the supply of construction materials such as concrete hollow blocks (CHBs).
To help residents benefit from this demand, SMPC established its Concrete Hollow Blocks (CHB) livelihood program, which employs community members in the production of CHBs. In 2025 alone, program beneficiaries produced 167,300 CHBs for local infrastructure projects.
A Marketplace of Possibilities
Many of the products from Semirara Island’s livelihood programs, such as handicrafts and food products, are showcased and sold at the SMPC Food Court and wet-and-dry market. Established to support the island’s entrepreneurs, these facilities provide residents with accessible venues to market and sell their goods. In 2025, the food court and market housed a total of 102 tenants.
Through the establishment and continued support of these livelihood programs, SMPC is helping diversify Semirara Island's economy towards a more resilient and self-sustaining future.
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