DAVAO City Councilor Louie John Bonguyan said the city government welcomes investors to invest in the power sector in preparation for an energy supply crisis expected to affect Mindanao within three years.
Bonguyan, who chairs the Committee on Energy, told SunStar Davao that the city welcomes renewable and non-renewable energy generators to meet the increasing electricity demand.
“Because everyday makita natu diri ubos sa Sanggunian sa Business Bureau daghan nagakuha og permits, mag naay permits kailangan gyud na ug electricity (Every day, we see numerous permit applications at the Sanggunian and the Business Bureau. With more permits, the need for electricity continues to grow),” he said.
He highlighted Davao City's rapid urban development, including major infrastructure projects such as condominiums and hotels, significantly increasing electricity demand. As the Committee on Energy chair, Bonguyan pledged to continue seeking energy suppliers.
The councilor encouraged investors to establish energy sources in Davao City, provided they meet the requirements for constructing a plant. He highlighted Davao’s status as one of the Philippines' largest cities and suggested Paquibato, with its vast land, as a prime location for a solar farm.
“We are open to that kay dili ta muhunong ug pangita ug mga power generators kay kabalo ta everyday kailangan naay naga demand sa atoang electricity (We won’t stop looking for power generators because we know that the demand for electricity rises daily),” he said.
However, Bonguyan expressed disappointment over a solar farm project that was recently canceled. The project, which could have provided significant relief to the city’s energy needs, was abandoned due to the owner’s financial challenges.
The Department of Energy-Mindanao Field Office (DOE-Mindanao) recently warned of a potential power shortage in Mindanao by 2027 if additional energy capacity is not secured.
The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chair Leo Magno also raised concerns on December 4, 2024, about the impact of the energy shortage on investor confidence and economic growth in the region. He assured that resolving Mindanao's energy issues remains a top priority. RGP