THE Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has raised concerns about an impending power shortage in Mindanao, warning that without new energy producers, the region risks losing potential investors.
During the Wednesday Media Forum on December 4, 2024, at Ayala Malls Abreeza, MinDA Chair Leo Magno underscored the critical role of power availability in attracting investments.
“We have been going around trying to market Mindanao to the rest of the world and trying to market this to domestic investors, siyempre pwedeng kasama doon sa pag market natin ang pagtanong nila kung may available power (We’ve been actively promoting Mindanao both globally and to domestic investors. Naturally, one of the questions they ask during these discussions is whether there’s sufficient power supply),” he said.
He also said that ensuring adequate power supply is essential for marketing the region to local and international investors.
“Tayo naman trabaho natin na dapat siguraduhin para tayo nag-imbita ng investors sa ating lugar but we have, hindi naman tayo maka provide ng tamang pangangailangan nila hindi tutuloy at hindi papasok yan (It’s our job to guarantee we can meet their needs. Without power, they won’t proceed with their plans),” he continued.
Magno revealed ongoing coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE) to prioritize solutions for the looming energy crisis. He noted a growing interest from energy sector businesses, particularly in renewable energy, including firms from Singapore and Japan.
Despite the interconnection between the Mindanao and Visayas grids, which allows Mindanao to supply power to Visayas, Magno warned that the energy supply could fall short within three to five years if no new producers enter the region.
The DOE-Mindanao Field Office recently reported an adequate power supply in the region, but only for the next three years. Without additional capacity to meet rising demand, the situation could become critical.
Magno assured that addressing Mindanao’s energy concerns would remain a top priority for MinDA to sustain the region’s economic growth and investor confidence. RGP