Mindanao business leaders are raising concerns about the urgent need for alternative energy sources after the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) projected that the region could face a power shortage within the next five years.
In a report by Business World, General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Miguel Rene Alcantara Dominguez quoted MinDA assistant secretary Romeo Montenegro, saying that Mindanao may face power supply concerns between 2027 and 2028, similar to the power shortages experienced in 2010.
Montenegro explained that Mindanao’s energy demand is growing by 5% to 7% annually, which translates to an additional 100 megawatts (MW) per year to support expansion in sectors such as property, agri-business, industries, and households.
He warned that the current power reserves will dwindle unless new power sources are added to accommodate rising demand.
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Committee on the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) chair Joji Ilagan-Bian said that the business community has already notified President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. that securing alternative power sources is a top priority.
Bian emphasized that a consistent power supply is critical for economic growth and attracting investment to Mindanao.
She added that without addressing power issues, new investments may not align with the available power supply, eyeing private-public partnerships and foreign investments to develop energy solutions.
Dominguez noted that one of the potential solutions discussed is the rehabilitation of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complex, which is set for 2026 and could generate an additional 300 to 350 MW of electricity.
Department of Energy (DOE) supervising science research specialist Mark Christian P. Marollano said the department is continuously monitoring power projects to meet the region’s future demand.
He noted that as economic development drives increased demand, the DOE is working to ensure that sufficient power plants are established in Mindanao.
