The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) brought together national government agencies, energy industry executives, investors, development partners, academics and civil society representatives on Nov. 10 to advance energy security, expand electricity access and strengthen power reliability across the island region.
In a statement Wednesday, MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno emphasized that Mindanao’s energy agenda must be anchored on three interrelated priorities: growth, access and reliability.
“Growth, access, and resilience are one agenda, and no single agency, company, or local government unit can deliver it alone,” he added.
Magno also stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among government, industry and development stakeholders in addressing Mindanao’s evolving energy challenges.
He noted that rising power demand across Mindanao reflects expanding economic activity and underscores the need for sustained investments in generation, transmission and emerging energy technologies.
Meanwhile, during the forum, Department of Energy Undersecretary Giovanni Bacordo expressed the agency’s full commitment to assist prospective investors pursuing renewable energy projects in Mindanao.
“Here in the south, energy security is not merely an economic metric; it is the very foundation of lasting peace and true economic independence. When we light up homes, we dispel the shadows of conflict. When we power up industries, we build the engines of peace,” Bacordo said.
The dialogue also reinforced the priorities of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to accelerate infrastructure development, expand access to essential services and strengthen the country’s energy security as a foundation for inclusive economic growth.
MinDA emphasized that ensuring reliable and affordable power across Mindanao is critical to unlocking investments, creating jobs and enhancing the island’s competitiveness within the broader ASEAN region.
The forum served as a platform to align public and private sector efforts toward building an energy system capable of supporting Mindanao’s growing economy and development aspirations.
Consistent with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda, MinDA continues to promote stronger public-private partnerships and coordinated regional planning to deliver long-term energy solutions for Mindanao. (PNA)
