Mindanao’s current power surplus is giving the region an opportunity to prepare early for rising electricity demand as investments, businesses and economic activity continue to expand.
With about 300 megawatts (MW) of excess power now being supplied to the Visayas and Luzon grids, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and Therma South, Inc. (TSI) are pushing for broader discussions on how to secure the region’s long-term energy needs.
MinDA and TSI on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for “PowerForward Mindanao: A Mindanaoan Dialogue on the Future of Energy,” a new initiative that will bring together government, businesses, energy firms and communities to discuss the region’s evolving power requirements.
MinDA Chair Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno and AboitizPower Regional Chief Operating Officer for Mindanao and Officer-in-Charge Carlos Romero-Salas Streegan led the signing ceremony in Davao City.
Magno said Mindanao’s energy landscape has improved significantly after years of power shortages, but the current surplus should not lead to complacency.
“While our current energy supply is more than sufficient, we must remain forward-looking to guarantee future energy resilience and sustainability,” Magno said.
He said PowerForward Mindanao is designed to help stakeholders gain a better understanding of the power sector while identifying measures that can support the region’s continued economic growth.
The initiative will examine key areas of the power system, including generation, transmission, distribution and energy consumption, as well as government policies and other factors that influence the region’s energy supply.
Activities will begin with Power 101 learning sessions and technical site visits, followed by a summit featuring panel discussions and an integrating session.
The initial activities will include MinDA personnel and Indigenous Peoples youth participating in the Mindanao Young Leaders Program, allowing them to gain firsthand knowledge of how the region’s power system operates.
Streegan said the initiative comes as Mindanao enters a period of stronger economic activity and increased investment opportunities.
“Mindanao is at an important point in its growth. Across the region, we are seeing stronger economic activity, new investments, and opportunities emerging for businesses and communities,” he said.
He said reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity will be essential to ensuring that the region can capitalize on these opportunities.
Streegan also emphasized that planning for Mindanao’s energy future requires cooperation beyond the power industry.
“It requires a conversation across government, business, industry, and communities, where we can understand the different needs of Mindanao and work toward solutions that are aligned and achievable,” he said.
PowerForward Mindanao is aligned with the Mindanao Agenda 2023–2028, particularly Agenda 2 on the Food-Water-Energy Nexus.
The dialogue is expected to cover issues including power reliability, grid stability and the potential role of battery energy storage systems in strengthening Mindanao’s energy security.
The initiative seeks to use Mindanao’s present power surplus as a window to plan ahead and ensure that energy infrastructure and policies can keep pace with the region’s long-term development.
