Top officials from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) have convened a crucial meeting to align strategies for guaranteeing a stable and sufficient power supply in Mindanao. The high-level coordination meeting, held on January 6 at the DOE office in Taguig City, was spearheaded by Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin and MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno.
Balancing Baseload and Renewable Energy for Growth
The discussions centered on the urgent need to secure reliable baseload power capacity while simultaneously fast-tracking the integration of renewable energy projects. Officials identified the expansion of solar power coupled with battery energy storage systems as a key complementary solution to meet the grid's evolving demands. This balanced approach is deemed critical as Mindanao experiences robust economic expansion and a surge in investment interest.
Secretary Garin emphasized the Green Energy Auction (GEA) as a pivotal mechanism for accelerating the procurement of new renewable capacity. To bolster investor confidence and financing stability, she confirmed that projects awarded under the GEA would benefit from a 20-year pricing assurance and contract duration.
Mining Boom and Future Energy Demand
Secretary Magno pointed to the anticipated growth of Mindanao's minerals industry as a major factor driving future electricity consumption. "Mindanao’s energy future must be secured through a balanced mix of firm baseload and renewable energy sources," Magno stated. He affirmed MinDA's commitment to collaborate closely with the DOE and private developers to ensure power planning for 2026–2028 is responsive and sustains the region's investment momentum.
"This partnership with the Department of Energy reflects our shared commitment to delivering reliable and least cost power for Mindanao," Magno added, highlighting the goal of strengthening regional competitiveness and supporting inclusive growth.
Agreed Actions and Private Sector Role
During the meeting, both agencies agreed on a concrete action plan, which includes:
- Reconvening the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee.
- Launching a dedicated Green Energy Auction for Mindanao.
- Jointly compiling and validating sites for prospective renewable energy projects.
MinDA Deputy Executive Director Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro underscored the indispensable role of private sector developers in ensuring the timely implementation of energy projects to meet rising demand.
This coordinated push follows successful MinDA investment missions that have attracted significant interest in clean energy ventures from countries like Malaysia, Qatar, and Korea.
Alignment with National Agenda
The initiatives strongly align with the national energy agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which prioritizes inclusive energy access and renewable expansion. The President's goals, such as deploying over one million solar home systems by 2028 and expanding the Lifeline Rate subsidy, dovetail with MinDA's efforts to use solar projects as interim solutions. The focus on accelerating programs like net metering and distributed solar complements the drive to fast-track the Green Energy Auction in Mindanao.
By linking national priorities with regional action, MinDA aims to position Mindanao not just as a hub for industrial growth driven by mining, but as a model for sustainable and inclusive development, ready for future challenges and investments.
