The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte are actively pursuing major investment partnerships in cutting-edge technology sectors following a high-level visit to South Korea. The focus is on attracting Hyundai Engineering and Construction to develop data centers and small modular reactor (SMR) technologies in the region.
Strategic Korea Mission Highlights Mindanao's Readiness
This initiative was a key part of a three-day Mindanao Investment Mission to Korea, spearheaded by MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno. The delegation highlighted the island's improving peace and security landscape, particularly in the Bangsamoro region, as a solid foundation for new business ventures. The mission aimed to translate this stability into concrete, high-impact investments.
During the strategic site visit to Hyundai's headquarters in Yeouido-dong, the Philippine delegation, including Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib and MinDA Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro, received comprehensive briefings and toured facilities. Hyundai executives, including Senior Manager for SMR Cha Dongjun and Chief Manager Kwon Sungyeop of the Global Data Center Business Team, showcased the company's advanced capabilities, signaling a serious interest in exploring opportunities in Mindanao.
Davao Region Positioned as Ideal Investment Hub
Governor Jubahib, who also serves as the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI Chair and an ex officio member of the MinDA Board, directly pitched the Davao Region's advantages. He cited its notable economic growth and its existing role in global value chains through other international locators. "If Hyundai explores potential sites for a data center and small modular reactor (SMR) in the Davao Region, we stand ready to collaborate," Jubahib assured the Hyundai executives, promising close work with regulators and communities to ensure project viability and support.
MinDA reinforced this pitch, emphasizing that Mindanao's strategic location, ongoing infrastructure development, and supportive investment climate make it a competitive choice for Hyundai's Asian expansion plans. The authority is concurrently advancing broader initiatives to establish Mindanao as a hub for next-generation digital infrastructure, which would also enhance disaster response capabilities across the island.
Driving Energy Security and Digital Transformation
The push for SMR technology is a strategic component of Mindanao's energy transition. These compact, low-carbon power systems are seen as crucial for providing stable baseload power. This stability is needed to effectively complement the region's growing but intermittent renewable energy sources, like solar and hydro, aiming for a 50:50 energy mix. The move would reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and boost long-term energy security.
This entire endeavor aligns with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to accelerate investments in both energy security and digital infrastructure. The engagement with Hyundai reflects the administration's goal to attract technology-driven investments that create jobs and strengthen the Philippines' regional competitiveness. By positioning Mindanao at the forefront of advanced industries, the mission supports the vision of a resilient and globally connected national economy.
