High-level officials from Mindanao, the Bangsamoro region, and New Zealand convened in Davao City on December 7, 2025, to solidify a crucial partnership aimed at driving sustainable progress. The meeting reinforced a shared commitment to advancing peace, inclusive development, and a decisive shift toward clean energy across Mindanao.
Strengthening Alliances for a Sustainable Mindanao
The high-level dialogue was led by Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno. He was joined by New Zealand Deputy Head of Mission Stacey Kwant and International Development Cooperation Manager Dyan Mabunga, alongside BARMM Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (Menre) Minister Akmad A. Brahim.
The discussions centered on concrete climate action, enhancing energy cooperation, and building stronger institutional ties. These efforts are designed to underpin Mindanao's long-term agenda for peace and prosperity. Secretary Magno highlighted that the collaboration fortifies a mutual dedication to resilience and clean power, paving the way for a sustainable and competitive future for the island.
Fueling the Clean Energy Transition
A major focus of the talks was New Zealand's substantial support for the Asian Development Bank's Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). New Zealand has pledged NZ$25 million to the ETM Partnership Trust Fund. This financial commitment is a game-changer, as it will help finance the early retirement of coal-fired power plants and speed up investments in renewable energy sources.
This mechanism is set to directly benefit Mindanao's journey toward low-carbon energy systems. MinDA and New Zealand's International Development Cooperation team are now working to pinpoint priority areas where the ETM can have the most significant impact.
Minister Brahim emphasized the growing energy autonomy of the Bangsamoro region. He pointed to the Transition Agreement with the Department of Energy, which empowers the BARMM government to manage and oversee renewable energy development within its jurisdiction. His ministry's involvement in this partnership, he stated, showcases BARMM's leadership in championing sustainable energy and inclusive economic growth.
Beyond Energy: Holistic Support for Peace and Development
The partnership extends far beyond the energy sector, encompassing broader peace and development initiatives supported by New Zealand in Mindanao. Two key programs were highlighted:
- The Indigenous Women and Girls-Leadership and Empowerment in Ancestral Domains (I-LEAD) Project: This initiative is scheduled for full implementation starting in 2026 and will operate across four Indigenous Peoples communities.
- The Mango Enhancement and Protection Program: A government-to-government project that leverages New Zealand's world-class horticultural expertise to revitalize the mango industry in Cotabato.
Human resource development remains a cornerstone of the cooperation. Through the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Program, officials from MinDA and BARMM have received training in renewable energy project management at the University of Auckland. Notably, 14 out of the 16 Filipino recipients of the 2024 postgraduate scholarships under this program are from Mindanao.
Aligning with National Goals
This tripartite partnership dovetails with the national energy agenda of the Marcos Administration. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has consistently pushed for accelerated investments in renewable energy and expanded power access for underserved communities. The collaboration with New Zealand and BARMM-Menre reinforces the national goals of achieving 100 percent electrification and a balanced energy mix for the Philippines.
Furthermore, President Marcos Jr.'s directive to streamline regulatory approvals and improve efficiency directly supports initiatives like the ETM. This ensures that clean energy projects in Mindanao can be implemented faster, bringing tangible benefits to communities sooner.
