Senatorial candidate and Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay stated on Saturday that renewable energy offers a solution to the increasing demand for power in Mindanao.
“I believe there is a significant opportunity for renewable energy—this is one of my main advocacies,” Mayor Binay expressed during a press conference in Davao del Norte.
Binay noted that, currently, renewable energy sources such as solar, hydroelectric, and biomass constitute only a small percentage of Mindanao’s total power capacity. She mentioned that solar and biomass energy account for merely 2 percent of the capacity mix, highlighting that there is untapped potential for these resources in the region.
“And those are untapped opportunities that Mindanao can leverage to meet its power demands,” Binay added.
Furthermore, Binay highlighted the role of renewable energy, particularly solar power, in addressing the ongoing electricity issues in remote schools. “We should focus on completing the last-mile infrastructure in schools, and Mindanao should be among the regions where this is achieved,” she stated.
“I’ve noticed that many newly built schools are equipped with solar panels. This means they can generate their own power and won’t need to rely on the grid,” she explained.
Previously, Binay mentioned that developing new and cleaner energy sources could attract more investors to Mindanao, particularly in the food and agriculture sectors. Last year, the business community in Mindanao raised concerns that without new energy sources, the region could face a power crisis by 2027 or 2028.
In response, Binay proposed the tax-free importation of solar panels and related solar technology and hardware. She also suggested providing incentives for households and businesses that switch to solar energy.
