Around 700 stakeholders from various sectors convened for the 2024 Mindanao Power Summit. With the theme “Energy Secure and Empowered Mindanao through Innovations,” this summit marked a significant step forward in addressing the region's energy challenges.
Bringing together local government units, chambers of commerce, electric cooperatives, national government agencies, academia, and students, the summit set the stage for transformative resolutions focused on energy security and innovation. The collective efforts and insights gained during this event promise to propel Mindanao towards a more sustainable and energy-resilient future.
Key Resolutions for a Sustainable Future
Several significant resolutions emerged from the summit, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable energy practices. One notable proposal calls for the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to establish a balancing mechanism to protect consumers from costs associated with renewable energy programs like net metering and distributed energy resources. This initiative aims to make renewable energy more accessible and affordable for Mindanaoan.
Additionally, there was a collective appeal to accelerate renewable energy projects in the region and integrate these investments into local government plans. Resolutions also endorsed the “Energy Storage Project” and emphasized the need to harmonize guidelines to ensure host communities benefit fairly from the profits generated by nearby power plants.
Collaboration and Innovation for Energy Advancement
The summit featured active participation from key organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation of Iligan Inc., the Mindanao Development Authority, and several regional and national government agencies. The collaborative spirit was evident as stakeholders discussed critical energy issues and explored innovative solutions.
DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla highlighted major achievements in the energy sector and reaffirmed the government's dedication to promoting greener mobility through initiatives like the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian also underscored the vital role of renewable energy sources, such as hydro, solar, and battery systems, in meeting Mindanao’s power needs sustainably.
A Bright Future Ahead
The resolutions and discussions from the summit will be presented at the National Power Summit on June 19, showcasing Mindanao’s proactive steps towards energy security and innovation. The positive outcomes of this summit, themed "Crafting a Sustainable Future: Resolutions from the 2024 Mindanao Power Summit," demonstrate a collective commitment to creating a sustainable, energy-secure future for Mindanao, ensuring the region's growth and development continue unabated.
