CARMEN, DAVAO DEL NORTE — On Saturday, 15 February, Makati Mayor and senatorial candidate Abby Binay said renewable energy would provide the solution to the rising demand for power in Mindanao.

“I think there is an opportunity for renewable energy — yun kasi ang aking adbokasiya,” Mayor Abby said in a press conference here.

Binay said so far, renewable energy — solar, hydroelectric and biomass — make up only a small percentage of Mindanao’s power capacity.

She said solar and biomass make up only two percent of the capacity mix, as well as biomass and hydroelectric energy.

“And those are untapped potential that Mindanao can be a source of solution to the demand for power,” Binay added.

Binay also said renewable energy, particularly solar, would also address the lingering problem of electricity in last-mile schools.

“Siguro tapusin na natin yung last mile sa mga eskwelahan… And Mindanao should be one of those na matapos ang mga eskwelahan. I noticed na yung mga eskwelahan na tinatayo ngayon ay may solar panel na. So ibig sabihin, they will produce their own power, so hindi na sila kailangan mag-connect sa grid if ever,” she said.

Binay had earlier said  developing new and cleaner sources of power will bring more investors to Mindanao, especially in food and agriculture. 

Last year, Mindanao’s business sector expressed concern that unless government finds new sources of energy, the region could experience a power crisis starting 2027 or 2028.

Earlier, Binay proposed the tax-free importation of solar panels and other solar power technology and hardware. She also proposed incentives for households and businesses who switch to solar energy.