GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Business leaders in General Santos City have raised concerns over recurring power interruptions and the financial condition of local electric cooperatives.
The concerns were raised during a Mindanao business sector dialogue, where private sector representatives called for government action to address infrastructure and energy issues in the region.
Participants cited issues including port modernization, electricity supply disruptions, infrastructure projects and challenges in the fishing industry.
Power supply reliability was identified as a major concern.
Reports of financial losses in a local electric cooperative and recurring brownouts have contributed to uncertainty among businesses facing rising operating costs.
Business leaders said unreliable electricity affects operations, especially for industries that depend on continuous production and cold storage.
General Santos City relies on stable electricity for fish processing facilities, cold storage, manufacturing plants and port operations.
They said even short interruptions can disrupt production schedules and increase costs.
Mindanao’s power sector continues to face challenges including infrastructure limitations and distribution issues. While supply conditions have improved compared to previous years, reliability remains a concern in some areas.
Stakeholders said stable electricity supply is important for sustaining business activity and investment in the region.
