Mindanao's Booming Economy Needs a Power Boost: Government Official Warns of Energy Shortfalls

The Philippines' Mindanao region has experienced significant economic growth in recent years, with agriculture and real estate leading the way. However, this progress is threatened by insufficient energy infrastructure, according to Asec. Romeo Montenegro, deputy executive director of the Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA). In an interview with Rappler, Montenegro emphasized the need to address the region's growing energy needs to maintain its economic momentum. "Mindanao has demonstrated a major transformation in terms of its economic development and economic growth in the last recent years," he stated. Montenegro pointed out that eight of the Philippines' top ten export commodities come from Mindanao, underscoring the region's economic importance. The lack of adequate energy infrastructure, he warned, risks reversing the progress made in the last two decades. Looking ahead, Montenegro stressed the importance of strategic planning and coordination between government agencies and the private sector to ensure better energy security for Mindanao. This proactive approach will be crucial to sustaining the region's economic growth and prosperity.