By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo
In the shadows of a burgeoning crisis, Mindanao stands on the precipice of a devastating power shortage, a calamity forewarned by Rodger Velasco, President & COO of Aboitiz Power Corp.’s Davao Light. If current trends persist, this island, brimming with untapped potential, faces a dark future—literally and figuratively. Within five years, without significant investment in new power plants, Mindanao could plunge into an energy abyss that echoes the debilitating summer of 2012.
The grim forecast from Velasco paints a dire picture. With the existing infrastructure nearing its limits and no new projects on the horizon, the region’s growth and prosperity hang in the balance. The construction of a power plant alone spans three years, not to mention the labyrinthine process of securing permits, which could stretch for additional months or even years. This bureaucratic quagmire is a glaring testament to systemic negligence and inefficiency that has plagued the region’s energy sector.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. A power crisis in Mindanao would stymie its industrial sector, paralyze businesses, and stifle economic growth. The ripple effects would be catastrophic: hospitals running on fumes, schools forced to shut down, and countless livelihoods disrupted. It’s not just about keeping the lights on; it’s about sustaining the very heartbeat of Mindanao’s socio-economic fabric.
The echoes of the 2012 crisis serve as a grim reminder of what’s at stake. Back then, power outages crippled industries and brought daily life to a standstill. Yet, despite this stark warning from history, little has been done to safeguard against a repeat. The current administration’s lackadaisical approach to attracting investors and the absence of proactive measures are glaring lapses that could lead to another bout of widespread suffering.
Moreover, the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) has shackled companies like Davao Light, preventing them from setting up their own plants. This legislative straitjacket, while perhaps well-intentioned, has inadvertently hamstrung the region’s ability to secure a stable power supply. Instead of empowering local players to address the crisis, it forces them into a protracted and uncertain courtship with potential investors, many of whom are deterred by the daunting regulatory landscape.
The cost of inaction is severe. As Velasco rightly points out, the law of supply and demand is unforgiving. A constrained supply coupled with rising demand will inevitably drive up power rates, burdening consumers and businesses alike. This is not a theoretical concern; it’s an imminent threat to the economic well-being of every resident of Mindanao.
Globally, we’ve seen the dire consequences of power shortages. In California, rolling blackouts in the early 2000s wreaked havoc on the economy, costing billions in lost productivity and precipitating a political crisis. South Africa’s ongoing power issues have stunted its economic growth and eroded public trust in government institutions. Mindanao cannot afford to follow in these footsteps.
So, what can be done to avert this impending disaster?
Firstly, there must be an urgent overhaul of the bureaucratic processes that hinder power plant development. Streamlining permit approvals and reducing red tape are crucial steps to attract investors who can bring much-needed infrastructure projects to fruition.
Secondly, the government must reconsider the restrictions imposed by EPIRA. Allowing local power companies to build their own plants could provide a much-needed boost to the region’s energy security.
Thirdly, a robust campaign to attract foreign and domestic investors must be launched, one that highlights the region’s potential and provides clear incentives for investment. This effort should be spearheaded by a dedicated task force composed of government officials, industry leaders, and representatives from the business community.
Lastly, there must be a concerted effort to diversify Mindanao’s energy mix, incorporating renewable sources such as solar and wind to reduce dependence on traditional baseload power plants and enhance resilience against future crises.
The looming power shortage in Mindanao is not just a technical issue; it’s a moral and economic imperative that demands immediate action. The time for complacency is over. All sectors—government, business, and civil society—must come together to forge a sustainable energy future for Mindanao. Failure to do so will condemn the region to darkness, both literal and metaphorical, stifling its dreams of progress and prosperity.
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KWEBA ni BAROK 
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