Mindanao has long been recognized for its potential as an economic engine, yet its progress remains intertwined with one crucial factor: electricity. From frequent power outages to financial stress among electric cooperatives (ECs), the challenge of reliable electrification continues to shape the region’s development. At the recent Mindanao Business Conference in Tagum City, business leaders and stakeholders highlighted the need for dependable utilities to support rising industries. With the island growing faster than the national average, the question of how to sustain that growth has put power distributors, particularly ECs, at the center of the conversation. Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief External and Government Affairs Officer Atty. Arnel D. Casanova underscored the weight of reliable electricity on business continuity, stating that power outages can stop production and destroy value. He emphasized that without strong distribution systems, the region’s momentum could slow down, and that Mindanao’s growth will be stunted if power is not made reliable. Casanova pointed out how industries flourished in Batangas, where electricity was stable, with a 14.1 percent compound annual growth rate in energy sales in areas with reliable distribution. He noted that investors will not come if power is unreliable, but when distribution is strong, industries move in, investments follow, jobs are created, and local economies flourish. Casanova called for greater collaboration with ECs, noting that partnerships and shared expertise could help replicate success in Mindanao, and stated that together, they can ensure that Mindanao achieves its full potential and builds a stronger Philippines by strengthening its distribution backbone. As Mindanao looks ahead, the path toward a stronger economy may very well depend on its ability to keep the lights on.
