Abby Binay: Renewable energy key to addressing Mindanao’s power needs

Makati City Mayor and senatorial candidate Abby Binay in a press conference in Mindanao.

MANILA, Philippines – Makati City Mayor and senatorial candidate Abby Binay on Monday said renewable energy would provide the solution to the rising demand for power in Mindanao.

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

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 2 per cent 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 energy, 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 the food and agriculture sector.

Last year, Mindanao’s business sector expressed concerns that unless government finds new sources of energy, the region could experience a power crisis by 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.