DAVAO CITY – May 20, 2024 — The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) reaffirmed its commitment to a greener and more resilient Mindanao during a Capacity Building Training Workshop on Renewable Energy Development held at Sotogrande Hotel, Davao City.
The workshop, spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), in partnership with the Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), forms part of the implementation of the Bangsamoro Sustainable Energy Master Plan (BSEMP).
MinDA Deputy Executive Director Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro, speaking on behalf of MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, highlighted the agency’s ongoing efforts to promote clean energy development in the region. He also discussed potential financing windows available to fund renewable energy initiatives in BARMM.
“MinDA is always honored to partner and collaborate with other agencies, especially with BARMM. There are numerous funding windows available, and our role is to help leverage them effectively for the region’s development,” Montenegro said.
He emphasized that improving access to reliable electricity is critical to unlocking economic opportunities in conflict-affected and underserved communities across Mindanao.
“We want to place a strong emphasis on BARMM’s energy development and apply the lessons we’ve learned — because we cannot attract investment without stable and reliable energy in the area,” he added.
The training brought together 20 key participants from MENRE, the Ministry of Finance and Budget Management (MFBM), electric cooperatives, and local government planning offices. The workshop aimed to equip them with foundational knowledge on renewable energy development and strategic energy planning.
This initiative aligns with the Marcos administration’s national goals of increasing the share of renewables in the country’s energy mix, expanding access to clean and affordable power in remote areas, and ensuring energy development contributes to economic recovery and environmental sustainability.
MinDA’s active involvement in the workshop reflects its broader commitment to supporting energy initiatives that strengthen Mindanao’s resilience, promote inclusive growth, and position the region as a viable investment destination.