The Mindanao Renewable Energy Acceleration and Coordination Hub (Mindanao REACH) is playing a transformative role in addressing energy access and promoting agricultural development in Mindanao, Philippines. Despite significant strides in electrification across the nation, about one million households in Mindanao still lack reliable electricity access, especially in the Bangsamoro region. Mindanao REACH, established through collaboration among the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF), the Ramon Magsaysay Transformative Leadership Institute, and India’s SELCO Foundation, aims to leverage renewable energy for economic and social upliftment.
The Genesis of Mindanao REACH
Collaborative Efforts for Better Energy Access
Mindanao REACH was initiated in 2020 in alignment with the National Total Electrification Roadmap. The collaboration between PEF, the Ramon Magsaysay Transformative Leadership Institute, and SELCO Foundation marked a critical juncture in the quest for bringing renewable energy to underserved regions. The initiative seeks to address the pressing issue of energy poverty by implementing sustainable, renewable solutions. The collaborative effort reflects a shared vision of driving socio-economic development through improved energy access, fundamentally transforming the quality of life for Mindanao’s residents. By pooling resources, expertise, and innovative technologies, these organizations endeavor to provide reliable energy, fostering equity and enhancing opportunities for various communities.
Strategic Partnerships and Milestones
The initiative gained further momentum in 2022 with a memorandum of agreement between PEF, Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), and the Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA). This agreement positions Mindanao REACH as a multi-stakeholder platform, emphasizing grassroots involvement and comprehensive planning. Strategic partnerships have proven to be vital for the initiative’s success, ensuring that diverse sectors collaborate towards a common goal. This integrated approach allows for holistic planning, where different facets of economic and social development are interwoven. The involvement of academic institutions like ADDU brings research-driven strategies into the fold, while the support from local authorities like MINDA embeds the efforts within the community, ensuring sustainability and local ownership.
Promoting Productive Uses of Renewable Energy (PURE)
Impact on Coffee Production
The PURE programs, particularly in Region XII, exemplify the potential of renewable energy in agricultural contexts. PEF has facilitated the provision of solar-powered technology for coffee production. Solar-powered coffee dehullers have revolutionized post-processing activities, resulting in higher efficiency and better incomes for local farmers. Improving the efficiency of coffee processing reduces labor costs and enhances the quality of the final product, thereby increasing market competitiveness. Furthermore, this renewable energy intervention reduces reliance on fossil fuels, cutting down operational costs and minimizing environmental impact. These benefits go beyond economic gains, offering social advantages such as improved living conditions, better access to education, and increased community resilience.
Expansion of PURE Projects
Currently, there are 15 active PURE projects across five municipalities in Region XII. These projects deploy solar-powered equipment for various agricultural processes, including corn shellers and rice mills. These interventions not only improve productivity but also reduce dependency on costly fossil fuels. The positive impact of these projects could serve as a model for other regions aiming to integrate renewable energy into their agricultural practices. Besides technological deployments, the PURE projects also focus on capacity building, training local farmers and operators to maintain and optimize the use of solar-powered equipment. This holistic approach ensures that the communities are not only beneficiaries but are also empowered to take control of their developmental trajectories.
Looking Ahead: Focus on Bukidnon
Developing the Bukidnon Coffee Roadmap
Mindanao REACH’s future plans include similar initiatives for Bukidnon in Region X. The development of the Bukidnon Coffee Roadmap is underway, integrating renewable energy as a power source for coffee processing in underserved areas. This comprehensive roadmap aims to provide a structured path for enhancing both energy access and agricultural productivity. By ensuring a consistent supply of renewable energy, the roadmap addresses one of the critical bottlenecks in agricultural development. Through strategic planning and targeted interventions, the roadmap aligns the region’s development objectives with sustainable practices, paving the way for long-term socio-economic growth. Collaborative efforts with local enterprises and government units will be key in realizing this vision.
Conducting Energy Audits
Energy audits have been conducted with two agricultural enterprises in Bukidnon, laying the groundwork for implementing renewable energy solutions. These audits are crucial in identifying the specific energy needs and potential renewable energy applications suitable for the region. With these insights, Mindanao REACH plans to tailor its interventions to maximize impact. The findings from these audits offer a detailed understanding of energy consumption patterns, inefficiencies, and areas where renewable energy can replace traditional sources most effectively. This data-driven approach ensures that the adopted solutions are not only technically feasible but also economically viable, fostering sustainable development and making a substantial difference in the lives of the local population.
Sustaining the Momentum
Commitment and Focus from Stakeholders
Roberto Calingo, the executive director of PEF, underscores the importance of committed stakeholders. He views Mindanao REACH not just as an energy project but as a contributor to the holistic development of Mindanao. This commitment is vital for the sustainability and success of the initiative, ensuring that the focus remains on uplifting communities. Stakeholder engagement goes beyond mere participation; it involves active collaboration, shared responsibilities, and collective ownership of the project’s goals. This inclusive approach guarantees that diverse perspectives are considered, leading to more robust, community-centric solutions. The role of stakeholders is crucial in monitoring progress, providing feedback, and adapting strategies to meet evolving needs and challenges.
Overcoming Challenges
The Mindanao Renewable Energy Acceleration and Coordination Hub (Mindanao REACH) is significantly transforming the landscape of energy access and agricultural growth in Mindanao, Philippines. While the nation has made considerable progress in electrification, nearly one million households in Mindanao, particularly in the Bangsamoro region, still lack consistent access to electricity. Mindanao REACH aims to tackle this challenge by harnessing renewable energy’s potential to drive economic and social progress. This initiative results from joint efforts by the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF), the Ramon Magsaysay Transformative Leadership Institute, and India’s SELCO Foundation. Their collaboration focuses on implementing sustainable energy solutions to uplift communities, improve quality of life, and foster agricultural development in the area. The project underscores the critical role of renewable energy in advancing social equity and economic opportunities, enabling Mindanao to become more self-reliant and prosperous. Through these efforts, Mindanao REACH aspires to create a brighter, more sustainable future for the region’s residents.
