DAVAO CITY, Oct. 14 (PNA) — An online web portal designed to track and monitor renewable energy (RE) projects in Mindanao was launched at the Diamond Hotel, here Monday, in line with the goal to achieve a balanced mix of fossil-fueled and RE sources across the island-region.
The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Department of Energy (DoE) through the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) have officially launched the One-Stop Facilitation and Monitoring (OSFM) Web Portal, pushing forward the move to streamline application process for the region’s RE projects.
Speaking before partner agencies and other guests from the power sector, MinDA Chair, Sec. Luwalhati Antonino emphasized the importance of ensuring that the entry of additional capacities to be introduced in the island region should put a specific focus on the accelerated deployment of RE sources.
Committed capacities to be positioned starting next year have provided excess net reserves for the island region since 2009, however, most of these projects are centered on fossil-fueled power sources – particularly coal-fired power plants.
“While we welcome a regime of reliable power supply in Mindanao with the installation of baseload plants, it behooves upon us to also undertake deliberate and purposive efforts to accelerate the deployment of RE capacities,” said Antonino.
Antonino further stressed that the development of RE sources in the island-region is imperative in the thrust of substantial investment and trade opportunities for Mindanao.
“This is in line with the Mindanao Development Corridors, one of MinDA’s flagship programs which is concentrated on the expansion of logistical, infrastructural, and connectivity endeavors within the island-region,” she said.
Antonino added that reliable, affordable, and sustainable power through RE projects is essential in the full realization of the said strategy.
“It is important to stress that RE development plays a huge part in aggressive and effective investment programming and promotions that will complement MinDA’s Growth Corridors and help us achieve a balanced and inclusive growth among our regions in Mindanao,” she said.
The OSFM web portal is established to allow fast-track processing of RE power project applications through a monitoring system that includes facilitative tracking and real-time status updates for partner government agencies and project stakeholders.
During the web portal’s launch, a ceremonial turnover of computer certificates took place, while stakeholders were shown a demonstration of how the facility can be used in tracking and monitoring ongoing RE project applications.
Romeo Montenegro, MinDA’s director for Investment Promotions and Public Affairs and the head of the MPMC’s technical working group stressed that the OSFM web portal is just an initial phase in the vision of the MPMC towards RE development, which is also in line with the Mindanao 2020 development strategy.
“The One-Stop web portal is but a first step towards achieving the goal of a streamlined application process for RE development, which is also consistent with the Mindanao 2020 strategy on the diversification of energy mix for the island region,” said Montenegro.
Established through Executive Order No. 81, MPMC plays an active part in spearheading and coordinating efforts to address and improve the overall power situation and concerns in Mindanao. (PNA)