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Mindanao is on track to achieve a balance between renewable energy (RE) and ‘dirty’ and expensive fossil fuels – mostly coal – by 2030, with the Department of Energy (DOE) announcing the potential delivery of at least 1,000 megawatts (MW) of clean energy within the next three years.

Speaking during the 4th Mindanao Clean Energy Forum here last week, Energy Assistant Secretary Sabine Marie Romero acknowledged Mindanao’s ‘strong renewable energy foundation,’ citing the large combined capacity of state-owned hydroelectric power plants along the Agus and Pulangi rivers, which generate about 1,000 MW.

‘Mindanao is where RE can thrive,’ Romero said, noting that the region can lead the way for a clean energy future for the country.

Under the country’s nationally determined contribution to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, Mindanao had set a target of making RE constitute half of the region’s energy mix by 2030, at par with fossil fuels, mainly coal.

The Mindanao target is more ambitious than the national goal of getting RE at 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

According to a study by the multistakeholder Mindanao Renewable Energy Acceleration and Coordination Hub, the region requires 1,400 MW of additional installed RE capacity to achieve the 50:50 goal by 2030.

Romero noted that as of July this year, the DOE had recorded 25 committed RE projects that have a total potential capacity of 1,026 MW, expected to be delivered between 2026 and 2029. Of these, the bulk-or some 675.96 MW-are solar capacities.

She said the DOE forecast RE to reach 56 percent of Mindanao’s energy mix by 2030 ‘if all committed and green energy auction projects come online as scheduled.’

Attracting investments

Based on DOE data, RE share in Mindanao’s total installed energy capacity is 32.5 percent in 2025, while 35 percent in gross power generation, 20 percent coming from hydro.

According to Romero, the agency had put in place policies and programs to further attract RE investments in the country, such as easing foreign ownership limit, preferential dispatch of all RE resources in the wholesale electricity spot market, and coming up with a framework for the development of offshore wind resources.

Throughout the country, the DOE set a 10-year green energy auction plan that will offer a cumulative total of 25 gigawatts (GW) of RE capacity that will deliver power from 2027 to 2035.

For Mindanao, Romero cited the 20 GW integrated renewable energy and energy storage system, 20 MW roof-mounted solar, and 175 MW run-of-river hydro, which will be offered in upcoming green energy auctions.

She emphasized that there is a need to ensure that the energy is ‘reliable, affordable and sustainable’ so that it can power Mindanao’s industrialization, agribusiness expansion, urbanization and the rise of micro, small and medium enterprises.

‘Every megawatt we build must answer’ the needs of the people, she said, adding the need for transmission and distribution assets in the region to be ready to handle the increased generation capacity.

Cheap option

Ben Cyrus Ellorin, project director of Consumers for Renewable Energy Action in Mindanao, welcomed the ‘DOE buy-in’ of the push to accelerate the building of RE capacities in Mindanao and throughout the country.

Ellorin noted that Mindanao became dependent on coal-fed capacities in 2016, when the aging Agus and Pulangi plants could no longer cater to the region’s expanding needs, prompting distribution utilities to forge long-term supply contracts with coal-fired plants that sidelined RE capacities.

The shift to RE acquired a backdrop of urgency as fossil fuel prices had steadily climbed, especially due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, raising electricity rates in the region, he added.

‘Renewable energy is the cheapest option today,’ said energy planner Alberto Dalusung III, energy transition adviser of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities.

Dalusung said that moving forward, energy planning in the region must be sensitive to the needs of industries that support massive job creation, citing, for one, the planned expansion of a steel-making plant in Davao.

Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro, Mindanao Development Authority deputy executive director, emphasized the need for reliable and affordable energy to further drive Mindanao’s ‘phenomenal growth,’ inviting RE investors to locate on the island to help sustain its development

Dalusung noted that several path-breaking efforts for RE were started in Mindanao, such as the first solar power farm and a hydropower plant designed to run in tandem with a solar capacity, all in Misamis Oriental, and a biomass power facility in Maguindanao del Norte.

An umbrella group of cement manufacturers in the Philippines expects cement demand to finish the year flat, as construction activity across public and private projects remains sluggish.

Reinier Dizon, president of the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (Cemap), said cement demand from January to September was down 2 to 3 percent from the same period last year.

But the group is banking on a pickup in construction activity in the fourth quarter to help demand recover and at least match last year’s estimated 34 million metric tons (MT), equivalent to about 85 million bags.

‘Perhaps that’s not a bad thing considering what we’ve gone through this year,’ Dizon told reporters on the sidelines of a business summit organized by the Federation of Philippine Industries, where he also serves as president.

‘(We have) an inflationary environment and government spending has been rather muted this year,’ he added.

That subdued outlook comes as government infrastructure spending remains weak amid heightened scrutiny of public works projects following the flood control fiasco, which erupted more than a year ago.

In July, infrastructure and other capital outlays slipped 4 percent to P89.6 billion. The slowdown was more pronounced in the first seven months, with spending plunging 36 percent to P457 billion from P713.5 billion a year earlier.

Private construction activity has also shown signs of weakness, with approved building permits falling 31 percent to 10,968 in August, the lowest level in more than six years.

Still, Cemap hopes the resumption of government infrastructure projects, particularly those put on hold following the flood control controversy, could provide a much-needed lift to cement demand.

‘Hopefully, what will be the game changer for Q4 will be the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) side,’ Dizon said.

Another potential boost could come from El Niño, as drier conditions generally favor construction activity. Dizon, however, acknowledged that the weather phenomenon could still be ‘tricky’ as it could also bring episodes of heavy rainfall.

Production surplus

This year, Dizon expects cement imports to decline by about 30 percent, largely due to the imposition of safeguard duties of P349 per MT on shipments from China and Indonesia after they exceeded exemption thresholds.

Cement imports could reach around 4 million MT this year, based on Cemap estimates.

Even with imports projected to decline, Dizon emphasized that the Philippines still has more cement production capacity than domestic demand can absorb.

The country currently has the capacity to produce approximately 52 million MT of cement annually, compared with demand of just 34 million MT last year.

That leaves roughly 18 million MT in excess annual production capacity, even before accounting for imported cement.

With existing capacity already far exceeding domestic requirements, Dizon sees little immediate incentive for manufacturers to commit to additional capacity-expanding investments.

He also cited rising energy costs and the weakening peso as additional challenges facing the industry.rements, Dizon sees little immediate incentive for manufacturers to commit to additional capacity-expanding investments.

The Philippine government has maintained confidence in its coal supply deal with Indonesia, even as Indonesia cuts its gas exports to Singapore.

For her part, Secretary Sharon Garin of the Department of Energy (DOE) assured that both parties will honor their coal contracts, even as Indonesia revises its export rules to improve transparency and supply-chain traceability.

‘We have received assurance about the supply, and we asked them if they could keep the price stable despite the changes,’ she told reporters on the sidelines of the Singapore International Energy Week.

‘But we don’t have the same issue as of yet, reported like the issue of Singapore on their gas,’ the official added.

Based on reports, Indonesia has decided to cut gas exports to Singapore to focus on domestic power needs, while keeping exports within agreed limits.

For the Philippines’ case, it imports almost 85 percent of its coal supply from Indonesia. Garin said Indonesian coal was ‘a very important part of our power system,’ as the market relies heavily on coal.

On one hand, coal accounts for about 60 percent of the Philippines’ power generation, providing much of its baseload capacity. On the other hand, the Philippine government also plans to release a coal transition policy that could prompt the startup of 3 to 5 gigawatts of baseload capacity from idle contracts.

In contrast, renewable energy account for 25 percent, still far from the government’s target of scaling up its share to 35 percent by 2030.

Garin also said the DOE is ‘seriously studying’ a blending facility or coal terminal.

Still, a blending terminal will source supply from domestic and foreign markets to mix high-grade and low-grade coals, adjusting blends to meet various industrial requirements.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has directed continuous wildlife monitoring along the Cacaransan-Saputan Road in Calbayog City following a series of Philippine tarsier deaths.

‘Immediately following the reports, DENR personnel from the Calbayog Pan-as-Hayiban Protected Landscape conducted an on-site investigation, verified the reported locations, gathered information from witnesses and local stakeholders, coordinated with barangay officials, and documented the circumstances surrounding the incidents,’ it said.

Panay News, a regional publication, earlier reported that another dead tarsier was found along the road in Calbayog City, Samar, on Oct. 22. It was the fourth recorded death in the same area this year, about 3 kilometers from the city proper.

The DENR said initial findings indicate the need for further investigation into possible habitat disturbance and other environmental or human-induced factors that may be affecting the species.

Philippine tarsiers are tiny nocturnal primates closely associated with the central island of Bohol, but researchers have found evidence that their range is far more extensive than previously documented.

A study by researchers at the University of the Philippines Diliman found reports of the species in 29 provinces, more than double the 14 provinces previously identified as habitats by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The IUCN lists the species as ‘near threatened’ on its Red List of Threatened Species.

The DENR said it is strengthening coordination with local governments, barangay officials and concerned stakeholders while encouraging the public to promptly report sightings of injured or dead wildlife.

Its regional office in Eastern Visayas ‘remains committed to taking decisive action to prevent further incidents and ensure the long-term conservation of this protected species,’ the DENR said

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) on Thursday decided to send the names of five candidates aspiring for the chief justice post to Malacañang after extensive deliberation.

The names, which will be transmitted directly to the Office of the President, comes ahead of the mandatory retirement of incumbent Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo on November 6.

Aspiring for the top judiciary posts are Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Rodil Zalameda, Japar Dimaampao, and Jose Midas Marquez.

JBC is constitutionally mandated to vet applicants for the judicial positions and top posts at the Office of the Ombudsman.

Once Malacañang formally receives the list, the President has a 90-day constitutional window from the vacancy date to select and appoint the nation’s 28th Chief Justice.

This Halloween season, Discovery Boracay and Discovery Coron transform into haunted hideaways for ‘Dolls After Dark’, adding a touch of thrilling mystery to their annual trick-or-treat traditions on the islands. Happening on October 31, 2026, kids and families are invited to an afternoon filled with playful frights and exciting activities.

The Biggest Halloween Dollhouse Event on Boracay Island

Discovery Boracay transforms into Hollow Manor, a Victorian-era dollhouse, opening its doors to both in-house and walk-in guests. Children are invited to take part in this curious world to play, dance, and share sweet treats with its peculiar living doll hosts.

Participation is complimentary for in-house guests, who can register on October 31, at 12 NN. Walk-in participants may register from October 29 to 31 for PHP 888 net per child. Upon registration, each child receives a passport to collect stamps at six activity stations, where they can earn a special Halloween souvenir.

The festivities begin at 3 PM in the Lounge with face-painting and photo opportunities, followed by a costume parade, fun games and activities. Among the main highlights of the celebration is the costume competition where children are encouraged to come in their best Halloween-inspired costumes for a chance to win exciting prizes, including one from event sponsor Ipanema.

The Halloween fun continues at the Andros Function Room where children can take part in the official trick-or-treat activity before the festivities conclude at 6 PM.

Beyond the main event, guests can also enjoy a week-long lineup of activities from October 26 to November 1, featuring complimentary kids’ activities such as creative craft sessions and fun beachside games. Families can also make the most of their stay with the Weekend Buffet at Sands Restaurant, available every Friday to Sunday from 6 to 10 PM at PHP 1,888 net per person.

With a week of Halloween activities for the whole family to enjoy, Discovery Boracay sets the scene for a memorable end to October.

A Haunted Dollhouse Adventure in Coron

The Halloween magic of ‘Dolls After Dark’ takes on a mysterious charm as Discovery Coron invites families into a world of curious dolls, playful frights, and island-inspired surprises.

The celebration kicks off at 4 PM with a lineup of Halloween activities for the whole family to enjoy, including Creepy Doll Face Painting, the Trick-or-Treat Trail, and the ‘Witch’s Flight

Challenge’. Exciting prizes up for grabs for the Best in Costume, including toys and a pizza voucher. The evening culminates in a Halloween movie screening at 6:30 PM. All activities are complimentary for in-house guests, with no prior registration needed.

In addition to the exciting kids’ activities, adults get to have their own fun with a captivating Halloween Dinner by the Beach. The menu boasts fall favorites like Chicken Pumpkin Curry andSlow Braised Pork Belly with Apple Cider Glaze, as well as delightful themed desserts for everyone to enjoy.

Guests are also invited to come in their favorite costumes and dance under the moonlight to tunes from the resort’s musical guest, Center Stage Band.

Special giveaways from REBISCO will be available at both celebrations.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Zamboanga del Sur is investigating the mining operations of company called TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) in Bayog town.

It is zeroing in on the firm’s environmental compliance, tax liabilities, and mineral transport transparency.

The provincial board’s Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by 2nd District Board Member Hernan dela Cruz, is examining the operations at TVIRD’s Balabag Gold-Silver Project.

The panel wants to verify the production output of the business enterprise and look into the distribution of benefits to affected Indigenous Peoples (IPs).

Dela Cruz, who also heads the panel on environment and natural resources, clarified that the legislative inquiry aims to enforce regulatory compliance, rather than stop the mining activities.

‘The objective is not to obstruct legitimate mining operations, but to ensure that every obligation imposed by law is properly observed,’ dela Cruz said.

The provincial board wants to be certain that ‘every government revenue due is accounted for, and every affected community receives the benefits to which it is entitled,’ he noted.

To tighten oversight, the panel is proposing the deployment of provincial government monitors during the weighing, documentation and shipment of gold and silver products at the Balabag site.

The proposed local monitoring team will coordinate with national regulators-including the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and Bureau of Customs (BOC).

The action is meant to reconcile production records with declared tax payments and curb potential revenue leakage.

The committee cited preliminary information indicating that TVIRD transports its gold and silver output via helicopter two to three times a month, depending on the volume.

The board members want to independently verify what kind of practices are going on, through official logs and on-site inspections.

Dela Cruz stressed that establishing an evidence-based monitoring mechanism is necessary to resolve questions surrounding output volumes and tax yields through objective records, rather than speculations.

During the inquiry, local officials questioned TVIRD representatives over the proper payment and remittance of the local government units’ (LGUs) shares from the company’s extraction activities.

The officials included Mayor Celso Matias, dela Cruz, and Board Member Roger Saniel.

The discussion focused on clarifying the remittance of mining-related revenues to Bayog and the provincial government, determining whether all required payments had been fully settled.

In response, TVIRD presented an overview of its mining operations and outlined its adherence to the Philippine Mining Act and other applicable laws.

The mining company maintained that it remains fully compliant with its tax and regulatory obligations.

The legislative probe comes amid an ongoing civil suit filed by TVIRD against the municipal government of Bayog over contested local tax liabilities estimated at roughly P2 billion.

While emphasizing that the exact amount, legal grounds, and covered period remain subject to judicial determination, the committee noted that the lawsuit’s outcome carries major financial implications for local government revenues.

TVIRD started initial operations at the Balabag project in 2017 before reaching full commercial production in 2022.

Engr. Noel Manrique, General Manager and Chief Operations Officer of the TVIRD Balabag Gold-Silver Project, clarified that since the matter has reached the court, the company and the Bayog local government unit (LGU) have agreed to abide by whatever judicial decision is rendered.

‘When it comes to taxes, interpretations vary, but it always depends on the National Treasury,’ Manrique explained.

‘There is a law governing this, and we follow a specific rate, such as 37.5 of 1 percent. Naturally, the LGU has a different interpretation,’ he said.

‘Our position was to bring it to court, and our amicable understanding with the LGU of Bayog is that we will wait for the court’s judgment and comply accordingly,’ he remarked.

‘If the court rules that we must pay, then we will pay. The case remains ongoing,’ he added.

Classes at all levels in public and private schools in Lingig, Surigao del Sur were suspended Thursday at noon after a series of earthquakes, including a magnitude 5.9 tremor, jolted off its coast.

Lingig Mayor Elmer Evangelio issued Memorandum No. 15 halting classes until further notice as a precautionary measure against potential building damage and ongoing aftershocks.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded the magnitude 5.9 tectonic earthquake at 11:19 a.m. off Lingig’s coast. The quake was followed by several aftershocks throughout the day, with magnitudes ranging from 1.7 to 4.3.

Local disaster authorities and Phivolcs advised residents to monitor official advisories and remain vigilant for further ground movement

State witness Roberto Bernardo, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary, said on Thursday that he never had any dealings with former Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Bernardo said this in his testimony before the Sandiganbayan Third Division during the bail hearing of Romualdez for plunder over alleged kickbacks worth P7.44 billion.

Romualdez’s lawyer, Thea Daep, asked Bernardo if he had dealings with the Leyte lawmaker, and the witness responded: ‘There is nothing like that.’

He added that he mentioned Romualdez only once in his affidavit.

‘I remember I stated him in one of my affidavits when [I said] I met him on Mark Villar daughter’s birthday,’ he said.

Daep asked if he referred to Romualdez as a project proponent, and Bernardo said: ‘As far as I remember, no.’

Bernardo said, however, he mentioned in his affidavit former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, who was the chairperson of the powerful House Committee on Appropriations when Romualdez was speaker.

But Bernardo said he was not ‘personally aware’ of Co’s dealings with ex-Bulacan district engineer (DE) Henry Alcantara, another state witness.

In his testimony, Alcantara’s said he was delivering alleged kickbacks from contractors intended for Co.

Bernardo said he talked with Co over the phone when the latter asked him if Alcantara was ‘maayos kausap’ (easy to deal with).

Asked what he meant by this, Bernardo said: ‘He was professional, and I know as DE [district engineer] he can do his duties.’

Meanwhile, Bernardo said he has known Co since 1993, or back when the lawmaker was still a contractor.

Bernardo, who was appointed by Villar as DPWH’s undersecretary for operations in 2018, said he had been under the agency for around four decades.

The Visayas Grid will still be on red and yellow alerts on Thursday, Oct. 29, said the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

In an advisory, the NGCP said the Visayas Grid will be placed under red alert from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

However, it will first be placed under yellow alert from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and then later from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

According to the NGCP a red alert is issued when power supply is insufficient to meet consumer demand and the grid’s regulating requirement, while a yellow alert means the operating margin is insufficient to meet the grid’s contingency requirement.

To note, the NGCP said the visayas grid’s current available capacity is only at 2,408 megawatts (MW), while its peak demand exceeds this at 2,555MW.

Among the factors cited by the NGCP that contributed to the alert declaration is the unavailability of Visayas’ large coal plants TVI 1, TVI 2, and KSPC 1, as well as the limited power imports from Mindanao due to the planned outages of GNPK 4 and TSI 2.

The NGCP also noted that 10 plants have been on forced outage since October, two more since September, three since August, one plant since June, three plants since May, three other plants since 2025, another one since 2024, two plants since 2023, and one plant since 2021.

Meanwhile, 18 plants are running on derated capacities, for a total of 796MW unavailable to the grid.