By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Regional Development Council in Northern Mindanao (RDC-10) has endorsed a P184.8-billion infrastructure budget for 2027, with energy security and improved power reliability emerging as key priorities for the region’s development agenda.
The proposed funding covers a broad range of infrastructure projects intended to accelerate economic growth and strengthen transportation, mobility and energy systems across Northern Mindanao.
Bukidnon Gov. Rogelio Neil Roque, chairperson of the RDC-10 Infrastructure and Utilities Development Committee (InfraCom), emphasized the need for practical and results-oriented measures during the committee’s third-quarter meeting here on Tuesday.
“As chairperson, we encourage that our focus be on practical and solution-oriented measures so we can arrive at clear directions and actionable development,” Roque said.
Among the major priorities is the strengthening of the region’s power infrastructure. Earlier this year, the InfraCom activated a specialized Technical Working Group on energy infrastructure to oversee critical developments in the sector.
The group is tasked with monitoring key initiatives, including the rehabilitation of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Plant Complex, measures to improve Mindanao grid reliability and studies assessing the region’s future power supply and demand.
Upgrading regional grid interconnections to support Northern Mindanao’s expanding industrial activity is also part of the energy infrastructure agenda.
The committee will likewise oversee infrastructure projects financed through the region’s share of Energy Regulation No. 1-94 funds, which provide financial benefits to communities hosting power generation facilities.
Roque also raised concerns involving airport internalization, road safety, transport infrastructure and regional mobility as part of the region’s broader infrastructure priorities.
The RDC-10 said the proposed 2027 infrastructure program aims to strengthen Northern Mindanao’s basic systems and lay the foundation for sustained regional growth.
ia/xf
