Northern Mindanao took a bold step toward clean energy as solar advocates, experts, and businesses gathered in Cagayan de Oro for the “Mindanao Goes Solar Expo 2025.” The event, held at Ayala Centrio Mall from June 5 to 8, transformed the venue into a hub for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and forward-looking dialogue on Mindanao’s renewable energy future.
To accelerate the island’s transition to solar power, the expo featured interactive exhibits, insightful discussions, and learning sessions that energized both industry players and the public. More than just a showcase of technology, the event served as a catalyst for building regional momentum toward long-term energy security and sustainability.
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Advancing solarization in the region
Mindanao continues to lag behind the rest of the Philippines in household electrification, with access to reliable power remaining a major concern across the island. While Luzon and the Visayas report high coverage rates, ranging from 92 to 99% based on Department of Energy (DOE) data from 2022 and 2023, Mindanao’s electrification rate falls much lower, between 80 and 86%.
The situation is even more challenging in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. A July 2023 report from the National Electrification Administration (NEA) showed that only 40 to 45% of the area’s residences had access to the power grid.
Thankfully, brighter days are ahead for Mindanao’s energy future. The DOE, as shared by the Mindanao Goes Solar Movement on Facebook, announced that the island is set to receive an extra 232 megawatts of solar capacity in 2025. This planned expansion reflects rising momentum for solar power as a reliable path toward regional sustainability and energy resilience.
(Also read: Inside Mindanao’s Grid: Power Gains & Gaps)
Exhibit highlights
The solar expo in Cagayan de Oro offered participants a dynamic platform to engage with timely energy issues, highlighting the need for greater collaboration in expanding solar power across Mindanao. With a strong emphasis on the “Big Switch to Solar,” the event encouraged partnerships between government, private sector, and communities to drive the development of solar infrastructure and strengthen local energy resilience.
Throughout the multi-day gathering, experts led discussions on a wide spectrum of topics—from cutting-edge solar technologies to the role of clean energy in supporting agriculture and improving environmental outcomes. Participants also gained practical insights into policy trends and investment opportunities, positioning solar power as both a sustainable and economically viable option for the region.
Framed by the growing urgency to meet the country’s clean energy needs, the event also featured technical panels aimed at educating the public. The expo became a venue not only for innovation and information-sharing but also for rallying regional support toward a more inclusive and solar-powered future for Northern Mindanao.
The movement’s leader explained that their group plays a key role in linking interested solar adopters with reputable solar providers through events like expos and exhibits. By curating a lineup of trusted exhibitors, the organization ensures that attendees are introduced to high-quality products and reliable service partners, building confidence among potential customers.
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