Cagayan de oro: The Regional Development Council in Northern Mindanao (RDC-10) has given its approval for a PHP184.8 billion budget earmarked for infrastructure projects in 2027, with a clear focus on enhancing energy infrastructure and ensuring power reliability in the region. This decision is expected to significantly contribute to accelerating growth and development throughout Northern Mindanao.
According to Philippines News Agency, the endorsement was made during RDC-10's third-quarter meeting, where Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil Roque, who chairs the Infrastructure and Utilities Development Committee (InfraCom), emphasized the need for practical and solution-driven strategies. "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 stated.
In a move initiated in mid-2026, RDC-10 InfraCom established a specialized Technical Working Group dedicated to energy infrastructure. This group's mandate is to oversee key energy developments, particularly focusing on the rehabilitation of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Plant Complex, ensuring the reliability of the Mindanao power grid, mapping the power supply-demand outlook for Mindanao, and upgrading regional grid interconnections to support rapid industrial growth.
Additionally, the council has prioritized oversight of local infrastructure projects funded through Northern Mindanao's share of Energy Regulation No. 1-94 funds. These funds are financial allocations provided directly to communities hosting power generation facilities. Other critical areas highlighted by Roque include airport internalization, road safety, transport infrastructure, and improving regional mobility.
The approved budget encompasses a wide range of infrastructure projects designed to fast-track development across Northern Mindanao, reflecting a strategic approach to addressing the region's infrastructure needs and fostering sustainable growth.
