The Knowledge-Sharing forum on "The Urgent Need to Increase Baseload Generating Capacity in Mindanao was held on July 9 at the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), Zamboanga City.

Dr. Adoracion Navarro, PIDS Senior Research Fellow, was the resource speaker in the program. She presented her research study about the insufficient baseload generating capacity in Mindanao that actually caused the comeback of the energy crisis in the region last summer. Dr. Navarro`s evidenced-based study about the possible comeback of the 2012 Mindanao Power Crisis did happen this year because of no additions to the baseload capacity in the region. The incessant power outages in Mindanao last May, which in fact seen may lead to poll failures, could have been actually prevented if Dr. Navarro's policy recommendations in her study were recognized by national policymakers and other local decisionmakers.

The study recommends possible short-term to medium- and long-term actions. Two of her most compelling recommendations are the rehabilitation of Agus and Pulangui hydropower plants, and also more investments for baseload generating capacity in the region. It is also underscored in the study that the region heavily depends on hydropower plants, which actually represent 51 percent of generated power in Mindanao, and provides limited baseload capacity when long drought occurs.

The event was co-organized by state think-tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies, Western Mindanao State University and NEDA Region 9. Participants in the forum were DOE officials, policymakers, media, researchers, and key representatives from various civil society groups in and around the Zamboanga City and Zamboanga Peninsula area.

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