New electricity agency planned for Muslim region in Philippines
Government-owned corporation to manage electricity across Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
MARAWI CITY, Philippines (MNTV) — The Bangsamoro Parliament is moving forward with plans to establish a new government-owned corporation to manage electricity across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), reports the Philippines Information Agency.
This move comes amid power supply problems in Lanao del Sur and other areas of the region.
Deputy Speaker Attorney Amenodin Sumagayan highlighted the need for institutional solutions during a privilege speech.
He called for an investigation, in aid of legislation, into the persistent power crisis affecting the Basak area in the 1st District of Lanao del Sur.
“My office conducted a two-day field visit across several municipalities in the Basak Area, directly engaging with local officials, business owners, teachers, health workers, and mothers whose personal stories reflect urgent and lived realities,” he said.
“We found that unreliable electricity has severely affected business operations. Welding shops, groceries selling frozen goods, and printing services struggle to function, while fuel stations are forced to rely on costly diesel generators. These conditions have led to job losses, inflated prices, and disrupted livelihoods,” he added.
He noted that despite Lanao del Sur’s role as a major electricity producer for Mindanao, the province continues to face power supply issues.
The Parliament recently approved Committee Report No. 133 on Proposed Resolution No. 241. The resolution proposes the creation of the Bangsamoro Electrification Administration, a government-owned corporation under the BARMM to address these electrification issues through a more coordinated and institutionalized approach.
Sumagayan said the investigation he requested is necessary to ensure that the new agency’s policies and programs reflect the actual conditions and needs of communities affected by the power crisis.
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