The energy challenges facing the Philippines are not new. But as investments, infrastructure developments, and energy pressures converge across Visayas and Mindanao, Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader with 190 years of innovation expertise, is forging partnerships with the regions’ industries, building owners, and government institutions to accelerate the shift toward more resilient systems through electrification, digitalization, and automation.
At Innovation Day Philippines 2026: Powering Progress through Future-Ready Industries, held on June 24 at Bai Hotel in Mandaue City, the company outlined how this framework for progress applies across sectors.
With government, business, and industry leaders convening in Cebu, Innovation Day Philippines 2026 advanced the conversation on electrification, automation, and digitalization, and how Visayas and Mindanao are leading the energy transition. [L-R: Engr. JP Claudio, Visayas and Mindanao Operations Director, Ayala Property Management Corporation; Anton Perdices, Chief Operations Officer – Distribution Utilities, AboitizPower Corporation; Ireen Catane, Country President, Schneider Electric Philippines; Atty. Nancy Aurora Fajardo, Executive Director, Energy Regulatory Commission; Hon. Greg Gasataya, Mayor of Bacolod City; Allan Roy Calderon, SVP – Corporate Solutions Head, UnionBank of the Philippines; Engr. April Joy Medico, Economic Zone Deputy Administrator, Mactan Economic Zone; XingJian Pang, East Asia Zone President, Schneider Electric; and Felix Taguiam, Regional Governor for Central Visayas, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.]
As Visayas and Mindanao continue to attract investments and expand infrastructure, the systems supporting this growth are evolving and Schneider Electric is helping accelerate that momentum. The company said electrification, digitalization, and automation are already proving foundational for long-term resilience across the regions.
“Together, this strategy provides organizations with greater visibility and control over energy use, enabling a more responsive and efficient approach to operations,” said Ireen Catane, Country President of Schneider Electric Philippines. “As energy reliability becomes increasingly critical, these capabilities help improve operational performance and efficiency.”
Building on the region’s momentum
As development accelerates, Visayas and Mindanao are already building the infrastructure foundation for long-term growth.
In Visayas, investment approvals reached PHP 27.96 billion across 22 projects in 2024, along with developments such as the New Cebu International Container Port and upgrades to the Bohol-Panglao International Airport. In Mindanao, World Bank-approved projects are expected to improve transport connectivity and health services for at least 19 million Filipinos. As these developments progress, their continued success will depend on energy infrastructure that is resilient, efficient, and intelligent; and managing demand has become as important as securing supply.
Recent power outlooks show the Visayas grid may continue experiencing yellow alerts despite imports from Luzon and Mindanao, while Mindanao’s reserve margins are also expected to tighten in coming years. Energy resilience is becoming a key factor in business continuity and long-term competitiveness across both regions.
Global pressures
During the event, Schneider Electric highlighted three global forces: rising electricity demand outpacing grid expansion, rapid digital transformation, and shifting supply chains that favor resilient and efficient regions. The company said sustainability has become a business requirement tied to efficiency, resilience, and competitiveness.
“Visayas and Mindanao are already in this environment. By understanding where and how energy is consumed, organizations in these regions can make better decisions that reduce costs, improve reliability, and support growth,” said Harold Lim, Country Solutions Head of Schneider Electric Philippines.
The case for collaborations
Innovation Day Philippines 2026 convened industry leaders, government officials, and developers for a day of dialogue on the future of energy and infrastructure in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Atty. Kvyn Honoridez delivered the keynote message on behalf of Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, alongside Atty. Nancy Fajardo, Executive Director of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). Their addresses were followed by segment spotlights on grid modernization, urban development, and manufacturing automation.
Panel discussions and fireside chats featured Hon. Greg Gasataya, Mayor of Bacolod City; Anton Perdices, Chief Operations Officer – Distribution Utilities, AboitizPower Corporation; Engr. JP Claudio, Visayas and Mindanao Operations Director, Ayala Property Management Corporation; Engr. April Joy Medico, Economic Zone Deputy Administrator, Mactan Economic Zone; Felix Taguiam, Regional Governor for Central Visayas, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Allan Roy Calderon, SVP – Corporate Solutions Head, UnionBank of the Philippines, alongside Schneider Electric leaders. The event concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to collaborate on pilot projects and regional initiatives.
Building a more resilient energy future for the regions will take more than technology, it will need collaboration across government, regulators, and industry partners. “Strengthening partnerships across the public and private sectors is key to building systems that support long-term growth,” said Atty. Norman Ocana III, Head of Government Affairs of Schneider Electric Philippines.
The confluence of rising investments and energy pressures has made electrification, digitalization, and automation necessary. Innovation Day in Cebu advanced the conversation on what that transition looks like at scale and how Visayas and Mindanao are leading it.
Named as the world’s most sustainable company by TIME Magazine and Statista for three consecutive years, and recognized by Corporate Knights and Sustainability Magazine for its sustainability leadership, Schneider Electric has helped industries and institutions worldwide expand access to clean electricity, reduce emissions, and strengthen operational resilience.
