WWF-Philippines, along with leaders of the energy sector, participated in the Mindanao Clean Energy Forum in November 2025 in Butuan City to discuss the region’s urgent need to transition towards cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable energy sources. 

The forum with the theme “Race to 50/50”, referring to the goal of achieving an equal balance of renewable and fossil fuel-based energy by 2030, welcomed 250 participants from government agencies, local government units (LGUs), the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, the private sector, the academe, and civil society organizations. These sectors used the forum as a platform for collaboration and achieved a unified commitment to accelerating Mindanao’s progress toward a sustainable and balanced energy future. 

Over the years, Mindanao experienced a significant shift in its energy landscape. From previously relying on renewable energy sources for approximately 70% of its power supply, the region became increasingly dependent on coal and diesel. The change resulted in higher electricity costs and more severe environmental impacts.  

Among the highlights of the event were the presence of solar installers which emphasized the potential and capacity of consumers to generate their own power through renewable sources. This emerging trend demonstrates progress towards energy independence and encourages other stakeholders and LGUs to pursue similar initiatives. 

The forum served to strengthen the shared commitment and confidence of participants in building a secure, reliable, and clean energy future for the entire region. Through strong leadership, multi-sectoral collaboration, and a shared vision, the region is steadily moving toward achieving a 50:50 energy balance in four years. The forum demonstrated that the transition to renewable energy is not only necessary, but attainable, provided that all sectors continue to work together for the benefit of present and future generations.   

“It is really this combination of national engagement and local partnership that is essential to the approach that we foster in the international climate initiative,” René Freytag, Head of the IKI Interface in the Philippines.