Insider Spotlight
Speaking during Innovation Day Philippines 2026 in Cebu, the global energy technology company said businesses and institutions across the two regions must strengthen energy resilience as power demand rises alongside rapid industrial and infrastructure expansion.
Why it matters
Energy resilience has become a business imperative as grid conditions tighten while investment activity accelerates across the regions. Schneider Electric said organizations that adopt intelligent energy management systems can improve operational efficiency, reliability, and long-term competitiveness.
“Together, this strategy provides organizations with greater visibility and control over energy use, enabling a more responsive and efficient approach to operations,” Schneider Electric Philippines country president Ireen Catane said in a press statement.
“As energy reliability becomes increasingly critical, these capabilities help improve operational performance and efficiency. ”
The backdrop
Schneider Electric cited P27.96 billion worth of approved investments covering 22 projects in the Visayas in 2024, alongside major infrastructure developments such as the New Cebu International Container Port and upgrades to Bohol-Panglao International Airport.
In Mindanao, World Bank-backed projects are expected to improve transport connectivity and healthcare access for at least 19 million Filipinos.
The company also noted that the Visayas grid could continue experiencing yellow alerts despite power imports, while Mindanao's reserve margins are projected to tighten in the coming years, underscoring the importance of intelligent energy management.
What they're saying
Schneider Electric Philippines country solutions head Harold Lim said global trends, including rising electricity demand, rapid digitalization, and shifting supply chains, are reshaping investment decisions.
“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,” Lim said.
The company also emphasized that technology alone will not be enough to build resilient energy systems, calling for closer collaboration among government agencies, regulators, utilities, developers, and private enterprises.
“Strengthening partnerships across the public and private sectors is key to building systems that support long-term growth,” Schneider Electric Philippines head of government affairs Norman Ocana III said. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
