As investments pour into infrastructure and economic development projects across the Visayas and Mindanao, Schneider Electric is urging industries, businesses, and government institutions to embrace smarter energy systems to ensure long-term growth and resilience.
During Innovation Day Philippines 2026: Powering Progress through Future-Ready Industries, held on June 24 at Bai Hotel in Mandaue City, Schneider Electric emphasized that electrification, digitalization, and automation have become essential pillars for building future-ready industries and communities.
The global energy technology leader said these strategies are no longer optional as the regions face increasing power demand, tighter grid conditions, and growing pressure to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.
Energy Resilience Becoming a Business Imperative
According to Schneider Electric, energy resilience has evolved from an operational concern into a critical business requirement.
As Visayas and Mindanao continue to attract major investments and infrastructure projects, reliable and efficient energy systems will play a key role in sustaining economic growth.
“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,” she added.
Supporting the Regions’ Growth Momentum
The company pointed to significant developments across the regions that are driving increased energy demand.
In the Visayas, investment approvals reached PHP 27.96 billion across 22 projects in 2024, alongside major infrastructure developments such as the New Cebu International Container Port and upgrades to the Bohol-Panglao International Airport.
Meanwhile, Mindanao continues to benefit from large-scale development initiatives, including World Bank-backed projects aimed at improving transportation connectivity and healthcare services for approximately 19 million Filipinos.
However, Schneider Electric noted that growth also brings new challenges.
Recent power outlooks indicate that the Visayas grid may continue experiencing yellow alerts despite power imports from Luzon and Mindanao. Reserve margins in Mindanao are likewise expected to tighten in the coming years.
These developments highlight the growing importance of managing energy demand alongside securing energy supply.
Global Trends Shaping Local Energy Strategies
During the event, Schneider Electric identified three major global trends influencing businesses and industries today:
- Rising electricity demand that is growing faster than grid expansion
- Accelerating digital transformation across sectors
- Global supply chain shifts favoring resilient and energy-efficient locations
The company emphasized that sustainability is increasingly linked to operational efficiency, resilience, and long-term competitiveness.
“Visayas and Mindanao are already in this environment,” said Harold Lim, Country Solutions Head of Schneider Electric Philippines.
“By understanding where and how energy is consumed, organizations in these regions can make better decisions that reduce costs, improve reliability, and support growth.”
Industry Leaders Gather in Cebu
Innovation Day Philippines 2026 brought together leaders from government, energy, manufacturing, real estate, banking, and economic development sectors to discuss the future of energy and infrastructure in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Among the speakers and panelists were representatives from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), AboitizPower, Ayala Property Management Corporation, UnionBank, Mactan Economic Zone, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Discussions focused on grid modernization, urban development, manufacturing automation, and strategies for building more resilient communities and industries.
The event also concluded with a call for stronger collaboration among public and private stakeholders to accelerate energy transformation initiatives across the regions.
Collaboration Critical for Sustainable Development
For Schneider Electric, technology alone is not enough to address future energy challenges.
The company stressed that stronger partnerships between government agencies, regulators, utilities, developers, and businesses will be necessary to build resilient infrastructure capable of supporting long-term economic expansion.
“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.
As Visayas and Mindanao continue to emerge as major investment destinations, Schneider Electric believes electrification, digitalization, and automation will serve as the foundation for sustainable and competitive growth.
Through Innovation Day Philippines 2026 in Cebu, the company reinforced the message that smarter energy systems and cross-sector collaboration will be crucial in powering the regions’ future.