Cotabato Light’s President and COO Shares Expertise at MREC Caravan on Renewable Energy Careers in BARMM

Valentin S. Saludes III, President and COO of Cotabato Light, delivered an impactful presentation during the MREC Caravan on Careers in Renewable Energy in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on October 25, 2024. The event, hosted at Mindanao State University - Maguindanao, is part of the Mindanao Renewable Energy Center's (MREC) ongoing efforts to promote renewable energy development and career pathways across Mindanao.

The MREC Caravan, an essential component of the “Monitoring the Integration of Renewables in Mindanao and Strengthening the Mindanao Research and Development Consortium” (Project MIRMSM), is supported by the Tara Climate Fund. This initiative aims to fast-track the implementation of the Renewable Energy Act in Mindanao by fostering collaboration and raising awareness among interested students, professionals, and institutions. Providing accessible career pathways in renewable energy for aspiring professionals and fostering collaboration among institutions within the renewable energy sector to address local challenges and unlock regional opportunities.

In his keynote address, titled "The Renewable Energy Infrastructure," Saludes discussed the critical challenges and solutions involved in integrating new renewable energy sources into existing electrical grids. He provided insights on effective integration mechanisms for renewable energy technologies, grid adaptation challenges specific to the region, and supportive incentives such as net metering and the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP) that promote seamless integration of renewables.

Saludes' address aimed to deepen participants' understanding of career opportunities in the renewable energy sector while emphasizing the need for regional grid modernization. The insights shared are expected to inspire students, academics, and energy professionals to explore and contribute to the growing field of renewable energy in Mindanao.