EDITORIAL - A huge black eye

For the past few weeks, Mindanao has returned to the 'dark ages' as acute power supply plunges the island back into daily rounds of brownouts. As of yesterday, provinces down south are experiencing at least eight hours of daily rotating power interruptions since the present supply is not enough to satisfy the island's increasing needs.

Since the presidency of Corazon Aquino, Mindanao has already been beset with power shortages. The succeeding government of Fidel Ramos managed to fix the problem, sending power barges to the island to jack up power supply.

It also opened the region to businessmen willing to put up power plants. But due to the fragile peace and order, only few investors bite the government's offer. Yes there are few coal-powered plants mushrooming across the island, but the total output cannot still cope with the rising demands.

Up to this day, a huge portion of Mindanao remains largely dependent on hydro power. But the rapid deforestation stemmed from uncontrolled logging caused some rivers feeding hydro power plants to dry up. This forces power plants running on water current to stop their operations.              

Until now, except for the Muslim uprising, the power shortage is the biggest problem pestering the island. And it seems the government could not find a solution. From the administration of Cory Aquino to this present one under her son, the problem on power shortage continues to stalk Mindanao, seriously crippling many industries and scaring away investors.

The present situation in the country's second biggest island is sure to bring a huge black eye to this present administration in this time when investor confidence in the country is shooting to its all-time high.

Mindanao is ripe for an economic take off. But the growth upheaval that Mindanaoans have long been dreaming of has been sidelined to remain only a dream. Investors will not even bother to take a second look at a region where power interruptions are terrifyingly part of the daily business.