Davao city: The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Davao del Norte provincial government are exploring investment opportunities in data center development and small modular reactor (SMR) technologies following a recent strategic site visit to Hyundai Engineering and Construction in Yeouido-dong, Korea.
According to Philippines News Agency, MinDA chairman Secretary Leo Tereso Magno stated that the engagement is part of the three-day Mindanao Investment Mission to Korea, which highlights Mindanao's readiness for business amid improving peace and security, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to accelerate investments in energy security and digital infrastructure, ensuring that Mindanao contributes to national development goals.
Magno emphasized that the partnership discussions with Hyundai reflect the Marcos administration's push to attract high-impact, technology-driven investments that generate jobs and strengthen regional competitiveness. During last week's visit, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib and the MinDA delegation were received by Hyundai Senior Manager for SMR Cha Dongjun and Chief Manager of the Global Data Center Business Team Kwon Sungyeop, highlighting Hyundai's interest in collaborative projects in Mindanao.
Hyundai's active expansion in Asia positions the Philippines as a strong candidate for its next investment destination. Jubahib, who is also the current Regional Development Council-11 chairperson, highlighted Davao Region's economic growth, which has attracted major international locators and integrated Mindanao into global value chains. He stated that if Hyundai explores potential sites for a data center and SMR in the Davao Region, they are ready to collaborate closely with national regulators, local communities, and other stakeholders to ensure project viability and compliance.
The exploration of SMR technologies aligns with Mindanao's energy transition strategy toward a 50:50 energy mix. As compact, low-carbon power systems, SMRs can provide stable baseload capacity to support intermittent renewables such as solar and hydro, ensuring reliability while decreasing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
