Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is pushing for the use of solar energy in all local government units (LGUs) in the next three years.
Lacson made the pitch during the opening of the province-led Renewable Energy Week Expo 2025 at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City on July 17.
“We are walking the talk, as it were, along with other local governments that have adopted solar photovoltaic solutions. Our goal: All LGUs will ‘solarize’ within the next three years,” Lacson said in his message.
Speaking before Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, local chief executives and renewable energy industry players, the governor committed to continue to seek appropriate solutions, through collaboration and cooperation, to attain a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Negros Occidental.
In April this year, the province entered into a contract with WeGen Energy Philippines Inc. to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with 1,270.5 kilowatts in total solar generation capacity in seven facilities of the provincial government.
This will supply at least 40 percent of its power requirements and will result in an estimated savings of P9.637 million annually or P404.537 million in 25 years.
Now on its second year, Renewable Energy Week Expo 2025, themed “Every Juan for RE, RE for Every Juan,” is part of the initiatives under the province’s SecuRE Negros comprehensive power security program.
Lacson said streamlining the entire process can come a long way to speed up renewable energy projects in the pipeline and future investments.
“At the local level, LGUs need to harmonize investment codes, local energy codes and other ordinances, establish working electronic virtual one-stop-shops, and comply with national issuances such as guidelines to streamline and standardize the processing of energy infrastructure projects,” he added.
In his keynote message, Fuentebella affirmed the full support of the Department of Energy for the vision of SecuRE Negros, adding that renewable energy is not just about technology, but also about ensuring that every Negrense can access reliable, clean, and affordable energy.
“More importantly, it is about securing the province’s future while respecting the environment and our communities. We stand with you in bringing your RE goals into reality,” he said.
The Renewable Energy Week Expo 2025 — organized by the provincial government with the Negrosanon Initiative for Climate and the Environment Inc. and the Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation — showcases renewable energy innovations, policy forums, community projects, and educational exhibits aimed at empowering local action and accelerating the province’s energy transition. (PNA)