By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod City government and the Department of Energy (DOE) have formalized a partnership aimed at advancing renewable energy and sustainable waste management, following the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Monday, January 26.
The agreement covers the development of a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility in Bacolod City and the implementation of the DOE’s “Solar Solutions for Government: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Public Buildings” program, marking a significant step in the city’s push for cleaner and more efficient energy systems.
Under the solar program, public buildings in Bacolod are set to adopt energy-efficient technologies, including LED lighting, inverter-type air-conditioning units, smart metering systems, solar photovoltaic installations, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The initiative aims to reduce electricity and fuel consumption of government facilities by at least 10 percent, in line with the Government Energy Management Program and national energy efficiency targets.
Complementing the solar initiative is the planned WTE project, which seeks to address the city’s growing waste management challenges by converting solid waste into usable energy such as electricity, heat or fuel. The technology is also expected to significantly reduce methane emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
Bacolod City was earlier identified as a viable site for a WTE facility in the DOE-commissioned 2022 study.
The MOA establishes a framework for technical cooperation between the city and the DOE, including the identification of the most suitable WTE technology, access to technical data for potential developers, and the selection of a qualified project partner.
The agreement also provides for joint work program development, regular monitoring of project progress, and information, education and communication campaigns to ensure public awareness and support.
Mayor Greg Gasataya underscored the city’s commitment to sustainable waste solutions during a recent visit to Bacolod’s more than 30-hectare sanitary landfill, describing the proposed WTE facility as a “game changer” in addressing local garbage concerns.
“We will not limit our initiatives to efficient garbage collection and landfill management. We will also pursue a waste-to-energy plant as a proactive solution to our garbage woes,” Gasataya said.
With the MOA in place, Bacolod City is set to receive technical assistance and institutional support for the establishment of a WTE facility with a projected capacity of up to 10 megawatts, which is expected to bolster the city’s energy security while promoting environmental sustainability.
DOE Secretary Sharon Garin commended Bacolod City for being among the first local government units to actively pursue a WTE project in partnership with the department.
“We are so happy that Bacolod is interested. That means you have a progressive city and progressive leadership. With the waste-to-energy project envisioned by the LGU, we not only address garbage, flooding and sanitation, but also energy — making it full circle,” Garin said.
Through the partnership, Bacolod City aims to position itself as a model for sustainable urban governance by integrating renewable energy, energy efficiency and responsible waste management to build a cleaner and more resilient city for future generations./CJ, WDJ