By CESAR JOLITO III

The Bacolod City government has taken a step toward advancing its solid waste management program after formalizing a lease agreement for a proposed waste-to-energy (WTE) facility within the city’s sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa.

The agreement grants Forza Development Corporation the use of a 10-hectare property designated as a WTE Industrial Zone.

Company president Sheryl Chua signed the contract alongside the mayor.

Under the deal, the property will be leased for 25 years at an annual rate of P1.01 million.

City officials clarified that the agreement covers only land use and does not yet authorize construction or operations of the facility.

Mayor Greg Gasataya emphasized that the project remains subject to evaluation by the Department of Energy, which will determine the appropriate technology to be used in converting waste into energy.

“This is part of our broader initiative to establish a waste-to-energy project in Bacolod, which has been identified as a priority by the Department of Energy,” Gasataya said.

He added that the proposed development is expected to proceed at no direct cost to the city government.

While still pending national approval, the local government is optimistic about the project’s economic benefits, including job creation and potential revenue shares from power generation.

City officials also highlighted the backing of Sangguniang Panlungsod, noting that council support strengthens the city’s bid to position Bacolod City as a potential hub for waste-to-energy initiatives in the country.

Further developments will depend on regulatory clearances and the DOE’s final assessment of the project’s feasibility and technology framework./CJ, WDJ