BACOLOD City — Twenty-three business establishments have formally partnered with the biodiesel project initiated by the Office of Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, strengthening efforts to promote sustainable energy solutions while supporting local fisherfolk communities.
The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement during the Biodiesel Launching of Partner Establishments held at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City on June 8.
The biodiesel project, officially launched on March 30, 2026, is an environmental and livelihood initiative that converts used cooking oil and other renewable resources into biodiesel, an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fossil fuels.
Anchored on the theme, “Collect, Recycle, and Renew,” the program aims to transform waste materials into valuable resources while promoting environmental sustainability and economic development.
The primary beneficiaries of the initiative are fisherfolk from Bacolod City’s 10 coastal barangays, a sector heavily affected by rising fuel costs.
These barangays are Barangays 1, 2, 10 and 14, as well as Banago, Singcang-Airport, Punta Taytay, Sum-ag, Tangub and Pahanocoy.
Since its launch, the project has produced about 4,280 liters of biodiesel, benefiting approximately 1,070 fisherfolk through access to more affordable fuel.
“This initiative is about transforming waste into a resource that directly benefits our people,” Benitez said, highlighting the project’s environmental and economic impact.
He also encouraged households, businesses and communities to actively participate in the collection and recycling of used cooking oil to help reduce pollution and improve waste management across the city.
Councilor Homer Bais, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Environment and Ecology, described the project as a practical solution that delivers tangible benefits to both the environment and local communities.
“By converting used cooking oil into biodiesel, the project not only protects the environment but also provides much-needed support to fisherfolk through more affordable fuel,” Bais said.
The initiative is being implemented through the collaboration of government agencies, private sector partners and community stakeholders, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainability, innovation and inclusive development.
Councilor Roberto Rojas, chairperson of the City Council Committee on Energy, emphasized the importance of partnerships in advancing environmental and economic goals.
“Initiatives such as this encourage collaboration among government, the private sector and civil society in building a greener economy,” Rojas said.
He also commended the participating establishments for supporting the program.
“Your commitment to innovation and sustainability serves as an example of how we can address today’s energy challenges while creating long-term benefits for our people,” he added.
The project has also gained the support of four national government agencies: the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), and the Department of Energy (DOE).
Benitez expressed optimism that the continued expansion of the biodiesel program would contribute significantly to building a cleaner, greener and more resilient Bacolod City while providing sustainable support to vulnerable sectors such as fisherfolk.
With the addition of 23 business partners, the initiative is expected to further boost used cooking oil collection efforts and expand biodiesel production, reinforcing Bacolod’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable community development./PN
