BACOLOD City— In a move to strengthen energy security while addressing its growing waste problem, the city government here has partnered with the Department of Energy (DOE) to implement renewable energy and waste-to-energy (WTE) initiatives, positioning Bacolod as a leader in sustainable urban development.
The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Mayor Greg Gasataya and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin on January 26 at the DOE Central Office in Taguig. The agreement covers the development of a WTE facility and coincided with the launch of the “Solar Solutions for Government: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Public Buildings” program.
The solar program aims to institutionalize energy efficiency in the public sector through the deployment of technologies such as light-emitting diode (LED) lighting systems, inverter-type air-conditioning units, smart metering, solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
These measures are expected to help government entities reduce electricity and fuel consumption by at least 10 percent, in line with the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) and national energy efficiency targets.
Complementing this initiative is the WTE project, which offers an environmentally sound approach to waste minimization by converting solid waste into usable electricity, heat, or fuel, while reducing methane emissions. The technology provides local government units (LGUs) with both effective waste management and an additional power source.
In 2022, the DOE commissioned the study Assessment of the Potential of WTE Technology in the Philippines, which identified Bacolod City as a viable location for such a project. The MOA establishes a framework for technical cooperation and coordination between the DOE and the city government to advance the installation of a WTE facility.
Under the agreement, the two parties will collaborate to identify the most feasible WTE technology, facilitate access to technical data for developers, and select a qualified project partner. The partnership also covers work program development, regular progress monitoring, and information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns to build public awareness and support.
Mayor Gasataya, during a recent visit to the city’s more than 30-hectare sanitary landfill, reiterated Bacolod’s commitment to the project, describing it as a potential game changer in addressing local waste challenges.
“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 agreement in place, Bacolod City will receive technical assistance and institutional support for a WTE facility capable of generating up to 10 megawatts of power, further strengthening the city’s energy security and sustainability efforts.
Secretary Garin commended Bacolod for being among the first LGUs to actively pursue a WTE initiative in partnership with the DOE.
“We are 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. “We congratulate Bacolod for a good start and a strong collaboration toward a greener Bacolod.”
Through the partnership, Bacolod City aims to serve as a model for sustainable governance by integrating energy efficiency, renewable energy, and responsible waste management to build a cleaner, greener, and more resilient community for present and future generations./PN
