BACOLOD City — The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has taken its first formal step toward exploring a Waste-to-Energy (WTE) project after approving on first reading a proposed ordinance that would establish the legal framework for its possible development.
The proposed measure, titled the “Bacolod Integrated Recycling and Technology Hub (BIRTH) Declaration and WTE Industrial Zone Lease or Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Enabling Ordinance of 2026,” seeks to formally recognize BIRTH as the city’s central solid waste management facility and pave the way for a potential WTE industrial zone within the site.
If pursued, the WTE component would be established on city-owned property in Barangay Felisa and serve as an anchor facility for managing residual waste while recovering energy, in line with Bacolod’s updated 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan (2024–2033).
Councilor Atty. Caesar Distrito, the main proponent of the measure, clarified that the ordinance does not automatically approve or award any WTE project. Instead, it provides a lawful and transparent process should the city decide to move forward.
The proposal authorizes either a competitive lease arrangement or implementation through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). It mandates fair market rental valuation supported by an independent appraisal and requires a transparent selection process through the city’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), acting as Lease BAC.
Strict safeguards are embedded in the measure, including non-exclusivity provisions, no automatic project award or feedstock guarantee, compliance with environmental and safety standards, and qualification requirements from the Department of Energy before any construction or operations can begin.
In addition, the ordinance requires prior authorization from the city council before the mayor may execute any lease or PPP agreement, ensuring legislative oversight.
The proposed WTE framework is consistent with national environmental policies and may be implemented under Republic Act No. 11966, or the PPP Code of the Philippines, if that route is deemed most advantageous for the city.
Distrito said the measure is designed as an enabling governance tool to protect Bacolod’s long-term interests.
“This does not grant automatic rights to any private entity. It creates the structure for a competitive, transparent, and accountable process,” Distrito said.
Councilor Homer Q. Bais, chairperson of the SP Committee on Environment and Ecology, echoed the need for safeguards, emphasizing that any move toward Waste-to-Energy must protect public assets and uphold environmental standards./PN
