BACOLOD City — A biodiesel project aimed at promoting sustainable energy and supporting local fisherfolk is set to be launched today, March 30, at 10:30 a.m. at the Community Center in Barangay Taculing.
The initiative, spearheaded by the office of Deputy Speaker and Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, marks a significant step toward community-driven environmental solutions.
The launch is expected to gather local leaders, stakeholders, and residents in support of the project, which carries the theme “Collect, Recycle, and Renew.”
In a statement, the congressman’s office said the project promotes the conversion of used cooking oil and other renewable resources into biodiesel—an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fossil fuels.
It aims to reduce environmental waste while advancing renewable energy practices at the community level.
As part of the rollout, biofuel products will be distributed to local fisherfolk, providing them with a more affordable and sustainable fuel option. The initiative is expected to help ease operational costs for coastal workers while encouraging the shift to cleaner energy sources.
“This initiative is about transforming waste into a resource that directly benefits our people,” Benitez said, emphasizing the program’s environmental and economic impact.
The project also calls on households, businesses, and communities to actively participate in collecting and recycling used oil, helping reduce pollution and improve waste management across the city.
Councilor Homer Bais, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Environment and Ecology, said the initiative demonstrates how practical solutions can deliver tangible benefits.
“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 biodiesel project is being implemented through the collaboration of various partners and stakeholders, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and inclusive development.
Benitez urged residents to support the initiative, describing it as a key step toward building a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Bacolod./PN