Bacolod, DOE seal waste-to-energy, solar partnership

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Bacolod City government and the Department of Energy have strengthened their push for sustainable urban development through a Memorandum of Agreement for a waste-to-energy project and the launch of the Solar Solutions for Government: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Public Buildings program.

Mayor Greg Gasataya and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin led the signing of the MOA for the Waste-to-Energy Program and the Solar Solutions for Government project at the DOE central office in Taguig City on Monday, witnessed by lawyer Allyn Luv Dignadice, head of the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office.

The solar initiative seeks to institutionalize energy efficiency across government facilities through the adoption of LED lighting, inverter-type air-conditioning units, smart meters, solar photovoltaic systems, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

These measures are expected to reduce electricity and fuel consumption of government entities by at least 10 percent, in line with the Government Energy Management Program and national energy efficiency targets.

The solar program complements the waste-to-energy initiative, which offers an environmentally sound solution to waste management by converting solid waste into electricity, heat, or fuel.

The technology is designed to reduce methane emissions while providing local government units with an additional and sustainable energy source.

Bacolod was identified as a viable site for a waste-to-energy facility in the DOE-commissioned 2022 study, Assessment of the Potential of Waste-to-Energy Technology in the Philippines.

The MOA establishes the framework for technical cooperation between the DOE and the city to advance the development of a waste-to-energy facility.

Under the agreement, both parties will work together to determine the most feasible waste-to-energy technology, provide access to technical data for potential developers, and identify a qualified project partner.

The collaboration also covers work program development, progress monitoring, and information, education, and communication campaigns to generate public awareness and support.

Gasataya reiterated the city’s commitment to the project during a recent visit to the city’s more than 30-hectare sanitary landfill, describing the waste-to-energy initiative as a potential game changer in addressing Bacolod’s 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 MOA in place, the city is set to receive technical assistance and institutional support for a waste-to-energy facility with a projected capacity of up to 10 megawatts, aimed at boosting Bacolod’s energy security and sustainability efforts.

Garin praised Bacolod for being among the first local government units to actively pursue a waste-to-energy project in partnership with the department.

“We are so happy that Bacolod is interested. That means you have a progressive city and progressive leadership,” Garin said.

“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,” she added.

Through the partnership, Bacolod positions itself as a model for sustainable governance by integrating energy efficiency, renewable energy, and responsible waste management toward a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future.