Solar Power at BCGC: A Step Toward Energy Independence

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY — The city government officially launched a solar power system at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) on Wednesday, marking a significant step toward sustainable energy solutions.

Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez led the ceremonial switch-on of the solar power system, joined by representatives of GIZ, the German government’s technical cooperation agency supporting global development initiatives.

In a media interview, Benitez stated that the solar project would supply power to 19 city buildings, including some barangays.

“We want to conserve energy and promote renewable energy,” the mayor said, noting that the initiative could save the city PHP 1 million to PHP 1.5 million per month in electricity costs.

Benitez highlighted GIZ’s role in providing expertise and sharing best practices that the city could implement.

Frederic Tesfay, project head of the GIZ Urban Act Project and Renewable Projects funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate, praised Bacolod’s leadership in embracing renewable energy.

“Bacolod is switching on opportunity, progress, and independence for its people,” Tesfay said, adding that energy independence enables the city to focus on priorities like housing, jobs, food security, and digital transformation.

Tesfay emphasized that solar power projects build resilience by ensuring stable electricity for daily needs and critical services such as water distribution. A reliable power supply also attracts business investments and fosters innovation, making Bacolod an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.

“This isn’t just about reducing costs,” Tesfay said. “It’s about building a thriving, resilient community for generations to come.”

Earlier, the city announced the installation of a total of 1,340 KW of solar power systems at the BCGC and 16 barangays.

The BCGC, which houses the city’s main government offices, has the largest solar installation at 400 KW.

The City Engineer’s Office reported the following barangays and facilities with solar power systems:

• Barangay Alijis (40 KW)
• Barangay Taculing/Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office/gymnasium (150 KW)
• Barangay Granada/public market (80 KW)
• Barangay Villamonte/gymnasium (50 KW)
• Barangay Vista Alegre/Progresso Village/evacuation center/youth home (120 KW)
• Barangay Singcang Airport (40 KW)
• Barangay Tangub (40 KW)
• Barangay Estefania (40 KW)
• Barangay Pahanocoy (40 KW)
• Barangay 16 (Rizal Elementary School) (40 KW)
• Barangay Handumanan (40 KW)
• Barangay Punta Taytay (40 KW)
• Barangay Cabug (40 KW)
• Barangay Felisa (40 KW)
• Barangay Sum-ag/Barangay Hall/public market (140 KW)