The Bacolod City government and the Department of Energy have taken a major step towards sustainable urban development with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) Jan. 26 for waste-to-energy (WTE) development, alongside the launch of the “Solar Solutions for Government: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Public Buildings” program.
Under the agreement, the DOE and Bacolod LGU 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 campaigns to build public awareness and support, the city said.
The solar program, on the other hand, aims to institutionalize energy efficiency in the public sector by deploying 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 cut electricity and fuel consumption by at least 10 percent, aligning with the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) and national energy efficiency goals.
Complementing this initiative is the WTE project, which offers an environmentally sound approach to waste minimization. The technology reduces methane emissions by converting solid waste into usable electricity, heat, or fuel, providing LGUs with both effective waste management and an additional power source.
In 2022, the DOE commissioned the “Assessment of the Potential of Waste-to-Energy Technology in the Philippines” study, which identified Bacolod as a viable location for such project. The MOA establishes a framework for technical cooperation and coordination between the two parties to advance the installation of a WTE facility.
Mayor Greg Gasataya, in a recent visit to the city’s 30-plus-hectare sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa, reiterated Bacolod’s commitment to the project, calling it a potential game changer for 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 had said.
With the agreement in place, the city will receive technical assistance and institutional support for a WTE facility capable of generating up to 10 megawatts of power, strengthening Bacolod’s energy security and sustainability efforts.
DOE Secretary Sharon Garin commended Bacolod for being among the first LGUs to actively pursue a WTE initiative in partnership with the department.
“We are so happy that Bacolod is interested. That means you have a progressive city and progressive leadership,” she said in a city press release. “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. We congratulate Bacolod for a good start and a strong collaboration toward a greener city.”
Through the partnership, Bacolod is positioning itself as a model for sustainable governance, integrating energy efficiency, renewable energy, and responsible waste management to build a cleaner, greener, and more resilient community for current and future generations. ||
