Bacolod city: The Negros Occidental provincial government is now harnessing solar power in three of its six designated buildings as part of its commitment to utilizing green energy in the facilities. As of Friday, the solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in the Provincial Capitol Building, Food Terminal Market, and the Negros Residences are already fully operational.
According to Philippines News Agency, the full operation of these three solar power projects reflects a commitment to sustainability, with more green energy initiatives planned for 2026. Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson emphasized this commitment in a statement, highlighting the province's strategic partnership with renewable energy solutions firm WeGen Energy Philippines Inc. in April last year. This collaboration led to the installation of a total capacity of 1,270.5 kilowatt peak (kWp) in the six structures, with the initial three buildings completed before the end of 2025.
The Provincial Capitol's system size is 140.8 kWp, the Food Terminal Market is equipped with 99 kWp, and Negros Residences has 68.2 kWp, all situated in Bacolod City. The remaining projects include the Negros First Cyber Centre with 588.5 kWp, located in the same city, Lorenzo D. Zayco District Hospital in Kabankalan City with 220 kWp, and Valeriano Gatuslao District Hospital in Himamaylan City with 154 kWp.
Data from the provincial government indicates that the installation of the solar PV systems will supply at least 40 percent of its power requirements, leading to an estimated savings of PHP9.637 million annually or PHP404.537 million over 25 years. The initiative underscores the provincial government's leadership in implementing rooftop solar projects, aligning with the SecuRE Negros roadmap for renewable energy development.
The solar power project also complies with the directive of the Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee, led by the Department of Energy through Resolution No. 8, series of 2023, which mandates all government entities to source at least 20 percent of their energy requirements from renewable sources.
