Bacolod city: More business establishments in Bacolod City have pledged their support for a biodiesel production initiative that converts used cooking oil into a renewable energy source. This effort is spearheaded by Deputy Speaker and Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez in collaboration with the biofuel company Green Solution.PH.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative, named 'Collect. Recycle. Renew,' has attracted the participation of 26 hotels and food establishments, positively impacting 10 coastal barangays. A recent report from Congressman Benitez's office highlighted that the collective effort has successfully converted 5,620 liters of used oil into biodiesel, benefiting approximately a thousand residents in Bacolod.
The partnership was officially launched during a program at the SMX Convention Center, where participating establishments showed their support. In his address, Benitez emphasized the importance of the biodiesel program as an alternative solution amidst rising diesel prices, which have significantly affected the local fisherfolk communities.
Benitez urged various stakeholders, including restaurants, hotels, households, government agencies, and local government units, to participate in the 'Collect. Recycle. Renew' initiative. He noted that biodiesel produced from used cooking oil is available at a significantly lower cost, between PHP22 to PHP25 per liter.
In an interview following the launch, Ian Fred Solas, president of Green Solution.PH, announced that 33 business establishments had already signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to support the program. Solas described the MOA as a breakthrough, with stakeholders voluntarily donating used cooking oil, for which they will receive plaques of appreciation as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts.
Solas mentioned that the program aims to partner with 65 business establishments by July, pending certification from the Environment Management Bureau-Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which some establishments require.
Notable establishments that have signed the MOA include Park Inn by Radisson, SM City Bacolod, Ayala Malls Capitol Central, and several others. Solas also highlighted that Congressman Benitez's office has a dedicated collection team to gather used cooking oil from around Bacolod, with a designated collection area for households.
The 'Collect. Recycle. Renew' program is supported by the Bacolod Cooking Oil and Grease Trap Regulation Ordinance, which aims to mitigate health hazards and environmental pollution associated with the improper handling of used cooking oil and grease trap waste.
