Bacolod: This highly urbanized city is promoting the conversion of used cooking oil into biofuel as a measure to save on fuel costs, particularly for small-scale fisherfolk. Deputy Speaker Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, the city's lone district representative, led the launch of the initiative called 'Collect, Recycle and Renew' with Mayor Greg Gasataya and other city officials at the Las Palmas Subdivision Community Center in Barangay Taculing on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative pushes for the use of biofuel as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels among the city's fisherfolk, who spend about 80 percent of their capital on fuel alone. Benitez noted, 'This is an immediate solution, which we already started two years ago. We just have to scale up production so that more Bacolodnons can benefit from it.'
In a bid to assist the local community, Benitez turned over 400 liters of free biodiesel to each of the initial four coastal villages, including Barangays 1, 2, Banago, and Singcang-Airport, to help fisherfolk cope with the rising prices of fuel. He emphasized the initiative's focus on transforming waste into a resource that directly benefits the people, supporting sustainable fuel alternatives to protect the environment and strengthen livelihoods.
Engr. Ian Fred Solas, chief executive officer of IF Green Technologies, the company that produces the biofuel from used cooking oil using a brewing machine, said each liter costs PHP35 to PHP40. About two years ago, Solas mentioned that Benitez, who was then the city mayor, enlisted his firm to find a use for the oil sludge that had been contributing to flooding in the city.
The oil used in creating the biofuel is sourced from establishments such as restaurants and hotels, which donate the supply for conversion into biofuel as part of their corporate social responsibility. Singcang-Airport village chief Rosinie Distrito highlighted that there are about 700 small-time fisherfolk in their barangay who will benefit from the lower-priced biofuel for their fishing boats.
The 'Collect, Recycle and Renew' project encourages households, businesses, and communities to actively participate in collecting and recycling used oil, turning everyday waste into a valuable energy source. It is also expected to contribute to reduced pollution, improved waste management, and the promotion of renewable energy practices in Bacolod City.
