SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) said its Bacolod property has produced and distributed 2,600 liters of biodiesel from used cooking oil since 2024, with the latest 200-liter donation turned over to residents of Barangay Singcang to support fuel needs of local fisherfolk.

The company said Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod converts used cooking oil (UCO) from its operations into fuel under a waste-to-energy program developed with technical partner Green Solutions.

SMHCC said the cumulative 2,600 liters of biodiesel distributed could support about 16 tons of fish catch based on average production yields, positioning the output as a direct fuel source for small-scale livelihood activities amid volatile pump prices.

“Sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, especially as we navigate the complexities of the global fuel market,” said Reljun Oloroso, Director of People & Culture and sustainability champion of Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod. “This project demonstrates that through strong partnerships with government and technical experts, we can transform waste into a valuable resource that benefits both communities and the environment.”

The biodiesel is produced by processing collected UCO into a clean-burning fuel, reducing waste disposal while creating a closed-loop system within hotel operations, the company said.

The Bacolod City government has invited the hotel to present the program at the Panaad sa Negros Festival, where it is showcasing circular economy initiatives including biodiesel production, linen upcycling, and organic waste composting.

SMHCC said the property also runs a composting program using the Bokashi method, which has processed over 100,000 kilos of food waste into fertilizer supporting 55 farmers, and an upcycling initiative that converts retired linens into new products for community livelihood.

“At SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, we see sustainability as a shared responsibility that extends beyond our properties and into the communities we serve,” said Leah Magallanes, Vice President for Quality and Sustainability at SMHCC. “Initiatives like the Biodiesel Project demonstrate how circular economy practices can create tangible impact, turning everyday operations into opportunities for environmental stewardship and inclusive growth.”

The company said Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod is currently the only hotel in Negros with the Hotel Sustainability Basics certification.

What do you think? Can waste-based biodiesel from commercial hubs like SM properties scale as a supplemental fuel source for local industries and communities?

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