Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is calling for all local government units (LGUs) in the province to adopt solar energy within the next three years. 

As reported in an article by the Philippine News Agency, Lacson made the call during the opening of the Renewable Energy Week Expo 2025 at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City on Thursday. 

“We are walking the talk, as it were, along with other local governments that have adopted solar photovoltaic solutions,” he said. “Our goal: All LGUs will ‘solarize’ within the next three years.”

Earlier this year, the provincial government signed a contract with WeGen Energy Philippines Inc. to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in seven government facilities, with a total generating capacity of 1,270.5 kilowatts. The installations are expected to supply at least 40 percent of the province’s electricity needs and generate estimated savings of PHP9.637 million annually, or PHP404.537 million over 25 years.

Lacson also emphasized the need for regulatory streamlining at the local level to support renewable energy investments. He urged LGUs to harmonize their investment and energy codes, establish electronic one-stop shops, and comply with national guidelines to fast-track the processing of energy infrastructure projects.

Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, who delivered the keynote address, affirmed the Department of Energy’s support for the province’s SecuRE Negros program. He went on to state that renewable energy is not just a matter of technology, but a pathway to ensure reliable, clean, and affordable power for all.

“More importantly, it is about securing the province’s future while respecting the environment and our communities,” Fuentebella said. “We stand with you in bringing your RE goals into reality.”

For its second year, the Renewable Energy Week Expo, which is organized by the provincial government together with the Negrosanon Initiative for Climate and the Environment Inc. and the Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation, features renewable energy innovations, policy forums, community projects, and educational exhibits. It forms a critical part of the province’s ongoing initiatives to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy under the SecuRE Negros program.

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