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.

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.

“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,” Benitez said.

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.

“This initiative is about transforming waste into a resource that directly benefits our people. By supporting our fisherfolk with sustainable fuel alternatives, we are not only protecting the environment but also strengthening livelihoods,” the lawmaker said.

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 said Benitez, who was then the city mayor, tapped his firm to find use for the oil sludge that had been contributing to flooding in the city.

He said the used cooking oil comes from establishments such as restaurants and hotels, which donate the supply for conversion into biofuel as part of their corporate social responsibility.

Singcang-Aiport village chief Rosinie Distrito said there are about 700 small-time fisherfolk in their barangay, who will benefit from the lower-priced biofuel to run 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,” it added. (PNA)