A rooftop solar energy project aimed at cutting electricity costs and advancing renewable power use in government facilities officially broke ground on Wednesday, marking a key step in Cebu City’s shift toward cleaner energy systems.
Mayor Nestor Archival led the ceremony for the On-Grid Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System at the Legislative and Executive Annex Buildings, the city’s first major installation under its solar energy program for government infrastructure.
Archival said the project represents both an environmental and fiscal investment for the local government.
“This project is an investment in a cleaner, greener, and more efficient future for our city,” he said.
He added that the initiative is expected to reduce electricity consumption in public buildings while supporting broader environmental protection goals.
“Pinaagi sa renewable energy, makapaubos kita sa konsumo sa kuryente sa atong government buildings ug makatabang sa pagpanalipod sa atong kinaiyahan,” Archival said.
The mayor credited the Department of General Services, the Energy Conservation Office, the Department of Energy, and other partners for helping implement the project, describing it as part of the city’s long-term push for a “Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive Cebu City.”
“Padayon ta sa pag-atiman ug paglihok alang sa mas hayag ug mas lig-on nga kaugmaon sa Sugbo. Together, we are building a cleaner, more sustainable Cebu City for the next generation,” he said.
The project traces back to Ordinance No. 2772, approved on third and final reading by the Cebu City Council on June 4, 2025, which established a financing framework for solar energy upgrades in city-owned buildings and infrastructure.
Under the ordinance, the city is allowed to enter into partnerships with private investors to fund and implement solar installations, with arrangements designed to allow cost recovery through energy savings over time.
The policy covers both existing and future city facilities and requires project studies, cost-benefit analyses, and long-term maintenance planning as part of implementation.
A technical working group composed of representatives from key city departments, including planning, budgeting, general services, and building regulation offices, was also created to evaluate proposals and monitor project execution.
The group is tasked with ensuring that installations deliver projected energy savings and comply with government standards.
City officials said the solar PV system is part of ongoing efforts to modernize public infrastructure while reducing operational costs and carbon emissions.
Archival said renewable energy adoption will help make government operations more efficient while contributing to climate resilience initiatives in the city.
Photo courtesy of Cebu City PIO
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