City council approves Archival's solar power initiative for buildings in Cebu City
Cebu City Council Approves Solar Power Upgrade Ordinance
Earlier this week, on June 4, 2025, Cebu City Council approved a groundbreaking ordinance, authored by Mayor-elect Nestor Archival, aimed at establishing a financial framework for implementing solar power upgrades on city-owned buildings, establishments, and infrastructure.
This measure, Ordinance 2772, is one of two essential bills being pushed by Archival, with the other being the Revised Comprehensive Cebu City Zoning Ordinance of 2025, set for a public hearing on June 11.
Addressing the urgent need for upgrading the city's utility systems, Archival emphasized the city's commitment to employing eco-friendly materials. To make the most of limited public funds, he encouraged the private sector to join forces and invest in upgrading city facilities.
To strike a balance between the private sector's return on investment and the city's upgrade requirements, a financial plan will be put in place. Covering existing, future city-owned facilities, buildings, and infrastructure, as well as new electrical installations, the scheme will oversee all solar power upgrades.
The chosen contractor, selected through a competitive bidding process, will assess and determine all project aspects, including material, equipment, and usage forecasts. The contractor must adhere to legal and regulatory mandates, recruit qualified subcontractors, and personnel.
For a comprehensive understanding of the cost, manpower, profit margins, savings, and timelines involved, the contractor will fashion detailed breakdowns and estimates. They will also uphold exclusive control over the operation and maintenance of the upgraded facilities.
Forming a Technical Working Group
To facilitate this initiative, the City Government will establish a technical working group (TWG). Department heads from the Office of the Building Official, budget office, general services, property division, City Planning and Development Office, and designated offices will be part of this team. Additionally, a representative from the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines will join the TWG.
The TWG's duties encompass evaluating proposals, recommending adjustments, jointly overseeing installation and maintenance, and selecting the contractor who promises the shortest project duration and the most significant projected savings.
Contractors neglecting the ordinance will face legal repercussions for any damage they cause to the city.
Upon the mayor's signing and newspaper publication, the ordinance will take effect.
[1] The enrichment data contains further insights into the private sector's role, the contractor selection process, and the contractor's responsibilities under the ordinance. This information would be beneficial for potential partners or contractors interested in solar power upgrades in Cebu City. For the general public, a focus on the overall aim and progress of the ordinance provides a clear understanding of Cebu City's commitment to prioritizing eco-friendly advancements for its infrastructure.
- The City Government of Cebu will establish a technical working group (TWG) to facilitate solar power upgrades, with members from key offices such as the Office of the Building Official, budget office, and environmental-science departments.
- The TWG will evaluate proposals, recommend adjustments, jointly oversee installation and maintenance, and select the contractor who can ensure the shortest project duration and the highest projected savings, ensuring a balance between the private sector's return on investment and the city's environmental objectives.
- By partnering with the private sector, businesses and technological firms can invest in the upgrading of city facilities, contributing to the city's finance, science, and environmental-science sectors, while also promoting eco-friendly practices and renewable energy solutions.
- The enforced ordinance will not only provide legal repercussions for contractors neglecting the ordinance, but it also signifies Cebu City's commitment to prioritizing eco-friendly advancements for its infrastructure, improving the overall environment and setting a positive example for other cities in the Philippines and beyond.
