The Cebu City Government has set an ambitious goal to reduce its annual electricity expenses by at least P150 million within two years through the widespread adoption of solar-powered systems across government-owned buildings and facilities.
Mayor Leads Solar Project Groundbreaking
Mayor Nestor Archival spearheaded the June 3, 2026 groundbreaking ceremony for a P12 million on-grid rooftop solar photovoltaic system at City Hall, marking the pilot site for this renewable energy initiative. The project aims to cut the city's yearly power bill by 50 percent, which currently ranges from P300 million to P400 million.
Expected Savings and Financial Impact
The executive and legislative buildings, which consume significant electricity, were chosen as pilot sites. Together, they cost the city P1.5 million monthly—P1 million for the executive building and P500,000 for the legislative building. Once operational, the solar system is projected to reduce electricity expenses in these two buildings by 30 percent, generating monthly savings of P300,000 to P500,000. Mayor Archival noted that the investment is expected to pay for itself within three years through lower energy costs.
Long-Awaited Initiative
For Archival, this project fulfills a vision he held since his time as a city councilor. 'When I was still a councilor, I already hoped to install solar power systems in government buildings. Now, we are finally implementing it,' he said. Project engineers indicated that installation work will commence in the second or third week of June and is expected to be completed within 120 days.
Environmental and Broader Goals
The mayor emphasized that the project will help reduce the city's greenhouse gas emissions and serve as a model for other local government units seeking to lower operating costs and adopt cleaner energy practices. Following the City Hall installation, the city government plans to expand solar energy systems to other facilities, including the Carbon Public Market Bagsakan Center and the Ramos Public Market, as part of a broader effort to reduce dependence on conventional power sources and enhance long-term energy efficiency.
