• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
A resolution enjoining all food business establishments and other businesses using cooking oil within the city to collect their used cooking oil and donate the same to the Biodiesel Project launched by Bacolod Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez in Barangay Pahanocoy, Bacolod City, was approved by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod Wednesday.
Authored by Councilor Roberto Rojas, the resolution said there are numerous food business establishments and other commercial enterprises operating within the city that utilize cooking oil in their daily operation and consequently generate significant quantities of used cooking oil as waste.
Improper disposal of used cooking oil poses risks to the environment, including clogging drainage systems, polluting waterways, and contributing to environmental degradation, it said.
The Biodiesel Project recently launched by Benitez aims to “collect, recycle, and renew” used cooking oil by converting the same into biodiesel, thereby promoting environmental sustainability and resource recovery, the resolution said.
Biodiesel produced from recycled cooking oil is a valuable alternative fuel resource that can help support the operational needs of farmers and fishermen, sectors greatly affected by the rising cost of fuel, it said.
This initiative is particularly timely and relevant in the light of the increasing global oil prices and supply uncertainties brought about by continuing geopolitical tensions affecting major oil-producing regions, the resolution said.
Fuel prices within Bacolod City have reached considerable levels, thereby increasing the burden on transport, agricultural, and fisheries sectors, it said.
The active participation and cooperation of food establishments and other oil-using businesses will greatly contribute to the success of this environmental sustainability and livelihood-support initiative, the resolution added.*
