“Spaghetti wires” along Bacolod City’s main thoroughfares had been an unsightly problem for so long. Plus, the real threat happens during typhoons and strong winds, which are prone to damage and can cause power interruptions. One of the things that Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez is pushing to solve this problem is underground cabling. And it is soon going to be a reality. Recently, the Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC or Negros Power), in partnership with the City of Bacolod held a blessing and groundbreaking ceremony for the Lacson Street Underground Distribution System Project. It was held at the Capitol Park and Lagoon, Bacolod City — where the city’s KM 0 marker is located.
The Underground Distribution System Project in Bacolod
With an allotted budget of P79 million, the Underground Distribution System Project in Bacolod City will start on a 1-kilometer stretch–from the corner of South Capitol Road to the corner of BS Aquino Drive.
Lacson Street was chosen for this pilot project because of its central location and function as the city’s economic hub. The underground distribution system will enhance tourist appeal, improve public safety, and ensure the reliability of services. It also goes a long way to contributing to aesthetics, which is a big part of urban development.
The event was graced by Mayor Albee Benitez, NEPC Engr. Bernard Bailey Del Castillo, NEPC CEO Roel Z. Castro, Congressman Greg Gasataya, and Province of Negros Occidental Vice-Governor Jeffrey Ferre. They were joined by Councilors Thaddy Sayson, Israel Salanga, Em Ang, Vladimir Gonzalez, Jason Villarosa, Kalaw Puentevella, Simple Distrito, and Celia Flor. Special Assistant to the Mayor Engr. Mae Cuaycong and City Engineer’s Office Head Engr. Loben Ceballos were also present.
In his keynote message, Mayor Albee expressed his support for the project. He shared that the ordinance that will bring all the wires underground is now on its second reading at the Bacolod City Council, with Councilor Kalaw Puentevella as the lead author. Moreover, Mayor Albee also suggested putting the Bacolod City government as the coordinating body to work between Negros Power and the telcos, as they are part of the spaghetti wires problem.
Working on Improving the City’s Distribution Utility
NEPC aims to secure the necessary permits and award the project by this December so excavation can start in January. It intends to finish the project in 10 months or less so Lacson Street is already clear and operational before the MassKara Festival 2025 happens in October.
As Negros Power was only recently granted their certificate to operate, they are just starting the implementation of their 5-year development plan. All their moves have one goal–to modernize and improve the distribution utility of Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.
