THE Cebu City Council approved on third and final reading Wednesday, June 4, 2025, an ordinance establishing a financial framework for solar power upgrades on City-owned buildings, establishments and infrastructure.
Ordinance 2772, authored by Councilor and Mayor-elect Nestor Archival, is one of two key measures he requested the council to pass before he formally assumes office on June 30. The second, the Revised Comprehensive Cebu City Zoning Ordinance of 2025, is set for a public hearing on June 11.
In seeking to upgrade utility systems across city properties, Archival underscored the City Government’s commitment to using environmentally friendly materials.
Archival said to maximize limited public funds, “the City encourages the private sector to partner and invest in upgrading city facilities.”
Based on the ordinance, a financial scheme will be set up to balance the private sector’s return on investment with the City’s upgrade needs. It applies to all existing and future City-owned facilities, buildings, infrastructure and new electrical installations.
The contractor selected through a bidding process will estimate and determine all aspects of the upgrade, including material needs, equipment and projected usage. It must comply with legal and regulatory requirements and hire qualified subcontractors and personnel.
The contractor will also prepare detailed cost breakdowns, man-hour estimates, profit margins, program costs, projected savings and implementation timelines. It will maintain exclusive control over the operation and upkeep of the upgraded solar-powered facility.
Technical group
Meanwhile, the City Government will form a technical working group (TWG) composed of department heads from the Office of the Building Official, budget office, general services, property division, City Planning and Development Office and other offices the mayor may designate.
A representative from the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines will also sit on the TWG.
The TWG’s responsibilities include reviewing proposals, recommending adjustments and jointly supervising installation and maintenance. It will also evaluate all bids and select the contractor that offers the shortest project duration and the highest projected savings.
Contractors who violate the ordinance will be held liable for any resulting damage to the City.
The ordinance takes effect upon the mayor’s signing and publication in a newspaper of local circulation. / JPS