Bacolod City has been making big moves to upgrade its infrastructure, thanks to the efforts of Mayor Albee Benitez. This time with the help of Negros Power and their COO, Engr. Bernard Bailey Del Castillo, the city is considering an ambitious project to move the city’s electrical and telecommunication cables underground. But this isn’t just a facelift for the city—it’s part of a bigger plan to turn Bacolod into a “world-class Super City.”
Why Go Underground?
The main goal here is to improve both the look and safety of the city. Those overhead cables, often called “spaghetti wires,” have been a long-standing eyesore and a safety risk. Mayor Benitez isn’t a fan of these tangled wires and has made it clear that it’s time for a cleaner, more organized cityscape.
What’s the Plan?
The project aims to move power and telecom cables underground along Lacson Street, one of Bacolod’s busiest areas. To do this, they’re using Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), a method that installs cables with minimal digging.
Using the Latest Tech
Choosing HDD technology shows the city’s commitment to doing things efficiently and sustainably. Unlike the old-school way of digging up roads, HDD causes less hassle and keeps the city looking good. Engr. Del Castillo pointed out that the cables for this project are specially designed for underground use—they’re more heat-resistant and waterproof than the wires currently hanging above our heads.
Installing underground cables is generally more expensive than overhead cables due to the high costs of excavation, specialized materials, and advanced installation methods like Horizontal Directional Drilling. These initial expenses can be significantly higher—often 2 to 10 times more—compared to overhead systems. However, underground cables offer long-term benefits, including greater reliability, reduced maintenance needs, and improved aesthetics, which can make them more cost-effective over time despite the higher upfront investment.
Teaming Up to Cut Costs
To keep the project affordable, the city government plans to work with various telecom companies on the installation. By sharing the infrastructure, these companies can save money, making the whole project more feasible. This teamwork is key—it’s a win-win for the city and the companies involved.
Getting the Green Light
To ensure everything goes smoothly, Mayor Benitez and Engr. Del Castillo are considering whether the project needs a City Ordinance to provide the legal framework. They are also seeking the necessary approvals from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to ensure compliance with national standards.
What’s Wrong with “Spaghetti” Wires Anyway?
Those messy overhead cables might seem like a minor issue, but they can cause real problems.
Safety First
One big concern with spaghetti wires is safety. Tangled or exposed wires can cause fires, shocks, and other dangers, especially in crowded areas. Moving these cables underground is a straightforward way to reduce these risks.
Making the City Look Good
A city’s appearance matters, and those messy cables aren’t doing Bacolod any favors. They can make neighborhoods look cluttered and less attractive, which can even lower property values. By cleaning up the skyline, Bacolod can become a more appealing place for both residents and visitors.
Easier Maintenance
When cables are disorganized, it makes maintenance, repairs, and upgrades a headache for utility companies, leading to longer outages and higher costs. Moving everything underground should make these tasks easier and more efficient, which means better service for everyone.
Bacolod’s Big Vision
Mayor Albee Benitez has a vision for Bacolod that goes beyond just infrastructure. The underground cabling project is part of a bigger plan to transform the city into a “world-class Super City” focused on modern urban planning, sustainability, and innovation. This project is a crucial step toward that goal, paving the way for a safer, more beautiful city that’s ready for the future.
