On November 13, the Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC), in collaboration with the City of Bacolod, officially broke ground on the Lacson Street Underground Cable Project during a ceremony held at the Capitol Park and Lagoon. This project is a significant stride toward Mayor Albee Benitez’s vision of transforming Bacolod City into a “world-class Super City.”
Read: Negros Power Speeds Up Rehabilitation and Modernization Plan
The Move Underground
This ambitious initiative focuses on moving electrical and telecommunication cables underground along a 1-kilometer stretch of Lacson Street—a central hub in Bacolod City. The project has been allocated a ₱79 million budget and is set to enhance the area’s urban landscape, public safety, and power reliability.
Why Underground Cables?
Overhead cables, often referred to as “spaghetti wires,” have long been an eyesore and a safety hazard in Bacolod. Mayor Benitez has emphasized the importance of a cleaner and safer cityscape to improve both aesthetics and functionality.
The underground cable system offers several benefits:
- Enhanced Safety: Underground cables eliminate risks associated with tangled or exposed wires, reducing the likelihood of fires and electrical accidents.
- Improved Aesthetics: Removing overhead wires creates a more organized and visually appealing city, which boosts property values and enhances the experience for residents and visitors.
- Easier Maintenance: Underground systems simplify repairs and upgrades, ensuring faster service with minimal disruption.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Efficiency
NEPC is employing Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) for this project. This advanced method minimizes the need for extensive road digging, reducing disruptions and preserving the area’s appearance during construction. Additionally, the cables used are specially designed for underground installation, offering superior heat resistance and waterproofing.
Mayor Albee Benitez Advocates for Underground Wiring
In his keynote speech during the event, Mayor Albee Benitez expressed his support for the project and highlighted an ordinance currently on its second reading. This ordinance, led by Councilor Kalaw Puentevella, seeks to mandate the underground placement of utility wires across the city.
The Mayor also suggested establishing Bacolod City as the coordinating body between NEPC and telecommunication companies to ensure smoother implementation and collaboration throughout the project.
To keep costs manageable, the city government is working closely with telecommunication companies. By sharing infrastructure, all parties save on installation expenses while ensuring compliance with national standards set by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
Why Lacson Street?
Lacson Street was chosen due to its status as a central location and economic hub in Bacolod City. As one of the busiest streets in the city, this area serves as a gateway for commerce and tourism. The underground cable system will reduce clutter caused by overhead wires, boost urban development, and create a more visually appealing environment for residents and tourists.
Timeline and Goals
NEPC or Negros Power has outlined a clear timeline to complete the project:
- December 2024: Awarding of the project to a contractor.
- January 2025: Securing excavation permits to begin construction.
- October 2025: Completion of the 1-kilometer underground cable system, ready in time for the MassKara Festival.
Leaders Show Strong Support
Key city and provincial leaders were present at the groundbreaking ceremony, underscoring the project’s importance. Among those in attendance were Mayor Albee Benitez, NEPC CEO Roel Z. Castro, NEPC COO Engr. Bernard Bailey Del Castillo, Congressman Greg Gasataya, and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer. Joining them were Bacolod City Councilors Thaddy Sayson, Israel Salanga, Em Ang, Vladimir Gonzalez, Jason Villarosa, Kalaw Puentevella, Simple Distrito, and Celia Flor, along with Special Assistant to the Mayor Engineer Mae Cuaycong and City Engineer’s Office Head Engineer Loben Ceballos.
The Lacson Street Underground Cable Project is more than just an infrastructure upgrade—it’s a step toward achieving Bacolod’s Super City vision. By addressing safety, aesthetics, and reliability, the project promises long-term benefits for the city and its residents. With completion set before the next MassKara Festival, Bacolod is taking bold steps to ensure a modern and sustainable urban future.
