Isabela City in Zamboanga is exploring the potential of Napier Grass as a biomass energy source to support clean energy goals, create local jobs, and enhance farmers’ livelihoods. On July 10, Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, known for her focus on sustainable development, visited a prototype facility of the Napier Grass Energy Project in Taguig City to learn more about its applications.
The visit formed part of Isabela City’s ongoing efforts to identify renewable and forward-looking energy solutions. Napier Grass, a fast-growing tropical plant commonly used as livestock fodder, is now gaining attention as a viable biomass fuel due to its high energy yield and adaptability. The local government sees sustainable crops like Napier Grass as a pathway to greater energy stability, with the goal of driving progress and raising living standards across the city.
(Also read: NEA Allots P36 B for Mindanao Electrification Drive)
Securing Mindanao’s energy future
The initiative also supports the city’s efforts to tackle the long-standing problem of recurring power outages, which have hindered business activity and discouraged investment in Isabela City.
The prototype facility, spearheaded by Green Renewable Energy, is drawing national interest for its potential to cut carbon emissions while offering new livelihood options for farmers in rural communities.
During her visit, Mayor Turabin-Hataman held discussions with Engineer Danny Manayaga of Fibertech Secura RE Corporation and members of the project’s technical team. Their conversation focused on how the facility operates, its adaptability for use in island communities, and its potential to support locally driven energy solutions.
(Also read: Mindanao Pushes for Energy Security Through Solar)
Enacting the City’s Local Power & Energy Code
Last year, Zamboanga City advanced its push for sustainable energy with the passage of Ordinance 683, known as the Local Power and Energy Code. Approved by the City Council on August 19, 2024, the measure set a framework to promote energy conservation and efficiency, while strengthening the city’s energy security and system resilience.
The ordinance aims to bring Zamboanga City’s energy direction in step with national goals, particularly the National Economic Development Authority’s (NEDA) “AmBisyon Natin 2040,” which envisions a secure and comfortable life for all Filipinos by mid-century.
Through this local code, the city intends to encourage responsible energy use, support the rollout of energy-related projects, and ensure that local regulations align with broader national standards on safety, sustainability, and infrastructure development. Funding provisions are also included to support these efforts.
The move also reflects the priorities outlined in the Philippine Energy Plan 2018-2040, which highlights the urgency of addressing the country’s rising energy needs. The plan calls for streamlining regulatory processes, fostering market competitiveness, expanding consumer options, and building a more robust and adaptable energy infrastructure.
The ordinance also established an Energy Sector Committee, led by the city mayor, tasked with overseeing the rollout of energy projects. The committee ensures that initiatives are carried out in compliance with relevant energy regulations and existing legal frameworks.
Sources:
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/isabela-city-eyes-biomass-energy-technology
https://www.facebook.com/zambocitygovt/posts/zc-enacts-local-power-energy-code-the-city-government-takes-a-significant-step-t/845699431004277/
