San Carlos City | Renewable Energy Hub of Asia | Invest Negros Occidental

INVEST IN SAN CARLOS CITY

The Renewable Energy Hub of Asia
Home to the first large-scale solar farm in the Philippines, strategic port access to Cebu, and a thriving agro-industrial economy. San Carlos offers green energy, skilled workforce, and pro-business governance.

Quick Facts

SeaportSan Carlos City Port (PPA, 4.82 ha)
Toledo-Cebu Link15 nautical miles · 1 hour ferry
Bacolod AccessCoastal road 3h / Translink 2h
SACASOL Solar Farm22 MWp (First large-scale in PH)
Agri Production Area16,202 hectares
Labor Force67,111 · 75% employment rate

Strategic Hub & Connectivity

Seaport & Logistics

San Carlos Port Area4.82 hectares (PPA managed)
Toledo City (Cebu)15 nautical miles · 1 hr ferry
Bacolod CityCoastal road 3h / Translink 2h
Air AccessManila → Bacolod (1h flight) + land transfer

Digital & Power Infrastructure

Telecoms: Globe, Smart, PLDT fiber-optic connectivity.

Electricity: NONECO managed, competitive commercial rate ~₱9.98/kWh.

Renewable Energy Hub of Asia

Solar & Bioenergy

SACASOL Solar Farm22 MWp (Pioneer large-scale solar)
San Carlos BioenergyAsia's first integrated bioethanol distillery & power plant
solar farm

Investment Potential

Green energy projects, solar expansion, biomass, and hybrid systems. San Carlos is the premier location for sustainable energy investments in the Visayas.

Renewable energy incentives available

Reliable Utilities & Water

Water Resources

Waterworks ManagementCity Waterworks Department
Major RiversPalampas, Talave, Buluangan
Developed Springs10+
Level III System Coverage40.65% of households

Communications

Globe, Smart, PLDT with fiber-optic backbone — ready for BPO, data centers, and digital economy.

Agricultural Production

Total Agri Area: 16,202 hectares

Cash Crops5,867 ha
Rice (Paddy)3,510 ha
Mango876 ha
Corn750 ha

Agri-Business Opportunities

High-value crops, organic farming, post-harvest facilities, cold storage, and food processing.

Economic Drivers

Wholesale & Retail 59%
Food & Restaurants 11%
Financial Services 3.6%
Other Services 26.4%

Tourism & Hospitality

Sipaway Island

Pristine beaches, lighthouse, eco-tourism potential.

island beach

Natural Wonders

Alinsyawan Falls, Mayana Peak – mountain adventure & eco-tourism.

Accommodation: 25+ hotels and resorts.

Investment Priority Areas

  • Sustainable Agriculture & Agri-business
  • Ship Building & Ship Repair Facilities
  • Green Energy & Power Projects
  • Knowledge-Based Services & Creative Industries
  • Property Development & Residential Zones
  • LGU-PPP Infrastructure Projects
  • Health Care & Educational Facilities
  • Manufacturing & Light Industrial Parks

Skilled Human Capital

Workforce

Total Labor Force67,111
Employment Rate75%
Skilled Workers50,000+ in logistics, engineering, agriculture

Educational Hub

Central Philippines State University (main campus) + 3 colleges. Technical talent ready for BPO, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Good Governance

YearAward / Recognition
2022, 2023, 2024Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Awardee
2022CMCI Innovation and Most Improved City Component
2024Rank 2 for Economic Dynamism in Western Visayas

Ease of Doing Business

Local Investment & Incentives Code 2019
E-BPLS Compliant
P4 Ordinance C.O 19-16
Business One Stop Shop (BOSS)