How Visayas LGUs are implementing energy-saving measures

2026-03-10 - 04:05

CEBU, Philippines – As tensions escalate in the Middle East, local government units (LGUs) in the Visayas have begun implementing their own energy-saving measures. This comes after Malacañang issued Memorandum Circular No. 114 on March 6, directing all government offices to strictly adopt energy conservation protocols. Under the memorandum circular, agencies are mandated to limit official travels, reduce fuel consumption, minimize elevator use, set virtual conferences as the “default mode” for coordination meetings, and turn off non-essential lights and electronic equipment, among other energy-saving measures. MC 114 followed a video message of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., where he disclosed government preparations for an increase in oil prices following the United States and Israel’s war against Iran, with fuel costs estimated to increase by P7.48 per liter for gasoline, P17.28 per liter for diesel, and P32.35 per liter for kerosene. On March 9, several LGUs announced the implementation of a four-day onsite work week arrangement, as encouraged by MC 114. Here’s how these Visayan provinces are implementing their own energy-saving protocols amid the Middle East conflict and the subsequent rise of fuel prices: Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has ordered government offices to implement a scheduled shutdown of air-conditioning units for at least two hours during workdays. The governor also directed concerned agencies to maximize natural lighting and ventilation whenever feasible. Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival told reporters in a presser on Monday, March 9, that the city departments have been instructed to monitor daily electricity consumption. Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia King-Chan announced in a memorandum dated March 4, that the city government has declared a “state of preparedness” in response to the Middle East conflict. Under Lapu-Lapu City Memorandum Circular No. 2026-024, government personnel are encouraged to take ride-sharing trips, minimize overtime use in regular work days, and ensure that energy use matches the number of staff present in offices. She also urged government employees who live near city hall to use bicycles to work. Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado established a contingency framework last March 2, which detailed the creation of the Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force on Economic and Energy Resilience. The provincial task force is monitoring and preparing contingency plans for global energy supply disruptions. Iloilo The Iloilo Provincial Government has implemented various energy-saving measures prior to the Middle East conflict, such as the creation of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Desk. In recent years, the said office facilitated funding for the installation of various solar photovoltaic systems across multiple barangays and schools, and the switch to LED lights in government offices. As of Monday, the Iloilo Capitol reminded the public of Memorandum Order No. 182, which detailed specific austerity measures such as recommending the use of electric fans during weekends, recycling paper and other stationery items, using appliances with inverter technology, and using vehicles for official business only, as well as carpooling and commuting. Negros Island Region In Negros Occidental, Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya announced on Monday, March 9, plans to upgrade government facilities to use inverter-type air conditioning units and LED lighting, as well as requiring departments to submit monthly reports regarding fuel usage and to conduct awareness campaigns on energy consumption. Negros Oriental Governor Manuel Sagarbarria, through Executive Order No. 28, mandated offices under the provincial government to adopt practical energy-saving measures such as rationalizing vehicle usage through trip consolidation and route planning. Sagarbarria also ordered the Provincial General Services Office, in coordination with the provincial budget and accounting offices, to monitor electricity and fuel consumption and submit periodic summaries with recommendations to the governor’s office. Eastern Visayas In Eastern Visayas, several executives from various LGUs established partnerships with the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) on February 20, in hopes of transitioning to renewable, clean energy. Guiuan Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan, Oras Mayor Oramismo Ador, Salcedo, and Salcedo Mayor Melchor Melgar of Eastern Samar; Paranas Mayor Elvira Babalcon and Marabut Mayor Percival Ortillo of Samar; and Alang-alang, Leyte Mayor Lovell Anne Yu- Castro pledged to develop local energy plans and enacting renewable energy ordinances in their towns. Meanwhile, the Ormoc City Council is set to partner with the Department of Energy to install solar power systems in government buildings. On February 16, the council passed a resolution supporting the DOE’s Solar Solutions for Government program which aims to upgrade government infrastructure with solar energy technology. with reports from Gwyneth Antonio/Rappler.com Gwyneth Antonio is a Regions Rappler intern and a senior anthropology student from the University of San Carlos.