FOUR local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental received a 5-Star rating in their implementation of the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) in accordance to the implementation of Republic Act 11285, or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act of 2019.
A team of assessors composed of representatives from the Department of Science and Technology – Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), Department of Energy (DOE), and Department of Science and Technology Region VI (DOST VI) conducted a one-day assessment of the city hall buildings of Bago City, Cadiz City, Bacolod City, and San Carlos City. Out of a total score of 100, Bago City received 99, Cadiz City 90, Bacolod City 92, and San Carlos City 95.
Engr. Divine Rhea J. Ceruma of DOST-ITDI led the audit team in evaluating the compliance of the LGUs to the GEMP by reviewing data of fuel and electricity consumption from 2015 and other relevant documents. A random check of two rooms in the building was conducted in terms of compliance to energy efficiency standards for lighting and air-conditioning.
The objective of this assessment is to review and improve the policies implemented and identify additional saving opportunities for the LGUs. The team also suggested energy efficiency measures such as turning all equipment off when not in use, replacing the conventional lights with LED, the use of inverter air-conditioning units as well as considering other alternative renewable sources as possible, such as the use of solar panels. The goal of the GEMP is to lower the power consumption of up to 10 percent annually and to look for other opportunities to save more power.
On the part of the LGU, the assessment will serve as a baseline to see to it that it is doing the measures given to attain its energy efficiency goals. The GEMP implementation of the LGUs will be one of the criteria for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Awards of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Ceruma was accompanied by Engr. Wilfredo Balais and Engr. Jay Bañados of DOST-ITDI, Engr. Robert James Lacandazo and Engr. Miguel Trenuela of DOE, and Engr. Glady Reyes of DOST-VI. (GTReyes/PSTO-Negros Occidental)/PN
