ILOILO – Alarmed by the potential ripple effects of the escalating conflict in the Middle East on global energy supplies and electricity costs, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. is convening the province’s Community Defense Cluster this Friday, March 6, to prepare contingency measures that include possible energy-saving policies and adjustments in government work arrangements.
The meeting will tackle the province’s readiness for possible fuel price surges, electricity demand during the hot dry season, and measures to cushion the impact on government operations and households.
“Our Community Defense Cluster will convene tomorrow for Middle East Crisis, Summer Preparation, and Rice Program… including energy,” Defensor said when asked by Panay News if the provincial government plans to implement energy conservation measures at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol amid concerns over possible fuel shortages and rising prices if the conflict continues.
Among the options being considered by the provincial government is the implementation of a proposed four-day workweek at the Capitol to reduce electricity consumption and government resource use.
The governor’s initiative comes as national authorities also call on government agencies to tighten energy conservation efforts amid global uncertainties.
On Wednesday, March 4, the Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC) issued a letter urging government offices to strictly implement the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP).
“To mitigate the impacts of ongoing international developments, and to ensure ample electricity during the hot dry season, the mandatory implementation of energy efficiency and conservation measures to realize at least 10 percent savings, and the strict implementation of the GEMP Guidelines and relevant IAEECC resolutions are enjoined,” the letter stated.
Under the program, government agencies are directed to adopt measures such as activating sleep settings on office equipment, setting air-conditioning units to no lower than 24°C, switching to LED lighting and inverter air-conditioning units, and using on-site renewable energy sources when available.
Other recommendations include turning off lights and computers during lunch breaks in offices without a no-noon-break policy and adopting flexible work arrangements or straight eight-hour office operations when feasible.
Local governments in Iloilo have also begun considering similar initiatives.
Badiangan Mayor Suzette Mamon said she is preparing to issue a memorandum ordering energy conservation at the municipal hall and rationalizing fuel consumption for government vehicles while encouraging residents to do the same.
“I am about to issue memorandum on the rationalized use of vehicles and electric power conservation and other related modalities,” Mamon told Panay News when asked if the municipality would adopt energy-saving measures.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., for his part, has urged the public to practice energy conservation, including carpooling and using public transportation, even as he assured that the country’s domestic fuel supply remains adequate.
The President stressed that conservation measures are necessary to cushion the possible impact of rising global oil prices driven by geopolitical tensions.
Provincial officials are expected to discuss further strategies during Friday’s meeting as Iloilo braces for both the approaching hot season and the possible economic fallout of the ongoing Middle East conflict./PN
