ILOILO — The Iloilo Provincial Capitol has emerged as a model of government energy efficiency after securing a perfect 100-percent, 5-Star rating from the Department of Energy (DOE), highlighting its aggressive and systematic response to the country’s ongoing fuel crisis.
The recognition underscores the province’s full compliance with the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) and positions Iloilo as a benchmark for other local government units navigating rising energy costs and sustainability demands.
The rating was awarded by the DOE Visayas Field Office’s Energy Resource Development and Utilization Division, represented by Lourdes Arciaga, following a random spot check conducted on April 13 to assess the provincial government’s adherence to energy efficiency standards.
The evaluation confirmed that the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Complex had successfully implemented best practices aligned with Memorandum Circular 114 and Executive Order No. 110 issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., both aimed at addressing the national fuel crisis.
Among the initiatives cited were the establishment of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) Desk with designated focal persons and coordinators, regular driver training programs, and the adoption of a four-day workweek to reduce fuel consumption.
The province also implemented carpooling schemes, prioritized essential travel, and initiated the procurement of a Phase II 100-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system to strengthen its renewable energy capacity.
As part of institutionalizing these measures, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. issued Executive Order No. 34, which enforces energy and fuel conservation protocols across government operations, along with Executive Order 34-A mandating energy efficiency in the residential, commercial, industrial, and transport sectors.
The spot check and compliance efforts were coordinated by the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) through its Energy Efficiency and Conservation Desk, led by Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle P. Buyco Jr., who also serves as the province’s designated Energy Efficiency and Conservation Officer.
He was supported by EEC focal personnel and staff from various provincial offices, including the General Services Office and Provincial Engineer’s Office, who contributed to fuel consumption monitoring and the implementation of austerity measures across the Capitol complex./PN
