DILG Calls on Local Governments to Lead National Energy Conservation Drive
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a powerful directive, strongly encouraging all local government units (LGUs) across the Philippines to actively participate in a nationwide campaign to conserve energy. This urgent call to action is detailed in Memorandum Circular No. 2026-023, dated March 16, 2026, which sets a clear target for LGUs to reduce their electricity and fuel consumption by a significant 10 to 20 percent.
Comprehensive Energy-Saving Measures for Government Offices
The memorandum outlines a series of specific, actionable measures designed to achieve these savings. LGUs are instructed to maintain air conditioning units at a standard, energy-efficient temperature of 24 degrees Celsius in all offices. Furthermore, the circular mandates the turning off of all electronic devices when not in use and encourages holding meetings virtually whenever possible to cut down on travel and office energy use.
Additional key directives include:
- Using official vehicles more efficiently and strengthening fleet-management protocols.
- Minimizing elevator usage to reduce electricity demand.
- Adopting other appropriate, context-specific energy conservation practices tailored to local needs.
Innovative Work Arrangements and Travel Reductions
In a move to significantly reduce electricity consumption in government buildings, the DILG is encouraging LGUs to implement a four-day onsite workweek. This can be achieved either through a compressed work schedule or by designating a common work-from-home day for employees. The circular also calls for a strict limitation on official travel, restricting it to only essential functions, and reinforces measures to improve fleet efficiency, thereby directly targeting fuel consumption reductions.
Response to Global Pressures and Presidential Directive
This nationwide initiative from the DILG follows a direct order from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who instructed national government agencies to conserve energy. This presidential directive aims to cushion the economic impact of rising global fuel prices, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The DILG emphasizes that local governments are pivotal in promoting energy efficiency throughout the country.
In an official statement, the DILG highlighted the crucial role of LGUs, stating, "LGUs can lead by example by adopting simple but effective measures that reduce electricity and fuel consumption." The department further stressed that "even small adjustments in daily operations can make a significant difference in achieving our goal of cutting energy use by as much as 20 percent." This campaign positions local governments at the forefront of a national effort to build resilience against international energy market volatility.
