• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod City joins a growing number of local government units across the Philippines in mandating a comprehensive energy conservation program, aiming to reduce electricity and fuel consumption by at least 10 percent.
The directive, established through Executive Order No. 011, Series of 2026, aligns with national efforts to institutionalize energy efficiency and manage operational costs amid fluctuating energy prices.
Administrative officers must limit air-conditioning usage to six hours daily, with a maximum of eight hours during summer months at the discretion of the head of the agency.
Thermostats are required to be set no lower than 24°C, and units should be switched to fan mode during the lunch hour from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., whenever practical.
The order further dictates that all lights, computers, and office equipment be turned off during lunch breaks and after office hours, except for departments with continuous operations.
The city is transitioning to more efficient infrastructure by upgrading to LED lighting and inverter-type air-conditioning units, while ensuring all new energy-consuming products comply with the Philippine Energy Labeling Program.
Building administrators must submit monthly reports on kilowatt-hour consumption and fuel usage in liters.
The data will be monitored by a newly designated team of professionals, including Energy Efficiency-Conservation Division Officer led by Dr. Mary Jean Ramos.
The mayor is scheduled to consult with department heads this Monday to discuss transitioning to a four-day work week.*
