Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday ordered stringent energy-saving measures alongside work-from-home (WFH) on Fridays amid the oil price surge due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. DepEd Memorandum No. 18, series of 2026, aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives for government offices to reduce fuel and electricity consumption.

According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara stated, 'DepEd is fully committed to doing its part in reducing energy consumption across government operations while ensuring that our schools and offices continue to serve the public effectively.' The agency aims to cut 10 to 20 percent of its electricity and fuel usage across its operations.

The memo outlines several measures, including maintaining air-conditioning settings at 24°C, activating sleep settings on equipment, turning off lights and devices during break times and beyond office hours, and utilizing stairs. Additionally, Fridays have been designated for a work-from-home setup for all non-teaching and related-teaching personnel, with a four-day onsite work schedule from Mondays to Thursdays.

Angara assured that there will be no learning disruptions despite these cost-cutting measures, emphasizing, 'We are firmly resolved to ensure that these shifts in our operation do not cause a single day of delay in the delivery of essential government services to our learners and stakeholders.' Public school teachers will continue their existing class schedules to ensure learning continuity and completion of all end-of-school-year activities.

Furthermore, DepEd will closely monitor fuel usage and ensure preventive maintenance for government vehicles. The agency plans to consolidate official trips to minimize vehicle deployment, optimize travel routes, and prevent vehicle idling. Official travels will be limited to 'essential activities,' while inter-agency meetings, consultations, and conferences will be conducted online, if possible.