Iloilo city: The Department of Energy (DOE) on Friday launched its energy efficiency campaign in Western Visayas through the regional rollout of the "O.N.E.: Oras Natin sa Efficiency" advocacy and the expansion of its "Solar Solutions for Government: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Public Buildings" (SSG-ERPB) program with local government partners.
According to Philippines News Agency, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin led the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the SSG-ERPB program with the provincial governments of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Guimaras, the Iloilo City government, and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development during a ceremony at Festive Walk Mall. 'The objective is to put some solar systems in government buildings,' Garin stated, encouraging Megaworld Corp. to install solar panels in its transport terminals.
The SSG-ERPB program supports government agencies and local government units in adopting rooftop solar photovoltaic systems, implementing energy-efficient retrofits, and introducing other measures that reduce electricity consumption, lower operating costs, and improve the resilience of public facilities. Garin mentioned that DOE teams will inspect government buildings to assess existing energy-saving measures and recommend improvements. 'We hope that they can at least save around 10-20 percent of their electricity bills by practicing energy-saving practices. It's a multi-layered activity, and hopefully, we can help Panay save electricity,' she said in an interview.
To date, the DOE has signed MOAs with 23 government entities nationwide under the SSG-ERPB program. Garin also led the first regional activation of the "Oras Natin sa Efficiency" campaign, a nationwide advocacy encouraging households, businesses, and institutions to switch off non-essential lights and reduce unnecessary electricity use for one hour every Saturday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. 'While the government must lead by example, achieving a truly energy-secure Philippines requires the participation of every sector of society. This is why we continue to strengthen the campaign of ONE Hour or Oras Natin sa Efficiency, inspired by the Earth Hour. Two simple actions, switching off non-essential lights and unplugging what we are not using,' she said.
The Iloilo activation builds on the campaign's earlier rollout in Metro Manila through partnerships with SM Supermalls, Robinsons Land Corporation, and Ayala Malls, reflecting growing support from both the public and private sectors for practical energy conservation initiatives.
