Local government units (LGUs) nationwide are being urged to cut their electricity and fuel consumption by 10 to 20 percent, as the national government pushes stricter energy conservation measures to help manage rising global energy pressures.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued the call through Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2026-023, reinforcing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for government offices to adopt energy-saving practices amid geopolitical tensions affecting global energy markets.
According to the DILG, local governments play a crucial role in promoting energy efficiency across the country. “LGUs can lead by example by adopting simple but effective measures that reduce electricity and fuel consumption. 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.”
Among the measures encouraged is the adoption of a four-day onsite work arrangement, either through a compressed workweek or by designating a common work-from-home day to reduce electricity consumption in government offices.
LGUs are also urged to maximize virtual meetings, seminars, and workshops through secure digital platforms, except in cases where physical presence is legally required or operationally necessary.
The circular likewise calls for limiting official travel to essential functions and strengthening fleet-efficiency measures to reduce fuel consumption and improve the fuel economy of government vehicles.
Government offices are also encouraged to adopt energy-efficient workplace practices, including setting air-conditioning thermostats at 24�C and ensuring lights and equipment are turned off when not in use.
The DILG emphasized that implementing these measures must not disrupt the continuous delivery of essential government services, particularly those related to health, public safety, and emergency response.