Manila: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is urging local government units (LGUs) to join nationwide initiatives aimed at conserving energy. Through Memorandum Circular No. 2026-023 issued on March 16, 2026, the directive recommends that LGUs reduce their electricity and fuel consumption by 10 to 20 percent.

According to Philippines News Agency, the memorandum outlines various energy conservation measures for LGUs. These include maintaining a standard air conditioning temperature of 24 degrees Celsius in offices, turning off electronic devices when not in use, holding meetings virtually when feasible, and optimizing the use of official vehicles. Additionally, LGUs are encouraged to minimize elevator usage and adopt other energy-saving practices.

The circular also suggests implementing a four-day onsite work arrangement to cut down on electricity usage in government offices. This could be done through a compressed workweek or by designating a common work-from-home day. Furthermore, it calls for limiting official travel to essential functions and enhancing fleet-efficiency measures to lower fuel consumption.

This initiative follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive for national government agencies to conserve energy in response to rising fuel prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The DILG emphasized the critical role of local governments in promoting energy efficiency nationwide. "LGUs can lead by example by adopting simple but effective measures that reduce electricity and fuel consumption," the department noted, highlighting that even minor operational adjustments can contribute significantly to the goal of reducing energy usage by up to 20 percent.