Manila: Malaca±ang on Friday directed all government agencies to ensure the strict adoption of energy conservation measures amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Memorandum Circular (MC) 114, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, stressed that significant volatility in global energy markets caused by the crisis in the Gulf region has triggered the increase in fuel prices, making an adverse impact on the national economy.

According to Philippines News Agency, there is an urgent need to adopt strict energy conservation measures to further reduce the energy footprint of government operations and optimize the use of public resources. Under MC 114, all agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), are directed to accelerate the implementation of the Government Energy Management Program.

Government agencies are also instructed to maintain a standard thermostat setting of 24 degrees Celsius for air-conditioned spaces, activate sleep settings on all office equipment, and turn off non-essential lights and electronic equipment during lunch breaks and after hours. They are also directed to adopt virtual meetings, limit official travel to essential and indispensable actions, and strengthen fleet-efficiency measures to reduce fuel consumption.

MC 114 likewise mandates them to minimize elevator use and adopt other appropriate energy conservation measures. To further reduce building energy load and transport fuel use, government agencies are also directed to adopt a four-day onsite work arrangement through a compressed workweek or a designated common day for work-from-home arrangements, in accordance with Civil Service Commission rules.

The four-day onsite work arrangement will be implemented starting March 9 and will remain in effect until lifted or sooner revoked by the President. 'All agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including GOCCs, shall implement the foregoing Energy Conservation Protocols in a manner that ensures the continuous, efficient and uninterrupted delivery of government services,' MC 114 said. MC 114 takes effect immediately.