By Christsam Joy S. Jaspe-Santander
Participants and guests during the comprehensive campaign promoting the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP).
Iloilo, Philippines – In May 2024, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Energy Secure Philippines (ESP) Activity and its grantee, the Central Philippine University Energy Knowledge Empowerment in Western Visayas (CPU EKEWV) Project, partnered with the Iloilo Provincial Government to launch a comprehensive campaign promoting the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) across all municipalities in Iloilo. This nine-session campaign capacitated 41 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Officers (EECOs) from 37 municipalities. This initiative aligns with the national mandate to enhance energy efficiency and conservation within government entities, as outlined in the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (Republic Act No. 11285) and reiterated by Administrative Order No. 15 (AO 15).
The campaign commenced with a detailed overview of GEMP policies, which aim to reduce energy consumption by at least 10% across all government offices. Key strategies include implementing energy conservation measures, upgrading to more energy-efficient equipment, and appointing EEC Officers to ensure compliance and effective implementation.
A significant portion of the campaign focused on training municipal representatives to use the DOE-GEMP Online System, essential for monitoring and reporting energy consumption and efficiency measures. The Department of Energy facilitated a hands-on data-encoding workshop to familiarize EEC officers with the portal.
The campaign also showcased various energy efficiency and conservation initiatives already being implemented in Iloilo. These include the use of LED lighting, the installation of solar panels in government buildings and offices, and activities aimed at raising community awareness on energy conservation. Additionally, training sessions for drivers of government-owned vehicles covered fuel-saving driving techniques and essential maintenance procedures.
Notably, the Municipality of Leganes from the 2nd District shared their success story, having been awarded a Five-star rating by the DOE during their 2022 energy audit. Furthermore, municipalities in the 3rd District were recognized for appointing the most EEC officers.
The campaign provided a platform for participants to voice concerns and issues encountered while implementing GEMP policies, including challenges related to funding for energy-efficient equipment, troubleshooting data in the GEMP portal, and scheduling energy audits.
The GEMP provincial rollout in Iloilo serves as a model and will continue to other provinces on Panay Island, showcasing the region’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable practices.