He also encouraged local government units and the public to adopt similar energy-saving measures.
In his message during a press conference on Tuesday, March 3, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. said he has instructed all national government offices to conserve energy in light of the tense security situation in the Middle East.
“We have given instruction to all government offices to find ways to save on energy,” he said. “Panawagan ko na rin ito sa taong-bayan. Maghanap tayo ng paraan upang mabawasan ang ating paggamit ng lahat ng mga sources of energy natin.”
As part of the its efforts to promote energy conservationz Marcos encouraged the public to adopt more efficient transportation practices and consider measures to reduce fuel consumption.
“We encourage the use of public transport, you know, private vehicles. Punuin naman ninyo ‘yung sasakyan ninyo. Huwag ‘yung iisang tao lang ang gumagamit,” the President told.
He also said the government will also issue further guidelines on ways to save energy, as well as release public service announcements for the public to save on energy.
“All of these things can come together. We will give further guidance. We will make public service announcements to make suggestions to people kung ano ‘yung puwede pa nilang gawin para mabawasan ang kanilang paggamit ng energy. These are things that the general public can do,” he emphasized.
DOE ADVISORY
Congruent to that directive, the Department of Energy (DOE) enjoined the public sector—national government agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and local government units (LGUs), to reduce fuel consumption by at least 10 percent—ultimately conserving fuel consumption.
“In light of the recent global situation and the uncertainty in petroleum supply brought about by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Department of Energy (DOE) is adopting a proactive and collective measure to safeguard the country’s energy security,” the advisory released by the DOE Secretary and Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC) Chairperson Sharon Garin read.
In which, the department listed several fuel efficiency and conservation practices that all government entities shall strictly implement.
These practices include the regular and preventive maintenance of vehicles, adopting a standardized vehicle monitoring system, phasing transition to electric or hybrid vehicles, and more.
Aside from energy-saving measures, Garin said that all government entities are encouraged to mandate fuel-efficiency and conservation measures in their offices and facilities.
Moreover, the advisory also underscored that collective action within the public sector is necessary to achieve the goal of reducing fuel consumption by at least 10%.
To validate compliance, the DOE Energy Audit Team shall conduct energy audits and random spot checks on all government entities.
This advisory is in addition to an earlier directive to DOE bureaus, offices, and services.
SUFFICIENT OIL SUPPLY
Meanwhile, President Marcos also said that the country has sufficient oil supply amid the continuing tensions in several major oil-producing areas in the western Asian region.
He noted that the country currently maintains oil stockpiles sufficient to cover approximately up to two months of supply, with the available reserves include diesel, sufficient for about 50.5 days; fuel oil and gasoline, each sufficient for about 51.5 days; kerosene, sufficient for about 67.5 days; jet fuel, sufficient for about 58 days; and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), sufficient for about 29 days.
“Let me assure everyone that we have a sufficient supply of oil…So, we are okay for that period of time,” with PBBM adding that the country’s oil suppliers must alsonmaintainstockpiles that have not yet been exported, providing an additional potential source of supply if needed.
However, the President acknowledged that prolonged high global oil prices could have a notable impact on domestic petroleum products, including gasoline and LPG, with corresponding price adjustments already observed.
He also noted that countries holding oil stockpiles may limit exports to preserve their own reserves amid the ongoing crisis, especially given the uncertainty.
As such, several interventions are being done to mitigate the impact of potential oil price increases, including fuel subsidies for affected sectors such as transportation and agriculture.
“As soon as oil prices breached 80 dollars per barrel, mayroon na tayong gagawin, and we will use several of the funds…For example, we will use the Pantawid Pasada Program and the subsidy for the farmers and fisherfolk,” he said.
The government is also looking at the possibility of easing the transport cost burden for commuters, especially the working public, by providing no-fare bus rides along major routes.
HOPES IT WILL NOT LAST LONG
The President, meanwhile, expressed optimism that the Middle East conflict will not persist for an extended period.
He also reassured the public that the government has put in place several measures to mitigate its potential impact on the Philippine economy.
“We are still hoping, and we are still praying that this doesn’t last too long,” said Marcos, Jr. “And I hope and pray that our people will remain safe and that we will be able to weather this very difficult storm that has become global in scope.”
“Kaya marami tayong hinahanda kung ang ating panalangin ay hindi mapagbigyan at talagang patuloy pa rin ang labanan. Marami naman tayong mga interventions,” he added.
President Marcos said the government has already put in place measures to ensure an adequate supply of oil and basic commodities and to cushion the potential impact of price increases.
“Kagaya ng sabi ko, sapat naman ang supply natin. Ngunit baka sakali, ito ay kinakailanganin nating gawin ito upang mabawasan nga ang pagbayad dahil tataas nga ang presyo. At hindi lamang sana sa government offices but we have issued a directive to all the government offices to find ways to save energy in every ways,” the President said.
