The Bacolod City government has been rated highly compliant by the Department of Energy (DOE) with the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP).
The observation was based on the spot check conducted by the team from the DOE – Visayas led by supervising science research specialist Chammer Jake Plaza at the Bacolod City Government Center on Wednesday, April 15.
The city earned a score of 98 percent, which is equivalent to a five-star rating, higher than the 92 percent GEMP compliance rating in 2022.
“By saving on utility costs, we ensure that the people’s funds are used responsibly and can be redirected toward meaningful programs and essential services that Bacolodnons truly need,” Mayor Greg Gasataya said in a statement yesterday.
Before the declaration of the national energy emergency, Gasataya issued energy-saving initiatives through Executive Order 11 on February 13, mandating energy efficiency and conservation measures across various city departments and offices.
“Bacolod is highly compliant. For example, Executive Order 11 specifies that air conditioning units in offices should be set no lower than 24 degrees Celsius,” Plaza observed.
He also noted Bacolod’s best practices, particularly the establishment of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) Division led by EEC officer Mary Jean Ramos.
The DOE-Visayas team randomly inspected the Population Commission, City Planning and Development Office, City Engineer’s Office and Business Permits and Licensing Office.
Since last month, the DOE has intensified nationwide energy audits and spot checks in all government facilities to enforce compliance with energy efficiency standards and fully implement the GEMP.
The initiative is anchored on Memorandum Circular 114, series of 2026, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which strictly mandates all local and national government entities to cut fuel and electricity consumption by 10 percent to 20 percent by year-end.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin also issued an Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee advisory on March 4, directing strict adherence to GEMP guidelines. (PNA)