The Department of Education (DepEd) has begun implementing mandatory energy saving measures as well as a flexible work schedule as part of broader government efforts to reduce fuel and electricity consumption amidst rising oil and gas prices due to the conflict in the Middle East.

The initiatives took effect on March 9 under DepEd Memorandum No. 18 s. 2026, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Memorandum Circular No. 114 s. 2026, which directs government agencies to adopt measures that can help cushion the impact of rising petroleum prices attributed to geopolitical tensions.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said that the department supports the government’s push to reduce energy consumption while tempering the impact on everyday public services.

“DepEd is fully committed to doing its part in reducing energy consumption across government operations while ensuring that our schools and offices continue to serve the public effectively,” Angara said.

“We are firmly resolved to ensure that these shifts in our operations do not cause a single day of delay in the delivery of essential government services to our learners and stakeholders,” he added.

According to the memorandum issued, the department aims to reduce its energy consumption around 10% to 20% through a series of operational adjustments across all its offices.

Among the key measures is maintaining air-conditioning units at a temperature setting of 24 degree Celcius. Offices are also instructed to activate sleep settings on devices and turn off unnecessary lights and equipment during breaks and past work hours. Personnel are likewise encouraged to use stairs whenever possible.

DepEd will also prioritize the use of virtual platforms for its inter-agency meetings, conferences, and consultations, whenever possible and limit the need for in-office activities.

To improve the efficiency of government vehicles, the department has directed offices to consolidate official trips, optimize travel routes, minimize vehicle idling, and strengthen fuel monitoring and preventive maintenance of government fleets.

As part of the initiative, DepEd has also adopted a four-day onsite work arrangement from Monday to Thursday, with Friday designated as a common work-from-home day for non-teaching and related personnel.

Teaching personnel will still continue with their regular class schedules to ensure that learning activities and end-of-school-year requirements proceed without disruption.

Meanwhile, office heads have been instructed to ensure that operations remain efficient and maintain zero backlog in accordance with the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act.

Could measures like these help government agencies significantly reduce energy consumption during periods of fuel price volatility?

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