Fifteen local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila are now part of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) program promoting solar energy and energy efficiency in public buildings, as six additional NCR local governments formally joined the initiative on June 24.

The cities of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Malabon, Muntinlupa, and Parañaque, along with the Municipality of Pateros, signed a memorandum of agreement with the DOE under the Solar Solutions for Government: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Public Buildings (SSG-ERPB) initiative.

The new participants join Mandaluyong, Manila, Navotas, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela, which entered the program in November 2025, bringing total participation in the National Capital Region to 15 LGUs.

Under the agreement, participating local governments will implement energy efficiency and renewable energy measures in government facilities, including energy-efficient retrofits, rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, and other energy-saving projects in line with Republic Act No. 11285, or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.

The expansion of the program signals growing adoption of distributed renewable energy solutions among local governments as they seek to manage electricity costs and improve the sustainability of public operations.

“This growing partnership reflects a simple but important reality: every peso saved through energy efficiency and solar power is a peso that can be invested back into better public services,”  Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.

“By reducing electricity costs in government facilities, our local governments can direct more resources toward healthcare, education, social services, and other programs that directly improve the lives of their constituents,” she added.

Garin said solar energy has become an increasingly practical option for local governments amid rising electricity demand and climate-related risks.

“Solar energy is no longer just an environmental initiative; it is a practical governance tool. It helps local governments manage operating costs, strengthen the resilience of public facilities, and ensure that public resources are used more efficiently. Through initiatives like this, we are helping build communities that are not only more sustainable, but also better prepared for future challenges,” she said.

To support implementation, the DOE said it has strengthened the policy framework for local governments through a Joint Memorandum Circular issued with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Public Works and Highways. 

The circular streamlines net-metering applications nationwide through standardized requirements and defined processing timelines, which the DOE said will help accelerate rooftop solar installations in government facilities.

The DOE provides technical assistance to participating LGUs under the SSG-ERPB program, including project identification, evaluation, and implementation support for viable solar and energy efficiency projects.

The department said the initiative is also expected to encourage wider investments in clean energy technologies and demonstrate how local governments can contribute to the country’s energy transition and resilience goals.

What are your thoughts on the growing adoption of rooftop solar and energy efficiency measures by local governments? Join the discussion.

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