The Department of Energy (DOE) has expanded its nationwide energy conservation campaign to the Visayas for the first time while signing new agreements with five local government and regional government offices in Western Visayas to accelerate rooftop solar and energy efficiency projects in public buildings.

The agency launched the Visayas leg of its O.N.E. (Oras Natin sa Efficiency) campaign on Thursday at Festive Walk Mall in Iloilo City, marking the initiative’s first regional activation outside Metro Manila.

The campaign encourages households, businesses, and institutions to switch off non-essential lights and unplug appliances every Saturday from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. as part of the government’s efforts to curb electricity demand, improve grid reliability, and promote energy conservation.

The Iloilo rollout follows the campaign’s launch in Metro Manila through partnerships with SM Supermalls, Robinsons Land Corporation, and Ayala Malls.

“Energy responsibility knows no boundaries. Every kilowatt we save strengthens our energy system and benefits businesses and communities across the country. When millions of Filipinos choose to use electricity wisely— even for just one hour each week, we demonstrate that Enerhiyang Matatag at Makatao begins with the everyday decisions we make in our homes, workplaces, and communities,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.

Alongside the campaign launch, the DOE expanded its Solar Solutions for Government: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Public Buildings (SSG-ERPB) Program by signing new memoranda of agreement with the City Government of Iloilo, the provincial governments of Antique, Aklan, and Capiz, and the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev) Region VI.

Under the program, participating government agencies and local government units will pursue rooftop solar photovoltaic installations, energy-efficient retrofits, and other measures aimed at lowering electricity consumption, reducing operating costs, and improving the resilience of public facilities.

With the latest agreements, the DOE said it has signed MOAs with 23 government entities nationwide under the SSG Program.

According to the department, energy savings from the initiative can be redirected to essential public services while helping government institutions demonstrate leadership in adopting clean and sustainable energy technologies.

The DOE said it will continue expanding both the O.N.E. campaign and the Solar Solutions for Government Program nationwide as part of its efforts to strengthen the country’s energy security through energy efficiency and wider renewable energy adoption.

What do you think? Will expanding energy efficiency campaigns and rooftop solar adoption in government buildings significantly improve energy security and reduce public sector electricity costs? Join the discussion.

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