The Caloocan City government has issued Executive Order No. 007-26, directing all city offices to implement measures aimed at conserving fuel and electricity.

According to the city’s Public Information Office, the order was signed by Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan, adopts the provisions of Presidential Memorandum Circular No. 114, which calls on government agencies and local government units to reduce energy consumption amid the global energy crisis.

Under the directive, all city departments, offices, and units are required to achieve at least a 15 percent reduction in electricity and fuel consumption.

Among the measures included in the order is the regulation of air-conditioning use in government offices. Thermostat settings will be maintained at 24 degrees Celsius, with air-conditioning units operating only from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Employees are also required to turn off electronic equipment after office hours and activate power-saving settings on office computers, printers, and photocopiers.

The order also encourages personnel to minimize elevator use and instead take the stairs when moving one floor up or down, except for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and individuals with medical conditions.

To reduce fuel consumption, the city government will implement mandatory trip pooling for official travel, prohibit drivers from leaving engines running for more than three minutes while waiting, and require the use of shorter and less congested routes.

Strict monitoring of fuel use will also be implemented through a full-tank monitoring system and regular preventive maintenance of government vehicles.

The order also promotes the use of virtual meetings and digital communication in government offices to reduce transportation and paper consumption.

Each city office will designate an Energy Conservation Officer who will monitor compliance with the measures and submit monthly reports on electricity and fuel consumption.

Despite the conservation measures, the city government assured residents that essential services will continue without disruption.

These include health services, fire and emergency response operations, law enforcement and public safety, disaster risk reduction and management, sanitation, and garbage collection.