BAGUIO CITY – The city government has ramped up its austerity measures by mandating all offices to reduce their maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) by 20 percent as the country remains under a state of national energy emergency.

“We have to save more funds because we might need to spend on things to assist our people. We must meet the 20 percent reduction in supplies and costs which also include limiting of newspaper subscription; expenditures for sports activities and we encourage private sector participation," Mayor Benjamin Magalong said on the sidelines of Monday's flag-raising rites at the City Hall.

Since the start of the energy emergency due to the Middle East conflict, the city has spent millions to assist the transport sector which is the hardest hit by rising fuel prices.

It has also started the distribution of 50 kilos of rice to 1,500 of the 13,000 beneficiaries and is looking into providing assistance to micro, small and medium enterprises, minimum wage earners, and other sectors needing support.

As part of cost cutting measures, Magalong issued Executive Order No. 64- 2026 prohibiting overtime requests, hiring of personnel, and monetization of leave credits.

The order also mandated the deferment of purchase of any type of motor vehicle, except those deemed critical to health, uniformed services, and disaster risk preparedness and response.

Other measures which may generate possible savings include reduction of foreign travel for government personnel, except those approved by the Office of the President or funded by external sponsors such as scholarships and trainings; attendance to conferences conducted by private sector entities where expenses are charged to government funds; conduct of trainings, workshops, and seminars, except those undertaken by government training institutions as part of their regular functions or funded through foreign grants; and educational tours and field trips.

Cultural and social celebrations, such as, but not limited to barangay fiestas and other festivities, are also prohibited during the period, as well as the construction of new government buildings, facilities as well as other capital outlays that are not yet ready for implementation, and grant of honoraria, except in cases where it constitutes the only source of compensation from government received by the person concerned.

Earlier, the city government has adopted a four-day work week as an immediate response cost cutting measure.

The order also mentioned that projects encountering problems and significant cost overruns can be deferred to succeeding years.

It also cited the need for the continued implementation of the policy of personnel attrition, fleet efficiency measures to reduce fuel consumptions, and improve fuel economy performance.

“Limit official travels to essential and indispensable functions; minimize elevator use by encouraging personnel and clients to take the stairs when moving one floor up to one floor down.”

He also said that electrical equipment, air conditioning units, and lighting fixtures must be completely turned off after office hours, especially on the last working day of the week to prevent phantom load consumption, especially over the weekend.

Aside from the offices of the city government, Magalong called on the private sector to also adopt the same austerity measures.