Text by Jennifer Manongdo

The University of the Philippines Manila fully supports the national government’s call to implement energy conservation measures, aligning its campus policies with efforts to address rising energy prices. 

Proof of this is the 97.89% compliance rating it received from the Department of Energy (DOE) following an energy audit conducted on March 10, 2026. The spot check rating is equivalent to five stars and reflects the institution’s full commitment to support the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act through plans and programs that ensure sufficiency and stability of energy supply to cushion the impact of rising oil fuel prices. 

The Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) of the DOE conducted the inspection and based their rating on the following criteria: issuance of policy/memorandum on electricity and fuel conservation, installation of inverter type air conditioning units, setting the thermostat of air conditioning units at 24°C, and fuel conservation measures, among others. 

On March 6, Malacañang released Memorandum Circular No. 114 directing government agencies and instrumentalities to strictly adopt energy conservation protocols due to the rising oil prices owing to the geopolitical conflict between the US-Israel and Iran. 

Among the directives stipulated in Memorandum Circular No. 114 include maintaining a 24°C thermostat settings in air conditioned settings and adopting virtual meetings as default mode for interagency coordination, conferences, and similar engagements. It also mandates fuel-efficiency measures and the adoption of flexible work arrangements.#

#FP6 #AccessibleUPLeadership #EnvironmentThatNurturesMindandBody