Top officials meet to intensify efforts on energy conservation

Top public and private sector officials have convened to intensify efforts on energy conservation and efficiency.

The meeting was attended by Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Trade and Industry Secretary Juan B. Santos as government representatives; industry stakeholders and some prominent business leaders.

Lotilla said amid the continued volatility of petroleum prices in the world market, industry leaders find it necessary to support the government’s energy conservation efforts dubbed as EC (Energy Conservation) Way of Life.

The energy chief said they also committed to implement measures that will jumpstart energy conservation and efficiency activities in the private sector.

Among the measures suggested by the industry leaders were the revival of the Daylight Savings Time, the implementation of a four-day work week in the private sector, reduced operating hours for malls and grocery stores, vehicle reduction program and student / youth mobilization for energy conservation activities.

"I appreciate the positive response of the private sector. The support of industry leaders to the energy conservation means the private sector is willing to do more with less energy, thereby providing scope for greater productivity and efficiency," Lotilla said.

During the dialogue, the private sector also agreed to help in the public information campaign on the EC Way of Life.

The Advertising Board and the Kapisanan ng Brodkasters sa Pilipinas undertook the task of leading communication efforts for ENERCON.

Meanwhile, Meneleo Carlos, the former Power Czar, has also been named as the Industry Champion for EC Way of Life.

The National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program was launched by President Arroyo in August 2004 under an umbrella movement called "EC (Energy Conservation) Way of Life" campaign. In pursuit of the program’s goals, Administrative Orders 103 and 117 were recently issued implementing strict austerity measures for government agencies and the four-day workweek for government employees.

Energy efficiency and conservation is part of the Arroyo Administration’s energy independence agenda. Among its objectives are to cushion the impact of increases in prices of petroleum products and electricity through the implementation of energy efficiency and conservation measures, to help protect the environment and to make energy efficiency and conservation a way of life.