By Ruben A.Veloria
IBA, ZAMBALES, Philippines – In compliance with the Memorandum Circular from the Office of the President, the provincial government of Zambales is to implement strict energy conservation scheme amidst possible global energy crises due to on-going conflict in the oil-rich Middle East.
Issuing the Executive Order, Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. directed all provincial offices and facilities to immediately implement “stringent energy conservation measures and adopt flexible work arrangements”.
The EO is in compliance to the Memorandum Circular No. 114, series of 2026, from the Office of the President, which calls on all government agencies to significantly reduce electricity and fuel consumption.
“With the volatility of global fuel prices and the rising demand for energy, we in the provincial government must lead by example,” Governor Ebdane stated. This order ensures continuous delivery of essential services to the people of Zambales, he added.
Among the measures to be observed include: maintaining air-conditioning thermostats at a strict 24°C, switching off non-essential lights and electronics during lunch breaks and after hours, and utilizing power-saving settings on all office equipment; limiting official travel and out-of-town seminars, promoting virtual meetings.
A Four Day A Week work schedules was also to be implemented at the Capitol Offices from Monday to Friday; while Fridays will be Work From Home scheme.
Requiring skeletal force on Fridays are the provincial front line offices, including Provincial Accounting Office, Treasury, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), and General Services Office.
Hospitals and Emergency Services Exempted Critically, all provincial hospitals—including President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital (PRMMH), San Marcelino District Hospital (SMDH), Candelaria District Hospital (CDH), and Ospital ng Sta. Cruz (OSC)—will continue 24/7 operations with no disruption to patient care.
Gov. Ebdane is encouraging the local government units and agencies to implement measures to support the call of the President on energy saving, especially petroleum consumption, while the crisis in the Middle East intensifies.
Meanwhile, the Zambales Police Provincial Office (ZPPO) warned against fuel hoarding or illegal transactions on petroleum products in support to Department of Energy (DOE) actions to maintain the fair distribution of gasoline supplies.
PCOL Benjamin P. Ariola, Provincial Director ng ZPPO, delivery of petroleum products may be delayed, and hoarding will cause artificial shortages in the market which may cause severe effect to consumers and businesses.
Col. Ariola instructed all police stations in the province to coordinate with the local officials to monitor the operations of the gasoline stations to make sure that they comply with the law.
According to Col. Ariola, hoarding or over pricing of petroleum products are in violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 33 and Presidential Decree No. 1865.
