The Philippines Starts Saving Energy and Implementing WFH, Indonesia is Still Studying Options

JAKARTA - The Philippines has started implementing energy savings amid global fuel price pressures triggered by the Iran-US-Israel war. The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) reported that the Philippine Department of Education or DepEd ordered all its offices to implement energy-saving measures and flexible work arrangements after the government asked state institutions to reduce electricity and fuel consumption.

The policy followed the issuance of Memorandum Circular No. 114 issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. This rule instructs government agencies to reduce the use of electricity and fuel in the midst of soaring energy prices due to geopolitical tensions.

DepEd then translated the direction into concrete steps. All offices are asked to regulate air conditioning at a temperature of 24 degrees Celsius, activate sleep mode on work devices, turn off lights and unnecessary devices during breaks and after office hours, and limit face-to-face meetings and official travel.

Savings are also directed to the use of official vehicles. DepEd offices are encouraged to combine official travel, choose more efficient routes, reduce engine ignition when vehicles stop, and ensure routine maintenance of government vehicles.

PIA, as quoted on Friday, March 13, also reported that the Ministry of Education and Culture (DepEd) had started to implement a four-day offline work, Monday to Thursday. Meanwhile, Friday was designated as a work from home day for non-teaching staff and teaching-related personnel. For teachers, the teaching schedule continues as usual so that learning and teaching activities and the end of the school year agenda are not disrupted.

In Indonesia, a similar step has not been decided. When asked by reporters at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta, Thursday, March 12, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia said the government was still studying various fuel-saving options. "In our country, we are still doing exercises, all the alternatives that we will use for the good of our country, as well as to encourage the efficiency of fuel use," said Bahlil.

However, Bahlil emphasized that the government had not made a final decision. "But there is no definite decision, because all alternatives are in an unstable condition like this. We have to look for various alternatives," he said.