DOLE-7 gets high rating in energy-saving program

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-7 recently got a 5-star rating under the Government Energy Management (GEMP) Program of the Department of Energy (DOE).

In its latest conduct of energy audit and random energy spot check, DOE recognized DOLE-7's efforts in efficiently conserving energy and fuel.

The spot-check activity under DOE’s GEMP aims to reduce the use and cost of energy in government agencies by advancing energy efficiency technologies and practices in all government facilities.

The said program requires all government offices to reduce their electricity and fuel consumption by 10 percent.

“I thank our team in DOLE-7 for another feat for us, a testament that by religiously cooperating and abiding by the rules and regulations set by the Office, we can, together, contribute to the conservation of government resources and ensure that we put them to good use,” said DOLE-7 Regional Director Lilia Estillore.

Estillore also lauded the department’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation focal persons, who take charge in the submission of reports to the DOE and who also initiate efforts to further promote conservation initiatives within the regional office and its field offices.

DOLE-7 has already put in place the use of LED bulbs, solar-powered light bulbs, and has scheduled the turning on and off of the lights and the air-conditioning units.

According to Patrick Aquino, director of the DOE-Energy Utilization and Management Bureau, a 5-star rating means that an agency has demonstrated 88 to 100 percent compliance to the GEMP.

In Region-7, DOE has conducted random GEMP spot checks among 78 national government agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations.

Earlier, the Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 also got a 5-star compliance rating from DOE.(CEBU NEWS0