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MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

[ ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 15, January 16, 2024 ]

DIRECTING THE ACCELERATED IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GOVERNMENT ENERGY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (GEMP)

WHEREAS, Section 2 of Republic Act (RA) No. 7638 or the "Department of Energy (DOE) Act of 1992," declares it a policy of the State to ensure continuous, adequate and economic supply of energy, with the end in view of achieving self-reliance in the country's energy requirements through judicious conservation and efficient utilization of energy in accordance with the country's growth and economic development;

WHEREAS, Section 2 of RA No. 11285 or the "Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) Act," declares it a policy of the State to: (i) institutionalize EEC as a national way of life; (ii) secure sufficiency and stability of energy supply in the country to cushion the impact of high prices of imported fuels to local markets; and (iii) protect the environment in support of the economic and social development goals of the country;

WHEREAS, Section 9, Chapter III of RA No. 11285 created the Inter-Agency EEC Committee (IAEECC) to evaluate and approve government energy efficiency projects, and provide strategic direction in the implementation of the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP);

WHEREAS, Administrative Order No. 110 (s. 2004) recognizes the compelling need for the government to undertake a comprehensive program to promote judicious use of energy resources through intensified conservation efforts and efficient utilization thereof in order to mitigate the ill effects of excessive use of energy on the environment, and for this purpose, institutionalizes the GEMP to be carried out by all government agencies, including all local government units (LGUs), under the strategic direction of the IAEECC;

WHEREAS, there is a need to intensify efficient utilization and conservation efforts of electricity and fuel to mitigate power demand amidst the ongoing El Niń° phenomenon; and

WHEREAS, Section 17, Article VII of the Constitution vests in the President the power of control over all executive departments, bureaus, and offices, as well as the mandate to ensure the faithful execution of laws.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR., President of the Republic of the Philippines, by the virtue of the powers vested in me by laws, do hereby order:

Section 1. Accelerated Implementation of the GEMP and Relevant IAEECC Resolutions. All agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations are hereby directed, and all LGUs are hereby encouraged, to undertake efforts to ensure efficient and judicious utilization of energy. For this purpose, all concerned government agencies shall accelerate the implementation of GEMP and relevant IAEECC Resolutions by:

a. Conducting energy audits from Certified Energy Auditors, and cooperating with random energy spot-checks;

b. Submitting an inventory of existing energy consuming equipment, and timelines for upgrading to more energy efficient equivalents:

i. Lighting for buildings, facilities, and streets;

ii. Heating, ventilation and airconditioning (HVAC);

iii. Build shell fenestration (insulation); and

iv. Vehicles;

c. Ensuring compliance with the DOE Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design of Buildings, as well as the Philippine Green Building Code for new building construction and building retrofits;

d. Adopting low-cost EEC measures consistent with the GEMP, such as but not limited to: (i) maintaining ambient temperature of 24oC in airconditioned spaces; (ii) turning off unused lights and air-conditioning units; (iii) activating sleep settings on office equipment; and

e. Institutionalizing EEC in their respective offices by:

i. Designating an EEC Officer and Focal Person;

ii. Adopting the DOE-GEMP Online System for monitoring and reporting of energy consumption;

iii. Preparing and/or updating their respective EEC Programs, which shall include energy conservation measures, target savings, motor vehicle inventory and other strategies consistent with GEMP; and

iv. Allocating appropriate amount from its approved budget for the implementation of its prioritized and planned energy management program, subject to existing laws, policies and regulations.1aшphi1

Section 2. Monitoring, Evaluation and Communication. Consistent with IAEECC Resolution No. 5 (s. 2022) or the "GEMP Guidelines," government agencies are hereby directed to establish a mechanism for monitoring the energy consumption in their respective offices, and adhere to the reportorial requirements of the DOE.

In coordination with the Presidential Communications Office, the DOE shall develop effective ways of communicating EEC measures to all government offices and the public.

Section 3. Implementing Guidelines. Within 30 days from the effectivity of this Order, the DOE shall formulate and issue the necessary rules and/or guidelines for the effective implementation of this Order.

Section 4. Separability. If any section or part of this Order is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other sections not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 5. Effectivity. This Order shall take effect immediately following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 16th day of December, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Four.

(Sgd.) FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR

By the President:

(Sgd.) LUCAS P. BERSAMIN
Executive Secretary

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