TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Energy (DOE) on Wednesday, August 5, partnered with five local government units in Eastern Visayas to accelerate the use of solar power and energy-efficient technologies in government buildings, a move aimed at cutting electricity costs, improving energy resilience, and promoting sustainable governance.
The partnership was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) under the Solar Solutions for Government: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Public Buildings (SSG-ERPB) Program at the Summit Hotel here.
DOE Undersecretary Mario Marasigan led the signing ceremony with representatives of the provincial governments of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar, as well as the Tacloban City government.
The SSG-ERPB Program supports the national government’s efforts to expand the use of renewable energy and improve energy efficiency in the public sector by integrating solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy-saving technologies in government facilities.
The initiative is expected to reduce electricity consumption, lower operating costs, and strengthen the capacity of government offices to continue delivering essential services during emergencies. It also supports the Government Energy Management Program, which seeks to achieve at least a 10-percent reduction in energy consumption across government agencies.
“By integrating photovoltaic and energy-efficient technology in government buildings, we will not only reduce operating costs but also ensure that our government offices remain operational and capable of serving people, especially in emergency and challenging times,” Marasigan said.
He added that the initiative goes beyond installing solar panels, saying it also promotes energy security, fiscal responsibility, and climate resilience among local governments.
“The signing of the MOA is a call to action. It reflects the shared commitment of the Department of Energy and our local government partners to translate policies into projects that deliver lasting benefits to our communities,” Marasigan said.
Under the agreement, the DOE will provide technical assistance in designing and deploying solar PV systems and energy-efficient equipment tailored to the needs of participating local governments. The department will also conduct orientation and capacity-building activities for local officials and technical personnel.
Eastern Samar Governor Ralph Vincent “RV” Evardone welcomed the partnership, describing it as a significant step toward expanding renewable energy initiatives in the province.
“With this initiative and the technical assistance that the DOE is providing us in promoting renewable energy in our areas, this is a big help to us, and this is a step toward a greener future,” Evardone said.
Leyte Board Member Carlo Loreto said the provincial government fully supports the program, noting that Leyte has already taken significant strides in renewable energy adoption.
He cited the Leyte Provincial Government Complex in Palo, which operates on a P70-million hybrid solar power system inaugurated in June 2024. The facility supplies about 70 to 80 percent of the capitol’s electricity requirements, making it the country’s first off-grid provincial capitol.
Northern Samar Board Member Emil Nicholas Ongchuan II said the initiative complements the province’s commitment to sustainability and resilient public services.
“As we continue to face rising energy demand, we recognize the need to embrace smarter, cleaner, and more efficient energy solutions that strengthen government services,” he said.
Ongchuan stressed that shifting to renewable energy has become “a responsibility rather than an option,” saying investments in cleaner energy contribute to stronger communities, environmental protection, and improved quality of life.
Also present during the signing were Southern Leyte Board Member Virgilio Montera and Tacloban City Legal Officer Atty. Arriane Jean Saavedra, who represented their respective local governments.
The agreement is expected to strengthen collaboration between the DOE and participating local governments in implementing solar photovoltaic and energy-efficiency projects, supporting the country’s clean energy transition and climate resilience goals.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
