Recognizing that oil is a fast dwindling resource, the Philippine government continuously pursues an energy strategy to reduce its dependence on imported oil. A decline from 92% in 1973 to 54% has been achieved as of June 2000.

In line with the administration's thrust to promote energy conservation, all government offices are mandated to reduce their electricity and fuel consumption by 10%. A savings of roughly about P550 million is expected from this year's P2.8 billion and P2.7 billion budget for electricity and fuel, respectively.

Energy conservation can be achieved through more efficient use of existing equipment, orientation and encouragement of a change in attitude and habits in the way employees use energy in their workplace, and setting up an Energy Conservation Program.

Energy greatly contributed to the social and economic development of the country for several centuries now. It improved the quality of life for many Filipinos and has been a key factor in propelling industrial development in the country. But energy, while a true necessity, becomes very costly goods if it is not used responsibly.

It is a declared policy of the government to promote the judicious conservation and efficient utilization of energy resources thereby adopting the most cost-effective options toward the wiser and efficient use of energy.

The primary goal of the government towards it energy efficiency program is to increase awareness among users of energy through information dissemination.

The Department of Energy has these major campaigns:

• the Power Conservation and Demand Management (Power Patrol); and

• the Fuel Conservation and Efficiency in Road Transport (Road Transport Patrol)

The Philippine Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Programs

Paper presented by FRANCISCO A. BENITO, Director, Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB) during the ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY, Republic of Singapore, 23-25 May 2000.

Guidelines for Energy Conserving Design of Buildings and Utility Systems

Standard for Energy Efficiency Ratio and Labeling Requirement

• Energy Efficiency and Labeling Programs for Household Appliances

• List of Certified Refrigerators

• List of Certified Split-Type Room Air Conditioners

• List of Certified Window-Type Room Air Conditioners