Acting on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to conserve electricity and fuel resources in government, the health and energy departments have collaborated to lower the power costs of healthcare facilities.
The Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Health (DOH) have signed an agreement aimed at improving healthcare services through savings from reduced power costs and the use of sustainable energy sources.
The memorandum of agreement between the DOE and DOH supports the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP), which mandates a 10 percent reduction in electricity and fuel consumption in all government buildings.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had ordered the acceleration of GEMP’s implementation, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Friday.
“Sa ilalim ng kasunduan, mas bibigyang-diin ang paggamit ng energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies katulad ng solar panels, LED lighting, inverter-type air conditioners, at smart meters,” Castro said in a Palace press briefing.
DOE Officer-in-Charge Sharon S. Garin and DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa signed the agreement on Thursday.
Under the agreement, the DOE will provide technical assistance, conduct energy audits, and facilitate the installation of energy-efficient equipment.
The DOH will designate focal persons in each of its health facilities to coordinate with the DOE and ensure the timely and effective implementation of the program.
According to the DOE, reducing the energy consumption and operational costs of DOH facilities will free up resources to improve services, which in turn contributes to a healthier, more resilient nation. | PND
