
Iloilo City- The Department of Energy (DOE) marked another milestone in its nationwide energy conservation efforts with the first regional activation of its O.N.E. or Oras Natin sa Efficiency campaign in the Visayas, held on July 17, 2026 at Festive Walk Mall in Iloilo City. The event also strengthened the Department’s commitment to sustainable public infrastructure through the expansion of its Solar Solutions for Government: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Public Buildings (SSG-ERPB) Program with new local government partners in Region VI.
Bringing the campaign outside Metro Manila for the first time, Visayas activation encourages households, businesses, and institutions to adopt simple but meaningful energy-saving habits. Through O.N.E., the DOE calls on Filipinos to unplug and switch off non-essential lights and appliances every Saturday from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. These collective actions help moderate electricity demand, improve overall system reliability, and reinforce a culture of responsible energy use across businesses and communities.
The Iloilo activation builds on the campaign’s successful rollout in Metro Manila through partnerships with SM Supermalls, Robinsons Land Corporation, and Ayala Malls, reflecting the growing support of both the public and private sectors for practical energy conservation initiatives.
“Energy responsibility knows no boundaries. Every kilowatt we save strengthens our energy system and benefits businesses and communities across the country. When millions of Filipinos choose to use electricity wisely— even for just one hour each week, we demonstrate that Enerhiyang Matatag at Makatao begins with the everyday decisions we make in our homes, workplaces, and communities,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.
Complementing the O.N.E. campaign, the DOE also expanded the reach of its Solar Solutions for Government: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Public Buildings (SSG-ERPB) Program through the signing of new Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) with local government partners in Region VI. The initiative supports government agencies and local government units in adopting rooftop solar photovoltaic systems, implementing energy-efficient retrofits, and introducing other measures that reduce electricity consumption, lower operating expenses, and improve the resilience of public facilities.
To date, the DOE has signed MOAs with twenty-three (23) government entities nationwide under the SSG Program. During the Iloilo activation, the Department welcomed five (5) new partners: the City Government of Iloilo, the Provincial Governments of Antique, Aklan, and Capiz, and the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev) Region VI. Through these partnerships, the participating institutions reaffirm their commitment to advancing clean energy, improving the energy performance of public buildings, and promoting climate-resilient government infrastructure.
Beyond reducing electricity costs, these investments enable government institutions to redirect energy savings toward essential public services, allowing more resources to be invested in programs that directly benefit their constituents while demonstrating the government’s leadership in sustainable energy practices.
The DOE will continue to expand the O.N.E. campaign across the country while scaling up the Solar Solutions for Government Program to reach more public institutions nationwide. Together, these initiatives underscore the Department’s commitment to strengthening the country’s energy security through both responsible energy consumption and wider adoption of clean, efficient, and sustainable energy technologies. #