CEBU — The Cebu Provincial Government is adopting a weekly energy conservation hour across all its offices and facilities as a direct response to the province's power supply situation. Governor Pamela Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 47 on September 4, establishing the "Takna Pagpawong sa Suga" or TAPS Program.
A Weekly Ritual of Conservation
The TAPS Program mandates an energy-reduction hour every Monday from eight in the evening to nine. During this period, all provincial departments, offices, economic enterprises, and field facilities must switch off non-essential indoor, facade, decorative, and signage lighting. Unused computers, monitors, printers, chargers, and audio-visual equipment must also be powered down where safe and practicable.
Air-conditioning in unoccupied areas will be switched off entirely. Occupied air-conditioned spaces must maintain a thermostat setting of at least 24 degrees Celsius, subject to medical, technical, and equipment requirements. The order also directs the temporary reduction of non-essential elevators, escalators, fountains, pumps, and displays.
What Shuts Off and What Stays On
The executive order draws a clear line between conservation and essential operations. No TAPS measure may interrupt healthcare, emergency response, disaster operations, public safety, security, communications, information technology, water supply, sanitation, laboratory operations, or cold-chain requirements. Building safety systems must remain fully operational.
Emergency lighting, fire protection systems, medical devices, and life-support equipment are strictly protected. Refrigeration for medicines and biological materials, servers and network infrastructure, closed-circuit television, access controls, essential pumps, and communications equipment must remain on. Streetlights, security lights, exit lights, and
stairwell lights also continue operating.
Leading the Charge for Efficiency
TAPS aligns with the Department of Energy's national "O.N.E.: Oras Natin sa Efficiency" campaign. This program encourages a coordinated period when electricity users reduce unnecessary consumption. The provincial government is stepping forward to lead by example, demonstrating its commitment before asking citizens and businesses to change their habits.
The mandatory participation applies only within the provincial government. The order encourages voluntary participation from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, national agencies, component cities and municipalities, barangays, schools, businesses, and households. No penalties or restrictions will be imposed on those who choose not to join.
A Call for Voluntary Participation
Governor Baricuatro signed the order after convening energy officials, the grid operator, and distribution utilities at the Provincial Capitol. The meeting emphasized the importance of collective action in managing power demand during peak hours. Synchronized reduction of non-essential electricity usage helps prevent grid overloads and local brownouts.
The TAPS Program reflects a broader commitment to building long-term habits around lower energy consumption and reduced electricity bills. By requiring government offices to shut off decorative lights and unused electronics, Cebu takes responsibility for conservation. The initiative invites everyone to participate in securing the province's energy future.
A Stronger, More Resilient Cebu
The weekly energy conservation hour is a practical step toward a more sustainable power supply. It protects the grid, supports national efficiency goals, and positions Cebu as a model for responsible governance. The TAPS Program demonstrates that small, coordinated actions can create significant impact when communities work together.
