MANILA, Philippines, June 2 (UPI) -- The president of the Philippines will enforce energy conservation.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has offered food and transportation subsidies for government workers if they will also enforce energy conservation and efficient fuel use, the Inquirer reported.
At the same time, Arroyo approved a $46 million subsidy for "lifeline" electricity users, or those consuming less than 100 kilowatt-hours per month.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Arroyo released the memorandum order, addressed to all departments, agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations, during a meeting of the task force on energy.
The order instructs government agencies to "adopt electricity- and fuel-saving measures as soon as possible." It also encourages local government units to undertake the same measures.
Ermita said Arroyo also tasked the Philippine National Oil Co. Development and Management Corp. and the Department of Budget and Management to jointly monitor the conservation measures and submit quarterly reports.
