DepEd implements energy conservation protocols, Friday work-from-home arrangement

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MAKATI CITY, 9 March 2026 – In a proactive move to reduce energy consumption and optimize public resources, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday started implementing strict fuel conservation protocols and mandatory flexible work arrangements for its personnel.

The initiative follows the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. under Memorandum Circular No. 114 s. 2026, which seeks to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs amid global geopolitical tensions.

“DepEd is fully committed to doing its part in reducing energy consumption across government operations while ensuring that our schools and offices continue to serve the public effectively,” Secretary Sonny Angara said.

“We are firmly resolved to ensure that these shifts in our operation do not cause a single day of delay in the delivery of essential government services to our learners and stakeholders,” Angara added.

Under DepEd Memorandum No. 18 s. 2026, the new protocols aim for a 10 to 20 percent reduction in electricity and fuel consumption through several key measures. These include maintaining air-conditioning settings at 24°C; activating sleep settings on equipment and strictly turning off non-essential lights and devices during breaks and after office hours; and encouraging the use of stairs where practicable.

Inter-agency meetings, consultations, and conferences will also be conducted virtually whenever possible, while official travel will be limited to essential activities.

To strengthen fleet efficiency, all DepEd offices shall consolidate official trips to reduce vehicle deployments, optimize travel routes, minimize vehicle idling, and adopt stricter fuel monitoring and preventive maintenance practices for government vehicles.

Starting March 9, 2026 and until lifted by Malacañang, DepEd will adopt a four-day onsite work arrangement from Monday to Thursday, designating Friday as the common work-from home (WFH) day for all covered non-teaching and related-teaching personnel.

Teaching personnel will continue their existing class schedules to ensure uninterrupted classes and completion of end-of-school-year activities.

To maintain high standards of productivity, all personnel on WFH status are required to submit Daily Time Records and Individual Daily Logs and Accomplishment Reports.

Heads of offices are tasked with ensuring that zero-backlog is maintained in compliance with the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act.

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