by Leonardo Micua
More cost-cutting measures adopted in Dagupan
Aside from the four-day workweek, additional cost-cutting measures were implemented in the Dagupan City government due to the worsening economic crisis caused by the nearly one-month-long war in the Middle East. This conflict disrupted oil supplies to oil-dependent countries in Asia, including the Philippines, and affected the global market.
This was addressed in a new executive order issued by Mayor Belen Fernandez, which enforces strict energy, fuel, and water conservation measures, adopts austerity policies, regulates certain activities, and involves both the public and private sectors.
Executive Order No. 9, Series of 2026, issued by Fernandez on March 23 and effective immediately, mandates all departments, offices, and instrumentalities of the City Government of Dagupan, including barangays, government-owned, and controlled corporations to practice economy and discourage holding city-funded cultural and civic activities during this period of economic crisis.
The EO specifies urgent measures for all offices to rigorously conserve energy and electricity, such as turning off lights in unoccupied rooms, hallways, and common areas, maximizing natural lighting and ventilation, and shutting down equipment when not in use.
It also imposes restrictions on fuel usage and travel. Consequently, all local and foreign travels, seminars, trainings, and conferences are discouraged unless deemed essential and approved by the city mayor; attendance to activities outside the city shall be limited to those strictly necessary for governance, health, or emergency services; and the use of government vehicles shall be tightly regulated and permitted only for essential functions. High-energy equipment use is also prohibited.
All offices in the Dagupan City government were directed to promote responsible and efficient water use through repairing leaks, reducing non-essential water consumption such as vehicle washing and irrigating non-essential landscaped areas.
Fernandez ordered a significant reduction in non-essential office expenses across all departments, suspension or postponement of high-energy-consuming projects, and the adoption of paperless transactions and digital communication systems. Meetings should be conducted via virtual platforms whenever possible.
Additionally, all barangays were instructed to discourage, scale down, or postpone fiestas or festivals and similar activities that involve large electricity use and public funds. They are also to regulate or limit nighttime activities, including basketball leagues, tournaments, and events needing extensive lighting and sound systems; schedule essential activities during daytime; and avoid excessive lighting, decorations, and electrical supplies.
Barangays were also urged to minimize or defer festivals and similar events that consume substantial electricity and public resources.
The private sector was encouraged to support the EO by reducing electricity consumption within their establishments.
Lastly, the EO established an Energy, Fuel, and Water Conservation Task Force led by the City Mayor to oversee compliance with this executive order.