CAPAS, Tarlac (March 9, 2026) — The local chief executive has issued a new directive to reduce local government expenditures by mandating a 20% reduction in fuel consumption across all municipal departments.
Executive Order No. 14, Series of 2026, institutionalizes comprehensive fuel and energy conservation measures in response to global market volatility and rising costs.
Mayor Roseller Rodriguez also called on the barangay officials and the private sector to adopt similar practices.
Under the new guidelines, official travel is restricted to essential functions that cannot be handled via virtual meetings. To prevent unauthorized use, all government vehicles must be parked at the municipal covered court after office hours, and personal use of these assets is strictly prohibited. Use of vehicles during weekends or holidays will now require special authorization.
Specific operational changes for LGU drivers and staff include a 60-second engine-shutdown rule for idling vehicles, optimized route planning, and the implementation of the “full-tank method” to track fuel usage accurately.
The order also discourages aggressive driving habits, noting that speeding and rapid acceleration can significantly lower gas mileage.
Beyond transportation, the directive targets electricity consumption within government facilities. Municipal offices are now required to turn off non-essential lights and electronics during lunch breaks.
Air-conditioning units are also restricted to a specific operating window, with instructions to switch them on no earlier than 8:00 AM and off by 4:00 PM.
