Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña have reminded city employees to turn off government vehicles when parked, reinforcing fuel-saving measures as gasoline prices continue to rise.
Osmeña issued an advisory in a letter dated March 10, 2026, instructing personnel assigned government vehicles to ensure engines are not left idling while not in active use.
“The directive aims to promote efficient fuel utilization and the responsible use of government resources,” his office said. Officials warned that employees who disregard the advisory may face appropriate action under existing rules.
Archival approved the recommendation, which complements other energy-saving initiatives in City Hall.
The local government has already implemented measures to reduce electricity consumption, including limiting air-conditioning and elevator use in government buildings.
He said one measure involves temporarily shutting down air-conditioning units during lunch hours.
Archival noted that a similar practice during his previous term as acting vice mayor had saved the city P80,000 per month.
“Like 12 o’clock sa air-conditioning units, 12 to 1 p.m. gipractice na before during the time nga nag-acting vice mayor ko. We were able to cut an amount of P80,000 per month,” Archival said.
Archival also explained that both the legislative and executive buildings operate two elevators each, but one unit in each building will be shut down earlier or activated later in the morning to reduce electricity demand.
“Duha mani ka elevator sa legislative and duha sa executive. Ang ako, naay usa ka elevator musayo og off, ang mo-on 7 a.m. sa morning, mao at least maka-save sa power requirements,” he said.
Departments have been instructed to turn off air-conditioning units earlier in the afternoon.
Archival said offices should aim to switch off units by 5 p.m., or 4 p.m. if feasible, particularly in open corridor areas.
“These are small things but it will count,” he added.
The city is also studying a possible four-day workweek for government employees to further conserve energy.
Archival clarified that the five-day schedule remains in effect for now, with consultations ongoing with department heads and the local business sector.
“Some Chamber members expressed reservations about the four-day schedule. For now… dili una ta magpatuman ana,” Archival said.
The discussions follow the national government’s call to reduce electricity and fuel consumption.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier ordered a temporary four-day workweek for select executive offices starting March 9, 2026, under Memorandum Circular No. 114.
Frontline services including health, public safety, and emergency response will continue regular operations. (LLP)
Tommy Osmeña/ Facebook
