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To reduce carbon emissions and curb its ₱43-million annual power costs, the Nueva Vizcaya provincial government is stepping up efforts under its Government Energy Management Program (GEMP), aligning with the national push for climate action and sustainability.
According to Provincial Planning and Development Officer Engineer Edgardo Sabado, the program will encompass two key initiatives: a ₱7-million Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) project and a ₱32.8-million Improvement of the Provincial Capitol Grounds (IPCG).
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Energy-saving strategies
Energy-conserving measures include the installation of 93 inverter-type air conditioning units across provincial government offices, hospitals, and facilities, along with submeters in buildings within the capitol complex, Sabado said.
He added that plans are also in motion to shift the lighting systems of provincial buildings to solar power.
Complementing the power-saving program, the IPCG program seeks to transform the capitol complex into a more sustainable and accessible public space. The initiative includes the revitalization of the water fountain and open plaza, as well as the development of bike lanes, expanded parking areas, and upgraded sidewalks.
Sabado explained that the project is designed to foster an eco-conscious environment, promote recreational activity, enhance public safety, and encourage greater community engagement in urban greening efforts.
He stated, “With these projects, we aim to reduce our electricity consumption and carbon emissions significantly. The savings generated will be redirected to other priority programs and services for Novo Vizcayanos.”
(Also read: Cagayan Valley Launches Eco Cooler to Cut Crop Waste)
Good governance
In November 2024, Nueva Vizcaya was featured in the news as over 300 farmers in the municipality of Alfonso Castañeda benefited from the Provincial Government’s Agri-Fishery Information and Enterprise Caravan—an initiative providing essential services and support to strengthen local agricultural livelihoods.
The farmers received a range of agricultural support, including saplings, insecticides, and pesticides. Fisherfolk operating local fishponds were given bags containing 1,000 fingerlings each, according to Provincial Agriculturist Absalom Rizal Baysa.
He shared, “This initiative reflects the provincial government’s ongoing commitment to support local agriculture and fisheries, aiming to enhance productivity and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.”
Because of Nueva Vizcaya’s commitment to community development, fiscal responsibility, and top-tier public service, the province earned the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), dubbed the “mother of all awards” for local government units.
Additionally, it was honored with the ARTA RCS Silver Award for exceptional public service and recognized as an Outstanding eNGAS User Entity for excellence in financial management.
Nueva Vizcaya has also been acknowledged by the Philippine Statistics Authority as a fast-growing province in terms of economic expansion, driven by strong performance in the industrial sector. The province also secured the second spot among the top ten for annual GDP growth, underscoring the effectiveness of its economic strategies.
Because of its sustainable efforts, the province was given the Energy Efficiency Excellence Award from the Department of Energy (DoE), highlighting its dedication to energy-saving initiatives that support both environmental and economic growth.
Meanwhile, Sabado expressed confidence that the PLGU would achieve the 10% energy reduction target set by the DoE as part of its Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program for local government units.
He added that the GEMP is set to roll out over the next two years, pending approval.
Sources:
https://pia.gov.ph/nueva-vizcaya-implements-energy-conservation-measures
https://pia.gov.ph/nueva-vizcaya-lgu-caravan-benefits-300-farmers
https://nuevavizcaya.gov.ph/shining-bright-nueva-vizcayas-unity-in-good-governance/