Fifteen Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) have joined the Department of Energy‘s (DOE) program to install rooftop solar systems and improve energy efficiency in public buildings, expanding a government initiative aimed at reducing electricity costs and accelerating clean energy adoption.
Six additional LGUs — Caloocan, Las Piñas, Malabon, Muntinlupa, Parañaque and the Municipality of Pateros — signed a memorandum of agreement with the DOE under its Solar Solutions for Government: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Public Buildings (SSG-ERPB) initiative.
They joined the cities of Mandaluyong, Manila, Navotas, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig and Valenzuela, which became the first participants in November 2025.
Under the program, participating LGUs will pursue rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, energy-efficient retrofits and other electricity-saving measures in government buildings in line with Republic Act No. 11285, or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said reducing electricity consumption through energy efficiency and solar power would allow local governments to redirect savings toward essential public services.
“Every peso saved through energy efficiency and solar power is a peso that can be invested back into better public services,” Garin said in a statement.
She added that rooftop solar has become a practical tool for local governments to manage operating costs, strengthen the resilience of public facilities and prepare for rising electricity demand and climate-related challenges.
The initiative will also benefit from a recently issued Joint Memorandum Circular between the DOE, the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Public Works and Highways, which standardizes documentary requirements and processing timelines for net-metering applications.
The DOE said the measure is expected to speed up rooftop solar installations in government facilities by simplifying the approval process.
The DOE will provide technical assistance to participating LGUs during the development and implementation of energy efficiency and solar projects under the program.
Government buildings are among the largest electricity consumers in the public sector, and wider adoption of rooftop solar and energy efficiency measures is expected to reduce operating costs while supporting the Philippines’ transition to cleaner energy sources.
The DOE said the initiative is expected to help local governments lower electricity expenses while encouraging broader adoption of renewable energy technologies in public infrastructure.