Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Tuesday launched an intensive public sector-led energy efficiency and conservation program that involved a ban on the purchase of new government vehicles.

Likewise, Arroyo called for active participation of the people in the program by joining a "carless day campaign," which means leaving the car at home for one day a week, the presidential palace said in a statement.

The carless day system is in addition to the existing color coding scheme being enforced by the Metro Manila Development Authority.

The energy conservation drive is geared at cushioning the impact of rising fuel prices, reduce expenses on fuel and electricity without sacrificing productivity, and contributing to the environment protection.

Arroyo said the program would bring about a 12-percent reduction in oil importation equivalent to a yearly savings of 874million US dollars in fuel expenditures.

In tasking the government agencies to set the pace in energy conservation, Arroyo said this is pursuant to the principle of "leadership by example," pointing out that buying more vehicles would translate into increase consumption of fuel.

To ensure unhampered productivity, Arroyo directed the strict implementation of the "trip ticket rule" in the use of government vehicles. Hence, those found using government vehicles, especially ambulances, for unofficial or unauthorized purposes, would face "severe penalties."

A rigid monitoring system of government motor pools, particularly on the allocation and issuance of gasoline coupons, would be installed to ensure compliance to the prohibitions.

Arroyo also asked all government agencies to strictly impose the mandatory 10-percent reduction in fuel and electricity consumption.

"Any savings from these expenditures will correspondingly mean a cut in the budget allocation, however small it may seem. Pooled together, it would be enough resources to finance other basic services," Arroyo stressed.

To give added dimension to her energy conservation drive, Arroyo also encourage private car owners to organize car pools among their relatives, friends, neighbors and officemates to save on fuel expenses.

The Department of Energy, in partnership with other government agencies, will be holding nationwide information and education (campaign) to increase awareness among the public on the efficient use of fuel through proper vehicle maintenance and efficient driving and also forge agreements and partnerships with the private sector to "boost the energy saving program, Arroyo said.

"Let us make energy conservation a way of life," Arroyo said.

Source: Xinhua