Tagum City (9 July) -- The provincial government of Davao del Norte urged various offices in the provincial capitol to implement a 30 percent "forced savings" on fuel expenses.

Addressing the Monday convocation, Provincial Administrator Rufo Peligro announced this, saying the measure "is a way of doing our share to conserve energy."

He explained that the conservation measure came after gasoline station patrons sent notices that they would no longer entertain debts and would only gas up government vehicles on cash basis.

"Which is not possible for us," Peligro said as he explained government offices usually get fuel supply on purchase order (P.O.) basis.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan could take its own energy conservation measure but Peligro encouraged the legislative branch to do the same initiative.

In a separate interview, he said the measure would cut unnecessary trips eventually cutting cost on fuel expenses. Peligro also said out-of-date and run-down vehicles would be retrieved because "they usually are consuming so much gasoline."

Meanwhile, Peligro said Provincial Governor Rodolfo P. Del Rosario had earlier signed a memorandum requiring all offices to turn off lights from 12 noon to 1 p.m. and to use aircondition units from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

"If we could save two to three hours of using electricity, that would be substantial in terms of conserving power," Del Rosario said in a separate interview.

He also wanted provincial government offices to be prudent in using water and to see to it that water pipes are in good condition.

"Let us save money because the cost of materials are also rising. Even our priority projects could be affected," he said.

Malacanang earlier asked government offices to cut cost on electricity and fuel as world prices of fossil fuel continue to rise.