TAGUIG CITY — The Department of Energy (DOE), through the Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB), on 7 April convened its stakeholders for the third virtual Public Consultation (PubCon) on the draft Implementing Guidelines (IG) of the Philippine Energy Labeling Program (PELP).

During the PubCon, the revised Implementing Guidelines of the PELP, which incorporated all the inputs received since the drafting of the Department Circular for PELP and the Minimum Energy Performance Products, were presented for further inputs from the stakeholders. 

DOE Assistant Secretary Caron Aicitel E. Lascano, in her opening remarks, mentioned that the guidelines will institutionalize the use of energy labels among energy consuming products, as well as streamline the process for energy product registration and issuance of energy labels.

The guidelines will further strengthen the monitoring, enforcement and verification measures to ensure the effective implementation of the PELP, she said. 

In his message, DOE Senior Undersecretary Jesus Cristino P. Posadas expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders that attended the virtual event, including those from the government, industry and commercial sectors.

He also added that the committed efforts of the DOE's partners in developing the PELP Implementing Guidelines have been of great value in moving towards the common goal of promoting energy efficient appliances and raising public awareness on energy savings. 

In the same event, EUMB Director Patrick T. Aquino presented the response to the comments on the draft guidelines, which were consolidated during the prescribed commenting period of 12 March 2021. 

According to Director Aquino, some of the recommendations provided have been considered and had already been integrated in the updated draft IG. After the presentation, an open forum was held to address the remaining questions or concerns. 

Director Aquino concluded the event by conveying that the DOE will also hold focused group discussions to address the remaining technical concerns in the draft IG. He also added that prior to the opening of the PELP online registration, the DOE-EUMB will conduct an orientation on the process to provide a step-by-step registration guide to all the applicants. 

Likewise, for better appreciation and understanding of the energy labeling program and the features of the energy labels, the DOE-EUMB will also conduct a series of information, education and communication (IEC) activities to all stakeholders and energy consumers within the year. 

The virtual public consultation was attended by representatives from national ; government agencies, manufacturers, importers, and retailers of energy consuming products (ECPs); international organizations, and representatives from the DOE, including its field offices.

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