LAOAG CITY — Where in the Philippines can one find the most frugal state university in terms of energy savings?
The Department of Energy (DOE) has cited the state-run Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) here for being the only university to receive this year’s Don Emilio Abello Energy Efficiency Award for saving about PHP3.1 million equivalent to 412,243 kilowatt hours in 2016.
Engr. Rigor Gabur, chief of the Electrical and Electronics Division of MMSU, told the Philippine News Agency on Friday that of the 213 private and public institutions awarded this year, MMSU ranks 6th out of the Top 10 most energy-efficient government agencies nationwide.
Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, MMSU president, along with Engr. Romeo R. Duldulao, Physical Plant and General Services Division director and Gabur, chief of MMSU’s Electrical and Electronics Services, received the award at the Resorts World Manila in Pasay City on December 7, Thursday.
Since the energy audit was started in 2007, Gabur said the MMSU has been continuously implementing energy saving measures that merited a DOE certification in 2008.
Among the university’s energy conservation efforts are the procurement of inverter-type air conditioning units instead of the conventional ones, replacement of fluorescent lamps by LED (light emitting diode) lamps or t5 lamps, use of low-power electric gadgets and LED computers, and regular conduct of preventive maintenance and cleaning of air conditioning and lighting units.
Through a memorandum, employees and students were also advised to make use of aircon from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. only.
As Ilocanos are known for being thrifty, Gabur said it has been a long practice of the university to conserve energy by all possible means. (Leilanie Adriano/PNA)
