DILG – Kalinga reminds LGUs to follow strict conservation measures due to energy crisis, urges practice of cost-saving and responsible spending

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)–Kalinga underscored need for adherence to strict conservation measures through a memorandum in response to the current national crisis, urging local government units (LGUs) to practice cost-saving and responsible spending.

OIC CDS Section Chief Engr. Marilyn Tocyopao, during the orientation and workshop on the Philippine Development Plan for Culture and the Arts (PDP-CA) 2024–2029 on April 23 in San Juan, Tabuk City, announced contents of said memo, emphasizing its necessity.

Under the memorandum, LGUs are reminded to ensure that all local activities follow principles of fiscal discipline, efficient use of resources, and environmental sustainability. They are likewise encouraged to prioritize essential programs, limit non-essential activities, and avoid unnecessary or excessive expenditures.

“LGUs are strongly enjoined to ensure that the planning and implementation of such activities are aligned with the principles of fiscal discipline, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The adoption of cost-conscious measures such as the rationalization of programs, limitation of non-essential activities, and optimization of available resources is highly encouraged,” the memorandum reads.

In line with this, Tocyopao advised LGUs to carefully review their planned activities, noting that some upcoming fiesta celebrations may be canceled or postponed if deemed non-essential or too costly.

“This was also disseminated to our respective cities and municipalities. This memo is also in relation to Presidential Memorandum Circular No. 115, directing all government agencies to strictly adopt energy conservation protocols, as well as addressing the issue of rising oil prices. In short, LGUs are strongly enjoined to refrain from conducting fiestas for the meantime,” she said.

Among the LGUs expected to hold festivals in the coming days are Tabuk City’s Matagoan Festival, Tanudan’s Kape Festival, and Pinukpuk’s first Gimpong Festival, among others.

Provincial Tourism Officer Lorraine Ngao-i also said LGUs are encouraged to reconsider celebrations and other costly events, especially those involving significant public spending such as contests and beauty pageants.

“Naka-address ito sa mga LGUs, so if it’s an LGU activity—yung may kailangang paggastusan like contests and beauty pageants—yun muna ang for the meantime that we need to address,” she said.

The DILG–Kalinga emphasized that the directive is a preventive measure aimed at ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource efficiency amid current national challenges. It clarified that the memo is not intended to cancel cultural traditions but to encourage more practical and sustainable approaches to public spending.

The directive will remain in effect until further notice, depending on developments in national conditions and government assessments.