The Department of Education (DepEd) said it’s looking into installing solar energy panels in public schools next 12 months to conserve electricity and cut costs amid the national energy crisis.
“We’re studying the potential of solarization of our public schools,” Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara told reporters in a briefing on Thursday.
“This can be a long-term solarization, putting solar panels on the roofs of our public schools because we’re seeing it done rather a lot in some government buildings,” he added.
Mr. Angara noted that Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin is open to the concept, and that it aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s policy on renewable energy.
“So definitely I can see that that is a great option so as to add solar panels in our schools to be economical. At the identical time, you’re helping the national effort to conserve energy,” he said.
The project, nevertheless, is scheduled for next 12 months attributable to an absence of funding within the agency’s 2026 budget.
“The issue is, as you understand, with the federal government, you may have to budget a 12 months ahead. If we would like to do it, we don’t have a budget for it yet, unless we’ve got savings or we get it from our maintenance funds,” Mr. Angara said.
“Realistically speaking, if we’re doing it on a big scale, it’ll be for next 12 months,” he added.
Along with the energy conservation efforts, the DepEd also issued protocols and versatile work arrangements, following the Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 114 issued by Malacañang in March.
A few of these protocols include maintaining a regular thermostat setting of 24°C for air-conditioned spaces, activating sleep settings on all office equipment, strictly turning off non-essential lights and electronic equipment during lunch breaks and after hours, and minimizing elevator usage.
For the upcoming opening of classes in June, Mr. Angara said the agency has yet to choose whether to transition to blended learning or maintain in-person classes.
“Regarding blended learning, we still don’t have a [directive] yet because our bias is admittedly towards face-to-face instruction.”
DepEd will roll out its trimester system for School 12 months 2026-2027, replacing the normal four-quarter system, together with the strengthened Senior High School (SHS) curriculum, marking a shift within the country’s basic education system. — Almira Louise S. Martinez