KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — The Provincial Government of South Cotabato has reduced gasoline expenses by as much as 77 percent while saving over ₱233,000 in electricity costs, following the early implementation of austerity measures and a four-day work week—without disrupting essential public services.
According to Anna Rose Z. Kasan, the initiative was rolled out under the leadership of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. even before national directives on austerity were issued, enabling the province to immediately respond to rising fuel and operational costs driven by global economic pressures.
Central to the strategy is the adoption of a four-day work week combined with work-from-home arrangements, significantly reducing travel across provincial offices. This led to a sharp decline in fuel consumption, with savings ranging from 30% to 55%, and some offices achieving reductions of up to 77%.
The fuel savings reflect a more efficient system of operations, minimizing unnecessary travel while maintaining productivity and service delivery across offices.
In addition, electricity consumption dropped significantly, generating approximately ₱233,000 in savings and reducing usage by more than 25,000 kilowatt-hours across the provincial capitol, including hospitals and attached facilities.
“Our Governor did not wait for the crisis to escalate. Even before prices increased, he already had a clear plan and direction to ensure that services continue while we save resources,” Kasan said.
Despite the cost-cutting measures, essential services remain fully operational. Hospitals, disaster response units, ambulance services, and public assistance centers continue to function without interruption.
“The directive of the Governor is very clear—we save on operations, but we do not compromise services. Our people should not feel any reduction in the support they receive,” Kasan emphasized.
In parallel, the provincial government is pursuing a strategic partnership with private sector stakeholders to secure fuel supply through bulk procurement from Malaysia, pending approval from the Department of Energy. The initiative aims to stabilize fuel supply and protect both government operations and key industries without additional burden on public funds.
Meanwhile, preparations for the upcoming T’nalak Festival and the province’s 60th Foundation Anniversary are guided by disciplined budgeting, ensuring that celebrations remain meaningful while staying within financial limits.
Governor Tamayo’s governance approach highlights a balance between fiscal discipline and people-centered service—demonstrating that significant cost reductions, including up to 77% savings in fuel expenses, can be achieved without sacrificing public service.
Through early action, innovation, and collaboration, South Cotabato continues to set a strong example of responsive and responsible local governance.
