FRESH breeze and natural light fill the offices of the Cebu Provincial Capitol during certain hours following the implementation of the “no airconditioning” policy.
Starting Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020, offices in the Capitol executive and legislative buildings are allowed to use air conditioners for only four hours a day.
Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, though, said her office will have zero airconditioning 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
In a news conference Wednesday, Feb. 5, Garcia said she wants to “set an example” for all the Capitol offices and employees.
“Besides, the Capitol was constructed at a time when there were no air conditioners. That’s why our windows and doors are so huge for air to easily go through our offices,” she added.
Last month, the governor disclosed that the Capitol will be switching off its airconditioning to combat a “mysterious viral pneumonia” linked to China and also to reduce electricity costs.
This was before the Chinese authorities confirmed the virus, 2019-nCoV (later named 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease) on Jan. 7.
“One very important information, which we probably have not understood well, is that at that time the 2019-nCoV wasn’t identified yet, the recommendation was to turn off airconditioning because this virus apparently cannot thrive beyond a temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s spreading rapidly in China because it’s currently winter there,” Garcia said in a mix of English and Cebuano.
The governor said the move will not only be “healthier” for Capitol clients and employees, but cost-efficient as well.
Earlier, Garcia said the executive department alone spends over P1 million in electricity bills per month. (RTF)