Ormoc City Develops Local Energy Code with C40 and GCoM Technical Support

Ormoc City in the Philippines has been selected for targeted technical assistance to develop a Local Energy Code (LEC) through a partnership between C40 Cities and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. The initiative, linked to the city's CDP reporting, aims to establish a local governance framework for energy efficiency, conservation, and clean energy aligned with national priorities.

Ormoc City, an independent component city in Eastern Visayas with a population of 238,545, identified two barriers to effective energy governance: the absence of a local energy governance framework and limited technical capacity among city staff for energy auditing and compliance. In late 2025, the city received technical assistance covering stakeholder consultation workshops, legal code drafting aligned with national energy plans, and training with a practical manual for local officials. The assistance directly supports compliance with the Philippines' Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, which mandates local governments to establish energy codes.

Ormoc's engagement with CDP's ICLEI Track and active participation in the Global Covenant of Mayors enabled it to access targeted international support — demonstrating how robust subnational disclosure can unlock technical and financial assistance. The Local Energy Code being developed will establish an Energy Sector Committee and an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Office to oversee policy execution. The LEC is designed to be a replicable model for other Philippine cities, providing a scalable framework for local energy governance in developing economies.

The draft Local Energy Code includes provisions to promote sustainable transport — including electric vehicle adoption and alternative fuels — as well as clean cooking incentives. Once finalised, the code will be submitted to Ormoc's Local Legislative Council for deliberation and approval. Ormoc's experience is highlighted by C40 and GCoM as a case study in how CDP disclosure data, combined with city network participation, can translate global climate commitments into concrete, data-driven local action.

Key figure — Population of 238,545 in Ormoc City, Eastern Visayas, Philippines