President Arroyo has designated Press Undersecretary Rogelio Peyuan to head a task force that would promote energy conservation and management to ease the power crisis in Mindanao.

Peyuan, who had a short-lived term at the helms of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), was given another government hat after taking his oath as Press Undersecretary before Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza in Malacañang.

Also sworn into office is new TESDA director general Pastor Guiao, the replacement of Peyuan.
“Peyuan is the new communication czar in the campaign for energy conservation,” Press Secretary Crispulo Icban Jr told reporters in the Palace. “He will focus not only the production of power but those who will use the energy because they should learn how to save power,” he added.

Icban said the government decided to step up the information campaign on energy conservation because “no matter what we do, the extra power they will create will not be enough.” “The power deficiency is too big,” he added, referring to more than 700 megawatt deficiency in Mindanao.

Peyuan, speaking to reporters in the Palace, said the task force is expected to travel across Mindanao next week to promote energy conservation in communities. Peyuan attended a meeting of a cabinet-level group and a Mindanao-based power consortium in the Palace where a leasing agreement of 200 megawatt generator sets was finalized.

He said the government needs the help of power consumers to save electricity, initially in the sensible use of household appliances during off peak hours.