Fuel woes push Iloilo towns into calamity mode

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Two Iloilo municipalities have declared a state of calamity as the fuel crisis, driven by global supply disruptions and surging oil prices, continues to squeeze transport, businesses and household budgets. The moves come as Iloilo province also weighs a similar declaration to unlock emergency funds for affected sectors.

Ajuy moved first.

Mayor Loida Espinosa confirmed that the town was placed under a state of calamity through a resolution passed Tuesday, March 31, on the recommendation of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Espinosa said the energy crisis has already disrupted essential services, including transportation and local livelihoods, prompting the local government to act.

Even before the municipality-wide declaration, the island barangays of Tagubanhan, Punta Buri and Nasidman had already been placed under a state of calamity.

The municipal government urged residents to conserve energy to help soften the impact of the crisis.

The advisory asked households to limit electricity use to essential needs, cut fuel consumption, avoid unnecessary travel, and carpool or walk when feasible.

“Your cooperation is very important as we work together to manage this crisis. Let us all do our part to support the community during this challenging time,” Espinosa said.

New Lucena followed a day later.

Its Sangguniang Bayan approved a resolution Wednesday, April 1, placing the municipality under a state of calamity because of the worsening effects of the fuel crisis.

“The escalating cost of fuel has significantly affected the transportation sector, resulting in increased fare rates, reduced mobility, and financial strain among public utility drivers and commuters,” the resolution read.

“Local businesses, particularly those dependent on transportation and logistics, have been adversely affected by rising operational costs, leading to increased prices of goods and services,” it added.

The resolution also said rising fuel prices have hit the broader public, which is already grappling with higher commodity prices and weaker purchasing power.

The municipal board said the declaration would allow the immediate use of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund for relief and mitigation measures.

It also directed concerned offices to roll out steps meant to cushion the impact on affected sectors.

The twin declarations reflect a wider strain now being felt across the province.

Earlier, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said he was studying the possibility of placing the whole province of Iloilo under a state of calamity. He had directed mayors in the province’s 43 municipalities to submit data on the impact of rising fuel prices for evaluation by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

If approved, the province could tap PHP 82 million from its Quick Response Fund to help affected sectors.