CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — The Lapu-Lapu City Government has declared a State of Preparedness in response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the anticipated surge in global fuel prices that may affect the local economy.
Mandaue City, for its part, pushed its plan to enforce fuel-saving measures in response to rising fuel prices.
In an advisory released yesterday (March 5), Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan said the measure aims to prepare Oponganons and ensure the continued efficiency of government operations amid possible economic repercussions, particularly the rising costs of fuel, commodities, transportation, and other essential goods.
“For our constituents na siya, nanawagan ‘ta because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,” the mayor said in a media interview.
“We should be expecting nga ang fuel prices, labi na didto ‘ta mukuha, musaka na gyud ‘ni,” King-Chan added.
King-Chan said fuel prices may increase by ₱5 to ₱10 starting next week. She called on residents to take practical steps to help mitigate the impact of higher fuel prices and maintain stability in the community.
Residents are encouraged to plan trips wisely by limiting unnecessary travel, carpooling, and walking or biking when possible. They should also conserve energy by using air conditioning only as needed and turning off lights and appliances when not in use.
The city government likewise encouraged mindful water consumption, including the installation or use of rainwater catchment systems in preparation for potential shortages.
Residents are also advised to practice responsible consumption by buying only essential items, reducing food waste, supporting local produce and small vendors, and avoiding panic buying and unfair price increases.
“We are asking everyone to do their own mitigation measures—unsaon pag-save sa water, electric cost, fuel cost, and to plan our trips ahead,” she said.
Meanwhile, the declaration also directs all department heads and offices of the Lapu-Lapu City Government to adopt cost-saving and resource management measures.
“We are not just calling this for the public but also for the government,” she said, adding that she will issue an additional order to all department heads and City Hall employees for conservation measures.
Under the fuel conservation policy, the use of government vehicles will be limited to essential trips, while single-passenger travel will be discouraged. Offices are also encouraged to coordinate travel plans to avoid duplicate trips and maximize routes to accomplish multiple tasks in a single trip.
For energy efficiency, air-conditioning units in government offices will operate only from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., with fan mode to be used during lunch breaks. Employees are also instructed to switch off lights and appliances when not in use, while overtime work will be limited to urgent needs to reduce electricity consumption.
In terms of water management, offices are instructed to ensure that faucets are properly turned off and to regularly check for leaks. The City Engineer’s Office has also been tasked to design and implement water catchment systems at City Hall as an alternative water source.
The city government will also review ongoing programs and activities, prioritizing only essential initiatives for the second and third quarters of the year. Savings from reduced activities will serve as a buffer against possible spikes in operational costs, particularly fuel expenses.
Meanwhile, the Lapu-Lapu City Public Market will intensify price monitoring to prevent profiteering and unjustified increases in the prices of goods. Weekly inspections will be conducted in both the main public market and satellite markets.
Mayor King-Chan added that aside from the local measures, the city is waiting for the national government to either freeze or subsidize fuel taxes.
Mandaue plans fuel-saving strategies
Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano expressed the city’s plan to carry out fuel-saving strategies across its departments as a proactive response to rising petroleum product costs.
The efficiency measure comes in response to the threat of surging fuel and basic commodity prices amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Under the conservation strategy, government departments are instructed to refrain from avoidable use of government vehicles, such as for long-distance travel, and to implement fuel allocation adjustments tailored to each department.
Mayor Ouano said department heads have been asked to submit an action plan outlining how they can conserve and minimize fuel consumption.
“Among gipa-submit ang among department heads ug action plan on how we could cut the cost of fuel. Dili necessary na mga trips, dili na lang,” said Ouano in a press briefing on March 5, 2026, noting that the extent of reduction depends on the specific needs of each department.
Ouano clarified that essential services and emergency transport, such as ambulances, police mobiles, and disaster risk vehicles, are excluded from the fuel conservation measure.
Beyond fuel management, city officials are also preparing for the possible repercussions of the ongoing global conflict on the local economy, which was discussed during a price monitoring meeting on March 5.
The meeting, attended by the Local Price Monitoring Council, tackled concerns on price stabilization, monitoring, and enforcement of basic commodity prices as the global market reacts to geopolitical tensions.
Mandaue City Administrator Gonzalo Malig-on Jr., said in an interview that although the council regularly conducts price checks, a special session was convened to specifically address concerns arising from developments in the Middle East.
He noted that current fluctuations in commodity prices are still driven by the law of supply and demand, with suppliers and vendors adjusting their selling prices according to market conditions.
He also advised suppliers and sellers to refrain from imposing unreasonable price hikes, noting that such actions are punishable by law.
Senator Aquino wants excise tax suspension
Earlier, Senator Bam Aquino called on the government to activate the safeguard mechanism under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, which allows the automatic suspension of excise taxes on fuel once global oil prices exceed $80 per barrel.
Aquino said the move could help cushion the impact of rising oil prices triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East.
“Makatutulong ang suspension na ito para mabawasan ang bigat ng inaasahang pagtaas ng presyo ng langis dahil sa kaguluhan sa Middle East,” he said.
He warned that higher fuel prices could trigger a domino effect, driving up the cost of food, transportation, and other essential goods.
Aquino is also pushing a measure in the 20th Congress that seeks to remove excise taxes on diesel, kerosene, LPG, fuel oil, and unleaded gasoline to provide relief for commuters, drivers, and small businesses.
| Written by Kristin de Dios, Lynda Katherine Mecaros UP Intern/RAE
