CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In a decisive move to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices, the City Council on Tuesday, April 7, approved a resolution placing the city under a localized state of energy emergency.
The declaration, unanimously endorsed during a special session, came on the recommendation of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), signaling urgency in addressing the growing burden on sectors hardest hit by the fuel crisis.
City officials said the move allows the local government to immediately access its Quick Response Fund (QRF) to deliver assistance, particularly to transport workers and other vulnerable groups affected by surging fuel costs driven by global tensions, including the conflict involving the United States and Iran.
You may also like: Fuel price shock halts transport ops
Majority Floor Leader Edgar Cabanlas said the city must act swiftly.
“The city recognizes its responsibility to assist sectors directly affected by the crisis,” he said, adding that officials must use funds judiciously to ensure aid reaches those most in need.
Cabanlas noted that the city earmarks five percent of its annual budget for disaster response, allocating a portion of that specifically to the QRF. As of April, more than ₱100 million remains available from the estimated ₱120 million emergency fund.
He added that the transport sector remains among the most severely affected, as fuel price hikes continue to cut into daily earnings.
Initial assistance is already underway. On April 8, motorela drivers are set to receive ₱5,000 each from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. The city government will also provide an additional ₱2,000 fuel subsidy per beneficiary.
Local officials assured residents that they are lining up additional support measures while the city monitors the evolving energy situation and its impact.
