MISAMIS Oriental is implementing fuel-saving measures as tensions in the Middle East escalates which could trigger another round of oil price increases.
During the launch of the P20-per-kilo rice program in Villanueva town last Friday, March 6, Governor Juliette Uy said the ongoing tensions involving Iran and the United States could directly affect fuel prices in the province.
Uy said the provincial government has already taken precautionary steps, including purchasing fuel in advance in anticipation of possible price hikes.
“Nag-ready na 'ko. (Pag boto) gyud [sa gubat], pagka-ugma, nipalit nako,” Uy said, noting that there is still no clear timeline on when the conflict abroad will end.
To conserve fuel, the provincial capitol started implementing cross-cutting measures to reduce fuel consumption across government offices.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered selected government offices to adopt a four-day workweek as part of the national government’s energy conservation efforts.
In a news release issued by the Presidential Communications Office, Marcos said the temporary policy takes effect today, March 9.
“Para naman sa bahagi ng pamahalaan: Simula sa Lunes, ika-9 ng Marso, pansamantala nating ipapatupad ang four-day work week sa ilang tanggapan ng ehekutibo,” the President's advisory reads.
The directive is based on Memorandum Circular No. 114, which instructs government agencies and instrumentalities to implement energy conservation protocols amid rising fuel prices.
Meanwhile, Opol Mayor Jay Francis Bago said the municipal government will also implement the four-day workweek in compliance with the national directive.
“We will impose the four-day-a-week na lang nga trabaho,” Bago said.
He added that meetings involving officials from outside Opol will also be limited to reduce travel-related fuel consumption.
“As much as possible, dinhi na tanan meetings para dili na mag sige'g lakaw,” he said.
