TARLAC CITY (PIA) – The City Government of Tarlac has implemented a series of measures to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices brought about by the ongoing tension in the Middle East.
Mayor Susan Yap said the continuing oil price hike has affected not only the transportation sector but also the prices of basic commodities and other expenses.
“Hindi maganda ang mga pangyayari dulot nitong kaguluhan sa Middle East. Apektado tayo at ang presyo ng gasolina. Kapag tumaas ang presyo ng gasolina, kaakibat na noon ang pagtaas ng ibang bilihin at gastusin, (The situation caused by the tension in the Middle East is not good. We are affected as well as the fuel prices. When fuel prices increase, it also brings other commodities and expenses to increase),” she explained.
As an initial step, the city government immediately scheduled a meeting with gasoline station owners earlier this month to ensure fuel supply stability and strengthen coordination.
“First week ng March, ipinatawag ko na lahat ng gasoline owners para siguraduhin kung may supply at makipag-ugnayan sa kanila para maayos ang communication natin sa tao (On the first week of March, I already called all gasoline station owners to ensure that there is a supply and to coordinate with them so that our communication with the public is properly managed),” Yap said
With public transportation among the sectors being affected, around 4,600 members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) who have renewed their Motorized Tricycle Operator’s Permit are set to receive government subsidies.
“Naibigay na natin ang listahan at mahigit 4,600 ang mabibigyan ng subsidy (We have already provided the list, and more than 4,600 will receive the subsidy)” she stated.
Yap added that TODA members have also requested a fare hike, which has already been endorsed to the city council for deliberation.
“Nagbigay na ako ng sulat sa konseho tungkol sa kanilang hiling na magtaas ng fare hike. Hopefully, i-discuss na ito sa committee (I have submitted a letter to the council regarding their request for a fare hike. Hopefully, this will be discussed in the committee)” she said.
Yap noted that other affected groups, such as jeepney operators, are being considered for similar assistance.
Meanwhile, the city government has adopted cost-cutting measures including a four-day workweek to help reduce energy and fuel consumption.
Despite the adjusted work schedule, Yap assured the public that frontline services will remain fully operational.
“Hindi magsasara ang mga critical areas kagaya ng traffic, security, health offices, at iba pang frontline services (Critical areas such as traffic, security, health offices, and other frontline services will not be closed),” she emphasized.
In addition, the city government also began practicing energy conservation efforts such as limiting electricity usage among its offices.
Yap further encouraged barangay offices to adopt energy-saving practices, including simplifying celebrations, installing closed-circuit television or CCTV systems as an alternative to deploying more personnel, and using solar energy.
While the tension is still ongoing, she stressed that the city government is prepared to assist sectors most affected by the crisis.
“Kung saan iyong malalaking maaapektuhan na sektor ay handa tayong tumulong (We are ready to help whatever sector is mainly affected)” Yap said.
The city government remains in close monitoring and full coordination on the latest updates and developments of the situation, ensuring that residents and affected sectors are provided with necessary support. (CLJD/AJRR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
