TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The Provincial Government of Tarlac has begun implementing measures to mitigate the effects of the ongoing tension in the Middle East, particularly on fuel prices and affected overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
With the situation significantly affecting fuel supply and driving up costs, Governor Christian Tell Yap said the provincial government is pursuing strategies to reduce dependence on fuel.
“We’re already starting ang ating mga paraan kung paano tayo mag-transfer to renewable energy tulad ng solar, electric vehicle. We’re looking at electric buses at kung ano pa ang pwedeng maitulong sa movement ng tao (We are already starting ways to transition to renewable energy such as solar power and electric vehicles. We are also looking into electric buses and other ways to improve the movement of people),” Yap said.
In line with energy conservation efforts, the provincial government has also adopted a four-day workweek scheme.
Yap clarified that the new arrangement does not reduce total working hours and will not affect the delivery of public services.
He also emphasized that these measures aim to ensure workers can continue reporting to their jobs despite rising fuel costs.
The provincial government also committed to facilitating national government assistance programs for the transport sector to help operators manage expenses and maintain stable fares.
Meanwhile, the capitol assured that OFWs affected by the situation will receive immediate assistance through the newly opened offices of the Department of Migrant Workers and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) at the Tarlac Capitol Center.
“Kung may mga concerns regarding OFW, kaka-open lang ng ating mga opisina ng Department of Migrant Workers, OWWA dito sa ating Kapitolyo, na tanggapan kung anuman ang pwedeng maitulong (If there are concerns regarding OFWs, our offices of the Department of Migrant Workers and OWWA here at the Capitol have just opened and are ready to provide whatever assistance they can)” Yap added.
With the ongoing tension affecting the country, the Provincial Government of Tarlac committed to providing full support and assistance not only to its employees, transport groups, and OFWs, but to all sectors affected by the situation. (CLJD/AJRR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
