Iloilo Plans State of Calamity Declaration to Tap Emergency Funds Amid Rising Fuel Prices
ILOILO CITY – The Iloilo provincial government is preparing to declare a state of calamity as fuel prices continue to rise, enabling the use of its quick response fund (QRF) to support affected sectors.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. led a virtual meeting of the Provincial Community Defense Cluster on Friday, bringing together mayors and vice mayors to discuss measures under Executive Order No. 110, which declares a national energy emergency.
Defensor said local government units (LGUs) are encouraged to identify and allocate resources to cushion the impact of increasing fuel costs. He added that the national government also allows local governments to extend assistance based on their financial capacity.
However, he emphasized that aid programs should be well-coordinated with national initiatives to ensure efficient use of resources.
To expand assistance efforts, Defensor said the province is considering tapping its PHP82 million quick response fund, which requires the declaration of a state of calamity. The provincial government is now preparing to seek approval from the Sanggunian.
Under guidelines from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, a state of calamity may be declared if at least 15 percent of the population is affected, or if 30 percent of economic sectors such as agriculture and livelihoods suffer disruption. It may also be declared if at least two LGUs have already done so.
During the meeting, officials also requested updates from the Department of Energy regarding fuel supply levels and challenges affecting the region.
Based on DOE data as of March 20, fuel inventories remain sufficient, with gasoline stocks lasting 53.14 days, diesel at 45.82 days, fuel oil at 61.49 days, and liquefied petroleum gas at 23.51 days.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
