Marcos Pushes Energy Security, Development Efforts Amid Middle East Tensions
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led a series of initiatives this week aimed at safeguarding the country’s energy supply while sustaining key development programs amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
The administration adopted a dual approach—addressing immediate global risks such as fuel supply disruptions and the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), while continuing long-term efforts in infrastructure, agriculture, and policy reforms.
To cushion the country from potential oil supply shocks, Marcos declared a state of national energy emergency through Executive Order No. 110 issued on March 24. The move underscores the Philippines’ dependence on imported fuel and the vulnerabilities posed by global supply disruptions.
The order also mandates the implementation of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) framework to ensure stable energy supply, uninterrupted essential services, and continued economic activity while protecting vulnerable sectors.
As part of immediate interventions, Marcos led the rollout of fuel subsidies for public utility vehicle drivers and operators on the same day. The PHP2.5-billion program provides financial assistance to help offset rising fuel costs, with bus operators receiving PHP10,000 and drivers getting PHP5,000 each through various distribution channels.
On March 25, the President addressed the nation to explain the energy emergency declaration and outlined government measures to mitigate the impact of the Middle East crisis. He also called for unity and vigilance among Filipinos, stressing the importance of responsible information-sharing during uncertain times.
The government likewise prioritized the welfare of Filipinos abroad. On March 23, Marcos welcomed 343 repatriated individuals from the Middle East, including 317 OFWs and 26 dependents from Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. They were provided with financial aid, medical assistance, and psychosocial support to help with reintegration.
Despite global uncertainties, the administration continued to advance infrastructure projects. Among the highlights was the completion of the Atlu Bola Bypass Road in Mabalacat, Pampanga, which is expected to ease traffic congestion in Central Luzon.
Funding was also secured for the Central Mindanao High Standard Highway Project, with PHP145.56 billion allocated from 2026 to 2034 to improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth in Mindanao.
In addition, Marcos inaugurated the westbound off-ramp of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway along Andrews Avenue, improving access to Terminal 3 and reducing travel time by up to 25 minutes for motorists.
In the agriculture sector, Marcos inspected solar-powered irrigation systems in Camarines Sur that will benefit more than 1,800 farmers by lowering costs and boosting productivity. He also visited a cold storage and processing facility in Pili, designed to strengthen the agricultural value chain and support farmers nationwide.
Further efforts included the inspection of a drying pavement and onion cold storage facility in Isabela to improve post-harvest systems and reduce losses.
Beyond infrastructure and agriculture, Marcos approved key education reforms, including a shift to a three-term academic calendar starting Academic Year 2026–2027 to better manage disruptions.
He also ordered the acceleration of the Marawi City rehabilitation, focusing on restoring infrastructure and rebuilding communities under the government’s recovery program.
Overall, the week’s initiatives highlight the administration’s efforts to balance immediate crisis response with long-term national development goals.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
