As the country faces a national energy emergency triggered by geopolitical conflict in the Middle East, the local government here has rolled out measures to support national directives under the State of National Energy Emergency.

Municipal Administrator Omar Jason Martel said in a press briefing Thursday that, under the leadership of Mayor Jose Nelson Sala, the local government swiftly responded with coordinated actions to safeguard its constituents.

“Our LGU (local government unit) has been exerting efforts to align its services, operations, and resources in ways that efficiently respond to the demands of the situation, while ensuring that this crisis will not be exploited at the expense of the general population,” Martel said.

To provide financial relief, the LGU updated its Annual Investment Plan (AIP) to include a PHP50 million mid-term subsidy program. Additionally, the Local Finance Committee was directed to expedite a supplemental budget of PHP15 million to PHP20 million for immediate relief assistance.

Likewise, key measures include a 10 percent to 20 percent reduction in fuel and electricity consumption across government offices and the creation of an Ad Hoc Monitoring and Inspection Team. The team will validate local fuel station activities and enforce anti-hoarding measures in coordination with the Department of Energy.

Sala also issued an executive order mandating LGUs to implement energy conservation protocols, such as regulating the use of electrical equipment and utilizing “sleep settings” on computers.

Furthermore, the LGU activated the Local Price Coordinating Council to protect consumers from unjust price increases in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry.

The town has also adopted virtual meetings to minimize travel and implemented a four-day onsite workweek (Monday to Thursday), with work-from-home arrangements on Fridays.

“We cannot predict when this crisis will end. However, we assure you all that we can persevere and achieve greater heights for as long as there is collaboration and unity,” Martel said. (PNA)