Sorsogon placed under state of calamity amid rising oil prices

The Sorsogon Provincial Board has declared a state of calamity in the province due to the surging cost of petroleum products that affected its economy.

The Board unanimously approved the declaration of a State of Calamity, as a consequence of economic crises brought about by the continued acute oil price hikes causing disruption to the livelihood of Sorsoganons.

Resolution No. 215-2016 states that the Sorsogon LGU is authorized to utilize the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, including the Quick Response Fund, to implement necessary emergency responses and provide assistance.

Meanwhile, all local government units in the province are tasked with taking appropriate measures to mitigate the impact of fuel price increases while ensuring the continued delivery of public services.

On Tuesday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national energy emergency and ordered the adoption of a Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) for affected sectors.

This directive activates the whole-of-government response to ensure energy supply stability, support key sectors such as transport, agriculture, and MSMEs, and protect Filipinos amid global oil supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.

Marcos signed the EO as diesel prices are set to exceed P130 per liter and gasoline may rise past P100 this week amid a third week of mega oil price hikes caused by the Middle East conflict. — BAP, GMA Integrated News