The Cebu Provincial Government has implemented fuel-saving measures, taking into consideration the possible impact of the tension in the Middle East on global fuel supply and prices.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 15 “providing for urgent proactive measures to mitigate the economic, energy food security, public safety, and welfare impacts of the Province of Cebu arising from the conflict in the Middle East” after an emergency meeting with key officials of the province. 

The Capitol now requires the following from its departments:

  • Reduction of unnecessary travel and field activities
  • Consolidation of official trips where practicable
  • Adoption of virtual meetings whenever feasible
  • Strict monitoring of fuel consumption
  • Optimization of vehicle deployment and routing

Under the EO, all departments are mandated to submit their respective Fuel Conservation Plans to the governor’s office.

There are, however, exemptions as the Capitol said “uninterrupted delivery of life-saving and critical public services shall remain paramount.”

These exemptions include:

  • Ambulances and medical emergency transport
  • Disaster risk reduction and response operations
  • Emergency social welfare services
  • Law enforcement and public safety operations
  • Other critical services as may be determined by the governor

SUPPORT FOR OFW

Meanwhile, as stipulated in the executive order, Baricuatro has also ordered the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) to prepare contingency support mechanisms for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) from Cebu who may return home from the Middle East.

These include:

  • Establishment of a Provincial OFW Assistance and Repatriation Desk in coordination with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
  • Creation of a registry of Cebuano OFWs in affected Middle Eastern countries
  • Coordination for emergency financial, psychosocial, and temporary shelter assistance
  • Development of livelihood and reintegration programs
  • Coordination with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and local employers for employment facilitation.

Based on data from the Department of Foreign Affairs, more than 2.4 million Filipinos are in various countries across the Middle East. The DFA said it is coordinating closely with Philippine embassies in the region to assist OFWs.

The Department of Migrant Workers also assured that contingency plans are in place for Filipinos affected by the conflict.