Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu has declared a state of preparedness in anticipation of the possible effects of the tension in the Middle East to the Philippines.

In a memorandum and in an advisory, Mayor Cindi King Chan called on residents to help save on resources even in small ways.

These may be planning their day properly to save on fuel, conserving electricity and water, supporting local produce, and segregating garbage properly.

In the same manner, Chan directed all offices of the city government to save on resources.

Steps may include using government vehicles only for essential trips and avoiding single-passenger trips.

City employees can also turn the airconditioning units off during lunch break and avoid overtime work.

PRICES

Meanwhile, Chan also directed officers of the city’s public market to monitor the prices of basic commodities.

“Di gyud na mapugngan ang increase sa prices but, maybe, we can tell the people asa ang barato, asa makapalit og ubos-ubos nga presyo… We have to wait also for the national government to either freeze or to subsidize,” Chan said.

Rice retailers at the market told GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak that prices have started to increase in February 2026 but little by little.

A retailer  said the price of rice was at P65 per kilo in February and this went up to P68 and, eventually, to P68 per kilo.

“Karon nga March, nagdepende pa gyud sa supplier if mo-increase ba sila. Wa mi kabalo kung pila ang increase or kanus-a,” the retailer said.

Chona Nonvo, a resident of the city, said she is now starting to think of ways to minimize expenses. She said ingredients for “toron,” which she sells for a living, are still cheaper at the city’s public market.

A vendor of clothes at the market said they have observed fewer customers in recent days and acknowledges that clothes are not necessarily a priority expense.

“Ako, na-feel na gyud ni namo… kaning among paninda gyud, ma’am, nga mga sinina, di gyud ni need sa mga tawo. Unya lisod kaayo, mahalinan ra mi’g duha kabuok, usahay ma-zero-han pa gani mi… di baya ni need baya… ang importante baya ang bugas. Apektado gyud kaayo,” said Fe Sumayang, a clothes vendor.