ILOILO — The number of municipalities in Iloilo Province placed under a state of calamity due to soaring fuel prices has risen to two, with New Lucena emerging as the latest to declare amid worsening economic strain on transport, businesses, and consumers.
The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of New Lucena approved Resolution No. 2026-100 on April 1, placing the municipality under a state of calamity due to the adverse effects of costly fuel affecting transportation, business operations, and consumers.
Local businesses, particularly those dependent on transportation and logistics, are reeling from rising operational costs, leading to increased prices of goods and services.
In turn, the general consuming public has been burdened by higher commodity prices and reduced purchasing power.
The situation has disrupted stability and the delivery of basic services within the municipality, the New Lucena SB pointed out.
The declaration authorizes the utilization of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund for immediate relief and mitigation measures, with concerned offices directed to implement necessary interventions.
Prior to New Lucena’s declaration, Ajuy made a similar move, noting that costly fuel is crippling coastal livelihoods.
The Ajuy SB approved Resolution No. 2026-088 on March 31 upon the recommendation of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC).
“This declaration follows the recommendation of the MDRRMC and the confirmed impact on essential services, including transportation and livelihoods,” said Mayor Loida Espinosa.
The move came after three barangays — Tagubanhan, Punta Buri, and Nasidman — were also placed under a state of calamity as residents grappled with rising fuel prices and shrinking incomes.
Espinosa urged residents to adopt energy-saving measures, including limiting electricity use, reducing fuel consumption, avoiding unnecessary travel, and resorting to carpooling or walking when feasible.
“Your cooperation is very important as we work together to manage this crisis. Let us all do our part to support the community during this challenging time,” she added.
The crisis has hit fishermen the hardest, with fuel expenses cutting deeply into already meager earnings.
Vice Mayor Jet Rojas revealed that fishermen now spend between P300 to P400 on fuel per trip, drastically reducing their income.
“Tama gid ka pigado. Kag ang isda basta tag-ilinit nagapangita sang mabugnaw nga lugar so nagamay ang kita nila pero nagmahal ang gasto,” Rojas said.
He added that the situation has worsened due to rising prices of basic goods.
“Ambot kon paano mahagan-hagan ang kabudlay sang pangabuhi subong,” Rojas said.
With two municipalities now under a state of calamity, the Iloilo provincial government may move closer to declaring a province-wide state of calamity, as earlier indicated by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., who said such action could be triggered once at least two towns formalize similar declarations./PN
