ILOILO — Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has mobilized all local government units (LGUs) across the province to fast-track data gathering as the provincial government moves toward declaring a state of calamity due to rising fuel prices linked to the ongoing United States-Israel war in Iran.
Defensor convened mayors and vice mayors via an online meeting on March 27 through the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) – Iloilo Chapter to discuss the requirements for a calamity declaration, in line with Section 7 of Executive Order No. 110 issued by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., which calls for a unified national response to the energy emergency.
“Mabulig kita asta sa masarangan naton. Siling sang Presidente, to the extent that you can afford it kag masarangan ninyo, you allocate resources,” Defensor said.
The governor stressed the need for coordinated and capacity-based interventions among LGUs to complement national government efforts.
While some municipalities have already started extending assistance to affected sectors such as public utility drivers, Defensor said a province-wide assessment of available funds is necessary to ensure a unified response.
The provincial government is eyeing the possible use of its P82-million disaster fund under the Quick Response Fund (QRF), but Defensor emphasized that a formal declaration of a state of calamity is required before these funds can be utilized.
“Dira kita nagapabulig sa aton mga munisipyo. We are positioning to request for a declaration from our Sanggunian but gina-trabaho pa naton ang mga requisites,” he added.
Under guidelines set by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), a calamity declaration requires meeting specific criteria, including at least 15 percent of the population needing emergency assistance, at least 30 percent of livelihoods affected, and significant disruption to critical infrastructure and essential services.
Defensor said LGUs are now being tasked to submit the necessary data to support the declaration.
“Or puede nga may duha kita ka banwa nga makakuha una declaration sang Sangguniang Bayan, puede ma-usar as requisite,” he said.
He added that once sufficient data is gathered or at least two municipalities declare a state of calamity, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) may convene to pass a resolution recommending a province-wide declaration, which will then be submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for approval.
Prior to meeting the local officials, Defensor also held a separate online meeting with the Department of Energy (DOE) to assess fuel supply conditions in the region.
Engr. Jose Rey Maleza of the DOE-Visayas Field Office reported that fuel inventories remain above mandated levels as of March 20, 2026, with gasoline supply at 53.14 days, diesel at 45.82 days, fuel oil at 61.49 days, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at 23.51 days.
Despite stable supply levels, the provincial government is bracing for prolonged economic strain as global oil disruptions continue to drive fuel prices upward, affecting transport, food costs, and overall livelihoods across Iloilo./PN
