ILOILO — The municipality of Ajuy has been placed under a state of calamity as soaring fuel costs begin to cripple livelihoods, disrupt essential services, and deepen poverty in coastal communities.
The declaration, the first of its kind in Iloilo province linked to the ongoing energy emergency, was approved through Resolution No. 2026-088 during a regular session of the Sangguniang Bayan on March 31, following a recommendation from 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 — earlier declared their own state of calamity as residents grappled with rising fuel prices and shrinking incomes.
Espinosa urged Ajuynons to adopt energy-saving measures to help mitigate the crisis, including limiting electricity use to essential needs, 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 economic toll is being felt most severely by fishermen, whose daily earnings have been drastically reduced due to high fuel costs and declining fish catch.
Vice Mayor Jet Rojas revealed that fishermen now spend between P300 to P400 on fuel per trip, significantly eating into 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 even the already meager income of fishermen has been further eroded by rising prices of basic goods.
“Ambot kon paano mahagan-hagan ang kabudlay sang pangabuhi subong,” Rojas said.
The local government is now assessing possible assistance for affected sectors, including fishermen and farmers who are also struggling with high fuel prices and limited irrigation, forcing many to rely solely on water pumps.
At the provincial level, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. earlier said a province-wide state of calamity may be declared once at least two municipalities formally declare similar conditions, citing the broader impact of the energy crisis linked to tensions in the Middle East./PN