Government offices at the Cebu Provincial Capitol have begun cutting back on fuel consumption, limiting official travel, and consolidating field activities as part of a proactive response to looming oil price increases triggered by tensions in the Middle East.
The measures follow Executive Order No. 15, issued by Governor Pamela Baricuatro, which directs all provincial departments to immediately adopt fuel conservation strategies while ensuring essential services continue uninterrupted.
Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces described the move as preventive, emphasizing that Cebu’s current oil supply remains stable despite global uncertainties.
“Based on the current development, the supply is so far okay,” Empaces said.
He noted that the province maintains an advance fuel procurement system, allowing Cebu to secure stocks sufficient for one to two months.
“The supply is coming in kay naka-stock pud ta sa oil. Paliton man na ahead of time, so good for two months pa man,” he explained.
While supply levels remain steady, Empaces acknowledged that rising prices are inevitable amid global market pressures.
“Ang clear lang jud is mosaka ang oil prices pero naa nay intervention ang DND (Department of National Defense),” he said.
For now, no price freeze has been implemented, as authorities believe the market is manageable.
“Wala pay price freeze kay the market is okay,” Empaces added.
Still, he warned that prolonged increases could create economic strain.
“If mag sige na nig saka ang prices, naa jud problema. We don’t want that. The government must prepare,” he said.
To mitigate potential long-term impacts, the province is drafting a contingency plan that will guide actions over the next two months.
Adjustments will be made depending on global developments.
On the ground, Executive Assistant James Canoy said Capitol offices are now required to strictly monitor vehicle deployment and maximize every trip.
“Dako man kaayo nig epekto sa tibook kalibutan tungod kay kitang tanan nag-consume man og lana,” Canoy said.
Departments have been instructed to combine nearby activities into single trips, reduce unnecessary fieldwork, and conduct virtual meetings whenever feasible.
All offices must submit Fuel Conservation Plans within five working days from the order’s issuance.
The executive order exempts critical services such as hospitals, disaster response, emergency transport, and law enforcement to ensure public safety is never compromised.
Beyond internal fuel management, the province is also strengthening monitoring of basic goods prices in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry in Central Visayas.
This measure aims to help consumers cope with potential ripple effects from rising global oil costs. (SBA)
Photo from Cebu Province
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