Manila: The government is stepping up its preparations to cushion the impact of rising global fuel prices on the country amid renewed tensions in the Middle East, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said Friday. Recto convened the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Committee on Thursday, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to strengthen the government's response to possible disruptions in fuel supply, higher transport, and production costs.
According to Philippines News Agency, Recto assured the public of the government's readiness to provide support to Filipino families, vulnerable sectors, and overseas Filipinos affected by the Middle East crisis. He said the Department of Energy has ensured that the country has sufficient domestic fuel stocks. As of Sept. 14, inventories stood at 57.2 days of gasoline, 60.8 days of diesel, and 39.3 days of liquefied petroleum gas.
Recto emphasized the importance of proactive measures, stating that the government should not wait for fuel prices to further increase before taking action. The Department of Social Welfare and Development has reported sufficient funds to sustain cash assistance throughout the year for the 7.5 million intended beneficiaries of the expanded UPLIFT program, including transport workers, farmers, and fishers. To date, around 5.79 million beneficiaries have received a combined PHP11.80 billion in cash assistance.
The government is also continuing targeted relief for transport workers as fuel prices continue to rise. The Department of Transportation has increased fuel discounts from PHP10 to PHP12 per liter, providing qualified beneficiaries savings of up to PHP1,800 per week. A total of 3,633 participating fuel stations have recorded successful transactions under the program. Other transport relief measures include toll exemptions for provincial buses and terminal fee waivers at key transport hubs.
For farmers and fishers, the Department of Agriculture reported that around 2.59 million beneficiaries have received a combined PHP6.03 billion in assistance under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program. Fuel assistance has reached 7,185 fishers and 13,701 farmers to help cover operating costs for fishing boats and farms. The DA also noted declining fertilizer prices and is preparing measures to address the possible effects of El Ni±o on agricultural production and food supply.
The Department of Labor and Employment is ready to expand emergency employment assistance through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. The Department of Migrant Workers confirmed sufficient funds for the repatriation of overseas Filipinos affected by the Middle East conflict, with 14,026 overseas Filipinos brought home and provided with reintegration assistance.
Government support also extends to families burdened by medical expenses, with over 2.5 million patients served under the Department of Health's Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients program. Recto stated that the government will continue monitoring developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on global oil prices, ensuring that assistance can be quickly scaled up if conditions worsen.
