Manila: Business groups on Wednesday expressed appreciation for Malaca±ang's declaration of a state of national energy emergency, and the measures targeted to help cushion the impact of the Middle East conflict on the domestic economy. In a statement, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said the declaration, as contained in Executive Order (EO) 110, 'is timely and necessary to mitigate the economic impact of the global energy supply disruption driven by the escalating tensions in the Middle East.'

According to Philippines News Agency, the PCCI supports government measures to absorb and stabilize the increasing prices of fuel and basic commodities. It has been three weeks since the war started and several increases have already been implemented, leading to higher costs of logistics, transportation, and goods. Ferrer noted the significant impact on the Philippine economy, especially the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), if the conflict extends beyond three months.

Ferrer emphasized that the longer the conflict continues, the harder it will be for MSMEs to recover. He highlighted the importance of MSMEs, which comprise 1.2 million enterprises and serve as the backbone of the economy. He also stressed the need to ensure a domestic fuel supply for more than 90 days and called for a 'consultative and transparent implementation of EO 110 and the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT).'

Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) Chairperson Elizabeth Lee described the issuance of the EO as 'timely and necessary,' noting that the UPLIFT framework provides a coordinated approach to cushion industries and communities from global energy shocks. She pointed out the multi-layered pressures facing manufacturers, impacting energy, transport, imported input materials, and production timelines.

Lee mentioned that manufacturers are focusing on continuity, cost discipline, and resilience. Firms are prioritizing uninterrupted production while safeguarding workforce stability despite tightening margins. Mitigation measures include optimizing production schedules to off-peak energy hours and enhancing workforce flexibility by cross-training team members. Companies are also renegotiating supplier contracts, tightening energy efficiency, and streamlining logistics to reduce fuel consumption.

Lee added that companies are accelerating supply chain diversification and deepening local sourcing where viable. Renewable energy adaptation is gaining ground, with more facilities integrating solutions such as rooftop solar. She emphasized that this crisis has magnified the country's vulnerabilities and called for reforms to deepen and expand local manufacturing as a national imperative. This would help the Philippines secure resilience, drive job creation, and better shield the economy from global energy shocks, anchoring industrial growth on job creation, innovation, and sustainability.