Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spearheaded a series of initiatives over the week to safeguard energy security and maintain momentum on crucial development programs amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos' activities reflected a dual-track approach -- responding to immediate global risks, particularly on fuel supply and the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), while advancing infrastructure, agriculture, and policy reforms aimed at attaining long-term growth.
As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to threaten global oil supply, Marcos moved to protect the country from potential disruptions by declaring a state of national energy emergency through the issuance of Executive Order (EO) 110 on March 24. The decision was anchored on the Philippines' heavy reliance on imported fuel and the risks posed by constrained global supply chains. EO 110 orders the adoption of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) framework to ensure the availability of domestic energy supply, uninterrupted delivery of essential services, continuity of economic activity, and protection of vulnerable sectors.
Marcos emphasized the need for proactive measures to ensure the stability and adequacy of energy resources, as volatility in global oil prices continues to affect domestic markets. Also on March 24, to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on vulnerable sectors, Marcos led the initial rollout of fuel subsidies for public utility vehicle drivers and operators at Para±aque Integrated Terminal Exchange. The initiative, with a PHP2.5-billion fund, is part of the Department of Transportation's Fuel Subsidy Project, which provides direct financial assistance aimed at easing the burden of rising fuel costs on the transport sector.
On March 25, Marcos delivered an address to the nation to provide a comprehensive explanation on his decision to declare an energy emergency and update the public on the government's continuing efforts to mitigate the effect of the Middle East crisis on the country. Marcos called on Filipinos to remain united and vigilant, emphasizing the value of bayanihan (teamwork) in times of uncertainty. In his vlog uploaded on March 22, Marcos urged the public to be responsible in sharing information, particularly amid the rapid spread of misinformation during crisis.
Ensuring the welfare of Filipinos abroad remained a top priority. On March 23, Marcos welcomed a new batch of repatriated OFWs from the Middle East, assuring them of the government's continued support. A total of 343 repatriates, comprising 317 OFWs and 26 dependents from Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, landed at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City around 6:30 a.m. aboard a chartered flight operated by flag carrier Philippine Airlines. The returning OFWs and their families were provided with financial assistance, medical services and psychosocial support as part of the government's reintegration efforts.
Even as the administration addressed the immediate effects of global tensions, it sustained its push for infrastructure development to boost connectivity and economic activity. Among the key milestones was the completion of the long-delayed Atlu Bola Bypass Road in Mabalacat, Pampanga, which is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve mobility in Central Luzon. Marcos also directed the release of PHP145.56 billion for the Central Mindanao High Standard Highway Project, ensuring continuous funding from 2026 to 2034 to enhance regional connectivity and spur economic growth in Mindanao.
To ensure food security and uplift farmers' living condition, Marcos inspected on March 23 the solar-powered irrigation projects in Camarines Sur that will benefit over 1,800 farmers in Minalabac and Bula towns. The projects, with an estimated value of PHP332 million, are expected to lower operational costs and increase farmers' productivity and income. Marcos likewise visited the Bicol Mega Cold Storage and Vegetable and Fruit Processing Facility in Pili municipality, reaffirming his administration's commitment to strengthening the country's agricultural value chain.
Further advancing his administration's development agenda, Marcos, on March 22, approved key reforms in the education sector, including the shift to a three-term academic calendar beginning Academic Year 2026 to 2027. Meanwhile, Marcos ordered a renewed push to accelerate the long-delayed rehabilitation of Marawi City, emphasizing the need to fast-track infrastructure projects and restore livable communities under the government's recovery program.
