VP Duterte warns: Prepare through end of the year for job loss, food insecurity
Vice President Sara Duterte
Vice President Sara Duterte shared Thursday, March 26, her office's cost-cutting measures as she warned Filipinos against the worsening situation, which might persist until the end of the year.
Duterte announced in a video message the cancellation of its upcoming two big events celebrating members of the LGBTQ community and the Office of the Vice President (OVP)'s four-year accomplishment report as part of her office efforts to lessen its expenses.
The funds that should have been allocated there will be used instead for OVP's program for the poor, the Relief for Indigents and Individuals in Crises and Emergencies (RIICE) project.
Duterte then warned Filipinos of possible food insecurity that would be caused by drought from El Niño and by flooding during the rainy season.
"Simulan na nating planuhin ang ating mga hakbang hanggang sa katapusan ng taong 2026, kasama na ang pagharap sa posibleng pagkawala ng trabaho, patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng pagkain, at risk reduction measures laban sa epekto ng matinding init at mga pagbaha sa ating kabuhayan (Let's start planning our steps through the end of the year 2026, including how to face potential job loss, the continuous rise in food prices, and risk reduction measures against the effects of extreme heat and flooding on our livelihood)," she said.
"Sa ating pagtitipid, unahin natin ang sapat na pagkain para sa ating pamilya, pagpapagamot sa may sakit, at ang edukasyon ng ating mga anak (As we save, we should prioritize sufficient food for our families, medical care for the sick, and the education of our children)," she added, noting that the most effective "defense" against crisis is preparedness.
The Vice President assured the public of the Office of the Vice President’s service amid the crisis.
"Maliit man ang Tanggapan ng Pangalawang Pangulo, makakaasa kayo na bawat isa sa amin ay patuloy na naglilingkod at naghahanap ng paraan upang makatulong sa taong-bayan (Although the Office of the Vice President is small, you can be assured that each of us continues to serve and find ways to help the nation)," she added.