A RALLY in Baguio City protesting fuel price increases. (Photo via Zaldy Comanda)
BAGUIO CITY – The Police Regional Office-Cordillera reported Friday that 79 gas stations in the region have closed from lack of supply due to the conflict in the Middle East.
Twenty-six are in Kalinga, 18 in Benguet, 15 in Mountain Province, 12 in Ifugao, six in Abra, and two in Baguio.
Transport groups, students, and commuters staged a protest here on March 27 over the continued increase in fuel prices.
The protest was led by Piston Metro Baguio. They also called for the scrapping of the Oil Deregulation Law and removal of fuel taxes.
Meanwhile, Mayor Benjamin Magalong here on Friday called on residents to comply with fuel and energy saving measures as the country is under a state of national energy emergency due to the impact of the Middle East conflict.
“Plan your trips carefully, avoid unnecessary travel outside of the city or outside the homes, and conserve gasoline and energy,” Magalong said in an advisory, as travelers are expected to troop to the country's summer capital for the Holy Week and summer travel season.
He urged residents to limit the use of non-essential appliances, turn off lights and devices when not in use, and maximize natural light and ventilation, noting that energy conservation and caring for the environment are a shared responsibility.
The city government has started the implementation of energy and fuel saving measures in compliance with the national government under Memorandum Circular 114.
Magalong said that while the summer heat has started to be felt, it remains tolerable compared to other provinces and regions, thus the need for energy saving measures.
He added that by working together and practicing responsible energy conservation, each person or family can help ease the strain on the communities and ensure that limited resources are used efficiently. (with a report from PNA)