ILOILO CITY – The municipality of New Lucena became the second local government unit (LGU) in Iloilo province to declare a state of calamity due to the fuel crisis caused by the Middle East war.
“The municipality of New Lucena is currently experiencing the adverse effects of a fuel crisis characterized by continuous increases in fuel prices and unstable supply,” said the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) in a resolution approved on Wednesday, April 1.
Resolution No. 2026-100 approved the recommendation of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) chaired by Mayor Carl Mondejar.
“The situation has disrupted economic stability and the delivery of basic services within the municipality of New Lucena,” the resolution stated.
The SB noted that “escalating cost of fuel has significantly affected the transportation sector, resulting in increased fare rates, reduced mobility, and financial strain among public utility drivers and commuters.”
Rising fuel costs have also impacted local businesses that are “adversely affected by rising operational costs” that led to increased prices of goods and services.”
“The general consuming public has been burdened by higher commodity prices, reduced purchasing power, and economic hardship brought about by the fuel crisis,” the resolution added.
More LGUs in Iloilo province are expected declare a state of calamity after the Holy Week to enable them to use the quick response fund (QRF). The first LGU in Iloilo to declare a state of calamity was Ajuy.