Over the weekend, friends and colleagues in the local government sector asked us what we thought about the latest developments in the hostilities that broke out in the Middle East on Feb. 28th of this year.

The “latest development” they were referring to was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the countries involved in the conflict. As we write this column, it appeared that the MOU was under severe criticism from political quarters in the United States. Some observers continue to express reservations regarding its sustainability and about whether this is the answer to our shared question, “Is this peace, at last?”

Our view is that this framework agreement offers a glimmer of hope. It extends the ceasefire, reopens the vital Strait of Hormuz for shipping, and launches 60 days of negotiations toward a more permanent resolution of the issues facing the protagonists in this conflict. For a country like ours, which ended up on the list of “collateral damage,” this recent development is definitely welcome, regardless of what others see as “infirmities.”

We told our friends and colleagues that, from where we stand, this development offers not just international headlines, but profound lessons and opportunities that resonate here at home.

It reminds us that even the most entrenched conflicts can yield to dialogue when leaders choose wisdom over escalation. For too long, the world has watched with anxiety as rivalries in the Middle East risked disrupting global energy supplies and economic stability. The Strait of Hormuz carries a significant portion of the world’s oil, so any prolonged disruption would have sent shockwaves through fuel prices, inflation, and supply chains—directly affecting Filipino families who already feel the pinch of rising costs for transportation, food, and electricity.

From our perspective, the MOU’s commitment to keeping this vital waterway open is therefore not just abstract geopolitics. Rather, it is a practical step toward protecting the livelihoods of ordinary people, including the millions of overseas Filipino workers whose remittances sustain our communities.

We hope this will result in lower energy volatility, which can in turn translate into more stable prices at the pump and in markets, giving our local economies breathing room to grow.

We believe that our fellow Filipinos stand to gain both directly and indirectly from this breakthrough. Lower and more predictable global oil prices should ease the burden on household budgets, reducing costs for jeepney fares, tricycles, electricity bills, and basic commodities like rice and groceries.

For our OFWs in the Gulf and beyond, a calmer region means greater job security and safer working conditions, potentially boosting remittances that fuel local businesses and family dreams back home. At the same time, a more stable Middle East could open new trade avenues, attract foreign investments, and create opportunities in infrastructure and services where Filipino skills excel.

Yes, this may be peace, at last. Even so, there are things we must not lose sight of. The preceding crisis offers important lessons our government—national and local—must internalize.

Let us share some lessons from our personal reflection.

First, overreliance on imported energy exposes us to distant conflicts; we must accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and build strategic reserves for true resilience. Second, diplomacy must always be prioritized over escalation—early engagement through ASEAN and multilateral forums can prevent spillover effects on our economy and OFWs. Third, economic diversification and stronger domestic industries are non-negotiable to cushion global shocks.

If the recent developments signal “peace, at last,” there is one more thing we must not overlook: the national government’s response during the crisis.

In hindsight, the national government through the Department of Energy (DOE) deserves commendation for its steady performance during the crisis.

We recall that, under pressure, the DOE acted swiftly to stabilize fuel supplies, activate contingency measures, and coordinate with oil companies and local government units to prevent panic buying and artificial shortages.

Their transparent communication and timely release of buffer stocks helped cushion the impact of price spikes on ordinary households. This level of professionalism and foresight proves that when government agencies focus on service and preparedness, they can shield our people from global turbulence.

We hope that this success by the national government will inspire even greater investment in energy security and inter-agency collaboration moving forward.

Beyond economic implications, the MOU carries deeper significance: it demonstrates that diplomacy, though often slow and imperfect, remains the most powerful tool for resolving disputes.

We pray that the MOU succeeds and paves the way for resolving the issues that triggered the conflict. We hope this is indeed true peace, at last.

(The author is a Doctor of Medicine, an entrepreneur and the current mayor of Antipolo City, former Rizal governor, and DENR assistant secretary, LLDA general manager.Email: [email protected])