In anticipation of the increase of travelers during Holy Week, the Department of Energy (DOE) has placed the energy sector on heightened readiness to help ensure reliable power, adequate fuel supply, and responsive energy services across the country. The Department said this coordinated effort is intended to support a safe, seamless, and well-powered journey for Filipinos traveling to their home provinces, transport hubs, and key destinations during the long holiday.
Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said the DOE has mobilized both the power and downstream oil sectors to help keep essential energy services stable and accessible throughout the Holy Week travel period. “Our task is clear: to help ensure that Filipinos can travel with confidence this Holy Week, supported by reliable electricity, sufficient fuel supply, and responsive services on the ground,” Secretary Garin said. “From homes and communities to highways, ports, airports, and major destinations, the energy sector is ready to support the public every step of the way.”
The DOE has coordinated with generation companies, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, distribution utilities, and electric cooperatives to maintain grid stability and operational readiness throughout the Lenten break. Contingency measures are in place to address possible demand fluctuations and localized disruptions, particularly in transport gateways, high-traffic tourist areas, and island provinces.
Technical personnel have likewise been placed on standby for immediate response to any power-related incidents that may arise during the holiday period. To support the expected increase in road travel, the DOE has also coordinated with oil companies and fuel retailers to help ensure adequate fuel inventories and efficient operations at service stations along major expressways and arterial roads. Oil companies have been urged to maintain service readiness, sustain smooth station operations, and keep motorists informed of available services and promotions during the holiday travel period.
Particularly, the Department also encourages motorists to take advantage of fuel discount programs and promotional offers being extended by oil companies. By checking the DOE’s published list of participating stations and available promos before traveling, motorists may be able to maximize available savings and better manage fuel expenses during the Holy Week exodus, especially at this time of oil price increases brought by the developments in the Middle East.
For electric vehicle users, the DOE encourages travelers to visit the DOE website, Facebook page and the Philippine Electric Vehicle Industry Portal to locate publicly accessible charging stations and plan charging stops ahead of their trip for a smoother and more efficient travel for EV motorists.
The DOE likewise reminds motorists that proper vehicle maintenance and efficient driving practices can help reduce fuel consumption and prevent avoidable travel disruptions. Proper vehicle care, from regularly checking tires, oil, battery, and engine condition, to using air conditioning efficiently, avoiding prolonged idling, and planning routes carefully, can help motorists save fuel and avoid breakdowns on the road.
A well-maintained vehicle and disciplined driving remain essential to a safer, more economical, and more convenient journey. The Department urges all motorists to make these good practices a habit in order to help ensure safe, efficient, and orderly travel not only during Holy Week, but every day.
The DOE also reminds households leaving for the holiday to observe basic electrical safety precautions before departure, including unplugging unnecessary appliances and checking outlets, cords, and extension wires for damage. These simple steps can help reduce the risk of electrical faults and fire incidents while families are away from home.
“As Filipinos observe Holy Week and travel to be with their loved ones, the Department remains fully committed to helping ensure that every journey is supported by reliable, accessible, and responsive energy services,” Secretary Garin said. “We stand ready with the rest of the energy sector to help keep homes powered, travel routes supported, and destinations within safer and smoother reach throughout the holiday period.”
