Malacañang on Tuesday announced a positive outlook on the country’s fuel and food supply, highlighting an increase in fuel buffer stock and sufficient availability of key food commodities through the end of the year.
The update followed a meeting of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) committee held at the Palace and presided over by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The meeting focused on assessing the nation’s preparedness amid ongoing global energy uncertainties.
According to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, the country’s fuel buffer stock has increased from 52 to 54 days, providing greater energy security.
“This is good news. Our oil supply buffer has improved, and discussions also covered a broad rollback in diesel prices,” Castro said during a Palace briefing.
In addition to fuel supply stability, the government confirmed that essential food items remain adequately stocked. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. reported that supplies of rice, chicken, and pork are sufficient to meet national demand until the end of the year.
The developments come in the wake of Executive Order No. 110, signed by President Marcos on March 24, declaring a state of national energy emergency due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The order empowers the government to activate energy allocation plans and implement conservation measures in response to potential supply disruptions.
EO 110 also institutionalizes UPLIFT as the government’s comprehensive, whole-of-government framework to address the energy situation. The initiative focuses on five key pillars: saving lives, ensuring sufficient fuel supply, assisting vulnerable sectors, maintaining affordable food prices, and securing electricity supply.
Members of the public are encouraged to visit the official UPLIFT website at www.uplift.dbm.gov.ph for more information on government programs and interventions related to the current energy emergency.
