Malacañang announced on Tuesday that the Philippines has successfully strengthened its fuel buffer stocks and secured a sufficient supply of essential food commodities, providing a cushion against global energy volatility.
Following a meeting of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) committee presided over by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Palace officials confirmed that the country’s strategic preparation is yielding positive results.
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Fuel Security: The national fuel buffer stock has increased to a range of 52 to 54 days.
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Price Relief: Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro noted that recent discussions included a widespread rollback in diesel prices, offering relief to the transport and logistics sectors.
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Food Stability: Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. assured the public that the supply of rice, chicken, and pork remains sufficient to meet national demand through the end of the year.
The briefing comes in the wake of Executive Order No. 110, signed by President Marcos on March 24, which declared a state of national energy emergency due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Under EO 110, the Chief Executive is authorized to implement energy allocation plans and conservation measures to mitigate the impact of global supply disruptions. Central to this strategy is the UPLIFT framework, which serves as the administration’s “whole-of-government” response to the crisis.
The government’s coordinated response is built upon five strategic goals:
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Saving lives through social safety nets.
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Ensuring a sufficient supply of fuel for industry and transport.
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Assisting sectors in need, specifically marginalized groups.
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Keeping food prices within reach for Filipino families.
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Ensuring a stable supply of electricity nationwide. “The increase in our buffer stocks and the stability of our food supply are clear indicators that the government’s proactive measures are working,” said Undersecretary Castro. “We remain committed to shielding the Filipino people from the adverse effects of international energy fluctuations.”
