Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu take measures to ease impact of Mideast crisis

Local

THE highly urbanized cities of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue have rolled out contingency measures as tensions in the Middle East escalate, following earlier preparedness actions taken by the Cebu provincial government and Cebu City.

Lapu-Lapu City declared a State of Preparedness and ordered all departments to implement conservation measures and contingency plans to keep government operations stable despite the expected economic impact of the conflict abroad.

In Memorandum No. 2026-024 dated March 4, Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” Chan cited the “ongoing unrest in the Middle East, and the anticipated sharp rise in fuel prices” as the basis for the declaration.

The memorandum said the move aims “to safeguard the efficiency and sustainability of Lapu-Lapu City Government operations amidst the expected global economic repercussions, particularly the rising costs of fuel, commodities, transportation and essential goods.”

The city government directed departments to limit the use of official vehicles strictly to essential trips, avoid single-passenger travel, and coordinate travel schedules to prevent duplication of trips.

Offices must also maximize routes to cover multiple tasks in a single trip and practice fuel-stretching measures at all times.

The city also imposed energy conservation measures in government offices. Offices will operate air-conditioning units only from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and use fan mode during lunch breaks.

Employees must switch off lights and appliances when not in use, while departments must limit overtime work to urgent needs to prevent higher power consumption.

Chan also ordered stricter water management. Offices must ensure faucets are properly turned off and regularly checked for leaks.

The Office of the City Engineer will design and implement water catchment systems at City Hall to serve as alternative water sources.

The memorandum also instructed departments to review ongoing programs and activities and prioritize only absolute necessities for the second and third quarters.

The city will use savings from reduced activities as a buffer against sudden increases in operational costs, particularly fuel.

Authorities will also intensify monitoring at the Lapu-Lapu City Public Market to prevent profiteering and unfair price increases.

The city will conduct weekly inspections at the main public market and satellite markets.

The city government also designated the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) as the official help desk for families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Middle East.

PESO will coordinate with the Department of Migrant Workers to provide updates and assistance.

Meanwhile, the Mandaue City Government approved a resolution preparing assistance for Mandauehanon OFWs who may be displaced by the conflict and seek repatriation.

During its regular session on March 2, the Mandaue City Council approved the measure authored by Councilor Carlo Fortuna directing the local government to prepare support services for returning workers.

The city plans to provide transportation assistance by deploying buses to ferry returning OFWs from the airport to their homes.

Mandaue City is also exploring employment support through skills training and livelihood programs coordinated by the Public Employment Service Office, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and partner institutions such as the Mandaue City College Technological Entrepreneurial Skills Training Center.

“Preparedness should not rest solely on the national government. Local governments have a critical role in providing immediate and accessible support,” Fortuna said.

Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano also affirmed the city’s commitment to assist returning workers, including providing food packs and temporary shelter for those who may need immediate support.

“Kung mahimo, atong hisgutan sa konseho kung naa ba tay mahatag nga pinansyal nga tabang. Dili gyud nato sila pasagdan,” he said.

The latest measures in Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue add to earlier actions taken by the Cebu provincial government and Cebu City, which have already activated monitoring and contingency plans to protect residents and Cebuano OFWs as the Middle East conflict threatens global oil supply and could trigger fuel price increases.(MyTVCebu)