by Eva Visperas
Pangasinan intensifies fuel price monitoring
The provincial government of Pangasinan is stepping up monitoring of fuel prices and preparing austerity measures as global oil price hikes linked to tensions in the Middle East begin to affect local consumers, including farmers and fishermen, Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino said.
Lambino said the issue of rising fuel prices is primarily a national concern but is already being felt at the local level, prompting action from government agencies and local officials.
According to Lambino, the Department of Energy (DOE) has issued guidelines to prevent illegal or premature fuel price increases. He noted that Energy Secretary Sharon Garin recently ordered strict monitoring of fuel prices, particularly because current fuel stocks were purchased at earlier prices and should not yet reflect sudden increases.
He added that several local government units (LGUs) in Pangasinan have begun monitoring fuel stations within their jurisdictions to ensure compliance.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan also passed a resolution urging all LGUs, national government agencies based in Pangasinan, and the provincial government to closely monitor fuel prices and prevent unfair or abusive price adjustments.
The first tranche of fuel price increases took effect at 12:01 a.m. on March 10.
Lambino said the situation is also related to austerity measures ordered by Malacañang in response to the global energy situation.
Under the directive signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, government offices are encouraged to adopt cost-saving measures, including the possible implementation of a four-day workweek or alternative work arrangements.
However, Lambino clarified that the order on fuel price monitoring came from the DOE and is separate from the executive order on work arrangements.
He said the provincial government is currently drafting guidelines on how the four-day workweek may be implemented in Pangasinan.
Some offices may adopt extended four-day schedules of 10 hours per day, while others may retain a five-day workweek, especially those providing frontline services. Provincial hospitals, he said, will continue to operate seven days a week with possible shift adjustments.
Meanwhile, the provincial board also passed another resolution encouraging both public and private sectors in Pangasinan to adopt austerity measures to conserve fuel and electricity.
Lambino acknowledged that higher fuel prices will significantly affect farmers and fishermen, who rely heavily on fuel for their livelihoods. He said the provincial government is reviewing possible assistance programs through various departments, including the Provincial Agriculture Office, and may coordinate with the national government for support.