Baguio declares state of emergency amid surging fuel prices

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The city government of Baguio has declared a state of emergency to cushion the efects of surging fuel prices on residents.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod approved the declaration and release of the city’s quick response fund to support relief and recovery efforts.

The declaration of a state of emergency authorizes local government units to utilize their quick response funds in order to assist their constituents.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong earlier asked the city council to authorize him to release the fund, to provide  assistance including food, medical services, transport  and livelihood as well as activate local emergency response systems.

Barangay officials have been urged to utilize their quick response funds, to speed up aid distribution, particularly in the transport sector.

The office of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in the Cordilleras has reported a sharp decline in the number of public utility vehicles operating in barangays.

Brig. Gen. Glenn Dumlao, chief of DOTr-Cordilleras, said the current fare rate is no longer sufficient to cover expenses, prompting some drivers to stop operating.

While the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board  has yet to approve a proposal to increase the minimum fare from P13 to P20, Dumlao said that some commuters voluntarily pay higher fares to encourage drivers to continue operating.