To save gas, GMA asks Pinoys to walk

If the Philippines economy is set to "take off," as President Arroyo has promised, it may have to do so… on foot.

The President suggested yesterday that people start walking or using bicycles instead of taking public transportation or driving private vehicles, as the government struggles to grapple with skyrocketing oil prices.

Calling the energy demands caused by rising fuel costs a "crisis," Mrs. Arroyo went on radio yesterday telling Filipinos to start adopting the commuting habits of the Chinese.

"Well, it’s really better if people ride the bike like in other countries such as China, where many people use it," the President said over radio station dzRH where she gave an interview with veteran broadcaster Dely Magpayo, better known as "Tia Dely."

She also said drastic energy conservation measures must be enforced to deal with the looming oil crisis brought about by steady hikes in world oil prices, now past $66 per barrel.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye added the "peripheral political noise and distraction should take a backseat to government efforts to address the twin challenges posed by escalating oil prices in the world market and a resurgent terrorist threat."

He pointed out "strict energy conservation is now a matter of national survival."

During the radio interview, the President also encouraged carpooling, especially among students. Evidently, she has not noticed that public jeepneys — jam-packed with students and other commuters — are already an involuntary form of carpooling.

The President had likewise directed all departments and agencies to ensure that stringent energy conservation measures are fully implemented.

Bunye said Malacañang would begin in its own backyard by finding ways to reduce energy consumption. He did not elaborate.

"The objective is for government to set the example in both energy conservation and fiscal discipline," he added.

Upon the President’s instructions, "lights are dimmed and all cooling systems are turned off early in the Malacañang complex," he said.

"We will be the first to bite the bullet," he promised.

Oil prices in the world market have more than doubled from $30 per barrel one and a half years ago to $66 this week. Reports said crude oil prices may continue to rise as there will be an increased demand by nations with temperate climate during the cold months.

"I am appealing to the people to seriously consider conserving energy amid a possible energy crisis which is beyond government’s control," Bunye said.

Bunye noted increasing oil prices on the world market would definitely have an impact on the prices of oil products, as well as consumer goods, in the country.

The Department of Energy (DOE) said the country’s oil import bill amounts to P324 billion annually. The imported oil accounts for about 37.01 percent of the country’s energy requirements.

Earlier, the President called on the people "to clearly appreciate the looming crisis arising out of the unabated price of oil in the world market."

The Chief Executive also urged the people "to engage in serious and consistent efforts to conserve energy and exploit alternative sources of fuel."

Bunye advised the public to plan their trips and to conserve energy use at home and in the office by turning off appliances which are not in use as "all of these will add up to energy consumption."

Meanwhile, the government is exploring long-term solutions to the oil crisis as the President has encouraged the development of indigenous and renewable sources of energy so the country could lessen its dependence on imported crude oil.

Among these are the Salcon-Kepco power plant project in Naga, Cebu, for which the President recently led the groundbreaking, and the development and promotion of the use of indigenous coal, geothermal, hydro, solar and wind power, coco diesel/bio-diesel by the DOE upon order of the President.

During the President’s State of the Nation Address last July 25, she asked Congress to enact a renewable energy bill to show her strong resolve to tackle the oil crisis.