𝐆𝐎𝐕. 𝐏𝐀𝐌 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐄, 𝐅𝐔𝐄𝐋 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐘; 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐒 𝐕𝐒. 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐅𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆
There is no shortage of rice and fuel in Cebu Province in the coming months despite rising global tensions and the ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East.
This assurance was given by Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro to Cebuanos during a press briefing held inside her newly renovated office at the Capitol on Wednesday, March 4.
The governor said the data from the Department of Agriculture (DA) confirms that supply remains stable. However, she acknowledged reports that some private retailers have taken advantage of the situation by increasing prices.
“Wala may shortage of rice diri, pero naa lang gyod tay mga retailers who are taking advantage of the situation nga nag-increase sad sila sa ilang prices,” she said.
She said that there is currently no need to enforce price control measures but warned that the provincial government remains vigilant against profiteering.
“Watch out because we are monitoring you (retailers) and we are urging you to please do not take advantage of situation because we will really run after you,” Gov. Baricuatro said.
𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
On March 2, Gov. Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 15, which sets urgent and proactive measures to mitigate the economic, energy, food security, public safety, and welfare impacts of the Middle East conflict on Cebu.
Under the order, the Capitol is working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other concerned agencies to safeguard consumers and ensure market stability.
“There is no need for panic buying. There is no shortage of rice and there is no shortage of fuel. Nothing at all,” the governor said. “There is nothing to be worried about, and we are on top of the situation.”
Local Price Coordinating Councils in cities and municipalities have been urged to convene and intensify the monitoring of fuel, rice, flour, sugar, and other essential goods, and to act swiftly against hoarding, profiteering, and price manipulation.
The governor said the public may report cases of overpricing to their respective mayors or directly to the Capitol through the Cebu People’s Action Center hotline.
“𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻”
The Executive Order also directs the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) to prepare contingency measures for possible returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
These measures include establishing a Provincial OFW Assistance and Repatriation Desk in coordination with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA); creating a registry of Cebuano OFWs in affected Middle Eastern countries; facilitating emergency financial, psychosocial, and temporary shelter assistance; and developing livelihood and reintegration programs in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and local employers.
Assistance systems are being readied should repatriation become necessary, the governor said. | CAPITOL PIO
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