President Marcos: Philippines coping effectively with global oil crisis

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the public that the Philippines is coping effectively with the global oil crisis caused by tensions in the Middle East, emphasizing that fuel and food supplies remain sufficient.

He made the statement following his inspection of prefabricated classrooms and education initiatives in Mariveles, Bataan.

In an interview, Marcos said there is no need for public concern, noting that the government is taking steps to cushion the impact of rising oil prices.

“We are adjusting well. Ang talagang habol namin dito is to keep ‘yung hanapbuhay ng tao, na mayroon silang pang-hanapbuhay,” he said on Thursday, March 19.

“So far… sapat naman ang ating mga supply, ang ating mga naka-stock na sa langis at saka sa pagkain,” he said. “So far… we are all right… normal pa naman lahat,” he said.

Marcos said authorities will continue closely tracking developments and adjusting policies to safeguard livelihoods and maintain economic stability.

He added that the government is exploring alternative sources of oil to ensure a steady supply amid ongoing uncertainties in the Middle East.

He noted that current suppliers have committed to honoring existing contracts, including those for petroleum-based products such as fertilizer.

The administration is also accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, to lessen dependence on traditional fuels.

He also said government agencies have been instructed to cut energy consumption as part of broader mitigation efforts.

“There’s a directive for all government institutions to reduce 10 percent of their energy expenditure,” he said.

ASSISTANCE TO THE TRANSPORT SECTOR

The President said the government is expanding subsidy programs and assistance to sectors affected by fluctuating fuel prices.

“We are trying to find different methods para makapagbigay ng subsidy, para makapagbigay ng tulong,” he said.

Marcos pointed out that transport workers continue to receive support, particularly as fare increases remain on holD.

Additional assistance is also being prepared ahead of the expected travel surge during Holy Week.

PREFABRICATED CLASSROOMS

Meanwhile, Marcos highlighted the rollout of prefabricated classrooms, noting their durability and faster construction time.

The visit to Mariveles National High School–Alasasin Annex underscored the Department of Education’s efforts to fast-track the delivery of learning spaces through modular construction, significantly reducing build time compared to conventional methods.

With support from First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and the Next Gen Foundation, the classrooms were completed in under two weeks, demonstrating how such structures can quickly address infrastructure shortages.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative serves as a practical interim solution while permanent school buildings are being developed.

The new classrooms will accommodate 1,031 students at the annex, which is facing a projected shortage of at least five classrooms due to rising enrollment.

During the visit, the President also oversaw the distribution of digital learning devices and the rollout of the “YAKAP at Kalinga Caravan,” which provides free medical consultations, laboratory services, medicines, and vision screening for students and school personnel.

The program, a joint initiative of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and DepEd, aims to promote student well-being and preventive healthcare within schools.

Marcos added that additional funding has been restored to PhilHealth, enabling the expansion of its services.

He said the reinstated P60 billion budget will help enhance healthcare delivery and extend benefits to more Filipinos.

-Paraluman News