President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of national energy emergency through Executive Order No. 110, citing ongoing conflicts in the Middle East that threaten global oil supply and the Philippines' energy stability. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has simultaneously allocated P1.2 billion in standby funds to assist vulnerable workers affected by the crisis.
The executive order, issued on March 30, 2026, establishes the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) framework as a whole-of-government response to ensure stable energy supply, maintain economic activity, protect vulnerable sectors, and sustain delivery of essential services.
According to the presidential directive, the declaration addresses risks to the Philippines' energy stability and availability stemming from the ongoing Middle East conflict and its impact on global oil supply chains.
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Government Mobilizes P1.2 Billion Worker Protection Fund
The Department of Labor and Employment has set aside an initial P1.2 billion to assist workers who may be displaced or financially affected by the energy emergency. The funding will be channeled through DOLE's flagship social protection programs, including the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program.
"The programs are in place to support vulnerable workers, including those who may be displaced as a consequence of the current energy emergency," the agency stated in an official announcement.
Initial interventions are expected to prioritize transport workers, a sector heavily affected by rising fuel prices, to help maintain mobility and sustain economic activity across the archipelago.
UPLIFT Committee Coordinates Multi-Agency Response
The UPLIFT Committee, chaired by the President, includes key cabinet members from the Executive Secretary, Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev), and Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Under the framework, the government will implement comprehensive measures across multiple sectors. Energy and supply measures include optimizing fuel and energy use, enforcing conservation measures, ensuring stable fuel supply through DOE, Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), and PNOC Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC).
The executive order also authorizes advance procurement payments beyond the standard 15 percent limit if needed and allows monitoring of electricity markets with intervention capabilities when necessary.
Transport and Consumer Protection Measures
Transport sector support includes fuel subsidies and fare assistance, expansion of public transport services, extended Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) operating hours, priority lanes, and coordination with local government units. The order also allows for possible reduction or suspension of tolls and fees.
Consumer and market protection measures focus on preventing hoarding and profiteering while stabilizing electricity and fuel prices through coordinated agency action to manage price volatility.
OFW Repatriation and Reintegration Programs
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported that more than 2,910 overseas Filipino workers affected by the Middle East crisis have been repatriated. Of this number, 2,120 were transported via five chartered flights, with the most recent flight bringing home 349 individuals, including 222 OFWs, their dependents, and stranded Filipinos from the United Arab Emirates.
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These repatriated workers were received by government officials and their families at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. DOLE is coordinating with DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to provide job matching with local employment opportunities, skills training through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and access to livelihood support.
The agencies are also collaborating on the upcoming "Bayanihan para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa" program, which aims to provide returning OFWs and their families with comprehensive reintegration services from government agencies and private sector partners.
Agricultural and Food Security Provisions
The executive order addresses agriculture and food security through measures to ensure supply of food and agricultural inputs, procurement of fertilizers and essential supplies when needed, and activation of assistance programs for farmers and fisherfolk.
Social protection and labor support will be provided through Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and Sustainable Livelihood Programs, targeting transport workers, farmers, fisherfolk, displaced workers, and repatriated OFWs as primary beneficiaries.
Distribution Challenges in Aid Implementation
Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian has raised concerns over incomplete data submissions from transport network companies (TNCs), which have delayed financial assistance distribution to drivers and delivery riders.
Speaking at a payout site in Manila, Gatchalian noted that gaps in lists provided by companies such as Grab and Lalamove resulted in some beneficiaries being excluded from aid distribution. He specifically mentioned that Lalamove failed to submit its driver list on time, prompting the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to issue a show-cause order.
Despite these setbacks, Gatchalian assured affected drivers that corrective measures are underway, including special payout schedules, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring all eligible public utility vehicle drivers and delivery riders receive financial assistance.
Long-term Energy Independence Strategy
The executive order outlines a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on petroleum through renewable energy adoption, electric vehicles, energy-efficient systems, and public awareness campaigns. The plan includes accelerating power generation and grid connection while fast-tracking permits and approvals for energy infrastructure projects.
Government offices will enforce stricter energy-saving protocols under the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP), while the Philippine National Police and other agencies will maintain peace and order to protect communities and critical infrastructure.
Funding for all emergency measures will be sourced from existing government appropriations, national and local funds, including disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) funds, according to the executive order.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Malacañang Palace
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