Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Friday urged local government units (LGUs) across the country to adopt prudent spending measures to help cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on basic services and vulnerable sectors.
Escudero issued the call after Nueva Vizcaya Governor Jose Gambito announced a set of austerity initiatives to protect his constituents from further economic strain. The measures included the cancellation of non‑essential travel, suspension of selected programs and activities, and the scaling down of its annual Grand Ammungan Festival scheduled for next month.
“Maganda ang ginawa ng Nueva Vizcaya dahil sa kanilang mabilis na pagkilos bago pa lalo lumala ang sitwasyon. Kapag may matitipid ang LGU, mas marami silang maitutulong sa mga sektor na pinakaapektado ng pagtaas ng presyo,” the senator said.
The veteran lawmaker said Nueva Vizcaya’s approach shows how LGUs can immediately generate savings that may be redirected to assistance programs, especially as global oil prices remain elevated due to tensions in the Middle East.
According to Gambito, the province expects to save at least P5 million from the temporary suspension of capability‑building activities alone.
Escudero added that similar steps can help other LGUs manage operational costs without disrupting essential services. He noted that disciplined spending and forward planning are necessary while uncertainties in the global market persist.
“Sa ganitong panahon, mas mahalaga ang maingat na paggastos. Hindi natin kontrolado ang galaw ng pandaigdigang merkado, pero kaya nating maghanda at mag-ipon para hindi mabigla ang ating mga kababayan,” he said.
The senator from Bicol earlier pushed for measures to strengthen the country’s fuel security and protect affected sectors, including the creation of a national strategic petroleum reserve and the provision of targeted, time bound assistance for transport workers, farmers, and fisherfolk during periods of sharp price increases.