By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
On the heels of a reported two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, the Philippines welcomed the development as an opportunity to augment the country’s fuel buffer stock.
In a statement late Wednesday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed optimism that this lull in the conflict could catalyze its end of the months-long conflict in the Middle East.
“We will take full advantage of the two weeks to increase our supply as much as possible. Everybody around the table is willing and desires, gusto nila na matapos na ang gulo na ito. Hopefully, all the parties will come together.”
While the brief pause in the hostilities may not bring about an immediate reduction in global oil prices, President Marcos Jr. said that it could enable the safe passage of Philippine-flagged vessels, as well as allow delayed shipments to proceed.
The Chief Executive meanwhile shared the government’s further collaboration with the private sector to align their strategies to cushion the citizenry from the repercussions of the tensions in the oil-rich region.
In a meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), he said that this proactive approach toward addressing the national energy emergency can help Filipinos navigate these challenging circumstances.
President Marcos Jr. said, “Yung inuna natin dyan ay para doon sa mga nakauwi na OFW. Paano ngayon sila? So, hinahanapan namin ng mga paraan para kung ready sila, makahanap sila ng bagong trabaho.”
The government is likewise expanding support for Filipinos who want to start their own businesses, particularly returning workers affected by global tensions, with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) touted as the key to sustaining economic activity during these difficult times.
jpv
