BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The local government unit of Baguio City is ensuring the rapid deployment of relief, essential services, and support for livelihoods, food security, and transport in response to high fuel prices affecting the lives of the people.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong signed on April 7, 2026, City Council Resolution No. 257, series of 2026, placing the City of Baguio under a state of calamity. This aligns with the national energy emergency declared under Executive Order No. 110.
“The declaration will enable the local government to mobilize resources, enforce necessary regulations, and coordinate effectively with national agencies in the implementation of the unified package of interventions,” the resolution reads.
Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan said the local declaration not only reinforces the urgency of the situation but also ensures that the utilization of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Quick Response Fund (CDRRM-QRF) is fully justified and compliant with regulations.
Magalong emphasized that the QRF would cover the activation of the City’s emergency response mechanisms, procurement of essential goods and equipment, provision of food and medical assistance, and support for critical sectors affected by the crisis.
In response to the transportation challenges brought about by rising fuel prices that have impacted the public, the LGU rolled out the Emergency Transportation Support Program (ETSP) on April 8.
Under the program, the city government covers the cost of empty return trips or “backloads” typically shouldered by drivers under the boundary system. This is to ensure that jeepneys return to the central business district to pick up passengers from 6 p.m. o 10 p.m. or beyond when necessary.
Around 295 jeepney units have been contracted from at least 49 transport cooperatives covering 32 routes of the city.
To address the long queues in terminals and stranded commuters due to the reduced jeepney trips, the LGU and other government agencies have been providing free rides in the past days.
Based on fuel pump price monitoring in Baguio City as of April 9, 2026, diesel price has reached as high as P165.70 per liter, and P105.40/ liter for gasoline.
The mayor has also ordered the temporary suspension of the city’s number coding scheme from April 8 to April 24, 2026. This is an interim measure to help ease mobility for residents while the city studies its impact on traffic conditions.
During the suspension period, the city government monitors the traffic flow and commuter conditions to determine whether the measure improves public transportation or worsens congestion.
Also, a proposed ordinance to institutionalize the Baguio City Emergency Employment Program has been filed with the city council, aiming to provide temporary work for displaced workers, professionals, and skilled or unskilled laborers during economic crises, disasters, or pandemics.
The city government has earlier distributed P5,00 cash assistance each to about 1,912 public utility jeepney drivers plying the different routes in the city. **JDP/DEG-PIA-CAR with reports from Baguio City PIO
