March 25, 2026 – Mayor Benjamin Magalong called for coordinated action and conservation efforts to cushion the impact of the national energy crisis on residents and businesses.
This as the city government ramped up preparations following the declaration of a national energy emergency by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who issued Executive Order No. 110, declaring a state of emergency due to threats to energy supply stability.
The order also authorized the Department of Energy to implement urgent measures and mobilize resources across key sectors, including transport, agriculture, and small enterprises.
In response, Baguio City is aligning its local strategies with the national directive, focusing on stabilizing energy supply, protecting vulnerable sectors and mitigating the effects of rising fuel costs.
The mayor emphasized that the declaration is not martial law but a targeted measure to address the energy crisis.
The local government is urging households to adopt energy-saving practices, such as switching off unused lights and appliances, using energy-efficient devices, and limiting the use of high-consumption equipment. Residents are also encouraged to reduce fuel use by planning trips, carpooling, and using public transportation.At the community level, barangays are being encouraged to organize carpool systems, promote walking and biking for short distances, and establish “energy watch” teams to monitor and promote conservation efforts. Sharing resources such as generators and solar lighting during outages is also being pushed to improve resilience.
Coordination with local farmers and vendors will be strengthened to ensure stable food supply and reduce reliance on imported goods amid fluctuating fuel prices.
The city government underscored that all emergency measures are temporary and subject to regular review, with safeguards in place to ensure transparency and accountability.
The mayor also called on residents to take part in a collective effort, noting that small actions such as conserving electricity and fuel can contribute to broader national stability during the energy crisis. ** Aileen P. Refuerzo
