Marcos to agencies: Prioritize food, fuel, electricity

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has placed the nation’s food, fuel and electricity supply at the top of his agenda, a move prompted by a sharp rise in inflation that hit 7.2 percent in September. The surge, officials said, stems from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and a string of recent natural calamities that have strained the country’s supply chains. As the administration rallies ministries and agencies to cushion the impact on ordinary Filipinos, the stakes are high for households that already feel the pinch at the sari‑sari store and the jeepney stand.

Inflation spikes and its everyday toll

According to the latest data, consumer prices climbed to 7.2 percent in September, up from 6.1 percent in August and well above the 1.7 percent recorded in the same month a year ago. The jump is largely driven by higher food and energy costs, a trend that has reverberated from the rice fields of Central Luzon to the bustling markets of Metro Manila. For many families, the increase translates into tighter budgets for staple meals, as rice prices have risen sharply due to tighter domestic supply and higher transportation costs.

Fish and vegetable prices have also surged, a consequence of weather disturbances that disrupted harvests and deliveries. The combined effect of these price hikes means that a typical household now spends a larger share of its income on basic necessities, squeezing the already limited resources of those who depend on daily wages from public utility vehicle (PUV) routes, sari‑sari stores, and informal sector work.

President Marcos’ directive to safeguard supply

In a meeting with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, President Marcos underscored the urgency of securing uninterrupted supplies of food, fuel and electricity. Palace press officer Claire Castro emphasized that a disruption in fuel supply could cascade into broader business interruptions, amplifying the economic impact on the country. The president’s focus, she said, is to ensure that the Philippines “will not run out of fuel supply,” a concern that resonates deeply with commuters who rely on PUVs and with small businesses that need steady power to operate.

The administration’s response is framed as a pre‑emptive measure, acknowledging that both the Middle East crisis and recent natural disasters have already begun to reverberate in the Philippine economy. By targeting the three pillars of daily life—food, fuel, electricity—the government aims to blunt the shockwaves that could otherwise destabilize livelihoods across the archipelago.

Policy tools to ease the burden

Castro outlined several policy levers the government will deploy to cushion vulnerable sectors. One immediate step is the removal of the 12‑percent value‑added tax (VAT) from the allowable system loss charge in electricity bills, a move that will lower monthly costs for households and small enterprises. This adjustment seeks to offset the rising cost of power, especially as the country braces for the lingering effects of El Niño, which began this month and may persist until March next year.

In the realm of fuel, the administration pledged to continue subsidies for PUV drivers, a lifeline for commuters who depend on affordable transport. The subsidy helps keep fares stable, preventing a ripple effect that could otherwise raise the cost of goods transported across the islands. Additionally, the expansion of the Kadiwa program—markets that provide accessible and affordable goods—aims to bring relief directly to barangays where price pressures are felt most acutely.

Food security measures amid supply shocks

To address the tightening rice supply, the government highlighted its management of pork supply during the holiday season, a period when demand typically spikes. By coordinating with producers and distributors, officials hope to prevent shortages that could drive up prices further. The broader strategy includes the UPLIFT program, which targets sectors hit hardest by the Middle East war’s indirect effects, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need.

Free rice distribution remains a cornerstone of the administration’s safety net. While the source material does not specify the exact volume of rice allocated, the continuation of the program signals a commitment to keep basic nutrition within reach for low‑income families, especially as market prices climb.

Employment initiatives to mitigate rising costs

The TUPAD emergency employment program, another pillar of the government’s response, aims to generate short‑term jobs for those displaced by the economic slowdown. By offering temporary work, the program provides a buffer against income loss, helping households meet higher food and utility bills. This aligns with the broader goal of preserving livelihood stability amid inflationary pressure.

Complementing TUPAD, the administration’s emphasis on expanding the Kadiwa market network also creates micro‑enterprise opportunities. Vendors can sell goods at regulated prices, fostering a sense of bayanihan as communities rally to support one another during tougher economic times.

Preparing for El Niño’s lingering impact

El Niño, which began in October and is expected to linger into early next year, adds another layer of uncertainty to the nation’s food and energy security. The phenomenon typically brings drier conditions that can affect crop yields, particularly rice and corn, and can strain water reservoirs that power hydroelectric plants. Recognizing this, the administration is proactively bracing for potential supply gaps, reinforcing the urgency of its food, fuel and electricity priorities.

By coordinating with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energy, the government seeks to mitigate the dual threats of climate‑related supply disruptions and external geopolitical shocks. The integrated approach underscores a recognition that economic resilience in the Philippines hinges on both domestic resource management and strategic diplomatic engagement.

Looking ahead: accountability and community resilience

While Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III and Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida will serve as caretakers during President Marcos’s overseas trip, the continuity of these initiatives rests on the capacity of agencies to implement policies swiftly and transparently. The public’s trust will be tested as barangay officials and local leaders monitor the rollout of subsidies, free rice distribution, and employment programs.

For ordinary Filipinos, the real measure of success will be felt in the daily rhythm of life—whether the rice bowl remains full, the jeepney fare stays affordable, and the lights stay on during the night. As the nation navigates the intertwined challenges of global conflict, climate variability, and domestic inflation, the collective effort of government, civil society, and the resilient spirit of the Filipino people will determine whether the promise of food, fuel and electricity security translates into lived reality for every household.

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: Philstar.com; Global1.News (08 October 2026).

By Bella Reyes, Staff Writer