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Before the announcement, city officials had described the situation in the area as a transportation emergency
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Baguio City The council has placed the city in a state of emergency as rising fuel prices and supply disruptions continue to affect travel, tourism, and daily life, with the effects already visible on the ground.
Resolution No. 257, Series of 2026, was unanimously approved during the council’s March 30 regular meeting, aligning the city’s response with Executive Order No. 110 which declares national energy emergency.
In recent days, travelers have been faced with long queues at jeepney stations as some drivers cut back on trips due to the high cost of fuel. In the past the city government distributed cars and started a “sakay” (free ride) program with transport cooperatives to help stranded passengers.
Fuel prices in Baguio have skyrocketed, with diesel at some stations reaching P165.70 per liter, according to website monitoring, significantly increasing operating costs for transport operators.
The impact has spread to tourism and local businesses. Mayor Benjamin Magalong earlier said the number of tourist arrivals has decreased by 40% to 50%, while hotel bookings have decreased by about 30%, according to Andrew Pinero of the Baguio Hotel and Restaurant Association.
Supply chains are also under pressure. Farmers in Benguet, who supply most of the city’s vegetables, are facing rising transportation costs even as the farmgate price has dropped to as low as P3 to P8 per kilo, well below the production costs of around P18 to P20, affecting producers and market flows.
Even before the declaration, city officials had described the situation as a transportation emergency, prompting immediate interventions such as coordination with transit groups and traffic management adjustments to maintain mobility.
As the disaster continues, the city government can now use its Internal Disaster Risk Reduction Fund to extend transportation grants, support affected sectors, and ensure the continued delivery of essential goods and services.
City officials said the declaration will also allow for faster coordination with national agencies and increase already-existing measures.
The resolution was ratified on April 7, 2026, and signed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong. – Rappler.com
