In his presidential address on Wednesday, March 25, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. outlined the steps being taken by the government to mitigate the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on the Philippines.

Marcos, in his speech, highlighted the government’s immediate actions to ensure the safety of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), noting that more than 2,000 have already been repatriated, while 16,000 have received assistance, including food, medical care, transportation, and financial support.

Marcos also stressed that securing the safety of Filipinos abroad remains a top priority. “Ang una naming pinag-aalala ay ang ating mga OFW… kaya’t mabuti na lang at magandang relasyon natin sa mga Middle East countries.”

The president also addressed energy security, announcing the declaration of a national energy emergency to ensure the continuous sourcing of petroleum products and to mitigate disruptions caused by the closure of the Straits of Hormuz.

“Binibigyan nito ang ating pamahalaan ang mga kapangyarihang kumilos ng mas mabilis, bumili ng langis… at pagsamahin ang lahat ng ahensya sa isang direksyon,” he said.

Marcos underscored the government’s support for transportation and agriculture, detailing initiatives such as free rides for commuters, fuel subsidies for drivers, toll reductions, expansion of the 20-Peso Rice Program nationwide, and securing fertilizer supplies for farmers. These measures aim to ease the burden of rising oil prices on everyday Filipinos.

The President concluded by assuring the public that the government is closely monitoring the situation, coordinating with local and international partners, and ready to act swiftly to address any further challenges caused by the crisis.

“This is a precautionary tool so that we are ready for whatever comes next… lahat ng options that have been available to us, we are now exercising,” he said.