Bacolod City Endorses Bayanihan Act to Tackle Oil Crisis and Economic Challenges
The City of Bacolod has declared its firm support for the proposed "Bayanihan for Economic Resilience and National Stability Act of 2026," a legislative initiative set to be filed by House Deputy Speaker and Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez. This measure is a direct response to the ongoing global oil crisis and the declaration of a National State of Energy Emergency, aiming to provide swift governmental action to stabilize the economy.
Urgent Need for Coordinated Government Action
Councilor Caesar Distrito, chairperson of the City Council committee on human resource and development, authored a resolution emphasizing the critical need for decisive and coordinated government intervention. He stated that rising fuel costs are having cascading effects on transportation, food prices, and the overall cost of living, creating a local burden felt daily by Bacolodnons.
"The current oil crisis is not just a global issue, it is a local burden felt daily by Bacolodnons," Distrito remarked. He added that the proposed Bayanihan measure equips the National Government with essential tools to respond quickly, stabilize the economy, and protect the most vulnerable sectors of society.
Empowering the Executive Branch
Distrito explained that the proposed legislation seeks to empower the executive branch with:
- Emergency authority to address immediate crises
- Fiscal flexibility to allocate resources effectively
- Strategic mechanisms to cushion the impact of the oil crisis
These measures are designed to sustain economic activity and ensure the continuous delivery of essential services during this challenging period.
Vulnerability of Bacolod as a Growing Urban Center
As a growing urban center, Bacolod is particularly susceptible to fuel price volatility. Distrito noted that this instability affects:
- Public transportation systems
- Supply chains for goods and services
- Small businesses struggling with operational costs
- Household expenses for residents
The City Council has urged both chambers of Congress to prioritize the immediate passage of the Bayanihan Act, stressing the need for timely interventions to prevent further economic strain.
Lessons from the Pandemic and Future Preparedness
Drawing parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic, Distrito highlighted the importance of speed, coordination, and flexibility in governance during crises. "The lessons of the pandemic have shown us that speed, coordination, and flexibility in governance are critical in times of crisis. We must act with the same urgency to safeguard our economy and our people," he asserted.
The City Government has expressed its readiness to align local programs with national initiatives that may be implemented under the proposed law. This alignment will focus on delivering targeted assistance to affected sectors, ensuring that Bacolodnons receive the support they need during this economic challenge.
