Vice President Sara Duterte is urging Filipinos to begin planning now for what she described as a prolonged period of economic stress, citing the threat of job losses, rising food costs, and climate-driven disruptions lasting through the end of the year.
“Simulan na nating planuhin ang ating mga hakbang hanggang sa katapusan ng taong 2026, kasama na ang pagharap sa posibleng pagkawala ng trabaho, patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng pagkain, at risk reduction measures laban sa epekto ng matinding init at mga pagbaha sa ating kabuhayan,” Duterte said in a video message released Thursday, March 26.
She identified extreme heat from El Niño and flooding during the rainy season as compounding risks to food supply and household income, and called preparedness the most effective defense against crisis.
Families tightening their budgets should focus spending on the basics, the Vice President said. “Sa ating pagtitipid, unahin natin ang sapat na pagkain para sa ating pamilya, pagpapagamot sa may sakit, at ang edukasyon ng ating mga anak,” she added.
The OVP is also putting its own house in order. Duterte announced the cancellation of two upcoming events — a gathering for the LGBTQ community and a four-year accomplishments presentation — to free up funds for the RIICE project, the office’s aid program for the poor and those facing emergencies.
“Maliit man ang Tanggapan ng Pangalawang Pangulo, makakaasa kayo na bawat isa sa amin ay patuloy na naglilingkod at naghahanap ng paraan upang makatulong sa taong-bayan,” she said, assuring the public that the office remains committed to serving despite its limited resources.
