Councilor J. Melchor Quitain Jr., chair of the Committee on City-Owned Real Properties, is urging participants of the 2026 Araw ng Dabaw Civic Parade to join the March 28 festivities on foot and refrain from using fuel-powered and electric vehicles, in a bid to promote fuel conservation amid ongoing global supply concerns.
In a proposed resolution, Quitain called on Thursday both public and private sector participants to avoid the use of gasoline, diesel, oil-powered vehicles, and even electric vehicles (EVs) throughout the entirety of the parade.
He said the measure aims to highlight the importance of saving and using energy resources judiciously.
The Araw ng Dabaw celebration, observed annually every month of March, will culminate with the civic parade on March 28, drawing hundreds of visitors from various sectors across the city, where contingents traditionally incorporate motorized floats and vehicle displays.
However, Quitain emphasized that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has significantly affected the global supply of fuel, contributing to rising costs of petroleum products and basic commodities in the Philippines.
He noted that the continued instability abroad threatens to further escalate fuel shortages, placing additional strain on the economy and everyday expenses of Filipinos.
“With the current situation, it is prudent for everyone to conserve fuel and limit its use until conditions improve,” Quitain stated.
The councilor also underscored that individual efforts, no matter how small, can collectively help ease the burden brought about by increasing fuel prices, utilities, and other essential goods.
The resolution was approved under suspended rules, signaling the urgency of the measure.
The resolution seeks to encourage a more sustainable and symbolic civic parade, reflecting solidarity among Dabawenyos in addressing the challenges posed by rising fuel costs.
