Capas ready for impact of global oil crisis
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Mayor Roseler “Boots” Rodriguez wants his town to be ready for the impact of the global oil crisis.
By Joey Pavia
CAPAS, Tarlac — Mayor Roseler “Boots” Rodriguez wants his town to be ready for the global oil crisis, preparing targeted interventions to keep public transport running while channeling rising local revenues into long-term education investments.
Facing volatile fuel prices, Rodriguez said the municipal government is ready to roll out a subsidy scheme for commuters and jeepney
drivers if diesel costs spike further. The plan includes fare discount stubs for passengers and per-trip incentives for drivers to prevent
transport disruptions.
“We want to protect both commuters and drivers from the worst effects of the fuel crisis,” Rodriguez said in a statement.
The contingency plan complements existing conservation measures, including a four-day workweek and fuel monitoring, which have already reduced municipal fuel spending.
At the same time, the local government unit (LGU) is leveraging stronger fiscal performance—P198 million in first-quarter collections—to fund a proposed local community college. The school aims to widen access to higher education while maintaining standards through admission screening and compliance with national regulations.
Rodriguez said the twin strategy reflects his administration’s approach: short-term relief for residents alongside long-term investments in human capital.
“We address immediate needs, but we also prepare for the future,” he said.
