War abroad upsets local lives

The war in the Middle East is far from Eastern Visayas. Bombs fall thousands of miles away, the headlines speak of deserts, cities, and humanity in utter devastation. Yet, undeniably, shockwaves of intense battles reach our markets in Tacloban, our fishing docks in Samar, and our stores in Ormoc—distressing the country’s domestic lives, particularly in Eastern Visayas.

Conflict in a region supplying oil to the global market inevitably drives up fuel prices. As tensions escalate between nations like Israel and Iran, spilling across neighboring states, the global energy markets are likewise jolted. Thus, it is highly possible that fuel prices in the domestic market would rise astronomically.

The Philippines, heavily dependent on imported oil, absorbs the shock almost immediately. For Eastern Visayas, a region still rebuilding from past calamities and striving for steady growth, rising fuel prices would become the daily burden.

Rising fuel prices increase transportation costs, driving up commodity prices. Jeepney drivers in Leyte, fisherfolk in Northern Samar, and farmers transporting goods face higher expenses due to escalating diesel and gasoline prices.

When logistics costs climb, basic items—from rice to noodles to canned goods—become more expensive. The costly consequence of inflation creeps into the meager budget of the common household. We, in the Philippines, could not do anything about this.

We have to accept that the war also impacts the thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Eastern Visayas deployed across the Middle East. and local businesses back home.

The Middle East conflict jeopardizes job security and disrupts contracts for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), putting their lives at risk. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates host many Waray and Cebuano workers who send money to their families. For communities in Eastern Visayas that rely on OFW remittances for food, education, and healthcare, this war leads to economic despair at home.

Tourism and investment confidence are likewise affected. Even if Eastern Visayas is geographically distant from the conflict, global instability reduces investors’ interest in development. They become cautious, leading to hesitation and delays in the normal flow of business.

The ongoing crisis tests resilience in Eastern Visayas, which has faced stronger storms than economic challenges. Leaders must act urgently to strengthen local food production, support public transport, accelerate renewable energy initiatives, and reinforce safety nets for OFW families, focusing on repatriation and reintegration through livelihood opportunities.

Wars may be distant, but their effects reach us. For Eastern Visayas, it’s clear: global peace means local prosperity. Without stability abroad, we must manage our economy with vigilance and solidarity. We must not let conflict shape our future.