ILOILO CITY — The municipality of Ajuy has been placed under a state of calamity as a persistent energy emergency begins to cripple public services and local livelihoods.

The municipal council formalized the declaration through Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 2026-088, following a recommendation from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The move to place the entire municipality under the declaration follows earlier emergency measures in the villages of Tagubanhan, Punta Buri and Nasidman.

Local officials said the crisis has escalated significantly, disrupting transportation and daily economic activities across the town.

Mayor Loida Espinosa urged residents to conserve energy and fuel to help mitigate the impact of the shortage. She asked the public to limit electricity use to essential needs, avoid nonessential travel, and consider walking or carpooling when possible.

Espinosa stressed that public cooperation is critical as the local government implements urgent measures to manage the crisis.

The state of calamity declaration allows the municipal government to tap into emergency funds to address the power and fuel issues affecting the community.