ARCHBISHOP Romulo G. Valles of Davao urged Catholic faithful to observe a simpler Holy Week amid rising fuel prices linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
In a message dated March 30, 2026, Valles encouraged the public to make small sacrifices to ease financial burdens, especially for the most vulnerable.
“We have to do what is possible for us to do, even if a little, to help ourselves, lighten our hardships, especially for those most vulnerable among us,” he said.
Valles said the Church remains in the final days of Lent as many people worldwide continue to face “difficulty and hardship” due to the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
He urged the faithful to limit travel, particularly the use of vehicles that rely on fossil fuel, and to travel only when necessary.
“We do what we can do. We sacrifice. In all this, we trust that the Lord will bless our efforts, no matter how small, and make “miracles” of them, to give us strength and hope in these difficult times,” he said.
For those attending Holy Week activities, Valles encouraged carpooling or commuting together to reduce costs.
He also clarified that the tradition of visita iglesia, or visiting multiple churches on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, is not obligatory. He said the faithful may choose to visit only one or two churches rather than travel extensively.
Holy Week is one of the most significant religious observances for Catholics in the Philippines. It begins with Palm Sunday, followed by Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday, and culminates on Easter Sunday with the traditional “sugat,” which reenacts the meeting of the risen Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.
The conflict escalated on Feb. 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes targeting Iran’s military facilities, pushing global oil prices higher and adding economic pressure.
Oil companies have since announced another round of price increases. Diesel prices are set to rise by about P12.50 to P12.90 per liter, gasoline by P1 to P2.90 per liter, and kerosene by around P2 to P2.40 per liter. RGP