By Helen Castaño, I. Inojales | 06:20 PM March 04, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — Amid escalating geopolitical tensions and threats of global supply chain disruptions, Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado has created a provincial task force aimed at protecting Bohol’s economy, energy supply and food security from external shocks.
Through Executive Order No. 7, Series of 2026, Aumentado established the Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force on Economic and Energy Resilience (PIATF-EER), a multi-sectoral body tasked with closely monitoring fuel supply and prices, assessing food security risks, and recommending policy measures to stabilize local markets.
The order noted that armed conflicts in the Middle East and other regions have fueled volatility in global oil prices, driving up transportation and food costs — developments that could heavily impact Bohol’s tourism-driven economy.
Bohol, a designated United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) Global Geopark and branded as a “Regenerative Island,” remains vulnerable due to its dependence on stable energy supply, tourism revenues, and remittances from overseas Filipino workers, many of whom are deployed in conflict-affected areas.
Proactive planning
The task force has been directed to track fuel inventories and price movements, evaluate risks to essential commodities such as rice and fishery products, coordinate with national agencies on OFW-related concerns including possible repatriation, and craft contingency plans such as fuel rationing for essential services if needed. It will submit bi-weekly reports to the governor’s office.
Aumentado will chair the body, with the provincial administrator as vice chair. Members include key provincial offices, law enforcement units, national agencies such as the Departments of Trade and Energy, and representatives from business, transport, farmers and fisherfolk groups.
Energy-saving measures
The order also mandates all provincial government offices to implement energy conservation measures, including regulating the use of official vehicles, cutting electricity consumption, promoting renewable energy initiatives, and adopting flexible work arrangements when feasible to reduce fuel use.
Component local government units are encouraged to follow suit.
Strengthening food security
The Provincial Agriculture Office has been instructed to ramp up support for rice, high-value crops and fisheries production, enhance market linkages, promote urban and backyard gardening, and ensure adequate buffer stocks of staple goods.
Provincial officials said the initiative reflects a “whole-of-government approach” to cushion Boholanos from the ripple effects of global crises and maintain economic stability amid uncertain international developments.
