DAVAO CITY – Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte signed an executive order on Monday, creating an inter-agency task force to coordinate government response to rising fuel prices and their impact on basic goods and economic activity.
Executive Order No. 07, Series of 2026, aims to establish a city-level Inter-Agency Task Force on Emergency Socioeconomic Crisis Response to prepare and implement response measures for socioeconomic emergencies.
According to the executive order, the task force will act quickly to address rising fuel costs, keep the prices of basic goods stable, protect jobs, and maintain the continuous delivery of essential services.
The order cites the Local Government Code of 1991 and the Price Act, requiring local governments to maintain economic stability, ensure peace and order, and protect consumers from price manipulation during emergencies.
Duterte said the initiative ensures the city government remains proactive and coordinated in addressing the challenges posed by the current socio-economic crisis, particularly the effects of rising fuel costs on goods, services, and livelihoods.
The executive order also notes ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, including the reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which have contributed to rising fuel prices since early March 2026.
Such developments have increased transportation costs and affected the prices of basic goods in the city. It also references Presidential Executive Order No. 110 issued on March 24, 2026, declaring a State of National Energy Emergency.
Under the order, the task force will be chaired by the city mayor, with the city administrator serving in the mayor’s absence. The City Planning and Development Coordinator will act as vice chairperson.
Members include the City Information Office, Office of the Vice Mayor, City Administrator, City Legal Office, City Engineer’s Office, City Accountant’s Office, City Budget Office, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government–Davao City.
“There is a need for Davao City to create a team to efficiently prepare and manage its response actions and resources to address the impacts of the emergency socio-economic crisis affecting the community,” Duterte said.
Six subcommittees were also created: Peace, Safety, and Security; Employment; Social Intervention; Economic; Health and Emergency; and Energy, with members from city offices, national agencies, and the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
According to the order, the subcommittees are tasked with recommending plans and coordinating sector-specific responses.
IATF-CRISIS is mandated to formulate and implement response actions during socioeconomic emergencies, coordinate with the Davao City Price Coordinating Council to monitor commodity prices, ensure adequate supply of necessities, and develop programs aimed at stabilizing the local economy.
The task force is also directed to coordinate government offices to manage crisis responses and recommend policies for economic recovery.
The order provides that the task force will automatically activate upon the declaration of a socioeconomic emergency. In light of Presidential Executive Order No. 110, the Davao City IATF-CRISIS is deemed activated and directed to carry out its mandate immediately.
The City Administrator’s Office will serve as secretariat, with legal support from the City Legal Office. Funding for operations will be sourced from available city government funds, subject to standard budgeting and auditing rules.
Executive Order No. 07 took effect immediately upon signing and will remain in force unless revoked or modified. (By Ivy Tejano)
