Guimaras prepares energy emergency response

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Gov. Ma. Lucille L. Nava convened an emergency meeting to outline the Guimaras provincial government’s response to the national energy emergency declared by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. under Executive Order No. 110.

The meeting gathered key provincial leaders, including Rep. JC Rahman Nava, Vice Governor Cecil Gumarin, mayors John Edward Gando of Jordan, Samuel Gumarin of Buenavista and Emmanuel Galila of Nueva Valencia, along with provincial department heads.

Officials assessed the fuel crisis’ impact on government programs and projects and identified immediate and long-term mitigation measures.

Nava directed all provincial departments to enforce fuel- and energy-saving measures, submit formal conservation plans and review existing energy-efficiency practices.

The provincial action complements the national government’s whole-of-government response under UPLIFT, or the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport, which was adopted under Executive Order No. 110.

Executive Order No. 110, signed March 24, 2026, declared a state of national energy emergency as the government moved to address rising fuel costs and supply risks linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

To cushion vulnerable sectors, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office has started identifying and validating beneficiaries for a rice subsidy program, with 8,055 indigent residents under assessment.

Officials also explored the possible use of the province’s Quick Response Fund, with the Provincial Accounting Office providing updates on available financial resources.

The Provincial Economic and Development Office was tasked with submitting data on the fuel crisis’ economic impact, including scenario-based analyses of possible price increases, to guide policy decisions.

Provincial officials said the coordinated measures are meant to strengthen resilience and keep Guimaras responsive to the challenges posed by the energy emergency.

The Provincial Government of Guimaras also called for unity and cooperation among stakeholders as it rolls out interventions aimed at protecting residents and sustaining local development gains.