Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has signed on Monday Executive Order No. 07, Series of 2026, creating an inter-agency body aimed at mitigating the effects of rising fuel costs and economic disruptions in Davao City.
The order establishes the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emergency Socioeconomic Crisis Response (IATF-CRISIS), which adopts a whole-of-government approach by mobilizing key city offices and national agencies.
According to the EO, the task force is expected to respond swiftly to fuel price increases, stabilize the cost of basic commodities, safeguard employment, and ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services.
“This initiative ensures that the city government remains proactive and coordinated in addressing the challenges brought about by the current socioeconomic crisis,” Duterte said in the order.
The executive issuance cites provisions of Republic Act No. 7160, emphasizing the duty of local government units to promote economic prosperity and social justice, as well as ensure efficient delivery of services.
It also references Republic Act No. 7581, which mandates the protection of consumers against price manipulation, especially during emergencies.
The mayor noted that ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have driven fuel prices upward since early March 2026, which have significantly impacted transportation costs, commodity prices, and overall economic activity in the city.
The order further acknowledged Executive Order No. 110, issued on March 24, 2026, which declared a state of national energy emergency.
“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 socioeconomic crisis affecting the community,” Duterte stated.
Under the order, the mayor will chair the task force, with the City Planning and Development Coordinator as vice chair.
Various city offices and national agencies will serve as members, which include the City Information Office (CIO) , 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 Operations Office.
They will be supported by specialized subcommittees focusing on areas such as peace and security, employment, social intervention, economic concerns, health, and energy.
The task force is mandated to formulate and implement response measures, monitor prices in coordination with the Davao City Price Coordinating Council, ensure adequate supply of goods, and develop policies to hasten economic recovery.
The IATF-CRISIS is automatically activated following the declaration of an emergency and has already been directed to carry out immediate response actions in light of current developments.
“This Executive Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain effective unless sooner revoked or modified,” Duterte ordered.
