DUMAGUETE CITY – Negros Oriental Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria on Monday issued an order instituting austerity measures within the provincial government relative to the national state of energy emergency as declared by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Sagarbarria outlined the temporary restrictions in Executive Order (EO) No. 22, Series of 2026, which was posted on social media on Monday.

The governor’s measure on temporary restrictions on official travels and non-essential activities aims “to promote austerity and energy conservation during the ongoing national energy and fuel crisis,” the order said.

Sagarbarria noted that “the Philippines is experiencing an ongoing energy and fuel crisis, and reports in March 2026 indicated serious fuel supply disruptions and sharp increases in fuel prices.”

In line with this, the governor highlighted the need to adopt austerity and conservation measures and temporarily cut down programs, projects, services, and activities of the provincial government “to ensure that government resources are used prudently during the crisis.”

Covered by EO 22 are official travel, field visits, attendance at ceremonies, seminars, trainings, benchmarking, and similar activities, unless strictly necessary for public health, peace and order, disaster response, and emergency response, among others.

The use of provincial government-owned vehicles shall also be strictly regulated.

Additionally, travels outside the province will require a written approval from the governor.

Some essential activities not covered by the restriction include emergency, rescue, health and disaster response operations; peace and order, law enforcement support and public safety operations; and delivery of social services to affected communities.

The governor will determine other matters that may be indispensable to public service.

Key capitol officials have been designated to monitor and report on compliance with or violations of the order to the local chief executive. (PNA)