𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐋𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐒
The private sector has expressed strong unity and support for the Cebu Provincial Government in addressing the national energy emergency stemming from the Middle East conflict, following a convergence meeting led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with key business and logistics leaders on Tuesday.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro stressed the need for immediate, collaborative action to strengthen the province’s supply and logistics chain.
“Because the government alone cannot do this. And the private sector cannot and should not do this alone either. We are not here for long-term plans alone; we are here for immediate, practical, and doable solutions. Solutions that we can implement not months from now—but now,” Gov. Baricuatro said.
She assured stakeholders that the provincial government remains proactive and is continuously exploring all possible interventions to support the public and sustain economic stability.
The call for unity was met with a firm commitment from Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) President Regan Rex King.
“The next one to two weeks are very critical. Today, we extend a call to our fellow chambers, business organizations, and industry groups across Cebu. Let us stand together, move together, and be one voice and one force in helping our government navigate this challenge,” King said, citing supply chain pressures and uncertainties faced by industries.
During the town hall meeting attended by representatives from various public and private institutions, stakeholders recommended key measures to mitigate the crisis, including fuel and commodity price controls, provision of tax relief, strengthened multi-agency monitoring to prevent price manipulation and supply disruptions, and access to financial assistance.
𝐃𝐎𝐋𝐄’𝐬 𝐏𝟐𝟎𝟎-𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬
Meanwhile, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Director Roy Buenafe announced the availability of ₱200 million in assistance for workers in Central Visayas. He also encouraged businesses to adopt flexible work arrangements or work-from-home setups to help reduce operational and energy costs.
𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐓 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
As part of a long-term and inclusive response, Gov. Baricuatro also pushed for the establishment of a local Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Technology (UPLIFT) Program. The initiative aims to uplift communities by enhancing livelihood opportunities, strengthening industries, ensuring food security, and maximizing the use of technology for sustainable development.
The UPLIFT Program will serve as a convergence platform bringing together local government units (LGUs), regional line agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), and the business and private sector to ensure coordinated and responsive implementation of programs and services.
Also present during the meeting was Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival.
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