IN PHOTOS: (From left to right) RDC XI Vice-Chairperson and DEPDev XI Regional Director Priscilla R. Sonido, Davao Oriental Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, RDC XI Chairperson and Davao del Norte Governor Edwin I. Jubahib, and RDC XI Co-Chairperson Arturo M. Milan

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Davao City, March 31, 2026 – The Regional Development Council (RDC) XI expanded Executive Committee convened on March 31, 2026, at the DEPDev-RDC XI Center in Davao City and discussed the effects of the ongoing tensions in the Middle East that create uncertainties in the global and national economy, as well as affect the local situation in the Davao Region.

The Committee reviewed comprehensive reports from various regional agencies regarding the conflict’s ripple effects on fuel prices, inflation, and labor mobility, among others. Key measures recommended by the ExeCom include:

Fuel and Energy Security: The Committee passed a resolution recommending for the establishment of a price cap for fuel and the issuance of directives against fuel hoarding by the Office of the President and Local Government Units (LGUs), respectively. The Committee also requested the Department of Energy (DOE) to require gasoline stations to provide prior notice of closure or suspension of operations to ensure stable fuel supply.

Transportation: To alleviate the burden on commuters, the Committee requested the LTFRB XI to implement a “Libreng Sakay” (Free Ride) program at least once a week.

Stable Rice Supply: A request was made to the Department of Agriculture (DA) XI to ensure a stable rice supply and provide logistics support for importing goods. Local rice producers are also enjoined, through the LGUs, to prioritize rice supply within the Davao Region.

Labor and Tourism: The Committee recommended measures to provide transportation and communication assistance to stranded or repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). To support the tourism sector, the Committee urged the DOT to expand the list of visa-exempt countries to bolster foreign arrivals.

Regional Security and Cooperation: In response to security concerns, the ExeCom requested the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to tighten security at all entry and exit points, including coastal areas across the Davao Region.

The meeting was presided by RDC XI Chairperson and Davao del Norte Governor Edwin I. Jubahib and attended by key regional leaders and stakeholders, including RDC XI Co-Chairperson Arturo M. Milan, RDC XI Vice-Chairperson and DEPDev XI Regional Director Priscilla R. Sonido, RDC XI Acting Secretary and OIC-Assistant Regional Director Mario M. Realista, and the RDC XI Sectoral Committee Chairpersons and Co-Chairpersons. Also present was Davao Oriental Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang alongside the regional heads and representatives from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Bureau of Customs-Davao, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) XI, Department of Energy-Mindanao Field Office (DOE-MFO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) XI, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) XI, Philippine Statistics Authority XI, and Philippine Ports Authority-PMO Davao.