COTABATO CITY — Bangsamoro government officials have held a special inter-agency meeting on Thursday to tackle rising fuel prices and energy security challenges, with leaders from key ministries and agencies outlining immediate relief measures and long-term strategies to protect communities from the crisis impact.

The gathering brought together top officials including Director General Rosslaini Alonto-Sinarimbo of the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT); Director General Atty. Mohammad Muktadir Estrella of the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD); Special Assistant to the Minister Tomanda Antok of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG); Director Muhammad Farzieh Abutazil of BARMM-READi; and Chief Salem Barrat from the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Management (MFBM). Representatives from MENRE, MOLE, MAFAR, and TESDA-BARMM also attended.

 

Officials raised urgent concerns over continuous fuel price increases, which could affect an estimated two million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the region—particularly in terms of repatriation costs. They also flagged logistical hurdles in island provinces that already face difficulties transporting goods, warning of potential losses in the fisheries sector. Additionally, agencies expressed alarm over reported hoarding of basic commodities like rice, which could further drive up prices and strain supplies.

 

The meeting also discussed ongoing initiatives to mitigate the crisis, including efforts to formalize informal sector workers in BARMM, expand community farming programs under the Special Development Fund (SDF), and review infrastructure project implementation. 

MENRE’s Government Energy Management Program is currently conducting a 2026 energy audit in its initial stage, while the Ministry of Public Works is rolling out solar lighting projects with recommendations for closer coordination with Members of Parliament.

 

Several key actions were agreed upon as part of the response plan. BARMM-READi will draft a memorandum classifying the fuel price hike and potential shortages as an emergency to enable expedited government action. Officials will also design a targeted Social Amelioration Program (SAP) to support low-income and vulnerable middle-income families.

 

Additional measures include reviewing legal frameworks for fuel importation, activating local price coordinating councils, and proposing the creation of a joint task force to manage the situation. The Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) will develop plans to address possible learning disruptions should alternative teaching methods become necessary.