By CESAR JOLITO III

The Negros Oriental provincial government ordered stricter controls on official travel and non-essential activities as part of urgent measures to conserve energy and reduce expenses amid the ongoing fuel crisis linked to tensions in the Middle East.

In his Executive Order No. 32 issued yesterday, Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria mandated government offices across the province to limit physical engagements and prioritize essential operations.

Under the directive, government officials are discouraged from attending delegations, field visits, ceremonies, conferences, seminars, training sessions, and similar activities unless their presence is deemed strictly necessary.

Instead, virtual participation is being strongly encouraged to cut down on fuel consumption and operational costs.

The order also restricts the use of government vehicles, allowing deployment only for urgent or indispensable functions.

Attendance at non-essential group activities — including celebrations, assemblies, team-building events, courtesy calls, and ceremonial gatherings — has likewise been prohibited unless authorized and approved by the governor.

However, essential services such as emergency response, rescue operations, healthcare delivery, and disaster management remain exempt from the restrictions./CJ, WDJ