The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) has officially reconstituted the Provincial El Niño Task Force through Executive Order No. 20, Series of 2026, strengthening the province’s preparedness and response mechanisms against the anticipated effects of the El Niño phenomenon.
Signed by Governor Aris Aumentado on April 28, 2026, the order updates and reactivates the province’s multi-agency task force in response to forecasts from the Department of Science and Technology—Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), which indicated that El Niño may emerge as early as June to August 2026 and could persist until the end of the year.
The Executive Order reconstitutes Executive Order No. 23, Series of 2023, which previously created the Bohol Provincial Task Force El Niño 2023 for the prevention and control of damages to agriculture, fisheries, and the environment.
Under the new order, the Task Force will serve as the province’s central coordinating body for crisis response, preparedness, mitigation, and rehabilitation efforts related to El Niño and its impacts on communities, agriculture, water resources, health, energy, and public safety.
The order cited the need for prompt, coordinated, and sustained interventions due to the possible adverse effects of prolonged dry conditions on food production, water supply, marine resources, human health, and the environment. It also emphasized the importance of strengthening disaster resilience amid the ongoing State of Energy Emergency linked to escalating regional tensions in the Middle East.
Governor Aumentado will chair the reconstituted Task Force, with Vice Governor Nick Besas serving as vice-chairperson, while Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Head Anthony Damalerio will act as executive officer.
Among the key functions of the Task Force are the formulation of comprehensive disaster preparedness, response, and rehabilitation plans focusing on water security, food security, energy security, health, and safety.
The body is also tasked to monitor implementation efforts, mobilize support from government agencies and civil society groups, identify funding sources, conduct information campaigns, and submit regular reports to the Office of the Governor.
To strengthen operational efficiency, the Task Force will organize working committees dedicated to agriculture, natural resources and water management, early warning systems and information campaigns, energy and power, public works, consumer protection, social services, health, and rescue and relief operations.
The Executive Order further directs all concerned government offices and agencies to extend full support to the Task Force and mandates bi-weekly meetings and reporting to ensure continuous monitoring and coordination.
Aligned with the Strategic Change Agenda on Environmental Protection and Resilience, the reconstitution of the Provincial El Niño Task Force forms part of the Capitol’s continuing efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and climate resilience across Bohol Island Geopark. (PIMO/JFP)
