CAPITOL AUSTERITY MEASURE

Scale down on celebrations,

Amp on livelihood support

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)—In the light of the current economic challenges, the Provincial Government of Bohol enjoins all local government units (LGU) to scale down its usually pomp celebrations and observe austerity measures, but adds that this step is not in any manner construed as an impairment of local autonomies.

In Executive Oder No 13, series of 2026, Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado italicized the importance of austerity measures in the conduct of foundation days and other local events and celebrations in the impending crisis.

Giving out the guidance for this measure, the governor cites the need to align local expenditures with the present economic realities by prioritizing essential services and minimizing non-essential and excessive spending.

By austerity measures, the governor means scaling down or cancellation of certain activities, and amplifying on celebrations that provide important economic opportunities for small enterprises, vendors and community-based livelihoods.

These activities that support local livelihoods include local trade fairs, food markets and product showcases, cultural and tourism related activities that generate local income and community-led initiatives that support local producers and artisans.

The order encourages limiting non-essential expenditures, including but not limited to excessive decorations, luxury accommodations and high cost entertainment, avoiding unnecessary extravagant activities especially those that do not directly contribute to cultural preservation, community welfare and sustainable tourism.

Instead, the measure suggests maximizing the use of local resources and talents to reduce costs, while ensuring transparency and accountability in all expenditures related to such events.

The order also encourages LGUs to design celebrations that are simple, culturally rooted, economically inclusive and environmentally sustainable, reflective of Bohol’s vision as a regenerative island and UNESCO global geopark, by ensuring that festivities remain meaningful without unnecessarily costing much.

Aimed for LGUs, barangays and community-based organizations in Bohol, the order stresses on the need for prudence, fiscal discipline, responsible stewardship of public funds in this time of economic uncertainty.

With the savings, when applicable, these should be redirected to essential services such as health, education, food security, environmental protection and disaster preparedness.

Leading by example in observing austerity measures, the governor has suspended the conduct of the Governor’s Cup; a province-sponsored event, and has hinted a much scaled down Sandugo celebration. (PIAbohol)