April 15, 2026 – City government executives and top and middle managers brainstorm on the draft Economic Continuity and Resiliency Plan (ECRP) to cushion the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on the local economy.
The plan, which Mayor Benjamin Magalong ordered crafted last March before the crisis deepened, aims to address the identified risks on the city’s economic support systems and come up with solutions to help sustain economic activities amid the downturn as a fallout of the fuel supply disruption.
“It will serve as our blueprint or guide towards economic recovery as we navigate this crisis,” the mayor said.
City Planning Development and Sustainability Office (CPDSO) Coordinator, Arch. Donna Tabangin said the draft plan utilized data from the output of an earlier consultation and workshop with stakeholders from the business, tourism, transport and other sectors, the proposed Economic Expansion Plan of Baguio City for 2024-2043 and the 2025 Economic and Fiscal Health Report of Baguio City.
The plan centers on the different support systems of the city namely tourism, power and energy, water, food, fuel, circular economy, transport, employment, finance, internet and communication, among others.
In all these support systems, the executives who broke out in workshop teams during the Management Committee meeting on April 14, identified issues, set goals, framed continuity strategies and set timelines.
Once finalized, the plan will be submitted to the city council for adoption.
As the prolonged war is expected to have a lasting impact, the plan’s time frame was set at 2026-2030.
“As we navigate the economic challenges ahead, we remain hopeful that proactive measures and collaboration among sectors will help cushion the impact on the city’s economy,” the mayor said.
The mayor initiated the move amid concerns that the conflict could disrupt global supply chains, trigger fuel price hikes and affect tourism, which is one of Baguio’s main economic drivers.
True enough, the city has experienced a 50 percent reduction in tourist arrivals since the fuel crisis erupted.
He said he expects to come up with strategies that will help ensure the steady flow of goods, services and essential resources in the city.
He hoped the plan could address the need to strengthen local food production, support small businesses and promote tourism to keep the industry afloat.
The mayor assured the public that the city government is taking proactive steps to minimize the impact of external economic pressures.
“We are preparing early to make sure that Baguio remains resilient despite global uncertainties,” he said. **Aileen P. Refuerzo
