THE Chief Executive on Friday has extended his declaration to place the Philippines under state of calamity until September 12, 2022, following the continuing woes of the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Rodrigo Duterte said that under Proclamation No. 1218, the nationwide state of calamity will be effective starting September 13 for a period of one year “unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant.”
He said the move to extend the declaration upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), will provide the national government and local government units (LGUs) “ample latitude” to continue its programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
These include vaccination drives, utilizing appropriate and quick response fund, assessing and controlling prices of basic necessities and prime commodities, and the provision of basic services for affected communities.
“All government agencies and LGUs were enjoined to continue rendering full assistance and cooperation with each other, and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent and appropriate disaster response aid and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the threat of COVID-19,” the country’s chief executive noted.
Duterte further ordered all law enforcement agencies with the support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to impose necessary measures in ensuring peace and order in all affected areas.
The President has first announced that the entire Philippines is under a state of public health emergency since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of hard lockdowns in the country last March 17, 2020.