Quezon City is fully prepared to serve as the host city for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), which will take place on July 28 at the Batasang Pambansa Complex.
To ensure public safety and order, more than 10,000 uniformed personnel from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) will be deployed throughout the city. They will be supported by over 2,300 members of the city’s Law and Order Cluster and various national agencies.
These agencies include the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS), Traffic and Transport Management Department (TTMD), Task Force Disiplina, Department of Sanitation and Cleanup Works, Market Development and Administration Department, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Mayor Joy Belmonte emphasized that Quezon City remains committed to democratic values and will continue to be an “open city” for those wishing to exercise their right to free speech.
“We assure the public that the City Government is fully on top of preparations for this year’s State of the Nation Address. Our Law and Order Cluster is working closely with the Philippine National Police to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors,” Belmonte said.
In support of peaceful demonstrations, the city is urging protest organizers to coordinate with the DPOS and secure rally permits in advance.
As part of precautionary measures, Mayor Belmonte also issued Executive Order Nos. 9 and 10 suspending classes in all public schools on Monday. In addition, a city-wide liquor ban will be enforced from 12:01 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to help prevent disturbances related to alcohol consumption.
To maintain a smooth traffic flow, the TTMD will dispatch additional enforcers to manage congestion along key roads and intersections.
The DRRMO, along with Emergency Medical Services, Search and Rescue teams, and Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams, will be on standby to provide swift medical response in case of emergencies.