‘State of Calamity’ due to Covid-19 extended

THE national government extended the State of Calamity due to Covid-19 pandemic until the end of the year despite the liberalized face masks mandate and the decreasing number of new coronavirus cases throughout the country.

President Bongbong Marcos has signed Proclamation No. 57 based on the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

This was also confirmed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), saying the extension of the State of Calamity will provide national and local governments extra time to carry out economic, social, and health interventions to allow the country and people to continue to trudge to the new normal and adapt to the challenges brought about by the ongoing health crisis.

“With this extension, we commit to continue to shepherd our local government units (LGUs) to sustain their efforts in mitigating and preventing the spread of Covid-19 in their respective localities and to ensure the safety and protection of their constituents against the virus,” said DILG Sec. Benjamin Abalos Jr.

“We will also enjoin our LGUs to utilize appropriate funds, including the Quick Response Fund, to address the immediate needs of their constituents and speed up their Covid-19 vaccination and booster drive to strengthen our nation’s wall of immunity. The DILG understands this transition period is critical and remains committed and steadfast to fully assist LGUs in providing efficient, timely, and appropriate Covid-19 response and services to protect the Filipino people during this State of Calamity,” he added. (Mindanao Examiner)