President Rodrigo Duterte officially extended the State of Calamity in the entire country until next year amid the threat brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Proclamation No. 1021, the extension has been effected last September 13 and will last until September 12, 2021 “unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant.”
“This extension will, among others, effectively afford the National Government, as well as local government units (LGUs), ample latitude to continue utilizing appropriate funds, including the Quick Response Fund, in their disaster preparedness and response efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19,” the proclamation stated.
The measure will also enable authorities to monitor and control prices of basic and prime commodities, and “provide basic services to the affected populations.”
Malacañang earlier stressed the importance of the said proclamation since it also covers programs of various government agencies to address the health crisis. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
