The Palace confirms that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, as he mentioned last night, already approved the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) declaring the entire island of Luzon under a state of calamity.
Under a state of the calamity, there is an automatic price freeze of basic commodities for all implementing agencies of the Price Act for all areas declared under a state of calamity, to wit:
Department of Agriculture: rice, corn, cooking oil, dried and other marine products, fresh eggs, fresh pork, beef and vegetables, root crops, sugar and fresh fruits
Department of Trade and Industry: canned fish and other marine products, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, detergent, candles, bread, salt, potable water in bottles and containers, locally-manufactured instant noodles
Department of Environment and Natural Resources : firewood and charcoal
Department of Health: drugs classified essential by DOH
Department of Energy: household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene
The Executive ensures that all departments and concerned agencies are working together towards the rescue, recovery, relief and rehabilitation of affected areas and residents.
