A week after Bayanihan to Heal as One Act was signed, senators have now received the first report of President Duterte on his accomplishments after he was granted special emergency powers to fight COVID-19.
On the report of the President to the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee, the accomplishments of each government agency were included such as the Department of Affairs (DFA) that coordinates with Filipinos in countries affected by the pandemic.
More than 1,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have been repatriated while 4,000 are yet to return home in the next two weeks.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has also activated regional emergency operations centers that will focus on law enforcement for the security of each barangay.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has converted approximately 100 evacuation centers as health facilities and emergency operation centers.
Aside from its research to speed up COVID-19 testing, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in its information drive has spread guidelines on right nutrition during quarantine period and countered fake news on COVID-19.
The government will start distributing Php 5,000 to Php 8,000 financial assistance, particularly to displaced workers, from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
The release of hazard pay to public health workers and government employees, including contractual workers, has also started last week.
However, some senators are baffled as to why the database or list of people to be given financial assistance has not yet been accomplished. – Report from Eunice Samonte
