By Katrina Gracia Consebido
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. expressed his full support for the implementation of Executive Order (EO) No. 3 lifting the mandatory face mask use outdoors.
“The Department is 100% behind President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in the implementation of EO3 on voluntary face mask use outdoors,” Abalos said in an agency news release.
He, however, reminded local government units (LGUs) to be stern in the implementation of mandatory wearing of face masks in indoor areas and in public transportation.
“[While] face mask policy has been made optional in the outdoors, the use of face masks in indoor public and private establishments and in public conveyances shall continue to be enforced, especially now that cases are on the uptick,” he said.
“LGUs should, therefore, take the lead in ensuring compliance from the public to the indoor and public transport face mask rule in their respective areas,” he continued.
Abalos also tapped the Philippine National Police to help LGUs in ensuring compliance with the policy.
He also reminded high-risk and immunocompromised individuals including those who have not yet been fully vaccinated to continue to wear face masks and to observe public health protocols.
Abalos said President Marcos’ signing of the EO is based on the recommendation of the Interagency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases and the health experts.
“This is a well-calculated move from the government, pinag-aralan ng mga eksperto but at the end of the day, ang pakikiisa pa rin ng ating mga kababayan at iba’t ibang sektor ang ating kailangan,” he said. -ag
