The surge of corona virus positive cases nationwide due to spread of several covid-19 variants such as alpha, beta and delta is alarming and serious indeed.
With dispatch, pursuant to R.A. No. 10121 of the “Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010”, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC )has recommended the further extension of the declared state of calamity throughout the country.
Hence, for the third time, the extension of “State of Calamity” throughout the archipelago through Proclamation No. 1218 for a period of period of one (1) year effective 13 September 2021 to 12 September 2022. Accordingly, “all government agencies and LGUs are enjoined to continue rendering full assistance to and cooperation with each other and mobilize the necessary resources to undertakr critical, urgent, and appropriate disaster response aid and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the threat of Covid-19.
Earlier, on March 16, 2020, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte declared a six (6) months “State of Calamity” due to corona virus through Proclamation No. 929, s. 2020. This was followed by Proclamation No. 1021, s. 2020 promulgated on 15 September 2020 extending a “State of Calamity” throughout the country for a period of one (1) year effective 13 September 2020 to 12 September 2021. DONE IN THE CITY OF MANILA THIS 10TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2021.
Malacanang said this “declaration will, among others, effectively afford the national government, as well as local government units (LGUs), ample latitude to continue to implement the Covid-19 vaccination program; utilize appropriate funds, including the Quick Response Fund (QRF), in their disaster preparedness and efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19; monitor and control prices of basic necessities and prime commodities; and provide basic services to the affected populations.
Incidentally, the recent surge of COVID-19 positive cases (52) in Catanduanes, the highest so far, is alarming & serious. In view of said one year (1) year declaration of state of calamity, signed by PDU30 on 10 September, 2021 the provincial government and 11 LGus, reverted to Alert 3 status can utilize appropriate funds, including the QRF. Stringent implementation of health protocols, border control and immediate vaccination of 70% or more of the population from A1 to A6 categories is a must.
Through Executive No. 27, Series of 2021, San Andres Mayor Peter C. Cua “declared Barangay Bislig under enhance community quarantine and placing the same under localized and adopting a zoning strategy to prevent, contain and mitigate the spread of covid-19 in the area. In the number of Covid-19 confirmed cases in the municipality, with 28 new cases recorded as of September 8, 23 of which are from Barangay Bislig.
The mayor’s order was based on the earlier move of the Municipal Inter-Agency Task Force declaring said barangay under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). The order aimed, among other things, to contain and prevent the spread of Covid-19, for surveillance activities to commence immediately based on the guidelines and protocols set by the Department of Health; to implement temporary measures and imposing stringent measures limitations on the movement of people particularly in Brgy. Bislig.
May this third proclamation promulgated by PDU30 nationwide lead to the containment of the virus and give the national and local government units ample time to comply and come out with comprehensive sound solutions now that we are in the Bermonths and the forthcoming May 9, 2022 national and local elections.
Let’s hope and pray that Virac which registered 11 positive cases and other municipalities as well must have put in place effective measures to stop this contagion. May the Merciful and Loving God hear our prayers through the Oratio Imperata read during the liturgy in all Catholic churches province-wide, in fact, nationwide. Are the alpha and beta is there.
Let’s hope and pray that the health protocols and immediate measures implemented by San Andres Mayor Peter C. Cua would results to the effective containment of said contagion. Let us hope and pray that LGUs confronting the same threat become successful in their measures implemented. May the Merciful and Loving God hear our collective prayers through the Oratio Imperata read in all Catholic churches province-wide, in fact, nationwide.
