LGUs ask Duterte to extend state of calamity declaration for another 4 to 6 months

THE Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) on Friday urged President Rodrigo Duterte to extend the state of calamity in the country for another four to six months to retain its response capability in the middle of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

According to ULAP National President and Quirino Gov. Dakila Carlo “Dax” Cua, the local government units (LGUs) are appealing to the President to issue a proclamation on the extension.

The state of calamity is effective until September.

In a letter addressed to Secretary of National Defense and National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 Chairperson Delfin Lorenzana, Cua recommended “for consideration of the NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) the adoption of a resolution recommending to the President the extension of the said declaration for at least another 4 or 6 months.”

The same circumstances that pushed the President to declare a state of calamity on March 16 remain today, Cua said.

Moreover, Cua said the adverse impact of the pandemic on the lives of the Filipinos would still persist beyond September 15, when the current state of calamity would have been lifted.

An extension will “provide the backdrop for the LGUs’ continuous joint management of the situation with the NTF Covid-19 towards judiciously enforcing recalibrated strategies and mobilizing consolidated government resources,” Cua said.

Also, Cua pointed out, such extension would allow the LGUs to continuously utilize the DRRM Quick Response Fund (QRF) for appropriate local response measures.

Cua added that with the extension, the LGUs would fully utilize national government assistance through the Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities and the Bayanihan Grant to Provinces.

Moreover, the LGUs could also fast-track the procurement of essential goods and services necessary in Covid-19 response efforts, if the President agrees to the extension, the governor emphasized.

Source: TheManila Times