PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has extended the state of calamity in the Philippines for one more year amid rising cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the country.
The President signed on Friday Proclamation 1218, which sets the nationwide state of calamity from Sept. 13, 2021 to Sept. 12, 2022, "unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant."
In his proclamation, Duterte noted that even with "significant strides" in the government's pandemic response, "the number of Covid-19 positive cases and deaths continue to rise despite efforts and interventions to contain the same."
The extension of the state of calamity was recommended by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
"This extension, will, among others, effectively afford the national government as well as local government units (LGUs) ample latitude to continue implement the Covid-19 vaccination program; utilize appropriate funds, including the Quick Response Fund, in their disaster preparedness and response 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," the President said.
All government agencies and LGUs were "enjoined to continue rendering full assistance and cooperation with each other, and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent and appropriate disaster response aid and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the threat of Covid-19."
The President also ordered all law enforcement agencies to ensure peace and order in the affected areas.
The proclamation was issued as Covid-19 cases in the country hit 2,179,770 on Friday, of which 175,470 are active cases, 1,969,401 are recoveries and 34,899 are deaths.
Duterte first placed the country under a state of public health emergency on March 17, 2020, just two days after he placed the entire Metro Manila under a lockdown.