Atty. Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos, Jr.
DILG Secretary

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) welcomes President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr.’s signing of Proclamation No. 57 further extending the period of State of Calamity throughout the country until December 31, 2022 based on the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The extension of the State of Calamity for another three months will provide national and local governments extra time to carry out economic, social, and health interventions to allow our country and our people to continue to trudge to the new normal and adapt to the challenges brought about by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

With this extension, we commit to continue to shepherd our local government units (LGUs) to sustain their efforts in mitigating and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in their respective localities and to ensure the safety and protection of their constituents against the virus.

We will also enjoin our LGUs to utilize appropriate funds, including the Quick Response Fund, to address the immediate needs of their constituents and speed up their COVID-19 vaccination and booster drive to strengthen our nation’s wall of immunity.

The DILG understands this transition period is critical and remains committed and steadfast to fully assist LGUs in providing efficient, timely, and appropriate COVID-19 response and services to protect the Filipino people during this State of Calamity.

Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-Statement-on-Proclamation-No-57-Extending-the-State-of-Calamity-in-the-Philippines/NC-2022-1147