San Fernando, Pampanga — Governor Dennis Pineda declared Pampanga under a state of calamity shortly after Malacanang issued a directive prohibiting the movement of people across Luzon area amid the threat of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID 19).
Pineda convened the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Monday after Malacanang issued a memorandum calling for an enhanced community quarantine where movement through land, air and sea are restricted.
SP Resolution 6102 declaring Pampanga under state of calamity was approved by Vice Governor Lilia Pineda on the same day.
The governor was forced to declare the state of calamity to quickly respond to the needs of his constituents in terms of fund release and distribution of food and non-food aid, Pineda said in a statement.
The province has more than two million residents according to the 2015 census. It has three cities and 19 municipalities.
“By declaring the state of calamity, we can access with our calamity fund to be used in purchasing various items essential to affected families,” said Angie Blanco, executive director of the Pampanga Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO).
Meanwhile, the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) headed by businessman Rene Romero requested entrepreneurs in the province to release the 13th month pay of workers to lessen the economic impact of the presidential order to workers and their families.
“Heading the appeal of President Duterte for business to prioritize and take care of the financial welfare of the workers, PamCham is requesting all members to consider releasing the 13th month pay (pro-rated) of your employees to help ease the burden as we all go through this health crisis,” Romero said in a statement.
Pampanga has three confirmed COVID 19 cases with one fatality.
Over in Angeles City, Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. implemented on Monday curfew hours for minors starting 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
“The 10-hour curfew is part of public safety initiative of the local government to ensure public health amid threat of COVID 19,” said Lazatin in a statement.
He recalled an earlier directive to close the entertainment industry of the city and instead allowed them to operate, provided that beer joints and clubs will observe proper hygiene and precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
“Establishments owner should monitor the temperature of their customers through thermal scanner. Sanitize and disinfect regularly and install hand sanitizers in entrances,” said Lazatin.