SP declares state of calamity in Pangasinan due to COVID-19 threat

By March 21, 2020Governance, News

CAPITOL NEWS

THE province of Pangasinan is now placed under state of calamity for the intensification of its response against the pandemic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to safeguard public health and safety.

The Pangasinan provincial board passed Provincial Resolution No. 766-2020 enforcing the declaration of state of calamity in the province during their special session on March 18.

The resolution states, “The province of Pangasinan also has to adopt measures to implement the guidelines for the imposition of the enhanced community quarantine over the entire Luzon and for the management of the COVID-19 such as, but not limited to, the provision for food and essential health services, work from home arrangements for the provincial government employees to ensure a skeletal workforce, the influx of people coming from areas in the country infected by COVID-19 and other essential concerns.”

It can be recalled that the country has been declared in a state of public health emergency due to the escalating number of COVID-19 cases.

In support to the community quarantine declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte over the entire Luzon, Governor Amado I. Espino III issued while Executive Order No. 013-2020 placing the province under community quarantine to curb the spread of the virus for the period of March 16, 2020 to April 12, 2020.

Earlier, Governor Espino also issued Executive Order No. 012-2020 implementing preventive and safety measures to address the COVID-19 threat in the province.

In addition, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved Provincial Resolution No. 767-2020 which seeks approval from Commission on Audit to allow the province in utilizing part of its 20% Development Fund for COVID-19 related expenses.

Also, the august body approved Provincial Resolution No. 769-2020, authored by Board Member Angel M. Baniqued Jr., which extends the payment of current real property taxes.

“There is a need to lighten the plight of real property owners in the province of Pangasinan in the payment of current real property taxes in view of the alarming situation brought about by COVID-19 and in compliance with the directives of higher authorities toward enhanced community quarantine,” the resolution states.

Hence, the availment of 20% discount for the payment of real property taxes is extended from March 31 to May 31 this year to give leeway to taxpayers in the province. /Shiella Mae C. De Guzman

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