PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte approved recommendations of the Inter Agency Task Force to extend the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until May 15 in Benguet province which is subject to change by April 30.
Benguet together with 26 areas in the country were identified as high risk areas for coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Benguet Governor and Doctor Melchor Diclas backed decision to extend the ECQ.
"Although it's not yet final if we look into it, Benguet is consider high risk, on our part there is no problem with regards to the extension of ECQ and this is to secure constituents from Covid-19," said Diclas.
The official added on their part, they ask the national government the possibility to modify and allow infrastructure projects in the province as it was halted thru the previous pronouncement of the IATF.
"On our part, we would like to ask the IATF if possible they would modify and allow infrastructure projects to resume their operations as once rainy season comes in they would be destroyed," he added.
Diclas said the extension of ECQ is expected with the number of confirmed cases in the province and Baguio City adding the Provincial Inter Agency Task Force is set to convene next week to discuss concerns on Covid-19.
As a result of the Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force on Monday, classes in the province were suspended until May 31.
On Friday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced the areas that will remain under ECQ are National Capital Region, Benguet, Pangasinan, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Albay, Catanduanes, Antique, Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Cebu, Cebu City, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, Davao City.
He noted provinces of Benguet, Pangasinan, Tarlac and Zambales subject to change by April 30.
Roque added the IATF for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has to re-check the situation in Antique, Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Cebu, Cebu City, Davao City, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte. (With a report from VoxPop Philippines)
