MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government declared a state of calamity in the city due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte made the announcement in a press briefing a day after President Rodrigo Duterte placed Metro Manila under community quarantine. ADVERTISEMENT“The most important thing is this is the first time in many many years for as long as I can remember that Quezon City actually declared a state of calamity but this was something we believe is important,” Belmonte said. “First and foremost because the President has himself has declared a state of public health emergency here in the Philippines so this gives us now a basis to declare a state of calamity here in our city,” she added. Empowering barangaysA declaration of a state of calamity allows the government to use its quick response fund.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 13, 2020 09:22 UTC