A synchronized quarantine plan from the national down to the local government level will ensure business continuity in the face of an expected modified lockdown.
This sums up the sentiment of Charito Plaza, director-general of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in saying there is no need for a martial law-type enforcement of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) which is now on seventh week.
Plaza appealed for a unified plan, rules, policies, and enforcement by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, national agencies and local government units during the ECQ.
“The COVID-19 pandemic’s three main challenges that need to be addressed are health, economy, and public order. Thus, types of tactics and strategies needed to address these…must be planned and calculated wisely,” Plaza said.
“LGUs should not separately address the pandemic and create invisible walls. Lockdown policies per island or per region greatly affect or hamper the flow of goods and mobility of workers because of the different executive orders imposed by the LGUs,” she added.
Plaza said export of commodities and services must continue as this is the country’s major source of income, technology transfer and jobs.
According to Plaza, PEZA continues to coordinate continually with various agencies and LGUs to ensure unhampered movement of goods, strict implementation of national directives, and address other concerns as well so that the supply the chain continues to run smoothly.
PEZA released numerous directives to better assist its registered companies, particularly those producing, manufacturing, and importing personal protective equipment, medicines, and other medical materials. This includes adjusting the requirements in availing its incentives during this time and extending the validity of permits including the export and import permit.
