MANILA – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assured continued support for entrepreneurs to help their businesses thrive and survive amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
In a message to reporters Tuesday, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said the Inter-Agency Task Force will “follow the wisdom of our President”.
This came after President Rodrigo Duterte recalled the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to allow people aged 10 to 14 years old to go outside their residences in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) starting Feb. 1.
Lopez said Duterte asked the IATF to further observe the situation as the UK SARS-CoV-2 variant is already present in the country.
“He asks us to study further the new variant because it might spread and the blame might be put on the easing of age restriction,” he said.
Lopez added that the IATF can implement the adjustment in age restriction once they can control the spread of the new Covid-19 variant.
“(We) will continue with the current support programs under Bayanihan 2 and support to MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) and job generation,” Lopez said.
He added that strict compliance with minimum health standards should continue while improving Covid-19-proofing of establishments to enhance consumer confidence.
The DTI and the National Economic and Development Authority recommended the easing of age restrictions from 15 to 65 years old to 10 to 65 years old to allow more economic activities, particularly spending from family activities such as shopping and dining.
Lopez earlier mentioned that family expenditure accounts for 30 to 50 percent of sales in commercial areas, adding that this would help businesses to improve their sales and prevent them from shutting down their operations. (PNA)
