BACOLOD City – Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson has urged the local government units (LGUs) to proceed with their respective infrastructure projects to help the economy of this province bounce back amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.
“I am encouraging all mayors to resume their infrastructure projects as part of our efforts to place the economy back on track and to provide the needed employment,” Lacson said in a statement on May 28.
On May 27, the governor held an online meeting with the local chief executives of the 19 municipalities and 12 cities in Negros Occidental.
Lacson said that under the present circumstances, however, LGUs must identify first the health hazards involved and make sure that proper safeguards are in place.
Under the governor’s Executive Order 20-20-B which took effect on April 20, government and private construction projects have been allowed to resume as part of this province’s gradual transmission from enhanced community quarantine to general community quarantine (GCQ).
Construction workers are included among the “authorized persons outside residence.” They are also allowed to pass through quarantine control points, the directive added.
“After safeguarding the health and safety of every Negrense, it is now time to look after the economic and financial welfare of everyone affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the province,” Lacson said in EO 20-20-B.
Based on the classification of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, this province is still under GCQ until May 31.
It means that the movement of people is still limited to accessing basic necessities and work, while uniformed personnel are still present at border control points.
This province is also following safeguards during the implementation of the GCQ, including safe physical distancing, mandatory 14-day quarantine for returning residents and use of face masks.(With a report from PNA/PN)
