THE Quezon City (QC) local government suspended classes on all levels in both public and private schools in their jurisdiction on Monday, July 25, 2022, to give way to the first State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., which will be held at the Batasang Pambansa.

QC Mayor Joy Belmonte said this is to spare the students from the expected traffic jams caused by road closures in relation to the event.

Belmonte also encouraged employers to adopt work-from-home arrangements during the said day “in order to ease mobility requirements and congestion.”

The QC government earlier granted permission for the conduct of protest actions along Commonwealth Avenue ahead of Marcos’ Sona provided that participants will adhere to minimum health protocols to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Progressive groups were allowed to conduct their march and assembly from Elliptical Road up to the corner of Tandang Sora.

Marcos supporters were also allowed to occupy the Interim Batasang Pambansa (IBP) Road near Sinagtala Street, Barangay Batasan Hills.

Authorities said that all is set for Marcos’ first Sona.

Employees, attendees as well as policemen underwent Covid-19 swab tests ahead of the event.

The Batasang Pambansa was placed on lockdown from Friday, July 22, in preparation for the event.

House Sergeant-at-Arms Rodelio Jocson maintained that only those who are on the guest list will be allowed to enter the House of Representatives Complex on Monday.

For its part, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has activated the Task Force Manila Shield as part of the security measures for the Sona.

Part of the security measures was the conduct of checkpoints in various and strategic areas in the Metro, as well as the deployment of troops including police, soldiers and other force multipliers.

Over 22,000 security personnel will be deployed in the National Capital Region, with a concentration in the vicinity of Batasang Pambansa.

The PNP has also imposed a gun ban in the metro until July 27. (SunStar Philippines)