The local peace and order working committee convened on Wednesday to realign its programs, projects, services and activities realign these to the city’s Covid-19 mitigating strategies.

Pursuant to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2020-077, a Local Task Force Against Covid-19 was created as a sub-committee of the Peace and Order Council (POC) .

The move was made part of the Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) Plan as a response to the current pandemic. All programs and activities of the Task Force can be funded through the POPS Plan using POC funds.

This is consistent with Section 3 of Proclamation No. 929, series of 2020, where all provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays are strongly advised to provide funds for the implementation of PPAs to contain the spread of Covid-19 and to provide basic services to the affected population, including the necessary support to frontline workers.

According to Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago, the local government is making serious and comprehensive plans to provide holistic solution and protect the well-being of Fernandinos.

“Covid-19 is a health crisis affecting the physical, psychological, and emotional condition. It also disturbs the peace and order in the community. So, our solution must be holistic,” the mayor said.

The committee meeting was initiated by Marites Quillope, City Local Government Operations Officer, who also discussed the clarificatory guidelines on the use of the POC funds for Covid-19 related PPSAs and the proper guidelines in the issuance of travel pass. (PR)