HARDWARE, office supplies, auto and electrical shops in Benguet’s capital town are set to operate starting April 24 subject to conditions placed by the local government unit (LGU).
On the request of residents of the capital town, the local government penned Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año to allow the opening of shops.
The LGU attributed the need to open for the rainy season and initiate mitigation measures such as repair of vehicles due to wear and tear.
In response, DILG Secretary authorized DILG–Cordillera director Marlo Iringan who granted the request for the said establishments.
Mayor Romeo Salda issued Executive order no. 24-2020 stating hardware stores are allowed to open every Friday while auto, electrical shops and office supplies may open every Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. starting April 24.
According to the official, conditions such as social distancing and wearing of masks must be strictly observed adding any establishment caught violating said provisions will cause the LGU for the revocation of their permit to operate.
“Only those certified as in urgent need of house repair or renovation by the barangay will be allowed to purchase from the hardware,” the order reads.
Previously, the DILG issued memorandum circular no. 2020-062 enjoining LGUs in the country to ensure the closure of business establishments, except those providing or manufacturing basic necessities such as food, medicine, water, banking and remittance centers, power, energy and telecommunication establishments.
The entire Luzon has been placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until April 30 based on the recommendation of the Inter Agency Task Force for the management of emerging infectious diseases.