PHILIPPINES - FIA Covid 19

30
APR

The Omnibus Guidelines for the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines was released and applied to areas under the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) or General Community Quarantine (GCQ)

Executive Order No.112 on the Imposing of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in high-risk geographical areas of Philippines and General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in the rest of Philippines from 1 to 15 May, was released.

The Omnibus Guidelines for the Implementation of Community Quarantine defines protocols for ECQ and GCQ, including restrictions on public movement, sectors which are allowed or disallowed to operate, and interzonal movement between ECQ area and GCQ area.

Under ECQ, industries and workers involved in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and other components of the food value chain, are allowed to operate at full operational capacity. Private establishments and workers involved in food supply chain businesses, including supermarkets, grocery stores, food preparation establishments (only available for take-out and delivery services) are allowed to operate too.

However, for establishments involved in the production, manufacturing, packaging, processing and distribution of basic food products are only allowed to operate at a maximum of 50% workforces. If the supply level of a basic food product requires higher capacity, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will authorise the approval for temporary increase of workforce capacity.
Under GCQ, for Category I (Industries), including businesses and employees involved in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, food manufacturing and food supply chain businesses (supermarkets, grocery stores, food preparation establishments (only available for take-out and delivery services), food delivery services are allowed to operate at full operational capacity.

27
APR

Updates on the extended enhance community quarantine (ECQ)

The ECQ will continue till 15 May 2020 for metropolitan Manila and half of the main island of Luzon. Some of the areas in Luzon will be placed under general community quarantine (GCQ), however, the policies are yet to be clarified.

Work closely to identify and address trade disruptions with ramifications on the flow of necessities

Refrain from the imposition of export controls or tariffs and non-tariff barriers on essential goods, especially medical supplies

Ensure continuation of unimpeded trade and ensure that critical infrastructure such as air and seaports remain open

Impact on Food Supply Chain

The food supply remains unhampered although there are limitations on the availability of workforce especially in areas with curfew in force.

Amid ECQ, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reassured public that the country has sufficient stock for rice inventory which can support demand up to March 2021.

The DA continues to help stabilise the supply and prices of food products (pork) in Metro Manila and other areas in Luzon, by bringing these pork products to the areas. Noting that there are some challenges in transporting food products (food, frozen pork, fishery product), the DA is addressing these concerns with the local government units in order to support unhampered food supply amid the ECQ.

The DA emphasised the importance in building resilience in food supply chain not only against COVID-19, but other emerging challenges. The DA will continue to roll out programmes which build on the three main principles, namely, survive, reboot and grow, to strengthen the current food supply chain.

23
APR

Updates on the extended enhance community quarantine (ECQ). The existing ECQ has been extended

President Rodrigo Duterte announced that the ECQ will be extended till 15 May 2020 on metropolitan Manila and half of the main island of Luzon. In addition to Metro Manila, 17 provinces (high-risk zones) in Luzon will continue on lock down.

The movement of people continues to be restricted, and will be only allowed to go out for essential trips.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar reiterated that the country has adequate supplies of food, including rice until June amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In order to enhance food security concerns amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, various efforts have been putting in by the DA, including:

The DA will be implementing a P31 billion ‘’Plant, Plant, Plant Program’’ to raise paddy production to meet 93% of the country’s total demand.

The Guidelines on the Expanded Livestock and Poultry Production and Livelihood Project for COVID-19 Response was issued to support the food security through recommended governance of livestock and poultry livelihood in response to COVID-19 situation.

It was announced that a Task Group on Food Security (TGFS), is created and chaired by the DA to secure adequate food supply during this critical period.