By Jel Santos
Following the declaration of a state of calamity throughout the country due to the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Royina Marzan-Garma on Wednesday night announced the early release of the payroll of the agency's personnel.
President Duterte's Proclamation No. 929 enjoined all government agencies and local governments to render full assistance and cooperation and mobilize necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent, and appropriate response and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the threat of COVID-19.
"We have arranged the early release of the payroll until April 15, 2020 to help cushion our personnel and families from the negative impacts of the health emergency," she said. "We are grateful to the PCSO Board the assistance it has approved for the entire PCSO family."
Garma urged employees to follow the instructions of authorities by practicing good personal hygiene and social distancing.
"Foremost of our concerns is the safety and well-being of all PCSO personnel and our families. Hence, PCSO management has issued guidance to recalibrate our operations to implement directives related to COVID-19," she said.
“ who are experiencing symptoms are enjoined to contact the proper authorities to receive appropriate medical attention. Please reach out to our Medical Services Department for any health/medical-related queries and concerns.”
On March 17, Garma announced the temporary suspension of the operations of Lotto, Digit Games, and Keno in the whole country, and Small Town Lottery (STL) in Luzon.
The PCSO general manager also said the PCSO Board has approved P1-billion additional assistance to the government to aid in the fight against COVID-19, on top of the P420-million assistance it earlier gave.