An official of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) welcomed the decision of the government allowing once-a day religious gatherings in 'NCR Plus' areas from April 1 to 4, 2021, with 10 percent maximum seating capacity.
"It's a welcome development for the faithful. At least, they'll be given a chance to celebrate and commemorate the Easter Triduum, Easter Sunday being the highest point of our faith," Father Jerome Secillano, CBCP Public Affairs Committee executive secretary, said in a statement.
"The Inter Agency Task Force must have realized that faith is also vital to surviving this crisis," he added.
Secillano, who serves as a parish priest in the Archdiocese of Manila, said the church will strictly implement the health protocols to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
"Having been allowed now, the church is expected to implement strict health protocols to ensure the safety of our people," he said.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque announced the decision of the IATF on Friday, March 26.
On March 21, the IATF prohibited religious gatherings in NCR and other nearby provinces from March 22 to April 4.