The government has allowed the resumption of relocation of informal settlers affected by the construction of infrastructure projects.
According to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure COVID-19 preventive measures are implemented in the resettlement of affected families.
The latest decision was included in the IATF Resolution No. 116 issued after a virtual meeting on Thursday, May 20.
"The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) shall be allowed to resume with their voluntary relocation and involuntary relocation activities for affected informal settler families in furtherance of their construction projects," the resolution read.
Such activities however must be conducted "in accordance with existing laws and ordinances, with strict observance of minimum public health standards and health and safety protocols," the task force ruled.
In the same resolution, Roque said the IATF considered the upcoming assembly of the National Food Authority as essential gathering and approved its conduct.
Under IATF's community quarantine rules, gatherings essential for the provision of government services are allowed.
"The conduct of the 9th Meeting of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve of the National Food Authority is exempt from the prohibition on meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibition (MICE) venues," the IATF resolution read.
The task force said the NFA's choice of a specific venue shall be subject to applicable laws and rules.