President Rodrigo Roa Duterte holds a meeting with several Cabinet members to discuss the most recent developments regarding the government’s response to mitigate the effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and address the concerns of Filipino health workers with existing contracts abroad.

As the country continues to gain significant strides in battling the pandemic, the President stresses the importance of Proclamation No. 1021 extending the State of Calamity until September 12, 2021 as this will give both the national government and local government units (LGUs) more time and resources in containing the spread and transmission of the disease, as well as monitor the prices of basic and prime commodities, among others.

He also directs all law enforcement agencies to continue their efforts in maintaining peace and order in the affected areas.President Duterte appeals to his ‘kababayans’ to never lose hope in the face of the pandemic, as Filipinos have been known to possess resiliency amidst health and economic challenges.