Work in all government offices resumed on Friday, June 7, in La Castellana, the local government unit worst-hit by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Occidental.
Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan, who suspended operations of local government offices except those with functions on delivering basic services, disaster preparedness, and response on Wednesday, announced the resumption of work through an executive order issued Thursday night.
“To ensure the safety of the affected families and individuals, there is a need for manpower in the distribution of relief goods and services, provision of medical care, and humanitarian concerns in the delivery of public services,” Nicor-Mangilimutan said.
She added that work in private organizations is still up to the discretion of the owners or authorities.
In related executive orders, Nicor-Mangilimutan called on all municipal employees “to embrace the spirit of public service with vigor and humanitarianism,” as well as refrain from giving media interviews and providing unverified information regarding the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon and its continuing activity.
“All municipal employees, including job order and clean and green personnel, are mandated to do their task with regards to their scheduled duties,” she added.
“For purposes of transparency and accuracy of information, only the local chief executive shall give interviews.”
Nicor-Mangilimutan authorized to speak on her behalf only the acting municipal police chief, municipal disaster risk reduction and management officer, and municipal social welfare and development officer.
She also ordered a curfew from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. starting Friday “to regulate public and non-essential activities to ensure the safety of residents and to support the anti-criminality effort of the Philippine National Police during these times.”
In an executive order, Nicor-Mangilimutan said curfew shall be imposed on individuals in public places except for government workers, as well as workers of private and public offices on duty during curfew hours, medical doctors and veterinarians whose services are needed, and workers of public utility companies conducting construction, maintenance, and emergency activities.*PNA