Bangko Sentral operations to continue during ‘NCR Plus’ lockdown
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas says it is 'safeguarding the welfare of its personnel and frontliners' while supporting 'the smooth functioning of the economy and the financial system'
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said on Sunday, March 28, that it will still provide “essential services” during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from Holy Monday, March 29, to Easter Sunday, April 4.
It will only take a two-day break from Maundy Thursday, April 1, to Good Friday, April 2, in observance of Holy Week.
The ECQ for Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite – the “NCR Plus” bubble – is set to be implemented during Holy Week to curb rising coronavirus cases in the Philippines.
The BSP gave assurances that it is “safeguarding the welfare of its personnel and frontliners” while supporting “the smooth functioning of the economy and the financial system.”
“During the ECQ, the BSP is carrying out alternative work arrangements at its Head Office in Manila and Security Plant Complex in Quezon City. At the same time, staff of mission-critical departments and support units continue to report on-site, as appropriate, under shortened work hours, from 9 am to 3 pm,” the central bank said.
The BSP added that it is coordinating with banks to ensure “the continuous delivery of banking services.”
The central bank also encouraged the public to use digital payments “to carry out needed financial transactions safely amid the health crisis.”
The Philippines’ COVID-19 cases reached 721,892 on Sunday, with more than 9,000 new cases recorded for the 3rd straight day. – Rappler.com