THE declaration of a state of calamity in the country due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic is extended “possibly for three months,” Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said on Monday, September 12, 2022.Angeles said extension of the declaration of state of calamity is aimed at preserving the benefits under it, such as the indemnification, emergency procurement and special risk allowance for healthcare workers.”We will transition out of the state of calamity after further review,” she said in a press briefing.The Philippines was first placed under state of calamity in March 2020, over a month following the detection of the first Covid-19 case in the country.It was extended by former President Rodrigo Duterte until September 12, 2022 to “”effectively afford the national government, as well as local government units, ample latitude to continue to implement the Covid-19 vaccination program.”Under a state of calamity, the government is also allowed to utilize appropriate funds, including a Quick Response Fund; monitor and control prices of basic necessities and prime commodities; and provide basic services to the affected populations.The Philippines has a total Covid-19 caseload of 3,906,269, as of September 11, with 62,304 deaths.It has a total of 25,684 active Covid-19 cases. (SunStar Philippines)