Extension of Alert Level 3 to yield P23 billion gain

MANILA, Philippines — The extension of the Alert Level 3 in Metro Manila is expected to yield a total of P23.2 billion over the month-long implementation of the current status.

According to estimates by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the National Capital Region is gaining P5.8 billion per week in economic output and providing 24,000 jobs under the current status.

Metro Manila has been on Alert Level system since Oct.16 and the government has decided to extend this until Nov.14 or for another two weeks.

Business groups, however, maintained that the capital is ready for another downgrade by November.

With the extension, economic gains would total to P23.2 billion and job creation would reach an additional 96,000.

The government said maintaining the status quo in Metro Manila is needed as more mobility from the people would require closer monitoring of COVID-19 cases.

Alert Level 3 still allowed more businesses to operate and indoor venue capacities of certain establishments were increased.

Recreational venues such as internet cafes, arcades, bowling alleys, skating rinks, archery halls, swimming pools, and cinemas were also allowed for fully vaccinated individuals.

Further, the government included Central Luzon, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Baguio City under Alert Level 3 or areas classified for special monitoring.

Specifically, Bataan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Iloilo City, Siquijor, Lanao del Norte, Davao City, Davao del Norte are under the same alert level as NCR.

NEDA estimates showed that weekly gain for areas outside NCR is at P7.5 billion and job creation at 31,000.