To help business establishments and mico, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) weather the adverse effects of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the economy task group of the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (RIATF-EID) led by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-10 has pushed for a moratorium in payment of rentals and utility bills.
In its recent meeting, the task force has passed Resolution No. 10 which aims to support the businesses in the region whose operations have been affected by the local community quarantine imposed by the local government units (LGUs) in support of Republic Act 11469 otherwise known as Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.
NEDA-10 Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño said this resolution was the result of the meeting held by the economy task group to help the business sector especially the MSMEs.
The RIATF-EID also sought a moratorium for the rental payment of commercial spaces for at least 30 days during the duration of the crisis, extending the payments of bills for two to three months without penalties and interests, extension of LGU fees and charges (i.e. business licenses, real property taxes, etc.), and the restructuring of loans at lower interest rates or the extending/deferring of the credit payments to the productive sectors of the economy in the region.
In responding to the said resolution, the Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative (BUSECO) is granting a 30-day extension for power bills issued after April 14 including surcharges.
