Blog – Page 349 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Hundreds of Muntinlupa City Government employees to be registered in pilot rollout of national ID registration

May 21, 2021May 20, 2021carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa announced yesterday the launch of an institutional registration of the national ID system in partnership with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for elected officials and LGU employees.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the pilot registration of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) at Muntinlupa Sports Center, Brgy. Tunasan yesterday. At least 600 initial City Government employees and elected officials in the city are set to be registered until May 24.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi registers for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) or the national ID system during a pilot rollout at Muntinlupa Sports Center, Brgy. Tunasan on May 20. At least 600 initial local government employees and elected officials in the city are set to be registered until May 24. Recently, the local government of Muntinlupa signed a Memorandum of Agreement with PSA-NCR for the rollout of the national ID registration in the city. PSA is yet to announce the exact date on the start of the PhilSys registration process for the general public in Muntinlupa while the local government eyes to set up registration centers in local malls. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

In compliance to health and safety protocols, the City Government has scheduled registrants in batches to manage the number of individuals present at the registration center.

Registrants will undergo a three-step registration which include the collection of demographic data for Step 1, validation and capture of biometric information for Step 2, and issuance of a physical ID card stored with a 12-digit PhilSys number or personal serial number (PSN) and a 16-digit PhilSys card number (PCN) for Step 3.

Fresnedi expressed his thanks to PSA for facilitating the initial rollout in Muntinlupa and vowed to provide logistical support for the national ID registration in the city. He noted that the PhilSys will help the City Government in improving the public’s accessibility to social welfare programs and benefits from the government.

PSA is yet to announce the exact date on the start of the PhilSys registration process for the general public in Muntinlupa while the local government eyes to set up registration centers in local malls. On April 21, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi signed a Memorandum of Agreement with PSA-NCR Regional Director Paciano Dizon for the rollout of the national ID registration in Muntinlupa.

*The venue in Barangay Tunasan.* (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Joining the MOA signing ceremony were PSA-NCR Chief Statistical Specialist Estrella Vargas, PSA-NCR PhilSys Focal Person Minerva Carpio, PSA-NCR Statistical Analyst John Daniel Flores, and Muntinlupa City Planning and Development Officer Alvin Veron.

The national ID system shall simplify public and private transactions, and shall be a social and economic platform that promotes seamless social service delivery and strengthens financial inclusion for both public and private services.

The public may complete the Step 1 of the registration on https://register.philsys.gov.ph/. A confirmation with Application Reference Number or QR code swill be sent to the registered mobile number and email address of the registrant to be presented at registration centers for Step 2 and Step 3.

For the latest information on PhilSys, the public may visit the official PhilSys website (www.psa.gov.ph/philsys) or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/PSAPhilSysOfficial/). You may also reach the PhilSys Registry Office via hotline number 1388 or e-mail at info@philsys.gov.ph.

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The above details were from the official press release issued by the Muntinlupa Public Information Office. Some parts were edited for this website.

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COVID-19 Crisis: DILG urges LGUs to sign up non-tech savvy senior citizens for vaccination

May 21, 2021May 20, 2021carlocarrasco

Here in the Philippines, senior citizens are a priority group of people for COVID-19 vaccines and in order to avail of such vaccines, registration is the first step (which goes the same for others). Once the registration has been done, the local organizers will have to maintain the records, look closely and sort out the senior citizens whom they will contact and inform them of the slots scheduled for them.

While Internet access is widely available in the Philippines, there are still senior citizens who cannot get themselves registered digitally (online registration) not only because of the lack of access (or lack of hardware) but because they are not familiar with the digital ways and processes. In the City of Las Piñas, vaccine registration can be done digitally or manually. Check out the details right here. If other cities don’t offer manual registration at all, then their senior citizens who have no Internet access or are not oriented with computers/gadgets are in a major disadvantage and may have been left behind.

In relation to this, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged local government units (LGUs) to come up with ideas to help the disadvantaged senior citizens get registered. Posted below is the excerpt from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) article. Some parts in bold…

Local government units (LGUs) should find a way to register seniors, who are non-tech savvy and without access to the internet, for a Covid-19 vaccination schedule, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said.

“The LGUs must help our seniors who do not know how to use high-tech gadgets. Find the ways on how to register them immediately even manually so that they can avail themselves of the vaccines,” Año said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Wednesday.

While many older adults have access to the internet and are tech-savvy, others are not and have a hard time navigating vaccination registration websites set up by LGUs.

“Kung kinakailangan i-house-to-house sila (If needed, LGUs should conduct house-to-house visitations to register them) then so be it,” Año said.

Since the start of the vaccination rollout last March, among the groups prioritized for inoculation are senior citizens or under the A2 category.

So there you have it! DILG Eduardo Año made a pitch to the LGUs to literally go the extra mile to help the senior citizens who could not get registered digitally. It should be noted that there are some senior citizens who are bedridden or are physically disadvantaged and could not get themselves registered online. Also remember that some websites designed for online registration might not be user-friendly enough for senior citizens and others who are just starting using the Internet.

In ending this article, let me ask you these questions: Is your local government unit doing enough to get disadvantaged people registered for COVID-19 vaccines? Do you know any senior citizen in your local community who badly needs help on getting registered? Have you thought about assisting senior citizens (who are not oriented with computers and online processes) to get registered? Is your local government unit offering manual registration? Is your barangay offering assistance to senior citizens who are unable to get registered? Did anyone from the LGU or your barangay send representatives to your local community to help the unregistered senior citizens get registered?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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COVID-19 Crisis: New Las Piñas City vaccination sites at SM Center and SM Southmall opened for patients

May 20, 2021May 19, 2021carlocarrasco

Good news for all those based in Las Piñas City needing vaccines for COVID-19! It was reported by the Manila Bulletin that two new vaccination sites were opened which reflects the cooperation between the City Government and SM.

To be more specific, the new vaccination sites are located within the premises of SM Southmall and SM Center Las Piñas.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in bold…

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar expressed appreciation to the management of SM Center and SM Southmall for offering spaces in their malls as vaccination sites.

Aguilar said the two COVID-19 vaccination sites that will open starting Wednesday (May 19) are located at the activity area of SM Center on the second floor and at the cinema section of SM Southmall on the fourth floor.

She said the two sites are additional to the 12 current vaccination areas serving the residents from 20 barangays in the city.

The mayor said the two new vaccination sites can now accommodate more patients who wanted to be inoculated.

Aguilar said the new sites would initially accept about 200 senior citizens and adults with comorbidities on the first day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We are happy that a growing number of residents are now willing to be vaccinated as we have been encouraging them all along, stressing the importance of their protection from the fatal effects of COVID-19,” Aguilar said.

To date, those who were given the first dose of vaccines are already on their second dose and being scheduled along with the residents in categories 2 and 3.

The above report ended with an official count of 37,364 people in the city already vaccinated for the first dose and over 10,000 vaccinated with their second dose, according to the local CHO or City Health Office.

The newest vaccination sites with SM involved are a blessing. The City Government is dedicated on serving Las Piñas residents while SM has a long-term record of customer care and utilizing their available commercial spaces for vaccinating the locals is worth admiring. Technically, having more vaccination sites can somehow decongest the incoming traffic of patients at the other vaccination sites.

In relation to this, SM Southmall made an official moment yesterday via their Facebook page. Below is an excerpt. Some parts in bold…

In accordance and full cooperation with Las Piñas City Office & Health Office, SM Southmall is opening its door as a vaccination site today, May 19, 2021, from 8am to 6pm at 3rd Level, Cinema Lobby.

The vaccination will prioritize (A2) Senior Citizens and (A3) Persons with comorbidities.

We are encouraging everyone to register online thru this link bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination and patiently wait for an SMS regarding your vaccination schedule and designated site.

❌Strictly NO walk-ins❌

For additional questions and concerns, you may call the ff. hotline below:

•09271400554 •09271400542 •09271400547 •09605140383 •09605140382 •09605140381

Below are visual instructions, including the QR code.

Take note of the details above, notably the confirmation that walk-ins will not be accepted. Registration and confirmation should happen first before you visit any vaccination site. Also check out these photos of the SM Southmall vaccination site below. Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery personally visited the said site.

*The encoding and vaccination areas at the brand new vaccination site inside SM Southmall. (source – SM Southmall Facebook page)*

*Patients getting monitored. (source – SM Southmall Facebook page)*

*Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery (standing) observing the vaccination of a patient. (source – SM Southmall Facebook page)*

For the newcomers reading this, get to know the ways to get registered by clicking right here. There are details and images with instructions included. For more insight about COVID-19 developments in Las Piñas, read about the number of people who got vaccinated as well as the announcement of an additional isolation center.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you a Las Piñas resident who is happy to learn about the brand-new vaccination sites made possible by SM Southmall and SM Center LP in coordination with the City Government? Does this latest development encourage you to get registered and line up for the free COVID-19 vaccine?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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A Look Back at Doom 2099 #14 (1994)

May 20, 2021May 18, 2021carlocarrasco

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back, superhero enthusiasts, comic book collectors, fans of 1990s pop culture and fans of Marvel Comics! We return to The Fall of the Hammer crossover storyline of Marvel’s 2099 universe and this is my first time to review a comic book of Doom 2099 (note: this comic book marks the 4^th chapter of the crossover).

Last time around, the X-Men of 2099 got involved in the events and their member Skullfire got reunited with them thanks to some help by Doom of 2099. The self-proclaimed Thor realizes that a powerful friend of his is down on the floor.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Doom 2099 #14, published in 1993 (cover dated 1994) by Marvel Comics with a story written by John Francis Moore and drawn by Pat Broderick.

Early story

The story begins in Valhalla where Thor sees his powerful friend lying down helpless. X-Men’s Bloodhawk, Krystalin, Meanstreak, Skullfire and the self-proclaimed Loki witness Thor’s curiosity. Loki, who is actually Meanstreak’s friend Boone in disguise, tells Thor to blame what he calls the spoiled children for conspiring against him. Meanstreak tells Boone to stop his act and reminds him that he was the one who caused the short-circuit.

Doom 2099 then tells them that none of the gods are real for they are the fabrication of science created to exploit the believers of Thor who have desperately awaited the return of their god. Doom points out that the real threat is not the Asgardian play actors but rather the flying city of Valhalla itself.

After hearing the ramblings of the others, Thor then makes his move to strike Doom 2099…

Quality

*This comic book shows Spider-Man and Punisher of 2099 finally ending their long ride together.*

As expected, there is indeed pay-off executed in this comic book in relation to the gradual build-up that took place in the first three chapters (Spider-Man 2099 #16, Ravage 2099 #15, and X-Men 2099 #5). You must be wondering how was the pay-off…I can say it was executed good enough. Not only does this comic book reveal the truth about the so-called Asgardian deities, it also sheds light on who the pretenders really are and, more notably, who is the mastermind behind everything and why did all these unfortunate events happen in the first place.

Behind it all, there is subversion in the form of criticism and accusations against corporations, against people of faith and even against idolaters who don’t realize that idolatry is unholy and foolish. In a certain way, this comic book made its case in support of Marxism, socialism, Communism and atheism even though those four forms of evil were not explicitly emphasized.

When it comes to the characters, Doom 2099’s presence here is actually light but it should be noted that his civil discussion with a powerful figure behind the scenes gave the story a lot of weight. What I enjoyed about Doom 2099 is his Darth Vader-like way of talking and taking action.

The X-Men of 2099 surprisingly have a good share of the spotlight here while Spider-Man 2099 and Punisher 2099 finally stopped riding together and begin to get involved with the troubles of Valhalla. I should state that the first-ever meeting between Spider-Man 2099, Punisher 2099 and Doom 2099 is a short yet powerful scene.

Conclusion

*Doom 2099, the X-Men 2099 members, Loki and Thor on the 2nd page.*

Being the fourth chapter of The Fall of the Hammer crossover storyline, I can say that Doom 2099 #14 (1994) proved to be the most engaging chapter yet mainly due to its pay-off in relation to what was built-up before it. The revelations were quite strong and clearly this comic book was the tuning point of the storyline, and even set the stage for the concluding chapter. I caution you, however, that the anti-capitalist and anti-faith themes of this comic book can lead you to trouble if you decide to take them seriously. It is bad enough that American society today is being torn down by Marxist, socialist, Communist and atheistic forces. You have been warned!

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Doom 2099 #14 (1994), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $60 while the near-mint copies of the newsstand edition and the signed-and-numbered edition cost $180 and $300 respectively.

Overall, Doom 2099 #14 (1994) is recommended.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Long lines and a lot of people during the Pfizer vaccine launch in Parañaque City

May 19, 2021May 18, 2021carlocarrasco

Let me ask you my readers based in Parañaque City – did you witness the launch of the Pfizer vaccine at a certain shopping mall in the city this past Monday (May 17)?

During that day, I spotted a lot of pictures and videos posted by Internet users on Facebook related to the Parañaque rollout of the Pfizer vaccine (note: Israel itself used vaccines of Pfizer). Those images showed very long lines of people trying to enter that shopping mall and many of the comments posted by users mentioned very long waiting times, confusion and frustration.

For starters, watch this related news video from GMA Network.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from yesterday’s Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in bold…

Parañaque City residents flocked a mall in the city on Monday (May 17), in hopes of getting vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, but many left the place disappointed and criticized the handling that they experienced.

A resident who requested anonymity, reached out to the Manila Bulletin and mentioned how the rollout became a “super-spreader” event mainly due to the reason that there was only one venue for the Pfizer vaccine rollout which was the mall, concentrating all residents in a single place.

“So the whole of Parañaque in A1 – A3 classifications came by because many didn’t get confirmation texts,” she said.

The resident mentioned that the city initially said in a post on the Facebook page of the Public Information Office on Sunday afternoon that “interested fellows” may come.

“By Sunday night, it was changed to those who have confirmed schedule. But what is a confirmed schedule? When people just get an email or text confirming a Patient ID,” she said.

“Also in the Sputnik rollout, walk-ins were allowed so naturally now people know that is possible so a lot came by,” she added.

It can be remembered that many residents were also eager to get inoculated during the pilot vaccination of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V in Parañaque City on May 4, and a lot of them were left fuming after they spent hours waiting without even getting the jab.

Meanwhile, the resident also claimed that the way the seniors were treated, they were just standing on snake lines spanning the whole transport terminal from morning until afternoon in the “sweltering heat”.

The resident, who belonged to the A3 category or persons with comorbidities, arrived at the mall at 7:40 a.m. with her husband who recovered from COVID-19. She said that marshals in the area also did not know how to respond and were sending people back in line which by 8:30 a.m. was already 2,000, according to her.

Mayor Edwin Olivarez said in a report on 24 Oras that many walk-ins or those who did not receive a text confirmation for their schedule of vaccination arrived. He said that they were advised that there will be a specific time for them to come.

To be clear, this is not the first time that Parañaque residents joined the long line and got frustrated. In relation to the above report, the Manila Bulletin also published another report while the Pfizer rollout went on. This one includes summarized feedback from the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19. Check out the excerpt below…

What was supposed to be a momentous event turned out to be chaotic as the rollout of the Pfizer vaccine at a mall in Paranaque City on Monday, May 17, was heavily criticized for the poor handling of the vaccinees, resulting to violation of minimum health standards such as the observance of social distancing.

The National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 expressed concern over the “obvious lack of social distancing” by the vaccinees during the rollout of the Pfizer vaccine at a mall along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard corner Aseana Avenue.

Prior to the rollout, the Paranaque City government announced that the event was “strictly intended for scheduled patients with secured slots” but photos and videos posted by netizens on social media showed that scores of people showed up at the venue and social distancing was no longer observed.

A netizen, Chinggay Kanapi, who posted photos of the vaccination event, described the incident as a “super spreader event” as she claimed that “thousands and thousands of people [were] milling around with no information where to fall in line.”

Kanapi told the Manila Bulletin that she initially waited at the parking lot of the mall where the vaccinees would have to enter before being allowed to get the vaccine but she was surprised to see that physical distancing was not observed.

“After so many hours waiting in that awful parking lot, my driver came up to me and said that there was an easier way. We passed thru McDo and entered the mall without being stopped. Then it was a breeze going thru the process in the vaccine area! I pity the ones outside who didn’t figure it out like my driver,” Kanapi said.

Long lines, uncomfortable conditions, alleged lack of care and precision, walk-ins happening, registered residents waiting longer than expected…these are unfortunate events that seem to be repeating in Parañaque, at least in the shopping mall that had the respective local launch events of Sputnik V and Pfizer vaccines.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the launch of Pfizer vaccines in Parañaque? Do you believe the allegations are true? If you were among the many people who endured the long wait during the Sputnik V launch or during the Pfizer launch in Parañaque, how uncomfortable was the entire experience to you?

What do you think that the City Government of Parañaque should immediately do to make sure its citizens get vaccinated with the convenience and comfort in mind?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa ends Pfizer rollout, reminds residents to register online to avoid crowding in vaccination areas

May 19, 2021May 18, 2021carlocarrasco

Reaching the target number of residents from priority groups and due to the sensitive cold-chain management, the City Government of Muntinlupa announced yesterday that it has ended its rollout for Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines.

The Muntinlupa City Health Office was set to finish inoculating healthcare frontliners, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities with COVAX-donated Pfizer vaccines yesterday at Ayala Malls South Park, Alabang.

The vaccines were exclusively administered at Ayala Malls South Park, the only venue approved by the Department of Health (DOH) due to handling requirements, from May 14-18. The local health office targeted to vaccinate 3,510 individuals from the A1, A2, and A3 priority groups using Pfizer vaccines.

On May 13, Muntinlupa received 1,170 vials (7,020 doses) of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines from the national government. The remaining vials will be stored in the City Government’s partner storage facility Royal Cargo Logistics Center in Barangay Cupang as second dose allocation of vaccinated residents.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine was administered as a series of two doses 3 weeks apart. Inoculated residents will receive their second dose in June. The Philippines expects 2.2 million doses of the American-made vaccines through COVAX facility of the World Health Organization by end of May, according to vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr.

Further, Muntinlupa CHO will continue to inoculate remaining members of priority groups using AstraZeneca and Sinovac Life Sciences’ CoronaVac. On May 11, the national government delivered an additional 16,800 vials of AstraZeneca and 31,200 vials of Sinovac to Muntinlupa.

The City Government urged residents to register online in the city’s COVID-19 Vaccination Registration System via www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac to avoid crowding in vaccination areas.

The public is reminded that walk-ins the city’s major vaccination sites including Ayala Malls South Park, Filinvest Steel Parking, SM Muntinlupa, and Sucat Covered Court will not be accommodated. Only those who are registered online will be given schedule in the major vaccination sites and will be notified via SMS.

For more inquiries, the public may reach the MunCoVac hotlines: 0956 358 9228 / 0915 805 5932 / 0915 806 7419 / 0960 588 5935 / 0960 588 5937 / 0998 249 4580.

Muntinlupa City has 12,359 confirmed cases with 10,976 recoveries, 1,057 active cases, 314 reported deaths, 88 suspect cases, and 1391 probable cases as of May 17.

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Muntinlupa City Council approves resolution urging BuCor to secure LGU permit prior to eviction and demolition of residents within NBP

May 18, 2021May 18, 2021carlocarrasco

The City Council of Muntinlupa passed an urgent resolution in its regular session yesterday formally urging the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to immediately cease and desist the eviction and demolition of informal settlers within the NBP Reservation and should first secure a compliance certificate from the Local Housing Board in accordance with existing national and local laws as well as Executive Orders and DILG issuances on the matter.

Members of the Muntinlupa City Council approves a resolution urging BuCor to secure proper certification of compliance and ensure adherence with Republic Act 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 prior to eviction and demolition of residents within NBP.

Under the local resolution, BuCor is enjoined to secure a permit from Muntinlupa Local Housing Board in compliance with RA 7279 and Muntinlupa City Ordinance 17-091.

While the City Government recognizes the mandate of BuCor in improving safety and security measures in its security camps, the Muntinlupa City Council emphasizes the need for strict compliance to national and local laws and issuances related to the conduct of evictions and demolitions.

Section 3 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 7279 mandates government agencies authorized to demolish to secure a certification from the LGU or concerned agency that the area is the site of an infrastructure project with available funding which shall commence within sixty (60) days after clearing of the said area prior to any conduct of demolition.

BuCor Director General Gerald Bantag has ordered the eviction and demolition of residents within the 50 meter-radius form the fence of security camps.

In a letter addressed to Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi dated May 4, 2021, DG Bantag informed the local government of BuCor’s initiative to clear all structures near prison facilities and added that the project aims to “ensure that contrabands will not be thrown inside the Security Camps.”

He added that the project is in accordance with the twin mandate of the BuCor on Safekeeping and Reformation and as a preventive measure to mitigate COVID-19 transmission.

Last March, the City Government has called out another BuCor’s move to construct a concrete wall on the access road of Southville 3 residents to the city proper.

The Muntinlupa City Council passed a resolution requesting the Department of Justice to order BuCor to reopen the road going to and from National Housing Authority, Southville 3 and requesting Congress of the Philippines, thru Cong. Rozzano Rufino Biazon, to conduct an investigation in aid of legislation.

The Sangguniang Barangay of Brgy. Poblacion has also condemned BuCor’s wall installation in Bilibid Road. Southville 3 is a socialized housing project of the National Housing Authority located within NBP with 8,000 families or at least 40,000 residents.

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The above details were from the official press release issued by the Muntinlupa Public Information Office. Some parts were edited for this website.

COVID-19 Crisis: Over 90% of ECQ aid distributed to beneficiaries in NCR Plus

May 18, 2021May 17, 2021carlocarrasco

For NCR Plus (National Capital Region plus Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal provinces), the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) are both over. What is also over during this COVID-19 pandemic is the period of the distribution of the so-called Ayuda or financial assistance by the national government for NCR Plus-based low-income earners who got affected by the ECQ. Specifically, the distribution of the funds ended on May 15, 2021 (Saturday) and according to a news report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) – citing the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – over 90% of the funds were distributed.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA’s article. Some parts in bold…

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday said the distribution of aid has reached 91 percent or PHP21.06 billion given to low-income earners in the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus area as of May 15, the deadline set by the national government.

In a news release, the agency said 37 local government units (LGUs) reached 100 percent completion of aid distribution.

DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said that amid all the challenges, the LGUs delivered their end of the bargain on the distribution of ‘ayuda’ to millions of beneficiaries, with most registering a 90 percent completion rate as of May 15.

He said the 91 percent distribution rate is a testament to the LGUs’ commitment to extend the most help they can give to their constituents.

“Alam ninyo po isang malaking hamon po talaga itong pamamahagi ng ayuda sa panahon ng pandemya at nakakatuwa na we saw the commitment of the LGUs (As you know, the distribution of the assistance at this time of a pandemic was a big challenge. We are elated with the commitment we saw from the LGUs). And now billions of pesos of financial assistance have reached our kababayans. The 91 percent or PHP21.06 billion ‘ayuda’ distributed to qualified beneficiaries is a victory for the LGUs and the national government,” Año said.

He explained that the remaining 9 percent represents the unclaimed ‘ayuda’ and they have granted the LGUs with unclaimed funds the authority to prepare a new payroll and distribute these to other affected individuals in their respective communities within 10 days.

“Despite diligent efforts by the LGUs, some of the beneficiaries did not claim their ‘ayuda’ because they have moved to the provinces or are no longer residing in their LGUs. Many of them were also delisted because they were found to be duplicates in the Social Amelioration Program list. The LGUs have started to prepare a new payroll in order to distribute these unclaimed funds,” he said.

On May 15, Año said Bulacan tallied the highest completion rate of 96.85 percent corresponding to PHP2.87 billion worth of financial assistance with 12 LGUs namely Balagtas, Baliwag, Bocaue, Calumpit, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Guiguinto, Norzagaray, Pandi, Paombong, Plaridel, San Miguel and, San Rafael finishing their ‘ayuda’ distribution.

Laguna tallied 19 LGUs which have completed aid distribution, the most among the whole NCR Plus bubble while garnering a high completion rate of 96.50 percent corresponding to PHP2.62 billion worth of financial aid distributed.

Among the LGUs which have completed distribution of ‘ayuda’ in Laguna are the cities of Biñan, Cabuyao, San Pedro, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and the towns of Alaminos, Calauan, Famy, Kalayaan, Lumban, Mabitac, Magdalena, Nagcarlan, Paete, Pagsanjan, Pakil, Pila, Rizal and Siniloan.

Meanwhile, Rizal followed with 93.34 percent, NCR with 90.99 percent; and Cavite with 86.04 percent, with five LGUs including Tagaytay City, Amadeo, Mendez, Naic, and Noveleta completing the aid distribution.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the Philippine News Agency’s crime news report? Did your local government unit distribute the money with transparency and honesty? Do you believe your LGU achieved 100% completion of the ayuda distribution?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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A Look Back at The Night Man #3 (1993)

May 17, 2021May 16, 2021carlocarrasco

Welcome back, superhero enthusiasts, comic book collectors, 1990s pop culture enthusiasts and fans of Malibu Comics! Today we return to the Ultraverse through the 3^rd issue of The Night Man series. While the Night Man continues his pursuit of a rather deformed rival, this comic book is a spin-off of the Ultraverse crossover Break-Thru and it also marks the protagonist’s continuing crossover with Freex (which officially started in Freex #6).

With those details laid down, here is a look back at The Night Man #3, published in 1993 by Malibu Comics with a story written by Steve Englehart and drawn by Gene Ha.

Early story

The story begins with Night Man overlooking a portion of a major city from a high tower. He wonders how he could find five kids, referring to Freex who have gotten involved with his rival Mangle. For Night Man, the team of teenagers think Mangle is a freak like them and he knows that his rival targets kids as victims.

After acquiring almost a thousand Dollars worth of new equipment, he goes on the air reaching out to Freex. Freex, meanwhile, are with Mangle hiding inside am unknown place. After a news report was aired revealing that the Strangers used a rocket to go to the moon and mentioned J.D. Hunt’s name, Mangle reacts loudly and states that the said business tycoon will be at Moffett Field.

Freex, believing that Hunt can cure them, leave with Mangle by car…

Quality

With regards, Steve Englehart raised the stakes and added a lot of intrigue throughout the story. Without spoiling the plot, I can say that I enjoyed the pay-off executed here in relation to what was built up in Freex #6 and The Night Man #2.

The biggest selling point of the story is not the crossover between Night Man and Freex, but rather the presentation of JD Hunt and his young but wicked son Guy, as well as their involvement with Mangle. Themes explored in this comic book include manipulating a person to actually believe what evil acts he commits are not evil, and the manipulation of helpless youth to join a wrongful cause.

As for the title character himself, Night Man does more than just action and solving problems. You will see a more ethical side of his personality and his insistence on doing what is right without ever going overboard.

Conclusion

*Night Man learning something from the people on the street.*

The Night Man #3 (1993) is an enjoyable and compelling part of the Break-Thru crossover (with creative connections to what happened in Prototype #5 and The Strangers #7) that also succeeds in developing Night Man further while showing more personality from JD Hunt and his son. The crossover between Freex and the title hero, again, did not last long but this is understandable considering the focus on the Hunts and Mangle. Lastly, I should state that artist Gene Ha’s dark and gritty style worked nicely in this comic book.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of The Night Man #3 (1993), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the comic book costs $16.

Overall, The Night Man #3 (1993) is recommended.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Almost 700 Muntinlupa City residents vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech on first day of availability

May 17, 2021May 16, 2021carlocarrasco

Almost seven hundred residents in Muntinlupa City were vaccinated for COVID-19 (China Virus) with vaccines of Pfizer-BioNTech on the first day of availability which was May 14. To be more specific, the official count was at 677 residents. Previously the City Government of Muntinlupa announced that their initial supply of the said vaccines would be maxed out by tomorrow (May 18) due to their sensitivity.

To put things in perspective, below is an excerpt from the report of Manila Bulletin. Some parts in bold…

On the first day of the rollout of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in the city, 677 residents belonging to the A3 priority group, or persons with comorbidities, were inoculated.

The initial supply of the vaccine will be used by the city government from May 14 to 18 at its vaccination site at Ayala Malls South Park, the only venue approved by the Department of Health (DOH) due to handling requirements for Pfizer-BioNTech.

Before dilution, the vaccine needs to be stored at a temperature of -80 to -60 degrees Celsius.

After dilution, each vial of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine contains six doses of 0.3 mL each.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the vaccine is administered in two doses three weeks apart and is for people 16 years old and above.

The vaccine needs to be administered “within six hours from the time of dilution.”

Data from the Muntinlupa City Health Office (CHO) showed that as of May 14, a total of 29,436 residents have been vaccinated with their first dose.

Of the total, 5,171, or 17.57 percent, were health workers (A1); 5,400, or 18.34 percent, senior citizens (A2); and 18,817, or 63.93 percent, were persons with comorbidities (A3); and 48, or 0.16 percent, were A4, who are overseas Filipino workers sent by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) last May 1 during the Labor Day celebration.

By vaccine brand, 21,598 residents, or 73.37 percent, were given Sinovac Life Sciences’ CoronaVac; 4,182, or 14.21 percent, received AstraZeneca; 2,979 were administered the Sputnik V; and 677 were inoculated with Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

In addition, 9,399 residents also received their second dose of the vaccine using CoronaVac. Of the total, 1,772, or 18.85 percent, belonged to A1; 2,534, or 26.96 percent, were A2; 4,664, or 49.62 percent, were A3; and three, or 0.03 percent, were A4; and the remaining 426, or 4.53 percent, were administered at a hospital.

In total, 38,835 first and second doses have been administered in Muntinlupa.

As revealed in the above details, Muntinlupa’s local vaccination program continues to get more residents vaccinated while also doing the difficult task of managing the supplies of vaccines, some of which are really delicate and require special handling.

To all residents of Muntinlupa reading this…you are all encouraged to register in the city’s COVID-19 Vaccination Registration System via www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac. Only those who got registered will be notified via email and text message. As such, you must monitor your mobile phone’s text messages as well as your email. Be patient as the vaccination program organizers work to sort out who registered and categorize them.

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