Category: press release

COVID-19 Crisis: New 144-bed ‘We Heal As One’ quarantine facility opens in Muntinlupa City

COVID-19 Crisis: New 144-bed ‘We Heal As One’ quarantine facility opens in Muntinlupa City

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A new “We Heal As One” quarantine facility for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients and suspect cases in Muntinlupa City was formally opened in Barangay Tunasan yesterday. The 144-bed quarantine facility has been constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways in partnership with the local government of Muntinlupa.

DPWH Secetary Mark Villar, Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the blessing ceremony of the emergency quarantine facility amounting to P45-million in Pacwood Site, Brgy. Tunasan.

(L-R) DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, and DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade inspected the newly constructed “We Heal As One” isolation facility in Pacwood Site, Brgy. Tunasan last October 13. DPWH and Muntinlupa LGU have converted 36 units of shipping containers as isolation rooms for positive COVID-19 patients, suspect and probable cases, and quarters of medical frontliners who will serve in the facility. Each room has a comfort room, air-conditioning unit, and bed supplies. Residents who will occupy the isolation rooms will receive a COVID-19 essentials bag consisting of a hygiene kit, vitamins, medicine, thermometer, bedsheet, pillow blanket, and towels, among others. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Fresnedi extended his gratitude to DPWH’s assistance for the construction of the additional isolation facility in the city which he notes as an augmentation in the local COVID-19 response efforts.

Also attending the ceremony were Office of Civil Defense Asec Hernando Caraig Jr., City Administrator Allan Cachuela, City Health Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao, and CHO Isolation Facility Administrator Dr. Juancho Bunyi.

DPWH and Muntinlupa LGU have converted 36 units of shipping containers as isolation pods for positive COVID-19 patients, suspect and probable cases, and quarters of medical frontliners who will serve in the facility.

Each room has a comfort room, air-conditioning unit, and bed supplies. A wi-fi connection will also be installed in the facility. Residents who will occupy the isolation rooms will receive a COVID-19 essentials bag consisting of a hygiene kit, vitamins, medicine, thermometer, bedsheet, pillow blanket, and towels, among others.

The units.
Inside a unit.
A toiled and sink.

The City Government of Muntinlupa is implementing a mandatory self-isolation policy, or admission to city isolation facilities if requirements for home quarantine are not met as certified by the City Health Office (CHO), for anyone who have undergone COVID-19 swab testing.

The stringent measure aims to restrict movement of suspect cases and prevent possible carriers of the virus to travel and infect other individuals.

During the program, Public Works Sec. Villar reported that an additional quarantine facility with 200-bed capacity will be constructed in the Filinvest Tent Parking Area.

Transportation Sec. Tugade lauded the City Government’s hard work in executing surveillance, isolation, and treatment protocols, and its efforts towards the fight against COVID-19.

Further, he said that the city’s request for the opening of Susana Heights – MCX Access Road has been approved by the DPWH and DOTr and is expected to be accessible by December.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

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A Look Back at Mantra #5 (1993)

A Look Back at Mantra #5 (1993)

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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, Ultraverse fans and comic book collectors! Would you happen to be a fan of illustrator Terry Dodson? I first saw his professional work when I read Mantra #1 way back in 1993 just as my fellow comic book collectors were discovering the newly launched Ultraverse. After the Ultraverse ended, Dodson went on to work for Marvel Comics with projects such as the Storm mini-series and X-Men related comic books. In 2000, Dodson went to DC Comics and his project with them was illustrating issues of the Harley Quinn series. He even got to work on Wonder Woman comic books six years later.

You must be wondering – how did Terry Dodson first broke into the comic book industry and what was his first project? Check out this excerpt from a published interview.

How did you break into comic books?

By doing portfolio samples and taking them to conventions and showing them around. At first it was difficult to hear the critiques, but later on that’s what I wanted to know. What I was doing wrong. Fortunately, when I broke in 1993, they were handing out jobs to anybody with a pulse. I got my first job on Mantra, for the new Malibu Ultraverse.

See? It turns out Mantra of the Ultraverse was his comic book debut.

Now that the history lesson is done, we can see more of Dodson’s work on Mantra in the look back at Mantra #5, published in 1993 by Malibu Comics with a story written by Mike W. Barr and drawn by Dodson.

The cover.

Early story

The story begins when a man named Strauss faces Mantra and Warstryke. The armed guy presses Strauss for details about some defective merchandise while Mantra mentions to him about their deal. Strauss shows defiance by defending himself with a green field to protect him. Mantra blocks the flow of air into the field, forcing Strauss to give up and lose his protective field.

After a short talk with Strauss, Mantra and Warstrike chat on top of the building. In reaction to Mantra’s handshake as a sign of thanks for helping, the armed guy tries to get sexually involved with the mystical warrior even though he knows Mantra has a male soul occupying a woman’s body. Mantra defies him and flies away.

Along the way, a demon spots Mantra flying through the air. It turns out he has been looking for her and decides to make a move in pursuit of her…

Quality

What do I think about the story by Mike W. Barr? I find it brilliantly written. As the cliffhanger ending of issue #4 got resolved early, the narrative smoothly shifts into Mantra’s other struggle – being a mother to Eden Blake’s children whom she lost quality time with due to superhero pursuits. There was also this really compelling drama between Eden and her mother (who in turn believes her daughter is failing her responsibility as a parent).

Lukasz – the male soul in Eden/Mantra’s beautiful body – is still obsessed with pursuing his search for answers but even so, he cannot simply abandon the family and household of the woman whose soul he displaced. In this particular comic book, Lukasz continued to adjust in his unexpected life as Eden.

I really like the way Mike W. Barr dramatized Lukasz dealing with family matters as well as career matters. All that led to what I would call the most unexpected superhero misadventures I’ve ever read that has something to do with the dimension of hand-drawn animation. That is something you, my readers, should read to find out. It is something very enjoyable!

In terms of visuals, this comic book showed more of the creativity of Terry Dodson. If you already enjoyed his art in the early Mantra issues, you will see something new and fresh here.

Conclusion

Mantra returns home to the family.

Undoubtedly Mantra #5 is a great comic book to read as it has an excellent mix of drama, intrigue, characterization and many bouts of great spectacle (which nicely paid-off on all the build-up). By this stage in the Mantra monthly series, Lukasz/Eden/Mantra got developed more and the stakes have been raised in relation to Eden’s meeting with her boss.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Mantra #5 (1993), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $8 while the near-mint copy of the newsstand edition costs $26.

Overall, Mantra #5 (1993) is highly recommended!

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Government turns over 2,557 laptops, 28 photocopiers to public school teachers

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Government turns over 2,557 laptops, 28 photocopiers to public school teachers

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The City Government of Muntinlupa provided laptops and photocopiers for public school teachers in a bid to help them adapt to distance learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led a ceremonial turn-over ceremony of the first batch of 2,557 laptops and 28 photocopiers to Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Dominico Idanan and other school principals yesterday.

All Muntinlupa public school teachers in elementary, junior and senior high schools, including school heads, will each receive a brandnew laptop with specifications prescribed by the Department of Education.

Public schools are also set to receive photocopiers to aid in the printing of modules for the distance learning modality being implemented in the “new normal” of education in the country.


Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (4th from left) leads a ceremonial turn-over ceremony of 2,557 laptops and 28 photocopiers for public school teachers to Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Dominico Idanan (3rd from left) and other school principals last October 8. The local government of Muntinlupa will also provide tablets to public school students in the coming weeks in a bid to help them adapt to distance learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

“The City Government of Muntinlupa will continue to support our teachers and students to adapt to the changes of the education system, no one will be left behind. We will ensure that everyone can access all kinds of learning modalities whether online or offline,” Fresnedi said.

Further, students who are in need will also receive tablets to help them access online learning resources. The City Government awaits the delivery of the devices to be distributed to the students. Fresnedi added that the city’s scholarship program will continue to be a priority of the City Government.

Muntinlupa Scholarship Program (MSP) acting chief Alvin Veron assured the public of the continuity of the local government’s scholarship program despite academic calendar shift and changes in teaching modalities.

The scholarship program chief said MSP will synchronize its services with the new academic calendar and noted that there will be adjustments with the distribution of allowance. MSP also plans to implement a cashless disbursement of scholarship allowance starting with Senior High School students.

Muntinlupa City offers a comprehensive educational assistance program with over 71,000 scholars in elementary to college, including technical-vocational, graduate, law and medicine schools.

Elementary and alternative learning system students in Muntinlupa receive an allowance of up to P4,000 per year. For junior high school students, the local government provides up to P5,000, while senior high school students receive up to P6,000 per year.

Further, State Universities and Colleges students, including beneficiaries of Continuing Assistance for Reintegrating Students Program, receive a maximum incentive of up to P10,000 per semester depending on their academic performance. Other cash assistance are given to different scholarship categories.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NOT to distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, engagements, commerce and updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa records slowing down of COVID-19 transmission, residents urged to continually observe minimum health protocols

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa records slowing down of COVID-19 transmission, residents urged to continually observe minimum health protocols

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A downward trend is gradually seen in Muntinlupa City as the local health office records significant reduction of active cases and slowing down of “doubling time” or the rate of transmission in the communities. Despite the improvement, the City Government urges the public not to be complacent but to continue observing minimum health protocols.

Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao noted that as of September 30, there are only 213 active cases in the city from 768 cases in the beginning of the month. She said the doubling time is currently at 16.50 days and the recovery rate has further improved to 91.67%, an all-time high since the start of the pandemic.

Doubling time refers to the number of days for COVID-19 cases to double in number. The standard rate of transmission should be at 7-30 days to be considered decelerating. Tuliao said the improvement can be accounted to the city’s holistic approach in curbing COVID-19 which include surveillance-isolation-treatment strategies, intensified targeted mass testing, and contact tracing, among others.

Muntinlupa City Health Office has conducted swab tests to at least 16,777 residents as of September 30 which is equivalent to 3.10% of the city’s population. The city surpassed the national target of testing two percent of the population.

Recently, the local City Council also passed City Ordinance 2020-126 ordering the mandatory self-isolation, or admission to city isolation facilities if requirements for home quarantine are not met as certified by the City Health Office (CHO), for anyone who have undergone COVID-19 swab testing.

Hospitals, healthcare facilities, and similar establishments providing laboratory and diagnostic services were also mandated to submit daily COVID-19 related data to the local public health authority for disease surveillance and response.

Further, Muntinlupa City’s molecular diagnostics laboratory and a new mega quarantine facility are set to open next week.

Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) director Dr. Edwin Dimatatac announced the development during the Better New Normal in Munti” second virtual town hall meeting via Zoom app held on September 30 that was organized by the Muntinlupa Public Information Office headed by Tez Navarro.

Dimatatac said the construction of the OsMun’s Molecular Laboratory and delivery of medical equipment are expected to be finished by next week. The laboratory is located at the Saklolo at Gabay ng Ina at Pamilya (SAGIP) building at the back of the hospital in Alabang.

Muntinlupa City aims to operate two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines at the laboratory which can process 500 to 900 samples a day. COVID-19 test results may be released as early as within 24 hours.

Deputy Chief Implementer against COVID-19 Sec. Vince Dizon earlier committed to donate one RT-PCR machine to Muntinlupa’s Molecular Laboratory once the accreditation is approved by the Department of Health.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 mega quarantine facility called We Heal as One Center being constructed in Pacwood Site, Brgy. Tunasan is also expected to be launched next week. The isolation center is a 144-bed quarantine facility constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways and the City Government of Muntinlupa.

Each room will have a comfort room, air-conditioning unit, and supplies. Residents who will occupy the isolation rooms will be given COVID-19 essentials bag consisting of a hygiene kit, vitamins, medicine, thermometer, bedsheet, pillow blanket, and towels, among others.

Last month, the Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team, headed by the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), organized a meeting with the local government officials to discuss the strategies, intervention methods and good practices against COVID-19.

Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade lauded Muntinlupa’s existing processes, policies, facilities, and equipped personnel working towards the fight against COVID-19.

“After working with the local government officials for two weeks, I can say that Muntinlupa is doing well in terms of its response efforts and there is only little work that we need to add,” Tugade said.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi says the improvement of COVID-19 situation in the city is a welcome development but warns residents not to be complacent. Fresnedi noted that while the city receives positive results in the fight against COVID-19, the public must continue to follow minimum health protocols and safety measures such as wearing of face masks, observing physical distancing and washing of hands.

As of October 1, Muntinlupa City has 4,301 confirmed cases with 3,955 recoveries, 144 reported deaths, 215 suspect cases, and 625 probable cases.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NOT to distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, engagements, commerce and updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa launches anti-flu, pneumococcal vaccination drive for elderly to help curb COVID-19

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa launches anti-flu, pneumococcal vaccination drive for elderly to help curb COVID-19

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As part of the local COVID-19 response efforts in Muntinlupa, the City Government officially launched a vaccination program for residents aged 60-years-old and above to help boost their immune system against the virus and other various diseases.

As of September 29, at least 566 senior citizens in four barangays were given anti-flu and anti-pneumonia shots in the vaccination program facilitated by the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs and the City Health Office.

Recipients were given schedules by their Barangay Senior Presidents to strictly observe physical distancing and other minimum health standards in venues where vaccines were administered. Mayor Jaime Fresnedi said the vaccination program piloted with limited beneficiaries per community but will eventually expand to cover all barangays.

“We want to give our residents added protection against COVID-19, especially the most vulnerable sectors including senior citizens, by giving them flu and pneumonia vaccines. We hope that the immunization program will help reduce COVID-19 cases in the city,” Fresnedi said.

As of September 30, Muntinlupa City has 4,272 confirmed cases with 3,916 recoveries, 213 active cases, 143 reported deaths, 225 suspect cases, and 575 probable cases.

Recently, the mayor also turned over P100,000 cash incentive to centenarian Lola Edilberta Cosio from Brgy. Putatan last September 29. Cosio and her family extended their thanks to the City Government for the recognition and cash assistance. The City Government of Muntinlupa grants cash incentives to city residents reaching the age of 100 years through the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA).

For more information, you may coordinate with OSCA with tel. nos. 8861-2166 and 8511-0127 located at Bautista St., Bayanan Baywalk (Main Office) and G/F People’s Center, ECED Office, Muntinlupa City Hall (Satellite Office).

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NOT to distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, engagements, commerce and updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Government grants zero-interest loan to 112 “Muntipreneurs” to help them recover amid pandemic

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Government grants zero-interest loan to 112 “Muntipreneurs” to help them recover amid pandemic

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In a bid to assist local businesses and revive the stalled local economy brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City Government of Muntinlupa has provided zero-interest loan to MSMEs and micro-entrepreneurs dubbed as “Muntipreneurs.”

Specifically the City Government assisted at least 112 micro-entrepreneurs through its Tulong Negosyo Program (formerly Dagdag Puhunan) and has distributed P2,762,000 cash assistance from March to September 2020. Muntinlupa City is the first LGU to introduce the micro-financing program.

Tulong Negosyo caters to MSMEs and provides micro finance assistance which ranges from P2,000 up to P150,000 depending on the business capital ceiling and payment record of beneficiaries. The program aims to provide additional capital for business expansion for aspiring and established business owners in Muntinlupa.

On September 23, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led a turn-over ceremony of loan assistance amounting to P990,000.00 to 28 Tulong Negosyo Batch 116 beneficiaries in Muntinlupa City Hall. Among the beneficiaries, three local entrepreneurs received P100,000 each while one member received P150,000.

Fresnedi vows to continue the program and assist Muntipreneurs especially in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The mayor hopes to revive the local economy by support grassroot players through various programs.

Recently, the loan repayment period was extended by three months for clients with existing loans from March to June 2020 in a bid to help them recover from losses due to the pandemic.

Tulong Negosyo program has three categories namely: Simulang Kapital (SIKAP) Pangkabuhayan with loan application amounting to P2,000 – P5,000, Asenso Loan Program amounting to P6,000 – P75,000, and Maunlad Loan Program amounting to P75,000 – P150,000.

Further, a Savings Program has been incorporated in the loan assistance to teach clients about the importance of economizing and serve as protection to the clients and the program. Entrepreneurial education through trainings and other related interventions are also conducted.

Due to the ongoing health crisis, the Tulong Negosyo has implemented Online Application services and cashless repayment system through Smart Padala and G-Cash.

To apply, visit Joint Resources Financing Program – JRF Facebook Page or click the following links: New Applications – bit.ly/TulongNegosyoNew, and Renewal – bit.ly/TulongNegosyoRenewal. The Muntinlupa Joint Resources Financing Program is located at 2F Plaza Central, Brgy. Poblacion with contact numbers 8772-3457and (0921) 888 6124.

Muntinlupa City is hailed the country’s Most Business-Friendly LGU in 2017-2018 by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, no distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City loans P1 million to a local cooperative

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City loans P1 million to a local cooperative

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The City Government of Muntinlupa yesterday provided a P1,000,000 loan to assist local business Salon de Ayala Service and Credit Cooperative in a bid to help businesses within the city’s jurisdiction to recover from the economic disruption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi signed a memorandum of agreement with Salon de Ayala head Pam Godinez and Cooperative Salon De Ayala chairman Angeline Teodoro (3rd from left) for the loan assistance last September 18. Also present during the signing were City Cooperative Officer Cynthia Viacrusis and Coun. Eliot Martinez. The mayor assured business owners in Muntinlupa City of the City Government’s continuing concern and support during these trying times.

Muntinlupa City champions MSME development through various programs including the Tulong Negosyo program (formerly Dagdag Puhunan program) which offers zero-percent interest loan assistance from 2,000 to 150,000 pesos. As of September 17, Muntinlupa City has 3,967 confirmed cases with 3,188 recoveries, 649 active cases, 130 reported deaths, 452 suspect cases, and 581 probable cases.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, no distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

Muntinlupa City Hotline 137-175 for centralized quick emergency response officially launched

Muntinlupa City Hotline 137-175 for centralized quick emergency response officially launched

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The City Government of Muntinlupa officially launched Emergency Hotline “137-175” on September 15, 2020. Hotline 137-175 is a centralized post for reporting of emergency cases and incidents, including quick response for emergency rescue cases which require police assistance, firefighter rescue services, traffic rescue services, and ambulance medical services. City residents are welcome to use the hotline for their emergency concerns.

Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management (MCDDRM) chief Erwin Alfonso said the installation of the unified hotline aims to improve the city’s immediate response in providing rescue, medical, and police assistance.

Alfonso noted that calls received through the emergency hotline will be processed in Muntinlupa City Command Center by designated officers from MCDDRM, Muntinlupa City Rescue, Muntinlupa City Health, Muntinlupa City Traffic and Management Bureau, Muntinlupa City Police Station, and Bureau of Fire Protection – Muntinlupa for coordination to their respective units.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urged the public to save the city’s hotline in their phones or in their homes to easily access the emergency service. The mayor hoped that through the centralized emergency hotline, responses of the city’s departments will be delivered in a more effective, quick and coordinated manner.

“The launching of Muntinlupa’s Emergency Hotline 137-175 is very timely especially that we are in a pandemic and enter the rainy season where cases of road accidents increase. The local government hopes to provide a quick response system that will immediately address and respond to the public’s emergency concerns,” Fresnedi said.

As of September 14, Muntinlupa City has 3,872 confirmed cases with 3,066 recoveries, 679 active cases, 127 reported deaths, 487 suspect cases, and 611 probable cases.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, no distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

COVID-19 Crisis: Hospitals and clinics in Muntinlupa City mandated to report COVID-19 cases or face charges and penalties

COVID-19 Crisis: Hospitals and clinics in Muntinlupa City mandated to report COVID-19 cases or face charges and penalties

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To outline the extent of COVID-19 health situation in the city, the City Government of Muntinlupa ordered hospitals and clinics to submit health information of COVID-19 cases and identified close contacts for disease surveillance and response.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi signed City Ordinance 2020-107 mandating all hospitals, healthcare facilities, and similar establishments providing laboratory and diagnostic services operating in Muntinlupa City to submit daily COVID-19 related data to the local public health authority.

Under the local ordinance, the City Health Office shall prepare a template requesting for personal health information of COVID-19 cases and identified close contacts from local health facilities.

Processing of health information shall only involve the minimum extent of personal data necessary for case investigation and management, contract tracing and monitoring, quarantine and isolation, mandatory reporting to public health authorities, or treatment and coordination purposes.

The City Government assures the public that the manner of processing of personal health information shall be in accordance with the guidelines by the Department of Health such as Administrative Order No. 2020-0013 (Guidelines for the lnclusion of COVID-19 in the List of Notifiable Diseases for Mandatory Reporting to the DOH) and DOH Department Memorandum No. 2020-0189 (Updated Guidelines on Contact Tracing of Close Contacts of Confirmed COVID-19 Cases).

Muntinlupa City Council majority floor leader Coun. Raul Corro said the purpose of the reportorial requirement is to build a repository of real-time COVID-19 data as basis of evidence-informed health policy and intervention measures.

Corro added the real-time sharing of data from healthcare facilities and the City Health Office will help improve local response activities, including the quality and accessibility of health services and other related interventions for COVID-19.

Establishments violating provisions in the local ordinance shall be penalized with closure, suspension, or revocation of its business permit or license.

Further, Muntinlupa City Council also approved City Ordinance 2020-126 ordering the mandatory self-isolation, or admission to city isolation facilities if requirements for home quarantine are not met as certified by the City Health Office (CHO), for anyone who have undergone COVID-19 swab testing.

The local ordinance aims to restrict movement of suspect cases and prevent possible carriers of the virus to travel and infect other individuals. Residents violating the local ordinance will face P3,000 penalty for first offense, P5,000 for second offense, and a maximum of one-year imprisonment upon discretion of the court and P5,000 penalty for the third and succeeding offenses.

Isolation facilities in Muntinlupa are located in Ospital ng Muntinlupa, Brgy. Alabang and Emergency Quarantine Facility (EQF) in Brgy. Sucat. An additional quarantine facility is being constructed in Pacwood Site, Brgy. Tunasan in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urged city residents to continue exercise vigilance and strict observance of health protocols such as frequent hand-washing, physical distancing, wearing of face masks, proper cough etiquette, and other precautionary measures.

As of September 10, Muntinlupa City has 3,785 confirmed cases with 2,960 recoveries, 696 active cases, 129 reported deaths, 552 suspect cases, and 571 probable cases.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, no distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

Muntinlupa City represents Philippines in WWF’s We Love Cities campaign

Muntinlupa City represents Philippines in WWF’s We Love Cities campaign

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Muntinlupa City joins the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) We Love Cities campaign, a friendly competition among global cities to raise awareness on sustainability, as one of the representatives of the Philippines.

After qualifying as a finalist in the recent One Planet City Challenge (OPCC), WWF selected Muntinlupa City as one the country’s representatives in the We Love Cities campaign which aims to bridge better communication between city officials and citizens they represent on climate and sustainability issues.

Muntinlupa City under the We Love Cities campaign.

We Love Cities is a public engagement campaign that allows people across the world to express support for sustainable urban development by voting for their favorite finalist from WWF’s One Planet City Challenge and posting improvement suggestions for these cities.

The campaign aims to raise awareness for the sustainability progress being made in cities, give the general public an opportunity to submit suggestions to decision makers, and strengthen public – decision makers’ cooperation.

58 cities from 27 countries that have demonstrated a strong will to transition toward a sustainable future were selected in the online campaign. Joining Muntinlupa City as part of the Philippine delegation are Batangas City, Batangas and Santa Rosa, Laguna.

WWF lauded Muntinlupa’s action plan to combat the urban heat island effect. The organization highlights the city’s holistic approach towards sustainability including gardening initiatives, first aid trainings to equip city employees in assisting the public during particularly hot periods, climate responsive agriculture training for urban farmers, aquaponics, vertical farming, mulching and mushroom culture.

The public may vote using the official hashtag #WeLoveMuntinlupaCityPH in Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Meanwhile, the number of likes, comments, and shares from the City Government of Muntinlupa – OFFICIAL and We Love Cities Facebook Page for Muntinlupa’s bid will also be counted as official votes.

Further, the public may also visit the city’s page at www.welovecities.org/muntinlupa and click the vote button or submit a suggestion on how to make the city even better.

The electric jeepney of Muntinlupa is one of the many environment-friendly projects. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The campaign will run for 4 weeks from September 14 to October 11, 2020. Participating cities will be promoted via WWF websites, the campaign page, finalists’ websites and social media. The winner will receive the We Love Cities Award.

The participants for this year’s We Love Cities campaign include: Argentina: Buenos Aires, Chacabuco and San Martin de los Andes; Brazil: Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza and Rio de Janeiro; Canada: Vancouver; Chile: Peñalolén, Santiago and Valdivia; Colombia: Mantizales, Monteriá and Villavicencio; Côte d’Ivoire: Commune de Cocody; Ecuador: Municipio de Loja; Finland: Turku; France: Paris; Guatemala: Escuintla, Iztapa and San José; Iceland: Reykjavik; India: Kochi, Nagpur and Rajkot; Indonesia: Balikpapan, Banda Aceh and Jakarta; Malaysia: Melaka, Petaling Jaya and Sebarang Perai; Mexico: Hermosillo, Mérida and Mexico City; New Zealand: Wellington City Council; Norway: Arendal and Baerum; Peru: Borja, Lima and Magdalena; Philippines: Muntinlupa, Batangas and Santa Rosa; Republic of Korea: Suwon City; South Africa: Cape Town, Durban and KwaDukuza; plus many others.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

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