COVID-19 Crisis: DTI keeps pushing on for businesses to be open on all alert levels

The road to full economic recovery during this COVID-19 pandemic remains rough and bumpy as the national and local authorities continue to struggle between health and economics. The last enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in Metro Manila were very damaging to the economy as a whole. Fortunately for the businesses and the employees, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) continues to push hard for economic recovery as a new proposal was made to allow all businesses to remain open at all alert levels with varying limits on capacity according to a recent Philippine News Agency (PNA) report.

From September 16 to September 30, 2021, Metro Manila was placed under Alert Level 4 of the new system of quarantine (which includes granular lockdowns) and during this particular period, businesses were literally given some breathing room as personal care service joints and restaurants were allowed accommodate vaccinated customers to spend time inside their respective locations but with specific limits on in-door capacity. DTI is pushing for something better economically.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA report. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is proposing to allow all businesses to remain open at all alert levels but varying operating capacities.

“The idea is business activities, economic activities should continue at all alert levels and you just change the operating capacity. So at least there is still (business) continuity,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said in an interview with ABS CBN News Channel (ANC) Thursday.

He added that operating capacity should be reduced when an area reached Alert Level 4.

Under Alert Level 4, indoor dine-in and personal care services are allowed at 10 percent capacity for fully vaccinated customers only, while outdoor dine-in and personal care services can operate up to 30 percent operating capacity.

“So there’s containment, there are a bit of more restrictions, but at least you allow the business activities to continue,” Lopez added.

The trade chief is also hopeful that the alert level system in Metro Manila will ease to Alert Level 3 starting Friday.

Lopez said some 76,000 to 80,000 businesses did not operate even under the alert level system since the current protocol does not allow some sectors to operate.

Moreover, he said DTI is pushing for the inclusion of gym operations in Alert Level 4 considering that fitness clubs and centers are essential businesses.

“We’ve been arguing that exercise is really one vital activity to increase their immunity level. In fact, they allowed outdoor exercise at all levels. We were just saying, for indoors, we just manage it,” Lopez said.

Lopez said the DTI stands ready to assist enterprises as the agency continues to offer financing packages to businesses affected by the pandemic.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the DTI’s latest move to improve the economic situation? If you are a business owner who has at least ten employees to take care of, what do you think the DTI, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Metro Manila Council (MMC) should do to make things better for doing business in Metro Manila? Do you believe that the people responsible for the last ECQ and MECQ in Metro Manila cared about hot issues like unemployment, loss of income and business closures?

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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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 to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Biazon and Fresnedi unite for “One Munti,” ensure continuity of forward progress in Muntinlupa

Muntinlupeños now have one thing less to worry about for the duration of the pandemic as the current leadership unite under one banner and ensure the continuous delivery of excellent public service.

Incumbent Representative Ruffy Biazon and Mayor Jaime R. Fresnedi have allied under the “One Muntinlupa” unity party led by Biazon to make sure the economic gains and best practices of the last nine years continue to be enjoyed by Muntinlupeños and even by transient workers based in the City.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi will run for Congress in the May 2022 elections while incumbent Congressman Ruffy Biazon will run for Mayor of Muntinlupa. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

“Mas makakampante ngayon ang ating mga kababayang Muntinlupeño sa harap ng pandemya (Muntinlupeños can be more confident now in this pandemic),” Biazon said of the unity force. Under the One Muntinlupa slate, Biazon will be the mayoral candidate while Fresnedi runs for Congress.

“The services such as scholarships, benefits, and relief packages that have helped many of our kababayan survive will definitely continue. Together, we will survive and overcome,” Biazon said.

“Elections tend to cause significant uncertainty in the people, which is why they can be divisive as voters choose candidates they think can make life better for them,” Fresnedi added. “By joining our vision and resources, Congressman Biazon and I make sure that the benefits that Muntinlupeños have enjoyed for the last nine years will continue, and can even be made better.”

In an interview, Fresnedi said his first order of business should he win as Congressman is to lobby for the creation of an additional congressional district in Muntinlupa. “Isa sa mga una kong isusulong ay ang additional congressional district para sa Muntinlupa. Ang population ng aming lungsod ay tamang tama na para sa isa pang congressional district,” Fresnedi noted.

To date, Muntinlupa City has a population of 543,445 according to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing. The population requirement for the creation of a congressional district is 250,000 residents per Article VI, Sec.5 of the 1987 Constitution. Fresnedi also vowed to sponsor bills of national relevance that will not only benefit the people of Muntinlupa but also the whole country.

In Fresnedi’s six terms as mayor (1998-2007, 2013-present), Muntinlupa experienced unprecedented economic and social growth, culminating in recognitions such as the ISO 9001:2008 certification, Most Business-Friendly LGU by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance, among others. Fresnedi advocated an Eight-Point Program of Governance which prioritized education, health care, and economic development, driven by numerous scholarships and training programs and the construction of schools and health facilities.

Likewise, in his five terms as lone district Representative (2001-2010, 2016-present), Biazon has continuously championed in Congress measures that would promote and protect the plight and welfare of his constituents in Muntinlupa City and the Filipino people in general.  As of this writing, Biazon has already filed more than a hundred proposed measures and various resolutions on defense and security; local governance and public order; poverty alleviation/social justice; education; environment; agriculture; housing; and maritime, air and land transportation and safety.

Biazon also served from 2011 to 2013 as Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs where he initiated a wide range of reforms, including pushing for the passage of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (Republic Act No. 10863). Fresnedi meanwhile started his service to Muntinlupa when he was appointed Municipal Attorney and later as OIC Vice Mayor in the aftermath of the 1986 People Power uprising.

Both Biazon and Fresnedi currently offer scholarships for poor but deserving students, purposely investing for the future through education, and laying the foundations of long-term economic development as a means to peace and security in Muntinlupa City.

Joining Biazon and Fresnedi in One Muntinlupa are Artemio “Temy” Simundac for Vice Mayor, District 1 Councilors: Coun. Atty. Raul Corro, Coun. Allan Rey Camilon, Coun. Paty Katy Boncayao, Coun. Alexson Diaz, Coun. Ivee Arciaga-Tadefa, Coun. Ting Niefes, Ms. Rachel Arciaga, and Mr. Jedi Presnedi, District 2 Councilors: Coun. Francis Ian Bagatsing, Coun. Mark Lester Baes, Coun. Engr. Marissa Rongavilla, Coun. Engr. Arlene Hilapo, Coun. Engr. Mamerto Sevilla Jr., Coun. Cornelio Martinez, Ms. Luvi Constantino, and Ms. Letty Santiago.

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The above information was sourced from the official press release of the Muntinlupa PIO. Some parts were changed for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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 to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

FamilyMart now serving customers inside BF Homes subdivision

FamilyMart, a chain of convenience stores with presence in strategic locations in Metro Manila and some provinces, recently opened a brand-new branch inside BF Homes subdivision in Parañaque City. The new store is located just steps away from the corner of Aguirre Avenue and Gonzales street. Very near FamilyMart BF Homes (which is not located along Aguirre Avenue) are Vapor and the closed gate of the nearest enclave.

This is FamilyMart BF Homes.

On the Facebook page of FamilyMart BF Homes, a picture was posted showing the ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place on the afternoon of September 28. On that same picture post, it was announced that the convenience store will operate daily from 9AM to 7PM.

Having seen that social media post, I took the opportunity to go there, see the new store and buy myself a drink. Having visited the past FamilyMart branch (opened in 2013 outside of the subdivision but still part of Barangay BF Homes) that once operated along Presidents Avenue years prior, I wondered how much interior space the new store has for its customers.

After parking my vehicle, I paid attention to the signs on the entrance. I could not just go in because I had to complete an online registration form (for COVID-19 contact tracing and referencing) in order to enter (note: it would be great if the store starts using the StaySafe.ph system as an additional contact tracing option). After submitting my details online, a store employee opened the door and near him were the temperature scanner and the sanitizer.

Family Mart BF Homes has an interior set-up that resembles a local community pharmacy. There is a counter with the store employees behind it waiting to serve customers. On the other side of the counter, there was limited space for customers to move with and there were shelves of varied products (mostly consumable goods), a freezer containing ice cream products, as well as refrigerators containing drinks and a few ready-to-cook food items. Ultimately, I bought a Milo shake from them.

While driving along Aguirre Avenue, watch out for this corner sign to find FamilyMart BF Homes.

Having visited FamilyMart branches in Parañaque City (two), Muntinlupa City (two) and Makati City (two), I can say that FamilyMart BF Homes is easily the smallest branch I ever visited. Not a bad thing but notable. The store is ideal if you want to stop by, buy something to enjoy and move on to your next destination.

Regardless, FamilyMart BF Homes still has a lot to offer that other convenient stores cannot. If you love chicken, FamilyMart has FamiChicky and ChickyPops. If you want something unique to eat, try their pizza bar. If you can’t afford ramen at the restaurants, FamilyMart offers ramen that is friendly to your budget. For the beverage enthusiasts, the Iced Caramel Macchiato, Sakura Ichigo, Signature Hot Matcha and Iced Creamy Matcha should be tried.    

To know more about FamilyMart BF Homes (address: 75 Aguirre Avenue), visit their official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fmbfhomes

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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 to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City Council passes resolution recognizing US Open Nine-Ball champion Carlo Biado

In recognition of his recent feat in the highly coveted US Open title in billiards, the Muntinlupa City Council recently passed a resolution congratulating Filipino pool player and Muntinlupa resident Carlo Biado.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi approved Resolution No. 2021-542 this past Monday formally  congratulating Biado for emerging as champion in the U.S. Open Nine-Ball Competition held in Atlantic City on September 19. Biado’s achievement ended a 27-year drought for the Philippines in the US Open Pool Tournament winning over Aloysius Yapp from Singapore.

Since its founding in 1976, championship titles were dominated by Americans until 1994 when the most-winning non-U.S. player in the event’s history, Efren Bata Reyes from the Philippines, was the first non-American victor.

The City Council lauded Biado’s achievement noting that “such a feat is a testament that talent, coupled with sacrifice and hard work, is always a formula to success.”

The local resolution was sponsored by Councilors Atty. Raul Corro, Alexson Diaz, Paty Katy Boncayao, Louisito Arciaga, Allan Rey Camilon,, Ting Niefes, Stephanie Teves, Ivee Rhia Tadefa, Marissa Rongavilla, Francis lan Bagatsing, Mark Lester Baes, Mamerto Sevilla Jr., Arlene Hilapo, Cornelio Martinez, Walter Arcilla and Kenichi Takagi Jr.

Carlo Biado, originally hails from Nueva Ecija, is presently residing in Southern Hills in Soldiers Village, Muntinlupa City.

Biado’s professional career includes playing in the WPA [World Pool-Billiard Association] World Ten-ball Championship in 2015, the Men’s 9-Ball event of the 2017 World Games, 2018 WPA World Nine-ball Championship, and 2019 WPA Players Championship.

His current WPA ranking is No. 3 and he is the only player from the Philippines in the top 10. He earned medals for billiards and snooker at the 2019 Southeast-Asian Games-Men’s 9-ball doubles.

Biado is slated to compete in the 2022 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Thailand, Vietnam SEA Games, and World Games in Alabama.

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The above information was sourced from the official press release of the Muntinlupa PIO. Some parts were changed for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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 to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Total inoculation count in Las Piñas City approaching 800,000

This past weekend, the City Government of Las Piñas announced that its overall inoculation count is approaching the eight hundred thousand. To be precise, the official grand total was at 787,768 as of September 25, 2021. The total number of patients who got vaccinated with the 1st dose was at 422,300 while the number of patients who got vaccinated with the 2nd dose was at 374,260.

For transparency, posted below is the official image of statistics released by the City Government through social media.

As before, the numbers just don’t add up. 422,300 1st dose count plus 374,260 2nd dose count equals 796,560. That’s a difference of 8,792 more than the official grand total.

Any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

In recent times, the City Government launched COVID-19 hotline numbers so that those with problems can gain assistance.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction about the latest vaccination statistics?

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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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 to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Vaccine czar Galvez says 50% population protection enough to start vaccinating minors

Any parents out there still struggling to decide on whether to have their qualified children vaccinated for COVID-19 or not? For everyone’s information, the nation’s vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. stated that a 50% population protection threshold is enough to begin the actual vaccination of minors (aged 12 to 17 specifically) according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA news report. Some parts in boldface…

A 50-percent population protection threshold is enough to start the vaccination of minors aged 12 to 17 years old, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Sunday.

Galvez, who welcomed the latest shipment of 3 million doses of government-procured Sinovac vaccines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City, said once the “saturation point” in the inoculation drive for the priority sectors is reached, the vaccination of the younger age group can commence.

“We will present in the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) on how we would really look at the possibility as to when are we going to vaccinate our pre-adolescents and if we see that we get the sizeable threshold of more or less 50 percent of our population, we can start vaccinating them,” Galvez said partly in Filipino during an interview.

Galvez had proposed the vaccination of youngsters by mid-October, with minors with comorbidities and children of health care workers as among the priorities.

The government can vaccinate about 12 million minors with the arrival of 20 million doses by the first week of October, added Galvez, chief implementer of the National Task Force Against Covid-19.

In relation to the news above, the City Government of Muntinlupa formally started their online registration of COVID-19 vaccination for local minors and as of September 20, 2021, close to nine thousand minors got registered.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a parent of a child aged 12 to 17-years-old, what is your reaction to Galvez’s statements above? Do you think a 50% population protection rate is good enough to justify the start of actual vaccination of minors?

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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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 to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Las Piñas City Mayor Aguilar honored again

A few months ago, Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar was honored by the Regional Peace and Order Council-National Capital Region (RPOC-NCR) in recognition of her administration’s perseverance and ensuring order and safety in the city during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Very recently, Mayor Aguilar received another honor this time by Department of Labor and Employment-National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR) according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

What exactly is the newest honor all about? To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

Las Pinas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar was was recognized by the Department of Labor and Employment-National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR) for her leadership and humanitarian interventions to address the health and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Atty. Sarah Mirasol, Regional Director of the DOLE-NCR, recognized Aguilar’s contribution to the global response of leaving no-one behind and extending the LGU’s arms to DOLE-NCR personnel in its COVID-19 vaccination roll- out.

The Plaque of Recognition cited Aguilar’s actions as an indication of her selflessness and dedicated service to the public driven by compassion and solidarity.

Aguilar thanked DOLE-NCR for the recognition and vowed to continue to give better services to Las Pineros.

The above report ended with Mayor Aguilar expressing her gratitude to the local constituents for their discipline and following the minimum health protocols. It should be mentioned that very recently, the City Government launched COVID-19 hotline numbers so that those with problems can access help or information. Also there are hundreds of thousands of people in the city who got vaccinated.

Any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what do you think about the latest recognition your mayor received? Do you feel delighted that Mayor Aguilar got honored again?

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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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 to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: 24/7 COVID-19 hotline numbers now serving Las Piñas City residents

Through the Manila Bulletin, the City Government of Las Piñas announced that it has officially launched a COVID-19 hotline system composed of five numbers (one landline number and four mobile numbers) to serve residents in the campaign against the spread of the coronavirus and its variants on a schedule of 24 hours per day and seven days per week.

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

The Las Pinas City government announced that 24/7 COVID-19 hotline numbers are now open to serve residents and help fight the spread of the coronavirus disease.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said residents who exhibit the symptoms of the virus can call the COVID-19 hotline number for a free phone consultation.

Aguilar said residents who want to be brought to isolation facilities or hospitals can also call the hotline numbers and they will be picked up by the ambulance.

The mayor said the city government’s hotline numbers are 89945782, 09776726211, 09496246824, 09682397922 and 09271400595.

Aguilar said the city government is also planning to add more hotline numbers to better serve city residents.

She said aside from the 24/7 COVID-19 hotline numbers, the city government is also offering free RT-PCR and antigen swab testing.

For the reference of city residents.

Any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, does the establishment of dedicate hotline numbers make you feel more confident about surviving the pandemic while living in the city?

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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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 to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Almost 65 million doses of vaccines received by the Philippines so far

The chances of the Philippines achieving herd immunity before the end of this year look somewhat better as the nation received so far almost 65 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines including almost 10 million in a single week recently according to a news report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA news report. Some parts in boldface…

The country has so far received a total of 64,942,000 vaccine doses, including the 9,586,270 doses from Sept. 13 to 19 — the highest weekly delivery since the life-saving shots from various manufacturers started arriving in February.

In a news release issued by the National Task Force Against Covid-19 on Monday night, it said of these shipments, 6,171,590 million doses arrived over the weekend. A total of 561,600 Pfizer doses donated by the US through COVAX Facility arrived Monday evening.

The national government continues to build up the Covid-19 vaccine inventory with the steady arrival of larger shipments of government-procured and donated vaccine supplies.

“We are very happy with the developments in our vaccine acquisition efforts especially with the recent deliveries,“ National Task Force Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said.

“This is a testament of our collective effort — from the national government, the local government units, the private sector, and the global community — in securing much-needed doses for our people,” Galvez added.

Of the more than 9.58 million doses delivered last week, 6.65 million combined doses of Sinovac, Pfizer, Moderna and Sputnik V vaccines were procured by the national government, 909,400 doses of AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines were purchased by the private sector and local government units (LGUs), and 2.02 million doses were donations through the COVAX Facility.

“We are now beginning to reap the benefits of having a forward-looking and sustainable plan in our vaccine procurement. We will continue to negotiate and hopefully sustain this bulk allocation and delivery schedule in the coming weeks,” Galvez said.

He earlier announced that more than 34 million doses are expected to be delivered this month from various sources and manufacturers. Of this number, 13,041,410 doses have been delivered.

Sustaining bulk deliveries

Vaccine manufacturers and the national government are in talks to scale up the country’s monthly allocation beginning this month, Galvez bared.

Despite most of the supply contracts indicating that the volume of the Philippines’ orders will be shipped in the fourth quarter, the NTF continued to engage with the manufacturers as part of its aggressive efforts to secure additional vaccine doses.

“We are grateful to our embassies and our consular offices around the globe for their hard work and determination to help our country access and secure the 30 million doses that we need monthly,” he said.

As of Sept. 19, a total of 41,414,015 jabs have been administered nationwide. Fully protected persons are now at 18,560,409 or 24.06 percent of the country’s 77 million target population.

More than 22.85 million vaccine doses have been administered as the first shot.

In the National Capital Region, 84.47 percent of its target population have received at least one dose, while 66.3 percent have been fully inoculated.

Residents of Muntinlupa City who remain unregistered and unvaccinated should make a move to get registered by learning the ways to do it. Those who are prepared (with personal information available) and willing to go through online registration for the free vaccines in Muntinlupa are encouraged to click https://vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac/

Las Piñas City residents who remain unregistered for the free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Does the above news make you confident that achieving herd immunity before the end of year will be realized? Are there still a lot of people in your local community who remain unregistered and unvaccinated? Did you encounter an anti-vaccine activist recently?

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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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 to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Almost 9,000 minors registered for COVID-19 vaccines in Muntinlupa City

Since it officially launched the online registration process for local minors (12 to 17-years-old) for COVID-19 vaccination, the City Government of Muntinlupa announced that almost nine thousand minors have been registered according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Nearly 9,000 minors from 12 to 17-year-olds have already signed up for the Muntinlupa City government’s vaccination registration program.

According to the city government, from Sept. 14 to 20, or in one week after its launch, 8,812 people belonging to the 12-17 age group are now registered.

The total translates to 16 percent of Muntinlupa’s total population of 55,391 of 12 to 17-year-olds based on the 2020 Census of Population and Housing data from Muntinlupa’s City Planning and Development Office.

When the vaccination registration for minors was launched last Sept. 14, a total of 3,477 minors registered.

By barangay, out of the 8,812, Putatan has the highest number of registrants with 1,623, followed by Tunasan, 1,218; Poblacion, 1,153; Alabang, 978; Cupang, 781; Sucat, 570; Ayala Alabang, 493; Bayanan, 484; and Buli, 154. Non-residents who registered totaled 1,358.

Of the 55,391 population of 12 to 17-year-old in Muntinlupa, Poblacion has the highest number with 12,243 followed by Putatan, 10,164; Alabang, 7,244; Tunasan, 6,256; Cupang, 5,830; Sucat, 5,744; Bayanan, 3,990; Ayala Alabang, 2,560; and Buli, 1,360.

As of Sept. 17, the Muntinlupa City COVID-19 Vaccination Program has administered 554,197 vaccines.

A total of 324,690 individuals have received their first dose, or 84.2 percent of the target population of 385,725. In addition, 233,866 people are now fully vaccinated, or 60.6 percent of the target.

The country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had earlier agreed to amend the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) given to Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines to make them available for use for 12 years old and above.

However, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a media briefing on Sept. 20 that there is no recommendation yet from experts to vaccinate those belonging to the 12 to 17 years age bracket.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident and a parent of a child aged 12-17, what is your reaction to the above news?

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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