Category: South Metro Manila Communities

Youth entrepreneurs in Muntinlupa receive stimulus assistance, earn recognition from City Council

Youth entrepreneurs in Muntinlupa receive stimulus assistance, earn recognition from City Council

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Yesterday the City Government of Muntinlupa awarded stimulus assistance to displaced youth workers in the city who have started their own businesses in a bid to recover from unemployment and other challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the turn-over of financial assistance to 34 youth entrepreneurs under the first of batch of NegosYouth: Stimulus Recovery Assistance Program of the Youth Affairs and Sports Development Office.

Fresnedi says the resilience of the city’s youth entrepreneurs to innovate amid challenging times is worthy of emulation. The local exec hopes that their stories will also inspire other young people in the city to also start their own businesses.

Under the stimulus program, the City Government provides P5,000 in financial assistance to out-of-work youth, students, and out-of-school youth who have started their own businesses during the community quarantine. The beneficiaries will also receive entrepreneurship trainings on financial literacy, leadership, and among others.

Following an assessment, the beneficiaries will be endorsed to the Joint Resource Financing Program to receive zero-interest loan assistance of up to P150,000 for the expansion of their businesses.

The first batch of the stimulus assistance for the youth is composed of members of Muntinlupa Locals, a street wear movement which empowers and bolster the spirit of entrepreneurship among the youth of the city.

Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (2nd from left) and Youth Affairs and Sports Development Officer Cynthia Viacrusis lead the turn-over ceremony of financial assistance to 34 displaced youth workers turned entrepreneurs under the first of batch of NegosYouth: Stimulus Recovery Assistance Program last March 8. 34 youth entrepreneurs from Muntinlupa Locals, a Muntinlupa-based street wear movement, were the first recipients of the stimulus assistance. Recently, the Muntinlupa City Council passed Resolution No. 2020-406 recognizing the achievement of Muntinlupa Locals in honing the business skills of the local youth and stirring employment among the residents of Muntinlupa. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Muntinlupa Locals was founded in June 2020 by Patrick H. Aquino, a resident of Barangay Alabang and proprietor of Ayong Graphics. The youth group supports at least 70 Muntinlupa-based brands and envisions the Muntinlupa youth to be self-reliant by encouraging and bolstering their entrepreneurial skills through patronage and sale of Muntinlupa made, designed and manufactured clothing line.

Recently, the Muntinlupa City Council passed Resolution No. 2020-406 recognizing the achievement of Muntinlupa Locals in honing the business skills of the local youth and stirring employment among the residents of Muntinlupa.

For interested individuals, coordinate with Muntinlupa City Youth Affairs and Sports Development Office located at Muntinlupa Sports Center, Brgy. Tunasan with tel. no. 8862-8428.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. 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 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: Muntinlupa City Government urges residents to be cautious in workplaces, public transportation amid rising COVID-19 cases

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Government urges residents to be cautious in workplaces, public transportation amid rising COVID-19 cases

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Recording a 65% increase in active cases over the last month, the City Government of Muntinlupa is urging city residents to remain observing health protocols especially the working class who are the subject of recent COVID-19 transmission.

Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao said recent COVID-19 active cases are residents who work outside the city and may have contracted the virus in their workplaces or during their commute. Tuliao noted that most of infected employees have transmitted the virus to their family members leading to the increase of cases in the city.

As of March 7, Muntinlupa CHO recorded 129 active cases from the city’s nine barangays. Muntinlupa only has 78 active cases last February 7.

The doubling time, or the number of days for COVID-19 cases to double in number, is 28.60 days and the attack rate is at 10.46/1000 as of March 7. The average daily new cases for the past 2 weeks in Muntinlupa is 12 cases per day while the recovery rate is at 94.69%.

While the city remains to have one of the lowest COVID-19 attack rates among local government units in Metro Manila, the Muntinlupa CHO reminds the public to observe “utmost caution” especially when taking a commute in public transportation and in their workplaces. The local government is set to coordinate with companies and tricycle and jeepney operators to reinforce the implementation of health measures in their establishments and vehicles.

Recently, Muntinlupa City StaySafe.PH Task Force intensifies its contact tracing efforts through the implementation of StaySafe.PH app. Members of the Business Permits and Licensing Office has conducted inspections in various malls and other establishments to ensure full compliance to the contact tracing initiatives.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urged city residents not to let their guard down and strictly follow minimum health protocols amid rising cases in the city.

Public reminder from the City Government. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

“The arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in the country should not give us a false sense of security. COVID-19 is still here and we should continue observing health protocols such as wearing our face mask and face shield, physical distancing, and washing of hands,” the local exec said. He also appealed to the public to refrain taking non-essential trips.

While the IATF has issued guidelines for a unified travel protocols for all local government units easing cross-border trips, the City Government eyes to impose stricter travel protocols for inbound visitors especially individuals coming from the province. Muntinlupa also supports the decision of the Metro Manila Council for the deferment of reopening cinemas due to health concerns.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. 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 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’s road clearing efforts earn positive remarks from DILG-NCR

Muntinlupa City’s road clearing efforts earn positive remarks from DILG-NCR

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Members of the regional validation team from the Department of the Interior and Local Government conducted a road clearing assessment in Muntinlupa and recognized the city’s efforts in maintaining cleared major and inner roads.

DILG-NCR Assistant Regional Director Atty. Analyn Baltazar-Cortez led the validation team with representatives from MMDA, DPWH, and NCRPO as they inspect ten (10) local roads yesterday.

ARD Cortez presented some major and minor obstructions observed by the team during their inspection and discussed recommendations for the local government’s consideration. She also lauded the visible effort to clear local roads and rehabilitate sidewalks in Muntinlupa.

“While we acknowledge that the maintenance of cleared roads is a challenging task, the efforts for road clearing is very noticeable. There is a roving vehicle for public announcement, traffic enforcers are highly visible on major intersections, and roads are generally clean and well maintained,” Cortez said.

The final rating will be released by the DILG upon completion of inspection visits in all Metro Manila local government units. Muntinlupa is the 13th LGU to be visited by the regional validation team.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi welcomed the recommendations from the DILG and ordered barangay chairmen to immediately resolve observed obstructions within their areas of jurisdiction. Fresnedi commits to continually support the National Government’s thrust in the clearing of all obstructions and rehabilitation of public roads.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (center) welcomes the DILG regional validation team led by DILG-NCR Assistant Regional Director Atty. Analyn Baltazar-Cortez (left of Fresnedi) during an exit conference yesterday. The validation team conducted an inspection to assess the local government’s road clearing efforts. ARD Cortez recognized the visible effort to clear local roads and rehabilitate sidewalks in Muntinlupa. The final rating will be released by the DILG upon completion of inspection visits in all Metro Manila local government units. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

In 2019, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered clearing of obstructions on public roads and sidewalks, including the removal of illegal structures, illegally-parked vehicles, and illegal vending.

DILG reiterated the continuation of Road Clearing Operations through the issuance of MC 2020-145 mandating LGUs to remove road and sidewalk obstructions, craft and implement displacement plans, rehabilitate and maintain cleared roads, and create a grievance mechanism.

Under the Memorandum Circular, LGUs were enjoined to conduct road clearing operations from November 16, 2020 to January 15, 2021. It was later extended to February 15, 2021. 

The degree of implementation varies depending on the community quarantine status raised in the respective locality. For Muntinlupa, partial implementation of the road clearing’s continuation is expected as the city is under the General Community Quarantine.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. 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 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: Vaccination site at Barangay Manuyo Dos inspected ahead of planned Las Piñas City vaccination drive

COVID-19 Crisis: Vaccination site at Barangay Manuyo Dos inspected ahead of planned Las Piñas City vaccination drive

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Yesterday Las Piñas City Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery together with officials of the City Engineering Office conducted an ocular inspection at one of the official vaccination sites located at the Gatchalian covered court in Barangay Manuyo Dos. . Rose Bantog, head of City Engineering Office, at one of the city’s vaccination sites, at Gatchalian Covered Court in Barangay Manuyo Dos today, March 3, 2021.

Las Piñas City Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery and other officials during the inspection at the vaccination site in Barangay Manuyo Dos yesterday. (source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)
The vaccination site at the Gatchalian covered court in Barangay Manuyo Dos. (source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)

Rose Bantog, who leads the City Engineering office, was with the Vice Mayor. At the site were sections for registration, counseling, screening and vaccination, complete with chairs that were placed strategically for social distancing. The inspection was done to ensure that the established standards based on the vaccination plan of the City Government are properly followed before starting the upcoming vaccination drive for the people of Las Piñas.

The City Government of Las Piñas insists it is prioritizing the health, safety and welfare of its constituents, especially during this time of pandemic. The public has been reminded to continue to be careful, to maintain discipline and keep on following the local health and safety protocols.

Previously the City Government and its strategic partners conducted a simulation on how the vaccination will happen. Registration for the COVID-19 vaccine is being conducted.

For updates about the city, visit https://www.facebook.com/cityoflaspinasofficial

For the history of the city, visit https://www.laspinascity.gov.ph/about-us/6/about-las-pinas

For South Metro Manila discussions, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

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This article used details sourced from the social media post of the City Government of Las Piñas.

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: Hundreds of doses of Sinovac vaccine received in Muntinlupa City

COVID-19 Crisis: Hundreds of doses of Sinovac vaccine received in Muntinlupa City

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The COVID-19 vaccination drive in Muntinlupa City kicked off yesterday with the director of Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) receiving the first dose administered.

OsMun Director Dr. Edwin Dimatatac received Sinovac’s CoronaVac, the first batch of vaccines that arrived in Muntinlupa. Dimatatac said OsMun targets to have 150 health workers to be vaccinated in the city.

The Asian Hospital and Medical Center also commenced their vaccination roll-out having AHMC Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jose Acuin as the first to receive the vaccine. In total, the city received 300 doses of Sinovac vaccine for OsMun and 300 for Asian Hospital and Medical Center from the national government.

Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi lauds OsMun for the success of the roll-out and hopes that at least 90% of the medical personnel in the public hospital will be convinced to be vaccinated.

“Right now this (Sinovac) is the best vaccine. And every day that we don’t get vaccinated we run the risk of being infected. So I encourage everyone to at least consider being vaccinated because you’re always exposed to risks. And being vaccinated you are not only protecting yourself but your family as well,” Fresnedi said.

Earlier, Fresnedi expressed his interest in getting vaccinated to boost the confidence of the public. But with the current guidelines from the Department of Health for the available brand, the local exec was advised to wait for the arrival of vaccines suited for senior citizens.

Recently, Muntinlupa City has secured 400,000 doses from British pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca through a tripartite agreement with the National Task Force against COVID-19 (NTF).

Muntinlupa’s COVID-19 vaccination plan and other best practices on public health earn praise from officials of the Department of Health’s Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team.

As of March 2, Muntinlupa has 91 active cases, 5,644 confirmed cases with 5,378 recoveries, 175 reported deaths, 49 suspect cases, and 404 probable cases.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. 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 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

DTI issues new memorandum for the reopening of cinemas in GCQ areas starting March 5, 2021

DTI issues new memorandum for the reopening of cinemas in GCQ areas starting March 5, 2021

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Do you miss watching movies in the cinemas? The COVID-19 pandemic really brought the movie theater industries around the world to a screeching halt which negatively impacted the way movies were distributed and led to the laying off of many employees who worked in the cinemas.

Here in the Philippines, movie theaters are only operating in cities or provinces which are under the state of MGCQ (Modified General Community Quarantine) which has lesser restrictions compared to GCQ (General Community Quarantine). The thing here is that Metro Manila (which is composed of multiple cities that each has its own government) is still under the GCQ level of control and as of this writing, movie theaters still have not reopened.

Just weeks ago, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) announced it will allow a variety of businesses to resume operations and among them are the cinemas. Unsurprisingly, the Metro Manila mayors reacted negatively.

That was back then. Even though President Rodrigo Duterte refused to shift the entire nation into MGCQ status, movie theater operators (and their employees) in Metro Manila and other areas still under GCQ status now have something to be happy with as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued a new memorandum circular allowing movie theaters in GCQ zones to reopen starting March 5, 2021.

Below is an excerpt from the news article published the other night at Philippine News Agency’s website…

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 21-08 allowing movie houses in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) to reopen starting March 5.

The circular stipulates that cinemas in GCQ areas are only allowed to operate up to 25-percent capacity.

However, moviegoers are prohibited to eat and drink, while face masks shall be worn at all times inside the cinema.

A one-meter physical distance on all sides is also required.

“In the event of free seating, cinema staff shall usher customers to their seats to comply with the physical distancing and maximum operational capacity requirements,” the MC said.

On the other hand, cinemas in modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) areas are allowed to operate at 50-percent capacity.

As you can see in the details in the above excerpt, movie theaters in GCQ zones will be allowed to resume operations but with limitations such as 25% maximum capacity (with social distancing implemented) allowed and the prohibition on moviegoers from consuming food and beverages (this limitation will hurt the cinemas’ food and beverage business partners).

As for the requirement to wear face shields inside the cinema, it’s really a detriment because face shields obscure people’s visions and therefore moviegoers won’t be able to enjoy the visuals displayed on the big screen. 

Let’s be honest here…how many people would really want to watch films inside the movie theater without food and beverages, and having to view films with their vision negatively affected by face shields? I can only state that the DTI should reconsider these limitations soon.

It is understandable that safety measures and the health protection for the public are essential for the national authorities to do which explain the limitations for cinemas in GCQ areas. Take note from the excerpt below…

“Following the earlier agreement at the IATF (Inter Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases), DTI issued the circular that will guide the implementation of a safe and gradual reopening of more businesses and economic activities. This is part of our mandate to ensure that as more businesses reopen to provide more jobs and sources of income for our countrymen, the strict health protocols are enforced,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

Lopez said while the government continues to reopen more economic and business activities, minimum health measures should be strictly implemented.

The thing which we should observe here in the Philippines is how the local government leaders of GCQ areas will react to DTI’s memorandum circular. Be aware that Metro Manila alone is home to lots of movie theaters, including those with 4D and IMAX technologies. These cinemas, many of which are part of shopping malls, have not operated for almost a year now and they badly need to resume their business not just to serve paying customers but also to take care of their employees such as security guards, ushers, ticket booth operators, film projector operators, etc. Do not forget about the businesses that partnered with cinemas to sell popcorn, snacks and beverages. Right now, economic recovery and job creation are of the utmost importance during this time of pandemic.

Now that you have read this, let me ask you what do you think about this news? Is the DTI right to issue the new memorandum? If you are living in a Metro Manila city, how has your local government leaders reacted to the news? When was the last time you watched a movie inside the cinema? Have you contacted your local cinema operator?

Watch out for further updates right here.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City intensifies StaySafe.PH app contact tracing as COVID-19 cases rise

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City intensifies StaySafe.PH app contact tracing as COVID-19 cases rise

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Recording a 40% increase in daily COVID-19 active cases, the City Government of Muntinlupa intensified its contact tracing efforts through the implementation of StaySafe.PH app.

The Muntinlupa City StaySafe.PH Task Force, through the Business Permits and Licensing Office, has conducted inspections in various malls and other establishments to ensure full compliance to the contact tracing initiatives.

Muntinlupa passed City Ordinance No. 2020-181 mandating the installation and use of Staysafe.PH system as an automated contact tracing through the use of QR Codes in all commercial establishments, workplaces, churches, and government offices in the city.

As of February 26, BPLO Muntinlupa has issued warning notices to at least 69 non-compliant establishments.

City Health Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao said the intensified cooperation of city residents and business establishments in using StaySafe.PH as the local contact tracing system will help the government’s COVID-19 response efforts.

Tuliao noted that as of March 1, there were 94 recorded active cases in the city, a 40% increase over one week with 67 active cases last February 22.

Muntinlupa CHO urged city residents to continually use the StaySafe.PH app and follow health protocols such as wearing of face masks, observing physical distancing, and washing of hands.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued MC No.2020-129 enjoining local government units to use of StaySafe.PH v.2 application system as the official social distancing, health condition reporting, and contact tracing system that will assist in the government’s response to COVID-19.

Recently, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the inauguration of two-storey Cupang Health Center last March 1 in a bid to improve health services for residents living in District 2. The ceremony was organizaed in celebration of Muntinlupa’s 26th Cityhood Anniversary.

In his message, the local exec assured the public of the City Government’s recovery plan and readiness for the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines upon the delivery of supply in the city.

As of March 1, Muntinlupa has 94 active cases, 5,638 confirmed cases with 5,370 recoveries, 174 reported deaths, 37 suspect cases, and 437 probable cases.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. 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 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’s 26th anniversary celebrated

Muntinlupa City’s 26th anniversary celebrated

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From a former sleepy town in the south, Muntinlupa City, now a bustling metropolis and leading business-hub in Metro Manila celebrated its 26th anniversary yesterday.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi together with other local executives led the cityhood anniversary, a special (non-working) holiday by virtue of RA No. 9191. A simple program was organized at the Muntinlupa City Hall Quadrangle starting with a thanksgiving mass and followed by the inauguration of the Cupang Health Center and simultaneous distribution of food packs in different local communities.

The anniversary celebration held at the quadrangle of Muntinlupa City Hall. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi delivered his remarks. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

In his message, Fresnedi reported the city’s COVID-19 Vaccine Plan and his willingness to be inoculated to encourage the public to avail the government’s vaccination service.

“I am ready to be vaccinated, along with our City Councilors and Congressman Ruffy Biazon, upon the arrival of supply in in Muntinlupa to build the confidence of our constituents in the vaccines approved by our Food and Drug Administration,” Fresnedi said.

Muntinlupa City has secured 400,000 doses from British pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca through a tripartite agreement with the National Task Force against COVID-19 (NTF). The city’s COVID-19 vaccination plan and other best practices on public health earn praise from officials of the Department of Health’s Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team.

The City Health Office has identified 6,758 medical frontliners from barangay health centers, emergency responders, public and private hospitals/clinics to be prioritized in the roll-out of vaccines. Under the local COVID-19 vaccination plan, there will be 82 vaccination teams to be deployed in 35 vaccination posts and 8,200 target individuals to be vaccinated per day.

The Cupang Health Center is one of the recent projects fulfilled. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

On February 26, the City Government of Muntinlupa launched “Merkado sa Muntinlupa,” an open-air market and bazaar located in Sports Complex open grounds along Laguna Lake as part of the cityhood anniversary. Merkado sa Muntinlupa is an outdoor market showcasing homegrown products and is open on weekends, every Friday 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm and every Saturday-Sunday, 8:00 am – 9:00 pm.

Further, a new park in Alabang Viaduct including the newly constructed Muntinlupa National High School Tunasan Annex Covered Court and Extension of Muntinlupa Student Center for Life Skills in Brgy. Tunasan were inaugurated last week in celebration of Muntinlupa’s anniversary.

On March 1, 1995, Muntinlupa was converted from a municipality to a highly urbanized city and became the 65th city of the Philippines by virtue of Republic Act 7926. Today, it has transformed as one of the leading investment hubs in the country with nine equally progressive barangays and a population of 504,509 (2015 Census).

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. 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 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

NSHA members elect seven directors

NSHA members elect seven directors

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This past weekend, the New South Homeowners Association (NSHA) inside BF Homes subdivision, Parañaque City, organized their annual election which resulted seven winners who will serve for two years as members of the association’s board of directors (BOD).

Those who got elected in the February 27, 2021 village polls were Karen Abanilla with 45 votes, Michael Paul Togle and Bon Obial with 42 votes each, Emmanuel Malicden with 40 votes, Danilo Lesaca with 39 votes, Fred Morales with 38 votes and Christopher Baliog with 36 votes.

Three of the seven newly elected village directors posed with the official results after the counting ended.
The NSHA election committee in a group shot with the results.

The newly elected people will join the other six incumbent directors (who are due for next year) in completing the 13-member NSHA BOD and soon, they will convene and elect among themselves and come up with the new lineup of NSHA officers.

What makes the NSHA election significant this year was that it was organized with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the association took measures that would lower the risk of new infections while still allowing legitimate members to vote efficiently and safely.

The NSHA election committee (ELECOM) headed by Gerard Castro used their indoor facility (part of the clubhouse which has the office) as the key venue. ELECOM officers were inside and worked behind specific windows which the legitimate HOA members (who are outside) visited one-by-one to vote manually. Social distancing was practiced and everyone wore a face mask. At the nearby basketball court (a Golezeum), there were some plastic chairs arranged with social distancing in mind for the comfort of the voting members.

A view from outside the venue.
Windows 1 and 2 were where the legitimate members registered.
The ELECOM from inside the venue handling registration.

The election process was pretty simple: Step 1 – From waiting area go to Window 1 or 2 to register and get ballot. Step 2 – Go to designated voting area to vote your selected candidates for directors. Step 3 – Go to Window 3 to put your thumb mark on ballot and put ballot (divided in half) in ballot box.

After voting, the legitimate members were directed to go to the designated waiting area for snacks and refreshments.

A view of Window 3 from the outside.
The counting of the votes was done with transparency.

In the afternoon, the counting of votes took place inside the venue. Each vote was counted carefully and the names of the candidates who received the votes were clearly spoken. The results were certified by the ELECOM and the seven winners were proclaimed. It was indeed a transparent process.

For more updates about NSHA, visit their FB page at https://www.facebook.com/nshavillage

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. If you want to have your local community featured on this website or if you have a press release that needs to be published to inform the readers, please approach me. 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

Alabang Viaduct in Muntinlupa City gets tremendous facelift via “Green, Green, Green” project

Alabang Viaduct in Muntinlupa City gets tremendous facelift via “Green, Green, Green” project

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The former shunned area under Alabang Viaduct is no longer an eyesore to motorists traversing the South Luzon Expressway and local residents following its conversion as a blooming open space featuring native flora and fauna design.

Yesterday Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the inauguration ceremony of Phase 1 of the Development of Alabang Viaduct, an initiative of the National Government through its “Green, Green, Green” program.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (middle) and other important figures of Muntinlupa City walked together in the newly converted area of the Alabang Viaduct. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Fresnedi thanked the Department of Budget Management for selecting Muntinlupa as one of the recipients of the “green fund” amounting to P17.29 million. The mayor said the beautification of the area is a welcome development to the city’s green space and park improvement efforts.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) launched the “Green, Green, Green” program which aims to make the country’s 145 cities more livable and sustainable through the development of public open spaces.

The newly constructed open space in Alabang Viaduct showcases an iconic sculpture resembling a water lily which is commonly seen near the shore of Laguna de Bay and local tributaries that empty to the lake.

A clear walkway and other interesting structures at the Alabang Viaduct. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Muntinlupa City Architect Don Causapin, designer of the architectural and interior design of the urban space, said the park’s centerpiece symbolizes Muntinlupa residents’ strength, resourcefulness, and perseverance as water lilies are characterized as resilient plants and able to thrive and bloom no matter the extreme conditions.

Causapin hopes that the open space will uplift the spirit of the residents who will visit the area as they find beauty in the elements found within their hometown. The opening of the open space in Alabang Viaduct is part of city’s celebration of its 26th Cityhood Anniversary on March 1.

Muntinlupa City is among local government units in the country championing sustainability and building of open spaces as part of climate change mitigation.

In 2020, Muntinlupa represented the country as of the finalists in the World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) One Planet City Challenge (OPCC). The WWF-OPCC is a global competition that recognizes cities with effective climate change action plans. One to three cities per participating country are chosen as finalists.

WWF lauded the city’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.

Muntinlupa also served as one of the country’s representatives in the WWF’s We Love Cities campaign, a social campaign which aims to bridge better communication between city officials and citizens they represent on climate and sustainability issues.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

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