Alabang blog – Author Carlo Carrasco

Muntinlupa City Government To Provide Assistance To Family Of Motorcycle Rider Killed By A Fallen Tree

March 15, 2026March 13, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, a motorcycle rider died when a tree fell down on him along National Road. As such, the City Government will provide assistance to the family of the victim and no less than Mayor Ruffy Biazon confirmed it, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Mayor Ruffy Biazon said the city government will provide assistance to the family of a motorcycle rider who was killed when a falling tree hit him on March 11.

“Lubos akong nakikiramay sa pamilya ng motorcycle rider na nasawi matapos mabagsakan ng puno sa National Rd. kagabi. Ang Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Muntinlupa ay nakikipag-ugnayan na sa kanyang pamilya para magbigay ng assistance at iba pang kinakailangang tulong sa abot ng ating makakaya (I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the motorcycle rider who died after being hit by a tree on National Rd. last night. The Muntinlupa City Government is already coordinating with his family to provide assistance and other necessary help to the best of our ability),” Biazon said.

“Kasabay nito, ongoing na rin ang masusing imbestigasyon tungkol sa insidente. Ipinag-utos ko rin ang inspection at agarang cutting o trimming ng mga puno sa mga lugar na maaaring magdulot ng panganib, para maiwasan ang kaparehong trahedya sa hinaharap. Maraming salamat din sa responders na agad tumulong para maalis ang natumbang puno (At the same time, a thorough investigation into the incident is also ongoing. I have also ordered the inspection and immediate cutting or trimming of trees in areas that may pose a danger, to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Many thanks also to the responders who immediately helped to remove the fallen tree).”

The Muntinlupa police reported that an acacia tree suddenly fell, directly hitting the northbound motorcycle rider and damaging two southbound vehicles.

The police identified the victim as Ronnie Cruz, 36, stockman, a resident of BF Homes International Village, Las Piñas. He suffered injuries and was brought to the Medical Center Muntinlupa (MCM) where he was declared dead on arrival by an attending doctor, the police said in a report.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you satisfied with the City Government providing assistance to the family of the victim? Do you think it is time for local authorities to closely examine large trees along the major roads to determine if they will fall down soon? When was the last time a significant trimming of trees in your local community happened?

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, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City Mayor Writes To Maynilad Executives About Daily Water Service Interruptions

March 15, 2026March 14, 2026carlocarrasco

With Maynilad’s daily water service interruptions still going on in Muntinlupa City, Mayor Ruffy Biazon formally wrote to the executives of the water concessionaire about the problem, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Mayor Ruffy Biazon took the problem of the daily water service interruptions in Muntinlupa to the top executives of Maynilad Water Services.

Muntinlupa customers of Maynilad have been experiencing daily water service interruptions since February.

In its latest advisory, Maynilad told Muntinlupa customers, “Some areas of Brgys. Alabang, Bayanan, Poblacion, Putatan and Tunasan, Muntinlupa City may experience low to no water supply starting March 14, 2026 at 4:00 pm until March 15, 2026 at 7:00 am. This is due to sudden changes in raw water quality caused by strong winds over Laguna Lake during the Amihan season, which required operational adjustments in our treatment facilities. We are currently managing the limited supply and will restore normal service as soon as conditions improve. Mobile water tankers are being deployed in affected areas to assist customers. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.”

Biazon sent letters to Ramoncito Fernandez, Maynilad president and chief executive officer; and Christopher Jaime Lichauco, chief operating officer, telling them that “once again, Maynilad has failed its customers.”

He said that the water service interruptions have been happening despite the fact that Maynilad has two water treatment plants in Muntinlupa, located in Barangays Putatan and Poblacion.

The mayor is asking Maynilad for a meeting to explain the situation, present steps to prevent it from happening again, and give consideration to affected Muntinlupa customers.

Due to the water service interruptions, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) imposed a penalty against Maynilad amounting to P42,569,790.85.

“Meanwhile, following the prolonged water service interruptions that occurred in the southern portion of the West Concession Area in February 2026, the MWSS RO conducted an investigation into the prevailing water supply conditions in the affected areas. Based on the evidence gathered, the MWSS RO found that Maynilad failed to meet its service obligation of providing an uninterrupted twenty-four (24)-hour supply of water at a minimum pressure of seven (7) pounds per square inch (psi) to 98,331 customers within the Putatan Water Treatment Plant and Poblacion Water Treatment Plant Supply Zones,” Maynilad said in a press statemetn.

It said the penalty will be implemented in the form of bill rebates equivalent to P432.92 per affected water service connection, to be reflected in customers’ water bills by April this year.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, were you affected by the ongoing water service interruptions? If you were affected, how were you able to solve water-related problems in your household? Where do you get water now?

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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Southie Fest Ongoing At Festival Mall

March 14, 2026March 13, 2026carlocarrasco

Southie Fest, a special event organized by South Snippets and its strategic partners, formally opened yesterday at the Carousel area of Festival Mall in Filinvest City, Alabang. A showcase of varied products and services offered by mostly business joints of the south, Southie Fest will last until Sunday (March 15).

I personally witnessed the opening of Southie Fest. There was a panel discussion wherein three local entrepreneurs shared insight about their respective businesses, how they managed their enterprise through the years, and what they learned from the many local communities of the south. South Snippets co-founder Donna Santiago was with them and she also shared insight about the organization’s drive of promoting businesses and connecting them with people of the South. Santiago confirmed that she is organizing South Snippets full-time.

*The panel discussion held on the first day of Southie Fest inside Festival Mall. From left to right are the host, the three local entrepreneurs and South Snippets co-founder Donna Santiago.*

*Southie Fest is at the 2nd floor of Festival Mall in front of the old Carousel.*

*A few of the many booths/stalls that you can visit to see what they are offering. If you make it there, go around to explore.*

*I had a very tasty avocado shake there at Southie Fest. This one costs P120 and it is of very good quality.*

Within the Carousel area – 2^nd floor specifically – are lots of booths/stalls of varied local businesses offering customers a wide range of selections of food, beverages, accessories, collectibles, clothing, gift items, handcrafted items, services and a lot more. You really have to be there to truly discover them.

Remaining schedule of activities for March 14 and 15, 2026

Today, a “Southie Community Day” session will take place which will emphasize he community members and local digital trendsetters. It will help people understand who the Southie influencers and content creators are and what they do to inspire the community as they promote their respective platforms. There will be Q&A interviews, interactive games, and meet-and-greet opportunities.

On Sunday, the “Southie Family Day” will wrap up the event. Participants can dive into a variety of interactive workshops, creative classes, and community workout sessions. There will lots of things or experiences that participants can discover, and even learn from.

Southie Fest is a special showcase by South Snippets®, with support from JNE Branding Consultancy, Festival Mall, Aly Olaez, Neil de Belen Studios, Nextgen Events Management, Design Specs Printing Services, Carlo Suzara: Host & Content Creator, Terraland Pines, Kato Fertility Center, and the City Government of Muntinlupa.

It is also supported by Mama Lou’s Group and Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen, Schola de Vita, MEgorgeous, Let’s Glow Aesthetics, Lando’s Bar Las Piñas, Manna & Muse, BetterLife Yoga Studio, Lindy Hop Philippines, Invitations by Ten Arts & Gift Store, BloomsBrewsMNL, Be Club Lifestyle Hub, SOS Children’s Villages Pilipinas, Kalye Negosyo, and Southies Strays.

Southie Fest media partners are labang Bulletin, TigaSouthKaba, WhenInManila.com, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, Manila Standard, Life In Tagaytay, Life In Alfonso, Chef Beng, Lowkey Lakwatsera, The Quiet Diner, Southieto, Tara Tagaytay, Wild and Sassy Blog, Dyan sa South, Chizbun Eats, The Reel B, Mauriz Coronel, and Mini Shoots.

*The event organizer booth and more nearby.*

For those of you reading this, I encourage you to visit Festival Mall to attend Southie Fest while it is still going on.

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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

“Muntinlupeño First” Emphasized In Mayor Biazon’s Speech

March 5, 2026March 3, 2026carlocarrasco

During the 31^st City Anniversary celebration of Muntinlupa City, the concept of “Muntinlupeño First” was emphasized by Mayor Ruffy Biazon during his State of the City Address held on March 2, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Mayor Ruffy Biazon emphasized the principle of “Muntinlupeño First” in his State of the City Address (SOCA) during the celebration of Muntinlupa’s 31st Cityhood Anniversary on March 2.

For Biazon, the phrase was not a rhetoric but a governing standard, a discipline that requires every government decision to begin with one question: “Makakabuti ba ito sa Muntinlupeño?” (Will this be good for Muntinlupeño?).”

He said public funds are sacred, that policy must be driven by evidence rather than expediency, and that true progress is built on systems, not personalities.

“When we put the Muntinlupeño first, we do not merely move forward. We move forward — together,” he said.

Strengthening systems – In his address, Mayor Biazon listed the achievements and outlined the city government’s continuing priorities in health, education, livelihood, environment, social justice, peace and order, and infrastructure, underscoring that disciplined governance produces measurable outcomes.

In healthcare, his administration continues to focus on maternal and child health, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life, alongside expanded nutrition interventions and intensified immunization efforts.

At the city-run Ospital ng Muntinlupa, improvements are ongoing. The Emergency Room has been renovated, while the Out-Patient Department now operates in a new building designed to improve patient flow and comfort. Renovations are also in the pipeline for the patient rooms, dialysis center, laboratory facilities, operating rooms, and pharmacy.

“These are not cosmetic changes. They are deliberate investments in quality, safety, and dignity in healthcare delivery,” said Biazon .

Investing in education and local opportunity – Biazon reaffirmed the city government’s commitment to sustaining one of the largest local scholarship investments in the country, alongside strengthened technical-vocational training and industry partnerships aimed at linking education directly to employment.

“We are not only producing graduates. We are cultivating professionals. Opportunity must not depend on circumstance, it must be built into the system,” he said.

In employment, he reiterated the principle behind the 70–30 Local Employment Ordinance, which mandates that at least 70 percent of a company’s rank-and-file workforce be composed of Muntinlupeño residents.

“Muntinlupeño First remains clear. We protect local workers — but we also adapt responsibly to ensure that opportunity continues to come home,” he said.

Recognizing partners in progress – As part of the cityhood anniversary program, the city government recognized the top 10 taxpayers, whose contributions help fund scholarships, healthcare services, infrastructure, and social protection programs.

“Without you, we would not be able to implement programs that uplift hundreds of thousands of Muntinlupeños. Your contribution translates into real services, real opportunities, and real impact,” said Biazon.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you satisfied with the current state of the city? What can you say about the local business environment, the quality of local healthcare and the efficiency of services rendered by the City Government? As a citizen of Muntinlupa, do you feel like you are valuable resident?

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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Road Safety Park In Muntinlupa City Inaugurated

March 4, 2026March 3, 2026carlocarrasco

During the 31^st City Anniversary celebration of Muntinlupa City, the much-awaited Muntinlupa City Road Safety Park was formally inaugurated by the City Government and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in Barangay Tunasan on March 2, according to a news report by The Manila Times.

For insight, the Muntinlupa City Road Safety Park is a 3,140 square-meter interactive facility designed to emphasize to children the rules of traffic and traffic discipline through on-location simulations. The facility is located at the Tunasan Baywalk. I first blogged about the road safety park in 2025.

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

THE Muntinlupa City government has inaugurated its Road Safety Park in Tunasan village as part of the city’s 31st Cityhood Anniversary celebration, marking what officials described as a long-term investment in safer and more disciplined road use.

*The front of the Muntinlupa City Road Safety Park. (photo source – City Government of Muntinlupa)*

Established in partnership with the Department of Transportation, the facility is a learning space where children can learn proper road use through simulations and traffic signage.

The park features a mini road network, pedestrian lanes, cycleways, training areas, and road sign installations designed to teach students and young road users the fundamentals of traffic discipline in a controlled environment.

“Together with our 31st Cityhood Anniversary, we inaugurated the Muntinlupa Road Safety Park in partnership with the DOTr. This is a dedicated learning space where children can learn the proper use of the road through actual road simulations and traffic signage,” Mayor Ruffy Biazon said.

The mayor described the project as personal, recalling that while he was still in Congress in 2019, he filed a proposal to integrate road safety into the basic education curriculum.

*The ribbon-cutting done by Mayor Ruffy Biazon and DOTr acting transport secretary Giovanni Lopez with lots of guests as witnesses. (photo source – City Government of Muntinlupa).*

“I believed then, and I believe even more now, that discipline on the road does not start when getting a driver’s license — it starts while one is still young,” he said.

He added that teaching children at an early age about proper road use, respect for traffic laws, and understanding of road signs would help prevent future accidents and tragedies.

“Roads are a shared responsibility — whether you are a motorist or a pedestrian,” he said.

Biazon said the city immediately proposed the project when funding from the DOTr became available, emphasizing that the park allows children to learn through experience — not only from books but also through actual simulation.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Nicolas Torre III attended the inauguration along with other transport and local officials.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted to see the Muntinlupa City Road Safety Park inaugurated and made accessible to the public already? Have you visited the facility already?

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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Muntinlupa City Affected By Daily Water Service Interruptions Of Maynilad

February 26, 2026February 25, 2026carlocarrasco

As the month of February is about to end, Maynilad’s daily water service interruptions continue to affect Muntinlupa City, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Recently, Maynilad was asked by the City Government to explain why the interruptions keep on happening.

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

The daily water service interruptions being implemented by Maynilad Water Services have continued in Muntinlupa.

“Some areas of Las Pinas City and Muntinlupa City may experience low to no water supply starting February 24, 2026 at 12:00 pm until 7:00 pm due to variable raw water quality during the Amihan season, caused by strong winds over Laguna Lake. We are managing limited supply and will restore service as soon as conditions improve,” Maynilad announced on Feb. 24.

In a recent live broadcast on Facebook held by Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Maynilad representatives admitted that the company is having difficulty supplying water 24/7 to households in the city mainly because of problems that hound its treatment plants that draw raw water from the Laguna Lake.

“We need to distribute or allocate hours. We have to distribute the water because of the number of customers that we have to serve,” said Greg Antonio, speaking in Filipino, head of Maynilad’s Water Production South.

He admitted that Maynilad was currently rationing water to many areas in Muntinlupa with eight hours each in the morning, afternoon and evening. When there is no water, Maynilad said it is delivering water using tankers.

Alfred John Gallego, head of Maynilad’s Muntinlupa-Las Pinas Business Area, said the company’s treatment plant handling water from Laguna Lake was unable to cope with strong winds that generate powerful waves in the lake surface.

“We can see that wind conditions have not been favorable to us though we know it’s seasonal,” he said..“We need to protect our plant to prevent a surge of water that is not according to design.”

He said Maynilad reduces the volume of water that the treatment plant processes to avoid compromising water quality.

Gallego said that the concessionaire also gets help from other water sources, like La Mesa Dam. He did not discuss, however, whether the company is also looking at other water sources.

He also said existing pipelines of Maynilad are no longer sufficient to carry additional water volume. He added that their main source of water, Angat, is always prone to the effects of El Nino, or prolonged dry spell.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, how was your experience with the water service of Maynilad? Do you think Maynilad told the truth behind the water service interruptions? Do you want to the City Government to keep on pressing Maynilad for answers and solutions? Do you think Maynilad should do refunds?

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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Muntinlupa City Government Continues Support Of Over 110,000 Local Students

February 25, 2026February 20, 2026carlocarrasco

In a serious effort to support the education of over one hundred ten thousand students of Muntinlupa City, the City Government continues to make scholarships and school supplies accessible to them through the established programs, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Amid the rising cost of living, the Muntinlupa City government is supporting the education of more than 110,000 students through scholarships and free school supplies.

One of them is Jaspher Nherie Elviña, a beneficiary under the city government’s Muntinlupa Scholarship Program. For him, it was never just about the allowance but staying in school.

Now a cum laude graduate of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Colegio de Muntinlupa, Jasper recalled being a city scholar.

“Nagsimula ako maging iskolar ng Muntinlupa… simula pa noong 1st year high school, noong nagkaroon ng scholarship program ang Muntinlupa o MSP. Ang allowance na nakukuha ko sa Muntinlupa ay malaki ang naitutulong para sa pandagdag baon at gastusin sa araw-araw na pagpasok at requirements sa iba’t ibang subject ko dati (I started being a Muntinlupa scholar… since my 1st year of high school, when the Muntinlupa or MSP scholarship program was established. The allowance I get from Muntinlupa is a great help for supplementing my pocket money and expenses for daily attendance and requirements for my various subjects),” he said.

The cost of education is not just about tuition fees. There are daily transportation expenses, project materials, printing fees, laboratory contributions, and the small but constant costs of staying enrolled.

Elviña said the allowance he received from the Muntinlupa City government was a symbol of reassurance that allowed him to focus on his studies instead of worrying about daily expenses.

Elviña said the allowance he received from the Muntinlupa City government was a symbol of reassurance that allowed him to focus on his studies instead of worrying about daily expenses.

He is one of the more than 110,000 scholars supported by the Muntinlupa City government in 2025, a scholarship system that started from about 5,000 beneficiaries during its early years.

Today, it has become one of the most expansive local government-funded education programs in Metro Manila.

In 2025, the city government spent P587.8 million in educational assistance or about seven percent of its P8.8-billion annual budget.

In proportional terms, officials said this placed Muntinlupa among the highest in the National Capital Region when it comes to allocating funds for scholarships, even compared with cities that operate on larger overall budgets.

The scholarship program started in 1989 when a scholarship trust fund was established to assist financially struggling students. At the time, only around 5,000 scholars were covered. Under former mayor Jimmy Fresnedi, now Muntinlupa representative, the system was institutionalized and expanded across educational levels.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you approve of the way the City Government is supporting local students?

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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Indian Restaurant In Alabang Hit By Fire

February 18, 2026February 17, 2026carlocarrasco

The Royal Indian Curry House, an in Indian restaurant located in Filinvest City, was hit by a fire in the early morning of February 16 and the estimated amount of damage is at P16 million, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The said restaurant is just steps away from Wildflour and South Supermarket in Alabang.

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

Fire damaged an Indian curry restaurant in Alabang, Muntinlupa, shortly before 5 a.m. on Feb. 16.

The Muntinlupa City Fire Station reported that the fire hit the Royal Indian Curry House in Filinvest Alabang at 4:48 a.m. The first alarm was raised at 4:53 a.m. before the blaze was put out by firefighters at 6:08 a.m.

The fire destroyed the second floor of the establishment, damaging P16 million worth of properties. The origin and cause of the fire are under investigation.

*Visible damage of the 2nd floor of the restaurant.*

*The other side of Royal Indian Curry House of Alabang with visible damage at the 2nd floor.*

*The restaurant in Filinvest City, Alabang.*

For the location of Royal Indian Curry House in Filinvest City, Alabang, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZzYMnP2y1xo6wmZs6

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, have you dined at Royal Indian Curry House already? What do you think caused the fire?

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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Muntinlupa City Government Teams Up With UP NOAH Center For City Drainage Strategy

February 17, 2026February 11, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government formally teamed up with the University of the Philippines’ (UP) NOAH Center to develop the master plan for the city drainage, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has tapped the University of the Philippines’ NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) Center to develop a drainage master plan.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon endorsed a proposed memorandum of agreement with UP NOAH Center to the Muntinlupa City Council for review and approval.

Biazon said partnering with UP NOAH Center is an important step to have a science-based and long-term solution to flooding in Muntinlupa.

The UP NOAH Center is a research and development center of UP specializing in disaster risk reduction and climate science.

It provides advanced hazard mapping, flood modeling, and risk assessment using scientific research and cutting-edge technology, and works closely with local governments to develop data-driven solutions that strengthen resilience against natural hazards.

The project covers the formulation of a comprehensive drainage master plan that will guide future infrastructure development and improve stormwater management in Muntinlupa.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think the City Government made a wise move to have UP NOAH Center as its partner on developing the city drainage master plan? Do you hope there will be big improvements in the years to come?

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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More Senior Citizens Benefitting From Muntinlupa’s RIDEMed Program

February 14, 2026February 13, 2026carlocarrasco

Senior citizens of Muntinlupa who are bedridden and those who are at least 80-years-old are benefitting from the City Government’s RIDEMed (Responsive Integrated Delivery of Essential Medicines) program and almost two thousand seniors have registered as of January, according to a Manila Bulletin news article.

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

The Muntinlupa City government’s RIDEMed (Responsive Integrated Delivery of Essential Medicines) program is benefitting senior citizens who are bedridden and those who are at least 80 years old.

Launched last October, RIDEMed is the home delivery component of the city government’s free medicines initiative for senior citizens.

The program ensures that eligible seniors receive their maintenance medicines regularly, conveniently, and with basic health monitoring at home.

One of the beneficiaries of RIDEMEd is Gloria Ayesa, 64, a resident of Alabang, who is a diabetes patient and whose legs were amputated.

“Dati aligaga ako kung saan kukuha ng pambili, ngayon regular na ako nakakainom ng gamot. Malaking bagay yung dinadalhan ako ng gamot dito sa bahay. Mayroon akong diabetes, una, pinutol yung kanan kong binti. Kalaunan, yung kaliwa naman. Wala na akong magagawa, nabubulok na, kaysa naman mamatay ako (I used to be worried about where to buy medicine, now I take medicine regularly. It’s a big deal that medicine is brought to my house. I have diabetes, first, my right leg was amputated. Later, the left one. I can’t do anything, it’s rotting, rather than die),” she told the city government.

She added, “Malaking tulong sa akin yun na hindi na ako naghahanap ng pambili, mayroon nang naghahatid. Sa mga katulad kong hindi na nakakalabas ng bahay, wala na kayong iisipin. May mga gamot na kayo. Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa iyo Mayor Biazon, at sa OSCA, kasi kung hindi naman sa inyo wala akong gamot. Maraming marami pong salamat (It’s a big help to me that I don’t have to look for medicine anymore, someone delivers it. For those like me who can’t leave the house, you don’t have to think about it anymore. You already have medicine. I’m very grateful to you, Mayor Biazon, and to OSCA [Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs], because if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have medicine. Thank you very much).”

The free medicines being delivered to senior citizens in Muntinlupa under RIDEMed are losartan and amlodipine for hypertension, metformin for diabetes, atorvastatin for high cholesterol, and Vitamin B Complex.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon said RIDEMEd is an example that healthcare in Muntinlupa should be accessible.

“RIDEMed is proof that healthcare services should be within easy reach, especially for our senior citizens. Our goal is to make their access to care easier, more organized, and continuously supported,” he told Manila Bulletin, adding that he wants to expand RIDEMed to persons with disabilities (PWDs).

As of January this year, a total of 1,931 senior citizens in Muntinlupa are registered and currently undergoing assessment. The oldest beneficiary is a 111-year-old grandmother from Ayala Alabang.

Mahalia Divinasflores, officer-in-charge of Muntinlupa OSCA, said, “RIDEMed is important because it removes one of the biggest barriers senior citizens face in managing their health: access.”

“This program ensures continuity of care, prevents complications from untreated chronic illnesses, and gives peace of mind not only to seniors but also to their families,” she said.

Divinasflores said the response from beneficiaries is very positive.

“The response from our senior citizens has been overwhelmingly positive. Many express deep gratitude because RIDEMed eases the physical and financial burden of regularly obtaining medicines. Seniors often share that the program makes them feel remembered and cared for, especially those who rarely leave their homes,” she said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted to see the RIDEMed program helping the qualified senior citizens of the city get their medicine? Are there any senior citizens in your local community who are qualified for RIDEMed?

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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