Tag: Arthur Tugade

COVID-19 Crisis: DOTr Sec. Tugade lauds vaccination in Muntinlupa City, vows to request more vaccine supply for the city

COVID-19 Crisis: DOTr Sec. Tugade lauds vaccination in Muntinlupa City, vows to request more vaccine supply for the city

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Department of Transportation secretary Arthur “Art” Tugade recognized the vaccination efforts of Muntinlupa City government and lauded the medical workers in the vaccination centers for their exemplary service.

Sec. Tugade lauded the City Government’s vaccination operations during a virtual meeting with Mayor Jaime Fresnedi and other local officials on Tuesday.

DOTr Secretary Tugade vaccinated in Muntinlupa City. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The transportation secretary said he personally witnessed the efficient system in vaccination centers in the city as he recently completed his 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccine at Ayala Malls South Park, Alabang under the A2 priority group (senior citizen).

“Maayos ang sistema at properly trained ang mga nagtuturok ng bakuna. Isa ang Muntinlupa sa mga nag-improve na LGU sa Metro Manila pagdating sa pagbabakuna,” said DOTr Sec. Tugade.

Recently, the City Government has recorded the highest number of vaccinations with over 5,450 individuals who were vaccinated with their first dose last June 10. It is the highest record since the rollout of vaccination in Muntinlupa last March.

Further, Sec. Tugade also committed to help the city by personally requesting for more vaccine supply and its speedy delivery from the national government as the demand for vaccines in Muntinlupa continue to rise.

As of June 11, the total vaccines deployed in the city is at 106,819, of which 80,356 were given as 1st dose and 26,463 for 2nd dose. There are already 159,490 registered individuals in the city’s COVID-19 vaccine registration system MunCoVac, which comprises 41.3% of the target population to be vaccinated.

The City Government urges residents and other qualified individuals who are not yet registered in the city’s online COVID-19 Vaccination Registration System to sign-up via www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac.

As a result of the local vaccination efforts, the Muntinlupa City Health Office has recorded a decrease in COVID-19 cases. As of June 14, there are only 489 active cases in the city, with 12,550 recoveries, 357 reported deaths, 99 suspect cases, 1,443 probable cases, and 13,396 confirmed cases.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi and DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade met recently. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Mayor Fresnedi extends his thanks to Sec. Tugade, the city’s “Big Brother,” for his continued assistance to Muntinlupa and expediting national government services for the city.

Recently, cabinet members were assigned to Metro Manila cities and other provinces to oversee local health system performance, critical care capacity, and stringent compliance to surveillance, isolation, and treatment protocols. Sec. Tugade was designated in Muntinlupa, being a resident of the city himself.

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The above details were sourced from an official press release issued by the Muntinlupa PIO.

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SMC President Ramon S. Ang clarifies Skyway Stage 3 remains open to motorists

SMC President Ramon S. Ang clarifies Skyway Stage 3 remains open to motorists

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Are you a motorist who needs to go way north, or way south or somewhere in between in the heart of Metro Manila? Here are some good news for you all: Skyway Stage 3 remains open to motorists as confirmed by San Miguel Corporation President Ramon S. Ang.

Very recently, there was confusion when it was announced that Stage 3 of the elevated expressway would close down on March 16, 2021 starting 5PM. Below is the excerpt from the GMA News report…

“In accordance with the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) directive, the Skyway Stage 3 will be closed indefinitely starting 16 March 2021 at 5PM,” the Skyway Stage 3 management said in a post on Twitter on Monday night.

The elevated expressway will be reopened once all ramps are completed, as ordered by TRB, it said.

“Apologies for the inconvenience. SMC Infrastructure has no choice but to comply,” management said.

However, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) issued an advisory on Tuesday saying the TRB has not issued a decision or directive ordering the closure indefinitely of Skyway Stage 3.

“This is to inform the public that the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) DID NOT ISSUE a decision or directive ordering the indefinite closure of the Skyway Stage 3 starting 5 p.m. of 16 March 2021,” the DOTr said.

“The Toll Regulatory Board DID NOT ISSUE a decision or directive ordering the indefinite closure of the Skyway Stage 3,” it added.

“TRB’s position is to keep Skyway Stage 3 OPEN for the benefit of motorists,” the DOTr added.

“The TRB is composed of the Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Finance, National Economic Development Authority, and a representative from the private sector,” it said.

“Yes, I have just talk[ed] to [Transportation] Sec. [Arthur] Tugade. He will take care of TRB (Toll Regulatory Board),” Ang told GMA News Online.

As you can see above, things got really confusing and it was a major relief that Ramon Ang clarified that Skyway Stage 3 would not be closed. To put things in perspective, the 18-kilometer long Skyway Stage 3 was fully opened toll-free to motorists this past January and the TRB has yet to approve the proposed toll rates for it.

Now that the issue has been resolved, keep using Skyway Stage 3 for as long as you need it to move around. Please share this article to fellow motorists and other Skyway travelers you personally know. Thanks.

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Muntinlupa City inaugurates Molecular Lab, Isolation Facility on 103rd Founding Anniversary

Muntinlupa City inaugurates Molecular Lab, Isolation Facility on 103rd Founding Anniversary

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Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade and Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the inauguration of the city’s Molecular Laboratory and We Heal As One Center Isolation Facility in Filinvest, Alabang in time with the celebration of Muntinlupa’s 103rd Founding Anniversary.

National and local government execs, along with other Filinvest officials, inspected the Molecular Laboratory in Ospital ng Muntinlupa and the148-bed Isolation Facility in Filinvest Tent Parking Area this past Saturday (December 19, 2020).

A 148-Emergency Quarantine Facility and Molecular Laboratory were inaugurated in Muntinlupa as part of the local 103rd Founding Anniversary. Attending the ceremony were (L-R) Filinvest Alabang Inc. vice president for townships Don Ubaldo, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Congressman Ruffy Biazon, and DOTr Sec. Arthur Tugade. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Attending the ceremony were DPWH Bureau of Construction director Eric Ayapana,BFP Sr. Supt. Jose Edgar Balita, DOTr Usec Artemio Tuazon, Filinvest Alabang Inc. vice president for townships Don Ubaldo, Congressman Ruffy Biazon, Ospital ng Muntinlupa director Dr. Edwin Dimatatac, and City Heath Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao.

The Muntinlupa City Molecular Laboratory is now operational after its accreditation from the Department of Health in a bid to strengthen the local testing capacity and COVID-19 response efforts.

Test results in the facility may be released within the day of the collection of swab samples. Under the approved pricing scheme, the RT-PCR swab test performed at the Muntinlupa Molecular Laboratory costs 3,800 pesos. Indigent admitted patients qualified in OsMun’s No Balance Billing scheme and patients with valid Philhealth coverage can avail discounted prices.

Swabbing of out-patient clients will be accommodated from Mondays to Fridays, except holiday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM. While the molecular laboratory will be open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. All other request for in-patient and emergency request are subject to regular specimen collection.

Further, the newly inaugurated 148-bed We Heal As One Center in Filinvest Tent Alabang is the city’s second Emergency Quarantine Facility constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The isolation facility is set to be managed by the Bureau of Fire Protection while the City Government pledged to fund its utility charges.

Last October, DPWH Sec. Mark Villar, DOTr Sec. Tugade, and Mayor Fresnedi led the blessing ceremony of the 144-bed Emergency Quarantine Facility in Pacwood Site, Brgy. Tunasan.

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

Fresnedi extended his gratitude to Sec. Tugade’s assistance for the construction of the COVID-19 facilities in the city which he noted as an augmentation to local efforts in curbing the virus.

Following the inauguration ceremony, a short event was held in Muntinlupa City Hall Quadrangle to recognize partner companies and individuals who have contributed to the local COVID-19 response and recovery initiatives.

This year’s awardees include ABS CBN Corporation (Lingkod Kapamilya), Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF) – Alabang, Filinvest Corporate City Foundation Inc., National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), San Miguel Foundation, Inc., Sytin Foundation Inc., Insular Foundation, Leonio Group Corporation, Jollibee Food Corporation, New Life Church Alabang, Engr. Rodante C. Corpuz, and Mr. Ben Tiu.

In his message, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi extended his thanks to the city’s partners for their generous donations to help Muntinlupeños recover from the challenges of the pandemic.

Further, Fresnedi announced that the City Government has initially prepared 170 million pesos budget for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccine for Muntinlupa. He noted that while the National Government has a roll-out plan, the city will be allocating its own budget for the vaccination program to ensure all Muntinlupa residents will receive the vaccine.

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The above information and image were 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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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa opens Molecular Laboratory to boost local testing efforts and COVID-19 response

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa opens Molecular Laboratory to boost local testing efforts and COVID-19 response

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The Muntinlupa City Molecular Laboratory is now operational following its accreditation from the Department of Health (DOH) in a bid to strengthen the local testing capacity and COVID-19 response efforts.

Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) director Dr. Edwin Dimatatac said the city’s molecular laboratory started processing swab samples from COVID-19 patients on Wednesday. He noted that test results may be released within the day of the collection of swab samples.

Under the approved pricing scheme, the RT-PCR swab test performed at the Muntinlupa Molecular Laboratory costs P3,800. Indigent admitted patients qualified in OsMun’s No Balance Billing scheme and patients with valid Philhealth coverage can avail discounted prices.

Swabbing of out-patient clients will be accommodated from Mondays to Fridays, except holiday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM. While the molecular laboratory will be open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. All other request for in-patient and emergency request are subject to regular specimen collection.

Muntinlupa Molecular Laboratory is located at the Saklolo at Gabay ng Ina at Pamilya (SAGIP) building at the back of Ospital ng Muntinlupa in Filinvest, Alabang. For more information, the public may contact OsMun at (02) 8771 0457.

Recently, Department of Transportation Sec. Arthur Tugade vowed to assist Muntinlupa for the accreditation of the laboratory. Tugade also noted that Deputy Chief Implementer against COVID-19 Sec. Vince Dizon committed to donate one RT-PCR machine to Muntinlupa’s Molecular Laboratory once the accreditation is approved by the DOH.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi says the construction of the Molecular Laboratory will augment the city’s detection-isolation-treatment strategy in curbing COVID-19. The local exec noted that while the City Health Office records improvement with COVID-19 cases, the local government will not be lenient in implementing health protocols and other programs.

As of December 9, Muntinlupa City has 4,987 confirmed cases with 4,776 recoveries, 50 active cases, 161 reported deaths, 35 suspect cases, and 230 probable cases.

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

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City registers lowest COVID-19 attack rate, case transmission risk in Metro Manila

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City registers lowest COVID-19 attack rate, case transmission risk in Metro Manila

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Muntinlupa City has the lowest COVID-19 average daily attack rate and case transmission risk among Metro Manila cities as of November 1, according to the Department of Health’s Metro Manila Center for Health Development.

Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao reported the improving scenario in the city to the city’s COVID-19 Task Force during a Virtual Meeting with Department of Transportation secretary Arthur Tugade and Mayor Jaime Fresnedi yesterday.

Tuliao said that as per DOH report, Muntinlupa garnered a -55.27% 2-Week Growth Rate and an Average Daily Attack Rate of 1.99 over 100,000 population. The 2-Week Growth Rate of NCR is -37.45% while the Average Daily Attack Rate is 3.68/100,000 population. She noted that the data reflects the slowing down of community transmission in the city. DOH-NCR has given Muntinlupa a Low Risk classification.

As of November 23, the recovery rate in the city has further improved to 95.88% while the doubling time has increased to 20.66 days. Doubling time refers to the number of days for COVID-19 cases to double in number. The Muntinlupa City Health Office also recorded two barangays with zero active cases: Brgy. Buli and Brgy. Sucat.

The details from the authorities. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Further, Tuliao noted that the construction of the 144-bed ‘We Heal As One’ quarantine facility in Pacwood Site, Brgy. Tunasan and weekly coordination with DOTr Sec. Tugade and other DOTr execs contributed to the decrease and slowing down of cases in the city.

As of November 24, the isolation facility has accommodated at least 109 residents who tested positive for COVID-19 and suspect cases. Individuals admitted in the facility are given free P300 sim load / data allocation allowance, meals, medicine, and hygiene kits. A medical team, including a dedicated nutritionist, is also assigned in the facility to conduct regular check-up consultations.

The isolation center in Pacwood Site, Tunasan is subject to DOH inspection to be recognized as a PhilHealth-accredited facility. Another ‘We Heal As One’ Center is being constructed beside the Filinvest Tent in Alabang.

Meanwhile, the local health office is closely monitoring evacuees affected by the recent typhoons that are still staying in various evacuation centers in the city. Medical teams are deployed in the centers to administer vaccination and swabbing of residents who manifest COVID-19 symptoms. ‘Symptomatic’ evacuees are isolated in evacuation centers and referred to quarantine facilities. Currently, Muntinlupa has zero dengue and leptospirosis case.

Muntinlupa City has 4,852 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 4,652 recoveries, 42 active cases, 158 reported deaths, 26 suspect cases, and 240 probable cases as of November 24.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City records all-time high recovery rate at 95.83%, 20 days doubling time over the past week

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City records all-time high recovery rate at 95.83%, 20 days doubling time over the past week

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With the rate of COVID-19 transmission largely slowing down in Metro Manila, the City of Muntinlupa recorded a 95.83% recovery rate, an all-time high since the beginning of the pandemic, and improving doubling time at almost twenty days over the past week.

Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao reported the improving scenario and recovery rate of infected individuals in Muntinlupa to the city’s COVID-19 Task Force during a Virtual Meeting with Department of Transportation secretary Arthur Tugade yesterday.

On November 3, the City Health Office recorded a significant increase of recovered cases with 33 recoveries in one day reflecting a sharp drop of active cases from 70 as of November 2 to 43 active cases the following day.

Tuliao said the doubling time or the number of days for COVID-19 cases to double in number is now at 19.57 days and the city has only 45 active cases as of November 9, the second lowest recorded among local government units (LGUs) of Metro Manila.

Muntinlupa City also earned the lowest prevalence in the region with a rate of 0.08 as of November 10. The city’s prevalence rate or the number of cases over the total population is below the ‘acceptable rate’ of 1.0.

Further, Tuliao noted that the construction of the 144-bed ‘We Heal As One’ quarantine facility in Pacwood Site, Brgy. Tunasan and weekly coordination with DOTr Sec. Tugade and other DOTr execs contributed to the decrease and slowing down of cases in the city.

As of November 10, the isolation capacity accommodates 12 residents who tested positive for COVID-19 and 5 probable cases. Individuals staying at the facility are given free medicine, food, and hygiene kits.

Another ‘We Heal As One’ Center is being constructed beside the Filinvest Tent in Alabang and the memorandum of agreement with the Filinvest Corporate City is already underway for the launching of the facility.

Self-isolation or admission to city isolation facilities is mandatory for anyone who have undergone COVID-19 swab testing in Muntinlupa under City Ordinance 2020-126.

Recently, the Department of Health – Metro Manila Center for Health Development lauded the city’s strategies as it conferred the COVID-19 Response Service last October in recognition of its programs ensuring the provision of quality health services in the community amid the pandemic.

As of November 9, Muntinlupa City has 4,746 confirmed cases with 4,548 recoveries, 45 active cases, 153 reported deaths, 55 suspect cases, and 306 probable cases.

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

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Muntinlupa City lauded by DOTr. Secretary Tugado for its disaster risk response efforts to Typhoon Rolly and management of evacuation centers to comply with health protocols

Muntinlupa City lauded by DOTr. Secretary Tugado for its disaster risk response efforts to Typhoon Rolly and management of evacuation centers to comply with health protocols

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The City Government of Muntinlupa’s mitigation measures and disaster risk response efforts to Typhoon Rolly earned recognition from Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade during a virtual meeting with the city’s COVID-19 Task Force yesterday.

DOTr Sec. Arthur Tugade lauded the City Government pro-active measures and activation of disaster risk response teams two days ahead of Typhoon Rolly’s landfall in Luzon. Tugade also cited the management of evacuation areas in Muntinlupa and strict enforcement of minimum health protocols including wearing of face masks and social distancing.

At least 2,012 families from low-lying areas and communities along the coastline of Laguna de Bay were evacuated, according to the report of Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Risk Resilience and Management (MCDRRM).

MCDRRM chief Erwin Alfonso reported Muntinlupa’s preparation for the compounded threat of Typhoon Rolly and COVID-19 such as preemptive evacuation of vulnerable communities, early prepositioning of emergency response resources and equipment, activation of early warning signals, and installation of modular tents in evacuation areas to ensure compliance with physical distancing measures.

Alfonso added that the City Health Office (CHO) have also conducted health, nutrition and COVID-19 monitoring in the evacuation centers and installed breastfeeding station to serve nursing mothers.

DOTr Sec. Tugade recognized the “substantive and effective collaboration” of the national government with Muntinlupa in curbing COVID-19 and responding to disasters and calamities.

Further, Tugade also reported during the virtual meeting that the delivery of container vans for the establishment of an additional We Heal As One Quarantine Facility in Filinvest Tent, Alabang is ongoing. He also noted that a memorandum of agreement with the Filinvest Corporate City is already underway for the launching of the facility.

Recently, a 144-bed We Heal As One quarantine facility was inaugurated in Pacwood Site, Barangay Tunasan for COVID-19 positive, suspect cases, and residents who have undergone swabbing tests. Each room has a comfort room, air-conditioning unit, and supplies. Residents who will occupy the isolation rooms will be given COVID-19 essentials bag consisting of a hygiene kit, vitamins, medicine, thermometer, bedsheet, pillow blanket, and towels, among others.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi vowed to continue to work with the IATF in improving Muntinlupa’s health system performance, critical care capacity, and stringent compliance to surveillance, isolation, and treatment protocols.

Muntinlupa City records slowing down of transmission rate and a sharp drop of active cases from 768 cases in September 1 to 70 cases in November 2. As of November 2, Muntinlupa City has 4,682 confirmed cases with 4,461 recoveries, 70 active cases, 151 reported deaths, 78 suspect cases, and 342 probable cases.

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

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa Molecular Lab to open next week, eyes processing of 100 COVID-19 tests per hour

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa Molecular Lab to open next week, eyes processing of 100 COVID-19 tests per hour

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In a bid to strengthen the local testing capacity and COVID-19 response efforts, the City Government of Muntinlupa announced it is set to open its own Molecular Laboratory in Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) which is expected to process one hundred tests per hour.

OsMun director Dr. Edwin Dimatatac reported to Mayor Jaime Fresnedi and Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade the status of the city’s Molecular Laboratory during a virtual meeting of the local COVID-19 Response Team last October 27.

Ospital ng Muntinlupa director Dr. Edwin Dimatatac (left) and Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management chief Erwin Alfonso (center) inspect the Muntinlupa Molecular Laboratory located at SAGIP Building, near Ospital ng Muntinlupa, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Dimatatac said that the delivery of medical equipment is expected to be finished by the end of this month and the laboratory will be operational next week. He noted that the laboratory can process 100 tests per hour and results may be released as early as six (6) hours. The hospital director noted that they are in close coordination with DOH for the laboratory’s accreditation.

Further, personnel to be assigned in the city’s Molecular Laboratory were already trained by the DOH and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). The laboratory is located at the Saklolo at Gabay ng Ina at Pamilya (SAGIP) building near Ospital ng Muntinlupa in Alabang.

DOTr Sec. Tugade vowed to assist Muntinlupa for the accreditation of the laboratory. Tugade noted that Deputy Chief Implementer against COVID-19 Sec. Vince Dizon committed to donate one RT-PCR machine to Muntinlupa’s Molecular Laboratory once the accreditation is approved by the DOH.

A look at part of the equipment in the Molecular Laboratory. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The additional equipment is set to double the laboratory’s capacity from 200 tests to 400 tests per day. Muntinlupa City aims to operate two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines at the laboratory which can process 500 to 900 samples a day.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi says the construction of the Molecular Laboratory will augment the city’s detection-isolation-treatment strategy in curbing COVID-19. He noted that while the City Health Office records improvement with COVID-19 cases, the City Government will not be lenient in implementing health protocols and other programs.

A sharp drop of active cases was recorded in Muntinlupa from 768 cases in September 1 to 69 cases as of October 26. The city’s recovery rate has further improved to 95.25%, an all-time high since the start of the pandemic.

Muntinlupa City also earned the lowest prevalence among Metro Manila cities with a rate of 0.13. The city’s prevalence rate or the number of cases over the total population is below the ‘acceptable rate’ of 1.0.

As of October 26, the doubling time in Muntinlupa City is at 17.94 days. Doubling time refers to the number of days for COVID-19 cases to double in number and the standard rate of transmission should be at 7-30 days to be considered decelerating.

The City Health Office has also launched a mobile swabbing testing in coordination with barangay health centers. As of October 26, the local health office facilitated 19,307 swab tests equivalent to 3.57% of the city’s population. Muntinlupa surpassed the national target of testing two percent of the population.

Recently, the 144-bed quarantine facility “We Heal As One” COVID-19 patients and suspect cases was inaugurated in Pacwood Site, Barangay Tunasan through the efforts of the Department of Public Works and Highways in partnership with the City Government.

DPWH Secetary Mark Villar, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the blessing ceremony of the emergency quarantine facility amounting to P45-million last October 13. During the program, Villar reported that an additional quarantine facility with 200-bed capacity will be constructed in the Filinvest Tent Parking Area.

Isolation Facility manager Dr. Juancho Bunyi said the We Heal As One Center in Tunasan is accommodating 22 COVID-19 cases (12 positive individuals and 10 probable cases) as of October 27. Occupants of the We Heal As One quarantine facility are given free medicine, food, and hygiene kits.

As of October 27, Muntinlupa City has 4,615 confirmed cases with 4,411 recoveries, 54 active cases, 150 reported deaths, 131 suspect cases, and 290 probable cases.

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

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa records lowest COVID-19 prevalence, 2nd lowest active cases in NCR

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa records lowest COVID-19 prevalence, 2nd lowest active cases in NCR

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Muntinlupa City records the lowest COVID-19 prevalence in Metro Manila and the second lowest active cases in the region, a sharp drop of from 768 cases in September 1 to 89 cases as of October 19.

Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao reported the improvement in COVID-19 cases in the city to Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, and members of the local task force in a virtual meeting last October 20.

Tuliao said the recovery rate has further improved to 94.80%, an all-time high since the start of the pandemic, and Muntinlupa City now has the second lowest active cases in NCR following the Municipality of Pateros with over 49 active cases. She reported that no COVID-19 related fatality has been recorded over the last week.

The local health officer noted that Muntinlupa earned the lowest prevalence among Metro Manila cities with a rate of 0.16. The city’s prevalence rate or the number of cases over the total population is below the ‘acceptable rate’ of 1.0.

As of October 19, the doubling time in Muntinlupa City is at 17.94 days. Doubling time refers to the number of days for COVID-19 cases to double in number and the standard rate of transmission should be at 7-30 days to be considered decelerating. Tuliao said the improvement can be accounted to the city’s holistic approach in curbing COVID-19 which include surveillance-isolation-treatment strategies, intensified targeted mass testing, contact tracing, psychosocial interventions, and massive information drives, among others.

DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development confers COVID-19 Response Service Award to Muntinlupa City last October 16 in recognition of its programs to ensure the provision of quality health services in the community amid the pandemic. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Muntinlupa CHO has conducted at least 18,944 swab tests as of October 19 which is equivalent to 3.50% of the city’s population. The city surpassed the national target of testing two percent of the population.

Recently, the 144-bed We Heal As One quarantine facility has opened in Pacwood Site, Barangay Tunasan for COVID-19 positive, suspect cases, and residents who have undergone swabbing tests. Each room has a comfort room, air-conditioning unit, and supplies. Residents who will occupy the isolation rooms will be given COVID-19 essentials bag consisting of a hygiene kit, vitamins, medicine, thermometer, bedsheet, pillow blanket, and towels, among others.

Self-isolation or admission to city isolation facilities is mandatory for anyone who have undergone COVID-19 swab testing in Muntinlupa under City Ordinance 2020-126. Currently, there are 6 occupants in the facility from Barangay Ayala Alabang and Barangay Putatan.

DOTr Sec. Arthur Tugade lauded Muntinlupa’s strategies towards the fight against COVID-19 and vowed to continue to support the city’s COVID-19 response efforts. Tugade was assigned by the IATF to monitor Muntinlupa’s health system performance, critical care capacity, and stringent compliance to surveillance, isolation, and treatment protocols.

The Department of Health – Metro Manila Center for Health Development also lauded this development as it conferred the COVID-19 Response Service Award to Muntinlupa City last October 16 in recognition of its programs ensuring the provision of quality health services in the community amid the pandemic.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi welcomes the improvement of COVID-19 situation in the city highlighting the significant decrease of cases being monitored from by the hundreds down to the tens. However, the local exec warns residents not to be complacent with the positive results. He urged the public to continue to strictly follow minimum health protocols and safety measures such as wearing of face masks, observing physical distancing and washing of hands.

As of October 19, Muntinlupa City has 4,559 confirmed cases with 4,322 recoveries, 89 active cases, 148 reported deaths, 144 suspect cases, and 402 probable cases.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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