Tag: ayuda

Congressman-elect Yamsuan to implement twin programs to improve financial literacy of Parañaque folks

Congressman-elect Yamsuan to implement twin programs to improve financial literacy of Parañaque folks

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Recently the incoming Parañaque District 2 Representative Brian Yamsuan confirmed that he is banking on twin livelihood and employment programs to improve the financial literacy of his constituents, 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…

Parañaque City 2nd district representative-elect Brian Raymund Yamsuan is eyeing a “culture of financial literacy” for his constituents through his twin livelihood and employment programs.

Yamsuan, who served as Bicol Saro Party-list representative in the 19th Congress, said he will make financial literacy a key component of the training received by livelihood program beneficiaries in a bid to them make informed and responsible decisions about the funds they have received from the government.

These include recipients of Yamsuan’s “Bigay Negosyo” and “Dagdag Puhunan Para sa Kabuhayan” programs, which he has been implementing in his home district in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), respectively.

“Ang layunin natin ay maging ‘wais’ ang bawat Parañaqueño sa paghawak ng kanilang pera, simula dito sa distrito dos (Our goal is to make every Parañaqueno handle their money wisely, starting here in district two),” he said.

“Many people think that financial literacy is a daunting, complex idea. We will partner with private sector groups to simplify and explain financial concepts so that they would be easy to understand and put into practice,” Yamsuan noted.

“Kasama na sa financial literacy program ang pagtuturo sa kanila kung paano mag-budget, mag-ipon, mag-invest, humiram ng karagdagang pondo at magkaroon ng kaalaman tungkol sa mga financial products and services na maari nilang gamitin para mapalago ang kanilang maliit na negosyo,” explained the former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary.

(Included in the financial literacy program is teaching them how to budget, save, invest and borrow additional funds and other knowledge about financial products and services that they can use to expand their small businesses.)

“Developing a culture of financial literacy should be our first step towards financial inclusion where every Filipino, regardless of his economic status, has easy and affordable access to financial services,” he added. 

Yamsuan said he is also planning to include “ayuda” or cash aid beneficiaries in his financial literacy program.

“The government allocates billions of pesos each year under the national budget to fund livelihood programs and provide ‘ayuda’ to our low-income countrymen. Financial literacy will not only help recipients of these support programs make rational decisions about the money they receive, but will also mean less ‘ayuda’ and other forms of social protection going to waste due to poor financial decisions,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think Congressman-elect Yamsuan’s twin programs will succeed in making his constituents more knowledgeable about financial literacy? Do you think a more financial literate population is the key to cutting down people’s dependence on ayuda or assistance from the government? How many members of your local community became dependent on ayuda since the COVID-19 pandemic?

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

Parañaque Congressman-elect Yamsuan aims to reduce people’s dependence on ayuda by locally implementing government livelihood programs

Parañaque Congressman-elect Yamsuan aims to reduce people’s dependence on ayuda by locally implementing government livelihood programs

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Parañaque City’s incoming 2nd District Representative Brian Yamsuan aims to reduce people dependence on ayuda (dole outs) as he stepped up the implementation of the government’s livelihood programs, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Part of his efforts include the refiling of bills in the next Congress.

For context about what happened in the recent elections, Yamsuan ran under the Team Pag-Asa banner and his teammates include Vice Mayor-elect Benjo Bernabe, and the re-elected City Councilors Tess de Asis, Binky Favis and Shannin Olivarez. Yamsuan won over 2nd District Representative Gus Tambunting with a lead of almost ten thousand votes. The 2nd District includes the very large Barangay BF Homes, BF Homes subdivision and Tahanan Village. To learn more about Yamsuan, check out his Facebook page by clicking https://www.facebook.com/congbrianyamsuan

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

Parañaque City 2nd district Representative-elect Brian Raymund Yamsuan has stepped up the implementation of the government’s livelihood programs in a bid to reduce district folk’s dependence on “ayuda” or dole outs.

Yamsuan said he has begun exploring tie-ups with non-government organizations (NGOs) to assist in training qualified beneficiaries of his “Dagdag-Puhunan” and “Bigay-Negosyo” entrepreneurship programs.

The solon, who represents Bicol Saro Party-list in the 19th Congress, has been implementing these in the district since last year in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Yamsuan also said he will re-file bills in the incoming 20th Congress that aim to create local job facilitation offices for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), and promote entrepreneurship by creating a sustainable financing program for micro and small enterprises, to name a few.

“Ang kailangan natin mabigyan ng mga oportunidad ang mga tao na umangat ang kanilang estado ng pamumuhay. Hindi yung basta magbibigay lang tayo ng ayuda ng walang follow-through. Ang pagbabago magsisimula rin sa mga tao mismo. Bibigyan natin sila ng oportunidad para magtiwala sila sa kanilang sarili na makapagbago at mag-rely sa kanilang kakayahan sa halip na umasa na lamang sa ayuda,” Yamsuan said in a recent media interview.

(What we need is to provide opportunities for people to elevate their standard of living, instead of just giving dole outs without any follow-through. Change will start with the people themselves. We will provide them the opportunity so that they will have the confidence to change and rely on their capabilities instead of just depending on dole outs.)

This “follow through” involves providing livelihood training and seminars for ‘ayuda’ beneficiaries to encourage them to set up micro businesses and “graduate” from being doleout recipients, he said.

Yamsuan said his Dagdag-Puhunan and Bigay Negosyo programs provide comprehensive livelihood training for applicants before they can qualify as beneficiaries. 

These programs will be enhanced to include financial literacy seminars to educate people on how to prudently save, spend or invest their ayuda or earnings from livelihood programs.

“Ang ‘ayuda’ kailangan pa rin yan ng ating mga mahihirap na kababayan, kasi pantawid nila yan (Our poor countrymen still need dole outs because it will serve as a lifeline for them),” But we will teach them how to use it wisely. The same goes for those who have received assistance through our livelihood programs,” Yamsuan said.

Yamsuan said his twin programs can lead to success stories if beneficiaries use the funds given to them wisely.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think incoming District 2 Representative Yamsuan will be able to implement socio-economic reforms for his constituents? Do you think that the 2nd District of Parañaque could experience a new wave of economic improvements over the next three years? Do you believe now is a good time for Filipinos to become less dependent on government-provided cash assistance?

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

Economist says election-related spending won’t add much to nation’s economic growth this time

Economist says election-related spending won’t add much to nation’s economic growth this time

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As far as one economist is concerned, spending related to this year’s national and local elections (scheduled for May 12, 2025) will not add much to the nation’s economic growth this year, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Elections and related spending no longer provide the same economic boost as they once did. As a result, an economist at Ateneo de Manila University expects the Philippine economy to grow below goal this year, despite the upcoming midterm elections in May.

Luis Dumlao, associate professor and senior research fellow at the university’s economic research arm, Ateneo Eagle Watch, forecasted that there won’t be any “extraordinary GDP [gross domestic product] spike” due to election-related activities during the first half of this year.

During Ateneo Eagle Watch’s 2025 economic briefing last Thursday, March 6, Dumlao projected that annual GDP growth could potentially accelerate from 5.6 percent in 2024 to 5.9 percent in 2025.

If Dumlao’s forecast proves accurate, it would mark the third consecutive year that economic growth falls short of the government’s target, following a peak of 7.6 percent in 2022—the year of the last presidential election, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. won.

The Marcos administration targets growth of six to eight percent for 2025.

In the past, elections—even midterm polls—bolstered the economy. GDP grew by 6.1 percent in 2019 and 6.8 percent in 2013 due to midterm election-related spending.

In 2016, when former President Rodrigo Duterte won the presidency, economic growth reached 7.1 percent. Back in 2010, when former President Benigno Aquino III was voted to the top position in the land, GDP expanded by 7.3 percent.

Despite his below-expectations GDP growth estimate for this year, Dumlao also projected that annual inflation would average 2.4 percent, falling within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) two- to four-percent target range for manageable price increases.

His headline inflation forecast for 2025 is lower than the 3.2 percent in 2024. As of end-February, inflation averaged 2.5 percent, mainly due to rice deflation or declining prices of the Filipino food staple.

With the election campaign season rolling in, Dumlao noted that the practice of politicians giving away dole-outs or “ayuda” may no longer be as feasible.

While such spending was effective as a band-aid solution during the Covid-19 pandemic, when there was a greater need for financial support to sectors badly hit by the health and socioeconomic crises it wrought, Dumlao emphasized that “there’s no excuse” for continuing such expenditures post-pandemic.

“Ayuda was excused during the pandemic… However, for some reason, the government’s expenditure [on dole-outs] grew” even after the pandemic.

“There’s still [ayuda] spending as if it’s still the pandemic,” he said.

As elections gradually lose their hefty contribution to economic output, Dumlao urged the government to focus on key industries that would foster long-term growth.

“The economic drivers right now are accommodation like hotels, retail, trade, and construction. Business process outsourcing (BPO), too. Those are the fastest-growing subsectors,” he said.

Dumlao also suggested a further push for privatization of certain infrastructures and utilities.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you still think that election-related spending can still add a lot to the growth of the national economy this year? Do you think further privatization by the government will prove to be more crucial and helpful to enhancing economic growth? Did you notice how the local politicians and election candidate have been giving away assistance or ayuda to local communities recently?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, 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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

COVID-19 Crisis: ECQ in Metro Manila to be extended beyond August 20?

COVID-19 Crisis: ECQ in Metro Manila to be extended beyond August 20?

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The Manila Bulletin reported yesterday that Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos confirmed that he and the National Capital Region (NCR) mayors will meet very soon to talk about the possible extension of the ongoing enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) which itself was announced to last until August 20, 2021. Meanwhile, a GMA Network news report states that the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) expressed that a lockdown is not the remedy and that the reopening of the economy is necessary.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report regarding Abalos and the Metro Manila mayors. Some parts in boldface…

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos said he and the mayors of the National Capital Region (NCR) will discuss the possible extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period in the metropolis this coming week.

Abalos made this revelation in an interview over DZBB radio on Sunday, Aug. 15.

“Martes or Miyerkules mag-uusap po kami, marami kang babalansehin diyan (We will talk either Tuesday or Wednesday, you have to balance a lot of things there),” said Abalos, who is the concurrent chair of the Metro Manila Council (MMC).

He said the factors that need to be considered in such talks are the number of those who will have no work as a result of the possible ECQ extension, the hospitalization rate for coroanvirus disease (COVID-19) cases, and the number of vaccinated persons in Metro Manila.

“Kasi kung mag-i-ECQ ka, ayuda nanaman yan eh (Another round of ECQ means another round of cash aid),” he pointed out.

Abalos reiterated in the interview that the mayor-members of MMC have yet to come to an agreement on whether or not to extend the imposition of ECQ, contrary to a news report over the weekend.

“Hindi pa po nag-uusap tungkol doon, pag-uusapan pa lang po (We haven’t talked about that yet, but we will),” he noted.

The report quoted MMC chair, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez as saying that the local chief executives have agreed during a meeting to extend the ECQ up to Aug. 30. Abalos has denied this, saying that Olivarez was just misquoted.

In addition, Abalos and the Metro Manila mayors should be aware of the presence of the Lambda variant in the Philippines. For sure that will be discussed in their meeting.

Now, we focus on the economic side with this excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) on Saturday said reopening of the economy is necessary to prevent further economic damage and job losses, along with continued rollout of COVID-19 vaccines and adherence to health protocols.

“It’s time we learn that lockdown is not the remedy,” ECOP president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said in a statement.

“Let’s compromise, we have to think that the economy is more important and we have to live with COVID-19,” he said.

Ortiz-Luis made the statement amid speculations of possible extension of the two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila after August 20.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez earlier said that the possibility of extending the ECQ in Metro Manila for another three weeks is not yet on the table, and talks of a five-week ECQ are mere rumors and disinformation.

Citing government estimates, Ortiz-Luis said lockdowns cost the economy P150 billion a week, or P300 billion for the two-week ECQ.

Further, he pointed out that the estimated lockdown losses are on top of business closures that lead to unemployment.

“It would have been much productive and useful to channel even a fifth of these losses to strengthen our healthcare system to address the cases and for prevention measures,” the ECOP chief said.

Ortiz-Luis, likewise, noted that the number of deaths related to the coronavirus is small compared to those who die due to other diseases, and even suicide and hunger.

He said there is thus a need to intensify monitoring of severe cases as a large majority of COVID-19 infections are asymptomatic.

“Let us not be fixated on the numbers. Instead, let us intensify and fast-track our vaccination.

“Let us not forget practicing health protocols and comply with quarantine classifications. Continue adding hospital rooms, facilities, COVID-19 centers…,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you think that the MMDA and the Metro Manila mayors will recommend an extension of the ECQ knowing that such a move will require another round of releasing cash aid/ayuda? Do you think the ECOP is correct with the economic damage estimates of P150 billion per week of lockdown?

Within your city of residence, are you satisfied with the way that your local government and its partners are organizing the registration, set-ups and COVID-19 vaccination operations?

Did you hear the recent news about a fully vaccinated patient (two doses in Mandaluyong City) who somehow got a third shot of COVID-19 vaccine in another city?

Still within your city, how many people do you personally know lost their jobs because of the most recent ECQ? Are there any business owners you know who had no choice but to scale down operations or shut down entirely all because of the ECQ?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: GCash will be used by the Muntinlupa City Government to distribute ayuda to local recipients

COVID-19 Crisis: GCash will be used by the Muntinlupa City Government to distribute ayuda to local recipients

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Calling all residents of Muntinlupa City who use GCash! Be aware that it has been reported by the Manila Bulletin that the national government’s financial assistance (AKA ayuda) will be released to qualified recipients through their GCash accounts. Take note that the City Government of Muntinlupa will use the mobile wallet app as a crucial method to send the money to the qualified recipients which should relieve them from having to personally travel to a single venue to physically collect the money. For the newcomers reading this, the national government releases financial assistance to the residents of specific areas or regions that got affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

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

The Muntinlupa City government announced Monday that it will use the mobile wallet app GCash in the distribution of the national government’s “ayuda” or financial assistance.

“For the expected distribution of ‘ayuda’ for affected Muntinlupa residents under ECQ [enhanced community quarantine], the local government will use GCash. The city government decided to hold an online distribution to ensure the safety of everyone against COVID-19,” according to an announcement by the city government.

It said it will issue additional updates about the online payout and urged the public to make their own GCash accounts.

According to Local Budget Circular No. 138 issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Aug. 6, Muntinlupa has been allotted P441.6 million for distribution to affected residents.

The “ayuda” allotment was given to Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) after the region was placed under ECQ from Aug. 6 to 20.

A total of P10.89 billion has been allotted by the national government to 16 cities and one municipality in Metro Manila.

If you are a qualified recipient of the ayuda here in Muntinlupa and you don’t have GCash, then you should download the app as soon as possible. Posted below are the ways to get yourselves moving with GCash. The images below were posted by the City Government through their official Facebook page.

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

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident who is qualified for the financial assistance, do you think that GCash is the most ideal way to receive the money through the City Government? Do you prefer cash in physical form over digital? What is the one thing you like or dislike the most about GCash?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Over 90% of ECQ aid distributed to beneficiaries in NCR Plus

COVID-19 Crisis: Over 90% of ECQ aid distributed to beneficiaries in NCR Plus

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For NCR Plus (National Capital Region plus Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal provinces), the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) are both over. What is also over during this COVID-19 pandemic is the period of the distribution of the so-called Ayuda or financial assistance by the national government for NCR Plus-based low-income earners who got affected by the ECQ. Specifically, the distribution of the funds ended on May 15, 2021 (Saturday) and according to a news report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) – citing the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – over 90% of the funds were distributed.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA’s article. Some parts in bold…

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday said the distribution of aid has reached 91 percent or PHP21.06 billion given to low-income earners in the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus area as of May 15, the deadline set by the national government.

In a news release, the agency said 37 local government units (LGUs) reached 100 percent completion of aid distribution.

DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said that amid all the challenges, the LGUs delivered their end of the bargain on the distribution of ‘ayuda’ to millions of beneficiaries, with most registering a 90 percent completion rate as of May 15.

He said the 91 percent distribution rate is a testament to the LGUs’ commitment to extend the most help they can give to their constituents.

“Alam ninyo po isang malaking hamon po talaga itong pamamahagi ng ayuda sa panahon ng pandemya at nakakatuwa na we saw the commitment of the LGUs (As you know, the distribution of the assistance at this time of a pandemic was a big challenge. We are elated with the commitment we saw from the LGUs). And now billions of pesos of financial assistance have reached our kababayans. The 91 percent or PHP21.06 billion ‘ayuda’ distributed to qualified beneficiaries is a victory for the LGUs and the national government,” Año said.

He explained that the remaining 9 percent represents the unclaimed ‘ayuda’ and they have granted the LGUs with unclaimed funds the authority to prepare a new payroll and distribute these to other affected individuals in their respective communities within 10 days.

“Despite diligent efforts by the LGUs, some of the beneficiaries did not claim their ‘ayuda’ because they have moved to the provinces or are no longer residing in their LGUs. Many of them were also delisted because they were found to be duplicates in the Social Amelioration Program list. The LGUs have started to prepare a new payroll in order to distribute these unclaimed funds,” he said.

On May 15, Año said Bulacan tallied the highest completion rate of 96.85 percent corresponding to PHP2.87 billion worth of financial assistance with 12 LGUs namely Balagtas, Baliwag, Bocaue, Calumpit, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Guiguinto, Norzagaray, Pandi, Paombong, Plaridel, San Miguel and, San Rafael finishing their ‘ayuda’ distribution.

Laguna tallied 19 LGUs which have completed aid distribution, the most among the whole NCR Plus bubble while garnering a high completion rate of 96.50 percent corresponding to PHP2.62 billion worth of financial aid distributed.

Among the LGUs which have completed distribution of ‘ayuda’ in Laguna are the cities of Biñan, Cabuyao, San Pedro, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and the towns of Alaminos, Calauan, Famy, Kalayaan, Lumban, Mabitac, Magdalena, Nagcarlan, Paete, Pagsanjan, Pakil, Pila, Rizal and Siniloan.

Meanwhile, Rizal followed with 93.34 percent, NCR with 90.99 percent; and Cavite with 86.04 percent, with five LGUs including Tagaytay City, Amadeo, Mendez, Naic, and Noveleta completing the aid distribution.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the Philippine News Agency’s crime news report? Did your local government unit distribute the money with transparency and honesty? Do you believe your LGU achieved 100% completion of the ayuda distribution?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Ayuda sa Atleta campaign launched

Ayuda sa Atleta campaign launched

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A special campaign to help raise funds and donations in-kind for national athletes, both regular and the differently abled ones, and dubbed AYUDA SA ATLETA, was launched recently as an initiative of the private sector to help them in these difficult times of the pandemic.

Triathlon President and former Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman Tom Carrasco and veteran sports journalist and management consultant Lito Cinco, who wrote about the need for a community pantry of assistance to national athletes in his column The Bottom Line last April 21, co-lead the group. Joining them are sepak takraw President and POC official Karen Tanchanco Caballero, sports science figure and former national archer Nino Sinco, and sportsman/sports patron Alex Wang of Wang’s Ballclub.

The group is tasked to plan and manage the program, from raising funds all the way to distribution of the assistance to the recipients, initially with the differently-abled athletes who are more in need, “We know we cannot cover the total 1,500 number of national athletes and coaches, that is why decided to start off with the differently-abled ones and are in touch with PHILSPADA to get the complete roster,“ said Carrasco.

“We have categorized the assistance in the form of vitamins, sports drinks, energy bars, and personal hygiene items for those who would like to give in kind. Fortunately, Cebuana Lhuillier President/CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier, himself a sports man and long-time supporter of Philippine sports has jumpstarted the program with a P250,000 donation. We hope other sports-loving companies and individuals will follow his lead, our national athletes who have brought us honor certainly deserve to be helped during this pandemic,“ added Carrasco, whose company, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines also donated P25,000 to the cause.

On his part, Cinco who has been long involved in projects for the needy, including current community pantries in Mandaluyong, said, “I was inspired by what I have seen about this community program that has grown all over and I thought, why not initiate one for athletes, and wrote about it . The following day after my column came out, I got a call from Cebuana Lhuillier pledging assistance. I was not really surprised about the help extended as I have known Jean Henri as sports patron for a long time.”

Solicitation letters will be sent to various companies and individuals for cash and in-kind donations, with the group promising transparency for all funds received and expenses made.

“Our target is to start the distribution to athletes by June to give us time to raise more donations so we can cover more athletes,“ concluded Carrasco.

For interested parties, contact persons for the program are Carrasco, 0917 8992999, Cinco, 0920 9241981 and lito_cinco@yahoo.com, Wang, 0943 0119811, and Tanchanco, dsgkarencaballero@olympic.ph

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Note: Some parts of the above press release were edited for this website.

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Almost 100,000 residents receive financial aid (ayuda) in Las Piñas City

COVID-19 Crisis: Almost 100,000 residents receive financial aid (ayuda) in Las Piñas City

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If you are a qualified recipient of financial aid from the national government that is being distributed by the local government units (LGUs) in relation to the recent ECQ (enhanced community quarantine), were you able to receive the money?

In relation to this, there is an update about the financial aid being distributed by the City Government of Las Piñas to its constituents.

The Manila Bulletin reported the other day – with Mayor Imelda Aguilar as their source – that almost one hundred thousand city residents have received the financial aid ranging from P1,000 to P4,000. To be more specific, the official count was reported at 98,648 people of Las Piñas who received the money. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin’s report…

Aguilar said the city government recorded a total of 124,435 beneficiaries listed and approved by the Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR). Most of them were affected by the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

The mayor said the city government received a total of P501 million from the national government intended for the beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

The city government has already handed out about 65.62% of the P501-million allocation to the beneficiaries in 20 distribution points, according to Aguilar.

She said they still have a total of P172,224,000 that will be distributed to the remaining qualified beneficiaries.

As of this writing, the City Government is moving closer to achieving 100% distribution of the national government funds. The city sure has lots of distribution points set at twenty, which apparently reflects the number of barangays in their jurisdiction.

If anyone of you reading this is a certified resident of Las Piñas City and if you have received (or are still trying to receive) the so-called ayuda, you might want to share to me your experience or observations about the distribution by contacting me directly online.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Government to include qualified families in villages, subdivisions affected by ECQ to ‘ayuda’ distribution

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Government to include qualified families in villages, subdivisions affected by ECQ to ‘ayuda’ distribution

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Following the distribution of emergency subsidy to families from priority groups who were affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), the City Government of Muntinlupa announced that it will include qualified beneficiaries from local subdivisions and villages for the financial assistance program.

The Muntinlupa Social Service Department has distributed the emergency subsidy to initial beneficiaries who were members of the Social Amelioration Program, Waitlisted Individuals (SAP), and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) as prescribed by the Joint Memorandum Circular of DSWD, DILG, and DND to be the priority groups for the financial assistance.

Muntinlupa Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said that after the pay-out for priority groups, qualified residents who were not included in the previous list of beneficiaries, even those living or renting in villages and subdivisions, can apply for the emergency subsidy.

She clarifies that other city residents who are not beneficiaries of SAP, those who are SAP waitlisted, and 4Ps can receive the financial assistance given that they qualify the requirements from the JMC.

Navarro noted that individuals who were directly affected by the recent imposition of the ECQ need to coordinate with their respective barangays and homeowners’ associations (HOAs) to fill-up a Client Information Sheet (CIS) and submit necessary documents. The submission of CIS to the barangays was set from April 19 to 22, 2021.

The allocated budget for Muntinlupa City is P442,191,000 which covers 80% of the local population as projected by National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The City Government has established a Grievance and Appeals Committee (GAC) to resolve issues and concerns from the beneficiaries. As of April 19, Muntinlupa GAC has responded to 809 inquiries sent via email and resolved 83 phone call inquiries.

Recently, Muntinlupa has requested an extension for the distribution of emergency subsidy to the DILG. Initially, local government units (LGUs) are enjoined to conduct the distribution of the emergency subsidy within 15 calendar days from release of Notice of Cash Allocation if the assistance is done in cash and within 30 days if assistance is given in kind.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi signed an executive order for the distribution of emergency subsidy in cash amounting to P1,000 per individual with a maximum amount of P4,000 per family to target beneficiaries.

The local exec noted that the assistance will be in cash as the local government is continuously providing food packs to city residents. Muntinlupa LGU has distributed 72,900 food boxes to city residents from January 2021 to April 2021.

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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.

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

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Las Piñas City Government released P154.4 million in cash aid payout so far (according to Manila Bulletin)

COVID-19 Crisis: Las Piñas City Government released P154.4 million in cash aid payout so far (according to Manila Bulletin)

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Hey readers! You heard about the local government units (LGUs) doing what they can to release to their respective constituents the cash assistance provided by the national government in relation to the ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) that happened in recent times?

Recently the City Government of Las Piñas was reported by the Manila Bulletin to be doing its job. To be clear, distribution is not the only thing that the LGU should do but also avoid the temptations of using the politician’s name, photo or image in the said distribution. The fund is popularly referred to as ayuda.

Going back to Las Piñas City, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Key details in bold…

The Las Piñas City government completed a 30.82 percent payout to a total of 126,000 qualified beneficiaries of the P1,000 up to P4,000 financial assistance coming from the national government.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the city government received P501 million from the national government for distribution to beneficiaries listed under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) and approved by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office-National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR).

Aguilar also said the other beneficiaries were those from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Based on the financial assistance report provided by the city government, it has already released a total of 154,402,000 to about 44,043 beneficiaries coming from 20 barangays in the city affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

The mayor said the city government still has P346,598,000 for distribution

Aguilar said the payout of the financial assistance is being held simultaneously in 20 distribution sites at the covered court of each barangay.

To put things in perspective, P154,402,000 (note: did you notice the lack of a Peso indicator in Manila Bulletin’s report above?) out of the grand total of P501,000,000 (this figure based on the above details) is equivalent to 30.82%. The City Government still has a long way to go before all the national government-provided funds have fully been released. For her part, Mayor Imelda Aguilar said (in the Manila Bulletin report) that her administration expects to finish the payout of the funds before the deadline given to each LGU. For insight, watch this news video.

If anyone of you reading this is a certified resident of Las Piñas City and if you have received (or are still trying to receive) the so-called ayuda, you might want to share to me your experience or observations about the distribution by contacting me directly online.

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

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673