Tag: business

COVID-19 Crisis: Online stockbroker predicts PSE index to reach 8,100 level by the end of 2021

COVID-19 Crisis: Online stockbroker predicts PSE index to reach 8,100 level by the end of 2021

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With the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) all set to take effect all over Metro Manila for two weeks starting August 6, a lot of people are disturbed about what lies ahead. For one thing, there is the highly infectious Delta variant spreading nationwide. There is also the potential economic damage and the effects ECQ will have on many workers.

And then there is the local stock exchange. While many investors are constantly looking on different directions and varied factors to decide what to do with their respective investments, the COL Financial Group recently revised its end-of-the-year estimate for the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) but their new prediction still points to a higher count than what the current index shows.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) article. Some parts in boldface…

Online stockbroker COL Financial Group expects the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) to end the year at 8,100, slightly lower than previously projected, supported by optimism for faster economic recovery and earnings growth.

COL chief equity strategist April Lynn Tan said their forecast for PSEi has been reduced from 8,300 considering the lower earnings incurred by property companies as their mall operations are affected most by the implementation of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

The National Capital Region (NCR) will be placed under the most restrictive ECQ from Aug. 6 to 20 to prevent the spread of the more infectious Delta coronavirus variant.

This, after the one implemented from May 17 to April 13, 2021 to stem the country’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) surge.

“We cut our earnings forecast and fair value estimates for the property companies given that they are part of a lot of the big holding companies that also dragged our fair value estimates. (But) an 8,100 target is still significantly higher from where we are today. That is why, we keep on saying that the negatives are priced in,” Tan said in a virtual press briefing Monday.

She said companies are “coping well” with the pandemic, adding that almost all sectors, except the property sector, reported higher year-on-year earnings.

“The reason why companies were able to deliver higher profits in the first quarter of this year compared to last year even though we are still in the pandemic is because they have adapted to the pandemic scenario by cutting cost and of course they also benefited from the lower tax rate, thanks to the CREATE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives) law,” Tan said.

President Rodrigo Duterte last March 26 signed into law the CREATE Act reducing the corporate income tax rate by 5 to 10 percent for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and other corporations.

Moreover, Tan said they remain bullish of the stock market on the back of efficient vaccination efforts and inflation reaching its peak.

Predicting the future is very unpredictable no matter what category gets discussed. Remember when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) predicted a brighter post-Olympics future for the city of Rio de Janeiro in relation to hosting the 2016 Summer Olympic Games? What happened after Rio Olympics were lots of unfulfilled promises, deteriorating facilities and a lot of embarrassment.

Going back to Philippine stocks, the COL Financial Group showed lots of details in their explanations of their 8,100 index end-of-2021 prediction. They were right to point to the CREATE Law which itself was a factor in the spike of foreign direct investments (FDI) in the country last April. The CREATE Law effectively reduced the corporate income tax rates for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). From this point on, it is interesting to see how the CREATE Law will impact the national economy and the local stock exchange in the months to come.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are an investor, what can you say about COL Financial Group’s end-of-the-year prediction for the Philippine Stock Exchange? Are you confident that the economic stakeholders, the businesses and investors will emerge stronger starting with the end of the next ECQ period until the end of the year? Is the CREATE Law positively impacting your business and/or investments?

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: ECQ for Metro Manila announced (August 6 to August 20, 2021)

COVID-19 Crisis: ECQ for Metro Manila announced (August 6 to August 20, 2021)

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A lot of people were very surprised yesterday with the sudden announcement that Metro Manila will be placed under the stricter enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) status effective August 1 until August 20, 2021 supposedly in connection to the rising spread of the highly infectious Delta variant (Parañaque and Las Piñas each have one) and COVID-19 cases in general. It is surprising because very recently it was announced that the National Capital Region (which Metro Manila is clearly part of) would be placed under the strict form of general community quarantine (GCQ) from August 1 to 15, 2021.

Take note that the Metro Manila mayors favored ECQ and even set terms that include the national government will provide financial assistance to their respective constituents plus millions of vaccines.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) article about the sudden ECQ announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Metro Manila will be placed under the most restrictive enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from August 6 to 20, Malacañang said on Friday.

This, after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ (IATF-EID) recommendation to impose the strict quarantine classification in Metro Manila.

In an announcement aired over state-run PTV-4, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Metro Manila will stay under general community quarantine (GCQ) “with heightened restrictions” from July 30 to August 5 and will shift to ECQ from August 6 to 20.

“Hindi po naging madali ang desisyon na ito. Maraming oras ang ginugol para pagdebatehan ang bagay na ito (It is not an easy decision. We have spent so much time to debate on the proposal [to place Metro Manila under ECQ]),” Roque said.

Metro Manila is currently under GCQ with heightened restrictions. Its quarantine status was supposed to be extended until August 15.

However, Metro Manila mayors have urged the IATF-EID to implement a two-week ECQ in the country’s metropolis to prevent the spread of the more infectious Delta coronavirus variant.

More restrictions

Roque said “additional restrictions” would be imposed in Metro Manila from July 30 to August 5.

“The heightened restrictions for NCR are more stringent compared to the GCQ with heightened restrictions of other areas,” he said in a press statement.

Roque said indoor dine-in services and al fresco dining are prohibited and only take-out and delivery are allowed in Metro Manila.

“For people working in these establishments, operations are allowed to continue and finish within the day,” he said.

Personal care services like beauty salons, beauty parlors, barber shops and nail spas may operate up to 30 percent of venue or seating capacity, Roque said.

He added that indoor sports courts and venues and indoor tourist attractions and specialized markets of the Department of Tourism (DOT) may not operate, while outdoor tourist attractions, as may be defined by the DOT, will be allowed at 30 percent venue capacity.

Roque said only Authorized Persons Outside their Residences will be allowed to travel “into and out” of NCR Plus, which is composed of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.

Only virtual religious gatherings shall be allowed. Gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment and funerals for those who died of causes other than Covid-19 shall be allowed, provided they are limited to immediate family members, he said.

Avoid panic buying

Following the government’s decision to implement ECQ in Metro Manila from August 6 to 20, Roque reminded the public not to resort to panic buying.

“Meron naman tayong isang linggo para mag-prepara dito sa two weeks na ECQ. Wala pong dahilan para mag panic buying dahil maski ECQ po, bukas naman po ang ating mga groceries (We still have one week to prepare for the two-week implementation of ECQ. There’s no reason for panic buying because despite the ECQ implementation, groceries are still open),” he said.

Apart from Metro Manila, Iloilo province and its city, Cagayan de Oro City, and the City of Gingoog in Misamis Oriental have also been placed under ECQ from July 21 to August 7.

On Tuesday, Roque announced that individuals residing in Iloilo province and its city, as well as the cities of Cagayan de Oro City and Gingoog, will receive cash assistance worth PHP1,000 per individual or PHP4,000 per family.

When quizzed if Metro Manila residents would also be given financial aid, Roque said: “Most likely but will seek confirmation.”

And here are related news videos to watch…

Economic damage and losses very likely

While it is understandable that ECQ is a response to the Delta variant and COVID-19 problems, it is very clear that this will result more financial losses on businesses and damage the nation’s economy which itself has been struggling to stand up and grow. Take note that the more businesses lose money, it could lead to job losses and result in lower tax collection on the part of the national government and LGUs. For insight, posted below is an excerpt from another PNA article published before the ECQ announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez has thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for approving the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to put Metro Manila and nearby provinces under general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions.

“The economy cannot bear another massive lockdown. We lose around PHP30 billion for a two-week lockdown. Many lost their jobs, livelihood, most of them are micro (and) SMEs (small and medium enterprises),” Lopez said during the Laging Handa public briefing Thursday.

He said the recommendation of placing National Capital Region (NCR) Plus under GCQ with heightened restrictions is in accordance with the IATF’s consultations with reliable health experts.

“We really take a balance, a holistic approach,” he added.

Lopez underscored that the IATF enforces restrictions amid the threats of the more infectious Covid-19 Delta variant.

But the restrictions are focused on ‘super spreader’ activities like mass gatherings, while lockdowns will remain a granular lockdown approach, the DTI chief said.

He also called on businesses to create their own health and safety committee that will ensure minimum public health protocols are being monitored and maintained in their respective establishments.

COVID-19 vaccination operations will still continue

Meanwhile, COVID-19 vaccination operations will still proceed during the ECQ period. Check out this excerpt from the GMA Network news report below…

Malacañang said the government’s COVID-19 vaccination program will proceed in Metro Manila even if the region will be under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from August 6 to 20.

“Yes, definitely [it will proceed]. Details will be provided in due course of the COVID-19 vaccination committee,” Roque said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you surprised about the sudden announcement of ECQ for Metro Manila? Do you believe that the Metro Manila Council (MMC) is correct that the national government should provide the financial aid and vaccines for their respective constituents?  Could it be possible that certain city governments or LGUs (local government units) of Metro Manila have ran out of funds and have no choice but to rely on the national government to provide for them?

If you are a business owner within Metro Manila, do you believe that August 6 is too early for the imposition of another ECQ? Do you think that the Metro Manila mayors spent enough time researching about the potential economic damage of the ECQ they pushed for?

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: 118 businesses in Las Piñas City awarded with Safety Seals

COVID-19 Crisis: 118 businesses in Las Piñas City awarded with Safety Seals

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To ensure that business establishments are safe for customers to visit and do business transactions in during this COVID-19 pandemic, the inspection team of the City Government of Las Piñas found one hundred and eighteen businesses qualified for the Safety Seal as revealed in a recent Manila Bulletin news report. That is a majority of the recent inspection of almost one hundred fifty businesses they visited.

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

The Las Piñas City government inspection and certification team has already inspected 149 business establishments around the city.

Out of the evaluated establishments, 118 have already been awarded with safety seal certification for passing the checklist in the implementation of health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Safety Seal Inspection Team formed by Mayor Imelda Aguilar is composed of City Administrator Reynaldo Balagulan, City Public Information Officer-Paul Ahljay San Miguel, and other offices in the city government.

According to the report, 31 business establishments that were inspected and evaluated still need to comply with other requirements before they will be awarded with safety seal certification.

Aguilar called on all business establishments in the city to comply with the checklist requirements.

She said the safety seal certification will allow businesses the opportunity to gradually increase their operating capacity.

For the newcomers reading this, business establishments having Safety Seals posted should restore business confidence at least in the short term. Within Las Piñas, SM Southmall itself got certified safe. Offices at Las Piñas City Hall qualified for Safety Seals. Whether an office or a business establishment has a Safety Seal or not, visitors can still do their parts in meeting health protocols by wearing face masks and face shields.

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

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Have you visited any local business there in Las Piñas that does not have a Safety Seal yet? Did you witness the City Government’s inspection team do their work?

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: Foreign direct investments spiked in April 2021 in connection to CREATE Law, economic reopening and other factors

COVID-19 Crisis: Foreign direct investments spiked in April 2021 in connection to CREATE Law, economic reopening and other factors

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It’s been months since the last time I wrote about the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises act otherwise referred to as the CREATE Law. For the newcomers reading this, the CREATE Law was designed to cut down corporate income tax which should lead to the creation of new jobs and the attraction of investment in mind. The said law is really crucial in this COVID-19 crisis we are all still living with.

Recently, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) published an article stating that a huge rise of foreign direct investments (FDIs) in the country was realized this past April and the CREATE Law was one of the factors behind it.

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

An economist has attributed the rise of foreign direct investments (FDIs) in the country in April 2021 to the implementation of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) law and the opening of the economy.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Monday reported the 114.4-percent year-on-year jump of net FDI inflows to USD679 million last April from USD317 million in the same period last year.

In a report, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said lower interest rates and lower cost of some inputs like real estate property and leases are plus factors that enticed higher FDIs.

“Some foreign investors may have started to come in view of the progress made on the CREATE law, which was finally signed on March 26, 2021 and reduces corporate income tax rates to 25 percent for large corporations (from 30 percent) retroactive July 1, 2020, thereby narrowing the gap with the tax rates in other Asean/Asian countries, and also provides greater certainty on investment incentives, thereby helping attract more FDIs and making some foreign investors on the sidelines in recent months/years to become more decisive and finally bring in more FDIs into the country,” he said.

Ricafort said positive credit rating actions on the Philippines, which even got its first-ever A-level credit rating, A-, from the Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) in June 2020, also boosted investors’ sentiment on the domestic economy.

The positive credit rating actions, he said, “reflect improved international investor confidence in the country, manifesting the country’s improved economic fundamentals, as well as the country’s attractive demographics.”

These factors are, however, expected to be countered by the still high number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases, aggravated by new variants that are reported to be more contagious.

Ricafort believes that higher government spending, especially on infrastructure, and the accommodative monetary policy by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) are seen to further support the rise in net FDIs.

The above article is indeed filled with good news that our nation badly needs, especially since there are still many millions more people around the country who have yet to get vaccinated and the fact that lots of businesses are still struggling. In recent times, patients under the A4 category have been gradually vaccinated for COVID-19 and that is a very good thing because it under that very category where the nation’s laborers are listed. There are still lots of unemployed workers out there who badly need vaccines and jobs, and it does not help that certain local government units (LGUs) had to temporarily suspend their local vaccination operations due to a lack of supply of vaccines. There are supposed to be around 13 million doses of vaccines to come into the Philippines this month, and so far some of that have arrived (click here, here and here).

More on economics, apart from the rise of FDIs last April, it was reported that the local demand for office space nationwide grew by 38% rising from 122,000 square meters (sqm) in the first quarter of 2021 to 169,00 sqm. in the second quarter. It was described to be the strongest office demand since the start of the pandemic.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Does the recent news about the sharp rise of FDIs in our country make you confident about your economic prospects? How much do you know about the CREATE Law and what further positive effects it can generate for the country? If you have been unemployed, how long have you been out of work?

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

DTI-NCR provides carinderia kits to 75 “Muntipreneurs,” Mayor Fresnedi receives Resilience award

DTI-NCR provides carinderia kits to 75 “Muntipreneurs,” Mayor Fresnedi receives Resilience award

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The Department of Trade and Industry – National Capital Region Office has turned over Carinderia Kits to food retailers and other micro-entrepreneurs in Muntinlupa, dubbed as “Muntipreneurs,” in a bid to help them recover and improve their businesses amid the pandemic.

DTI-NCRO Regional Director Marcelina Alcantara, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, and Congressman Ruffy Biazon led the Awarding Ceremony of Carinderia Kits worth P8,000 each to seventyfive beneficiaries of the Livelihood Seeding Program – Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay (LSP-NSB) at Muntinlupa Sports Complex, Brgy. Tunasan last July 7.

City Government officials led by Mayor Jaime Fresnedi and the 75 Muntipreneurs. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The LSP-NSB is a program of DTI that allows a wider reach of business development assistance by bringing government services closer to the people through partnerships between relevant local government units and DTI officials.

The program aims to provide individual package of livelihood kits that contains items that could aid in the recovery of affected individuals during catastrophic events including health disasters like epidemics and pandemics.

Other services offered by the LSP-NSB include business registration assistance, SME counseling, product development, financing facilitation, market/business matching, trade promotion, investment promotion, business information and advocacy, trainings, seminars, and workshops, among others. LSP-NSB beneficiaries will undergo monitoring and evaluation to ensure the growth of their businesses.

Other officials attending the program include LSP-NSB National Program Manager Asec. Dominic Tolentino, Muntinlupa Local Economic and Investment Promotions Department chief Gary Llamas, and City Administrator Allan Cachuela.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi extended his thanks to DTI-NCR for providing assistance to local entrepreneurs. He hoped that programs for micro-entrepreneurs in the city will help revive the stalled local economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the program, DTI-NCRO officials also conferred the Certificate of Recognition for being Rank 1 in the Resilience category (HUCs) of the recent Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index to Mayor Fresnedi.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (3rd from right) receives the Resilience Award from DTI-NCRO. Also present was Congressman Ruffy Biazon and other local officials. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

For inquiries and other information, interested micro entrepreneurs may contact the local Negosyo Center at Plaza Central, Brgy. Poblacion at 0917 5120269 and look for Ms. Bea Trozado.

In a similar program, the City Government of Muntinlupa also provides financing assistance to micro-entrepreneurs and MSMEs through Tulong Negosyo Program’s zero-interest loans (formerly Dagdag Puhunan). Muntinlupa is the first LGU to introduce the micro-financing program.

Tulong Negosyo caters to MSMEs and provides micro-finance assistance ranging from P2,000 up to P150,000 depending on the business capital ceiling and payment record of beneficiaries. The program aims to provide additional capital for business expansion for aspiring and established business owners in Muntinlupa.

For more information, visit the Joint Resources Financing Program – JRF Facebook Page or visit them at 2F Plaza Central, Brgy. Poblacion with contact numbers 8772-3457and (0921) 888 6124.

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

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

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

COVID-19 Crisis: SM Southmall certified safe in Las Piñas City

COVID-19 Crisis: SM Southmall certified safe in Las Piñas City

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SM Southmall, a major shopping and lifestyle destination located along Alabang-Zapote Road in Las Piñas City, recently received its Safety Seal and Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery was present during the inauguration ceremony at the mall.

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

SM Southmall has been awarded with the safety seal. With Las Piñas rolling out the safety seal inspection in the region, SM Southmall is the first mall city to receive the seal.

Present in the inauguration were the Vice Mayor of Las Pinas City, Hon. April T. Aguilar; Chief of the Business Permits and Licensing Office Mr. Willy Gaerlan; Bernice Baculi, AVP of Operations for SM Southmall and Sally Chandumal, Mall Manager of SM Southmall.

“I am very pleased to be here in SM Southmall for the awarding of the safety seal certificate wherein SM Southmall is the first to pass the safety seal inspection conducted by our team,” says BPLIO Head Willy Gaerlan, “we hope we will maintain the standard we’ve already received.”

SM Southmall continues to excel in its safety and sanitation protocols with temperature checks, one-way signs, social distancing rules, alfresco dining, safety protocol officers and constant hygiene maintenance to ensure the safety of its customers.

In my personal observation, SM Southmall and SM shopping malls, literally, went the extra mile in keeping their facilities sanitized, cleaned and orderly. As for what the Safety Seal is, it is the indication that the establishment is compliant in terms of the standard safety protocols and other related requirements. In nearby Muntinlupa City, the Alabang Town Center (ATC) was certified with the Safety Seal and other malls in the city applied for the seal.

Going back to Las Piñas City, the Safety Seal continues to make its presence felt even more. Already offices in Las Piñas City Hall got certified with the Safety Seal making them safe for people to visit. The City Government has a team dedicated on handling Safety Seal certifications.

For South Metro Manila residents reading this, SM Southmall’s safety certification is a big help not just to the mall itself and to its business partners, but also to anyone who needs to be at the mall for their respective needs, dining, and business transactions.

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

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Have you been visiting SM Southmall lately for your essential needs or dining? Are the mall personnel there working to ensure your safety from COVID-19? If you visit SM Southmall more than once a week, how much time do you spend there during each visit?

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: No hospitalization, deaths recorded after full vaccination according to FDA

COVID-19 Crisis: No hospitalization, deaths recorded after full vaccination according to FDA

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Were you fully vaccinated for COVID-19 with two doses already? There is something worth paying attention to related to health and immunity towards COVID-19, particularly on what happens once a person successfully got two doses. I’m talking about the local Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which declared that there were no hospitalizations and no deaths related to COVID-19 recorded after more than two weeks of getting the 2nd dose.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) article. Some parts in boldface…

Out of the 8.4 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines administered as of June 20, no hospitalization and deaths due to Covid-19 were observed after more than 14 days of getting the second dose and only 0.6 percent reported reactions, the Food and Drug Administration said.

Preliminary data presented by FDA Director General Eric Domingo showed that some Covid-19 infections occurring after vaccination were recorded after more than 14 days from the second inoculation but all were mild cases.

In a news release, the FDA said Sinovac, with 1.6 million individuals completing the two doses, recorded 33 infections. AstraZeneca with 428,000 individuals vaccinated with the full dose, recorded one infection.

Pfizer had one infection after 82,800 individuals were vaccinated with two doses. There were no recorded infections in Sputnik V among the 14,000 individuals who received the full dose.

The performance of Covid-19 vaccines in the country, as initially reported by the FDA, supports the results of the clinical trials and real-world data reported by several countries that vaccines prevent hospitalization and deaths.

Health experts locally and abroad have reiterated the importance of getting vaccinated as an additional layer of protection against Covid-19.

Among the common reactions after vaccination included increased blood pressure, pain in the injection site, headache, fever, dizziness, rashes, and respiratory symptoms. No local events of blood clotting and myocarditis were reported.

“To date, the evidence gathered from all causality assessments has concluded that all serious reactions reported were unrelated to the Covid-19 vaccine. We reiterate that vaccines with emergency use authorization are safe and effective against Covid-19 and the benefits of using them outweigh the risks,” Domingo said.

The Department of Health and the FDA emphasized the importance of completing the required two doses, as maximum protection sets in two weeks after getting the second dose.

“Gaya ng ating nakita sa mga clinical trial, kapag tayo ay nakakompleto ng 2 dose ng bakuna ay walang naospital at walang namatay dahil sa Covid-19 matapos ang 14 araw (The clinical trials show that when we have completed the required two doses, no one gets hospitalized or die from Covid-19 after 14 days). Vaccines do protect us from getting severe Covid-19 and prevent hospitalization and death. We urge everyone to get vaccinated when it is their turn to protect themselves and their families against Covid-19,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.

While the preliminary report shows that chances of hospitalization and death are reduced, fully vaccinated individuals may still get infected with Covid-19 and therefore may still infect others, especially those who have not received their vaccines yet.

So there you have it! The FDA and local health officials found that being fully vaccinated (2 doses) for COVID-19 is really helpful in the sense that you become more protected from the coronavirus, although not necessarily 100% protected. By analyzing the risks and the high costs of medical care today, it is more preferrable to avoid hospitalization for COVID-19 and this alone should motivate the unvaccinated to get registered and vaccinated.

Getting fully vaccinated also enable people – especially the unemployed – to get back to work and become part of the economic recovery effort. In fact, COVID-19 vaccination was cited in the ease of national unemployment for the month of May. Here is an excerpt from another PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

The economic managers added that 1.5 million jobs were created between April and May this year.

“Following the trend of recovery from the previous months, total employment remains above pre-Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) levels with a net job creation of 2.2 million since January 2020,” they said.

They are also optimistic that the National Employment Recovery Strategy (NERS) and the faster rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination program will support the government’s target to grow the economy by 6 to 7 percent this year.

Some 829,662 economic front-liners under the A4 priority group have received their first dose of Covid-19 jab since the list was expanded last May 27.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Have you been vaccinated with two doses for COVID-19? What was the brand of vaccine you got injected with? Do you believe that the Food and Drug Administration conducted their research properly?

As far as employment is concerned, do you consider COVID-19 vaccination essential?

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

New gas station in Las Piñas City

New gas station in Las Piñas City

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Did you notice an eye-catching, new gas station while driving here in South Metro Manila? There is one in Las Piñas City called Cleanfuel and it sure has a notable color scheme that makes it visually stand out.

Cleanfuel’s gas station opened recently in Barangay Pamplona Tres. (source – Cleanfuel Facebook page)

What is also notable was that the brand new Cleanfuel gas station got featured in the Business Mirror. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the article. Some parts in boldface…

The aggressive stance of leading independent oil company Cleanfuel to tap new market is being exercised anew with the recent opening of its premier station in Las Piñas City.

The inauguration of Cleanfuel Alabang-Zapote station has provided easy access to affordable yet quality fuel products to private motorists, public utility, and commercial transport.

The latest location of Cleanfuel serves as one of the gateways in the South Metro Manila, catering to the large volume of vehicles coming to and from Muntinlupa, Las Piñas and Bacoor, Cavite.

Located along the busy stretch of Alabang-Zapote Road in Barangay Pamplona Tres in Las Piñas City, this 2,400-square-meter retail station will be beneficial to all types of motorists as it offers topnotch fuel products including Clean91, Premium 95, and high-grade diesel as part of the company’s mission to offer outstanding yet affordable products.

Aside from the products at the new station, the company also prides itself with the first-class amenities offered to customers such as clean and spacious air-conditioned restrooms, commercial space leasing, air-and-water services, cashless payment options, and loyalty rewards program.

The newly-opened station in Alabang-Zapote road, which stretches for nine kilometers and connects roads towards Alabang, Muntinlupa, and Las Piñas, will include added amenities from its leasing tenants such as a carwash bay area, food store outlets, and motorcycle stores.

Providing more value to its patrons is one of Cleanfuel’s best offerings and the VIP Rewards card (which is being offered FREE in all branches) can make the most out of every top-up as customers earn points; redeem exciting items, and discounts from its establishment partners.

“This is such an important occasion for us as we open our first branch in one of the busiest commercial district in the South. We’re excited to provide motorists a new level of customer service, quality fuel, and world class facilities,” said Atty. Jesus “Bong” Suntay, president of Cleanfuel Group of Companies.

Suntay explained, “With businesses slowly opening up and our economy recovers, we at Cleanfuel, through our continuously-growing station-network will be ready to provide the most competitive pricing in the market to help motorists. Our vision is to help our customers maximize their earnings by providing quality fuel at the lowest price possible.”

While the threat of the pandemic is still within the horizon, Cleanfuel customers can expect the same safe and risk-free environment as its workforce continuously upholds safety health precautions like wearing face masks and face shields, thermal scanning of personnel, social distancing, disinfection of workstations, and hand washing. Cashless payments are also made available.

Wow! Cleanfuel and its PR department/partner really went all out with their heavy and lengthy message through Business Mirror. Their gas station did not simply open but offers a lot for customers to enjoy and that the business itself is meeting with health protocols. The company president also stated that they will open more stations, including in key areas of the National Capital Region (NCR).  

For South Metro Manila, this new business is a welcome development especially as the country is on pace for economic recovery and that means consumer spending – including buying fuel and automobile-related services or products – are gradually moving back to pre-pandemic levels. Really, when it comes to restoring prosperity, creating jobs and providing customers choices for products and services, the capitalists can make those happen. The socialists cannot do the same.

Sports cars at the newly opened Cleanfuel station! (source – Cleanfuel Facebook page)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Have you visited Cleanfuel in Barangay Pamplona Tres yet? If you did, were you able to buy fuel and spend time at their station? Does Cleanfuel’s claims of first-class amenities prove to be true? Are their fuel rates attractive? Do you want to see more Cleanfuel gas stations open?

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: Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines lauds Muntinlupa City for fast vaccine rollout of its workers

COVID-19 Crisis: Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines lauds Muntinlupa City for fast vaccine rollout of its workers

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Hey everyone! Have you ordered drinks directly from Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) online lately? In case you missed the news reported by Business Mirror, the exclusive PepsiCo beverage maker in our country admired the City of Muntinlupa for the fast vaccination rollout of its employees. Take note that there is a huge Pepsi plant in Muntinlupa and patients under category A4 (which includes workers) are being vaccinated in the same city for weeks now.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the article published by Business Mirror. Some parts in boldface…

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI)—the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country—hopes to speed up its employee vaccination through the City Government of Muntinlupa.

The local government unit, host to PCPPI’s headquarters and biggest manufacturing plant, has inoculated the economic frontliners under the A4 category of the Inter-Agency Task Force priority list during the LGU’s launch last June 7. PCPPI employees, being part of the essential workforce, are classified under this category.

“We laud Muntinlupa City’s fast vaccine rollout for our economic workers. We are encouraging more of our employees to get vaccinated. The sooner we get fully immunized, the safer we get, and the earlier our economy could recover,” PCPPI President and Chief Executive Officer Frederick D. Ong said.

While vaccination is underway through the local government of Muntinlupa City, PCPPI is also awaiting the delivery of 20,000 doses of AztraZeneca vaccines. This vaccination program is part of “A Dose of Hope”, an initiative led by Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion.

“We participated in the ‘A Dose of Hope’ initiative to help in the faster rollout of vaccines, and in support of the private sector’s goal of reviving the economy,” Ong added.

It is indeed very encouraging to see a huge business like PCPPI express its admiration to the LGU over its local vaccination program and this adds a good amount of credibility for the City Government itself. Like other corporations here in the Philippines, the maker of Pepsi-branded drinks also took part in a national-level initiative with economic revival in mind. Remember that it is the capitalists, not the socialists, who lead the momentum of the economy and creates jobs and offers consumers lots of choices for products or services.

For Muntinlupa City residents who have not yet registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines, learn the ways to get registered right here. If you are ready to register yourself online, click https://vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac/

If you are interested to order drinks from PCPPI’s online store, visit https://pepsiproducts.ph/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you a Muntinlupa City resident who has yet to get vaccinated? What exactly is keeping you from getting vaccinated?

Does the above news encourage you (unvaccinated readers in Muntinlupa) to get registered and join the line from the free COVID-19 vaccines?

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: Major malls in Muntinlupa City granted Safety Seal Certifications, more establishments apply in LGU

COVID-19 Crisis: Major malls in Muntinlupa City granted Safety Seal Certifications, more establishments apply in LGU

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Following the launching of Safety Seal Certification Program in Muntinlupa, the City Government has granted the seal to major malls and commercial establishments who are compliant with minimum public health standards (MPHS) set by the national government amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of June 22, the Business Permits and Licensing Office has approved 27 Safety Seal applications from commercial establishments including major malls such as Alabang Town Center (ATC), SM Center Muntinlupa, Ayala Malls South Park, and Starmall Alabang.

Besides the four malls, other private establishments which have been granted the Safety Seal by the City Government including: 8 Cuts Burger Blends (ATC), Café Mary Grace (ATC), Shiseido at SM Center Muntinlupa, Yabu: House of Katsu at ATC, KFC at SM Center Muntinlupa, Fitness First Platinum Alabang at Filinvest Alabang and South Park Corporate Center in Alabang, Three Inihaw Place Inc./Mang Inasal, Manny and Pie Calayan Clinic, Metro Alabang, La Senza Alabang Town Center, The Palms Country Club, Slimmer’s World, Cucinamia Hospitality, Aventus Medical Care, Bench Body Alabang Town Center, Pancake House Festival Mall, Made In Candy, Pound Alabang Town Center, Cotton On and California Advance Nail & Skincare.

To date, at least 267 private establishments in Muntinlupa have applied for Safety Seal. The City Government expects to receive more applications in the coming days.

The Safety Seal ensures the public that an establishment is strictly implementing MPHS in their stores and workplaces, such as proper wearing of face shields and face masks, and disinfection. The certification program also requires establishments to use the contact tracing system of StaySafe.ph.

Under JMC 21-01, Muntinlupa LGU can issue the Safety Seal to the following establishments: malls, wet market, other retail store, restaurant outside hotels/resorts, fast food, eateries, coffee shop, bank, money changer, remittance center, car wash, laundry service center, art gallery, library, museum, zoo, sports center, tutorial, testing and review center, gym, spa, cinema, arcade, and all other private establishments.

Private establishments in Muntinlupa may apply to the program through the city’s website https://www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph. For printed application, a scanned copy should be emailed to muntinlupacitysafetyseal@gmail.com. Upon submission of application, the City Government will schedule an inspection to the concerned establishment.

Further, DILG Muntinlupa Field Office has started to inspect government offices starting with the departments in Muntinlupa City Hall. The local Inspection and Certification Team has recently granted the Safety Seal to Office of the City Mayor and other City Government offices.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi encourages private business owners to apply for the safety certification as it helps assure the public that their establishments are compliant with health protocols and it will be vital for the safe reopening of the economy.

For more information, owners of business establishments in the city may send an email to muntinlupacitysafetyseal@gmail.com.

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The above information was sourced from the official press release of the Muntinlupa PIO.

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