COVID-19 Crisis: Total inoculation count in Las Piñas City approaching 820,000

This past weekend, the City Government of Las Piñas announced that its overall inoculation count is approaching 820,000 overall based on their official statistics accurate as of October 8, 2021. Those numbers were released this past weekend on social media, shortly after the Manila Bulletin reported that the city was within reach of achieving herd immunity.

For transparency, posted below is the official image of statistics released by the City Government through social media.

As before, the numbers just don’t add up. 437,441 1st dose count plus 388,336 2nd dose count equals 825,777. That’s a difference of 7,050 more than the official grand total of 818,727.

Regardless, it is still highly commendable for Las Piñas that 86.9% of their target population of 70% got fully vaccinated already (two doses) while almost 98% of the target population got their first dose. Let’s be honest here…vaccinations exceeding 800,000 in less than one year is major achievement.

Any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for the 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

Meanwhile, the City Government recently launched the online registration process for COVID-19 vaccination for local minors (aged 12 to 17) which can be done at http://laspinascityonline.laspinascity.gov.ph/eCVRS/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction about the latest vaccination statistics? Are you feeling confident about the city achieving herd immunity before the year ends?

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

+++++

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 Mayor Imelda Aguilar says herd immunity is within reach

Recently, the Manila Bulletin reported that Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar confirmed to them that herd immunity against COVID-19 is within reach based on their latest statistics. Aguilar, who is running for a 3rd and final term as mayor and was honored recently, wishes that Christmas this year will be joyful and asked her constituents to get vaccinated so that herd immunity will be achieved in the city. The City Government can be reached through its COVID-19 hotline numbers.

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

Las Pinas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar announced on Thursday (October 7) that the city is now nearing herd immunity with less than 14 percent left of the total population that are unvaccinated.

Aguilar said a total of 97 percent of the city’s target population of 447,086 had already been inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines for the first dose while 86.3 percent were fully vaccinated.

“Sana ay maging masaya ang darating na Pasko ng mga Las Piñeros kaya nanawagan ako sa lahat na magpabakuna kahit ano mang brand ng bakuna laban sa COVID-19 upang ating makamit ang tinatawag na herd immunity ng ating siyudad ngayong Kapaskuhan,”(We want Christmas to be a joyful occasion this is why I am asking all Las Pineros to get vaccinated with any brand against COVID-19 to achieve herd immunity) Aguilar said.

The mayor also said that while the city government is slowly opening up the economy, she will invite more investors to generate more job opportunities for Las Piñeros.

Inspired by the legacy left behind by her late husband, former Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar, she said free education for the youth in the city will continue with the construction of the new building for the College of Engineering at the Dr. Filemon C. Aguilar Memorial College (DFCAM).

Any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for the 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

Meanwhile, the City Government formally launched the online registration for COVID-19 vaccination for local minors (aged 12 to 17) which can be done at http://laspinascityonline.laspinascity.gov.ph/eCVRS/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, would you know if there are still a lot of people in your local community who remain unvaccinated or even unregistered for the free COVID-19 vaccines? Are the people in your local community aware that the city is getting close to achieving herd immunity? Does Mayor Aguilar’s plan to invite more investors to generate new jobs in the city inspire you?

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

+++++

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

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar files COC aiming for 3rd term, incumbent Vice Mayor Aguilar-Nery running for 2nd term

Recently at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office in Las Piñas City, Mayor Imelda Aguilar, Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery and the rest of their team filed their respective certificates of candidacy (COCs) to run in the May 9, 2022 local elections according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Las Pinas City Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar who is seeking a third and last term as the city’s chief executive filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) on Wednesday, Oct. 6, together with her “Tuloy ang Serbisyo” team at the local Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in the city.

Aguilar personally filed her COC before Comelec officer Atty. Jehan Marohombsar. She was joined by her daughter, April Aguilar-Nery, who is seeking her second as city vice-mayor.

The team “Tuloy ang Serbisyo” will be running under the banner of the Nacionalista Party (NP).

Mayor Imelda Aguilar (3rd from left) and Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery (3rd from right) showing their respective COCs filed at the local COMELEC office. (photo credit: Philippine News Agency and Avito Dalan)
Mayor Aguilar with her COC. (photo credit: Philippine News Agency and Avito Dalan)

Aguilar said she was inspired by the legacy left behind by her late husband, former Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar, and aims to provide better services to Las Piñeros.

“Given the chance to be re-elected for the third time, I will pursue the programs and services which I have already started that will benefit my constituents who deserve nothing less from the local government,” Aguilar said.

The mayor added that the COVID-19 pandemic will not be a hindrance to the platform set by the “Tuloy ang Serbisyo” team that guarantees to sustain and make identified services more accessible and available to the people.

The above report ended with the names of the City Council candidates of Aguilar’s campaign team. Running for seats in District 1 are Councilors Filemon Aguilar, Oscar Pena, Alfredo Miranda, Florante S. Dela Cruz, Julio Balanag and Rex Hanz Riguera. Running for seats in District 2 are Councilors Lord Linely R. Aguilar, Luis I. Bustamante, Danilo V. Hernandez, Ruben C. Ramos, Ignacio B. Sunga, and Luis Fernando Riguerra.

Posted below is a related news video…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction about this election-related development? How would you rate Mayor Aguilar and her administration with regards to performing services to you and the members of your local community? What is your opinion right now about the Vice Mayor and the City Councilors?

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

+++++

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

Las Piñas City Representative Camille Villar files certificate of candidacy (COC) for re-election

Las Piñas City Representative Camille Villar officially filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) with the Commission on Elections (COC) seeking re-election in the upcoming May 2022 national and local elections according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. For the newcomers reading this, congresswoman Villar is the daughter of business tycoon Manny Villar and Senator Cynthia Villar. Her brother is former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Mark Villar who recently filed his COC for Senator.

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

Las Piñas City Representative Camille Villar with her COC. (source – Camille Villar Facebook page)

Deputy Speaker Camille Villar files her certificate of candidacy to seek for reelection as representative of the lone district of Las Piñas City on Tuesday, October 5, at the Office of the Regional Election Director – COMELEC NCR.

Rep. Villar, who is vying for her second term in public service, said she will continue to bring basic services closer to her constituents and help in the city’s full recovery from the pandemic

For those who missed out on past articles of this blog, Representative Villar launched a special program designed to entice city residents to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and in turn give them chances to win a new house-and-lot plus consumable goods and motorcycles in a raffle draw. As of September 25, 2021, roughly 800,000 inoculations all over the city were counted. Villar was present during the launch of the extension of the River Drive and she was a presenter of the 7th Las Piñas  Food Festival.

Any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for the 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: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, how do you rate Camille Villar’s performance when it comes to representing you at the House of Representatives. Did her projects in the city make any positive impact on your lives?

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

+++++

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: Muntinlupa City and DOLE launch Bikecination, Bigasan livelihood program for indigent residents

The City Government of Muntinlupa, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment – National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR), officially launched the Bikecination and Bigasan livelihood program for fully vaccinated workers coping with the effects of the pandemic and indigent city residents.

Congressman Ruffy Biazon led the launching of the program together with DOLE-NCR Dir. Leonides Castillon Jr. and Muntinlupa Public Employment Service Office chief Glenda Zamora-Aniñon this past Tuesday (October 5) at Muntinlupa Sports Center, Brgy. Tunasan.

The local government of Muntinlupa, in partnership with DOLE-NCR, launched the Bikecination and Bigasan livelihood program for fully vaccinated informal sector workers and indigent city residents last October 5 at Muntinlupa Sports Center, Brgy. Tunasan. The program aims to incentivize fully vaccinated informal sector workers and provide an alternative source of income as assistance to help them recover from the challenges brought by the pandemic. Shown in the photo: (L-R, front row) PESO Muntinlupa chief Glenda Zamora-Aniñon, Congressman Ruffy Biazon, and DOLE-NCR Dir. Leonides Castillon Jr. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

For the Bikecination project, 28 fully vaccinated beneficiaries are parents/beneficiaries of child labor, micro-entrepreneur clients of the local Joint Resource Financing Program (JRFP), from 4Ps, and youth entrepreneurs under the Youth Affairs and Sports Development Office (YASDO) received a bike unit with accessories such as carrier bag, bottle, head gear, back and front light, vest, and rain coat.  They also received a cellphone unit with P5,000 prepaid load.

DOLE’s Bikecination project aims to provide an alternative source of income for informal sector workers or their next of kin under the A4 category who have received their COVID-19 vaccine. The project targets to incentivize and encourage informal sector workers to get vaccinated to help in the country’s fight against this pandemic.

For the Bigasan livelihood program, 25 beneficiaries who are parents/beneficiaries of child labor each received eight 25 kilos sacks of rice worth P10,000.

Other officials joining the launching event include JRFP acting head Maylene Viñas, Youth Affairs and Sports Development Office chief Cynthia Viacrusis, City Cooperative Office chief Atty. Nemei Santiago, Social Service Department chief Analyn Mercado, and Tourism, Culture, and the Arts Department chief Juvy Engo.

Further, the City Government continues to provide financing assistance to micro-entrepreneurs and MSMEs through Tulong Negosyo Program’s zero-interest loans (formerly Dagdag Puhunan) to help city residents cope with the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

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.

+++++

The above information was sourced from an official press release. 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: More than 43,000 businesses certified with Safety Seals

Since its implementation months ago (click here, here and here) the Safety Seal certification program has covered a lot of business establishments and offices (including government). Recently, it was reported by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that more than 43,000 business establishments nationwide have been certified safe as Safety Seals were issued to them. This is really good news because our nation badly needs economic recovery as a lot of workers lost their jobs and income as a result of the last enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) that happened in Metro Manila as well in other regions. The national economy has clearly been damaged not only by COVID-19 but also by the lockdowns (note: observe closely how the top officials of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Metro Manila Council think and act when making their recommendations to the IATF).

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

A total of 43,332 public and private establishments nationwide have been issued safety seal certifications, an assurance to the public that health protocols are put in place amid the quarantine restrictions.

The safety seal certification program indicates the compliance of establishments to the minimum public health standards (MPHS) set by the government.

In a news release issued Tuesday, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the certification program is beneficial to the country’s recovering economy as it boosts the confidence of consumers in going out and patronizing business in the new normal with the assurance that a business establishment is compliant with health protocols.

He encouraged more businesses to adopt the seal as an effective measure in curbing the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Businesses can do their share in the fight against the pandemic and create a healthy space for consumers to transact their purchases and for employees to gainfully and safely earn a living,” Lopez said.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año told owners of establishments, especially those in areas under strict quarantine restrictions, to take the time to apply for a safety seal.

Applying for a Safety Seal is not mandatory. However, business establishments are highly encouraged to apply since this will also help them attract customers which eventually leads to increased sales and profit,” he said.

Since its implementation in May 2021, a total of 85,731 applications were received by the issuing agencies as reported by the Safety Seal Technical Working Group (TWG); 50.54 percent or 43,332 applications were approved while 11.50 percent or 9,858 applications were either denied or referred to the appropriate agency.

The remaining percentage represents those that are still in the inspection process.

“I commend and congratulate the establishments that have taken the lead in securing their Safety Seal certifications. This will build confidence that their respective companies are committed to ensuring the health and safety of their stakeholders and workers,” said Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.

Under the program, a business establishment is eligible to apply for a safety seal given that it is duly registered, adopting the Staysafe.ph app or any other local government unit-mandated digital contact tracing application and strictly following and implementing the MPHS.

“The implementation of the Safety Seal Program is a very laudable initiative that highly reinforces our country’s response to combat Covid-19. As we gradually reopen our economy, it is important to ensure that our people are safe, and adherence to Minimum Public Health Standards is one vital key to this aspect,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) also reaches out to tourism establishment owners to get the seal.

“The Safety Seal certification program bodes well with the DOT’s priority to ensure the health and safety of both tourists and tourism workers. Let us continue to make travel fun and safe for all,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

The Safety Seal Technical Working Group assured the public that the government exerts the best efforts with a whole-of-government and whole-of-society coordination in support of the Inter-Agency Task Force’s Prevent-Detect-Isolate-Treat-Reintegrate (PDITR) strategy.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: As a consumer, are you confident that economic recovery will happen over the next twelve months? Are there still many business joints in your local community that are operating without Safety Seals? Do you believe that the MMDA and the Metro Manila Council should be held accountable for every job lost as a result of their recommending ECQ to the IATF?

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

+++++

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 12,000 minors registered for COVID-19 vaccines in Muntinlupa City

Through the MunCoVac team and the Manila Bulletin’s reporting, it was revealed that the City Government of Muntinlupa has officially registered more than twelve thousand local minors for COVID-19 vaccination. The exact figure, which is accurate of 8AM of October 4, is at 12,096.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has registered 12,096 minors for its coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination program.

According to the Muntinlupa City COVID-19 Vaccination Program (MunCoVac), as of 8 a.m. of Oct. 4, 12,096 12 to 17-year-olds have signed up for the inoculation program.

The total is 22 percent of the estimated 55,391 total population of 12 to 17-year-olds in Muntinlupa.

By barangay, out of the 12,096, Putatan has the highest number of registrants with 2,114 followed by Poblacion, 1,618; Tunasan, 1,590; Alabang, 1,297; Cupang, 1,093; Sucat, 713; Bayanan, 652; Ayala Alabang, 547; and Buli, 199. Non-residents who registered totaled 2,273.

In May, the country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the amendment to the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to allow its use for 12 years old and above. Last month, the FDA approved the use of the Moderna vaccine for 12 years old and above.

The national government announced that the vaccination of the general population will start this month.

In Resolution No. 141 issued last Sept. 30, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases stated, “Upon the directives of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the National COVID-19 Immunization Program shall be opened to the general public nationwide upon the determination of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 and its Vaccine Cluster.”

It said starting Oct. 16, the vaccination of 12 to 17-year-olds will “be piloted under a phased approach as may be determined by the National Vaccination Operations Center.”

Residents of Muntinlupa City who remain unregistered and unvaccinated can make their moves 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 and a parent of a child aged 12-17, what is your reaction to the above news? What do you think about the planned start of vaccinating minors on October 16, 2021?

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

+++++

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: DTI keeps pushing on for businesses to be open on all alert levels

The road to full economic recovery during this COVID-19 pandemic remains rough and bumpy as the national and local authorities continue to struggle between health and economics. The last enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in Metro Manila were very damaging to the economy as a whole. Fortunately for the businesses and the employees, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) continues to push hard for economic recovery as a new proposal was made to allow all businesses to remain open at all alert levels with varying limits on capacity according to a recent Philippine News Agency (PNA) report.

From September 16 to September 30, 2021, Metro Manila was placed under Alert Level 4 of the new system of quarantine (which includes granular lockdowns) and during this particular period, businesses were literally given some breathing room as personal care service joints and restaurants were allowed accommodate vaccinated customers to spend time inside their respective locations but with specific limits on in-door capacity. DTI is pushing for something better economically.

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

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is proposing to allow all businesses to remain open at all alert levels but varying operating capacities.

The idea is business activities, economic activities should continue at all alert levels and you just change the operating capacity. So at least there is still (business) continuity,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said in an interview with ABS CBN News Channel (ANC) Thursday.

He added that operating capacity should be reduced when an area reached Alert Level 4.

Under Alert Level 4, indoor dine-in and personal care services are allowed at 10 percent capacity for fully vaccinated customers only, while outdoor dine-in and personal care services can operate up to 30 percent operating capacity.

“So there’s containment, there are a bit of more restrictions, but at least you allow the business activities to continue,” Lopez added.

The trade chief is also hopeful that the alert level system in Metro Manila will ease to Alert Level 3 starting Friday.

Lopez said some 76,000 to 80,000 businesses did not operate even under the alert level system since the current protocol does not allow some sectors to operate.

Moreover, he said DTI is pushing for the inclusion of gym operations in Alert Level 4 considering that fitness clubs and centers are essential businesses.

“We’ve been arguing that exercise is really one vital activity to increase their immunity level. In fact, they allowed outdoor exercise at all levels. We were just saying, for indoors, we just manage it,” Lopez said.

Lopez said the DTI stands ready to assist enterprises as the agency continues to offer financing packages to businesses affected by the pandemic.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the DTI’s latest move to improve the economic situation? If you are a business owner who has at least ten employees to take care of, what do you think the DTI, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Metro Manila Council (MMC) should do to make things better for doing business in Metro Manila? Do you believe that the people responsible for the last ECQ and MECQ in Metro Manila cared about hot issues like unemployment, loss of income and business closures?

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

+++++

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: Metro Manila still under Alert Level 4 until October 15, 2021

In case you missed the news, the national authorities extended the Alert Level 4 status on the entire Metro Manila until October 15, 2021, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. While the said status looks the same, there were some changes made in favor of certain businesses as well as churches organizing indoor worship services which I personally like.

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

The government’s pandemic task force has extended the pilot implementation of the new Alert Levels System for coronavirus (COVID-19) response in the National Capital Region (NCR) until October 15 but agreed to relax some of the Alert Level 4 restrictions.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement as Metro Manila’s Alert Level 4 status ends on September 30.

In a statement on Thursday evening, September 30, Roque said the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious DIseases decided to extend the pilot run of the new COVID-19 response strategy until October 15, 2021.

While Roque’s statement did not specify if Metro Manila will be kept under Alert Level 4, the second-highest of the five alert levels, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said confirmed in a text message that the region will still be under the same alert level.

Meanwhile, Roque said that the IATF has approved the recommendation to increase to 20 percent the operational capacity of indoor services such as dine-in, in-person religious services, and personal care under Alert Level 4 for those fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The IATF initially allowed the said services to cater to the fully vaccinated indoors at only 10 percent seating capacity.

Operational capacity for outdoor dine-in, religious, and personal care services will remain at 30 percent.

The task force also approved the recommendation to reopen fitness studios and gyms at a limited 20 percent capacity for fully vaccinated individuals. However, gym workers should also be fully vaccinated.

Both gym clients and service providers are required to wear face masks at all times. Group activities are not allowed.

According to Roque, the said indoor services are allowed to increase their operational capacity by another 10 percent if they have a safety seal certification.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this latest development? If you are a business owner who badly needs customers to avail of services indoors, are the recent changes good enough? If you want to worship the Lord on Sunday during worship services indoors at your local church, were the mentioned changes good enough? Is your local government unit (LGU) doing a sufficient job on having you and your fellow community members vaccinated for COVID-19?

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

+++++

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

COC filing for May 2022 elections begins today

The filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for the May 2022 national and local elections has officially begun today according to a Manila Bulletin news report. That means that within the following days, we will see pre-election buzz pop up on social media as potential candidates file their COCs and appear in front of photographers and their respective supporters. Things will be a bit different this time around due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and already it has been reported that all COC filers must present negative RT-PCR test or antigen test results and there will be limitations on the number of companions allowed per filer.

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

Potential candidates in the May 2022 polls will start filing their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) Friday, Oct. 1.

Those running for national positions such as for President, Vice President, Senator and Party-List will file their COCs and their Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance of Nomination at the Garden tent of Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City.

For other elective positions: Members of the House of Representatives for legislative districts in the National Capital Region (NCR) at the Office of the Regional Director, NCR; for Members of the House of Representatives for legislative districts in provinces at the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor concerned; for Members of the House of Representatives for legislative districts in cities outside the NCR, which comprise one or more legislative districts at the Office of the City Election Officer concerned designated for the purpose by the Regional Election Director.

For Member, Sangguniang Panlalawigan at the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor; for Mayor, Vice-Mayor in cities with more than one Election Officer at the Office of the City Election Officer concerned designated for the purpose by the Regional Election Director.

With the continued threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the poll body is limiting the number of companions of filers as part of their health and safety measures.

Candidates from President to Senator we allow a maximum of three companions,” Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas said in a television interview Wednesday, Sept. 29.

He said Party-Lists can only have one companion.

We will traffic the flow of candidates one at a time. It will be on a first come, first serve basis,” said Abas.

For his part, Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez said they want the COC filing activities to be sober that’s why they opted to transfer the COC filing for national posts at Sofitel.

“One of the main things of the filing of COCs this year is that we really went to great extent to make sure that the filing would be sober,” he said.

“We located it there to provide better security for our filers and prevent crowds from forming outside the filing area,” added Jimenez.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this newest development? Does the filing of candidacies at the COMELEC encourage you to vote in the May 2022 elections?

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

+++++

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