Tag: COVID-19

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Government launches Virtual Town Hall Meetings for COVID-19 Vaccine demand generation

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Government launches Virtual Town Hall Meetings for COVID-19 Vaccine demand generation

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In a bid to generate demand for vaccination services and increase vaccination uptake among residents, the City Government of Muntinlupa launched a series of COVID-19 Vaccine Virtual Town Hall Meeting with health professionals from national government agencies.

At least 100 participants from homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and urban poor groups attended the launching of Muntinlupa’s COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall Meetings in partnership with the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and Food and Drug Administration last February 10.

During the virtual meeting, RITM Infection Prevention and Control Committee Chair Charissa Borja-Tabora underscored the safety of vaccines, the process of clinical trials, and the role of vaccines in protecting individuals and communities.

FDA Center for Drugs Regulation and Research Jesusa Joyce Cirunay also discussed the agency’s Emergency Use Authorization and the stringent process and policies for the approval of vaccines.

Muntinlupa Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said the initiative is part of the local government’s campaign to enable, inform, motivate, and empower high priority groups to access the vaccination service.

Navarro hoped that the communication strategy in inviting healthcare professionals to explain information on the vaccine will help improve the immunization uptake in Muntinlupa.

“We will conduct a series of dialogue with individuals and communities to help them understand the value of vaccines so more Muntinlupeños will be convinced to be inoculated,” Navarro said.

As of February 11, the city’s COVID-19 vaccine survey showed that out of the 17,561 respondents from Muntinlupa’s nine barangays, 76% or 13,077 individuals said they are willing to get vaccinated, an increase from 63% in the last survey dated February 5.

While, a total of 4,484 respondents or 24% said they are not willing to take the vaccine. The most common reasons for the refusal to take the vaccine include fear of side effects, doubts with the efficiency rate of the vaccine, and fee of vaccination.

Further, Muntinlupa’s COVID-19 vaccination plan and other best practices on public health earned praise from officials of the Department of Health during the assessment visit of the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 and Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team in the city last February 5.

Muntinlupa City Health Office has identified 6,758 medical frontliners from barangay health centers, emergency responders, public and private hospitals/clinics. Under the local COVID-19 vaccination plan, there will be 82 vaccination teams to be deployed in 35 vaccination posts and 8,200 target individuals to be vaccinated per day.

Muntinlupa City has 62 active cases, 5,460 confirmed cases with 5,227 recoveries, 171 reported deaths, 81 suspect cases, and 417 probable cases as of February 11, 2021.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

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: COVID-19 vaccination program simulated in Las Piñas City

COVID-19 Crisis: COVID-19 vaccination program simulated in Las Piñas City

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Recently the City Government of Las Piñas headed by Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nerry and in cooperation with the Department of Health (DOH) conducted a simulation or dry run of their vaccination program for COVID-19 at the vaccination site located at Las Piñas Elementary School Central, P. Diego Cera, Barangay Elias Aldana.

Present during the simulation were DOH Assistant Regional Director Ma. Paz Corrales and physicians of the City Health Office Dr. Ferdinand Eusebio, Dr. Julie Gonzales and Dr. Ellaine Gumpal.

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar (front row, middle), Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery (front row, left) and other officials at the vaccination site on February 8, 2021. (source – Las Piñas City Facebook page)

The simulation is part of the City Government’s preparation and cooperation with the government’s mass vaccination program for the expected arrival of vaccines in the country this February.

During the simulation, the City Government and the CHO prepared an orderly, comprehensive and concrete vaccination plan to ensure the safety of vaccinators and prevent the possible spread of diseases in the city.

The Mayor and Vice Mayor observe during the simulation. (source – Las Piñas City Facebook page)

In ensuring order, a screening site has been set up in each barangay to initially list the potential recipients of the vaccine.  There are five registration sites in District 1 and District 2 for validation and profiling of the initial list.  Based on the final masterlist, QR codes will be issued to those who qualified. Each of the 20 barangays has one vaccination site where Las Piñas City residents will be vaccinated at. This past January, the City Government conducted a community level census for the COVID-19 vaccine.

The order of each area (waiting area, registration area, counseling area, medical screening, vaccination area, encoding area and post vaccination and monitoring area) will be followed at a designated vaccination site with the rules and procedures that must be followed by the locals for their safety before and after they are vaccinated.

Already personnel of City Hall underwent simulations of vaccinations in the area to demonstrate the Local Government’s preparation in tandem with the local Health Office.

When it comes to cold storage for vaccines, a storage facility has been prepared and there are ten additional freezers set for standby to temporarily store vaccines to keep them safe for the program.

The City Government aims to vaccinate three thousand residents per day. Previously, the City Government allocated P200 million for the purchase of additional COVID-19 vaccines. About 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines were secured after Mayor Aguilar signed the tripartite contract with British drug maker AstraZeneca in collaboration with the government.

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The above information was provided by the Las Piñas City Government for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, 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

DOH lauds Muntinlupa City’s COVID-19 vaccination program, best practices during CODE Team visit

DOH lauds Muntinlupa City’s COVID-19 vaccination program, best practices during CODE Team visit

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Muntinlupa City’s COVID-19 vaccination plan and other best practices on public health earned praise from officials of the Department of Health (DOH) during the assessment visit of the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 and Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team in the city.

DOH Usec. Myrna Cabotaje lauded the city’s “end-to-end planning” for the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines from the procurement process up to the ancillary equipment disposal last February 5.

Cabotaje also recognized the strong public-private partnership for the local vaccination plan and underscored the importance of cooperation among stakeholders as the primary advice of NTF against COVID-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

The Health undersecretary also praised the deployment plan of the city’s vaccination teams and said that Muntinlupa’s target to inoculate medical frontliners can be carried out for as short as one day.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (left) presents Muntinlupa COVID-19 Vaccination Plan to DILG Usec. Jonathan Malaya (center) during the assessment visit of the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 and Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team in the city. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The Muntinlupa City Health Office has identified 6,758 medical frontliners from barangay health centers, emergency responders, public and private hospitals/clinics. Under the local COVID-19 vaccination plan, there will be 82 vaccination teams to be deployed in 35 vaccination posts and 8,200 target individuals to be vaccinated per day.

DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya also praised the city’s coordination with the religious sector in ensuring the promotion of COVID-19 vaccination during mass celebrations. He hoped that the best practice in Muntinlupa will be replicated by other local government units in the country. Malaya added that DILG will integrate the campaign on COVID-19 vaccines to explain the importance of the vaccine to the public as part of the agenda for this year Barangay Assemblies.

Muntinlupa Committee on Health and Sanitation Coun. Allan Camilon thanked the CODE Team for its recognition of the city’s COVID-19 response efforts. Camilon highlighted the City Council’s proactive approach in curbing COVID-19 through passing of ordinances and resolutions. Muntinlupa is the first LGU to pass an ordinance for the mandatory wearing of face masks.

Further, the City Government intensifies its information campaign on COVID-19 vaccine demand generation in anticipation of the roll-out this month.

As of February 5, the city’s COVID-19 vaccine survey showed that out of the 4,074 respondents from Muntinlupa’s nine barangays, 63% or 2,567 individuals said they are willing to get vaccinated, an increase from 54% in the last survey dated January 18. While, a total of 788 respondents or 19.34 % said “no,” and 719 or 17.65% did not answer and were classified as “unaccounted.”

Muntinlupa Public Information Office and the City Health Office continuously conduct Virtual Town Hall Meetings, regular coordination with Barangay Information Officers for information dissemination and risk communication, and weekly virtual presser similar to DOH virtual briefing events, among others.  Muntinlupa City has 57 active cases, 5,412 confirmed cases with 5,184 recoveries, 171 reported deaths, 64 suspect cases, and 405 probable cases as of February 8.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

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

CREATE bill to boost Philippine economy by cutting corporate income tax and implementing incentives

CREATE bill to boost Philippine economy by cutting corporate income tax and implementing incentives

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Yesterday, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez announced that the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act is aimed to reduce the corporate income tax which should lead to creating more jobs as well as attracting investments.

Given the dramatic fall of the Philippine economy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CREATE bill could be the big solution to boost the economy and pave the way for recovery. For almost a year now, the said pandemic caused a lot of people to lose their jobs and much of their income. A lot of businesses closed down as well.

For your reference, here is a long excerpt of the news release about the said bill published via Philippine News Agency (PNA). Key words are highlighted in bold:

The recent bicameral approval of the game-changing CREATE Act can also provide a big boost to the National Employment Recovery Strategy (NERS) Task Force chaired by the DTI and co-chaired by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which was signed last Feb. 5 by several agencies.  

“The landmark tax and incentives reform bill that we expect to be signed by the President is expected to bring in (a) massive inflow of investments that will create more jobs, especially as we focus efforts in the National Employment Recovery during this period of the pandemic and beyond. The passing of CREATE will firm up the tax and incentive reforms that will make the investment climate significantly more attractive than the current tax and incentive regime,” Lopez said in a statement.

He said the bill will certainly encourage more investments with the lowering of the corporate income taxes rate from 30 percent to 20 percent for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and 25 percent for large corporations.

“Modernizing the incentives system likewise makes the incentives such as income tax holiday (ITH), special corporate income tax rates (SCIT) or enhanced deductions (ED), available to industries considered strategic, critical or export oriented,” he added.

The Trade chief said the length of incentives, such as four to seven years of ITH plus five or 10 years of SCIT or ED, will depend on the nature of industry, export or domestic oriented, degree of technology and value adding, and geographical location, with additional years outside the Metro Manila and urban centers.

“There is also (a) longer transition period for those currently granted incentives. Thus, incentives are now made more performance-based, focused and timebound,” Lopez said.

CREATE is a bill certified urgent by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte upon the recommendation of the economic team led by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III.

Lopez also thanked the legislators at the Senate and the House of Representatives, with Sen. Pia Cayetano and Rep. Joey Salceda, respectively, as principal authors, for the hard work of the committee members in bringing the CREATE bill to fruition.

“The passing of CREATE will unleash the growth potential of investments by removing uncertainties during the period that the bill was under deliberation,” Lopez said. “Based on our estimate and those from Cong. Joey Salceda, CREATE can bring in over PHP200 billion of new investments that can generate 1.4 (million) to 2 million incremental jobs.”

CREATE will help boost investments in the Philippines, which would support the 2021 target of the Board of Investments (BOI) of PHP1.25-trillion investment approvals.

A report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) had also estimated that the Philippines bucked the trend in Southeast Asia, and had increased its foreign direct investments (FDIs) during the pandemic by 29 percent last year.

Meanwhile, the NERS 2021-2023 is a medium-term plan anchored on the updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 and ReCharge PH by expanding the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan initiative and improving access and security of employment.

The strategy also takes into consideration the changes in the labor market brought about by the pandemic and the fast adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe) technologies.

“NERS shall also consolidate all measures, programs, and institutions that influence the demand and supply of labor, as well as the functioning of labor markets,” Lopez said.

Members of NERS Oversight Committee include the Departments of Transportation (DOTr), Tourism (DOT), Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Science and Technology (DOST), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Agriculture (DA), Agrarian Reform (DAR), Interior and Local Government (DILG), Information and Communications Technology (DICT),  Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and National Security Council (NSC), as well as the Office of the Cabinet Secretary (OCS), Departments of Finance (DOF) and Budget and Management (DBM), and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III said: “This JMC (joint memorandum circular) will fortify our collective undertaking as a Task Force working to develop a policy environment that encourages the generation of more employment opportunities, improves employability and productivity of workers, and supports existing and emerging businesses.”

Lopez further stressed the importance of continuing with the calibrated and safe reopening of the economy to allow the country to regain the growth momentum that it had before the pandemic. 

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Las Piñas City Tax Amnesty announced, good until May 15, 2021

Las Piñas City Tax Amnesty announced, good until May 15, 2021

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Yesterday the City Government of Las Piñas announced that property owners in the city who have not settled their dues have until May 15, 2021 to avail of the Tax Amnesty which is the result of the approval of City Ordinance No. 1729-20 (Series of 2021).

The Tax Amnesty covers all unpaid property taxes as well as Local Government interests, penalties and surcharges. Payment of taxes can be done by means of cash or by installment within the stipulated period.

The Tax Amnesty is meant to alleviate the financial concerns of the local constituents by giving them sufficient time to settle their taxes as the City Government is fully aware of the challenges and hardships caused by the pandemic on public health and on the economy.

Those who will be doing transactions at City Hall are advised to follow health and safety protocols.

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The above information was provided by the Las Piñas City Government for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, 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

StaySafe.ph app formally launched by Muntinlupa City and DOH

StaySafe.ph app formally launched by Muntinlupa City and DOH

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In an effort to strengthen its COVID-19 response and contact tracing efforts, the City Government of Muntinlupa in partnership with the Department of Health recently launched the Staysafe.PH app as the official digital contact tracing system in the city and will implement a “No QR Code, No Entry Policy” in all local establishments.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Department of Health exec Dr. Anatoly de los Santos, and other local officials led the launching event at Festival Mall Alabang this past Friday.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi personally scanned the QR code using the StaySafe.ph app at Festival Mall, Filinvest City, Alabang. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)
Mayor Fresnedi delivering his remarks during the launch event inside Festival Mall. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Fresnedi said the adoption of StaySafe.PH in Muntinlupa was executed in compliance with the national government’s recommendation for a uniformed contact tracing system to prevent further COVID-19 transmission, especially with the detection of the B.1.1.7. SARS-CoV-2 variant (UK variant) in the country.

Also joining the ceremony were Congressman Ruffy Biazon, City Health Officer Dra. Maria Teresa Tuliao, Filinvest Land senior vice president Joselito Santos, Committee on Health and Sanitation chairman Coun. Allan Rey Camilon, City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela, MultiSys Technologies Corporation CEO David Almirol, and other local executives.

Following the launch event, members of the Muntinlupa City StaySafe.Ph Task Force will conduct an city-wide inspection to ensure compliance of local public and private establishments.

Muntinlupa City Council passed City Ordinance No. 2020-181 mandating the installation and use of Staysafe.PH system as an automated contact tracing through the use of QR Codes in all commercial establishments, workplaces, churches, and government offices in the city.

All residents and visitors who will enter, work, or do business in all indoor or enclosed public and private establishments in Muntinlupa shall be required to download and register at the StaySafe.PH application and secure a unique QR Code which they can store on their phone or print for physical copy. QR Codes for non-smartphone user registrants shall be generated by their respective barangays and shall be distributed to where the registrant resides.

Under the local ordinance, all establishments in the city are mandated to designate personnel to ensure each individual who will enter their premises possesses a StaySafe.PH unique personal QR Code. All customers, visitors, and employees of the public and private establishments shall not be allowed entry unless they present their own QR Code.

Allowing other person to use an individual’s unique QR Code to gain entry into the premises of the covered establishment and intentionally registering more than once for the purpose of possessing more than one unique personal QR Code shall be prohibited. Covered establishments shall be required to transmit a copy of their digital log book to the City Health Office on a daily basis for data integration.

For non-compliant establishments, violators will be charged with P2,000 penalty and suspension of franchise or business permit until violation has been rectified for first offense, P3,000 for second offense, and suspension or revocation of franchise or business permit including a P5,000 penalty for the third offense. In case the offender is a government official or employee, the maximum penalty shall be imposed including the filing of administrative, civil, or criminal action.

Recently, the Department of the Interior and Local Government issued MC No.2020-129 enjoining local government units to use of StaySafe.PH v.2 application system as the official social distancing, health condition reporting, and contact tracing system that will assist in the government’s response to COVID-19.

As of January 28, 2021, Muntinlupa City has 64 active cases, 5,326 confirmed cases with 5,094 recoveries, 168 reported deaths, 71 suspect cases, and 389 probable cases.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

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 holds COVID-19 vaccination simulation, eyes schools as vaccination centers

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa holds COVID-19 vaccination simulation, eyes schools as vaccination centers

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Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi formally led the City Government’s first coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination simulation at Muntinlupa National High School – Main yesterday.

Fresnedi said the simulation exercise aims to prepare local vaccination teams on the proper handling and vaccine administration in anticipation of the national government’s approval of a vaccine for use and distribution and arrival of supply.

Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao added that the exercise will help the local government to further improve its vaccination site management. Muntinlupa CHO eyes to convert the city’s 28 public schools as vaccination centers. Vaccination facilities are designed to have areas for registration, counselling and consent, screening, vaccination proper, and post-vaccination monitoring.

Tuliao noted that the local government targets to inoculate 5,600 persons per day through its 56 vaccination teams under the best-case scenario of supply availability.

The operational logistics of the vaccination program are also being readied to ensure that vaccines will be handled and disposed correctly and properly, including reverse logistics. The local government will be purchasing 48 refrigerators and 2 freezers as storage equipment for the vaccines.

CHO is also coordinating with local storage rental facilities in the city for the cold chain management of vaccines needing special storage requirements. The City of Muntinlupa has secured 400,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Philippines to inoculate residents in high priority groups.

The City Government earmarked a 170 million pesos initial budget for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines once they are available and approved for use in the country. National Immunization Program Coordinator for COVID-19 in Muntinlupa Dra. Maria Rochelle Abat said the local vaccination teams were already trained for vaccine administration as part of the local immunization program.

The training of Muntinlupa’s medical personnel was facilitated by UNICEF, World Health Organization, and Department of Health last January 12-13. Participants were trained for vaccine administration, managing the side effects of the vaccine, vaccine storage and handling practices, health communication, and waste management. Other health workers from Ospital ng Muntinlupa, including frontliners from local private hospitals and clinics, are also continuously being trained.

The City Government has also created the Task Force on COVID-19 Vaccination that will oversee the registration for the vaccination program, conduct information campaigns, and ensure that vaccines are in good condition.

As part of its vaccination plan, the city’s Public Information Office and Health Education and Promotion Officers of the City Health Office (CHO) are conducting promotion activities to public and private health facilities to generate demand and uptake for COVID-19 vaccine among eligible population.

The City Government also hopes to address the vaccine hesitancy and mistrust feelings and deportment, and encourage the public to continue COVID-19 preventive actions through its information campaign. Muntinlupa has been conducting a survey among residents to know if they are willing to get the COVID-19 vaccine, their vaccine brand preference, and reasons for their refusal.

Out of 3,589 respondents as of January 28, 2,183 city residents were willing to be vaccinated while 680 said “no” to the vaccination and 726 were classified as unaccounted.

Further, the local government partnered with the Department of Health and launched the Staysafe.PH app as the official digital contact tracing system in the city.

The adoption of StaySafe.PH in Muntinlupa is in compliance with the national government’s recommendation for a uniformed contact tracing system to prevent further COVID-19 transmission, especially with the detection of the B.1.1.7. SARS-CoV-2 variant (UK variant) in the country.

All residents and visitors who will enter, work, or do business in all indoor or enclosed public and private establishments in Muntinlupa shall be required to download and register at the StaySafe.PH application and secure a unique QR Code which they can store on their phone or print for physical copy.

As of January 28, Muntinlupa City has 64 active cases, 5,326 confirmed cases with 5,094 recoveries, 168 reported deaths, 71 suspect cases, and 389 probable cases.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

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 releases zero-interest loan to local entrepreneurs for their recovery amid pandemic

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City releases zero-interest loan to local entrepreneurs for their recovery amid pandemic

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In an effort to revive the stalled local economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City Government of Muntinlupa provided a zero-interest loan assistance to micro-entrepreneurs and MSMEs dubbed as “Muntipreneurs”.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led a turn-over ceremony of loan assistance amounting to P938,000.00 to 51 Tulong Negosyo Batch 122 beneficiaries in Muntinlupa City Hall two days ago. Among the beneficiaries were two local entrepreneurs who received P100,000 each while one member received P75,000. Fresnedi vows to continue the local financing program and hopes to revive the local economy by supporting grassroot players through various programs.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi turns over the local government’s zero-interest loan assistance amounting to P938,000.00 to Tulong Negosyo Batch 122 beneficiaries in Muntinlupa City Hall last January 27. Among the beneficiaries were two local entrepreneurs who received P100,000 each while one member received P75,000. Fresnedi hopes to revive the local economy by supporting grassroot players through various programs. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The City Government assists local micro-entrepreneurs through its Tulong Negosyo Program (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.

Recently, the loan repayment period was extended by three months for clients with existing loans from March to June 2020 in a bid to help them recover from losses due to the pandemic.

Tulong Negosyo program has three categories namely: Simulang Kapital (SIKAP) Pangkabuhayan with loan application amounting to P2,000 – P5,000, Asenso Loan Program amounting to P6,000 – P75,000, and Maunlad Loan Program amounting to P75,000 – P150,000.

Further, a Savings Program has been incorporated in the loan assistance to teach clients about the importance of economizing and serve as protection to the clients and the program. Entrepreneurial education through trainings and other related interventions are also conducted.

Due to the limitations in face-to-face transactions, the Tulong Negosyo has implemented Online Application services and cashless repayment system through Smart Padala and G-Cash.

To apply, visit Joint Resources Financing Program – JRF Facebook Page or click the following links: New Applications – bit.ly/TulongNegosyoNew, and Renewal – bit.ly/TulongNegosyoRenewal. The Muntinlupa Joint Resources Financing Program is located at 2F Plaza Central, Brgy. Poblacion with contact numbers 8772-3457and (0921) 888 6124.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

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 to buy additional 200,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine, starts training health workers for vaccination roll-out

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa to buy additional 200,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine, starts training health workers for vaccination roll-out

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The City of Muntinlupa recently announced that it is set to order an additional 200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine from AstraZeneca as more local government units in the country sign a purchase deal with the British pharmaceutical firm and the national government.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi announced that the City Government of Muntinlupa requested for an additional purchase of 200,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine as part of an earlier tripartite agreement with the National Task Force against COVID-19 (NTF) and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Philippines. Recently, Muntinlupa secured 100,000 doses to initially inoculate residents in high priority groups.

The local exec stressed that the agreement is only an augmentation of the national government’s vaccination plan. He said that the Department of Health will continue to provide additional vaccines for the inoculation of the rest of Muntinlupa residents.

Muntinlupa earmarked a 170 million pesos initial budget for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines once they are available and approved for use in the country.

National Immunization Program Coordinator for COVID-19 in Muntinlupa Dra. Maria Rochelle Abat said that 28 health workers from the City Health Office were already trained for the vaccine administration as part of the local immunization program.

The training of Muntinlupa’s medical personnel was facilitated by UNICEF, World Health Organization, and Department of Health last January 12-13. Participants were trained for vaccine administration, managing the side effects of the vaccine, vaccine storage and handling practices, health communication, and waste management.

Abat noted that the training of other health workers from Ospital ng Muntinlupa, including frontliners from local private hospitals and clinics, is still ongoing.

Muntinlupa City Health Office (CHO) prepares for the operational logistics of the vaccination program and will be purchasing storage equipment for the vaccines. CHO is also coordinating with local storage rental facilities in the city for the cold chain management of vaccines needing special storage requirements.

The City Government is set to launch an information campaign to raise awareness and provide clarification on the immunization program. An online survey on the COVID-19 vaccine in Muntinlupa is currently being conducted by the Management Information System Office and the Public Information Office. Recently, OCTA Research’s Tugon ng Masa survey noted that only 25% of respondents in Metro Manila are willing to get an anti-coronavirus vaccine shot when the vaccine becomes available in the country.

As of January 14, Muntinlupa City has 55 active cases, 5,222 confirmed cases with 5,000 recoveries, 167 reported deaths, 63 suspect cases, and 277 probable cases.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

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 joins Metro Manila LGUs with signed deals for Astrazeneca vaccine, to initially procure 100,000 doses

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City joins Metro Manila LGUs with signed deals for Astrazeneca vaccine, to initially procure 100,000 doses

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The City of Muntinlupa officially joined the growing number of Metro Manila cities that have signed a purchase deal of COVID-19 vaccines from British pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi signed a tripartite agreement with the National Task Force against COVID-19 (NTF) and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Philippines for the advance purchase of 100,000 doses to initially inoculate residents in high priority groups.

Fresnedi said the agreement is only an augmentation of the national government’s vaccination plan. He noted that the Department of Health will also provide additional vaccines for the inoculation of the rest of Muntinlupa residents.

Previously, the City Government earmarked P170 million as an initial budget for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines once they are available and approved for use in the country. A COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force shall be created to oversee the local immunization program.

Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao said the local government prepares for the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines by training its personnel for the operational logistics and vaccine administration. Tuliao reported that CHO has coordinated with local storage rental facilities in the city for the cold chain management of vaccines.

Members of the city’s vaccination teams shall also undergo training for vaccine storage and handling practices, vaccine administration, and health communication on how to talk to patients about COVID-19 vaccines.

The City Government is also set to launch an information campaign to raise awareness and provide clarification on the immunization program.

Recently, OCTA Research’s Tugon ng Masa survey noted that only 25% of respondents in Metro Manila are willing to get an anti-coronavirus vaccine shot when the vaccine becomes available in the country.

On January 6, the Food and Drug Administration announced that AstraZeneca has submitted an application for the emergency approval of its COVID-19 vaccine in the Philippines.

As of January 10, Muntinlupa City has 54 active cases, 5,177 confirmed cases with 4,956 recoveries, 167 reported deaths, 26 suspect cases, and 292 probable cases.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

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