Cynthia Villar – Author Carlo Carrasco

2023 Waterlily Festival in Las Piñas City emphasizes care for the environment, competition winners announced

July 28, 2023July 26, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the 16^th edition of the Waterlily Festival took place which continues to emphasize to local residents the commitment of taking care of the environment, according to a press release published through Senate.gov.ph. The said festival had a slew of activities and competitions that symbolically emphasized environmental care.

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

This year’s celebration of the Las Piñas Waterlily Festival reinforced the commitment of Las Piñas residents to value and protect the environment.

Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, who started the festival in 2005, said the yearly event is not only a celebration or a venue for the city’s most talented performers but also a recognition of the importance of environmental protection.

“Today, the waterlily is no longer a menace or a pest but a symbol of ingenuity, resilience, and community cooperation. It stands as a testament to our collective commitment to preserve our environment,” Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, said.

Villar lauded the shared efforts of Las Piñeros in the rehabilitation of the Las Piñas and Zapote River through the Sagip Ilog Program, an initiative she started when she was Las Piñas Representative. Water hyacinths or what is commonly known as water lilies were considered as aquatic pests clogging the Las Piñas and Zapote River, which caused massive flooding in the city.

One of the most awaited activities of the festival is the Ms. Waterlily Pageant 2023. It is participated in by female candidates fielded by each of the 20 barangays in Las Piñas City. The candidates will be judged according to beauty, intelligence, and the over-all creativity of their respective gowns made of waterlilies.

Candidates are required to create their attire using 100% waterlily. Prizes at stake include Php 30,000 cash, flowers, trophy and crown for the Ms. Las Piñas Waterlily 2023, Php 20,000 cash, trophy and flowers for the First Runner-up, and Php 10,000 cash, trophy and flowers for the Second Runner-up.

This year’s winners are: Francine Anne T. De Castro of Talon Tres, Ms Waterlily 2023; Christine Maico Bautista of Brgy. Talon 5; 1st Runner-up Loiuse Zapanta of Brgy.Pamplona Tres, 2nd Runner-up; Princess Romana De Guzman of Brgy.Almanza Dos as Ms. Photogenic and Ayessa Emille Estrellado of Brgy.Pulang-Lupa Uno as Ms Congeniality. Likewise, designer Nash Leeho of Talon Singko won the best designer award

Also, part of the festivities is the Sayaw Kabataan (SK) Para Sa Kalikasan” Dance Video Contest. This activity requires each barangay to field 10 to 15 youth dancers, who will be dancing to an upbeat song that they have to demonstrate in a 3 to 5-minute dance presentation. The incorporation of waterlilies as a prop, costume, or background, is a requirement for this contest.

Winners of the SK Para sa Kalikasan competition was judged based on their creativity, content, and messaging; choreography, presentation, and originality; and video presentation. The following prizes are up for grabs: Champion Php 30,000 and trophy, First Runner-up: Php 20,000 and trophy, Second Runner-up: Php 10,000 and trophy.

This year’s SK para sa Kalikasan this year are; Remake Family of Brgy. BF International-CAA, Grand Champion; Talon Youth for Progress Organization Dance Company of Brgy.Talon Uno, First Runner-up; Fusion Flames of Brgy.Talon Singko, second runner-up and People’s Choice; and Ry Ultra of Brgy Ilaya, Best in Costume.

To get a glimpse of what the 2023 Waterlily Festival looked like, watch this related Manila Bulletin video clip below…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this new development? Were you able to attend in person the Waterlily Festival this year?

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. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

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Legal battle between Senator Cynthia Villar and BF Resort Village Homeowners Association may go into another round

May 1, 2023April 26, 2023carlocarrasco

Last September, the legal battle between the BF Resort Village Homeowners Association, Inc. (BFRVHAI) and the side of Senator Cynthia Villar over a certain bridge and accessibility within BF Resort Village in Las Piñas City saw the Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (Las Piñas RTC) issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) for the latter.

This time around, the conflict may go into another round in relation to the homeowners association’s (HOA) construction of a certain gate and other issues, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The fight between Senator Cynthia A. Villar and the BF Resort Village Homeowners Association in Las Pinas City may go into its second round.

Villar said she would talk with her lawyer on filing a suit over several issues such as the construction by BFRV of a gate barring entry into her composting plant and removal of signages in the subdivision.

Villar’s complaints against the subdivision came to a boil after her “fight” with a BFRV security guard last April 17 went viral.

“Wala namang outburst (there was no outburst). It’s for public use it is not for me. Composting program has been there for 20 years. It was even given an international award,” Villar, chairperson of the Senate agriculture and food committee, told Senate reporters in a press briefing.

“Eh ang laki-laki nya, alangan naman saktan ko sya (He is big, it is illogical for me to hurt him). There is something with It, he is a security guard he has a gun, Masasaktan ko ba yan, ang tapang ko naman, ang liit liit ko (Could I hurt him? Am I that brave? I am small,” she said.

“I could not go into details because there is a pending case. What we got is TRO (temporary restraining order),” she said.

She said she does not want people to remember her as a senator who just keep quiet.

“I fight for what is right and what is good for the people,” she added.

“I have this to say. I filed a case before the RTC (Regional Trial Court) Las Pinas because of the prohibition of BFRV to accept our friendship sticker…it is against local legislation. I filed a case, we were given a TRO (temporary restraining order) so the BF Resort Village can’t stop the people…dun sila nagalit sa akin (that’s why BFRV is mad at me). They are charging P2,500 per sticker, friendship sticker is free,” she explained.

“I have encountered problems. Removing the signages that BF should honor the friendship sticker based on local legislation passed in 1995. Replaced the announcement in all five entrances four times already. Last time nakita na sila ang nagre-remove (The last time, they were the ones removing the announcement),” she added.

“I was building an impounding facility for stray dog and cat they didn’t allow me,” she added,

“They blocked the composting facility. When I removed the ISF (informal settler families)…they are fencing it. They don’t want me to build sidewalk in front of the composting facility. They park their truck in my sidewalks,” she stressed.

Villar said BFRV also prohibited her from planting trees in that composting facility.

Asked if there is a malicious intent, Villar replied: “Yes, but I don’t want to talk about it because we are going to court.”

“I was talking to them to remove the gate because the composting facility is for the public, they have plenty of security guards,’’ she stressed.

“Before ayaw nya papasukin ang aming truck may dalang ready mix para sa sidewalk tinawag ko chief of police (Before, they barred the entry of my truck with ready mixed cement for the sidewalk So I called the chief of police who allowed its entry into the subdivision),” she added.

Asked if she has plans of leaving BFRV, Villar said “no,” adding that she has been a BFRV resident for the past 45 years.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this new development? Do you happen to know a lot of residents of BF Resort Village who might have been affected by the conflict between the Senator and the BFRVHAI? What can you say about the many quotes of Senator Villar in the Manila Bulletin’s news report?

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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Las Piñas City chosen by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), dredging technology test on local river to follow

January 26, 2023January 22, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently it was announced that the City of Las Piñas has been selected by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as the site where they will test the floating amphibious excavator of Kochi Marutaka which means dredging on Las Piñas river, according to a Manila Standard news report.

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

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has chosen Las Piñas city for its pilot test of Kochi Marutaka’s floating amphibious excavator.

Sen. Cynthia A. Villar noted that this technology to be used in cleaning the Las Piñas-Zapote River and waterways in Las Piñas is new. The technology, Villar said, can do extensive dredging while floating in shallow waters of the river due to its remarkable buoyancy.

“There is no doubt that you have chosen well. In Las Piñas, under my guidance, we are serious and very persistent in our river clean-up and rehabilitation,” Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, said.

The senator, along with her daughter, Deputy Speaker Camille Villar, joined JICA Rep. Takuya Hashizume, DPWH- NCR Director Loreta Malaluan and DPWH-Bureau of Equipment Dir. Toribio Noel Ilao and Las Piñas- Muntinlupa District Engr. Isabelo Baleros, in the launching of JICA’s Verification Survey for the “Utilization of Floating Amphibious Excavator for the Construction Works On Disaster Management and Disaster Restoration in the Philippines.”

The project brief was given by Toru Asakura of CTI Engineering International Co., Ltd. and Hiroshige Takano , chairman of Kochi Marutaka Corporation, while Mikako Shimizu from JICA Philippine office and Tomohiro Matsubara from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines gave their keynote speeches during the launch.

“I welcome events like this that cultivate solutions to the challenges we face to tackle disasters and mitigate its effects. As you know, the Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries to disasters, it is frequented by around 20 typhoons per year,” Villar said.

She also pointed out the use of a floating amphibious excavator is also very much in consonance with her lifelong advocacies of cleaning our city’s rivers and waterways and of efficient waste management.

Prior to the project, the Japanese group approached the Las Pinas city government, seeing the efforts of Sen. Villar in cleaning the Las Piñas- Zapote River which bagged an international environment award given by the United Nations.

The initiative to clean the said river and rid it of waterlilies that triggered floodings was under the so-called “Sagip Ilog Para Sa Kinabukasan.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted over the news that the JICA chose Las Piñas City for testing the mentioned dredging technology? Do you think the dredging along the Las Piñas-Zapote river will reduce potential flooding?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Villar-led group gains extended TRO in legal conflict with BF Resort Village HOA

September 30, 2022September 29, 2022carlocarrasco

In the City of Las Piñas, there is this ongoing legal battle between the BF Resort Village Homeowners Association, Inc. (BFRVHAI) and a group of residents led by Senator Cynthia Villar with regards to a certain bridge and access into the village in relation to the Las Piñas City Friendship Route (note: for the background of the conflict, click here). More recently, the Villar-led group gained temporary advantage in at the Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (Las Piñas RTC), according to a Manila Standard news report.

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

Officials of the BF Resort Village Homeowners Association, Inc. (BFRVHAI) lost another round in their legal fight with a group of like-minded Las Piñas residents led by Sen. Cynthia Villar over the opening of a particular street to the general public.

This developed after the Las Pinas Regional Trial Court (RTC) extended to 20 days ending on Oct. 9, 2022 its initial 72-hour temporary restraining order (TRO) issued on September 19 granted to Villar’s camp.

Meanwhile, the court set arguments for the issuance of a preliminary writ of injunction on Sept. 27-30.

The TRO as petitioned by Villar’s group prohibits the implementation of the new village traffic scheme whereby Onelia Jose St. inside the BF Resort Village (BFRV) would be open to the public as classified under the so-called Las Pinas Friendship Route.

Villar, a resident of BFRV since 1976, along with Rommel Dela Cruz and Virgilio Hernandez filed last Sept. 19 the petition for prohibition and mandamus with application for TRO and/or Preliminary Injunction against the BFRVHAI and its officers specifically Euan Rex Toralballa, Michael Roxas, and Angelo Ted Diesmos, among others.

“The Petition seeks to enjoin the respondents from enforcing the new BFRVHAI administration’s traffic scheme and instead comply with the local ordinances on Las Piñas Friendship Route,” said Villar.

“This include allowing Las Piñas City resident-holders of Friendship Route stickers to freely access and pass through the street, roads, avenues and thoroughfares declared to be part of the ‘Friendship Route’ in BFRV under the local ordinances,” she added.

The court found urgency issue a 72-hour TRO to prevent further damage, such as travel costs, productivity, wasted fuel and economic activity slow down to the city residents.

As early as 1995, the city government issued an ordinance directing developers and homeowners associations in Las Piñas to open and allow the public to freely use their streets as alternative routes (so called “Friendship Route”) to ease or decongest traffic along Alabang-Zapote Road and other main streets in Las Piñas, and imposing penalty for any violation.

The ordinance and the subsequent ordinances that followed, particularly City Ordinance No. 715 series of 2006, enumerated the specific streets and roads in every subdivision, village or compound that are covered by the “Friendship Route”.

The BFRV has ten such streets, including Onelia Jose that are part of the “Friendship Route”.

The controversy arose last July 24 after the newly-installed village administration posted security guards at the Onelia Jose St. who prevented Las Piñas resident-holders of the “Friendship” stickers to freely use the Onelia Jose St. that connects to the Zapote River Drive leading to CAVITEX and the bridge that leads to Bacoor, Cavite at a shorter distance.

Under the new traffic scheme implemented, non-BFRV residents, even if they are Las Piñas residents and holders of friendship stickers, will only be allowed entry and exit via Onelia Jose St. by BFRVHAI if they will buy BFRV sticker worth P2,500 per vehicle.

The move by the BFRVHAI’s new administration allegedly created confusion and protests from many Las Piñas residents of other subdivisions and villages since they have been enjoying their right of free access to the friendship route since 1995.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? Do you constantly travel into or through BF Resort Village? If your vehicle has a valid Friendship Route sticker and you need to go to Cavite, is BF Resort Village your primary path for passing through? If you are BF Resort Village resident, what is your opinion about the ongoing legal battle between the HOA and the group of Senator Villar?

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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676-meter Zapote River Drive stretch inaugurated in Las Piñas City

August 10, 2022August 9, 2022carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the 676-meter stretch of the Zapote River Drive was formally inaugurated by Senator Cynthia Villar, Senator Mark Villar and House Deputy Speaker Camille Villar as shown through the Villar SIPAG Facebook page.

Other officials who attended the inauguration were City Councilor Danny Hernandez, City Councilor Carlo Aguilar, City Councilor Ruben Ramos, Barangay Pilar Kagawad Ping Nerbes, and Barangay Talon Uno Kagawad George Zuniga to name some.

*The ribbon cutting ceremony. (photo source – Villar SIPAG Facebook page)*

*The Villars and other officials inspecting the newly inaugurated stretch of the River Drive. (photo source – Villar SIPAG Facebook page)*

The expanded road located along Pasong Baka connects to Barangay Talon Uno and Barangay Talon Singko within the city. It is expected to ease travel from Marcos Alvarez Avenue to Barangay Pilar. Take note, however, that in one of the pictures showing street signs leading to the 676-meter stretch of Zapote River Drive, there is a notable public instruction that motorcycles, bicycles and tricycles are not allowed.

*Pay close attention to the details on the signs in this picture. (photo source – Villar SIPAG Facebook page)*

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? Have you been driving along the River Drive recently? Do you find travel along the River Drive helpful or more efficient when compared with traveling along the Alabang-Zapote Road?

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

October 8, 2021October 6, 2021carlocarrasco

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 7^th 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.

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Former Las Piñas City Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar (1947-2021)

August 24, 2021August 23, 2021carlocarrasco

Last week, August 20, 2021 became a sorrowful day as former Las Piñas City Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar passed away which the City Government of Las Piñas confirmed. He was 74-years-old and left a legacy of public service having served as the head of the local government unit (LGU) for a grand total of eighteen years (1995-2004 and 2007-2016). His wife Imelda is the incumbent Mayor and their daughter April Aguilar-Nery is the incumbent Vice Mayor.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the official statement issued by Mayor Imelda Aguilar which the City Government released on August 20…

It is with profound sorrow that our family announces the passing of my husband and our patriarch, former Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar.

At the age of 74, Nene joined our beloved Creator today, August 20, 2021, at 4:12 am, succumbing to a heart ailment after being confined at St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City.

Nene, it pains all of us that you are no longer with us, but we know that you have accomplished your mission in this world, not only to your family and loved ones, but to the hundreds of families you have served and supported throughout your years in service.

As the current Mayor of Las Piñas, the legacy and selfless public service you have rendered as mayor for 18 years to the people of Las Piñas will serve as my inspiration. Your years as the local chief executive have led to the unprecedented growth of our city. We will miss you very much.

We invite our loved ones, friends, and all of the people of Las Piñas to remember him and celebrate his life and the love and joy he has imparted to all of us.

For the newcomers reading this, former Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar led the LGU for almost twenty years. According to local history, he first became mayor at a time when Las Piñas was still a municipality. Las Piñas formally became a city on March 26, 1997 and that was within Aguilar’s first term. Under his leadership, socio-economic development followed and the new city got recognized. There is no denying that Las Piñas became progressive and continues to progress and has emerged as one of the most notable cities of South Metro Manila.

*A look back at a few of the many achievements of the city under Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar.*

In an article published by Philippine News Agency (PNA), Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar paid tribute to former Mayor Aguilar and expressed his sorrow. Posted below is an excerpt…

In a press statement, Andanar said it pains him to lose Aguilar who had been a father figure to him.

“It’s with great sorrow, sadness, and pain that I grieve the loss of a father figure like former Las Piñas Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar who passed away today, August 20, 2021, due to a heart ailment,” said Andanar.

Aguilar’s passing was announced by his wife, incumbent Mayor Imelda Aguilar, through a statement posted on the official Facebook page of City of Las Piñas.

Aguilar, 74, passed away on Friday morning at St. Luke’s Medical Center at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Andanar remembered Aguilar, whom he fondly called “Papa Nene,” for the latter’s “unselfish public service, commitment, and dedication to lead and generate great changes” in Las Piñas City.

He also hailed Aguilar for giving “unparalleled” progress to Las Piñas City and its people.

“You have touched the lives of so many people, but your silent demeanor was a gushing river of wisdom and affection that brought happiness and, most of all, love to our small family,” Andanar said. “Papa Nene, you may have left us in this world and have joined our Creator, but the memories and teachings you have shared with us all will be remembered perpetually.”

He left behind four daughters — Las Piñas Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery, Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo, Alelee Aguilar-Andanar, and Anne Aguilar.

He was also Senator Cynthia Villar’s brother.

He was a property developer before entering public service in 1992. He then served as mayor of Las Piñas City for six terms, first from 1995 to 2004, and from 2007 to 2016.

His father Dr. Filemon Aguilar, was also a former Las Piñas mayor.

During his term, Las Piñas was recognized as one of the best-managed cities in the country, according to the city’s official website.

National and international awards, including the United Nations Award for Environmental Protection, were handed out to the city under his term.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a long-time Las Piñas City resident who lived when former Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar led the City Government, what is the best thing you remember about him with regards to public service?

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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Las Piñas River Drive Extension (AKA New River Drive) opened for motorists

May 12, 2021May 11, 2021carlocarrasco

After being formally opened a week ago, the Las Piñas River Drive’s extension (note: referred to as the New River Drive) made its presence through the local news media via the Manila Standard (May 6) and the Philippine Star (yesterday). The said new road was completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and its ribbon-cutting ceremony was done with the presence of Senator Cynthia Villar and Las Piñas Congresswoman Camille Villar and other officials.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the New River Drive led by Senator Cynthia Villar and Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar plus other varied officials. (source – Senator Cynthia Villar Facebook page)

So what exactly is this New River Drive? According to the May 4, 2021 post on Senator Villar’s Facebook page, the description is as follows (some parts in bold):

LAS PIÑAS RIVER DRIVE EXTENDED FURTHER

The new 850-meter River Drive traverses Verdant Subdivision to Naga Road via Verdant Acres in Bgy. Pamplona 3 to Vergonville Subdivision, St. Joseph Subdivision and Villa Isabelita in Brgy. Pulang Lupa Dos. The 640-meter River Drive in Casimiro will also be partially opened via Casimiro Village, Dela Cruz Compound and Batibot in Brgy. Pamplona 3. The completion of this project, which is still ongoing, will connect Casimiro Village to Zapote Road.

In the respective published reports of the Manila Standard and Philippine Star, Senator Villar stated that the new road and other road developments in the City of Las Piñas will entice investors and lure in investments. Through the Philippine Star report, the Senator expressed her thanks to the DPWH for addressing their concerns on traffic in the city through the River Drive project. According to Manila Standard’s report, the elderly Villar guaranteed that she will work closely with the City Government and the DPWH to ensure that traffic problems in the city will be resolved swiftly.

*Senator Villar, Congresswoman Villar and other officials examined a stretch of the new road as they walked on it. (source – Senator Cynthia Villar Facebook page)*

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you were able to drive along the 850-meter Las Piñas River Drive, how was the experience? Was the ride smooth? How much time did it take you to travel the entire 850-meter stretch?

In relation to the above questions, how was your experience driving along the Alabang-Zapote Road since the New River Drive opened?

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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7th Las Piñas Food Festival all set for April 29 via Facebook

April 26, 2021April 25, 2021carlocarrasco

Even as people and businesses are still struggling with the ongoing COVID-19 (China Virus) pandemic, nothing will stop the celebration of cooking and gardening in the city of Las Piñas as Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance) formally announced that the 7th Las Piñas Food Festival will take place on April 29, 2021 (Thursday) at 10AM via Facebook.

With the theme of “Harvest of Our Garden Meals”, the 7th Las Piñas Food Festival will be composed of its standard competitions for cooking (with competitors representing the barangays) as well as urban gardening (with competing barangays that do have urban gardens of their own).

*The official banner for the food festival this year. (source – Villar SIPAG Facebook page)*

As Villar SIPAG’s announcement specifically mentions Facebook and does not mention any venue (physical location), it is understood that this event will be streamed live via the social network and most likely it won’t be a spectator nor a visitor-oriented event compared to the previous editions of the food festival. Very likely, the cooking contest will be held somewhere indoors where the contests, event organizers and camera operators can safely organize. We will find out very soon.

During my years as a journalist, I attended and covered the Las Piñas Food Festival a few times and each time it was held at the Villar SIPAG facility along C5 Extension Road. As there was no pandemic back then, visitors and customers were welcomed to watch the competitions and the award ceremonies on-site. Very notably, the food festival back then had a section where food vendors as well as stalls of ready-to-eat food were present and welcomed visitors to buy from them. There were also freshly cooked meals, desserts and beverages being sold to customers during those years.

The 7th Las Piñas Food Festival is presented by Senator Cynthia Villar and Congresswoman Camille Villar and supported by AllDay, AllHome, AllBank, First Metro, Island Gas, Mex, Tecnogas, Technik, Mushroomburger, Handelaar Corp., and Asia Brewery Inc. To watch the event live, visit https://www.facebook.com/VillarSIPAG

If you wish to react about the 7th Las Piñas Food Festival, please feel free to comment below or contact me directly online.

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COVID-19 Crisis: AztraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines used on health workers in Las Piñas City

April 1, 2021March 31, 2021carlocarrasco

The City Government of Las Piñas announced that vaccines sourced from AztraZeneca and Sinovac were injected into their local health workers including personnel in Temporary Treatment and Management Facilities (Safe 1 and Safe 2) at the vaccination site at the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD) Gymnasium, in Barangay Pamplona Tres.

*A local health worker got vaccinated for the China virus. (photo source – City Government of Las Piñas*)

As part of their local campaign against COVID-19 (China Virus), the said vaccines were used depending on the health and protection of front liners. The City Government continues to work to ensure the protection of health, safety and the welfare of the people during this time of pandemic. Already Senator Cynthia Villar expressed happiness about the city’s vaccination rollout.

Meanwhile, local citizens who wish to avail of COVID-19 vaccines are encouraged to get themselves registered with the City Government by means of digital method (QR code scanning, Google account to be used) or the manual method. For reference about Las Piñas vaccine registration, posted below are official images of instruction.

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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.

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