Delta variant – Page 5 – Author Carlo Carrasco

COVID-19 Crisis: Over half a million people vaccinated in Las Piñas City

August 16, 2021August 15, 2021carlocarrasco

It is official! The total number of vaccinated people (both 1st dose and 2nd dose patients) in Las Piñas City has exceeded the 500,000 mark and among them are more than 200,000 who got fully vaccinated!

To be more specific, the City Government of Las Piñas announced that as of August 12, 2021, the number counted is 532,595 as total inoculation. In terms of breakdowns based on dosage, 322,147 patients were vaccinated with the first dose while 218,998 patients got vaccinated with their second dose. If you do the math, there is a discrepancy because 322,147 plus 218,998 equals 541,145 grand total.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the official visual reference released by the City Government on their official Facebook page on August 13, 2021…

*The official statistics from the City Government.*

I can only wonder if anyone in the City Government in-charge of counting the COVID-19 vaccinations will notice the discrepancy and update their numbers as soon as possible. For the newcomers reading, the City Government and its strategic partners are struggling with their growing Delta variant problem.

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, are you still moving around the city using public transportation knowing that there are a lot of Delta variant cases in the city? Does the Delta variant news convince the unvaccinated members of your community to get registered and join the line for the free vaccines? Does the ongoing incentive program of Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar entice the unvaccinated members of your local community to get vaccinated?

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

August 16, 2021August 15, 2021carlocarrasco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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COVID-19 Crisis: PNP to strictly implement Metro Manila prohibition on outdoor exercise during ECQ

August 12, 2021August 11, 2021carlocarrasco

Did you spot anyone running or biking or hiking outdoors in your local community recently? I spotted nobody doing any fitness activities outdoors which is not surprising since the Metro Manila mayors passed the resolution prohibiting outdoor exercise for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) which is supposed to end on August 20, 2021.

Yesterday I spotted the Philippine News Agency (PNA) follow-up story to the NCR outdoor exercise ban and it focuses on the side of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who are following the orders to implement the said ban.

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

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, on Wednesday, ordered all police officers to strictly enforce the prohibition on outdoor exercises for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period in the National Capital Region (NCR).

“Ang pagbabawal sa mga outdoor activity ay desisyon ng ating mga Metro Manila mayors na kailangang ipatupad ng inyong PNP para sa kapakanan ng lahat, lalo na at marami na ang kumpirmadong kaso ng mga bata, kabilang ang mga sanggol, na nahahawa ng Covid-19 (The prohibition on all outdoor activities is the collective decision of all Metro Manila mayors that need to be implemented by the PNP for the safety of all, especially now that there are a lot of cases involving children, and even babies, who got infected with the coronavirus disease 2019),” Eleazar said in a statement.

He called the prohibition on all outdoor activities very timely, considering that the Philippines has been declared as “high-risk” for Covid-19 due to the increasing number of infections.

The measure, he added, is needed to ensure that the situation would not worsen the country’s health and economic situation.

Eleazar also directed police commanders to maximize the information drive on the measure through the PNP’s social media accounts and through Oplan Bandillo where policemen warn the public through a megaphone or speaker system installed in roving police vehicles.

He appealed to Metro Manila residents to abide by this rule and cooperate with authorities.

In Resolution 21-17, series of 2021 issued on Monday, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) banned outdoor exercise for the remainder of the ECQ in the NCR.

The resolution was signed by the 17 NCR mayors and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr.

“It is hereby resolved that the MMC prohibits outdoor exercise in NCR during the ECQ until 20 August 2021 through the local government units of Metro Manila,” the resolution read.

The decision was made after the “steady rise” in the number of Covid-19 cases, including confirmed cases of the highly transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus,s in the region.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said the Philippines has gone up to high-risk classification as a rise in Covid-19 cases has been observed with a positive two-week growth rate (TWGR) at 47 percent.

In closing this piece, let me ask you readers: Do you believe that the Metro Manila Council made the right decision prohibiting outdoor exercise for the duration of the current ECQ? Are you concerned that the police will abuse their authority once they spot someone exercising outdoors? What do you think about the PNP right now?

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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COVID-19 Crisis: Metro Manila mayors approve resolution prohibiting outdoor exercise during ECQ

August 11, 2021August 10, 2021carlocarrasco

Are you conscious about your health and you constantly need to exercise to meet your personal fitness goals? If you are residing here in Metro Manila, you will be screwed because the Metro Manila Council (MCC) composed of many mayors with Parañaque mayor Edwin Olivarez as the chairman approved a resolution prohibiting residents from going out of their homes for exercise in relation to the current enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Take note that lesser outdoor space to exercise means lesser opportunities to keep yourselves healthy and boosting your immune system (this we all need so badly in this COVID-19 pandemic apart from the vaccines).

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

Metro Manila Council (MMC) Chairman and Paranaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez said the mayors of the National Capital Region (NCR) are ready to implement the ban on exercising outside residences during the two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Olivarez said Metro mayors agreed and passed a resolution prohibiting residents from going out of their homes to exercise until August 20.

“Ipinagbabawal po natin ang exercise, ang walking. Dahil po sa Delta variant, talagang hard lockdown po talaga. Ganon ang naging usapan talaga dahil nagkakaroon po kasi ng gathering kapag nageexercise. (We prohibit exercise and walking. Because of the Delta variant, it’s really a hard lockdown. That’s what we talked about because there’s a gathering when people exercise), the mayor said in an interview with DZMM Teleradyo.

“Kung hindi po talaga essential yung paglabas mo talaga, hindi po talaga papayagan talaga (If it is not really essential, it really won’t be allowed),” he added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Daily Inquirer made its own report of the same issue except their source is Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos (who recently visited Muntinlupa, Las Piñas and Parañaque for inspection of local vaccination operations). Watch this Inquirer news video clip…

Let me ask you readers: What do you think about the latest news? Do you believe that the Metro Manila mayors carefully analyzed the health-related science, the situations in their respective cities and the COVID-19 data before deciding on a resolution prohibiting outdoor exercise? Do you believe the Metro Manila mayors consulted with doctors and scientists about outdoor exercise being a COVID-19 risk?

Do you agree with mayor Olivarez’s claim about people gathering when they exercise? How far should local government leaders go with their authority over their constituents over the topic of outdoor exercise? If you are a resident of Parañaque City, do you believe that the local vaccination organizers are doing a good job with the registration, contacting registrants and handling all the people who lined up at local vaccination sites?

Could the Metro Manila mayors be more concerned about the next national and local elections of May 2022 than public health and COVID-19? If ever MMDA chairman Abalos runs for a national position in 2022 like, let’s say for Senator, would you vote for him?

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

In concluding this, I want you readers to pay close attention to what I’m posting here…

No matter what the other news outlets report about the prohibition on outdoor exercise within Metro Manila and no matter the public officials do, we must never lose faith in the Lord high above us all. It is to Him we should look up to and pray to Him for continued protection and lifting us up. We also need to pray to Him to enlighten all the public officials in office so that they may see the light. Always remember that Lord Jesus is the true savior of all. Posted below is a holy scripture for you all…

When you abide under the shadow of Shaddai,

you are hidden in the strength of God Most High.

He’s the hope that holds me and the stronghold to shelter me,

the only God for me, and my great confidence.

He will rescue you from every hidden trap of the enemy,

and he will protect you from false accusation

and any deadly curse.

His massive arms are wrapped around you, protecting you.

You can run under his covering of majesty and hide.

His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping you from harm.

You will never worry about an attack of demonic forces at night

nor have to fear a spirit of darkness coming against you.

Don’t fear a thing!

Whether by night or by day, demonic danger will not trouble you,

nor will the powers of evil be launched against you.

Even in a time of disaster, with thousands and thousands being killed,

you will remain unscathed and unharmed.

You will be a spectator as the wicked perish in judgment,

for they will be paid back for what they have done!

Psalm 91:1-10 (TPT)

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COVID-19 Crisis: Delta variant cases in Las Piñas City counted at 24

August 11, 2021August 11, 2021carlocarrasco

Just as the total number of vaccinated people in Las Piñas City approaches the 500,000 mark, it was reported by the Manila Bulletin that there are 24 cases of the highly contagious Delta variant within the city confirmed.

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

The Las Pinas City government confirmed that there are already 24 cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19 in the city and the patients are recovering.

Dr. Julie Gonzales, City Health Office (CHO) officer, said the 24 cases of Delta variant came from seven barangays in the city. She refused to name the barangays.

Gonzales said it was initially reported that the total number of Delta variant case in the city was 26 but upon case investigation, it was found out that the two cases came from another local government unit (LGU).

She also said that the city is seeing other coronavirus disease (COVID-19) variants mutations and could not still identify if it is the Delta variant.

The CHO officer said the city is still waiting for the genome sequencing result on the new cases reported in the city.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar ordered for an intensified prevent-detect-isolate-treat-reintegration (PDITR) system and vaccination to stop the transmission of the virus.

Aguilar was also informed that hospitals in the city — the Perpetual Help Medical Center, Las Pinas General Hospital, E. Zarate Hospital, and A. Zarate Hospital have reached full capacity.

The mayor said the city government is not yet implementing granular lockdown on barangays with Delta variant cases because those afflicted were already isolated and are recovering.

The above report ended stating that Mayor Aguilar said that their city government is only implementing house lockdowns as their local health office keeps on investigating COVID-19 cases. Speaking of COVID-19, posted below for your reference is the official number of vaccinated people in the city accurate as of August 7, 2021. Also the local advise regarding Delta variant is posted further below.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas, are you still moving around the city using public transportation knowing that there are Delta variant cases in the city? Does the Delta variant news convince the unvaccinated members of your community to get registered and join the line for the free vaccines?

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

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa ramps up vaccine rollout, PNP inspects 2,337 PUVs and apprehends 277 violators

August 11, 2021August 10, 2021carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa ramps up its vaccine rollout by adding additional vaccination sites across the city while the local PNP implements stricter inspection during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

“Siyam na bagong vaccination sites ang bubuksan sa buong lungsod sa mga susunod na araw. Karagdagan ito sa existing seven sites na kasalukuyan nang operational. Ngayong may karagdagang vaccination sites ay madadagdagan pa ang ating mabibigyang proteksyon kontra COVID-19. Idi-distribute po sa lahat ng sites ang pag-iischedule,” the Muntinlupa City COVID-19 Vaccination Program (MunCoVac) announced on its Facebook page.

In total, there will be 16 vaccination sites in Muntinlupa which can accommodate up to 10,000 residents every day, subject to the availability of COVID-19 vaccines.

The vaccination sites in Muntinlupa are the following: Cluster 1 – Mega Site: SM Center Muntinlupa, Satellite Sites: Tunasan – Victoria Health Center, Tunasan Pavillion (Arandia St.), Tunasan National High School, Centennial Ave. (formerly MNHS Tunasan Annex), and Poblacion – Muntinlupa National High School – Main, Biazon Covered Court, NHA – Southville 3; Cluster 2 – Mega Site: Ayala Malls South Park, Satellite Sites: Putatan – Soldier’s Hills Covered Court, and Bayanan – Bayanan ES Unit 1 (Baywalk); Cluster 3 – Mega Site: Festival Upper Ground Floor Parking; Cluster 4 – Satellite Sites: De La Salle Santiago Zobel School, Alabang Town Center (for A4 non-residents); Cluster 5 – Satellite Site: New Cupang Health Center; Cluster 6 – Satellite Sites: Sucat Covered Court, Buli Elementary School, Colegio de Muntinlupa.

Earlier, MunCoVac announced that walk-ins will not be accommodated in the vaccination sites, except for senior citizens. The City Government urges those who do not have a confirmed vaccination schedule from MunCoVac to refrain from proceeding to the vaccination sites. City residents are encouraged to register online through the city’s COVID-19 vaccination registration system via www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac to receive their schedule.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi encouraged the public to avail the vaccination service of the local government especially during the ECQ for them to have an added protection against the adverse effects of COVID-19.

As of August 6, there are 339,909 vaccines deployed in Muntinlupa, of which 199,236 are first dose (51.7% of the target) and 145,026 are second dose (37.6% of the target).

Further, members of the Muntinlupa City Police Station (MCPS) inspected at least 2,377 public utility vehicles (PUVs) and recorded 277 violations committed by authorized and unauthorized persons outside of residence.

In a report by MCPS chief Col. Melecio Buslig, the PUV inspections and violations were recorded from 5 a.m. of Aug. 8 to 5 a.m. of Aug. 9 at the Muntinlupa-San Pedro, Laguna boundary quarantine control point (QCP), Susana Heights Road QCP, Biazon Road law enforcement checkpoint (LEC), Alabang-Zapote Road LEC and Sucat-Taguig boundary.

As of August 8, Muntinlupa City has 945 active cases, with 14,229 recoveries, 15,569 confirmed cases, 395 reported deaths, 34 suspect cases, and 1,621 probable cases.

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Beware of fake vaccination cards made and sold by certain computer shops within Muntinlupa City

August 9, 2021August 8, 2021carlocarrasco

In the City of Muntinlupa, it has been reported by the Manila Bulletin that certain local business joints have allegedly been producing fake COVID-19 vaccination cards and have been selling them. Already the local authorities are aware of this and there is potential danger with regards to fake vaccination cards being used to deceive local businesses (who grant discounts for vaccinated customers) and community organizations who relied on official vaccination cards (the ones from MunCoVac) for verification and statistics.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has warned that people who fake COVID-19 vaccination cards and sell them will face legal action.

In an announcement Saturday, the Muntinlupa City COVID-19 Vaccination Program (MunCoVac) said it “received a report of alleged faking and selling of fake vaccination cards in several computers shops in the city.”

“This is illegal. The BPLO [Business Permits and Licensing Office] went to the computer shop to investigate. Their business permits can possibly be revoked. People can also be charged if they are proven to be involved in faking public documents like the vaccination record,” said MunCoVac.

MunCoVac said fake vaccination cards are dangerous as those who have not been vaccinated do not have protection against COVID-19.

“They are also putting their family and other people they meet in danger. Moreover, this negates our sacrifices over several lockdowns in order to stop the spread of COVID-19,” it added.

It said the city government will launch a verification system in the next few weeks in which the validity of the vaccination record using QR code can be confirmed.

As of Aug. 6, 199,236 individuals, including 5,192 inoculated in private companies, have received their first dose, or 51.7 percent of the target population of 385,725.

To the locals who have gotten vaccinated and have their genuine cards from MunCoVac, please take special care of those cards. Right now, Metro Manila’s COVID-19 problem has gotten much worse and the presence of fake vaccination cards will only make things difficult not only for the City of Muntinlupa but also on other cities. Just imagine someone using a fake Muntinlupa vaccination card to illegally avail of discounts offered by business joints in other cities.

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

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you spent time recently in Muntinlupa, were you able to visit local computer shops that made and/or sold fake vaccination cards? Do you think the City Government’s upcoming verification system will be able to detect which vaccination cards are fake or genuine?

Are you aware that Coffee Syndicate in Alabang offers a 10% discount to customers who can prove they were vaccinated for COVID-19? Visit Coffee Syndicate at the ground floor at Commercenter mall.

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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COVID-19 Crisis: Crossing borders for essential goods during ECQ is prohibited according to PNP Chief Eleazar

August 6, 2021August 6, 2021carlocarrasco

If you are planning to leave your city and visit another city for the purpose of buying essential goods during the 2-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila (which is now in effect), you will be stopped at the borders as such moves are prohibited according to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar, as reported the other day by GMA News.

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

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar on Wednesday said consumers buying essential goods will be prohibited from crossing town or city borders during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region (NCR) from August 6 to 20.

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, Eleazar said that every city in Metro Manila will be considered a “tiny bubble” where consumers with quarantine passes will be prohibited to pass the borders.

“Pagdating po ng ECQ, itong malaking bubble na ito ay magiging parang mga tiny bubble na po ‘yan. Yung bawat city sa loob ng Metro Manila magsisilbing isa nang bubble area,” Eleazar said.

(When the ECQ takes effect, this huge bubble will be turned into tiny bubbles. Every city within Metro Manila will serve as one bubble area.)

Police personnel will guard these borders and will not allow consumers of essential goods to cross, he added.

Eleazar noted that only workers in essential industries and other authorized persons outside residence (APORs) be allowed to pass the borders of the cities.

Based on the details of the above report and Eleazar’s statements, you will have to buy the essential goods within your locality. By now, you should be aware as to which local places you should visit to buy the goods to feed your family and keep your household clean and in order.

Even if you do not plan to travel to the next town or city to purchase the essential stuff, you will need to prepare yourselves with the following things for the next two weeks whenever you travel: a valid quarantine pass, a valid government-issued ID and a certificate of employment (note: this is essential for workers who need to report to work far away from home). It is for your own safety that you have the mentioned documents with you as you will never know if you will end up coming to a police checkpoint on the road.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Were you planning to buy essential goods at another town or city during the Metro Manila ECQ? Do you agree with PNP Chief Eleazar’s statement that crossing over to another city to acquire essential goods should be prohibited as the nation and local government units (LGUs) struggle to contain COVID-19 and Delta variant infections? Were you able to check with the sellers in your town or city if they have all the essential goods you really need?

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

August 5, 2021August 3, 2021carlocarrasco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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COVID-19 Crisis: Las Piñas City Mayor Aguilar appeals to constituents for their full cooperation in relation to the Delta variant

August 5, 2021August 4, 2021carlocarrasco

Just as the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) for Metro Manila is about to take effect for two weeks, the Manila Bulletin reported recently that Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar asked the local residents for their full cooperation in the fight against the highly infectious Delta variant which has been confirmed by the Department of Health (DOH) previously. Already there are thirteen Delta variant cases in the city according to another report by the Manila Bulletin.

*Official Delta variant notice by the City Government.*

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

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar has appealed for full cooperation of the residents in the implementation of health and safety measures against the spread of COVID-19 Delta variant.

Aguilar is also reminding the residents to report immediately to the City Health Office (CHO) once they have symptoms of COVID-19 so they could be given proper attention.

She said the city government is also constantly posting in its official Facebook page the health protocols that should be followed to prevent the spread of the virus.

The mayor also asked the residents to register at the city government’s “Ligtas na Las Piñero, Lahat Bakunado” vaccination program to protect themselves from any harm brought about by the virus.

Aguilar ordered the CHO to strictly implement the prevent, detect, isolate, treatment and reintegration (DPITR) plus vaccination program to keep Las Pineros free from the virus.

She said persons with symptoms of COVID-19 must give their true identities to the CHO or immediately ask the intervention of health experts once they have exposure to COVID-19 patients.

The above report ended stating that Mayor Aguilar said that city hospitals were asked to upgrade their bed capacity and increase their logistical needs at their isolation facilities in preparation for a possible Delta variant cases surge.

It should be noted that as of July 29, 2021, almost 430,000 people got vaccinated in the city. Almost 187,000 of those were fully vaccinated (2 doses). Already the national government confirmed it will supply Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) with 4,000,000 vaccine doses in connection with ECQ.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas, are you still moving around the city using public transportation knowing that there are already thirteen Delta variant cases? Do you think that the 2-week ECQ will disrupt your career?

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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