COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa opens Molecular Laboratory to boost local testing efforts and COVID-19 response

The Muntinlupa City Molecular Laboratory is now operational following its accreditation from the Department of Health (DOH) in a bid to strengthen the local testing capacity and COVID-19 response efforts.

Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) director Dr. Edwin Dimatatac said the city’s molecular laboratory started processing swab samples from COVID-19 patients on Wednesday. He noted that test results may be released within the day of the collection of swab samples.

Under the approved pricing scheme, the RT-PCR swab test performed at the Muntinlupa Molecular Laboratory costs P3,800. Indigent admitted patients qualified in OsMun’s No Balance Billing scheme and patients with valid Philhealth coverage can avail discounted prices.

Swabbing of out-patient clients will be accommodated from Mondays to Fridays, except holiday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM. While the molecular laboratory will be open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. All other request for in-patient and emergency request are subject to regular specimen collection.

Muntinlupa Molecular Laboratory is located at the Saklolo at Gabay ng Ina at Pamilya (SAGIP) building at the back of Ospital ng Muntinlupa in Filinvest, Alabang. For more information, the public may contact OsMun at (02) 8771 0457.

Recently, Department of Transportation Sec. Arthur Tugade vowed to assist Muntinlupa for the accreditation of the laboratory. Tugade also noted that Deputy Chief Implementer against COVID-19 Sec. Vince Dizon committed to donate one RT-PCR machine to Muntinlupa’s Molecular Laboratory once the accreditation is approved by the DOH.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi says the construction of the Molecular Laboratory will augment the city’s detection-isolation-treatment strategy in curbing COVID-19. The local exec noted that while the City Health Office records improvement with COVID-19 cases, the local government will not be lenient in implementing health protocols and other programs.

As of December 9, Muntinlupa City has 4,987 confirmed cases with 4,776 recoveries, 50 active cases, 161 reported deaths, 35 suspect cases, and 230 probable cases.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media releases. Some parts were edited for this website.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City registers lowest COVID-19 attack rate, case transmission risk in Metro Manila

Muntinlupa City has the lowest COVID-19 average daily attack rate and case transmission risk among Metro Manila cities as of November 1, according to the Department of Health’s Metro Manila Center for Health Development.

Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao reported the improving scenario in the city to the city’s COVID-19 Task Force during a Virtual Meeting with Department of Transportation secretary Arthur Tugade and Mayor Jaime Fresnedi yesterday.

Tuliao said that as per DOH report, Muntinlupa garnered a -55.27% 2-Week Growth Rate and an Average Daily Attack Rate of 1.99 over 100,000 population. The 2-Week Growth Rate of NCR is -37.45% while the Average Daily Attack Rate is 3.68/100,000 population. She noted that the data reflects the slowing down of community transmission in the city. DOH-NCR has given Muntinlupa a Low Risk classification.

As of November 23, the recovery rate in the city has further improved to 95.88% while the doubling time has increased to 20.66 days. Doubling time refers to the number of days for COVID-19 cases to double in number. The Muntinlupa City Health Office also recorded two barangays with zero active cases: Brgy. Buli and Brgy. Sucat.

The details from the authorities. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Further, Tuliao noted that the construction of the 144-bed ‘We Heal As One’ quarantine facility in Pacwood Site, Brgy. Tunasan and weekly coordination with DOTr Sec. Tugade and other DOTr execs contributed to the decrease and slowing down of cases in the city.

As of November 24, the isolation facility has accommodated at least 109 residents who tested positive for COVID-19 and suspect cases. Individuals admitted in the facility are given free P300 sim load / data allocation allowance, meals, medicine, and hygiene kits. A medical team, including a dedicated nutritionist, is also assigned in the facility to conduct regular check-up consultations.

The isolation center in Pacwood Site, Tunasan is subject to DOH inspection to be recognized as a PhilHealth-accredited facility. Another ‘We Heal As One’ Center is being constructed beside the Filinvest Tent in Alabang.

Meanwhile, the local health office is closely monitoring evacuees affected by the recent typhoons that are still staying in various evacuation centers in the city. Medical teams are deployed in the centers to administer vaccination and swabbing of residents who manifest COVID-19 symptoms. ‘Symptomatic’ evacuees are isolated in evacuation centers and referred to quarantine facilities. Currently, Muntinlupa has zero dengue and leptospirosis case.

Muntinlupa City has 4,852 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 4,652 recoveries, 42 active cases, 158 reported deaths, 26 suspect cases, and 240 probable cases as of November 24.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City records all-time high recovery rate at 95.83%, 20 days doubling time over the past week

With the rate of COVID-19 transmission largely slowing down in Metro Manila, the City of Muntinlupa recorded a 95.83% recovery rate, an all-time high since the beginning of the pandemic, and improving doubling time at almost twenty days over the past week.

Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao reported the improving scenario and recovery rate of infected individuals in Muntinlupa to the city’s COVID-19 Task Force during a Virtual Meeting with Department of Transportation secretary Arthur Tugade yesterday.

On November 3, the City Health Office recorded a significant increase of recovered cases with 33 recoveries in one day reflecting a sharp drop of active cases from 70 as of November 2 to 43 active cases the following day.

Tuliao said the doubling time or the number of days for COVID-19 cases to double in number is now at 19.57 days and the city has only 45 active cases as of November 9, the second lowest recorded among local government units (LGUs) of Metro Manila.

Muntinlupa City also earned the lowest prevalence in the region with a rate of 0.08 as of November 10. The city’s prevalence rate or the number of cases over the total population is below the ‘acceptable rate’ of 1.0.

Further, Tuliao noted that the construction of the 144-bed ‘We Heal As One’ quarantine facility in Pacwood Site, Brgy. Tunasan and weekly coordination with DOTr Sec. Tugade and other DOTr execs contributed to the decrease and slowing down of cases in the city.

As of November 10, the isolation capacity accommodates 12 residents who tested positive for COVID-19 and 5 probable cases. Individuals staying at the facility are given free medicine, food, and hygiene kits.

Another ‘We Heal As One’ Center is being constructed beside the Filinvest Tent in Alabang and the memorandum of agreement with the Filinvest Corporate City is already underway for the launching of the facility.

Self-isolation or admission to city isolation facilities is mandatory for anyone who have undergone COVID-19 swab testing in Muntinlupa under City Ordinance 2020-126.

Recently, the Department of Health – Metro Manila Center for Health Development lauded the city’s strategies as it conferred the COVID-19 Response Service last October in recognition of its programs ensuring the provision of quality health services in the community amid the pandemic.

As of November 9, Muntinlupa City has 4,746 confirmed cases with 4,548 recoveries, 45 active cases, 153 reported deaths, 55 suspect cases, and 306 probable cases.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

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Muntinlupa City lauded by DOTr. Secretary Tugado for its disaster risk response efforts to Typhoon Rolly and management of evacuation centers to comply with health protocols

The City Government of Muntinlupa’s mitigation measures and disaster risk response efforts to Typhoon Rolly earned recognition from Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade during a virtual meeting with the city’s COVID-19 Task Force yesterday.

DOTr Sec. Arthur Tugade lauded the City Government pro-active measures and activation of disaster risk response teams two days ahead of Typhoon Rolly’s landfall in Luzon. Tugade also cited the management of evacuation areas in Muntinlupa and strict enforcement of minimum health protocols including wearing of face masks and social distancing.

At least 2,012 families from low-lying areas and communities along the coastline of Laguna de Bay were evacuated, according to the report of Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Risk Resilience and Management (MCDRRM).

MCDRRM chief Erwin Alfonso reported Muntinlupa’s preparation for the compounded threat of Typhoon Rolly and COVID-19 such as preemptive evacuation of vulnerable communities, early prepositioning of emergency response resources and equipment, activation of early warning signals, and installation of modular tents in evacuation areas to ensure compliance with physical distancing measures.

Alfonso added that the City Health Office (CHO) have also conducted health, nutrition and COVID-19 monitoring in the evacuation centers and installed breastfeeding station to serve nursing mothers.

DOTr Sec. Tugade recognized the “substantive and effective collaboration” of the national government with Muntinlupa in curbing COVID-19 and responding to disasters and calamities.

Further, Tugade also reported during the virtual meeting that the delivery of container vans for the establishment of an additional We Heal As One Quarantine Facility in Filinvest Tent, Alabang is ongoing. He also noted that a memorandum of agreement with the Filinvest Corporate City is already underway for the launching of the facility.

Recently, a 144-bed We Heal As One quarantine facility was inaugurated in Pacwood Site, Barangay Tunasan for COVID-19 positive, suspect cases, and residents who have undergone swabbing tests. Each room has a comfort room, air-conditioning unit, and supplies. Residents who will occupy the isolation rooms will be given COVID-19 essentials bag consisting of a hygiene kit, vitamins, medicine, thermometer, bedsheet, pillow blanket, and towels, among others.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi vowed to continue to work with the IATF in improving Muntinlupa’s health system performance, critical care capacity, and stringent compliance to surveillance, isolation, and treatment protocols.

Muntinlupa City records slowing down of transmission rate and a sharp drop of active cases from 768 cases in September 1 to 70 cases in November 2. As of November 2, Muntinlupa City has 4,682 confirmed cases with 4,461 recoveries, 70 active cases, 151 reported deaths, 78 suspect cases, and 342 probable cases.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. 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 distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, engagements, commerce and updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa Molecular Lab to open next week, eyes processing of 100 COVID-19 tests per hour

In a bid to strengthen the local testing capacity and COVID-19 response efforts, the City Government of Muntinlupa announced it is set to open its own Molecular Laboratory in Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) which is expected to process one hundred tests per hour.

OsMun director Dr. Edwin Dimatatac reported to Mayor Jaime Fresnedi and Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade the status of the city’s Molecular Laboratory during a virtual meeting of the local COVID-19 Response Team last October 27.

Ospital ng Muntinlupa director Dr. Edwin Dimatatac (left) and Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management chief Erwin Alfonso (center) inspect the Muntinlupa Molecular Laboratory located at SAGIP Building, near Ospital ng Muntinlupa, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Dimatatac said that the delivery of medical equipment is expected to be finished by the end of this month and the laboratory will be operational next week. He noted that the laboratory can process 100 tests per hour and results may be released as early as six (6) hours. The hospital director noted that they are in close coordination with DOH for the laboratory’s accreditation.

Further, personnel to be assigned in the city’s Molecular Laboratory were already trained by the DOH and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). The laboratory is located at the Saklolo at Gabay ng Ina at Pamilya (SAGIP) building near Ospital ng Muntinlupa in Alabang.

DOTr Sec. Tugade vowed to assist Muntinlupa for the accreditation of the laboratory. Tugade noted that Deputy Chief Implementer against COVID-19 Sec. Vince Dizon committed to donate one RT-PCR machine to Muntinlupa’s Molecular Laboratory once the accreditation is approved by the DOH.

A look at part of the equipment in the Molecular Laboratory. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The additional equipment is set to double the laboratory’s capacity from 200 tests to 400 tests per day. Muntinlupa City aims to operate two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines at the laboratory which can process 500 to 900 samples a day.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi says the construction of the Molecular Laboratory will augment the city’s detection-isolation-treatment strategy in curbing COVID-19. He noted that while the City Health Office records improvement with COVID-19 cases, the City Government will not be lenient in implementing health protocols and other programs.

A sharp drop of active cases was recorded in Muntinlupa from 768 cases in September 1 to 69 cases as of October 26. The city’s recovery rate has further improved to 95.25%, an all-time high since the start of the pandemic.

Muntinlupa City also earned the lowest prevalence among Metro Manila cities with a rate of 0.13. The city’s prevalence rate or the number of cases over the total population is below the ‘acceptable rate’ of 1.0.

As of October 26, the doubling time in Muntinlupa City is at 17.94 days. Doubling time refers to the number of days for COVID-19 cases to double in number and the standard rate of transmission should be at 7-30 days to be considered decelerating.

The City Health Office has also launched a mobile swabbing testing in coordination with barangay health centers. As of October 26, the local health office facilitated 19,307 swab tests equivalent to 3.57% of the city’s population. Muntinlupa surpassed the national target of testing two percent of the population.

Recently, the 144-bed quarantine facility “We Heal As One” COVID-19 patients and suspect cases was inaugurated in Pacwood Site, Barangay Tunasan through the efforts of the Department of Public Works and Highways in partnership with the City Government.

DPWH Secetary Mark Villar, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the blessing ceremony of the emergency quarantine facility amounting to P45-million last October 13. During the program, Villar reported that an additional quarantine facility with 200-bed capacity will be constructed in the Filinvest Tent Parking Area.

Isolation Facility manager Dr. Juancho Bunyi said the We Heal As One Center in Tunasan is accommodating 22 COVID-19 cases (12 positive individuals and 10 probable cases) as of October 27. Occupants of the We Heal As One quarantine facility are given free medicine, food, and hygiene kits.

As of October 27, Muntinlupa City has 4,615 confirmed cases with 4,411 recoveries, 54 active cases, 150 reported deaths, 131 suspect cases, and 290 probable cases.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. 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, NOT to distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, engagements, commerce and updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa records lowest COVID-19 prevalence, 2nd lowest active cases in NCR

Muntinlupa City records the lowest COVID-19 prevalence in Metro Manila and the second lowest active cases in the region, a sharp drop of from 768 cases in September 1 to 89 cases as of October 19.

Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao reported the improvement in COVID-19 cases in the city to Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, and members of the local task force in a virtual meeting last October 20.

Tuliao said the recovery rate has further improved to 94.80%, an all-time high since the start of the pandemic, and Muntinlupa City now has the second lowest active cases in NCR following the Municipality of Pateros with over 49 active cases. She reported that no COVID-19 related fatality has been recorded over the last week.

The local health officer noted that Muntinlupa earned the lowest prevalence among Metro Manila cities with a rate of 0.16. The city’s prevalence rate or the number of cases over the total population is below the ‘acceptable rate’ of 1.0.

As of October 19, the doubling time in Muntinlupa City is at 17.94 days. Doubling time refers to the number of days for COVID-19 cases to double in number and the standard rate of transmission should be at 7-30 days to be considered decelerating. Tuliao said the improvement can be accounted to the city’s holistic approach in curbing COVID-19 which include surveillance-isolation-treatment strategies, intensified targeted mass testing, contact tracing, psychosocial interventions, and massive information drives, among others.

DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development confers COVID-19 Response Service Award to Muntinlupa City last October 16 in recognition of its programs to ensure the provision of quality health services in the community amid the pandemic. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Muntinlupa CHO has conducted at least 18,944 swab tests as of October 19 which is equivalent to 3.50% of the city’s population. The city surpassed the national target of testing two percent of the population.

Recently, the 144-bed We Heal As One quarantine facility has opened in Pacwood Site, Barangay Tunasan for COVID-19 positive, suspect cases, and residents who have undergone swabbing tests. Each room has a comfort room, air-conditioning unit, and supplies. Residents who will occupy the isolation rooms will be given COVID-19 essentials bag consisting of a hygiene kit, vitamins, medicine, thermometer, bedsheet, pillow blanket, and towels, among others.

Self-isolation or admission to city isolation facilities is mandatory for anyone who have undergone COVID-19 swab testing in Muntinlupa under City Ordinance 2020-126. Currently, there are 6 occupants in the facility from Barangay Ayala Alabang and Barangay Putatan.

DOTr Sec. Arthur Tugade lauded Muntinlupa’s strategies towards the fight against COVID-19 and vowed to continue to support the city’s COVID-19 response efforts. Tugade was assigned by the IATF to monitor Muntinlupa’s health system performance, critical care capacity, and stringent compliance to surveillance, isolation, and treatment protocols.

The Department of Health – Metro Manila Center for Health Development also lauded this development as it conferred the COVID-19 Response Service Award to Muntinlupa City last October 16 in recognition of its programs ensuring the provision of quality health services in the community amid the pandemic.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi welcomes the improvement of COVID-19 situation in the city highlighting the significant decrease of cases being monitored from by the hundreds down to the tens. However, the local exec warns residents not to be complacent with the positive results. He urged the public to continue to strictly follow minimum health protocols and safety measures such as wearing of face masks, observing physical distancing and washing of hands.

As of October 19, Muntinlupa City has 4,559 confirmed cases with 4,322 recoveries, 89 active cases, 148 reported deaths, 144 suspect cases, and 402 probable cases.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. 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 newsNO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiaristsNOT to distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, engagements, commerce and updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: New 144-bed ‘We Heal As One’ quarantine facility opens in Muntinlupa City

A new “We Heal As One” quarantine facility for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients and suspect cases in Muntinlupa City was formally opened in Barangay Tunasan yesterday. The 144-bed quarantine facility has been constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways in partnership with the local government of Muntinlupa.

DPWH Secetary Mark Villar, Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the blessing ceremony of the emergency quarantine facility amounting to P45-million in Pacwood Site, Brgy. Tunasan.

(L-R) DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, and DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade inspected the newly constructed “We Heal As One” isolation facility in Pacwood Site, Brgy. Tunasan last October 13. DPWH and Muntinlupa LGU have converted 36 units of shipping containers as isolation rooms for positive COVID-19 patients, suspect and probable cases, and quarters of medical frontliners who will serve in the facility. Each room has a comfort room, air-conditioning unit, and bed supplies. Residents who will occupy the isolation rooms will receive a COVID-19 essentials bag consisting of a hygiene kit, vitamins, medicine, thermometer, bedsheet, pillow blanket, and towels, among others. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Fresnedi extended his gratitude to DPWH’s assistance for the construction of the additional isolation facility in the city which he notes as an augmentation in the local COVID-19 response efforts.

Also attending the ceremony were Office of Civil Defense Asec Hernando Caraig Jr., City Administrator Allan Cachuela, City Health Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao, and CHO Isolation Facility Administrator Dr. Juancho Bunyi.

DPWH and Muntinlupa LGU have converted 36 units of shipping containers as isolation pods for positive COVID-19 patients, suspect and probable cases, and quarters of medical frontliners who will serve in the facility.

Each room has a comfort room, air-conditioning unit, and bed supplies. A wi-fi connection will also be installed in the facility. Residents who will occupy the isolation rooms will receive a COVID-19 essentials bag consisting of a hygiene kit, vitamins, medicine, thermometer, bedsheet, pillow blanket, and towels, among others.

The units.
Inside a unit.
A toiled and sink.

The City Government of Muntinlupa is implementing a mandatory self-isolation policy, or admission to city isolation facilities if requirements for home quarantine are not met as certified by the City Health Office (CHO), for anyone who have undergone COVID-19 swab testing.

The stringent measure aims to restrict movement of suspect cases and prevent possible carriers of the virus to travel and infect other individuals.

During the program, Public Works Sec. Villar reported that an additional quarantine facility with 200-bed capacity will be constructed in the Filinvest Tent Parking Area.

Transportation Sec. Tugade lauded the City Government’s hard work in executing surveillance, isolation, and treatment protocols, and its efforts towards the fight against COVID-19.

Further, he said that the city’s request for the opening of Susana Heights – MCX Access Road has been approved by the DPWH and DOTr and is expected to be accessible by December.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. 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 newsNO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiaristsNOT to distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, engagements, commerce and updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa records slowing down of COVID-19 transmission, residents urged to continually observe minimum health protocols

A downward trend is gradually seen in Muntinlupa City as the local health office records significant reduction of active cases and slowing down of “doubling time” or the rate of transmission in the communities. Despite the improvement, the City Government urges the public not to be complacent but to continue observing minimum health protocols.

Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao noted that as of September 30, there are only 213 active cases in the city from 768 cases in the beginning of the month. She said the doubling time is currently at 16.50 days and the recovery rate has further improved to 91.67%, an all-time high since the start of the pandemic.

Doubling time refers to the number of days for COVID-19 cases to double in number. The standard rate of transmission should be at 7-30 days to be considered decelerating. Tuliao said the improvement can be accounted to the city’s holistic approach in curbing COVID-19 which include surveillance-isolation-treatment strategies, intensified targeted mass testing, and contact tracing, among others.

Muntinlupa City Health Office has conducted swab tests to at least 16,777 residents as of September 30 which is equivalent to 3.10% of the city’s population. The city surpassed the national target of testing two percent of the population.

Recently, the local City Council also passed City Ordinance 2020-126 ordering the mandatory self-isolation, or admission to city isolation facilities if requirements for home quarantine are not met as certified by the City Health Office (CHO), for anyone who have undergone COVID-19 swab testing.

Hospitals, healthcare facilities, and similar establishments providing laboratory and diagnostic services were also mandated to submit daily COVID-19 related data to the local public health authority for disease surveillance and response.

Further, Muntinlupa City’s molecular diagnostics laboratory and a new mega quarantine facility are set to open next week.

Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) director Dr. Edwin Dimatatac announced the development during the Better New Normal in Munti” second virtual town hall meeting via Zoom app held on September 30 that was organized by the Muntinlupa Public Information Office headed by Tez Navarro.

Dimatatac said the construction of the OsMun’s Molecular Laboratory and delivery of medical equipment are expected to be finished by next week. The laboratory is located at the Saklolo at Gabay ng Ina at Pamilya (SAGIP) building at the back of the hospital in Alabang.

Muntinlupa City aims to operate two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines at the laboratory which can process 500 to 900 samples a day. COVID-19 test results may be released as early as within 24 hours.

Deputy Chief Implementer against COVID-19 Sec. Vince Dizon earlier committed to donate one RT-PCR machine to Muntinlupa’s Molecular Laboratory once the accreditation is approved by the Department of Health.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 mega quarantine facility called We Heal as One Center being constructed in Pacwood Site, Brgy. Tunasan is also expected to be launched next week. The isolation center is a 144-bed quarantine facility constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways and the City Government of Muntinlupa.

Each room will have a comfort room, air-conditioning unit, and supplies. Residents who will occupy the isolation rooms will be given COVID-19 essentials bag consisting of a hygiene kit, vitamins, medicine, thermometer, bedsheet, pillow blanket, and towels, among others.

Last month, the Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team, headed by the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), organized a meeting with the local government officials to discuss the strategies, intervention methods and good practices against COVID-19.

Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade lauded Muntinlupa’s existing processes, policies, facilities, and equipped personnel working towards the fight against COVID-19.

“After working with the local government officials for two weeks, I can say that Muntinlupa is doing well in terms of its response efforts and there is only little work that we need to add,” Tugade said.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi says the improvement of COVID-19 situation in the city is a welcome development but warns residents not to be complacent. Fresnedi noted that while the city receives positive results in the fight against COVID-19, the public must continue to follow minimum health protocols and safety measures such as wearing of face masks, observing physical distancing and washing of hands.

As of October 1, Muntinlupa City has 4,301 confirmed cases with 3,955 recoveries, 144 reported deaths, 215 suspect cases, and 625 probable cases.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. 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 newsNO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiaristsNOT to distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, engagements, commerce and updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa reports COVID-19 response efforts in National Task Force Against COVID-19 Team visit

(From left to right) Muntinlupa Councilor Raul Corro, DOH Undersecretary and CZAR Treatment Leopoldo Vega, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Deputy Chief Implementer Against COVID-19 Sec. Vince Dizon, and DILG Asec. Francisco Cruz. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi presented local programs and best practices in Muntinlupa City towards curbing COVID-19 during the National Task Force Against COVID-19 Team visit and launching of the Barangay Disiplina Brigades in the city yesterday.

The Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team, headed by the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), organized a meeting with the City Government officials to discuss the strategies, intervention methods and good practices against COVID-19 at the Plaza Central in Barangay Poblacion.

Fresnedi reported local initiatives for testing, tracing, and treatment such as the construction of the city’s molecular laboratory, testing efforts, construction of additional isolation facilities, and contact tracing, among others.

He extended his thanks to “Big Brother” Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade for his assistance to Muntinlupa and expediting national government services in the city. Recently, Tugade was assigned to the city to monitor its health system performance, critical care capacity, and stringent compliance to surveillance, isolation, and treatment protocols.

For his part, Secretary Tugade lauded Muntinlupa’s existing processes, policies, facilities, and equipped personnel working towards the fight against COVID-19.

“After working with the City Government officials for two weeks, I can say that Muntinlupa is doing well in terms of its response efforts and there is only little work that we need to add,” Tugade said.

Also attending the meeting were Deputy Chief Implementer Against COVID-19 Sec. Vince Dizon, DOH Undersecretary and CZAR Treatment Leopoldo Vega, DILG Asec. Francisco Cruz, DILG exec Robin Lim, National Incident Command exec Dr. Ofelia Saniel, Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao, Ospital ng Muntinlupa director Dr. Edwin Dimatatac, and City Councilor Raul Corro.

The NTF also donated face masks, personal protective equipment, and hygiene kits to the City Government.

While, Sec. Dizon committed to donate one RT-PCR machine to Muntinlupa’s Molecular Laboratory following its accreditation with DOH. The additional equipment is set to double the laboratory’s capacity from 200 tests to 400 tests per day. Last August, Sec. Tugade also donated one unit of ambulance to the local health office.

The NTF Team promoted the One Hospital and said that the City Government may refer patients to the facility. Sec. Tugade added that hotel establishments in Muntinlupa are being studied to be converted as isolation facilities following the mandatory self-isolation of residents in the city after undergoing COVID-19 swab tests.

Recently, Muntinlupa City Council approved an ordinance ordering the mandatory quarantine, or admission to city isolation facilities if requirements for home quarantine are not met as certified by the City Health Office (CHO), for anyone who have undergone COVID-19 swab testing.

The local council also signed an ordinance mandating the daily reporting by all hospitals, laboratory, and diagnostic clinics of all COVID-19 related cases to the City Health Office.

Further, the oath-taking of Barangay Disiplina Brigades (BDB) established by the DILG and DOH was also launched in the event in support of the joint national advocacy program called, ‘BIDA ang May Disiplina: Solusyon sa COVID-19’.

The BDB BIDA Ambassadors shall promote self-discipline to the communities in keeping their families safe, as well as in safeguarding the country from the virus.

As of September 3, Muntinlupa City has 3,465 confirmed cases with 2,634 recoveries, 709 active cases, 122 reported deaths, 486 suspect cases, and 690 probable cases, with a doubling rate of 14.63 days.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. 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 distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Government receives personal donation of one ambulance from DOTr Sec. Tugade to fight COVID-19

Department of Transportation secretary Arthur Tugade turned over one unit of ambulance to the City Government of Muntinlupa, a personal donation to help the city’s fight against COVID-19. Recently, Tugade was assigned as an overseer in Muntinlupa by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi received the donated ambulance by Sec. Tugade in Muntinlupa City Hall yesterday via an online turn-over ceremony. Fresnedi expressed his thanks to Tugade for his support and assistance to the city. He said that the ambulance will be used for the transportation of COVID-19 patients and other emergency response activities.

The transportation secretary said an additional five ambulances will be turned over to Muntinlupa from the Department of Health in the coming months. Tugade vowed to assist Muntinlupa in its COVID-19 response efforts and in operationalizing national government services in the city.

Recently, cabinet members were assigned to Metro Manila cities and other provinces with high community transmission to strictly monitor health system performance, critical care capacity, and stringent compliance to surveillance, isolation, and treatment protocols.

Also joining the ceremony were Foton Motors Inc. president Rommel Sytin, DOTr Asec. for Procurement and Project Implementation Giovanni Lopez, Atty. JayArt M. Tugade,  Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao, Ospital ng Muntinlupa director Dr. Edwin Dimatatac, Muntinlupa City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Erwin Alfonso, Local Economic and Investment Promotion Officer Gary Llamas, and Public Information Officer Tez Navarro.

Last August 18, Muntinlupa LGU officials reported local initiatives for testing, tracing, and treatment such as the construction of the city’s molecular laboratory, testing efforts, construction of additional isolation facilities, and contact tracing to Sec. Tugade via online meeting.

Meanwhile, the Muntinlupa City Council for the Protection of Children (MCCPC) called for an emergency meeting to discuss course of action on how to address the alarming increase of COVID-19 cases among the youth.

The City Health Office have recorded rising COVID-19 cases among the 0-19 age group and noted that possible transmission may have occurred from playing outside of their homes or visiting public parks and playgrounds. As of August 16, CHO recorded 62 confirmed cases on children from the city’s eight barangays.

MCCPC is set to submit a resolution recommending the review of existing ordinances on curfew hours and strict wearing of face masks, including “incentivizing” best practices of communities with regard to the fight against COVID-19.

Further, the local council also recommends for the mobilization of homeowners’ associations (HOAs) to augment monitoring in the communities and creation of series of social media content and other information campaigns to bolster information dissemination of city ordinances.

Muntinlupa PNP has augmented police visibility in public parks and hotspots of COVID-19 transmission as determined by the council. Additional roving and stationary officers were installed to ensure that no children will be roaming outside their homes and other public spaces.

Muntinlupa City has 2,731 confirmed cases with 1,739 recoveries, 891 active cases, 101 reported deaths, 1,047 suspect cases, and 706 probable cases as of August 19.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. 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 distorted views and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.