Calling all residents of Muntinlupa City who use GCash! Be aware that it has been reported by the Manila Bulletin that the national government’s financial assistance (AKA ayuda) will be released to qualified recipients through their GCash accounts. Take note that the City Government of Muntinlupa will use the mobile wallet app as a crucial method to send the money to the qualified recipients which should relieve them from having to personally travel to a single venue to physically collect the money. For the newcomers reading this, the national government releases financial assistance to the residents of specific areas or regions that got affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government announced Monday that it will use the mobile wallet app GCash in the distribution of the national government’s “ayuda” or financial assistance.
“For the expected distribution of ‘ayuda’ for affected Muntinlupa residents under ECQ [enhanced community quarantine], the local government will use GCash. The city government decided to hold an online distribution to ensure the safety of everyone against COVID-19,” according to an announcement by the city government.
It said it will issue additional updates about the online payout and urged the public to make their own GCash accounts.
According to Local Budget Circular No. 138 issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Aug. 6, Muntinlupa has been allotted P441.6 million for distribution to affected residents.
The “ayuda” allotment was given to Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) after the region was placed under ECQ from Aug. 6 to 20.
A total of P10.89 billion has been allotted by the national government to 16 cities and one municipality in Metro Manila.
If you are a qualified recipient of the ayuda here in Muntinlupa and you don’t have GCash, then you should download the app as soon as possible. Posted below are the ways to get yourselves moving with GCash. The images below were posted by the City Government through their official Facebook page.
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 are a Muntinlupa City resident who is qualified for the financial assistance, do you think that GCash is the most ideal way to receive the money through the City Government? Do you prefer cash in physical form over digital? What is the one thing you like or dislike the most about GCash?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
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?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The City Government of Muntinlupa announced that it will not be requiring quarantine passes (QPs) from its residents during the two-week Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila from August 6 – 20, while the local vaccination operations will continue.
Muntinlupa Chief-of-Police PCol Melencio Maddatu Buslig said quarantine passes are not needed during the ECQ and Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APOR) will only need to present a Valid ID. Buslig reiterated that only APORs will be allowed to go out of their residence. He noted that random checkpoints will be installed along the National Road.
PNP Muntinlupa is set to strictly inspect the implementation of health protocols such as wearing of face mask with face shield and guidelines on public transportation. During the ECQ, only 50% of the capacity of jeepneys and buses will be allowed, while one passenger per tricycle and no back ride policy will be implemented.
Meanwhile, members of Muntinlupa City Police Station will mount barricades and cones in the local border quarantine control points located at San Pedro-Tunasan Boundary, Susana Heights Exit, Sucat-Taguig Boundary, and Biazon Road – Alabang Boundary, effective at midnight of August 6.
Further, the Muntinlupa City COVID-19 Vaccination Program (MunCoVac) announced that the vaccination in Muntinlupa will continue regardless of community quarantine classification.
“Magpapatuloy ang vaccination sa Muntinlupa anuman ang klasipikasyon ng community quarantine. Hindi po tayo titigil sa pagbabakuna dahil ito ang depensa natin laban sa Covid-19, ano pa mang variant ito,” MunCoVac posted in its Facebook page.
MunCoVac clarified that city residents with schedule for vaccination will be allowed to go out of their residence during the ECQ. Residents will only need to present the text message from MunCoVac or their vaccination card (scheduled for second dose) to be considered as APOR.
The Muntinlupa City Council passed an ordinance expanding the list of APOR during the ECQ to include persons with confirmed vaccination scheduled from MunCoVac and those who will register in the vaccination center nearest their residence within their respective barangays.
This is in addition to the recognized APOR listed in the Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine as of May 20, 2021. Under the IATF resolution, the list of APOR include: health and emergency frontline services and uniformed personnel, government officials and employees on official travel, duly-authorized humanitarian assistance, persons traveling for medical or humanitarian reasons, persons going to and from the airport, anyone crossing zones for work in permitted industries, and public utility vehicle operators.
Majority Floor Leader Coun. Raul Corro said the initiative aims to assist in the thrust of the local government to achieve maximum vaccination of the targeted population during the ECQ.
As of August 4, there are 326,157 vaccines deployed in Muntinlupa, of which 189,907 are first dose (49.2% of the target) and 140,568 are second dose (36.4% of the target).
The liquor ban will be also reinstated in Muntinlupa during the ECQ as part of the city’s tighter COVID-19 response efforts.
Under City Ordinance No. 2021-216, business establishments that violate the liquor ban will be closed for one week for the first offense and their business permits will be revoked for the second offense.
While persons who are caught selling liquor and other alcoholic beverages will be fined P2,000 for the first offense and P5,000 for the second; and persons who are considered buyers or consumers will be meted P2,500 for the first offense and P5,000 for the second offense.
Curfew hours in Muntinlupa during ECQ will be from 8:00 PM to 4:00 AM
As of August 4, Muntinlupa City has 743 active cases, with 14,080 recoveries, 15,213 confirmed cases, 390 reported deaths, 25 suspect cases, and 1,480 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.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
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.
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.
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?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
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 residentsin 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.
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 already thirteen Delta variant cases? Do you think that the 2-week ECQ will disrupt your career?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government will continue its COVID-19 vaccination program even under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) which will be implemented in Metro Manila on Aug. 6 to 20.
In an announcement, the Muntinlupa City COVID-19 Vaccination Program (MunCoVac) said “The vaccination in Muntinlupa will continue regardless of community quarantine classification.”
With travel restrictions put in place in the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus area starting Aug. 1, MunCoVac said people should show to authorities the text message of their vaccination schedule to be considered authorized persons outside of residence (APOR).
The Muntinlupa police have set up a quarantine control point at the Muntinlupa-San Pedro, Laguna boundary and only APORs are allowed to pass through.
During an online briefing on Aug. 2, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said people who have schedules for vaccination are considered APORs.
“All those who will be vaccinated and have schedules will be exempted from these restrictions. They are included in the authorized persons outside of residence. They just need to bring their vaccination cards or their vaccination schedule and show it to enforcers so they will be allowed to travel,” she said.
MunCoVac said strict safety protocols will be implemented at vaccination sites including physical distancing. It advised people to go to the vaccination site on the time and date indicated in their schedule.
It said the Muntinlupa City government will open additional vaccination sites in barangays in the coming days.
Muntinlupa has seven vaccination sites: SM Center Muntinlupa, Ayala Malls South Park, Festival Mall upper ground floor parking area, New Cupang Health Center, Sucat covered court, De La Salle Santiago Zobel School and Biazon covered court at Southville 3 housing project.
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: Do you believe that the City Government of Muntinlupa and its strategic partners will be able to fully vaccinate the 385,000+ they targeted before the year ends? What do you think about the planned new vaccination hubs? Does the announced ECQ discourage you from getting vaccinated?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Members of the Muntinlupa City Police Station have installed border controls in strategic areas in the city ahead of the imposition of the Enhanced Community Quarantine on August 6 and advised the public to avoid non-essential travels.
Muntinlupa Chief-of-Police (COP) PCol. Melencio Maddatu Buslig said that only Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APOR) will be allowed to pass through the checkpoints while un-authorized person outside of residence (UPOR) will be asked to return to their homes.
Border quarantine control points are located at San Pedro-Tunasan Boundary, Susana Heights Exit, Sucat-Taguig Boundary, and Biazon Road – Alabang Boundary.
PCol Buslig noted that police officers inspect minimum health protocols such as wearing of face masks and face shield and observance of physical distancing for those passing the checkpoints, especially in public utility vehicles such as jeepneys, buses, and tricycles.
Essential workers residing in the province who work, or pass through, in Muntinlupa City may be allowed to pass the checkpoints provided that they present a Company ID or any document justifying that they are included in the APOR list. The local COP warned the public that starting August 6, the beginning of ECQ in Metro Manila, the local police will implement stricter inspection in border controls.
Earlier, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año directed the JTF COVID Shield to activate Quarantine Control Points along the borders of NCR Plus in Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna, and Rizal in compliance with IATF Resolution No. 130-A.
Año reminded the PNP to allow the free movement of cargo/delivery vehicles, especially those bringing food across all quarantine control points because these are important to the economy.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urges the public to continue observing health protocols such as frequent hand-washing, wearing of face masks and face shields, and physical distancing, especially with the rising COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant.
The mayor encourages city residents to avail the vaccination service of the City Government for them to have an added protection against the adverse effects of COVID-19. Muntinlupa City residents may register in the city’s COVID-19 vaccination registration through www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac
The City Government awaits the final guidelines from the IATF on the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Metro Manila from August 6 to August 20.
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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.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…
The national government will deliver 6.5 million doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) jabs to local government units in the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus to intensify mass vaccination.
National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 deputy chief Secretary Vince Dizon said NCR mayors asked for more supplies during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from August 6 to 20.
“Plus” provinces Rizal, Laguna Cavite, and Bulacan will also be supplied an additional 2.5 million doses.
“Humingi ang NCR ng four million doses. ‘Yan ay ibibigay na ng national government. Ipinangako na ni (NTF chief) Sec. (Carlito) Galvez ang four million doses ng ibat-ibang bakuna nitong mga susunod na linggo. Magbibigay din ng 2.5 million sa ibat ibang probinsya sa Plus (NCR asked for four million doses. That will be given by the national government. Sec. Galvez promised four million doses of different vaccines for NCR these coming weeks. Also, 2.5 million for those in the Plus areas),” Dizon said in an interview on Saturday during the launch of the Covid-19 drive-thru vaccination site in Manila at the Quirino Grandstand.
He said NCR mayors committed to finishing administering all four million doses, a combination of first and second doses, while under ECQ.
Dizon said the NCR accounts for 30 percent of the over eight million who are fully inoculated.
As you can see in the above details, the mayors of Metro Manila requested the additional 4 million vaccine doses which in reality is one of the two conditions they made in relation to supporting the return to ECQ according to a report from the Philippine Daily Inquirer. To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the said report. Pay close attention to the details below…
At a press briefing on Thursday, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chief Benhur Abalos said the mayors had an emergency meeting on Wednesday to come up with a game plan against the highly infectious Delta variant.
“We will not wait for hospitals to get filled. Our suggestion is to have more heightened restrictions,” Abalos said.
But under Metro Manila Council Resolution No. 21-15 series of 2021, the mayors listed two conditions that needed to be met before placing Metro Manila under ECQ again: the availability of financial assistance for the poor and an additional supply of vaccines for an aggressive inoculation program.
Abalos said the mayors agreed that an ECQ could not be implemented without financially helping the families that would once again lose income for two weeks.
They also wanted an allocation of at least 4 million vaccines for the NCR that they committed to administer during the two-week period.
For people to survive and be protected, getting vaccinated is crucial (note: the unvaccinated are at risk) and looking up to the Lord and being faithful to Him is essential. For your faith in the Lord and for His divine protection, go read the entire Psalm 91 in the Holy Bible and pray in tongues to Him.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you believe the national authorities and the local government units (LGUs) are doing enough to get more people here in the Philippines vaccinated? Are there still people in your local community who continue to be defiant and completely avoid getting vaccinated? Do you think that the LGUs of Metro Manila ran out of money which made them come to the national government for new supplies of vaccines for their respective constituents? Is your local government doing enough to contain the Delta variant?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Take note that the Metro Manila mayors favored ECQ and even set terms that include the national government will provide financial assistance to their respective constituents plus millions of vaccines.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) article about the sudden ECQ announcement. Some parts in boldface…
Metro Manila will be placed under the most restrictive enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from August 6 to 20, Malacañang said on Friday.
This, after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ (IATF-EID) recommendation to impose the strict quarantine classification in Metro Manila.
In an announcement aired over state-run PTV-4, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Metro Manila will stay under general community quarantine (GCQ) “with heightened restrictions” from July 30 to August 5 and will shift to ECQ from August 6 to 20.
“Hindi po naging madali ang desisyon na ito. Maraming oras ang ginugol para pagdebatehan ang bagay na ito (It is not an easy decision. We have spent so much time to debate on the proposal [to place Metro Manila under ECQ]),” Roque said.
Metro Manila is currently under GCQ with heightened restrictions. Its quarantine status was supposed to be extended until August 15.
However, Metro Manila mayors have urged the IATF-EID to implement a two-week ECQ in the country’s metropolis to prevent the spread of the more infectious Delta coronavirus variant.
More restrictions
Roque said “additional restrictions” would be imposed in Metro Manila from July 30 to August 5.
“The heightened restrictions for NCR are more stringent compared to the GCQ with heightened restrictions of other areas,” he said in a press statement.
Roque said indoor dine-in services and al fresco dining are prohibited and only take-out and delivery are allowed in Metro Manila.
“For people working in these establishments, operations are allowed to continue and finish within the day,” he said.
Personal care services like beauty salons, beauty parlors, barber shops and nail spas may operate up to 30 percent of venue or seating capacity, Roque said.
He added that indoor sports courts and venues and indoor tourist attractions and specialized markets of the Department of Tourism (DOT) may not operate, while outdoor tourist attractions, as may be defined by the DOT, will be allowed at 30 percent venue capacity.
Roque said only Authorized Persons Outside their Residences will be allowed to travel “into and out” of NCR Plus, which is composed of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.
Only virtual religious gatherings shall be allowed. Gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment and funerals for those who died of causes other than Covid-19 shall be allowed, provided they are limited to immediate family members, he said.
Avoid panic buying
Following the government’s decision to implement ECQ in Metro Manila from August 6 to 20, Roque reminded the public not to resort to panic buying.
“Meron naman tayong isang linggo para mag-prepara dito sa two weeks na ECQ. Wala pong dahilan para mag panic buying dahil maski ECQ po, bukas naman po ang ating mga groceries (We still have one week to prepare for the two-week implementation of ECQ. There’s no reason for panic buying because despite the ECQ implementation, groceries are still open),” he said.
Apart from Metro Manila, Iloilo province and its city, Cagayan de Oro City, and the City of Gingoog in Misamis Oriental have also been placed under ECQ from July 21 to August 7.
On Tuesday, Roque announced that individuals residing in Iloilo province and its city, as well as the cities of Cagayan de Oro City and Gingoog, will receive cash assistance worth PHP1,000 per individual or PHP4,000 per family.
When quizzed if Metro Manila residents would also be given financial aid, Roque said: “Most likely but will seek confirmation.”
And here are related news videos to watch…
Economic damage and losses very likely
While it is understandable that ECQ is a response to the Delta variant and COVID-19 problems, it is very clear that this will result more financial losses on businesses and damage the nation’s economy which itself has been struggling to stand up and grow. Take note that the more businesses lose money, it could lead to job losses and result in lower tax collection on the part of the national government and LGUs. For insight, posted below is an excerpt from another PNA article published before the ECQ announcement. Some parts in boldface…
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez has thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for approving the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to put Metro Manila and nearby provinces under general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions.
“The economy cannot bear another massive lockdown. We lose around PHP30 billion for a two-week lockdown. Many lost their jobs, livelihood, most of them are micro (and) SMEs (small and medium enterprises),” Lopez said during the Laging Handa public briefing Thursday.
He said the recommendation of placing National Capital Region (NCR) Plus under GCQ with heightened restrictions is in accordance with the IATF’s consultations with reliable health experts.
“We really take a balance, a holistic approach,” he added.
Lopez underscored that the IATF enforces restrictions amid the threats of the more infectious Covid-19 Delta variant.
But the restrictions are focused on ‘super spreader’ activities like mass gatherings, while lockdowns will remain a granular lockdown approach, the DTI chief said.
He also called on businesses to create their own health and safety committee that will ensure minimum public health protocols are being monitored and maintained in their respective establishments.
COVID-19 vaccination operations will still continue
Meanwhile, COVID-19 vaccination operations will still proceed during the ECQ period. Check out this excerpt from the GMA Network news report below…
Malacañang said the government’s COVID-19 vaccination program will proceed in Metro Manila even if the region will be under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from August 6 to 20.
“Yes, definitely [it will proceed]. Details will be provided in due course of the COVID-19 vaccination committee,” Roque said.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you surprised about the sudden announcement of ECQ for Metro Manila? Do you believe that the Metro Manila Council (MMC) is correct that the national government should provide the financial aid and vaccines for their respective constituents? Could it be possible that certain city governments or LGUs (local government units) of Metro Manila have ran out of funds and have no choice but to rely on the national government to provide for them?
If you are a business owner within Metro Manila, do you believe that August 6 is too early for the imposition of another ECQ? Do you think that the Metro Manila mayors spent enough time researching about the potential economic damage of the ECQ they pushed for?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
For NCR Plus (National Capital Region plus Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal provinces), the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) are both over. What is also over during this COVID-19 pandemic is the period of the distribution of the so-called Ayuda or financial assistance by the national government for NCR Plus-based low-income earners who got affected by the ECQ. Specifically, the distribution of the funds ended on May 15, 2021 (Saturday) and according to a news report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) – citing the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – over 90% of the funds were distributed.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA’s article. Some parts in bold…
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday said the distribution of aid has reached 91 percent or PHP21.06 billion given to low-income earners in the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus area as of May 15, the deadline set by the national government.
In a news release, the agency said 37 local government units (LGUs) reached 100 percent completion of aid distribution.
DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said that amid all the challenges, the LGUs delivered their end of the bargain on the distribution of ‘ayuda’ to millions of beneficiaries, with most registering a 90 percent completion rate as of May 15.
He said the 91 percent distribution rate is a testament to the LGUs’ commitment to extend the most help they can give to their constituents.
“Alam ninyo po isang malaking hamon po talaga itong pamamahagi ng ayuda sa panahon ng pandemya at nakakatuwa na we saw the commitment of the LGUs (As you know, the distribution of the assistance at this time of a pandemic was a big challenge. We are elated with the commitment we saw from the LGUs). And now billions of pesos of financial assistance have reached our kababayans. The 91 percent or PHP21.06 billion ‘ayuda’ distributed to qualified beneficiaries is a victory for the LGUs and the national government,” Año said.
He explained that the remaining 9 percent represents the unclaimed ‘ayuda’ and they have granted the LGUs with unclaimed funds the authority to prepare a new payroll and distribute these to other affected individuals in their respective communities within 10 days.
“Despite diligent efforts by the LGUs, some of the beneficiaries did not claim their ‘ayuda’ because they have moved to the provinces or are no longer residing in their LGUs. Many of them were also delisted because they were found to be duplicates in the Social Amelioration Program list. The LGUs have started to prepare a new payroll in order to distribute these unclaimed funds,” he said.
On May 15, Año said Bulacan tallied the highest completion rate of 96.85 percent corresponding to PHP2.87 billion worth of financial assistance with 12 LGUs namely Balagtas, Baliwag, Bocaue, Calumpit, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Guiguinto, Norzagaray, Pandi, Paombong, Plaridel, San Miguel and, San Rafael finishing their ‘ayuda’ distribution.
Laguna tallied 19 LGUs which have completed aid distribution, the most among the whole NCR Plus bubble while garnering a high completion rate of 96.50 percent corresponding to PHP2.62 billion worth of financial aid distributed.
Among the LGUs which have completed distribution of ‘ayuda’ in Laguna are the cities of Biñan, Cabuyao, San Pedro, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and the towns of Alaminos, Calauan, Famy, Kalayaan, Lumban, Mabitac, Magdalena, Nagcarlan, Paete, Pagsanjan, Pakil, Pila, Rizal and Siniloan.
Meanwhile, Rizal followed with 93.34 percent, NCR with 90.99 percent; and Cavite with 86.04 percent, with five LGUs including Tagaytay City, Amadeo, Mendez, Naic, and Noveleta completing the aid distribution.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the Philippine News Agency’s crime news report? Did your local government unit distribute the money with transparency and honesty? Do you believe your LGU achieved 100% completion of the ayuda distribution?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Author Carlo Carrasco 