COVID-19 Crisis: National Capital Region (NCR) and 4 nearby provinces now under GCQ until April 4, 2021

It is all over the news and already a lot of people got affected specifically in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the nearby provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal. This past Sunday, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) issued a new resolution (Resolution #104) in response to the spike of COVID-19 cases in the country. There was a single-day high of 7,999 new COVID-19 cases reported recently followed by blaming the government and economic managers.

Firstly, there is no lockdown which is good news. This is about retaining the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) status for NCR while the four nearby provinces have fallen under the same status.

To put things in perspective, posted below are excerpts from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) report…

Excerpt 1

Under IATF Resolution No. 104, he said only essential travel into and out of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal will be allowed.

Excerpt 2

Traveling into and out of Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal will be prohibited. We will have a sort of bubble in NCR, and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal,” he said.

Travel of authorized persons outside their residences (APORs) such as essential workers, health and emergency frontline services personnel; government officials and government frontline personnel; duly-authorized humanitarian assistance actors; persons traveling for medical or humanitarian reasons; persons going to the airport for travel abroad, returning overseas Filipinos and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will be unimpeded for as long as they show their respective work identification cards.

Individuals crossing zones for work or business and going back home will also be allowed to travel to and from the said areas.

“Kung kayo ay uuwi, essential travel po ‘yun. Kailangan lang magpakita ng ID kung saan ka talaga nakatira (If you’re going back home that’s essential travel. All you need to do is show your ID to prove that you live there),” he said.

Excerpt 3

Public gatherings limited

All public gatherings, including religious gatherings, will be prohibited but weddings, baptism, and funerals will be allowed but must observe a 10-person venue capacity.

Current operational capacities of essential and non-essential services and industries will remain.

However, face-to-face meetings, group meals in workplaces will be prohibited. Instead, work-from-home and virtual meetings are encouraged.

Roque said the IATF resolution also enjoins the private sector to adopt similar alternative working arrangements as those in place in the executive branch of government such as operating on a 30 to 50 capacity.

Only outdoor dining allowed

As for dining, Roque said only outdoor dining will be allowed in areas under GCQ while indoor dining will be strictly prohibited.

“Pagdating po sa mga restaurants, ang papayagan lang po yung mga outdoor dining (When it comes to restaurants, we will only allow those with outdoor dining),” he said.

Outdoor dining must observe a maximum of 50 percent venue capacity.

Take out and delivery is encouraged, he added.

Wear masks at home

Although the economy will stay open, Roque said the IATF resolution will require persons below 18-years-old and above 65-years-old, those with comorbidities, and pregnant women to remain inside their residences at all times.

The IATF resolution also advises the wearing of face mask at home especially when living with elderly and vulnerable.

Accepting of visitors outside immediate family or household is strongly discouraged.

Operations of driving schools, traditional cinemas and video and interactive game arcades, libraries, archives, museums, and cultural centers, limited social events at accredited tourism establishments and limited tourism attractions will be temporarily suspended except open-air tourism attractions.

Before the IATF’s new resolution was issued, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) went ahead in shortening the hours of voter registration as well as suspending the organizing of satellite registration (registration processes held outside of their office) which started yesterday. People around the Philippines have until the end September 2021 to register themselves or adjust their respective voter statuses in preparation of the May 2022 presidential, national and local elections.

For their part, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced yesterday that it would yield to public health concerns in relation to the GCQ status for NCR and the 4 nearby provinces.

With regards to the IATF’s prohibition on indoor dining, already the shopping malls and restaurants here in South Metro Manila have made adjustments and updated their customers. Sigekiya Ramen announced that their restaurant at Commercenter, Filinvest City in Alabang, is still allowed to accommodate paying customers for outdoor dining. Like many others, they also offer takeout and delivery services. Alabang Town Center and Festival Mall in Alabang posted updates about safety protocols in accordance to IATF Resolution #104.

With all these developments in place, people in the NCR and the affected provinces under GCQ will have to adjust. It is okay to keep reporting to work but there is a need to be cautious with regards to personal safety and avoiding COVID-19 infection as much as possible. There is also the need to prioritize where to go and what to do. All of these are in effect until April 4, 2021 and here is hoping that the current situation will improve (that the daily COVID-19 count of new cases will go down) so that the new round of restrictions under GCQ will not be extended.

Better yet, I encourage you all to look up to our Lord Jesus and keep having unwavering faith in Him. I also encourage you all to read chapter 91 of the Book of Psalm in the Holy Bible and pray in tongues to our Lord in the privacy in your respective rooms (with the door shut closed). Open your heart to the Lord, always.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. 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

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My Observations: Sigekiya’s Haruichiban Ramen

It has been quite some time since I last visited my favorite place for noodles here in Alabang. This is because mainly of the pandemic that started in March 2020 followed by a series of lockdown periods and varied forms of community quarantine. Along the way, I kept focusing on my corporate work and as a result of the social effects the pandemic had on local society, eating outside or having drinks at a coffee shop became much less frequent for me.

Very recently, I revisited Commercenter and, finally, I returned at last to Sigekiya Ramen which is a great place for Japanese meals, especially noodles (note: Sigekiya makes their own fresh noodles which always have nice texture and are always filling). For the newcomers reading this, I previously wrote my opinions about Sigekiya’s other meals like the Gojira Ramen, the Chicken Teriyakidon, the Yokohama Tantanmen, and my personal favorite the Tsukemen.  

Other than missing their great tasting food, I returned to the restaurant mainly to try out their latest offering – the Haruichiban Ramen.

The Haruichiban Ramen with a nice presentation!

Shortly after taking my seat inside, I ordered one Haruichiban Ramen which was priced at P300 (introductory price) and it was served to me in less than ten minutes time. It came in a regular-sized bowl which was still large in terms of containing all the content. Right from the start, the Haruichiban Ramen was hot and it had a very nice smell.

As this was my first time to have Haruichiban Ramen, I slowly examined it and noticed it had a brown looking soup with Sigekiya-made noodles under it, an entire boiled egg slashed into two, vegetables and a nice serving of pork. Everything was well prepared!

A closer look…

Then I started consuming the soup. It was delicious! To be specific, it had a strong flavor and I felt the taste of garlic. This is no ordinary soup. It’s really something made with careful mixing of ingredients with the goal of giving customers a delicious and unique experience. According to the Sigekiya waitress I talked with, the soup for Haruichiban Ramen has the taste on tonkotsu combined with miso and shoyu. Minced garlic was a key ingredient.

From that point on, I went on to consume the rest.

The noodles made by Sigekiya are always nice and filling to eat with the rest of the meal!

Ultimately, I really enjoyed Haruichiban Ramen. In fact, I love it and I would not hesitate to come back for it again in one of my future visits at Sigekiya. Haruichiban Ramen is very delicious and since it has Sigekiya’s own ramen combined with a nice serving of vegetables and the pork serving, it was easily filling. For the P300 I paid, I got great taste and satisfaction in return.

That being said, Sigekiya’s Haruichiban Ramen is highly recommended!

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. 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

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StaySafe.ph app formally launched by Muntinlupa City and DOH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Government allocates P170-M for COVID-19 vaccine, taps StaySafe.PH app for contact tracing

In an effort to curb COVID-19 and help city residents recover in 2021, the City Government of Muntinlupa has allocated funds to procure COVID-19 vaccines and strengthened its contact tracing initiatives through StaySafe.PH app.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi announced during Muntinlupa’s 103rd Founding Anniversary that the City Government initially prepared 170 million pesos budget for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines for city residents.

He noted that while the National Government has a roll-out plan in place, the city will be allocating its own budget for the vaccination program to ensure all Muntinlupa residents will receive the vaccine. The City Health Office advises the public to continue observing minimum health protocols despite having the possibility of the vaccine roll-out in 2021.

Further, the City Government has also partnered with Staysafe.PH to implement a “No QR Code, No Entry Policy” in all establishments for mandatory contact tracing starting January 2021. Fresnedi approved City Ordinance No. 2020-181 mandating the installation and use of Staysafe.PH system as an automated contact tracing through the use of QR Codes in all commercial establishments, workplaces, churches, and government offices.

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

QR Codes for non-smartphone user registrants shall be generated by their respective barangays and shall be distributed to where the registrant resides.

Recently, the City Government has also inaugurated the city’s Molecular Laboratory and a new We Heal As One Center Isolation Facility in Filinvest, Alabang.

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

While the newly inaugurated 148-bed We Heal As One Center in Filinvest Tent Alabang is the city’s second Emergency Quarantine Facility constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways. The isolation facility is set to be managed by the Bureau of Fire Protection while the local government pledged to fund its utility charges.

As of December 22, Muntinlupa City has 42 active cases, 5,058 confirmed cases with 4,851 recoveries, 165 reported deaths, 30 suspect cases, and 248 probable cases.

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

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City inaugurates Molecular Lab, Isolation Facility on 103rd Founding Anniversary

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade and Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the inauguration of the city’s Molecular Laboratory and We Heal As One Center Isolation Facility in Filinvest, Alabang in time with the celebration of Muntinlupa’s 103rd Founding Anniversary.

National and local government execs, along with other Filinvest officials, inspected the Molecular Laboratory in Ospital ng Muntinlupa and the148-bed Isolation Facility in Filinvest Tent Parking Area this past Saturday (December 19, 2020).

A 148-Emergency Quarantine Facility and Molecular Laboratory were inaugurated in Muntinlupa as part of the local 103rd Founding Anniversary. Attending the ceremony were (L-R) Filinvest Alabang Inc. vice president for townships Don Ubaldo, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Congressman Ruffy Biazon, and DOTr Sec. Arthur Tugade. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Attending the ceremony were DPWH Bureau of Construction director Eric Ayapana,BFP Sr. Supt. Jose Edgar Balita, DOTr Usec Artemio Tuazon, Filinvest Alabang Inc. vice president for townships Don Ubaldo, Congressman Ruffy Biazon, Ospital ng Muntinlupa director Dr. Edwin Dimatatac, and City Heath Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao.

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

Test results in the facility 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 3,800 pesos. 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.

Further, the newly inaugurated 148-bed We Heal As One Center in Filinvest Tent Alabang is the city’s second Emergency Quarantine Facility constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The isolation facility is set to be managed by the Bureau of Fire Protection while the City Government pledged to fund its utility charges.

Last October, DPWH Sec. Mark Villar, DOTr Sec. Tugade, and Mayor Fresnedi led the blessing ceremony of the 144-bed Emergency Quarantine Facility in Pacwood Site, Brgy. Tunasan.

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.

Fresnedi extended his gratitude to Sec. Tugade’s assistance for the construction of the COVID-19 facilities in the city which he noted as an augmentation to local efforts in curbing the virus.

Following the inauguration ceremony, a short event was held in Muntinlupa City Hall Quadrangle to recognize partner companies and individuals who have contributed to the local COVID-19 response and recovery initiatives.

This year’s awardees include ABS CBN Corporation (Lingkod Kapamilya), Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF) – Alabang, Filinvest Corporate City Foundation Inc., National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), San Miguel Foundation, Inc., Sytin Foundation Inc., Insular Foundation, Leonio Group Corporation, Jollibee Food Corporation, New Life Church Alabang, Engr. Rodante C. Corpuz, and Mr. Ben Tiu.

In his message, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi extended his thanks to the city’s partners for their generous donations to help Muntinlupeños recover from the challenges of the pandemic.

Further, Fresnedi announced that the City Government has initially prepared 170 million pesos budget for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccine for Muntinlupa. He noted that while the National Government has a roll-out plan, the city will be allocating its own budget for the vaccination program to ensure all Muntinlupa residents will receive the vaccine.

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

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

HOT STAR Large Fried Chicken in Alabang

If you are looking for fried chicken to eat here in South Metro Manila, there are plenty of places to find them such as Jollibee, KFC, Popeyes and McDonald’s among the many restaurants. You can even find fried chicken meals served in convenience stores like Ministop, 7-Eleven and FamilyMart. Rest assured the mentioned business joints provide a lot of fried chicken whenever you are in Las Piñas, Parañaque and Muntinlupa.

There is one food joint that stand out among them all – HOT STAR Large Fried Chicken Philippines. With its newest branch located inside Festival Mall in Filinvest City, Alabang, HOT STAR is making a comeback here in South Metro Manila. Previously they had a branch along Presidents Avenue, Barangay BF Homes in Parañaque City and I ate there a number of times while they lasted. That particular branch closed down a few years ago so it was nice to see them open a new one in Alabang (note: their space is shared with Dakasi).

The commercial space of HOT STAR with Dakasi.

For the newcomers reading this, the HOT STAR business started in Taiwan and has overseas branches. They are best known for selling the 12-inch fried chicken which has a nugget-like shape but really large and quite filling.

At their Festival Mall branch, I had two stops there. The first time I was there, I joined the line to order myself a meal composed of their signature 12-inch fried chicken (referred to as the Signature XXL Chicken), rice and a drink. When asked for what type and what flavor the chicken should be, I chose the original type flavored with salt and pepper. Soon enough I got served and went to a vacant table.

The 12-inch signature fried chicken of HOT STAR.

Looking at the 12-inch original, salt-and-pepper fried chicken, it really was exactly as I remembered what was served to customers at the previous branch in BF Homes. It was also a bit challenging to cut into pieces given its formation and texture, so there were moments when I had to take the chicken by hand and pull it apart before trying to cut it into pieces with the plastic utensils.

As before, the 12-inch signature fried chicken is pretty tasty on its own. It was tasty enough, I did not bother to use any condiments. What is also notable about it is that it sure has a lot of content of chicken meat to consume. In fact, it was more than enough to fill the stomach. While this might sound unusual to you, this is pretty normal given my previous dining experience at HOT STAR BF Homes. That being said, I had a tasty and really satisfying meal there at HOT STAR Filinvest.

A few weeks later, I returned to the Festival Mall branch mainly to take home one of their newer foods – the Cheese Bomb. After driving home with the chicken from the mall, I got home and placed it on a plate.

This is what the Cheese Bomb looks like on the outside.

On the surface, the Cheese Bomb fried chicken has a different shape compared to the signature fried chicken. It looked ordinary on the outside but it is the cheese content inside the makes the big different not only in terms of content but also on flavor. As I ate the Cheese Bomb, I really felt that fine combined taste of fried chicken and cheese in my mouth and it only made me want to keep consuming until it all ran out. I got my money’s worth.

The cheese of Cheese Bomb exposed.
A closer look at the Cheese Bomb. The cheese itself is tasty.

To put it in short, I can say that the 12-inch signature fried chicken and the Cheese Bomb were both well cooked by HOT STAR Festival Mall and were properly prepared. It is notable that the two fried chicken variants were pretty flavorful respectively which shows that the cooks made them with the utmost care for me. As such, I highly recommend the 12-inch signature fried chicken and the Cheese Bomb to anyone who loves fried chicken. I got my money’s worth and so should you.

So if you happen to be in the Alabang area and you crave for fried chicken, you should visit HOT STAR at Festival Mall. They are on the ground floor level of the mall. Keep in mind that HOT STAR has several other types of food to offer such as spaghetti, rice bowl meals, burgers and fries, and chicken wings to name some. HOT STAR is a standout among the sellers of friend chicken here in South Metro Manila.

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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, NO to reckless publishers, and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila-related community developments, engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, visit and join the South Metro Manila FB group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

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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Muntinlupa City on blue alert for Severe Tropical Storm Ulysses, barangays urged to conduct preemptive evacuation

Following the raising of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 in Metro Manila, the City Government of Muntinlupa is on blue alert status as the city monitors and prepares for Severe Tropical Storm Ulysses.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi ordered the Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management (MCDDRM) to heighten monitoring, mobilize available resources, and prepare for a full scale response operation. Fresnedi convened the Local Disaster Risk Response and Management Council (LDRRMC) on Tuesday to discuss the City Government’s preparation and response efforts.

MCDDRM chief Erwin Alfonso urged Barangay Disaster Risk Response and Management Councils to conduct immediate pre-emptive and forced evacuation of communities in coastal areas identified as flood-prone and landslide prone areas.

The City Government has prepared the prepositioning of emergency response resources and equipment such as rescue boats, generators, emergency vehicles, search and rescue equipment, among others. Alfonso advised the public to be vigilant and monitor advisories from PAG-ASA and the City Government.

Recently, the local disaster response department installed early warning system across the city to inform communities in a timely manner about typhoon signal warnings, severe flooding, and earthquakes, among others.

Muntinlupa Scholarship Program has announced the postponement of scholarship allowance distribution for students of Soldiers Hills Elementary School, Lakeview Integrated School (Elementary, High School), Muntinlupa Elementary School, and Bayanan Elementary School (Unit 1) on November 11 – 12 as a precautionary measure.

According to the latest weather bulletin of PAGASA as of 8:00 AM, November 11, Severe Tropical Storm “Ulysses” is nearing Typhoon category within the next 6 to 12 hours and reach its peak intensity of 130-155 km/h prior to landfall.

On the forecast track, Severe Tropical Storm “ULYSSES” will move generally westward throughout pass over Polillo Islands, mainland Quezon and crossing mainland Luzon going to the western seaboard of Central Luzon.

Heavy to torrential rains over Metro Manila, including Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, CALABARZON, Aurora, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Bataan are expected from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday morning.

For emergency concerns, Muntinlupa City residents may reach the city’s hotline at 137-175.

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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 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