COVID-19 Crisis: More support for businesses by means of easing restrictions

Are you a business owner who has been struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic here in the Philippines? On the national level, more support for businesses by means of easing the restrictions has been pushed for by Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III according to a recent news report by GMA Network.

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

Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III on Tuesday called for the need to open up more of the economy in the final quarter of the year, for businesses to recover and be able to pay their dues.

According to Concepcion, the fourth quarter is crucial for businesses given the historically higher consumer spending amid the Christmas holidays.

“We have to open the economy because this is the last quarter. This is time when most negosyantes can get back what they lost in the previous months. Babayaran nila mga 13th month pay, may utang nila sa bangko, sa suppliers [They will have to pay the 13th month pay, their loans in the banks, with suppliers],” he said during the Laging Handa virtual briefing.

Concepcion has been pushing for the imposition of “bakuna bubbles” or pockets of micro-herd immunity among closed groups such as homes and workplaces.

Under the proposed measure, vaccinations will be mandated for a range of indoor gatherings in a bit to boost the country’s immunization efforts and only allow privileges to those fully vaccinated.

At present conditions with only 30% indoor dining allowed for fully vaccinated individuals in Metro Manila, Concepcion said businesses do not gain much, noting that this should be increased to at least 50% to carry businesses over to 2022, or even 70% by November or December.

“Ito ang panahon that we should start to live with COVID. Kung pabagsak ang [If there is a downtrend on the] trajectory ng infection level, then we should open up more and more and then keep an eye, watch out if it reverses then we pull back and we can push back,” said Concepcion.

“For now, it’s only one quarter left ’til the end of the year. Bigay na natin ‘to sa mga negosyaante para mabuhay sila ’til next year. [Let’s give this to the businesses for the thrive until next year],” he added.

In relation to the news above, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) called for businesses to be open on all alert levels. The Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP) appealed to the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to allow the limited operations of cinemas under the Alert Level 4.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about Joey Concepcion’s statements on supporting businesses a lot? Do you feel confident about the further reopening of the national economy? Do you think that the Metro Manila Council (MMC) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will understand Concepcion’s pro-business push and make wise decisions this time around?

Can you imagine the MMC and MMDA recommending another enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to the IATF in the near future that will surely destroy jobs and hurt businesses all over again?

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

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Over 13,000 minors in Muntinlupa City registered for COVID-19 vaccination in first month

Since it official started the registration process for local minors (aged 12 to 17) for COVID-19 vaccination, the City Government of Muntinlupa announced that more than thirteen thousand minors were registered in the first month according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has registered a little over 13,000 minors aged 12 to 17 in one month for its coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination program.

It launched the vaccination registration for 12 to 17-year-olds on Sept. 14 and as of Oct. 13, a total of 13,110 minors have signed up for the program, or 437 registrants per day.

The total is equivalent to 24 percent of the 55,391 total population of the 12-to-17 age group in Muntinlupa.

When the vaccination registration program for minors was launched in Muntinlupa, 3,477 12 to 17-year-olds registered on the first day.

By barangay, out of the 13,110 minor registrants, Putatan has the highest number with 2,250, or 22 percent of its 12-to-17 age group population of 10,164.

Brgy. Poblacion came second with 1,815 registrants followed by Tunasan, 1,686 (out of 6,256 12-17 population); Alabang, 1,404 (out of 7,244); Cupang, 1,167 (5,830); Sucat, 747 (5,744); Bayanan, 704 (out of 3,990); Ayala Alabang, 593 (out of 2,560); and Buli, 206 (out of 1,360). Non-residents who registered totalled 2,538.

In May, the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the amendment to the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to allow its use for 12 years old and above. In September, the FDA approved the use of the Moderna vaccine for 12 years old and above.

The Department of Health (DOH) said the vaccination of 15 to 17 year-olds with comorbidities will start on Oct. 15 in eight hospitals. These are the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, National Children’s Hospital, Philippine Heart Center, Pasig City Children’s Hospital, Fe Del Mundo Medical Center and Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

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/

Muntinlupa minors may register online through the city’s COVID-19 vaccination registration system at www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac and choose category “C – Rest of Population.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what do you think about this latest local development?

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

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Councilors approve resolution shortening local curfew hours

This past Monday, the City Council of Muntinlupa approved an ordinance shortening toe curfew hours of the city according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City Council passed an ordinance Monday shortening the curfew hours that will be imposed in the city.

Majority Floor Leader Raul Corro told Manila Bulletin that under the measure, the new curfew hours in Muntinlupa will be from midnight to 4 a.m., or four hours, starting Oct. 13.

This amended an existing ordinance, which imposed curfew in Muntinlupa from 10 p.m. to 4 .m., or six hours.

Corro said shortening the curfew hours in Muntinlupa is based on the consensus of mayors belonging to the Metro Manila Council (MMC).

As of Oct. 9, Muntinlupa’s active coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases stood at 512 out of 26,697 confirmed cases, 25,632 recoveries and 553 deaths.

The number of active cases in Muntinlupa decreased by 47 percent from 972 cases one week ago on Oct. 3.

According to Dr. Guido David of OCTA Research, the average number of new cases per day in Metro Manila from Oct. 2 to 8 totaled 2,140, a decrease by 41 percent from 3,627 from Sept. 25 to Oct. 1.

The reproduction number in Metro Manila from Oct. 2 to 8 was 0.61, classified by OCTA Research as low risk, from 0.83 the previous week.

The daily attack rate per 100,000 in Metro Manila for the period was 15.32, down from 25.97 the previous week.

Under Resolution No. 142 dated Oct. 7, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) amended the guidelines on the Alert Levels System for COVID-19 Response in Metro Manila.

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, what do you think about the move to shorten local curfew hours?

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

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Local governments urged to scale up vaccination

Is your local government doing its best to have its constituents vaccinated for COVID-19? Recently one of the officials of the National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF) urged local government units (LGUs) to ramp up their vaccination numbers according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Philippine News Agency news report. Some parts in boldface…

An official of the National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF) on Monday urged local government units to increase their Covid-19 vaccination numbers in order to achieve 80 percent population protection soon.

We really ask for the local government officials, local government units, and the implementing agencies to increase their vaccination numbers so as to achieve the target 50 to 80 percent of the target population to be inoculated within this year,” said Assistant Secretary Wilben Mayor, head of the NTF strategic communications sub-task group on current operations.

Mayor welcomed the Monday night the arrival of 272,610 additional doses of the Pfizer vaccine at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 via an Air Hong Kong cargo flight at 9:20 p.m.

In relation to the news above, the City Government of Muntinlupa has vaccinated over 500,000 local residents and registered over 10,000 minors for vaccination. Over at Las Piñas City, their total inoculation count surpassed 800,000 and they recently launched the registration process for local minors for vaccination. Mayor Imelda Aguilar stated that herd immunity is within reach based on their local statistics.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Has your local government been properly organizing the COVID-19 vaccination processes? Were there any signs of disorder by the local personnel at the vaccination sites?

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

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

COVID-19 Crisis: A new attempt to reopen cinemas in Metro Manila under Alert Level system

It has been so long since the cinemas in Metro Manila have been closed and have not screened any new films since the start of the pandemic which negatively affected the local cinema industry’s operators and their employees. 300,000 employees to be precise.

Early this year, Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) announced that it has allowed a variety of businesses around the Philippines to resume operations to recover from the COVID-19 crisis and cinemas were among those businesses. However the mayors of Metro Manila opposed the decision and according to the Manila Times’ news report, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos noted that “movie theaters are enclosed and air-conditioned spaces where people stay for more than 30 minutes, conditions that increase the risk of coronavirus transmission.” Abalos lamented that there was this fear of a possible spike in COVID-19 infection if cinemas were allowed to reopen. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued a memorandum calling for the reopening of cinemas in GCQ (general community quarantine) areas starting March 5, 2021 but the said businesses remain closed.

That was back then and by now, many millions of residents of Metro Manila have been vaccinated for COVID-19, many businesses went through the Safety Seal program and a new system of community control has been implemented. Since the pandemic started, cinemas in Metro Manila were shut down with the exception of some cinemas that were turned into temporary venues for COVID-19 vaccination.

Now there is renewed hope for Metro Manila cinema operators and their employees as the Manila Bulletin reported that the IATF will discuss reopening cinemas under the Alert Level system.

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

Malacañang said the government’s pandemic task force is set to discuss the possible reopening of cinemas in areas under the Alert Level 3, part of the new system being implemented in Metro Manila response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP) appealed to the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to allow the limited operations of cinemas under the Alert Level 4.

In his press briefing on Thursday, October 7, Roque said that the IATF will discuss the reopening of cinemas but not in areas under Alert Level 4.

“Ang alam ko po nasa agenda ‘yan mamaya ng IATF pero ang pagbubuaks po na pag-uusapan po ay Level 3, hindi Level 4 (I know it’s part of the agenda of the IATF later but the reopening that will be discussed will be in Alert Level 3, not Level 4),” he said.

Under the current guidelines for the pilot implementation of the Alert Levels System for COVID-19 response in Metro Manila, cinemas will be allowed to operate at a maximum of 50 percent venue capacity under Alert Level 2.

In February this year, the IATF allowed the reopening of traditional cinemas in areas under the general community quarantine (GCQ) but Metro Manila mayors opposed this decision in fear that it may trigger superspreader events.

In a Facebook post, the CEAP appealed to the IATF to allow the reopening of cinemas, ensuring that the industry values the health and well-being of its employees and moviegoers.

According to CEAP, the cinema industry has ensured that all employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The group likewise said that a number of cinemas have been awarded the Safety Seal Certification by their local government units (LGUs) which affirms that they are compliant with the minimum health standards set by the government.

The Manila Bulletin report ended mentioning that theater managers have gone through occupational safety and health training.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you believe it is high time for cinemas in Metro Manila to reopen now that many millions of people in the metropolis have been vaccinated for COVID-19 and a lot of businesses have made efforts to meet the requirements of health protocols (and the Safety Seal program)? Do you believe that the MMDA and the Metro Manila Council (MMC) actually care about the state of the 300,000 employees of the nation’s cinema industry? Do you think Abalos and the Metro Manila mayors will still make decisions out of fear as far as movie theaters are concerned?

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

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Total inoculation count in Las Piñas City approaching 820,000

This past weekend, the City Government of Las Piñas announced that its overall inoculation count is approaching 820,000 overall based on their official statistics accurate as of October 8, 2021. Those numbers were released this past weekend on social media, shortly after the Manila Bulletin reported that the city was within reach of achieving herd immunity.

For transparency, posted below is the official image of statistics released by the City Government through social media.

As before, the numbers just don’t add up. 437,441 1st dose count plus 388,336 2nd dose count equals 825,777. That’s a difference of 7,050 more than the official grand total of 818,727.

Regardless, it is still highly commendable for Las Piñas that 86.9% of their target population of 70% got fully vaccinated already (two doses) while almost 98% of the target population got their first dose. Let’s be honest here…vaccinations exceeding 800,000 in less than one year is major achievement.

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

Meanwhile, the City Government recently launched the online registration process for COVID-19 vaccination for local minors (aged 12 to 17) which can be done at http://laspinascityonline.laspinascity.gov.ph/eCVRS/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction about the latest vaccination statistics? Are you feeling confident about the city achieving herd immunity before the year ends?

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

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar says herd immunity is within reach

Recently, the Manila Bulletin reported that Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar confirmed to them that herd immunity against COVID-19 is within reach based on their latest statistics. Aguilar, who is running for a 3rd and final term as mayor and was honored recently, wishes that Christmas this year will be joyful and asked her constituents to get vaccinated so that herd immunity will be achieved in the city. The City Government can be reached through its COVID-19 hotline numbers.

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

Las Pinas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar announced on Thursday (October 7) that the city is now nearing herd immunity with less than 14 percent left of the total population that are unvaccinated.

Aguilar said a total of 97 percent of the city’s target population of 447,086 had already been inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines for the first dose while 86.3 percent were fully vaccinated.

“Sana ay maging masaya ang darating na Pasko ng mga Las Piñeros kaya nanawagan ako sa lahat na magpabakuna kahit ano mang brand ng bakuna laban sa COVID-19 upang ating makamit ang tinatawag na herd immunity ng ating siyudad ngayong Kapaskuhan,”(We want Christmas to be a joyful occasion this is why I am asking all Las Pineros to get vaccinated with any brand against COVID-19 to achieve herd immunity) Aguilar said.

The mayor also said that while the city government is slowly opening up the economy, she will invite more investors to generate more job opportunities for Las Piñeros.

Inspired by the legacy left behind by her late husband, former Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar, she said free education for the youth in the city will continue with the construction of the new building for the College of Engineering at the Dr. Filemon C. Aguilar Memorial College (DFCAM).

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

Meanwhile, the City Government formally launched the online registration for COVID-19 vaccination for local minors (aged 12 to 17) which can be done at http://laspinascityonline.laspinascity.gov.ph/eCVRS/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, would you know if there are still a lot of people in your local community who remain unvaccinated or even unregistered for the free COVID-19 vaccines? Are the people in your local community aware that the city is getting close to achieving herd immunity? Does Mayor Aguilar’s plan to invite more investors to generate new jobs in the city inspire you?

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

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

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

Las Piñas City Representative Camille Villar officially filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) with the Commission on Elections (COC) seeking re-election in the upcoming May 2022 national and local elections according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. For the newcomers reading this, congresswoman Villar is the daughter of business tycoon Manny Villar and Senator Cynthia Villar. Her brother is former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Mark Villar who recently filed his COC for Senator.

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

Las Piñas City Representative Camille Villar with her COC. (source – Camille Villar Facebook page)

Deputy Speaker Camille Villar files her certificate of candidacy to seek for reelection as representative of the lone district of Las Piñas City on Tuesday, October 5, at the Office of the Regional Election Director – COMELEC NCR.

Rep. Villar, who is vying for her second term in public service, said she will continue to bring basic services closer to her constituents and help in the city’s full recovery from the pandemic

For those who missed out on past articles of this blog, Representative Villar launched a special program designed to entice city residents to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and in turn give them chances to win a new house-and-lot plus consumable goods and motorcycles in a raffle draw. As of September 25, 2021, roughly 800,000 inoculations all over the city were counted. Villar was present during the launch of the extension of the River Drive and she was a presenter of the 7th Las Piñas  Food Festival.

Any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, how do you rate Camille Villar’s performance when it comes to representing you at the House of Representatives. Did her projects in the city make any positive impact on your lives?

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

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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

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City and DOLE launch Bikecination, Bigasan livelihood program for indigent residents

The City Government of Muntinlupa, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment – National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR), officially launched the Bikecination and Bigasan livelihood program for fully vaccinated workers coping with the effects of the pandemic and indigent city residents.

Congressman Ruffy Biazon led the launching of the program together with DOLE-NCR Dir. Leonides Castillon Jr. and Muntinlupa Public Employment Service Office chief Glenda Zamora-Aniñon this past Tuesday (October 5) at Muntinlupa Sports Center, Brgy. Tunasan.

The local government of Muntinlupa, in partnership with DOLE-NCR, launched the Bikecination and Bigasan livelihood program for fully vaccinated informal sector workers and indigent city residents last October 5 at Muntinlupa Sports Center, Brgy. Tunasan. The program aims to incentivize fully vaccinated informal sector workers and provide an alternative source of income as assistance to help them recover from the challenges brought by the pandemic. Shown in the photo: (L-R, front row) PESO Muntinlupa chief Glenda Zamora-Aniñon, Congressman Ruffy Biazon, and DOLE-NCR Dir. Leonides Castillon Jr. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

For the Bikecination project, 28 fully vaccinated beneficiaries are parents/beneficiaries of child labor, micro-entrepreneur clients of the local Joint Resource Financing Program (JRFP), from 4Ps, and youth entrepreneurs under the Youth Affairs and Sports Development Office (YASDO) received a bike unit with accessories such as carrier bag, bottle, head gear, back and front light, vest, and rain coat.  They also received a cellphone unit with P5,000 prepaid load.

DOLE’s Bikecination project aims to provide an alternative source of income for informal sector workers or their next of kin under the A4 category who have received their COVID-19 vaccine. The project targets to incentivize and encourage informal sector workers to get vaccinated to help in the country’s fight against this pandemic.

For the Bigasan livelihood program, 25 beneficiaries who are parents/beneficiaries of child labor each received eight 25 kilos sacks of rice worth P10,000.

Other officials joining the launching event include JRFP acting head Maylene Viñas, Youth Affairs and Sports Development Office chief Cynthia Viacrusis, City Cooperative Office chief Atty. Nemei Santiago, Social Service Department chief Analyn Mercado, and Tourism, Culture, and the Arts Department chief Juvy Engo.

Further, the City Government continues to provide financing assistance to micro-entrepreneurs and MSMEs through Tulong Negosyo Program’s zero-interest loans (formerly Dagdag Puhunan) to help city residents cope with the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

Tulong Negosyo caters to MSMEs and provides micro-finance assistance ranging from P2,000 up to P150,000 depending on the business capital ceiling and payment record of beneficiaries. The program aims to provide additional capital for business expansion for aspiring and established business owners in Muntinlupa.

For more information, visit the Joint Resources Financing Program – JRF Facebook Page or visit them at 2F Plaza Central, Brgy. Poblacion with contact numbers 8772-3457and (0921) 888 6124.

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The above information was sourced from an official press release. 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

COVID-19 Crisis: Over 12,000 minors registered for COVID-19 vaccines in Muntinlupa City

Through the MunCoVac team and the Manila Bulletin’s reporting, it was revealed that the City Government of Muntinlupa has officially registered more than twelve thousand local minors for COVID-19 vaccination. The exact figure, which is accurate of 8AM of October 4, is at 12,096.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has registered 12,096 minors for its coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination program.

According to the Muntinlupa City COVID-19 Vaccination Program (MunCoVac), as of 8 a.m. of Oct. 4, 12,096 12 to 17-year-olds have signed up for the inoculation program.

The total is 22 percent of the estimated 55,391 total population of 12 to 17-year-olds in Muntinlupa.

By barangay, out of the 12,096, Putatan has the highest number of registrants with 2,114 followed by Poblacion, 1,618; Tunasan, 1,590; Alabang, 1,297; Cupang, 1,093; Sucat, 713; Bayanan, 652; Ayala Alabang, 547; and Buli, 199. Non-residents who registered totaled 2,273.

In May, the country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the amendment to the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to allow its use for 12 years old and above. Last month, the FDA approved the use of the Moderna vaccine for 12 years old and above.

The national government announced that the vaccination of the general population will start this month.

In Resolution No. 141 issued last Sept. 30, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases stated, “Upon the directives of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the National COVID-19 Immunization Program shall be opened to the general public nationwide upon the determination of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 and its Vaccine Cluster.”

It said starting Oct. 16, the vaccination of 12 to 17-year-olds will “be piloted under a phased approach as may be determined by the National Vaccination Operations Center.”

Residents of Muntinlupa City who remain unregistered and unvaccinated can make their moves 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 and a parent of a child aged 12-17, what is your reaction to the above news? What do you think about the planned start of vaccinating minors on October 16, 2021?

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

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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