COVID-19 Crisis: A collective push to make face shields non-mandatory in Metro Manila

It has been days since Alert Level 2 was declared all over Metro Manila and the result was the increase presence of people – including minors – at the parks, the shopping malls and food-and-beverage joints. This past Sunday, I noticed more vehicles traveling north on the Metro Manila Skyway which I found surprising as Sunday traffic is normally light. Vaccination for COVID-19 in the metropolis continues to grow and the national average of daily new infections has been below 5,000 per day for some time now. Things are looking optimistic.

As for the face shields that local have been compelled to use for some time now, there is a collective push to make them non-mandatory in Metro Manila. For one thing, face shields make verbal communication harder (as people are already wearing face masks). Another thing is that face shields can be quite inconvenient, even uncomfortable to use whether outdoors or indoors. Surely the local believers of face shields keep on preaching that the said things provide greater protection from COVID-19 but does the rest of the world agree with them? Locally, the OCTA Research group expressed that face shields should not be required inside cinemas.

More recently, it seems that the mayors of Metro Manila and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) want to scrap the use of face shields (note: there will still be specific places that require face shields) and make their recommendation to the national authorities, the Manila Bulletin reported.

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

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will recommend to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) the scrapping of mandatory use of face shields in the National Capital Region following mutual agreement among Metro mayors.

MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos said Monday, Nov. 8, that the use of face shields will no longer be required except for “critical places.”

Critical areas, according to Abalos, are the hospitals, barangay health centers and public transportation.

“Ang napag-usapan namin sa faceshield number 1, ito yung isusugest ko sa IATF, na tanggalin na ho ang face shield hindi na gawing mandatory except for critical places (What we discussed about the faceshield was that the lifting of its mandatory use except for critical places. I would suggest that to the IATF),” Abalos said in a TeleRadyo interview when asked about what was Metro mayors’ say on removing the use of face shields.

Once approved by the IATF, the use of face shields will no longer be necessary in malls, Abalos added.

Last week, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Usec. Jonathan Malaya disclosed that DILG Sec. Año will be proposing to the IATF the lifting of the same policy as Metro Manila already deescalated to Alert Level 2 status.

For his part, Senator Manny Pacquiao expressed support on lifting the mandatory use of face shields, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported. Pacquiao, who is running for Philippine President, also expressed his awareness about economic recovery and lessening the burden people have been living with.  

Going back to the Metro Manila Council and the MMDA, it has been reported by GMA Network that a recommendation or an appeal will be submitted to the IATF. Take note that the IATF is the top authority on COVID-19 matters and policies here in the Philippines.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this latest development? Do you think that the Metro Manila mayors and the MMDA, who are partly responsible for the August ECQ and even implemented a ban on outdoor exercise, are sincere about face shields right now? Are you sick and tired of being required to use face shields? What is the one thing you despised the most about face shields?

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

Beware of the “laglag-plaka” gang as they victimized motorists in Parañaque and Muntinlupa

Wherever you park your vehicles, be defensive and avoid people knocking on your window as two motorists in different cities here in South Metro Manila were victimized by a gang of thieves who executed what is referred to as the “laglag-plaka” (dropped plate) modus, according to a recent news report by GMA Network.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Tagalog GMA Network news report which was translated into English using Google Translate. Some parts in boldface…

Two drivers fell victim to the plaque-dropped modus operandi of thieves in Muntinlupa and Parañaque, Jonathan Andal reported in Unang Balita on Friday.

CCTV footage shows a man standing in the back of an SUV parked in front of a fast food chain in Parañaque. Three women with umbrellas followed him.

Although (it) could not (be seen on) the CCTV, the man knocked on the driver of the SUV and said that his license plate had fallen on the back.

While the driver was not yet leaving, a man was waiting in the back of a vehicle (parked beside) and when he saw the driver coming out, he quickly opened the passenger door.

The driver’s bag was stolen and handed over to a female colleague. The group quickly speared while the driver was left in the back of the vehicle and checked to see if his license plate had really fallen.

The group seized an expensive bag, wallet and 20,000 pesos, according to the report.

According to Parañaque Police, this modus operandi is called “laglag plaka”. The group allegedly was timing the vehicles and told the driver that something had fallen in the back of the vehicle.

 Seven individuals were found conspiring in the modus and they use umbrellas to hide from people what they are doing.

After the incident in Parañaque, CCTV also captured the group in the parking lot of a building in Muntinlupa where they stole the victim’s gym bag and expensive earphones.

According to the victims, when they got out of the vehicle there were coins. They think they put them in to confuse and hold them back while removing the drivers ’valuables.

For added insight, watch this related news video below…

So there you have it! The “laglag-plaka” thieves work together as a group using strategic moves like distraction, careful timing, and taking advantage of unlocked vehicle doors to open and steal the valuables while the distracted driver checks the rear of the vehicle to see if the plate was indeed loose or had fallen off. It should be noted that the other gang members use umbrellas standing next to each other near the victim’s vehicle to conceal their act.

From a visual standpoint, I would find it suspicious to see at least three individuals each using an umbrella at the parking lot while it is not even raining. As for the parking area itself, if a person approaches your vehicle and he or she is not even a legitimate worker of the local administration assigned to the parking, better be defensive and watch not only your back but also the sides of your vehicle.  

For your own safety, be mindful of people who approach you and knock on your vehicle’s window shortly after parking. Better not let these thieves distract you no matter what they do and always LOCK YOUR VEHICLE’S DOORS as soon you get off.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you a victim of the “laglag-plaka” gang?

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

COMELEC says vote-buying is still an election offense

The topic of vote-buying is back in the minds of voters here in the Philippines mainly due to the recent statement made by a certain politician (for reference, click here and here) running for President next year. This prompted the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), which is already busy processing voter registration applications with the October 30 deadline approaching, to remind people that vote-buying is still an election offense and clearly punishable by law.

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

Vote buying is an election offense regardless of financial situation or noble intentions.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Spokesperson James Jimenez issued this reminder on Wednesday, Oct. 27.

He also disagreed with the advice of Vice President Leni Robredo for voters to accept the money but vote according to their conscience.

“I disagree with the notion of taking the money and voting according to your conscience,” Jimenez said on Twitter.

He added:”Di dapat ginagawa, at di dapat sina-suggest yan sa mga botante (It shouldn’t be done, and shouldn’t be suggested to our voters),”

Last August, Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon warned those who will try vote buying via the electronic payment system in the May 2022 polls that this can be traced.

“This is a warning to politicians, know that you’re going to be found out,” she said.

Vote-buying is defined as any person, who gives, offers, or promises money or anything of value, directly or indirectly, in order to induce anyone or the public in general to vote for or against any candidate.

The above report ended stating that as an election offense, vote-buying means getting yourselves penalized with 1 to 6 years imprisonment, the removal of your right to vote, and disqualification to hold public office.

For added insight about vote -buying here in the Philippines, posted below are some of GMA Network’s news videos from the past related to the said issue…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this newest development? Does Leni Robredo inspire you to engage in vote-buying? Are you willing to follow Robredo’s advice knowing that vote-buying is clearly illegal? If you are a registered voter, are willing to sell out to the highest bidder when it comes to the May 2022 national and local elections?

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Metro Manila under Alert Level 3 from October 16 to 31, 2021

Finally, business and residents of Metro Manila will be dealing with lesser restrictions as the national authorities declared that the metropolis will be under Alert Level 3 (previously Alert Level 4 from mid-September to mid-October) from October 16 to October 31, 2021 as reported by Philippine News Agency (PNA). Lesser restrictions should mean more reopening of the economy, more people can attend indoor worship services at churches (note: being vaccinated may be required) and more.

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

The alert level status in Metro Manila will be downgraded to Alert Level 3 from the current Alert Level 4 beginning Oct. 16, Malacañang announced Wednesday.

This, after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) decided to ease restrictions in Metro Manila, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.

“The Inter-Agency Task Force on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, approved the recommendation to place the National Capital Region under Alert Level 3 beginning October 16, 2021 until October 31, 2021,” said Roque, also acting as IATF-EID spokesperson.

He said the IATF-EID also approved and adopted the revisions to the Guidelines on the Implementation of Alert Levels System for Covid-19 Response in the Pilot Areas.

A copy of the new guidelines has yet to be made public.

Metro Manila’s shift to Alert Level 3 came amid the drop in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections in the country’s metropolis.

The relaxation of alert level in Metro Manila will pave the way for the reopening of more businesses.

Now watch this related news video from GMA Network…

Staycation in Metro Manila allowed to resume

The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that staycation within Metro Manila will be allowed under Alert Level 3, specifically in accredited hotels. Unsurprisingly there are certain limitations.

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

Staycation is now allowed in accredited Metro Manila hotels as the region eases to Alert Level 3 from October 16 until the end of the month, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Thursday.

Individuals of all ages may check-in for staycation. However, to ensure safety of all guests, only those 18 years old and above who are fully vaccinated shall be allowed to book their stay,” the DOT said.

Under the amended guidelines, only DOT-accredited staycation hotels with government-issued safety seal certification will be allowed to accommodate staycation guests.

Cinemas in Metro Manila cleared to resume operations

Speaking of the reopening of businesses, cinemas in Metro Manila have been cleared to resume their operations but with a set of limitations. Still, this is indeed a breakthrough because Metro Manila cinemas have been closed (note: use of cinemas as temporary vaccination sites do not count as operations) for a very long time and the nation’s cinema industry had an estimated 300,000 employees. Take note that months ago, the 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.

To put things in perspective regarding the newest development, posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine Daily Inquirer report. Some parts in boldface…

Cinemas and movie houses may already operate when Metro Manila eases to Alert Level 3 starting Saturday, October 16.

Under the updated guidelines on the pilot implementation of the government’s new COVID-19 alert level system, cinemas and movie houses are allowed to operate under Alert Level 3 at a maximum of 30% indoor capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and 50% outdoor venue capacity.

All cinemas and movie house workers and employees should also be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as minimum public health standards should be strictly followed.

Personally, I am glad that cinemas have been cleared to reopen within Metro Manila as the metropolis itself is the single largest region where movie theaters are located at and it should add to the economic recovery our nation badly needs. The cinema operators and their employees have suffered way too long! That being said, I urge you to observe how the Metro Manila mayors and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will react to the clearance for the reopening of cinemas. Will the Metro Manila Council (MMC) and MMDA oppose the IATF and keep the cinemas shut down again knowing that many of their constituents have been vaccinated over the past several months? We will find out soon enough.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this latest development? If you are a business owner who badly needs customers to avail of services indoors, are the approved standards for Alert Level 3 good enough? If you want to worship the Lord on Sunday during worship services indoors at your local church, were the mentioned changes good enough? What do you plan to do once your local cinema reopens?

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: 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

Extended voter registration process with COMELEC good until October 30, 2021

Are you based in the Philippines and you have yet to get yourself registered? The voter registration process officially resumed nationwide yesterday and voters have until October 30, 2021 to visit the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) registration sites to get themselves registered and become eligible to vote in the May 2022 national and local elections. Already lines of people were spotted by GMA Network News.

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

The registration of voters resumed on Monday with voter applicants forming long lines again before dawn in some areas in Metro Manila.

In Quezon City, some voters showed up as early as midnight at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Barangay Sto. Cristo, according to a report by James Agustin on Unang Balita.

Because it was still curfew, they were asked to stay at the barangay hall first. At 4 a.m., they were allowed to start falling in line on Nueva Vizcaya Street.

Voters said they are grateful that the Comelec extended the registration of voters until October 30 so they could exercise their right to vote in Eleksyon 2022.

Some of them have tried to register before for three or four times but did not make it to the cutoff.

Voters came with food and chairs, ready for the long wait. They were finally allowed to fall in line outside the Comelec office at 6 a.m. Registration will start at 8 a.m.

Barangay personnel continuously reminded voters to observe physical distancing.

Meanwhile, outside SM City North EDSA, voters slept on the floor while waiting to be allowed inside the voter registration satellite area.

Marikina City

In Marikina City, voters who were at a mall were allowed to enter the parking lot at 3 a.m. on Monday, according to a report by Bam Alegre on Unang Balita.

At 6 a.m., walk-in applicants were given queuing stubs.

Only 200 slots per district will be accommodated at the site.

Fifty slots meanwhile were allotted for the priority lane for senior citizens, pregnant women, persons with disability, and medical frontliners.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this newest development? If you have not yet registered until now, are you determined to join the line for voter registration as soon as possible? Where is the nearest COMELEC registration near you right now?

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

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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

1-year-old child dies in Parañaque City fire

A few weeks ago, it was reported that an elderly lady died while being trapped inside a burning house within Parañaque City. This past weekend, a similar tragedy happened again within the same city but in a different barangay. This time, the victim is a 1-year-old child according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A one-year-old boy died when he was trapped inside their burning house in Paranaque City Saturday afternoon.

Senior Fire Officer 1 Gennie Huidem, Paranaque Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) arson investigator, identified the fatality as Zach William Prado, of 4053 Culdesac Rotonda, Barangay Sun Valley, Paranaque City.

Huidem said Prado was on the second floor of their house when the fire broke out at about 3:45 p.m. on Saturday.

The report showed the victim was left in the custody of their grandfather, Wilfredo Prado, prior to the fire.

The arson investigator said before the fire broke out, the victim’s four-year-old brother Amber Brado left Zach William sleeping to follow their other sibling Akia Zoei who attended a birthday party.

The flames immediately spread to nearby houses.

The fire gutted 13 houses rendering 23 families homeless.

The above report ended stating that the estimate amount of damage was at P100,000.

Below is the related TV news report.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Parañaque City, what do you think should be done to prevent fire and death from happening within a local community?

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

87-year-old lady dies inside her house during fire incident in Parañaque City

Tragedy struck Parañaque City yesterday when the Valenzuela Compound in Barangay Sto. Niño, Parañaque City got hit by fire which resulted several families becoming temporarily homeless and the death of an 87-year-old lady who was trapped in a house that got burned according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

An 87-year-old grandmother died when she was trapped inside their burning house early Wednesday morning in Parañaque City.

The victim, identified as Lolita Matadling, who was bedridden, was trapped at the second floor of their burning house at Kaingin 2, Valenzuela Compound, Barangay Sto. Niño, Parañaque City.

According to the report of the Parañaque Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP), the family member of Matadling were not able to rescue her because the second floor of the house where she was staying and where the fire reportedly started, suddenly collapsed.

The BFP said about 50 families were affected by the fire and they are now temporary staying at a covered court in Barangay Sto. Nino.

The BFP is still investigating the cause of the fire.

Posted below is a related news video by GMA Network.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this latest tragedy in Parañaque City? Is the nearest residential compound in your barangay prone to fire incidents?

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: Vaccine czar Galvez says national vaccination rate to be adjusted to 80-90% in the near future

The other day, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr., announced in a radio interview that the COVID-19 vaccination target will be adjusted from the current 70% to as high as 90% according to a GMA Network news report. The purpose, unsurprisingly, is about achieving herd immunity but with adjustments related to recent developments such as the Delta variant and the Lambda variant detected in the Philippines.

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

The Philippines will raise its COVID-19 vaccination target from 70% to up to 90% to reach herd immunity by early next year, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said Wednesday.

In a radio interview, Galvez said the herd immunity target could be between 80% and 90% of the country’s 110 million population or roughly 90 million people.

“Nakikita po natin na yung herd immunity, yung concept na yun, dahil sa Delta variant, baka iangat po po natin ng 80 to 90%. Iyon po ang ang pagkakasabi po ng ating expert para maproteksyonan natin ang ating population,” he said.

(We might raise our herd immunity target to 80% to 90% due to the Delta variant. That’s what the experts told us in order to protect our population.)

Galvez said the government would try to vaccinate 77 million people before the end of the year.

“And then yung tinatawag natin na herd immunity na 90% is by end of the first quarter of 2022,” he said.

(For herd immunity, the target is to reach this by the end of the first quarter of 2022.)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to what vaccine czar Galvez said about raising the vaccination target for the Philippines? Do you believe that the government will be able to vaccinate 77 million people 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: Vaccine czar Galvez favors vaccine booster shots for health workers and patients with comorbidities

Were you fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in your local community? If you were, you better make sure you keep your records and remember under what category you were counted in as a patient and what brand of vaccine you were injected with because recently Philippine vaccine czar and secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. announced that he favors vaccine booster shots for health workers and patients with comorbidities which GMA Network reported.

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

Philippine vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. on Wednesday said he is in favor of giving COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to healthcare workers and people with comorbidities.

“I don’t have any problem with it. Our healthcare workers must be given full protection,” he said in Filipino during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay online forum, adding Chinese biopharmaceutical company Sinovac is willing to donate 500,000 booster doses for medical workers.

Galvez, however, said the government is still waiting for the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the vaccine expert panel.

The Duterte administration has requested for standby authority from Congress to buy P45.367 billion worth of booster doses next year.

And posted below is the related GMA news video…

If ever the said booster shots will be approved and made available and legal for the Philippines, the government and the local government units (LGUs) better establish the health policies and clarify it to the constituents. This is because a certain person who got fully vaccinated in Mandaluyong City crossed over to another city to get injected with a third shot (the so-called booster) which caught the attention of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos who himself was mayor of Mandaluyong. In relation to that incident, Muntinlupa’s City Council approved a local ordinance against illegal vaccine booster shots.

That being said, it is important to look closely at how the MMDA and the Metro Manila Council (MMC) behave, think, analyze and make decisions not only with the vaccine booster shots but also on the proposal to allow vaccinated patients to enter food-beverage joints as well as personal care service joints operating at 20% capacity during MECQ.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you believe vaccine czar Galvez knows what he is talking about? Do you agree with him favoring healthcare workers and comorbid patients as the first recipients of potential vaccine booster shots? If not, which type of patients should receive the vaccine booster shots first?

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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