The latest results of the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) for the year 2024 showed that the City of ParaƱaque fell down to 27th place among the 33 Highly Urbanized Cities (HUCs) in terms of Competitiveness when compared to last yearās results. Also for the 2nd straight year, ParaƱaque finished dead last at 33rd place in the category of Government Efficiency.
ParaƱaque City, which was the 24th Most Competitive HUC a year ago, scored 35.3478 points in total on the main category of Competitiveness among HUCs ranking 27th out of 33 HUCs overall.
The overall ranking of ParaƱaque City among the 33 highly urbanized cities (HUCs) nationwide for the 2024 CMCI.
Along the way, the city scored 7.9090 points on Government Efficiency for 33rd place, 6.5970 points on Innovation for 31st place, 11.1401 points on Resiliency for 30th place, 4.6574 points on Infrastructure for 23rd place and 5.0443 points on Economic Dynamism for 12th place.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of ParaƱaque City, do you think the City Government has been doing something wrong which resulted in a lower competitiveness ranking this year? Has your City Government been transparent with regards to rendering services to you?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The latest results of the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) for the year 2024 showed that the City of Muntinlupa is now the 4th Most Competitive Highly Urbanized City (HUC) of the nation as well as a very high finisher among other categories including 1st place on Innovation.
Muntinlupa City, which was the 5th Most Competitive last year, scored 53.5967 points in total on Competitiveness among HUCs ranking 4th out of 33 overall.
Along the way, the city scored 12.2489 points for 1st place on the category of Innovation, 15.2697 points on Resiliency for 2nd place, 10.1075 points on Infrastructure for 3rd place, 11.9714 points on Government Efficiency for 6th place, and 3.9992 points on Economic Dynamism for 17th place. On the category of the Most Improved Rankings for 2024 among HUCs, Muntinlupa finished 7th place.
In addition, the City of Muntinlupa won awards during the Creative Cities and Municipalities Congress held on August 23, 2024, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The awards are related to the CMCI 2024 research and results.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted to see your city being very competitive with other HUCs of the nation? Do you think Muntinlupa City has what it takes to become the most competitive city of all in next yearās CMCI?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las PiƱas, a former employee of the City Government revealed how she survived breast cancer with the help of the local green card program, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
A breast cancer survivor was emotional in narrating how she survived the disease with the help of green card program, a hospitalization support of the Las PiƱas city government that subsidizes P30,000 of the total bill of a confined patient.
Clara Cruz, a former employee at the City Hall, said she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 1919 and was operated on at the San Juan de Dios Hospital.
Cruz said she underwent chemotherapy and was very thankful to Las PiƱas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice-Mayor April Aguilar because she was able to use her green card twice with their approval.
Aguilar said the green card program is an important part of the cityās health subsidy program designed to deliver essential medical benefits to residents.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las PiƱas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you or any member of your household a green card holder? Are many members of your local community applying for a green card at City Hall?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced its approval of the use of plastic waste to extend the lifetime of asphalt pavements, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has allowed the use of plastic waste to extend the lifespan of asphalt pavements and mitigate plastic pollution, which contributes to flooding in urban areas.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan has issued a directive mandating all DPWH regional offices, district engineering offices, and Unified Project Management Office clusters to incorporate shredded plastic in road construction projects.
The directive, outlined in Department Order 139, series of 2024, sets a new standard for the use of recycled materials, specifically low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic bags, in bituminous concrete surface courses.
Bonoan said the latest policy not only promotes recycling efforts but also improves asphaltās resistance to deformation.
āThis development is in line with the continuing efforts of the Department to support sustainable engineering and upgrade construction technology through the adoption of successful research studies,ā he said.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this move by the DPWH will lead to breakthroughs in the years to come with regards to asphalt pavements and the mitigation of plastic pollution?
In response to the smog from Taal Volcano that reached the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government issued a warning about the unhealthy air quality, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
The Muntinlupa City government warned the public of unhealthy air quality on Aug. 18 as volcanic smog, or vog, from Taal Volcano had reached the city.
Residents woke up to hazy weather. Mayor Ruffy Biazon held a live broadcast on Facebook to warn residents to be careful when going out and advised them to wear masks for protection.
āWhile we were sleeping, the volcanic smog from Taal Volcano reached us,ā he said, adding that he observed āhazy air.ā
Biazon said children who are already in schools should stay in classrooms as the city government will continue to monitor air quality. If needed, the mayor said he will suspend afternoon classes. He also said itās up to parents to decide.
āTandaan ninyo, kung kayo ay hindi komportable na palabasin ang anak ninyo, huwag ninyo na palabasin (Remember, if you are not comfortable letting your child go out, donāt let them go out),ā said Biazon.
The Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management said the current air quality in Muntinlupa is āunhealthy.ā
It explained that volcanic smog consists of sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas and other volcanic gasses that mixes with atmospheric oxygen, moisture, dust and sunlight.
“As a reminder, vog consists of fine droplets containing volcanic gas such as SO2 which is acidic and can cause irritation of the eyes, throat and respiratory tract with severities depending on the gas concentrations and durations of exposure. People who may be particularly sensitive to vog are those with health conditions such as asthma, lung disease and heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women and children,” according to a past advisory from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
According to the IQAir website, Muntinlupa has an air quality index (AQI) of 154 or unhealthy level. The PM2.5 concentration in Muntinlupa is 60 Āµg/m3, based on IQAir data.
āPM2.5 concentration in Muntinlupa is currently 12 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value. PM2.5 is measured by micrograms per cubic meter (Ī¼g/m3). According to the U.S. EPA NAAQS, any measurement greater than 9.0 Ī¼g/m3 (US AQI 50) can be dangerous to human health,ā according to the website.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, did you notice the changes of the quality of the air in your local community?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Wednesday filed tax evasion charges against dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo and two others before the Department of Justice.
Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. filed the charges against Guo, and Jack L. Uy and Rachelle Carreon of Baofu Land Development, Inc., which arose from Guo’s admission that she transferred her shares in Baofu to Uy.
“Upon investigation, the BIR discovered that no capital gains tax (CGT) and documentary stamp tax (DST) returns were filed and paid in relation to this transfer,” the BIR said in its statement.
The three were charged with āattempt to evade or defeat tax, failure to file CGT and DST returns, and failure to file/ supply certain information.ā
Lumagui noted that while the parties to the transfer are Guo and Uy, Carreon, as the corporate secretary of Baofu, would also be charged with the same criminal case for tax evasion due to her ādeliberate failure to reportā the non-payment and non-filing of CGT and DST returns to the BIR.
āShe even verified under oath the General Information Sheet reflecting the transfer even if no taxes were paid and no returns were filed,” he said.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this development will compel Alice Guo to escape abroad from the authorities?
Recently in the City of Las PiƱas, the City Government received two awards from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for compliance with Republic Act Number 9003 as well as its engagement in the proper implementation of solid waste management practices, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
The local government of Las PiƱas received two awards from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for its compliance with the Ecological Solid Waste Act of 2000 and active engagement in the proper implementation of solid waste management practices.
Las PiƱas Vice Mayor April Aguilar said the city was awarded after being included as one of the top five local government units (LGUs) who displayed outstanding performance in complying with the Republic Act 9003 or the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.”
The agency recognized the city government for its efforts during the 2023 LGU-Compliance Assessment and its contributions to the Manila Bay clean-up rehabilitation and preservation program.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las PiƱas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted with the newest awards the City Government received from the DENR?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal from service of suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo for grave misconduct.
In an order dated Aug. 12, the Ombudsman also ordered the forfeiture of Guoās retirement benefits and perpetually banned her from holding public office.
Guoās involvement in operations of raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in her area bared a āwillful intent on her part to violate the law or disregard established rules,ā the anti-graft office said.
āThe series of acts are interconnected, leaving no other conclusion than that they were committed by Guo with ulterior motive or self-interest.ā
Meanwhile, government lawyers said they may opt to pursue the quo warranto case they had already filed against Guo.
“The quo warranto petition will proceed for two reasons: Mayor Alice Guo may still appeal the OMB (Ombudsman) dismissal order. The quo warranto petition, if successful, will make Guo Hua Ping (a.k.a. Alice Guo) ineligible to run for any elective public position in the future,” Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said in a message to reporters.
Meanwhile, the Ombudsman also found 12 other Bamban officials guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service and were ordered suspended for three months.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this development will somehow compel Alice Guo to finally come out of hiding and face the government to clear her name?
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government approved an ordinance establishing a moratorium on the collection of the amusement tax on Filipino films (note: movies produced by Philippine companies/organizations) within the city for the next three years, as reported by the Manila Bulletin. The ordinance was signed into law by Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
In short, local companies here in the Philippines whose films are shown in theaters within the jurisdiction of Muntinlupa City could earn more as the amusement tax wonāt be imposed for most of the year for the next three years while the cinema operators themselves can benefit along the way.
I say most of the year because the moratorium does not cover the time period of December 25 to January 7 which is precisely the time when the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) happens.
To put things in perspective, read the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report posted below. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon and the City Council approved an ordinance granting a three-year moratorium on the collection of amusement tax from Filipino films in the next three years.
The Muntinlupa City Council passed and Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2024-229 āDeclaring Moratorium on the Collection of Amusement Tax for Filipino Films in the City of Muntinlupa from January 08 to December 24 of every year for the next three (3) years.“
Under the existing Local Government Code, āThe province may levy an amusement tax to be collected from the proprietors, lessees, or operators of theaters, cinemas, concert halls, circuses, boxing stadia, and other places of amusement at a rate of not more than ten percent (10%) of the gross receipts from the admissions fees.ā
In February, the Metro Manila Council adopted the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Resolution No. 24-11 āDeclaring a Moratorium on the Collection of Amusement Tax for Filipino Films in Metro Manila from January 08 to December 24 of Every Year for the Next Three Years.ā
In the Muntinlupa ordinance, it was stated that the MMDA resolution āwas adopted to recognize the importance of the local film industry in promoting cultural and economic development and in response to the appeal of the local filmmakers to boost the film industry after the impact of the COVID-i9 Pandemic on the production and exhibition of Filipino Films, and the dominance of foreign films.ā
Under the ordinance, all cinemas in Muntinlupa can avail of the moratorium on the collection of amusement taxes for Filipino films from Jan. 8 to Dec. 24 of every year for the next three years.
When it comes to the state of cinemas within Muntinlupa City, Commercenter has four screens and I noticed over the past two months that only 2 or 3 were operating during my visits there. Over at Festival Mall, their 4-screen modern cinemas are fully operating but their original cinemas (located several feet away by foot on the same floor) are still dark and depressing as only 2 or 3 screens (out of ten screens) were operating almost all the time.
As for the cinemas in Alabang Town Center, they seem to be operating normally and continue to attract a steady amount of moviegoers.
Going back to the approved moratorium, it remains to be seen if it could lead to a potential reduction of ticket prices in relation to Filipino movies within Muntinlupa. Even if ticket prices get reduced, would it be enough to convince people to come to the Muntinlupa cinemas and buy tickets for the cinematic experience. There is also the factor of the quality of Filipino movies showing in Muntinlupa movie theaters plus the factor of foreign movies.
As a resident of Alabang who saw lots of movies in the local cinemas, I noticed that Muntinlupa City is lacking when it comes to hosting film festivals (note: the annual MMFF does NOT count). Special events about movies focusing on variety, quality and artistry being held in Muntinlupa can help cinema operators attract moviegoers as well as the enthusiastic film buffs.
Perhaps the City Government or barangays could someday organize a special event of short films made by Muntinlupa-based filmmakers and have such films screened in local cinemas. Organizing another film festival showcasing films by independent filmmakers from around the country and having them screened in theaters within the city could help too.
Still on the topic of Filipino movies, when will the time come when the major local movie producers will have premieres of their new movies held in cinemas here in Muntinlupa and give locals the chance to see their favorite movie stars in person?
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about the 3-year moratorium approved by the City Government of Muntinlupa? Do you think that cinemas in Muntinlupa are losing money? Do you think the newly approved moratorium could be disadvantageous to the City Government in terms of revenue?
Recently in the City of Las PiƱas, the celebration of the 50th Nutrition Month was held at SM Center which Vice Mayor April Aguilar attended, the City Government announced via social media. The event emphasized the City Governmentās attention towards the wellbeing of its constituents.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Governmentās social media post. Some parts in boldfaceā¦
The City of Las PiƱas marked its 50th Nutrition Month celebration with a culminating activity at the SM Center in Pamplona Dos on Tuesday, July 30. The event featured a Grand Zumba Dancercise and an awarding ceremony, drawing participation from various community members and officials.
Vice Mayor April Aguilar, a key supporter of the city’s nutrition initiatives, attended the event, expressing her commitment to promoting health and wellness among residents. The event was also graced by City Nutrition Office Officer-in-Charge Dr. Julio Javier II and City Health Office Officer-in-Charge Dr. Juliana Gonzalez.
The celebration included a video presentation of the 2024 Nutrition Month activities, followed by a Zumba session that saw participation from attendees of all ages. Awards and recognitions were presented to participants who actively engaged in the monthās various nutrition activities.
The activity underscored the city’s dedication to (promoting) a healthy community, aligning with the theme “Sa PPAN Sama-Sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat,” which encourages adequate nutrition for all.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las PiƱas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you consider the celebration of Nutrition Month important in your city? How many members of your local community participated in the 50th Nutrition Month activities at SM Center?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Author Carlo Carrasco 