Tag: governance

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City mayor Fresnedi gets vaccinated with AstraZeneca

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City mayor Fresnedi gets vaccinated with AstraZeneca

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Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi received his first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine after President Rodrigo Duterte allowed the inoculation of mayors in “high risk” cities and towns.

Fresnedi, who is also a senior citizen at 70-years-old, has been vaccinated with the first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine together with other healthcare workers and persons with comorbidities from priority groups yesterday at Muntinlupa National High School – Tunasan Annex, Brgy. Tunasan.

Muntinlupa mayor Jaime Fresnedi receives his first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

As of April 7, Muntinlupa City Health Office recorded a total of 5,333 individuals from A1 priority group (healthcare workers) who were inoculated, of which 2,383 received SinoVac and 2,950 inoculated with AstraZeneca. While 1,043 individuals received the vaccine from A3 priority group (persons with comorbidities), of which 977 were given SinoVac and 66 received AstraZeneca.

The local exec urges qualified residents who are members of the priority groups to avail the vaccination services of the government for them to have an added protection against the adverse effects of COVID-19.

He also encouraged the public to pre-register in the city’s COVID-19 vaccination registration through www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac and to still strictly observe health protocols such as frequent hand-washing, wearing of face masks and face shields, and physical distancing.

Recently, the City Government of Muntinlupa has reduced the composition of its skeletal workforce including its operating hours following a surge of COVID-19 positive cases among staff.

Through Executive Order 13 s. 2021, the manpower reporting in the City Hall premises was reduced and operating hours were limited from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The City Health Office recorded a high attack rate of up to 211 cases per 1.000 population among employees from March 27 to April 2.

The reduction in the work force covers offices in the Main Building, Annex Building, and People’s Center starting April 5, 2021 to give way to intensive disinfection, testing, and quarantine measures.

On April 5, the City Health Office has conducted a mass antigen testing of staff who reported physically for work. The CHO is closely monitoring all positive and probable COVID-19 cases among the workforce and implements strict isolation protocols, including contact tracing.

Further, Muntinlupa City started distributing the emergency subsidy from the national government to families affected by the enhanced community quarantine in NCR Plus. An initial pay-out for 1,322 beneficiaries was conducted at Tiosejo Covered Court, Brgy. Tunasan and Sucat Elementary School, Brgy. Sucat last April 8.

The priority beneficiaries for the financial assistance include SAP beneficiaries, SAP wait-listed, those belonging to vulnerable groups, and low-income individuals, among others. The City Government has distributed the assistance in cash amounting to 1,000 pesos per individual with a maximum amount of 4,000 pesos per family.

As of April 8, Muntinlupa City has 8,483 confirmed cases with 6,724 recoveries, 1,434 active cases, 225 reported deaths, 232 suspect cases, and 632 probable cases.

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

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Las Piñas City Government tells travelers/motorists to avail of S-PaSS (Safe, Swift and Smart Passage) service online

Las Piñas City Government tells travelers/motorists to avail of S-PaSS (Safe, Swift and Smart Passage) service online

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Yesterday the City Government of Las Piñas formally announced that travelers can avail of the service of S-PaSS (Safe, Swift & Smart Passage), an online traveling management system that can be used to travel to provinces or cities with applicable travel restrictions.

In case you need it for your destination local government unit (LGU), here are the following steps or guidelines for creating an S-PaSS Account and getting your travel documents online.

Information published by the City of Las Piñas Facebook page.

With the S-PaSS, it will facilitate for users a safe, swift and smart coordination of travels to the destination LGUs. The traveler may check if the destination LGU has a restrict or unrestricted travel policy. If the LGU is restricted, the S-PaSS must be applied for a Travel Coordination Permit (TCP). The travelers are free to go to any unrestricted destination LGU, however it is recommended to generate a Travel Pass-Through Permit (TPP) if they will be passing through LGUs with restricted statuses.

Information published by the Facebook page of S-Pass.

Once again, everyone is reminded to continue to be careful, be disciplined and adhere to health and safety protocols.

About S-Pass

S-PaSS is a travel management system developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) VI primarily intended to make travelling of Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs), Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) Emergency Travelers (ETs), and other travelers during this pandemic Safe, Swift, and Smart.

The system was designed to help users facilitate their travels when going to provinces or cities that have travel restrictions

To learn more about S-PaSS, https://www.facebook.com/spassph or visit their official website at https://s-pass.ph/

For updates about the city, visit https://www.facebook.com/cityoflaspinasofficial

For South Metro Manila discussions, visit and join the community in Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

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The above information was sourced from the City Government of Las Piñas and from S-PaSS.ph

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 200 curfew violators apprehended in Muntinlupa on first day, minors warned of withdrawal of scholarship grant

COVID-19 Crisis: Over 200 curfew violators apprehended in Muntinlupa on first day, minors warned of withdrawal of scholarship grant

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Members of Muntinlupa City PNP and barangay police have apprehended at 203 curfew violators – including 36 were minors – on the first day (March 15, 2021) of the implementation of stricter curfew hours in the city.

Muntinlupa Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said the violators were taken to barangay covered courts where they attended seminars about the unified curfew hours, health protocols, and the local COVID-19 situation.

According to PNP Muntinlupa, 22 individuals were given citation tickets for deliberate non-compliance with minimum health measures such as wearing of face mask and face shield while 36 minors were given warning.

Navarro added that minors who will violate the curfew hours shall lose their scholarship grant from the local government in their second offense while other penalties shall be charged against their parents or guardians.

Photo released by the Muntinlupa PIO related to the Metro Manila curfew.

The City Government joined other Metro Manila cities in implementing unified curfew hours from 10:00 PM – 5:00 AM adopting the Metro Manila Council MMDA Resolution No. 21-03, Series of 2021 starting March 15. Further, Muntinlupa has also enforced a total liquor ban as part of the city’s tighter COVID-19 response efforts in a bid to prevent further transmission of COVID-19.

Business establishments who will violate the liquor ban shall receive suspension of business permit and closure for one (1) week for first offense and revocation of its business permit or license for second and succeeding offenses. For individuals, violators shall be meted with P2,500 penalty for first offense and P5,000 for second and succeeding offenses. The liquor ban and curfew hours in Muntinlupa will remain in effect until April 4.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi appealed to Muntinlupa residents to strictly follow minimum health measures and not to let their guard down amid rising cases in the city.

“COVID-19 is still here and we should continue observing health protocols such as wearing our face mask and face shield, physical distancing, and washing of hands,” the local exec said.

Two areas of concern in Muntinlupa City were placed under a two-week Extreme Localized Community Quarantine (ELCQ) from March 13 to March 28 after recording high attack rates and active cases in the recent weeks.

The City Health Office has conducted a mass testing in Cruzero St., Villa Carolina 1 in Barangay Tunasan and 124 Purok 1 in Barangay Cupang and will intensify its detection, isolation, and treatment strategies. Contact tracing of close contacts will also be facilitated.

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

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Almost 2,000 healthcare workers in Las Piñas vaccinated

COVID-19 Crisis: Almost 2,000 healthcare workers in Las Piñas vaccinated

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According to a news report published by the Manila Bulletin recently, the City Government of Las Piñas announced that almost two thousand medical and health frontliners got vaccinated since their local vaccination program launched on March 9, 2021.

Below is an excerpt for the more specific details as reported by Manila Bulletin…

The Las Piñas City government reported that 1,982 medical and health frontliners from different hospitals, public and private, in the city had already vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The city government started its vaccination rollout on March 9 with the theme “Ligtas na Las Pinero, Lahat Bakunado” at the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, one of the city’s identified vaccination sites.

Medical and healthcare workers of the University of Perpetual Help Medical Center were inoculated with China-made Sinovac vaccines at the start of the vaccination rollout.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said that frontline employees of the UPMC on March 15 were inoculated with AstraZeneca vaccines.

The mayor also confirmed that with regards to the Sinovac vaccines, the City Government received over 1,200 doses of it from the National Government and were immediately used to inoculate frontliners. As reported before, the City Government’s goal is to vaccinate all city residents who in turn can get themselves registered.

Before the vaccination officially started, a simulation was held at the vaccination site at Las Piñas Elementary School Central, P. Diego Cera, Barangay Elias Aldana. On March 9, at the vaccination site at the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD) Gymnasium, in Barangay Pamplona Tres, Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery and other local officials attended and observed the launch of the vaccination rollout.

Image from the March 9, 2021 vaccine rollout.

How can local residents get registered for the vaccine?

In accordance to what was established, each family will be given profiling forms to be filled up. The steps for manual registration are as follows:

1. Make sure that all the requested details in the form are answered.

2. Submit the understood forms to your barangay / Homeowner’s Association (HOA).

3. Include one (1) 2 x2 size ID photo and photocopy of any government issued ID with address.

As for online registration, the steps are as follows:

1. Scan the QR Code or go to bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination in your web browser.

2. Log in using your GOOGLE ACCOUNT

3. Answer the questions and make sure your details are correct.

4. Attach a scanned copy / photo of your valid ID or proof of residence.

For updates about the city, visit https://www.facebook.com/cityoflaspinasofficial

For South Metro Manila discussions, visit and join the community in Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

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The above information was sourced from the City Government of Las Piñas and Manila Bulletin.

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: Contact tracing efforts in Muntinlupa City through StaySafe.PH app tightened in response to rising COVID-19 cases

COVID-19 Crisis: Contact tracing efforts in Muntinlupa City through StaySafe.PH app tightened in response to rising COVID-19 cases

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With tighter contact tracing efforts and integration of local COVID-19 data in the StaySafe.PH system, confirmed cases and their close contacts in Muntinlupa cannot falsify their health condition and will be barred entry from local establishments.

The City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of Muntinlupa and Management Information System Office have started tagging COVID-19 cases in the StaySafe.PH app allowing establishments to identify confirmed, probable, and suspect cases based from real-time data from the City Health Office.

Since March 9, 2021, the profiles of all individuals under the surveillance of Muntinlupa CHO were identified in the contact tracing system and were adjusted accordingly. Individuals with purple screen corresponds to “Government Declared as CONFIRMED,” orange screen as “Government Declared as PROBABLE,” and red screen as “Government Declared as SUSPECTED.”

Establishments are advised to prohibit entry, isolate immediately, and report to the City Health Office or Barangay Health Emergency Response Team those individuals with non-eligible screens upon scanning of the StaySafe.Ph QR Code. Upon recovery, the profile of individuals with confirmed or probable status will revert to “good condition” with a green screen and will be allowed entry to establishments anew.

The color-based indicators from StaySafe.ph app. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Recently, the City Government of Muntinlupa, in partnership with the Department of Health, launched the Staysafe.PH app as the official digital contact tracing system in the city and has implemented a “No QR Code, No Entry Policy” in all commercial establishments, workplaces, churches, and government offices in the city.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urged all residents and owners of establishments in the city to use the StaySafe.PH app amid rising COVID-19 cases. He said the adoption of StaySafe.PH in Muntinlupa is in compliance with the national government’s recommendation for a uniformed contact tracing system to prevent further COVID-19 transmission, especially with the detection of the contagious variants in the country.

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

Members of the Muntinlupa City StaySafe.Ph Task Force has conducted regular inspections to ensure compliance of local public and private establishments. As of March 11, 2021, the local Task Force has issued 235 notice of violations to non-compliant establishments.

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

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

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Vaccination efforts in Las Piñas City ongoing, locals encouraged to get registered

COVID-19 Crisis: Vaccination efforts in Las Piñas City ongoing, locals encouraged to get registered

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Finally, the local campaign against COVID-19 is on the roll in the City of Las Piñas! The other day (March 9, 2021), the Las Piñas City Government formally started its COVID-19 vaccination program with the theme “Safe Las Piñero, All Vaccinated” for the three hundred medical front-liners of the University of Perpetual Help Medical Center at the vaccination site in University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD) Gymnasium, in Barangay Pamplona Tres.

Varied local officials led by Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery (in blue shirt) at the vaccination site. (source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)

The program was spearheaded by Vice-Mayor April Aguilar-Nery and Dr. Ma. Paz Corrales, Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Health-National Capital Region (DOH-NCR). Also present at the activity were City Administrator Reynaldo Balagulan, members of the City Council, doctors of the City Health Office (CHO) Dr. Ferdinand Eusebio, Dr. Julie Gonzales, Dr. ELeenor Gumpal, Dr. Julio Javier, and department heads.

The Sinovac vaccine was first injected into medical front-liners Dr. Jose Edzel Tamayo (Medical Affairs Executive Officer of UPHMC); Elvie Carandang (Finance and Accounting Manager) and Neil Jaymalin (Chief of Staff), all of whom served as the city’s “COVID-19 influencers” to encourage Las Piñas residents to immediately register and get vaccinated for their protection against the China virus.

Vice Mayor Aguilar-Nery personally observes the vaccination. (source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)
People waiting their turns at the vaccination site on March 9, 2021. (source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)

Under the leadership of Mayor Imelda “Mel” T. Aguilar, the City Government aims to vaccinate all city residents after securing 500,000 doses of vaccine after allocating P250-million for the purchase of additional vaccine against COVID-19 for residents.

As far as the City Government is concerned, the security of the health, safety and welfare of the constituents remain priorities. Previously the City Government and its strategic partners conducted a simulation on how the vaccination will take place.

Everyone is reminded to continue to be careful, be disciplined and adhere to the health and safety rules.

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The above information was sourced from the City Government of Las Piñas.

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: Vaccination site at Barangay Manuyo Dos inspected ahead of planned Las Piñas City vaccination drive

COVID-19 Crisis: Vaccination site at Barangay Manuyo Dos inspected ahead of planned Las Piñas City vaccination drive

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Yesterday Las Piñas City Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery together with officials of the City Engineering Office conducted an ocular inspection at one of the official vaccination sites located at the Gatchalian covered court in Barangay Manuyo Dos. . Rose Bantog, head of City Engineering Office, at one of the city’s vaccination sites, at Gatchalian Covered Court in Barangay Manuyo Dos today, March 3, 2021.

Las Piñas City Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery and other officials during the inspection at the vaccination site in Barangay Manuyo Dos yesterday. (source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)
The vaccination site at the Gatchalian covered court in Barangay Manuyo Dos. (source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)

Rose Bantog, who leads the City Engineering office, was with the Vice Mayor. At the site were sections for registration, counseling, screening and vaccination, complete with chairs that were placed strategically for social distancing. The inspection was done to ensure that the established standards based on the vaccination plan of the City Government are properly followed before starting the upcoming vaccination drive for the people of Las Piñas.

The City Government of Las Piñas insists it is prioritizing the health, safety and welfare of its constituents, especially during this time of pandemic. The public has been reminded to continue to be careful, to maintain discipline and keep on following the local health and safety protocols.

Previously the City Government and its strategic partners conducted a simulation on how the vaccination will happen. Registration for the COVID-19 vaccine is being conducted.

For updates about the city, visit https://www.facebook.com/cityoflaspinasofficial

For the history of the city, visit https://www.laspinascity.gov.ph/about-us/6/about-las-pinas

For South Metro Manila discussions, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

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This article used details sourced from the social media post of the City Government of Las Piñas.

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

Step-by-step MGCQ for the Philippines?

Step-by-step MGCQ for the Philippines?

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By now, it has been made clear that the Philippines won’t shift to modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) because President Rodrigo Duterte wants vaccination for COVID-19 to happen first. To put it short, health and personal safety are being prioritized although this means more waiting on the part of many people who are still unemployed and struggling without the needed income.

Yesterday, a new report published by Philippine News Agency (PNA) states that Duterte is taking a “step-by-step” approaching to the planned shift to MGCQ for the nation according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles.

Here is an excerpt from the report…

“For him (Duterte), it’s a step-by-step approach. Itong step muna before we go to the next step (We have to take this step first before we go to the next step), Nograles said in an online press briefing.

Nograles said it was “difficult” for Duterte to turn down the proposed shift to MGCQ.

However, Duterte wants to make sure that people’s health and safety would not be compromised, Nograles said.

“Again, the President and the government recognize the urgency of reopening the economy so we can resume the pre-pandemic upward trajectory and sustained growth of the economy. This, however, should be done side-by-side with measures that will ensure that we do not compromise efforts to contain Covid-19,” he said.

As seen above, the national leadership is aware of the need for economic recovery so that people suffering can be assisted by means economic opportunities. They are balancing economics with health as they are trying to find solutions and decide when to execute solutions. Shifting the whole nation to MGCQ can be done but with caution so that the risk of new infections won’t be too great.

Here is another excerpt…

The government was supposed to start its free vaccination program this month. However, there was a delay in the delivery of Covid-19 vaccines due to indemnification requirements.

Nograles said the IATF-EID would stick to the “month-to-month” assessment even if the government starts its mass immunization drive.

“If we go by the procedure, every end of the month, that is when we discuss ano ‘yung magiging recommendations namin kay Pangulo (what our recommendations to the President would be) for that succeeding month. So siguro (perhaps), in terms of timeline, perhaps that might be the same procedure that we follow,” he said.

The delayed arrival of the COVID-19 vaccines is indeed painful. Of course, people need to realize that while they can be helpful, the vaccines may not be the greatest solution to take during this pandemic. Even if a person gets vaccinated, caution must still be practiced when moving around in public.

More on the issue of shifting the entire nation to MGCQ status, I hope that the Metro Manila mayors as well as their advisers and experts would start researching how local governments and community leaders in other cities and provinces are doing under the declared MGCQ statuses in their respective areas. With Duterte’s refusal to move the nation into MGCQ, Metro Manila leaders have time to do such research.

Going back to Duterte and his cabinet, a new executive order (EO) is being prepared to institutionalize the 2021-2022 National Employment Recovery Strategy (NERS) with the goal of bringing back jobs in the labor market. Here’s an excerpt from the Philippine News Agency report…

In a virtual presser, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the NERS was discussed and approved during the 52nd Cabinet meeting presided over by President Rodrigo Duterte at the Malacañan Palace on Monday night.

“Another initiative that was discussed yesterday (Monday) was the 2021-2022 National Employment Recovery Strategy or NERS…An executive order (EO) is now being readied to institutionalize the NERS task force in order to oversee all of these efforts,” he said.

Nograles said the NERS is meant to help create a policy environment that encourages the generation of more employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

It is also expected to improve the employability and productivity of workers as it provides support to existing and emerging businesses.

“The strategic framework of the NERS is based on the following pillars — stimulating the economy and employment; supporting enterprises, jobs, and income; protecting workers in the workplace, and trusting social dialogue to encourage innovative solutions,” he said.

Watch out for more national developments here.

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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

COVID-19 Crisis: Vaccine Registration in Las Piñas City Ongoing

COVID-19 Crisis: Vaccine Registration in Las Piñas City Ongoing

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In a recent notice to its constituents, the City Government of Las Piñas announced that it is collecting data for those who will be granted a free COVID-19 vaccine covering all barangays in the city.

Specifically, each family will be given profiling forms to be filled out. The steps to be followed for manual registration are as follows (UPDATED January 2022):

1. Make sure that all the requested details in the form are answered.

2. Submit the understood forms to your barangay / Homeowner’s Association (HOA).

3. Include one (1) 2 x2 size ID photo and photocopy of any government issued ID with address.

4. Wait for a text message from Ezconsult. Your PATIENT ID NUMBER and other relevant information will be revealed.

5. Bring a government-issued ID with you on the day of your vaccination.

Registration can also be done online with the following steps:

1. Scan the QR Code or go to bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination in your web browser.

2. Answer the questions and make sure your details are correct.

3. Your information will be verified. Wait for a text message.

4. Wait for a text message from Ezconsult. Your PATIENT ID NUMBER and other relevant information will be revealed.

5. Bring a government-issued ID with you on the day of your vaccination.

Offered recently is what the City Government referred to as on-site assisted registration. The City Government described on-site assisted registration as follows (translated from Tagalog): There are designated officers-of-the-day at every vaccination site in the city where they are ready to assist residents who wish to register. Residents who register on-site will also be given a profiling form where they will need to disclose their details.

The latest update from the city shows the three ways to get registered for free COVID-19 vaccines.

A fourth method of registration was introduced by the City Government. For this, let’s refer to it as the eZConsult method. Below are the visual references. Read the details carefully.

And now we can focus on COVID-19 vaccine registration for minors (aged 12 to 17). If you are a parent and your family resides in the city, you can do the registration by clicking http://laspinascityonline.laspinascity.gov.ph/eCVRS/

Previously the City Government and its strategic partners conducted a simulation on how the vaccination will happen. The said simulation was attended by Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery.

For updates about the city, visit https://www.facebook.com/cityoflaspinasofficial

For South Metro Manila discussions, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

For your references, posted below are important information. Please read and pay close attention to the details. These are official references from the local health office.

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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

A chance for recovery for more Philippine cinemas (and their employees)

A chance for recovery for more Philippine cinemas (and their employees)

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Wow. That was quite a ride of information updates that happened the last few days. Last Friday, 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 so that they can recover from this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Such businesses specified were driving schools, video arcades, theme parks, natural sites, historical landmarks, parks and, most notably of all, cinemas (or movie theaters).

However, the Metro Manila mayors reacted and expressed their opposition against the national government’s decision on allowing cinemas to reopen. Through the media, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos stated that a “majority of Metro Manila mayors agreed not to open as far as cinema is concerned.”

Below is an excerpt from the Manila Times article on Abalos…

He 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.

To put things in perspective, Metro Manila is composed of many major Philippine cities such as Makati, Quezon City, Manila and Muntinlupa to name a few. Until now, Metro Manila remains under GCQ (General Community Quarantine) status while certain other cities or provinces have been enduring the MGCQ (Modified General Community Quarantine) status. As of this writing, the only cinemas operating here in the Philippines are those located in MGCQ areas.

Here in Metro Manila, movie theaters have been closed since March 2020. Take note of that.

As a result of the Metro Manila mayors’ opposition, it has been announced that the reopening of cinemas has been moved to March 1, 2021, but that is not guaranteed. According to the news release published yesterday at Philippine News Agency, the reopening of cinemas in GCQ areas has been moved to the first of March to allow consultations with local officials, and this is the result of talks with MMDA’s Abalos, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia and Trade Secretary Lopez.

Malacañang stated in the release: The IATF respects the position of mayors, especially those in Metro Manila. That’s why the resolution stated that the reopening of cinemas will be effective after drafting guidelines with local governments particularly when it comes to seating capacity in cinemas.

As you can see, there is still some work needed to be done before Metro Manila movie theaters (or any theaters in GCQ areas in general) can be allowed to reopen. This is why, in my view, the March 1 target for reopening could be missed.

More on the cinemas, I wonder if the Metro Manila mayors and their advisers did enough research about the economics. I understand they want to avoid the risk of people getting infected with COVID-19 within their respective cities, but there is still the need for economic recovery even if cinemas are to operate at less than 100% capacity and efficiency

From an economic point of view, thanks to information released by Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, the so-called traditional cinema industry of the nation employed 300,000 workers and had generated revenues of P13 billion BEFORE the pandemic started last year. Because of the pandemic, 2020 theater revenues shrunk down to only P1.3 billion.

Whatever happened to them as a result of the pandemic, 300,000 cinema employees is a figure that should not be ignored nor dismissed so quickly by the mayors and their advisers. Economic recovery is a must.

In an ABS-CBN news report, the cinema operators and movie producers have decided to adopt a so-called wait-and-see approach on the reopening of cinemas in GCQ areas.

Here’s an excerpt from the report:

Although they welcome the easing of quarantine restrictions, local producers and theater operators believe that ultimately, the reopening of cinemas will still be dependent on the clearance of local government units.

Roselle Monteverde and Vincent del Rosario, who helm Regal and Viva Entertainment, respectively, told ABS-CBN News that they have the capability to provide cinemas with movie material, some of which have long been canned. Nonetheless, along with other members of the local producers association, the movie magnates are still awaiting the IATF guidelines and, more important, the guidance of mayors.

And here’s another excerpt, this time about two major cinema chain operators.

Megaworld Cinemas and SM Cinemas, which both control a vast chain of theater chains, told ABS-CBN News that they will wait for the final guidelines of the IATF and local government units.

Bomboy Lim of Robinson Cinemas also told ABS-CBN News that the bottomline is securing the approval of local government units. “Priority din namin ang ligtas na panonood ng tao. Kailangan nating sundin ang lahat ng guidelines including the IATF. Right now, they are still making it.”

Robinson Cinemas, which has an estimated 200 theaters nationwide in its malls nationwide, have not reopened since March 2020.

Over at the City of Manila, the local authorities there announced it will offer free swab tests to movie theater workers within their jurisdiction. Mayor Isko Moreno said that the swab tests are required before the city government allows malls to open their movie houses. Cinema workers specified are janitors, security guards, tellers, ushers, porters, ticket sellers and snack bar attendants to name some. Managers of malls in the city were asked by the mayor to present to the city government their respective preparations for the reopening of their cinemas with public safety in mind.

As I personally observed in shopping malls with cinemas here in South Metro Manila, each of them has established rules and set up special equipment to monitor the health statuses of people entering their respective places. I can imagine local cinemas inside these malls having similar equipment, disinfectant machines, and temperature scanners. It would be helpful if the malls or cinema operators can afford to set up sanitation tunnels (like those in Israel) for moviegoers to pass thru when entering and exiting the movie theater. Watch the video below…

Even though things look unclear, the fact remains is that operators of movie theaters and their employees now have a chance to resume their business and do their part in the recovery economically and socially. How the IATF and the Metro Manila mayors will decide the fate of the cinemas remains to be seen.

If there are any major updates, you will be notified right here at www.CarloCarrasco.com

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