COVID-19 Crisis: COVID-19 vaccination program simulated in Las Piñas City

Recently the City Government of Las Piñas headed by Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nerry and in cooperation with the Department of Health (DOH) conducted a simulation or dry run of their vaccination program for COVID-19 at the vaccination site located at Las Piñas Elementary School Central, P. Diego Cera, Barangay Elias Aldana.

Present during the simulation were DOH Assistant Regional Director Ma. Paz Corrales and physicians of the City Health Office Dr. Ferdinand Eusebio, Dr. Julie Gonzales and Dr. Ellaine Gumpal.

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar (front row, middle), Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery (front row, left) and other officials at the vaccination site on February 8, 2021. (source – Las Piñas City Facebook page)

The simulation is part of the City Government’s preparation and cooperation with the government’s mass vaccination program for the expected arrival of vaccines in the country this February.

During the simulation, the City Government and the CHO prepared an orderly, comprehensive and concrete vaccination plan to ensure the safety of vaccinators and prevent the possible spread of diseases in the city.

The Mayor and Vice Mayor observe during the simulation. (source – Las Piñas City Facebook page)

In ensuring order, a screening site has been set up in each barangay to initially list the potential recipients of the vaccine.  There are five registration sites in District 1 and District 2 for validation and profiling of the initial list.  Based on the final masterlist, QR codes will be issued to those who qualified. Each of the 20 barangays has one vaccination site where Las Piñas City residents will be vaccinated at. This past January, the City Government conducted a community level census for the COVID-19 vaccine.

The order of each area (waiting area, registration area, counseling area, medical screening, vaccination area, encoding area and post vaccination and monitoring area) will be followed at a designated vaccination site with the rules and procedures that must be followed by the locals for their safety before and after they are vaccinated.

Already personnel of City Hall underwent simulations of vaccinations in the area to demonstrate the Local Government’s preparation in tandem with the local Health Office.

When it comes to cold storage for vaccines, a storage facility has been prepared and there are ten additional freezers set for standby to temporarily store vaccines to keep them safe for the program.

The City Government aims to vaccinate three thousand residents per day. Previously, the City Government allocated P200 million for the purchase of additional COVID-19 vaccines. About 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines were secured after Mayor Aguilar signed the tripartite contract with British drug maker AstraZeneca in collaboration with the government.

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The above information was provided by the Las Piñas City Government 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

DOH lauds Muntinlupa City’s COVID-19 vaccination program, best practices during CODE Team visit

Muntinlupa City’s COVID-19 vaccination plan and other best practices on public health earned praise from officials of the Department of Health (DOH) during the assessment visit of the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 and Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team in the city.

DOH Usec. Myrna Cabotaje lauded the city’s “end-to-end planning” for the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines from the procurement process up to the ancillary equipment disposal last February 5.

Cabotaje also recognized the strong public-private partnership for the local vaccination plan and underscored the importance of cooperation among stakeholders as the primary advice of NTF against COVID-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

The Health undersecretary also praised the deployment plan of the city’s vaccination teams and said that Muntinlupa’s target to inoculate medical frontliners can be carried out for as short as one day.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (left) presents Muntinlupa COVID-19 Vaccination Plan to DILG Usec. Jonathan Malaya (center) during the assessment visit of the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 and Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team in the city. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The Muntinlupa City Health Office has identified 6,758 medical frontliners from barangay health centers, emergency responders, public and private hospitals/clinics. Under the local COVID-19 vaccination plan, there will be 82 vaccination teams to be deployed in 35 vaccination posts and 8,200 target individuals to be vaccinated per day.

DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya also praised the city’s coordination with the religious sector in ensuring the promotion of COVID-19 vaccination during mass celebrations. He hoped that the best practice in Muntinlupa will be replicated by other local government units in the country. Malaya added that DILG will integrate the campaign on COVID-19 vaccines to explain the importance of the vaccine to the public as part of the agenda for this year Barangay Assemblies.

Muntinlupa Committee on Health and Sanitation Coun. Allan Camilon thanked the CODE Team for its recognition of the city’s COVID-19 response efforts. Camilon highlighted the City Council’s proactive approach in curbing COVID-19 through passing of ordinances and resolutions. Muntinlupa is the first LGU to pass an ordinance for the mandatory wearing of face masks.

Further, the City Government intensifies its information campaign on COVID-19 vaccine demand generation in anticipation of the roll-out this month.

As of February 5, the city’s COVID-19 vaccine survey showed that out of the 4,074 respondents from Muntinlupa’s nine barangays, 63% or 2,567 individuals said they are willing to get vaccinated, an increase from 54% in the last survey dated January 18. While, a total of 788 respondents or 19.34 % said “no,” and 719 or 17.65% did not answer and were classified as “unaccounted.”

Muntinlupa Public Information Office and the City Health Office continuously conduct Virtual Town Hall Meetings, regular coordination with Barangay Information Officers for information dissemination and risk communication, and weekly virtual presser similar to DOH virtual briefing events, among others.  Muntinlupa City has 57 active cases, 5,412 confirmed cases with 5,184 recoveries, 171 reported deaths, 64 suspect cases, and 405 probable cases as of February 8.

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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

A Look Back at Shin Godzilla (2016)

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from watching the movie and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

There is no doubt that Japan’s fictional monster Godzilla (originally called as Gojira) made tremendous impact not only with the Japanese but also with other entertainment lovers around the world. Way back in 1954, the monster was portrayed as a destructive, walking symbol of nuclear weapons in the movie Gojira directed by the late Ishirô Honda.

As the years passed by, several more Godzilla movies were released by Toho Pictures. In 1998, an American-made movie about Godzilla was finally made in a disappointing form directed by Roland Emmerich. In 2014, Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures made a more respectful film of the monster under the direction of Gareth Edwards. In 2019, the follow-up Godzilla: King of the Monsters was released and I enjoyed it a lot more than its 2014 predecessor.

Before the 2019 movie was released, Toho in Japan released Shin Godzilla (alternate titles: Shin Gojora and Godzilla: Resurgence) which was the result of the 2014 movie’s success as well as the fact that there were no restrictions in the contract with Legendary Pictures for the Japanese studio to make their own domestic versions.

Due to its lack very limited presence in cinemas here in the Philippines in 2016, I was unable to watch it on the big screen. Fortunately, it was released locally on original DVD some time after and I got to watch it in the comfort of home.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at Shin Godzilla co-directed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi (both best known for Neon Genesis Evangelion).

This is classic Godzilla.

Early story

The story begins at Tokyo Bay where the coast guard personnel found an abandoned yacht and searched inside. Suddenly a huge cloud of steam erupted from the ocean followed by blood-like water flooding the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line. The tragedies compelled local authorities to take action starting with a committee meeting.

As emergency personnel save the victims in the damaged Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, the tragedies reach the office of the Prime Minister who engages with many other government officials in an official meeting. They try to figure out what caused the incidents and, as such, theories and efforts to explain what happened were spoken until Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Rando Yaguchi (Hiroki Hasegawa) theorized that a living creature caused it (because he saw a viral video) which only resulted disbelief and dismissal.

Suddenly a massive tail rises from the ocean which got captured in video and photographs by the news media which confirms Yaguchi’s hunch. As the Prime Minister and the team of officials spend more time discussing and searching for real experts (because the three scientists they just met did not produce any breakthroughs), a huge creature makes its way into one of Tokyo’s districts through a waterway causing massive damage and displacing many people as well as all boats that got in its way.  

In a press conference, the Prime Minister gave his assurance to the public that they need not worry about the creature coming to shore. Just after giving his assurance speech, an assistant approaches the Prime Minister with really bad news that the creature has been crawling inland and causing even more damage…

Quality

Japan’s iconic monster is not only terrifying here but also very deadly.

When it comes to presentation in comparison to all other Godzilla movies released, Shin Godzilla is very unique as it strongly brings to the viewers a very in-depth examination of the bureaucracy of the Japanese government complete with the many laws, requirements, rules and other elements of governance that made it so hard for the local authorities to respond to Godzilla’s invasion of the metropolis. There are key details that were raised such as the constitutionality of using local military force against the monster (which is not a foreign invader), which department should be in-charge of research about the same monster, etc.

Along the way, there is an overload of information – in terms of text, images and dialogue – that makes viewing quite a challenge. This makes watching Shin Godzilla a learning experience that viewers who are interested in governance and science will likely enjoy although it will alienate other moviegoers, especially those who only want to watch the spectacle of massive on-screen destruction that giant monster movies are known for. Going through all the exposition and explanations, and understanding most of it, however, will make the viewing experience worth it as these countless details do make sense in relation to Godzilla’s destructive impact on the people.

And then there is the huge cast of characters that needs to be followed. This is another big challenge for viewers because if one misses out on the key purpose a character has, then following the government’s efforts on dealing with Godzilla will make less sense. Not only will you have to follow the characters’ names, you will also have to remember their respective work titles. Apart from the government officials, there is also the huge batch of nerds and varied experts gathered by the government to do intense research. Again, those people need to be followed and remembered so you can understand what they do and how they contribute to their government’s efforts. When it comes to performances, they are collectively dramatic and you will be convinced of the pressure, the danger and uncertainty they face with Godzilla threatening Tokyo.

Better get used to seeing so many characters throughout the movie.
Hiroki Hasegawa as Rando Yaguchi.

As for the main spectacle of the movie, Godzilla, I can say that the monster here is very terrifying to watch. This is not your typical Godzilla as the Anno-Higuchi directorial duo really went all out with their creativity to remake Japan’s iconic monster into something new and deadly while still linking him creatively to the legacy of the classic Godzilla. There is even an element of evolution in this version of Godzilla and to see the Japanese military fire their expensive weapons at him really made a lot of spectacle to enjoy. I should also state that several scenes of disaster caused by the monster in this film were inspired by the tragedies of the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster of 2011. Lastly, Godzilla here is really a super villain that is not only gigantic but also is made to be highly believable that it can destroy the nation, kill innocent civilians, demoralize the authorities and even bring Japan’s entire economy way down (note: one of the government officials explained the economic consequence of failing to defeat the monster).

When it comes to visual effects, this one is the best-looking Godzilla made by the Japanese yet! While the traditional approach of having an actor wear a rubber suit has been disregarded in favor of using modern, digital means (with motion capture), what the production team did here is very impressive as they focused strongly on having computer-generated graphics that are photo-realistic. While it is true that there were some moments of fake-looking CGI, the heavy photo-realism on the graphics of Godzilla (combined with strategic camera angles that really captured the scope and size of the monster) easily outweighed the weak spots. The lighting effects used for the laser blasts were very impressive, even competitive with what Hollywood has been doing. As for the scenes of destruction, a mix of CGI and practical effects (specifically miniatures) was used. In fact, certain scenes showing Godzilla interacting with the environment was done with pushing a prop through miniatures which resulted a high level of detail with organic and solid stuff.

The spectacle would not have been that effective, however, without the solid musical work done by Shiro Sagisu. Not only did the music add a lot to the intense sequences of Godzilla, it also brought out the sense of dread and horror out of the monster especially in the night-time scene when he was towering over a large section of Tokyo that lost power. Sagisu was also involved in Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Conclusion

The emphasis on photo-realism on the computer-generated effects is something special.

I can say it out loud that Shin Godzilla (2016) is truly a spectacle to watch complete with tons of heavy drama, tons of information and the widest cast of characters to date. It is a new version of the Japanese icon that really impresses and when it comes to movie intelligence, it easily outshines many other Godzilla flicks. While it has a lot of spectacle to keep moviegoers entertained, its heaviness with the information and large cast of characters could turn off viewers who are not used to thinking and paying attention to lots of details while watching a giant monster movie. Personally, I welcomed the information overload and made efforts on paying close attention to the details and the characters. It really takes patience and focus to truly make the most out of the story and the overall presentation.

Ultimately, I enjoyed this movie for what it is and what its message was about with regards as to how governments should respond to immense disasters, what is Japan’s place in the world of the 21st century and, most notably, what Godzilla means to Japan and the international community. This is a very solid modernization of Godzilla and the Anno-Higuchi deserve admiration.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of Shin Godzilla (2016), visit Amazon for the Blu-ray disc release and see if it has the right price and special features to satisfy you.  

Overall, Shin Godzilla (2016) is recommended!

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Muntinlupa City at Work – February 3, 2021

The City Government of Muntinlupa continues to serve its constituents by executing varied forms of public service. To catch up with what they’ve been doing lately, here is a quick look at the recent developments in the city.

Recently at City Hall, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the donation of several transport vehicles donated by the City Government to varied agencies in an effort to improve the rendering of public service in the city. Among the vehicles were modern tricycles for city frontliners, transport vehicles for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and more.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi presents to BJMP Muntinlupa execs a transport vehicle to be donated by the local government to their agency in a bid to improve the delivery of public service in the city. Fresnedi led the blessing ceremony of four service vehicles and five hybrid multi-cabs for frontline agencies including the City Health Office and Business Permits and Licensing Office during the City Government’s regular flag raising ceremony on Monday morning. The local exec vows to strengthen frontline offices in the City Government and to support partners from the National Government as part of its COVID-19 response efforts. As of January 31, Muntinlupa City has 73 active cases, 5,351 confirmed cases with 5,109 recoveries, 169 reported deaths, 92 suspect cases, and 389 probable cases. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)
The mayor and other officials posed with the new vehicles. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

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

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

Muntinlupa City at Work – January 25, 2021

The City Government of Muntinlupa continues to serve its constituents by executing varied forms of public service. To catch up with what they’ve been doing lately, here is a quick look at the recent developments in the city.

Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) officials visited Muntinlupa City’s Business Permit Renewal Hub at Muntinlupa Sports Center for an inspection audit last January 21. ARTA lauded Muntinlupa’s policies on Ease of Doing Business including the Zero Contact Policy, Queuing System, and strict implementation of minimum health protocols. Joining the audit were: ARTA Deputy Director General (DDG) Ernesto V. Perez, Director Grace Fernandez, ARTA exec Atty. Marco Balleser, DILG Muntinlupa representative James Fadrilan, and LEIPO Gary Llamas. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)
Tri Motors Technology Corporation and Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation, Inc. turned-over five units of Bajaj RE tricycles to the local government of Muntinlupa as part of its partnership with the City Government. Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (center) received the tricycle units from JVR Foundation executive director Gina Bulanhagui (4th from left) and Tri Motors Technology Corp. group chief financial officer Fritzie Castro (left) last January 21. The local exec extended his thanks to Trimotors and JVR Foundation and said that the donated tricycle units will help augment the city’s COVID-19 response and the upcoming vaccination program. Also joining the ceremony were (L-R) City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela and General Service Officer Cristina Andres. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)
Newly installed Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos paid a courtesy call to Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi last January 15. Chairman Abalos discussed MMDA’s plans to decongest traffic in NCR, including the COVID-19 management in the region to Mayor Fresnedi. Also attending the courtesy call were Chairman Abalos’ Chief of Staff Jimmy Isidro, Muntinlupa City Administrator Allan Cachuela, Coun. Louie Arciaga, and other local officials. (Source – Muntinlupa PIO)

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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

Las Piñas City at Work – January 22, 2021

Here are the recent developments related to the public service the City Government of Las Piñas has been doing.

Yesterday at City Hall, the City Government led by Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice-Mayor April Aguilar-Nerry formally turned over two thousand five hundred (2,500) hygiene kits to the officials of the Federation of Senior Citizens Association of Las Piñas which is under the supervision of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) chief Junet Barilla.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar talking to the guests carrying hygiene kits. (source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)
In the middle of picture-taking. (source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)

The hygiene kits will be distributed to all the presidents or officials of Barangay Association of Senior Citizens in the city. In turn, the said kits will then be distributed to the senior citizens in their respective communities.

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

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

Muntinlupa City warns violators of firecracker ban will be apprehended, targets zero casualty

The City Government of Muntinlupa reminds the public of the on-going ban on firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, including open pipe mufflers, and warns violators that they will be apprehended.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urged residents to use alternative noise-making instruments and not to patronize firecrackers and open-pipe mufflers to celebrate the holidays and New Year’s Eve.

Fresnedi ordered the local Peace and Order Council, in coordination with Muntinlupa City Police Station, to put up checkpoints and conduct inspections and clearing operations on thoroughfares and marketplaces to apprehend violators.

The Muntinlupa City Council passed Ordinance No. 14-092 prohibiting the display and distribution of firecrackers in Muntinlupa as part of its efforts to reduce cases of casualties and harmful effects of pyrotechnic devices to health and the environment.

Violators will be fined with P1,000 up to P5,000 penalty. While commercial establishments selling firecrackers may face revocation of permit and license to operate in pursuant to penalties provided in the ordinance.

The City Government targets to record zero firecracker-related injuries this year following the success of the local ban on firecrackers on 2018 and 2019.

Muntinlupa is the sole LGU to have reported zero casualty and firecracker-related injury in Metro Manila for two years in a row. DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development lauded Muntinlupa City as a model LGU in implementing the ban on firecrackers in NCR.

While alternative noise-making activities are encouraged, the Muntinlupa Traffic and Management Bureau warned motorists that the use of aftermarket mufflers, or removal of such, which emit excessive loud noise causing disturbances in the holiday season will be apprehended.

As per City Ordinance 04-022 or the Muntinlupa City Traffic Code, motorists shall equip their vehicles with a muffler to prevent unusual noise.

Recently, the Department of Health also discouraged the use of “torotot” and whistles during the holiday season as it poses risk of spreading COVID-19 through the release respiratory droplets from using these instruments.  The public is encouraged to use beat drums, blow car horns or use various household items to make noise on New Year’s Eve instead.

To report violations, you may coordinate with the following offices: MTMB (8831-9884), PNP Muntinlupa (8862-2611), BFP Muntinlupa (8842-2201), and Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management (8925-4351).

As of December 28, Muntinlupa City has 36 active cases, 5,088 confirmed cases with 4,886 recoveries, 166 reported deaths, 27 suspect cases, and 191 probable cases.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City partners with Staysafe.PH for mandatory contact tracing in establishments

The City Government of Muntinlupa partners with Staysafe.PH to implement a “No QR Code, No Entry Policy” in all establishments for mandatory contact tracing effective January 2021.

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

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

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

Fresnedi said the adoption of StaySafe.PH in Muntinlupa would help in the uniform efforts of the government in contact tracing and in the prevention of transmission of COVID-19.

Under the local ordinance, all establishments in the city are mandated to designate personnel to ensure each individual who will enter their premises possesses a StaySafe.PH unique personal QR Code.

The establishments are also required to provide a scanner and personnel who shall scan and monitor the authenticity of the QR Code of the registrants prior to entry. All customers, visitors, and employees of the public and private establishments shall not be allowed entry unless they present their own QR Code.

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

For non-compliant establishments, violators will be charged with P2,000 penalty and suspension of franchise or business permit until violation has been rectified for first offense, P3,000 for second offense, and suspension or revocation of franchise or business permit including P5,000 for 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.

On December 21, the City Government conducted a training and orientation on the implementation of Staysafe.PH as the official contact tracing system of the city for the operators of malls, supermarkets, and other large-scale stores.

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

As of December 20, Muntinlupa City has 43 active cases, 5,053 confirmed cases with 4,845 recoveries, 165 reported deaths, 44 suspect cases, and 237 probable cases.

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

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

Muntinlupa City named 5th Most Competitive City among Highly Urbanized Cities as per CMCI 2020 rankings

Muntinlupa City now ranks 5th among Highly Urbanized Cities in the Philippines, three notches higher than its previous ranking, based on the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) 2020 Rankings released during the 8th Regional Competitiveness Virtual Summit this past December 16.

CMCI is an annual ranking of Philippine cities and municipalities developed by the Department of Trade and Industry and National Competitiveness Council with the assistance of the United States Agency for International Development.

Muntinlupa was adjudged Top 5 Most Competitive City among HUC’s in the country following the cities of Makati (Top 4), Pasay (Top 3), Davao (Top 2), and Manila (Top 1). The city previously ranked 8th in the 2019 Overall Competitiveness Index and 10th place in 2018. Local government units in the country were ranked on four convergent pillars namely Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, and Resilience.

The National Competitiveness Council has named Muntinlupa City as Rank 1 in the Resilience Pillar – HUC category this year besting at least 145 cities in the country. Finalists in the category include Valenzuela City (Rank 2) and Manila City (Rank 3).

The city has also moved one step higher from the previous year in Government Efficiency and Infrastructure pillars both from Rank 7 to Rank 6.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi attributed the recognition to the local government’s thrust in streamlining disaster resilience in development planning and improving the local government’s processes and transaction procedures. The local exec thanked the NCC for the award and said that it will serve as an inspiration to bring better services in the city.

“Being in the Top 5 of Overall Competitive Cities is a testament that the City Government is in the right track in fostering good governance and providing more effective programs for Muntinlupeños,” Fresnedi said.

The National Competitiveness Council was organized through Executive Order No. 44 which aims to promote a more competitive Philippines and instill a culture of excellence, through public-private sector collaboration as means to reduce poverty through inclusive growth.

Cities and municipalities are ranked on their competitiveness based on an overall competitiveness score. Scores are determined by the values of the actual data, as well as the completeness of the submitted data submitted by local government units.

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The above information and images were 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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