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

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.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Liquor ban and curfew in Muntinlupa City in effect until April 4, 2021

As a result of the rising number of cases of COVID-19, the City Government of Muntinlupa joined the other Metro Manila cities in enforcing a liquor ban and unified curfew hours from 10:00 PM – 5:00 AM which became effective since yesterday. The said measures will remain until April 4, 2021.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi announced the imposition of liquor ban in Muntinlupa as part of the city’s tighter COVID-19 response efforts. He said the initiative aims to prevent gathering opportunities of city residents and minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Fresnedi is set to sign an amended ordinance prohibiting the sale, trade, delivery, and consumption of liquor and other alcoholic beverages in the city.

Under the updated ordinance, violating business establishments 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.

Individuals who will violate the liquor ban will be meted with P2,500 penalty for first offense and P5,000 for second and succeeding offenses.  

Violators who are government employees will face administrative charges with penalties. While penalties for minors (below 18 years old) shall be charged against their parents or guardians and those who are part of the local scholarship program may lose their grant.

Members of PNP Muntinlupa, Public Order and Safety Office, City Security Office, Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau, Business Permits and Licensing Office, and Barangay Chairpersons shall take the lead in enforcing the liquor ban. Local homeowners’ associations, including security guards, will also be deputized to augment operations.

The Muntinlupa City Council also approved the imposition of curfew hours from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM beginning March 15, 2021 until April 4, 2021 adopting the Metro Manila Council MMDA Resolution No. 21-03, Series of 2021. Exempted individuals in the curfew include APOR, medical frontliners, essential workers, local fishermen, Kabalikat sa Kalinisan (street sweepers), delivery drivers with essential goods, and other individuals as determined by PNP and IATF.

Recently, Cruzero St., Villa Carolina 1 in Barangay Tunasan and 124 Purok 1 in Barangay Putatan were placed under a two-week Extreme Localized Community Quarantine (ELCQ) from March 13 to March 28.

Muntinlupa City Health Officer (CHO) Dra. Tet Tuliao said that the areas has become areas of concern after recording a high attack rate of 150 per 1,000 individual population from February 27 to March 6. CHO is set to conduct a mass testing in the community and will intensify its detection, isolation, and treatment strategies. Contact tracing of close contacts will also be facilitated.

As of March 14, Muntinlupa City has 5,891 confirmed cases with 5,492 recoveries, 222 active cases, 177 reported deaths, 67 suspect cases, and 414 probable cases.

Curfew schedule. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)
Liquor ban details. (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

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

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

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: Muntinlupa City Government urges residents to be cautious in workplaces, public transportation amid rising COVID-19 cases

Recording a 65% increase in active cases over the last month, the City Government of Muntinlupa is urging city residents to remain observing health protocols especially the working class who are the subject of recent COVID-19 transmission.

Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao said recent COVID-19 active cases are residents who work outside the city and may have contracted the virus in their workplaces or during their commute. Tuliao noted that most of infected employees have transmitted the virus to their family members leading to the increase of cases in the city.

As of March 7, Muntinlupa CHO recorded 129 active cases from the city’s nine barangays. Muntinlupa only has 78 active cases last February 7.

The doubling time, or the number of days for COVID-19 cases to double in number, is 28.60 days and the attack rate is at 10.46/1000 as of March 7. The average daily new cases for the past 2 weeks in Muntinlupa is 12 cases per day while the recovery rate is at 94.69%.

While the city remains to have one of the lowest COVID-19 attack rates among local government units in Metro Manila, the Muntinlupa CHO reminds the public to observe “utmost caution” especially when taking a commute in public transportation and in their workplaces. The local government is set to coordinate with companies and tricycle and jeepney operators to reinforce the implementation of health measures in their establishments and vehicles.

Recently, Muntinlupa City StaySafe.PH Task Force intensifies its contact tracing efforts through the implementation of StaySafe.PH app. Members of the Business Permits and Licensing Office has conducted inspections in various malls and other establishments to ensure full compliance to the contact tracing initiatives.

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

Public reminder from the City Government. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

“The arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in the country should not give us a false sense of security. 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. He also appealed to the public to refrain taking non-essential trips.

While the IATF has issued guidelines for a unified travel protocols for all local government units easing cross-border trips, the City Government eyes to impose stricter travel protocols for inbound visitors especially individuals coming from the province. Muntinlupa also supports the decision of the Metro Manila Council for the deferment of reopening cinemas due to health concerns.

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

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Hundreds of doses of Sinovac vaccine received in Muntinlupa City

The COVID-19 vaccination drive in Muntinlupa City kicked off yesterday with the director of Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) receiving the first dose administered.

OsMun Director Dr. Edwin Dimatatac received Sinovac’s CoronaVac, the first batch of vaccines that arrived in Muntinlupa. Dimatatac said OsMun targets to have 150 health workers to be vaccinated in the city.

The Asian Hospital and Medical Center also commenced their vaccination roll-out having AHMC Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jose Acuin as the first to receive the vaccine. In total, the city received 300 doses of Sinovac vaccine for OsMun and 300 for Asian Hospital and Medical Center from the national government.

Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi lauds OsMun for the success of the roll-out and hopes that at least 90% of the medical personnel in the public hospital will be convinced to be vaccinated.

“Right now this (Sinovac) is the best vaccine. And every day that we don’t get vaccinated we run the risk of being infected. So I encourage everyone to at least consider being vaccinated because you’re always exposed to risks. And being vaccinated you are not only protecting yourself but your family as well,” Fresnedi said.

Earlier, Fresnedi expressed his interest in getting vaccinated to boost the confidence of the public. But with the current guidelines from the Department of Health for the available brand, the local exec was advised to wait for the arrival of vaccines suited for senior citizens.

Recently, Muntinlupa City has secured 400,000 doses from British pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca through a tripartite agreement with the National Task Force against COVID-19 (NTF).

Muntinlupa’s COVID-19 vaccination plan and other best practices on public health earn praise from officials of the Department of Health’s Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team.

As of March 2, Muntinlupa has 91 active cases, 5,644 confirmed cases with 5,378 recoveries, 175 reported deaths, 49 suspect cases, and 404 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 intensifies StaySafe.PH app contact tracing as COVID-19 cases rise

Recording a 40% increase in daily COVID-19 active cases, the City Government of Muntinlupa intensified its contact tracing efforts through the implementation of StaySafe.PH app.

The Muntinlupa City StaySafe.PH Task Force, through the Business Permits and Licensing Office, has conducted inspections in various malls and other establishments to ensure full compliance to the contact tracing initiatives.

Muntinlupa passed 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 in the city.

As of February 26, BPLO Muntinlupa has issued warning notices to at least 69 non-compliant establishments.

City Health Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao said the intensified cooperation of city residents and business establishments in using StaySafe.PH as the local contact tracing system will help the government’s COVID-19 response efforts.

Tuliao noted that as of March 1, there were 94 recorded active cases in the city, a 40% increase over one week with 67 active cases last February 22.

Muntinlupa CHO urged city residents to continually use the StaySafe.PH app and follow health protocols such as wearing of face masks, observing physical distancing, and washing of hands.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) 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.

Recently, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the inauguration of two-storey Cupang Health Center last March 1 in a bid to improve health services for residents living in District 2. The ceremony was organizaed in celebration of Muntinlupa’s 26th Cityhood Anniversary.

In his message, the local exec assured the public of the City Government’s recovery plan and readiness for the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines upon the delivery of supply in the city.

As of March 1, Muntinlupa has 94 active cases, 5,638 confirmed cases with 5,370 recoveries, 174 reported deaths, 37 suspect cases, and 437 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

Step-by-step MGCQ for the Philippines?

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

No vaccine for COVID-19, no MGCQ for the Philippines

People here in Metro Manila who have gotten tired with the general community quarantine (GCQ) limitation during the COVID-19 pandemic will have to wait a bit longer as President Rodrigo Duterte refused to shift the entire nation to the less restrictive modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) status because the vaccination for COVID-19 should be done first.

This was announced during the Cabinet meeting last night. Below is an excerpt from the Philippine News Agency report…

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte gave his directive to the Cabinet that the Philippines would not be placed under modified general community quarantine unless there is a rollout of vaccines,” he said in a statement.

While Duterte acknowledged the need to reopen the economy, Roque said the President refused to put people’s health and safety at risk.

“The Chief Executive recognizes the importance of reopening the economy and its impact on people’s livelihoods. However, the President gives higher premium to public health and safety,” he added.

The President made it clear that the vaccination roll-out should go first before shifting the entire nation into MGCQ control. While it is clear that reopening the economy is essential, Duterte prefers to take time to be cautious and reduce the risks of new infections. As far as he is concerned, vaccines should go first.

It has already been reported that vaccine shipments to the Philippines have been delayed. This is undoubtedly bad news for the entire nation as there are lots of people who lost their jobs and fell into poverty as restrictions severely brought the economy down. The more people fall down into poverty, the more expensive it becomes for local governments to serve them. Speaking of local governments, the City of Las Piñas made preparations for COVID-19 vaccination and already they are handling the applications of constituents who applied to register themselves. Over at Muntinlupa City, meetings and preparations for COVID-19 vaccines were done.

Going back to Metro Manila, a majority of mayors voted to have the metropolis shift to MGCQ status by March 1. As the President made the rejection and insisted vaccination should go first, business owners, their affected employees and the unemployed will have to wait longer before MGCQ will be declared not only for the National Capital Region (NCR) but for the entire nation. The MGCQ status for the Philippines is key to economic revival which the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) supports.

For those of you reading this, do you think the President made the right decision? Would you insist on declaring an MGCQ status nationwide without the COVID-19 vaccines? Please answer by commenting below. Thank you.

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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