journalism – Page 90 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Muntinlupa is the Most Resilient Highly Urbanized City and also the fifth Most Competitive City of the nation

December 16, 2021December 16, 2021carlocarrasco

No matter how hard the pandemic hit the Philippines, the City Government of Muntinlupa continued to excel as it was named the Most Resilient Highly Urbanized City while finishing as the 5^th Most Competitive City of the nation for the past year, according to a Manila Bulletin report.

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

The City of Muntinlupa emerged as the No. 5 most competitive and No. 1 most resilient highly urbanized city (HUC) in the Philippines.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with Ayala Corporation and Globe Telecom, recognized the most competitive cities and municipalities this year in the 9th Regional Competitiveness Summit announced online on Dec. 13.

Local government units (LGUs) all over the country were ranked based on DTI’s Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI), which is the sum of four pillars: economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure and resiliency.

In the overall most competitive highly urbanized cities in the country for 2021, Muntinlupa bagged fifth place. The overall rankings for cities and municipalities are based on the four pillars.

In addition, Muntinlupa ranked No. 1 in resiliency, No. 5 in infrastructure, No. 6 most improved city, and No. 7 in government efficiency among highly urbanized cities.

“From the City Government of Muntinlupa, I sincerely thank the Department of Trade and Industry for recognizing Muntinlupa City as one of the most competitive cities in the Philippines,” said Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi.

According to the CMCI, “resiliency is the capacity of a locality to facilitate businesses and industries to create jobs, raise productivity, and increase the incomes of citizens over time despite the shocks and stresses it encounters.”

“This implies that the role of local governments is critical in ensuring a competitive environment to make businesses sustain their profits, create jobs, and increase the productivity of its people. In order for localities to be able to do this, it must be resilient in its infrastructure, governance, social and environmental systems,” it added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what can you say about this latest local development? Are you delighted with the most recent achievements Muntinlupa made while competing with many other cities? Do these city competitiveness achievements strengthen your trust in the City Government?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

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

COVID-19 Crisis: OCTA Research concerned over possible surge of new cases if Omicron hits the Philippines

December 15, 2021December 15, 2021carlocarrasco

Do you believe that the Philippines is prepared to handle a possible rise of new COVID-19 cases if ever the feared media-magnified Omicron variant hits the country? For some direction, it is important to pay close attention to what OCTA Research said if such a scenario happens and the Manila Bulletin reported their concern. Take note that the Omicron variant is the same variant that spread panic and even caused governments to close their borders.

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

Independent research group OCTA expressed concern over a possible surge of new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases if the Omicron variant finds its way in the Philippines.

Citing the record-high number of cases in South Africa where the variant of concern was first detected, OCTA research fellow Dr. Guido David said that the country reported 37,875 new COVID-19 cases on Dec. 12, 2021 alone.

“This is a new record-high for South Africa. From Nov. 8 to 14, South Africa had an average of 246 new cases. Since then, case jumped to an average of 19,400 over a span of four weeks. The average weekly growth rate over that period was more than 200 percent,” David said in a Twitter post on Tuesday, Dec. 14.

“The reproduction number in South Africa increased from 0.48 to as high as 4.18, with a current value of 2.96. This is higher than the reproduction number during the Delta surge,” he added.

In comparison, David said that the seven-day average in the Philippines is 236, from Dec. 7 to 13, with a reproduction number of 0.14.

Vaccine coverage in the Philippines is 36 percent, while it is currently at 25 percent in South Africa.

“Although vaccine coverage in the Philippines is significantly higher compared to South Africa, the Omicron variant, if it enters the country’s borders, will likely trigger a serious surge of new cases in the Philippines,” David said.

“The bright side is that, based on the information we have at this time, most of the cases will be mild or asymptomatic,” he added.

As you can see in the above report, OCTA Research’s focus on South Africa served as the basis for comparison with the Philippines as well as their concern about what would happen if ever Omicron’s presence gets detected here in the country. It should be noted that the nation authorities have been tracing for passengers who arrived here in the Philippines from South Africa this past November. So far, none of the located passengers tested positive for Omicron although there are still two more passengers who have yet to be found.

Meanwhile, there will be another 3-day nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive and it has been reported that there will be sufficient supplies of vaccines for it. While a lot more Filipinos have been moving around and businesses are serving much more customers physically present at their respective venues, the daily count of new COVID-19 infections is still in the hundreds and the total number of people declared fully vaccinated (injected with two doses of most vaccines) has surpassed the 40,000,000 mark nationwide. There is also optimism that Christmas this year will be more joyful for families.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What can you say about these newest developments related to the Omicron variant? Are you convinced that the national, local and community authorities are ready to make adjustments in the event the Omicron variant causes a spike in new COVID-19 infections? Do you think that the Metro Manila mayors and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be able to react decisively on managing Metro Manila?

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

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Illegal drugs worth more than P3 million confiscated in Parañaque City

December 15, 2021December 13, 2021carlocarrasco

The City of Parañaque is once again the hot spot for illegal drugs and arrests as the Manila Bulletin recently reported the arrest of one suspect and the confiscation of illegal drugs worth more than P3 million as a result of a buy-bust operation that involved the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

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

Government anti-narcotics operatives confiscated an estimated P3.45 million worth of shabu on Sunday, Dec. 12, following the arrest of a suspected drug pusher in a buy bust operation in Sucat, Parañaque City.

In a statement, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said the suspect Jimmy Kasim, 31, of Quiapo, Manila was nabbed at the parking lot of a fast food chain in Barangay San Antonio Valley 1 at 11;10 a.m. after selling illegal drugs to an undercover agent.

The operatives caught Kasim with 500 grams of shabu in his possession and is facing charges for violation of Section 5 (selling of dangerous drugs) of Article II of Republic Act (RA) 9165 otherwise known as “The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.’’

Kasim is now under the PDEA custody and is awaiting the filing of charges.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you believe that Parañaque City will remain a hot spot for illegal drugs and arrests in the long term? What do you think will solve this ongoing problem in the city? Did someone from the City Government promise you that Parañaque would be free of illegal drugs?

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

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COVID-19 Crisis: Almost 364,000 patients fully vaccinated in Muntinlupa City

December 15, 2021December 14, 2021carlocarrasco

As the Omicron variant keeps on distracting people and spreading fear as it gets magnified by the secular, liberal news outlets every day, the City Government of Muntinlupa scored another milestone as the grand total number of local patients who got fully vaccinated (injected with two doses of most COVID-19 vaccines) reached almost 364,000, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Nearly 364,000 individuals are now fully vaccinated in Muntinlupa, according to the city government.

Latest tally as of Dec. 12 showed that 363,688 persons have been fully vaccinated or 94 percent of the target population of 385,725, which is 70 percent of the estimated total population of Muntinlupa of 551,036.

By barangay, Alabang has 53,841 fully vaccinated individuals; Ayala Alabang, 16,670; Bayanan 23,813; Buli, 10,384; Cupang, 41,931; Poblacion, 63,866; Putatan, 58,845; Sucat, 32,211; and Tunasan, 42,925. A total of 19,202 fully vaccinated individuals are classified as “others.”

In addition, 10,519 individuals have been administered booster shots in Muntinlupa as of Dec. 12.

Meanwhile, the number of fully vaccinated minors aged 12 to 17 in Muntinlupa has reached more than 16,000.

As of Dec. 12, a total of 16,743 minors have received the second dose of the vaccine and are now fully vaccinated, representing 30 percent of the total population of 55,391 for the age group.

A total of 27,432 minors got their first dose or 49.5 percent of the 12 to 17-year-old population in the city.

The above report ended stating that more than forty-three thousand minors have been registered with MunCoVac.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what can you say about this latest local development? Are you often disturbed by these constant news reports about the Omicron variant?

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

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Eight suspects arrested and over P40,000 worth of illegal drugs confiscated in Parañaque City

December 13, 2021December 10, 2021carlocarrasco

As Christmas is nearing and slowly bringing families together, drug-related arrests took place yet again in the city of Parañaque recently as reported by the Manila Bulletin. This is the result of separate operations that took place last week in the city.

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

Eight drug suspects were arrested by the Paranaque City police in separate operations conducted on Thursday (Dec. 9) and confiscated P40,800 worth of shabu.

Southern Police District (SPD) Director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg said the suspects arrested during a buy-bust operation were identified as Armando Tamayo, 53; Mark Anthony Manaois Pabua, 28; Edmundo Virtudazo Cahoy, 40; Arsenio Salvador Manaois, 40; Mona Donaisa Mangudadatu, 39; all residents of Paranaque City; and Geraldo Noveda Rivera, 40, of Salinas 4, Bacoor Cavite.

Two other suspects were arrested by the police in an earlier operation for sniffing shabu inside a shanty along Father St., Barangay Baclaran. They were identified as Carlito Velaso, 27, and Angelo Mactal, 26.

Macaraeg said the six suspects were arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted by members of the Station Drug Enforcement (SDEU) Unit at about 7:00 p.m. along Sampaguita St., Tramo I, Barangay San Dionisio, Paranaque City.

He said confiscated from the six suspects were six grams of shabu amounting to P40,800 which were turned over to the SPD Crime Laboratory for chemical analysis.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you believe that Parañaque City will remain a hot spot for illegal drugs and arrests in the long term? Do you think that crooks and drug smugglers/pushers will somehow disrupt the Christmas season in the city?

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

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COVID-19 Crisis: Las Piñas City’s active COVID-19 cases fall down further

December 10, 2021December 9, 2021carlocarrasco

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar shared the good news that COVID-19 cases in the city fell down and credited their local efforts on encouraging their constituents (including minors) to get vaccinated, the Manila Bulletin reported.

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

Las Pinas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar announced on Thursday, Dec. 9, that active cases of COVID-19 in the city are down to 21 based on the report of the City Health Office (CHO).

Aguilar said the decline in the number of COVID-19 cases in the city “only shows that the effort of the city government in encouraging all its residents to get the jab against the virus is a success.”

She said out of the 20 barangays in the city, nine recorded zero cases.

The mayor said among the remaining barangays with the highest actives case is Barangay Almanza Uno with 6.

Aguilar said barangays with active cases are being strictly monitored by the CHO. Most of the patients are already on their way to recovery.

She said the city government already achieved herd immunity with a total of 524, 405 equivalent to 117.3 percent of the 70 percent population who were already vaccinated with their first dose, and 477, 678 equivalent to 106.8 percent who received their second dose.

The mayor said the city is among the 23 cities around the country reported to have achieved herd immunity.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this recent development? With the fall of local COVID-19 cases, do you think that Christmas in the city will be more joyful compared to last year?

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

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COVID-19 Crisis: Omicron-related fear and panic cause several governments to enact mandatory vaccinations

December 9, 2021December 7, 2021carlocarrasco

The fear and panic over Omicron is still strong and already several government units reacted heading towards the enactment of mandatory vaccinations, according to a recent CBN News report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the statement published by CBN News. Some parts in boldface…

The World Health Organization admits there has yet to be a single death from the Omicron variant, but that hasn’t stopped some governments–especially in Europe–from using it as another reason to enact mandatory vaccinations.

Here in the U.S., Omicron cases are now confirmed in at least 17 states.

“We have several dozen cases and we’re following them closely. And we are, every day, hearing about more and more probable cases,” said CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky.

But so far, Omicron does not seem to be dangerous. Initial studies show it has a similar genetic structure to the common cold, making it more transmissible. But in South Africa, where Omicron first emerged, hospitalizations have not increased significantly.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said, “We really need to be careful before we make any determinations, but thus far the signals are a bit encouraging regarding the severity.”

Peter McGinn of Minnesota tested positive for Omicron after a visit to New York City.

He had been fully vaccinated and received a booster.

“I felt kinda tired. I felt bad for about a day. I did my absolute best to follow the guidelines, I had my mask on the entire time,” McGinn said.

COVID guidelines and restrictions have become a significant issue in Europe, where some nations are requiring citizens to be vaccinated. And that has sparked massive and sometimes violent demonstrations across the continent.

At a protest in Brussels, a Belgian woman said, “I don’t agree with the mandatory vaccinations because these vaccines, I don’t think they’re great yet. “

A Spanish protestor in Barcelona said, “The dead from COVID-19 are mostly vaccinated people instead of non-vaccinated. That’s in all hospitals.” Another said, “We don’t want the COVID-19 passport. We want freedom. It’s a human right. We don’t want vaccines, neither for us or our children. This is a genocide.”

Austria has announced it plans to become the first country in Europe to make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory. Germany plans on making vaccinations compulsory for some jobs.

European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen says it’s time for the E.U. to discuss a Europe-wide vaccine mandate.

Posted below is the related news video of CBN News…

Omicron also a factor as mentioned by New York City’s outgoing mayor

In the City of New York, the exiting Mayor Bill de Blasio announced his own vaccine mandate for private employers and vaccine passports on the people (including children) according to a separate CBN News report. De Blasio mentioned the Omicron variant as a new factor as well as the cold weather creating additional challenges on dealing with the Delta variant in the city.

The weird thing about the NYC mandate is that the federal private employer mandate has been put on hold. Kathryn Wylde, the head of the business group Partnership for NYC, questioned the mayor’s authority to impose the local mandate on private employers. The United States Representative of Long Island Lee Zeldin called the mandate a “job-killing, small business-suppressing mandate.”

“When you dangerously combine a far-left, lame-duck politician, who is anti-business, one-dimensional, unaccountable, not bright and has a perpetual ‘I always know best’ attitude,’ you get Bill de Blasio, the Worst Mayor in America,” Zeldin further said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What can you say about these newest developments overseas related to the Omicron variant? Do you think that the government units from New York City to Europe panicked or overreacted? If you are physically in New York City or Europe right now, did you witness any protests or riots related to the vaccination mandates? Do you believe that the secular, Left-leaning and liberal news outlets magnified the Omicron variant too much and distorted the details to spread fear and panic?

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

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COVID-19 Crisis: More than 27,000 minors of Muntinlupa City vaccinated

December 8, 2021December 7, 2021carlocarrasco

Since the local vaccination program for minors (aged 12 to 17-years-old) of Muntinlupa City first started, the number has grown to over 27,000 minors locally according to a recent Manila Bulletin news report. That figure, accurate as of December 4, 2021, is almost half the total qualified local minors of the city.

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

According to the Muntinlupa COVID-19 Vaccination Program (MunCoVac), as of Dec. 4, a total of 27,161 minors received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or 49 percent of the estimated population of 55,391 for the age group in the city.

Of the total, 10,899 minors are fully vaccinated, equivalent to 20 percent of the total population of 12-to-17-year-olds and 40 percent of those who got the first dose. The Muntinlupa City government started vaccinating minors aged 12 to 17 last Oct. 25.

A total of 41,727 minors have registered for vaccination with MunCoVac or 75 percent of the estimated population for the minor age group. Of the total, 2,721 or 6.5 percent have comorbidities and are classified as Pediatric A3, and 39,006 or 93.5 percent are without.

The country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for use in people 12 years and above.

According to the Department of Health, the comorbidities eligible for the Pediatric A3 vaccination are medical complexity, genetic conditions, neurologic conditions, metabolic/endocrine diseases, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, HIV infection, tuberculosis, chronic respiratory diseases, renal disorders, hepatobiliary diseases and immunocompromised state due to disease or treatment.

Residents of Muntinlupa City who remain unregistered and unvaccinated should make a move to get registered by learning the ways to do it. Those who are prepared (with personal information available) and willing to go through online registration for the free vaccines in Muntinlupa are encouraged to click https://vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac/

Muntinlupa minors may register online through the city’s COVID-19 vaccination registration system at www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac and choose category “C – Rest of Population.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what can you say about this latest local development? Do you feel confident that Christmas in Muntinlupa will be safe and joyful at the same time this month?

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

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COVID-19 Crisis: Food supply chain program to be launched soon in Las Piñas City

December 8, 2021December 7, 2021carlocarrasco

Very soon the City Government of Las Piñas will launch a food supply chain program as a result of signing a key agreement with the Department of Agriculture (DA), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. This development is crucial as everyone is still living under the COVID-19 crisis and the fear of the Omicron variant generated by the mainstream media.

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

The Las Pinas City government signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the launch of the Enhanced Kadiwa Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program to ensure food availability and accessibility amid the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said that under the agreement, the DA will provide financial grant assistance to participating eligible organizations and local government units (LGUs) to enhance their capacities in value-adding activities in the food supply chains from aggregation, processing, packing, store, warehousing, and transport to distribution.

Aguilar said the project, under the agreement, shall focus on the implementation of two Kadiwa Stores in the city where the project aims to enable selected market vendors to have funds for the renovation and improvement of the Kadiwa store.

She said the DA shall download funds to the city which shall be granted to the Pagsasarali Talipapa Multi-purpose Cooperative and the Las Piñas Meat Dealers Association of which both organizations will receive P1 million each.

The mayor said that under the agreement, DA’s obligation through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service or AMAS shall provide financial grant to the city in the amount of P2,000,000 to be funded under the Market Development Services of FY 2021 General Appropriation Act 11518.

Vice-Mayor April Aguilar said the DA’s financial grant will be used in the implementation of the “Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Financial Grant Assistance Program” to be released in full accordance with the approved project proposal as well as the work and financial plan contained in the agreement.

“On our side, the city’s obligation is to implement the approved project and shall see to it that it will be in accordance with the approved project objectives, standards, systems, and procedures for project implementation, and the approved Work and Financial Plan contained in the agreement,” Vice-Mayor Aguilar said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this recent development? Is there a Kadiwa store near you?

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

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COVID-19 Crisis: The return of face-to-face classes in Muntinlupa City done in two public schools

December 7, 2021December 6, 2021carlocarrasco

Recently the Manila Bulletin reported the return of face-to-face classes in Muntinlupa City, specifically limited to two public schools. For protection of the students, new materials were installed on their respective tables in the class room and they have health protocols to follow apart from regular school rules.

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

Two public schools in Muntinlupa started holding face-to-face classes on Monday, Dec. 6, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Tunasan National High School (TNHS) and Putatan Elementary School (PES) are two of the 177 additional public schools included by the Department of Education (DepEd) in the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes in the next two weeks.

Face-to-face classes were suspended last year when the COVID-19 pandemic started.

Dr. Dominico Idanan, Muntinlupa schools division superintendent, and Dr. Ador Querubin, TNHS principal, welcomed the students during a flag raising ceremony.

“This morning, this is the happiest at Tunasan National High School because finally we are conducting our face-to-face classes,” said Querubin.

Idanan said, “Today is a blessed day. Today is history in Tunasan National High School, even in the entire National Capital Region. We wish you the best for this program.”

“This is only a pilot program. This will last until Dec. 17. We are under study. We are still observing strict health protocols because we are still under a pandemic. We have to wear face masks, we have to observe physical distancing, we have to wash our hands very often and disinfect ourselves, keep away from crowded places,” said Idanan.

He said that by January, the city government plans to expand the coverage of the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes in Muntinlupa.

“Hopefully by January, all schools will have to pilot at least one or two sections,” added Idanan.

The two public schools underwent strict safety assessments. They are equipped with facilities including hand washing stations, proper ventilation, physical barriers, markers and signages, thermal scanners, and air purifiers.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what can you say about this latest local development? Do you feel confident about the current setup at the two public schools to ensure the protection of the students from COVID-19?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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