Tag: Manila Bulletin

COVID-19 Crisis: Booster shots received by ten million people all over the Philippines

COVID-19 Crisis: Booster shots received by ten million people all over the Philippines

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As the heavily congested Metro Manila is now on its 4th day under the Alert Level 1 status, people are now enjoying more freedom of movement and the food-beverage business joints are able to accommodate more customers who physically spend time at their respective venues. Along the way, there are some noticeable positive developments about business in the Philippines getting reported. Regardless, there is still the need to keep on following health protocols and face masks are still to be used even though the national daily count of new COVID-19 cases remains relatively low.

There is, however, the need to be vaccinated as well as boosted for COVID-19. No matter how loud the anti-vaccine fanatics rant and complain, nothing changes the fact that COVID-19 vaccines are a major factor on helping the Philippines gradually recover and rise up from this pandemic. More on the topic vaccination, it was revealed that the number of fully vaccinated patients (those who received two doses of most COVID-19 vaccine brands) who got boosted (the 3rd shot/booster shot) has reached ten million, as stated in a recent report by the Manila Bulletin. The number of fully vaccinated people in the Philippines is over sixty million.

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

A total of 63 million individuals in the Philippines have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), but only 10 million individuals have so far received their booster jab, said National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19 special adviser Dr. Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa on Tuesday, March 1.

Herbosa, in an ANC interview, reiterated the importance of a booster jab despite having been “fully immunized” against the disease.

“The idea of the booster is to just increase your immunity. You already have immunity. Let me make that clear: if you are fully vaccinated, your immunity does not disappear but your antibodies actually wane. That’s why the booster shot stimulates your immune system to produce more antibodies against COVID-19,” said Herbosa.

He also added that while it stimulates the immune system in producing more antibodies, it actually gives “additional protection” against the disease and its emerging variants.

Meanwhile, Herbosa disclosed that the booster inoculation is one of the “slow parts” of the country’s vaccination program.

“Kailangan magpa-booster ha. If you have been fully vaccinated, you should get boosted [as well]. This is another slow part of our vaccination program. We’ve vaccinated 63 million but only 10 million have come forward to get their booster shots. Reminder to the public na hindi enough ang two doses, kailangan kumuha rin tayo ng third dose (We need to get boosted. If you have been fully vaccinated, you should get boosted as well. This is another slow part of our vaccination program. We’ve vaccinated 63 million but only 10 million have come forward to get their booster shots. I just want to remind the public that two doses are not enough, we need to get boosted),” he added.

The above report ended stating that based on the Department of Health’s (DOH) National COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard statistics, 63,188,209 people were fully vaccinated while 10,137,607 people got their respective booster shots as of February 21, 2022. There is still a very long way to go before the booster shot count reaches 60,000,000.

While the Omicron variant does not look like a major problem anymore here in the Philippines, there is still that possibility that another coronavirus variant might come out. Whenever a new variant comes out, concerns or doubts about the protection provided by vaccines always emerge in people’s minds.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this new development? Are most of the people in your local community fully vaccinated or boosted for COVID-19 already?

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/

Muntinlupa City’s Aquatic Center inaugurated

Muntinlupa City’s Aquatic Center inaugurated

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During the celebration of the 27th cityhood anniversary of Muntinlupa that took place this past Tuesday, the brand new Muntinlupa Aquatic Center was formally inaugurated, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. The inauguration was attended by Muntinlupa City Government officials led by Mayor Jaime Fresnedi as well as several special guests.

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

The Muntinlupa City government inaugurated on Tuesday, March 1, its world-class Muntinlupa Aquatic Center which has an Olympic-size swimming pool that can host competitions.

Muntinlupa celebrates its 27th cityhood anniversary on March 1 and the inauguration of the Aquatic Center was one of the highlights.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the opening of the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center together with Rep. Ruffy Biazon, Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac, city councilors, and officials.

The Muntinlupa Aquatic Center is the first indoor Olympic-size swimming pool in the Philippines that can cater to swimming, water polo and artistic swimming, and programs like water safety training and competition, scuba diving pool session, swim and survive programs, and physical education programs.

“When we love a person or thing, we take care of it. We give the best. This is how I love our residents, our youth. That is why we inaugurated a world-class Aquatic Center for our Muntinlupeños on the 27th anniversary of the establishment of our city,” said Fresnedi.

The Aquatic Center is located at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex in Barangay Tunasan and has a seating capacity of up to 1,200.

“Like all parents, I also want a bright future for our children. Besides the benefits in sports, it will be a big help to the health of our residents. You do not need to go to Marikina or Biñan [Laguna] to avail of a facility like our Aquatic Center,” said Fresnedi.

The above report ended stating that the funding of the construction of the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center was not sourced from loans but rather funds allotted by the City Government.

The Muntinlupa Aquatic Center itself looks great and it should help diversify the kind of water-related special events that the city can host. Imagine someday that the brand-new facility will be used to host swimming competitions that involve schools. If the roads outside the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center are of good quality, a triathlon event can be held using the pool for swimming and roads for cycling and running. Imagine, for example, the Philippines gets to host the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) many years from now – Muntinlupa’s facility could be used for swimming events. There is no doubt that the new aquatic center is a landmark of the city.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what do you think about the newly inaugurated Muntinlupa Aquatic Center?

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

One of the victims rescued in Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City, turned out to be a Taiwanese fugitive

One of the victims rescued in Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City, turned out to be a Taiwanese fugitive

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In relation to what happened recently in Barangay BF Homes in Parañaque City, the local authorities just revealed that one of the victims rescued turned out to be a Taiwanese citizen who has been wanted in her homeland for fraud, according to a Manila Bulletin follow-up story. In their previous report, the two victims of kidnapping were described as Chinese nationals.

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

One of the two foreigners who were rescued by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) during a raid in Parañaque City on Feb. 26, turned out to be a fugitive wanted in Taiwan for fraud.

AKG director Brig. Gen. Ruldolph Dimas said they discovered that Li-You Ci is a Taiwanese and is wanted at the course of the investigation after the rescue operation in Parañaque City where three of his captors were killed in a brief gunbattle.

“We immediately served the arrest warrant for her after verification. Documentation will be undertaken prior to her turnover to the Bureau of Immigration for the deportation proceedings,” said Dimas.

Li was kidnapped by a group of Chinese armed men in Pasay City. She was then kept in a safe house of the suspects while negotiations for her release were being conducted.

The warrant of arrest was issued by the Taiwan Kinmen District Prosecutors Office and was served on March 1,

The AKG, however, could not provide details as to why Li is (being) sought by Taiwanese authorities.

The above report ended stating that despite this strange turn of events, the filing of the case for kidnapping will still push through.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this latest news development? If you are a resident of Parañaque City, are you concerned that houses within your local community occupied by foreigners could have fugitives and other criminals in hiding?

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

Maynilad customers in Muntinlupa City to get rebates soon

Maynilad customers in Muntinlupa City to get rebates soon

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It has been weeks since the City Government of Muntinlupa pressed water concessionaire Maynilad for answers over the water service disruptions that negatively affected many customers around the city. In a recent development, Maynilad customers in Muntinlupa will soon receive rebates from the company, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Customers of Maynilad Water Services in Muntinlupa will get rebates in their bills after the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) found the company liable for prolonged water service interruptions (WSI).

In a statement, MWSS-RO Chief Regulator Patrick Lester Ty said his office will impose a financial penalty on Maynilad for the water service interruptions that happened from December 2021 to February 2022 due “to the failure of its Putatan Water Treatment Plants (PWTP).”

Maynilad has two water treatment plants in Barangay Putatan, Muntinlupa, which draw raw water from the Laguna Lake and uses it to supply thousands of customers in Muntinlupa and other areas.

“Based on the evidence gathered from its investigation, the MWSS RO concluded that Maynilad failed to meet its Service Obligation of ensuring the availability of an uninterrupted 24 hour supply of water at seven (7) pounds per square inch (psi) minimum pressure to all connected Customers in its Service Area. Customers within the PWTP Supply Zone were found to have been deprived of water service obligation for at least fifteen (15 days), which adversely impacted their health and welfare,” said Ty.

The water service interruptions left thousands of Maynilad customers in Muntinlupa without water for up to 18 hours a day. In some areas, there was no water service for days.

Customers complained that the water coming out of their faucets was brownish in color, making it unusable for drinking or cooking.

According to Ty, MWSS-RO will “implement the financial penalty in the form of bill rebates to affected Maynilad customers within the PWTP’s Supply Zone by April. It is already in the process of identifying all accounts that will be covered by the Rebate Program, the rebate amount for each account, and the policies and procedures for carrying out the Program, in coordination with Maynilad.”

“It targets to conduct a Public Information Drive (PIDr) to clarify the bill rebates and inform affected customers of the nature, scope, and other details of the Rebate Program in March. Updates will be posted on the MWSS RO’s official Facebook page (@MWSS.RO) Twitter account (@mwssro) and website (ro.mwss.gov.ph),” he said.

The Muntinlupa City Council’s Committee on Environment conducted a public hearing last Feb. 8 on the water service interruptions in Muntinlupa with representatives from Maynilad and MWSS-RO.

Councilor Raul Corro, majority floor leader of the City Council, commended MWSS-RO for its decision to impose a penalty on Maynilad.

“The penalty imposed against Maynilad by MWSS RO was the subject of a public hearing conducted by the Sanggunian Panglungsod of Muntinlupa. In the public hearing and in the presence of MWSS RO officials, I formally asked the regulatory body to impose the proper penalties and bill rebates to thousands of households due to its inability to comply with its contractual obligations under the concession agreement,” he said.

“I commend MWSS-RO for exercising its mandate and showing concern to thousands of suffering Maynilad customers whose plea for help triggered the conduct of the public hearing,” Corro said.

“But imposing the penalties and bill rebates are not enough. Maynilad must be able to deliver 24-hour uninterrupted supply of water per its commitment under the concession agreement and that aside from the quantity, it must also deliver quality water that is safe and healthy for human consumption and for other daily household use,” the councilor added.

Ty said MWSS-RO issued a Notice to Explain to Maynilad last Feb. 11 “for its non-adherence to the WSI schedules announced through its public advisories on the planned WSIs caused by water quality problems at the PWTP.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this newest development? If you are a Maynilad customer based in Muntinlupa, how fast do you think your rebate from the water company will come? Are you glad that the regulators rendered its decision on Maynilad?

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@twitter.com 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

Illegal drugs worth more than P350,000 seized in Parañaque City

Illegal drugs worth more than P350,000 seized in Parañaque City

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Another drugs-related development happened recently in Parañaque City and the illegal substances are estimated to be worth over P350,000, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A 53 year-old man was arrested by members of the Paranaque Police Sub-Station 4 after he was caught in possession of suspected shabu worth more than P350,000 on Feb. 26.

Col. Maximo Sebastian, Paranaque police chief, identified the suspect as Johnny de Leon who was arrested at about 1:30 a.m. at Small Ville beside Olivarez Condominium in Barangay San Dionisio, Paranaque.

Sebastian said prior to the arrest of the suspect, members of the Paranaque Police Sub-Station 4 were conducting “Oplan Galugad” when they were approached by a concerned citizen who reported of an ongoing illegal drug trade.

The police proceeded to the place to verify the report and caught the suspect in the act of sealing a plastic sachet containing shabu with the use of his lighter.

During a body search, the police found two plastic sachets of shabu placed inside a coin pouch.

Sebastian said recovered from the suspect 51.67 grams of shabu amounting to P351,356.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Parañaque City, what is your reaction to this latest news story? Do you consider your city as the hot spot for 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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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

3 Chinese nationals killed, 2 others rescued in Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City

3 Chinese nationals killed, 2 others rescued in Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City

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It seems that Parañaque City is still a hot spot for criminal activities that involve Chinese nationals as something happened in Barangay BF Homes that saw the deaths of three Chinese nationals as crime suspects and two others as kidnap victims who got rescued, 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…

Three Chinese nationals, who allegedly kidnapped two fellow citizens, were killed during a police rescue operation in Parañaque City on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 27.

Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, Southern Police District (SPD) director, said the suspects were killed in a shootout with members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Kidnapping Group, Pasay and Paranaque police at about 5:50 p.m. on Vicente Recto St. at Barangay BF Homes, Paranaque City.

Macaraeg said that prior to the encounter, a suspect identified as Lorriel Lozano, 22, admitted his involvement in the kidnapping-for-ransom of one Ling Qang Chang, 43, in Pasay City.

The SPD chief said the joint team launched a rescue operation after learning that two foreigners identified as Zhou Xiang Kin, 42, and Li Ci You, 33, were also kidnapped and being detained inside a dog cage on the second floor of the suspects’ house.

Macaraeg said the operatives were fired upon by the suspects upon arrival in the area. The cops retaliated, wounding the three Chinese kidnappers.

The police rushed the suspects to the Medical Center Paranaque, but they were declared dead on arrival.

The SPD chief said they could not yet release the names of the slain suspects because the PNP is still conducting investigation on the kidnapping incidents involving Chinese nationals.

Macaraeg said the operatives recovered at the crime scene a 12-gauge shotgun, a .45-caliber pistol, one .9mm Uzi, a .9mm pistol, one black Toyota Innova, a white Kymco motorcycle, assorted military and police uniforms, ammunitions, cartridge cases, bullet vests, and gun parts.

For added insight, watch the related ABS-CBN and GMA Network news videos below…

The above news story that took place within Barangay BF Homes is pretty disturbing not just because it took place within a residential area, but also because the suspects accumulated deadly weapons and lots of military and police uniforms. It seems the suspects are working for some powerful people who have yet to be identified. Having that much guns, ammunition and clothing resembling local authorities is very disturbing to say the least. We can only hope that the police will be able to find out who the superiors and financiers of the suspects are.

The kidnapping of Chinese nationals committed by their fellow citizens here in the Philippines is not unusual. More on Parañaque itself, there was a gang composed of almost all Chinese nationals that got arrested for attempting to kidnap another Chinese citizen. With regards to foreigners causing disturbance within Parañaque with other forms of criminal activities, there was even an illegal online gaming operation involving several Chinese and Filipino citizens in Barangay Tambo. As for the cyber sex den in Parañaque that got stopped by the NBI, that illegal operation also involved a Chinese citizen.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are living in Parañaque City, do you believe that Chinese nationals are causing trouble in your local community? Are you concerned that a house in your local community occupied by Chinese nationals could be used for illegal activities like kidnapping, hacking, cybersex, prostitution, torture, smuggling, and imprisonment of other people?

If ever you spot an act of kidnapping happening, are you willing to report the incident to the local police?

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: Las Piñas City is #1 among Metro Manila cities with the highest number of public school teachers vaccinated

COVID-19 Crisis: Las Piñas City is #1 among Metro Manila cities with the highest number of public school teachers vaccinated

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Recently the City Government of Las Piñas announced its newest achievement yet through the School Division Office (SDO) – Las Piñas emerged as the leader among all Metro Manila cities having the highest number of public school teachers who got vaccinated for COVID-19, according to the Manila Bulletin’s news report.

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

Las Pinas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar congratulated the city’s School Division Office (SDO) after being adjudged No. 1 in the National Capital Region (NCR) with the highest number of public school teachers who were vaccinated against COVID-19.

Paul San Miguel, head of the Public Information Office (PIO), said Aguilar was pleased upon learning that out of 4,000 public school teachers in the city, 99.01 percent have already been vaccinated against the virus.

San Miguel said Dr. Joel Torrecampo, officer-in-charge of the office of the School Division, thanked Aguilar for taking care of the health of public school teachers.

He said the NCR Health Unit reported that Las Pinas City SDO was among the top eight cities with the highest number of vaccinated public school teachers.

The above report ended stating that in terms of percentage, Navotas was 2nd to Las Piñas with 98.32% followed by Manila with 97.23% and Pasig with 97.15% to name some.

For all the unvaccinated people reading this, any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

Meanwhile, the City Government is already handling the online registration process for COVID-19 vaccination for local minors (aged 12 to 17) which can be done at http://laspinascityonline.laspinascity.gov.ph/eCVRS/

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? If your children are studying in public schools in your city, does this news make you feel confident about their safety?

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: Metro Manila mayors to recommend adjustment to Alert Level 1 status starting March 1, 2022

COVID-19 Crisis: Metro Manila mayors to recommend adjustment to Alert Level 1 status starting March 1, 2022

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Thanks to the Lord who listens to the prayers of the faithful, the daily count of new COVID-19 cases kept falling down nationwide for the past few weeks and there are signs of stronger economic activities along the way. It should be noted that more people from overseas arrived in the country.

With regards to Metro Manila or the National Capital Region (NCR), the mayors of the many cities of the metropolis came to an agreement to recommend to the higher authorities the shift of control from the current Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1 which should take effect on March 1, 2022, according to a GMA News report. Before the news broke out, Muntinlupa City mayor Jaime Fresnedi confirmed he voted for the shift to Alert Level 1.

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

Mayors in the National Capital Region (NCR) have agreed to recommend the de-escalation of the region to Alert Level 1 from Alert Level 2 starting March 1, 2022, the head of the Metro Manila Council said on Wednesday.

“Downgrade to Alert Level 1 starting March 1,” Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez told GMA News Online in a text message when asked about the recommendation of the council following their meeting Tuesday night.

Under Alert Level 1, intrazonal and interzonal travel shall be allowed without regard to age and comorbidities. All establishments, persons, or activities, are allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at full on-site or venue/seating capacity provided it is consistent with minimum public health standards.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB on Tuesday, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officer-in-charge and general manager Romando Artes said the local government units (LGUs) in the NCR are ready to shift to Alert Level 1.

Artes said the NCR has been successful in implementing COVID-19 response programs.

Also on Tuesday, independent monitoring group OCTA Research said the positivity rate in the NCR has decreased to 4.9%, lower than the recommended 5% of the World Health Organization.

According to OCTA, this is the first time the positivity rate in the NCR decreased to less than 5% since December 26, 2021 prior to the COVID-19 surge caused by the more transmissible Omicron variant.

Once it takes effect, Alert Level 1 will pave the way for businesses to operate better which will translate into new job openings that the unemployed badly need. Businesses that cater to customers with their physical presence involved should be allowed to serve them in higher numbers than before. It could also mean local cinemas should be allowed to allocated even more seats for moviegoers. Families should be allowed to bring their children to more places outside their homes as well. Churches should be allowed to accommodate even more people to worship the Lord on Sundays. Along the way, COVID-19 vaccination operations continue to happen and as of this writing, almost ten million people here in the Philippines have received their respective booster shots.

When it comes to the unvaccinated who remain restricted until now, Alert Level 1 means liberty for them.  In the city of Parañaque, unvaccinated people are still restricted because there is no lifting of restrictions within the city even under Alert Level 2. Parañaque is one of four local government units (LGUs) where the unvaccinated remained restricted under Alert Level 2 and they are the only city in South Metro Manila to be so.

While Alert Level 1 is liberating, I urge all the people in the Philippines reading this to keep following health protocols. If you are still unvaccinated, I encourage you to get vaccinated for your health, your safety and for the good of the country. From this point on, we will see how the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) will respond to the Metro Manila Council’s (MMC) recommendation. Literally, the ball is now in the IATF’s side of the court.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent news report? Do you believe that March 1, 2022 is the right time to start the implementation of Alert Level 1 all over Metro Manila? Do you believe that there are enough people who got vaccinated or boosted nationwide? Do you believe that the highly infectious Omicron variant is no longer a major problem?

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

Wanted foreigners arrested by immigration officials

Wanted foreigners arrested by immigration officials

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Here in the Philippines, personnel of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) successfully apprehended three foreigners – two from South Korea and one from China – who were wanted in their respective countries. According to a Manila Bulletin news report, the three were arrested in two separate operations.

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested two South Koreans wanted for telecom fraud and a Chinese charged with economic crimes in their respective countries.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said Koreans Kim Changhan, 25, and Kim Junhee, 38, were arrested last week by operatives from the bureau’s fugitive search unit (FSU) in separate operations conducted in Makati City and Porac, Pampanga.

On the other hand, 51-year-old Chinese woman Zhang Yujie was (collared) in Mandaluyong City last Friday.

The BI chief said that the two South Koreans already have summary deportation orders issued against them in 2019 and 2020 for being undesirable aliens.

FSU chief Rendel Ryan Sy said the deportation order against Kim Changan was in relation to an arrest warrant issued by the Seoul Central District Court in October 2020 while Kim Junhee faces a warrant issued by Seoul Nambu District Court in July 2019.

Information obtained from the Interpol’s national central bureau (NCB) in Manila revealed that Kim Changan is the leader of a telecom fraud syndicate based in Sandong-sung China engaged in voice phishing that defrauded their compatriots of more than 63 million won or nearly US$53 million.

For the newcomers reading this, there are wanted foreigners or undesirable aliens who are present here in the Philippines and it takes time and effort to apprehend them. This past January in Parañaque City, a foreign fugitive was arrested and he turned out to be listed in the Interpol’s Red Notice. Still in Parañaque, a Malaysian national and his Filipino partner got arrested for falsification of documents and usurpation of authority right inside a police station. The two suspects tried to fool the police into releasing Chinese nationals who were arrested for kidnapping.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you suspicious of foreigners living in your local community right now? Do you believe that the immigration officials are the doing good enough to get rid of the undesirable aliens?

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: Las Piñas City vaccination of children aged 5 to 11 is ongoing

COVID-19 Crisis: Las Piñas City vaccination of children aged 5 to 11 is ongoing

carlocarrasco

On the launch day of COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 5 to 11-years-old in Las Piñas City this past Monday, Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery  personally visited the vaccination sites where she personally observed the processes, met with parents and their kids and talked with the local vaccination personnel, according to a February 8, 2022 Facebook post by the City Government.

Vice Mayor Aguilar talks to one of the parents at a vaccination site. (source – Las Piñas City Facebook page)

To put things in perspective, more than 168,000 kids aged 5 to 11 nationwide registered for the vaccination. Las Piñas City’s registration for the 5-11 age-group is ongoing and more than 1.2 million vaccinations in the city were recorded covering all age-groups and types of patients.

Wholesome decorations at the entrance at one of the vaccination sites. (source – Las Piñas City Facebook page)

Going back to the launch of vaccination for kids aged 5-11 in the city, a news report by the Manila Bulletin states that the city government had set up safari and toys and carnival-inspired vaccination sites. The same report quoted Mayor Imelda Aguilar saying that the local government unit (LGU) is aiming to vaccinate around 1,500 to 2,000 young minors at the three vaccination sites, specifically at SM Center, Robinsons Place and The Tent.

Parents who have decided to have their young children registered for the free vaccines can do the online registration at https://bit.ly/e-covid19reg. Also check out the QR code below.

Scan this QR code.

For all the unvaccinated people reading this, any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

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? If you are a parent of young children living within the city, what do you think of the idea of vaccination for those aged 5 to 11? Did you encounter any anti-vaccine fanatic or activist who tried to discourage you from having your young kid vaccinated?

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