medicine – Author Carlo Carrasco

RIDEMed Inaugural Delivery Led By Muntinlupa City Mayor

October 12, 2025October 12, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, RIDEMed (previously referred to as RIDE Med) was officially launched and Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the inaugural delivery, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune. RIDEMed stands for Responsive Integrated Delivery of Essential Medicines.

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

The Muntinlupa City government held its inaugural ride of the RideMed program, a free delivery service of maintenance medicines for senior citizens and bedridden seniors.

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the inaugural delivery of the program joined by the program riders, Barangay Health Workers and Councilor Rachel Arciaga. Their first stop was at Bliss Muntinlupa where they visited one of the beneficiaries.

Biazon said that the program covers seniors aged 80 and above, as well as bedridden individuals aged 60 and above, who will receive their maintenance medicines directly at home. The program forms part of the benefits and health programs for senior citizens of the city.

Under the program, each health center will have an assigned RideMed team accompanied by a barangay health worker.

“We require that the Barangay Health Worker accompany the rider to check the beneficiaries’ vital signs,” Biazon said.

The program provides several maintenance medicines for hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and for general wellness.

Registration is open at all barangay health centers on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For details on the registration for RIDE Med, click here.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are there many senior citizens in your local community who need medication delivered to them?

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, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

CyberKnife Breakthrough in Alabang

September 9, 2025September 2, 2025carlocarrasco

When you hear the words “cyber knife”, does it sound like something that came out of the realms of science fiction and fantasy? In the real world, a new procedure called CyberKnife made waves in the local news and social media recently as it was introduced by Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. More notably, the first-ever CyberKnife treatment took place helping an 8-year-old child with meningioma, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune.

For the newcomers reading this, Asian Hospital and Medical Center (also referred to simply as Asian Hospital) is located in close proximity to Festival Mall and Ospital ng Muntinlupa. For Asian Hospital’s location, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/9k4HbG1Lr8T9jEsw6

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the news report of Daily Tribune. Some parts in boldface…

Asian Hospital has completed the country’s first CyberKnife® procedure, marking a milestone in advanced cancer treatment.

The inaugural patient, an 8-year-old child with meningioma — a tumor that forms in the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord — successfully underwent treatment at the hospital’s Asian Cancer Institute.

CyberKnife® is the only system of its kind currently available in the Philippines. The technology delivers precise, image-guided radiation therapy in real time, allowing doctors to target tumors accurately while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. Unlike traditional methods, the treatment is non-invasive, painless, and efficient.

To understand CyberKnife better, posted below is an excerpt from the official announcement by Asian Hospital. Some parts in boldface…

Asian Hospital and Medical Center proudly brings you the CyberKnife, a groundbreaking radiotherapy machine dedicated to stereotactic radiation treatment. Setting new standards in cancer care, this revolutionary technology marks a significant milestone in the Philippines.

What is CyberKnife? – The CyberKnife is non-invasive treatment designed for both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors, as well as other medical conditions requiring radiation therapy. Unlike conventional radiotherapy systems, CyberKnife delivers precise and accurate treatments, reducing damage to healthy tissues and minimizing side effects.

What Types of Cancer Can CyberKnife Treat? – CyberKnife is highly versatile and effective in targeting a wide range of cancers, including but not limited to:

Brain Lesions: Both malignant and benign, including meningiomas, arteriovenous malformations (AVMS) brain metastasis, spread from other cancers to the brain.

Lung Cancer: Treats early-stage lung cancer and metastatic lesions with exceptional accuracy.

Prostate Cancer: Offers precise treatment while minimizing side effects in 5 sessions.

Liver Cancer: Effective for both primary and metastatic liver tumors.

Pediatric Cancer: high-dose radiation to pediatric tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues, making it effective for brain, spine, and certain soft tissue cancers with fewer side effects.

Spinal Tumors: Non-invasive treatment for tumors in sensitive spinal areas and (bone metastasis) spread from other cancer to the bone

Head and Neck Cancer: Re-irradiation

Pancreatic Cancer: Targets tumors in challenging locations with precision.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think CyberKnife will make a significant impact on treating patients without any damage in the near future? Do you know anyone living with cancer who is aware of CyberKnife at Asian Hospital in Alabang? Do you know how much does the CyberKnife procedure cost?

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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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

Nineteen More Medicines VAT-Exempt in the Philippines

July 5, 2025July 4, 2025carlocarrasco

Following the recent announcement of several medicines declared exempted from the value-added tax (VAT), nineteen more medicines became VAT-exempt as a result of the recommendation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Nineteen maintenance and lifesaving medicines have been included in the list of those exempted from value added tax (VAT), benefiting more people.

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr., during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing on Thursday, said nine medicines were included under Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) 59-2025 issued on June 11, 2025 while the other 10 are covered by RMC 62-2025.

He said the inclusion of the medications for VAT exemption was based on the recommendation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Of the total, seven of these medicines are for cancer treatment; three each for diabetes, hypertension and mental illness; one each for high cholesterol, kidney disease, and tuberculosis.

“Ang mga ito ay mga maintenance at lifesaving medicines na ngayon ay hindi na papatawan ng VAT. Isang kongkretong hakbang para mas mapagaan ang gastuhin ng mga pasyente (These are maintenance and lifesaving medicines that will now be exempt from VAT. This move is a concrete step to lower patients’ expenses),” Lumagui said.

The BIR chief said both the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) law and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law provide VAT exemptions on certain health products.

He said BIR coordinates with the FDA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) among others to monitor compliance among pharmaceutical companies and drugstores regarding this price changes.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you surprised that a lot more medicines were declared VAT-exempt?

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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10 More Medicines Now VAT-Exempt in the Philippines

June 28, 2025June 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Some good news for Filipinos struggling with buy medicine for their respective health-related needs. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) officially announced that ten more medicines are exempted from the value-added tax (VAT), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said 10 more medicines for cancer, high cholesterol, hypertension, and mental illness are now exempted from value-added tax (VAT).

In a statement on Monday, the BIR said Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 62-2025 on June 20 further expanding the list of VAT-exempt medicines.

The BIR said these changes aim to enhance access to critical medications by reducing treatment costs for patients and their families.

Some medicines on the list are Tegafur + Gimeracil + Oteracil Potassium for cancer, Metformin Hydrochloride + Teneligliptin for diabetes, Atorvastatin (as calcium) + Fenobribrate for high cholesterol, Metoprolol tartrate + Ivabradine (as hydrochloride) for hypertension, and Lamotrigine for mental illness.

The VAT exemption, pursuant to Republic Act No. 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, and Republic Act No. 11534, or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, is intended to be responsive and adaptive to current public health needs, guided by the latest evaluations from the Food and Drug Administration.

“The BIR has issued an additional VAT-exemption of 10 medicines for cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and mental illness,” Lumagui said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are on medication, does this new development from the BIR look helpful to 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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Reforms at Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) continue to be implemented by Mayor Biazon

June 1, 2025May 28, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon declared that he reforms at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) will continue to be implemented to meet the needs of patients and the health workers, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon continued to implement reforms at the city-run Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) in Alabang.

On May 27, he went to the hospital to inspect a new batch of medical supplies, including medicine and items for hemodialysis.

“Bahagi ito ng tuluy-tuloy na reporma sa OsMun para matugunan ang pangangailangan ng ating mga pasyente at health workers (This is part of the ongoing reform at OsMun to meet the needs of our patients and health workers),” he posted on Facebook.

He said the immediate purchase of the supplies became possible when the direct management of OsMun was reverted to the Muntinupa City government. The hospital previously operated as a Local Economic Enterprise (LEE).

The mayor said that when the change in management took effect and in March, he designated a new group of officers in order to further improve the operation and quality of service at the hospital.

A medical storage facility will be built at Pacwood in Barangay Tunasan that will house medicine and supplies not only for Osmun but also for all health centers in Muntinlupa.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you satisfied with the news that reforms at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa are being implemented?

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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Muntinlupa City Government announces free medicine delivery service for elderly citizens and bedridden seniors

May 31, 2025October 31, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government has officially announced RIDE Med (Responsive Integrated Delivery of Essential Medicines), a new program focused on delivering for free maintenance medicine to the homes of bedridden senior citizens and the elderly citizens (aged 80 and above).

To view the video of the launch, click here and to learn about the details behind RIDE Med, read the Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government will launch a free delivery service to bring maintenance medicine to the homes of senior citizens.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon said it will be called RIDE Med or Responsive Integrated Delivery of Essential Medicines that is designed to ease the burden of senior citizens and their families, especially those who struggle with mobility. He added that it seeks to eliminate the barriers that prevent many seniors from getting the treatment they need.

The beneficiaries of the program are senior citizens aged 80 and above, and bedridden residents aged 60 and older.

“Hindi natin pwedeng hayaan na ang ating mga lolo at lola, lalo na yung mga hindi na makalakad, ay mapag-iwanan. Serbisyo na ang lalapit sa kanila. Sa RIDE Med, ihahatid na natin ang gamot diretso sa bahay ng senior citizen (We cannot let our grandfathers and grandmothers, especially those who can no longer walk, be left behind. The service will come to them. With RIDE Med, we will deliver medicine directly to the senior citizen’s home),” Biazon said.

Under the program, eligible seniors will receive monthly deliveries of prescribed maintenance medicines, including losartan, amlodipine, metformin, and atorvastatin.

These medicines address common conditions among the elderly such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Deliveries will be carried out by assigned RIDE Med riders, accompanied by a barangay health worker to ensure proper coordination and follow-up.

To qualify, a senior citizen must be a resident of Muntinlupa City. Registration can be done by the senior’s caregiver or relative at their respective barangay health center. Home registration is also available by calling the program’s dedicated hotlines.

Mayor Biazon said other senior citizens, even if not bedridden or over 80 years old, may still receive the same free maintenance medicines by registering with the existing “Love ko si Lolo, Love ko si Lola” Program, and claiming their medicines at the local health centers.

The city government said RIDE Med represents a new level of care for senior citizens, providing not just free medicines, but also dignity and peace of mind.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you welcome the RIDE Med program? Are there lots of senior citizens in your local community who really need the RIDE Med program now? What is your local community’s reaction towards the launch of RIDE Med in the city yesterday?

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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Two Chinese nationals arrested in Parañaque City, kidnapped victim rescued

February 27, 2025February 21, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, elements of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) arrested two Chinese nationals and rescued a kidnap victim (also Chinese) who was tortured during captivity, according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news article. Some parts in boldface…

A Chinese national was rescued after he was kidnapped and tortured in a condominium in Parañaque City on Thursday evening, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said.

Authorities responded when they received a video from a confidential informant showing the victim being subjected to torture, according to a reported of GMA Integrated News’ Jhomer Apresto on “Unang Balita.” The victim was covered in bruises and sustained bone fractures.

“Nakuha namin yung information na nandito siya sa 1902. Then, nung kinatok nga namin, positibo, nandito ang biktima. At sinabi niya na nagtatago yung dalawang suspect doon sa mga kwarto,” PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio said.

(We got the information that he was here in 1902. Then, when we knocked, it was positive, the victim was indeed here. He said the two suspects were hiding in the rooms.)

Two Chinese suspects were arrested including the person who was holding a gun in the video. Recovered from the area were bladed weapons and rods.

According to PAOCC, the suspects were possibly involved in an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator and part of a huge group.

“Talamak na kasi yung kidnapan dito sa area ng southern Metro Manila ng mga Chinese nationals. Kung anuman ang kadahilanan, minsan pinapatubos, minsan may mga pagkakautang,” Casio said.

(The kidnapping of Chinese nationals in the area of southern Metro Manila is very serious. Whatever the reason, sometimes they were ransomed, sometimes they were in debt.)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, how many Chinese nationals are living within your local community and secretly using the place of residence as a hideout for kidnapping and torturing people? Do you consider Parañaque a hot spot for criminal activities involving Chinese nationals? Do you believe in the concept of the Parañaque Renaissance?

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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Two Chinese nationals arrested in Parañaque City for selling unregistered medicines

February 18, 2025February 14, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, two Chinese nationals were arrested by elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for allegedly selling unregistered medicines, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have arrested two Chinese nationals allegedly involved in selling unregistered medicines in Metro Manila.

Agents of the CIDG-Detective and Special Operations Unit nabbed suspects Hu and Quan in a buy-bust at Concorde Village, Tambo, Parañaque City past midnight Saturday.

According to a news release Sunday, the CIDG agents confiscated two boxes of OTC 999 – Ganmaoling Keli, 20 boxes of Glucophage – Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-release tablets, two boxes of Amlodepine Besilate tablets, three boxes of Linou – Gliclazide tablets, two boxes of OTC – Longdan Xiegan pills, four boxes of Zhibai Dihuang pills, one box of Bear Bile powder, 12 boxes Diamicron – Gliclazide tablets and 16 boxes Bayaspirin – Aspirin Enteric-coated tablets.

The medicines, with an estimated market value of PHP15,000, are not registered with the Food and Drug Administration.

The suspects will be charged with violation of Section 11 of Republic Act 9711 (FDA Act of 2009) which prohibits manufacturing, importation, export, sale, distribution and transfer of unregistered drugs.

CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to the sale of unregistered medicines.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, how many Chinese nationals are living within your local community right now? Did you notice any foreigners selling unregistered medicine locally? Why do you think Parañaque remains a hot spot of criminal activities involving Chinese nationals?

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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Muntinlupa City Government will implement reforms at Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun)

February 5, 2025January 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, it was announced that reforms at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) will be implemented by the City Government, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The said hospital is located in Filinvest City.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon said the city government will implement reforms at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) in Alabang.

Biazon held a dialogue with doctors of the hospital about concerns.

The supervision of OsMun was returned to the Muntinlupa City government based on an ordinance passed last year. In 2019, the OsMun was designated as a Local Economic Enterprise (LEE) aimed at generating its own revenue.

“Ngunit sa ilang taon ng operations, lumalabas na hindi niya kaya makamit ang nasabing revenue na nagdulot ng kakulangan sa naihahatid na serbisyo (But after several years of operations, it turned out that it was unable to achieve the said revenue, which caused a shortage in the service delivered),” Biazon posted on Facebook.

During the meeting, Biazon explained to the OsMun doctors the changes that will be implemented and listened to their complaints and suggestions.

He said the return of OsMun under the city government was meant to give the hospital the capability to provide the right service.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you feel confident that reforms at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa will result in improvements?

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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More cancer, diabetes and mental illness medicines exempted by BIR from Value-Added Tax (VAT)

December 26, 2024December 16, 2024carlocarrasco

Some good news for those who need medicine but have limited financial resources. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced that several more medicines for cancer, diabetes and mental illness have officially been declared exempted from the Value-Added Tax (VAT), according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has exempted 16 more medicines for cancer, diabetes, and mental illness from value-added tax (VAT).

Under Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) 131-2004, the BIR updated the list of VAT-exempt medicines to include those for cancer — Degarelix freeze-dried powder with 80 milligrams (mg) and 120 mg, and Tremelimumab concentrates with 25 mg and 300 mg dosages.

It also exempted more medicines for diabetes including Sitagliptin and Linagliptin film-coated tablets.

Also included in the VAT-free medicines are those for mental illnesses such as Clomipramine Hydrochloride tablets, and Midazolam film-coated tablets.

The BIR said the additional exemptions were made in response to the updated list of VAT-exempt products from the Food and Drug Administration.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you happy to hear that the BIR declared VAT-exempt more medicines of diabetes, mental illness and cancer?

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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