If you are a local resident of Muntinlupa City, were you a recipient of circulating text messages about a certain loan worth over a billion Pesos that was allegedly used by City Government? Recently, Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi clarified the issue, 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…
Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi refuted claims by his detractors that the city government already used a P1.2 billion standby loan from Landbank of the Philippines.
In March 2021, the Muntinlupa City Council passed an ordinance authorizing Fresnedi to enter into a loan agreement with Landbank in the amount of P1.2 billion to fund various projects.
During the flag raising ceremony at the Muntinlupa City hall quadrangle on March 7, Fresnedi reiterated that the city government has not availed of the standby loan.
“The Muntinlupa City government gave us the authorization to get a loan from Landbank. As of Dec. 31, our ending balance [at Landbank] is more than P2 billion. The [Landbank] manager said we have not availed of our standby loan. This means we have not taken any [amount from the standby loan],” said Fresnedi.
Fresnedi clarified the issue after text messages circulated claiming that the city government already got the loan from Landbank.
Landbank earlier issued a certification stating that the Muntinlupa City government has not availed of the loan.
“This is to certify that per records of this office, City Government of Muntinlupa has no outstanding drawdown as of December 31, 2021,” according to a certification issued by Landbank and signed by Lani Pornuevo, head of the Loan Operations Management Department.
Fresnedi said getting a loan is not a bad thing. He said when he assumed office during his first ever term as mayor, the city government took out a loan and used it to construct the Ospital ng Muntinlupa.
“Please remember, getting a loan is not bad when it is used in the right way,” he said.
The mayor said if ever the city government avails of the standby loan from Landbank, it will be used to fund ongoing projects of the city government.
In fact, he said, Landbank has sent two letters to the Muntinlupa City government to remind it about the standby loan.
According to Fresnedi, the standby loan is a program of the national government for economic recovery. The standby loan carries an interest of four percent per year.
“But what the city government needs to pay, if ever we avail of the loan, is only two percent per annum. The other two percent will be paid by the national government,” he said.
He said this is being done to help businesses to run and to help people get jobs, which are part of the national government’s national economic recovery plan.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what do you think about the mayor’s clarification? Were the details explained well by him? Do you personally believe that the LGU (local government unit) should always be scrutinized over any loan it takes?
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
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?
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/
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?
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/
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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?
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
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?
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
Thanks to the Lord who listens to the prayers of the faithful and will never abandon them, Alert Level 1 is now in effect all over Metro Manila which will last until March 15, 2022. Along the way, the national authorities amended the guidelines for Alert Level, according to the Philippine News Agency (PNA). There will still be specific rules that need to be followed and things like face masks and vaccination cards are still required. As such, pay close attention to the details about the amended guidelines.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on Sunday approved the amendments to the guidelines on the nationwide implementation of the Alert Level System for Covid-19 response.
This, after the IATF also approved on Sunday placing the National Capital Region and 38 other areas under Alert Level 1 from March 1 to 15.
Under Alert Level 1, the IATF said there are no restrictions in terms of indoor and outdoor capacities. Everyone can undertake intrazonal and interzonal travel without regard to age and even comorbidities.
All establishments, persons, or activities are likewise allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at total on-site or venue seating capacity, provided these are consistent with minimum public health standards.
Meanwhile, face-to-face classes for primary education shall be subject to prior approval of the Office of the President.
Below are some of the protocols to be observed under Alert Level 1:
*Well-fitted face masks shall be worn properly at all times, whether outdoors or in indoor private or public establishments, including in public transportation by land, air or sea, except when eating and drinking, participating in team and individual sports in venues where ventilation standards can be maintained, and practicing outdoor sports/exercise activities where physical distance can be maintained;
*All private offices and workplaces, including public and private construction sites, may operate at full 100 percent capacity, consistent with national issuances on vaccination requirements for on-site work. However, they may continue to provide flexible and alternative work arrangements as deemed appropriate based on function or individual risk.
*Agencies and instrumentalities of the government shall likewise adhere to 100 percent on-site workforce. Off-site work shall be under such work arrangements subject to relevant rules and regulations issued by the Civil Service Commission and the Office of the President.
*On the other hand, public transportation in areas under Alert Level 1 shall be at full seating capacity. For intrazonal and interzonal travels involving public land transportation between an area with a higher alert level classification and an area under Alert Level 1, the passenger capacity shall be that which has the lower passenger capacity rate between the point of origin and point of destination. For aviation, maritime and rail public transport operating in and out of Alert Levels 1 areas, the passenger capacity will be at 100 percent. The use of acrylic and/or plastic dividers in public transportation shall not be required. The use of the Safe, Swift and Smart Passage (S-PaSS) travel management system shall likewise not be required for interzonal travel to areas under Alert Level 1.
*On contact tracing, the use of health declaration forms/paper-based contact tracing shall not be required for all the agencies and establishments under Alert Level 1. On the other hand, the use of digital contact tracing such as the StaySafe.PH application is optional for all the agencies and establishments.
*On testing prioritization, testing protocols shall be implemented, consistent with national guidelines, for individuals who are unvaccinated or have higher exposure risk pursuant to IATF Resolution No. 148-B and No. 149, s. 2021. In addition, testing using RT-PCR shall be recommended and prioritized for: Priority Groups A2 (persons above 60 years old) and A3 (persons with comorbidities) and Priority Group A1 or healthcare workers. Testing shall be optional for other groups not stated above. It shall not be recommended for asymptomatic close contacts unless symptoms will develop, and should immediately isolate regardless of test results. Instead, symptom monitoring is recommended. Should testing still be used, testing should be done at least 5 days from the day of last exposure. Testing shall also not be recommended for screening asymptomatic individuals. Meanwhile, testing using antigen tests shall be recommended only for symptomatic individuals and in instances wherein RT-PCR is not available, consistent with previously issued guidelines.
*The Hospital Infection Prevention and Control Committees (HIPCC) may implement testing protocols in health facilities for health workers and patients based on their assessment of risk and benefit.
*On isolation and quarantine, updated quarantine protocols for incoming international travelers shall be consistent with IATF Resolution No. 160 A/B, and updated isolation and quarantine protocols for general public and healthcare workers and authorized sectors shall be consistent with DOH Dept Memo No. 2022-0013.
*Under Alert Level 1, establishments are no longer required to set-up isolation facilities within the workplace.
*On treatment, close contacts, asymptomatic confirmed cases and mild to moderate confirmed cases shall be managed at the primary care level, such as health centers, private clinics thru face to face or teleconsultation, while confirmed cases with severe and critical symptoms shall be managed in the appropriate health care facility.
*In the case of reintegration, isolation can be discontinued upon completion of the recommended isolation period, provided that they do not have fever for at least 24 hours without the use of any antipyretic medications, and shall have improvement of respiratory signs and symptoms.
*For the purpose of claiming sick leave, health benefits or other relevant processes wherein the proofs of Covid-19 management are necessary, a medical certification may suffice provided it should include the following minimum information: name of patient, severity of symptoms, diagnosis as probable or confirmed COVID-19, and date of end of quarantine and/or isolation period.
Meanwhile, individuals 18 years old and above will be required to present proof of full vaccination before participating in mass gatherings or entry into indoor establishments, such as but not limited to:
*In-person religious gatherings; gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment and funerals for those who died of causes other than Covi-19 and for the cremains of the Covid-19 deceased;
*All indoor dine-in services of food preparation establishments such as kiosks, commissaries, restaurants and eateries. For outdoor or al fresco dining and take out channels, no proof of full vaccination is required;
*All indoor personal care establishments such as barbershops, hair spas, hair salons, and nail spas, and those offering aesthetic/cosmetic services or procedures, make-up services, salons, spas, reflexology and other similar procedures including home service options;
*Fitness studios, gyms and venues for exercise and sports;
*All indoor cinemas or movie houses operating at full capacity;
*Meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibition events and permitted venues for social events such as parties, wedding receptions, engagement parties, wedding anniversaries, debut and birthday parties, family reunions, and bridal or baby showers;
*Venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences such as in karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls and theaters;
*Indoor ancillary establishments in hotels and other accommodation establishments; and
*Venues for election-related events.
Proof of full vaccination shall be required before entry in the list of establishments identified under the principles of 3C’s strategy against Covid-19.
Children ages 17 and below shall not be required to present proof of vaccination status.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this new development? If you are a Metro Manila resident, do you feel very relieved about Alert Level 1 in effect for the next two weeks?
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
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.
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?
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
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?
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
Welcome back, my readers and fellow Christians! In this newest edition of my Christian Music Appreciation (CMA) series, we will focus on the worship song titled Touch From Heaven which is from New Life Music. To follow New Life Music on social media and on their YouTube channel, I encourage you to click here (Facebook page) and here (YouTube). New Life Music is part of New Life Philippines whose main church is located in Muntinlupa City, Philippines. To know more about New Life Philippines, visit https://newlife.ph/
The featured worship song Touch From Heaven is part of New Life Music’s album titled To The Other Side. The official video of Touch From Heaven was recorded live at New Life’s main church in 2021 and you will see it before this piece ends.
Before analyzing the Biblical relevance of Touch From Heaven, posted below for your reference are the lyrics composed by Nash Soliven, Addi Cena, Jazmine Rivera, Jat Bondoc, Daryl Pinon and Kyle Ruelo.
VERSE 1
He is here
Here to lift your burdens
Here to mend what’s broken
Here to ease your fears
–
Here to heal
Heal all your afflictions
Heal you from depression
Heal all your disease
–
PRE-CHORUS
So be still
And know that He is God
He is here
To rescue every heart
–
CHORUS
Jesus, let Your healing come
And let Your will be done
And mark us with a touch from heaven
–
Jesus, let Your kingdom come
And let Your will be done
And heal us with a touch from heaven
–
VERSE 2
He is here
With power, might and glory
Strengthening the weary
His hand upholding me
–
And as I praise
He’s clothing me with gladness
Joy for all my sadness
Hope for better days
–
PRE-CHORUS 2
So it is well
I know that He is God
He is here
There’s freedom in His love
–
BRIDGE 1
There’s nothing too hard for You
No mountain You cannot move
There’s nothing too hard for You
No limit to what You can do
–
BRIDGE 2
We will rise
We will walk
In the strength of the Lord
We will stand
We will see
His salvation drawing near
–
VERSE 3
He is here
He is our protection
He is our provision
He’s the Prince of peace
–
He is here
Here to heal our nation
He hears all our petitions
And wipes away our tears
To begin with, let’s take a close look at the lyrics of Verse 1 of the song: He is here, Here to lift your burdens, Here to mend what’s broken, Here to ease your fears, Here to heal, Heal all your afflictions, Heal you from depression, Heal all your disease.
The Verse 1 lyrics are truthful as there many references to the healing and restoration that the Lord has done and continues to do for those who suffered and had fallen. To experience healing, recovery and restoration, people only need to come to God wholeheartedly and in faith. Refer to the holy scriptures below…
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)
You open the eyes of the blind, and you fully restore those bent over with shame. You love those who love and honor you.
Psalm 146:8 (TPT)
“Return and say to Hezekiah the leader of My people, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David says: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I am going to heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord.”
2 Kings 20:5 (NASB)
I am convinced that my God will fully satisfy every need you have, for I have seen the abundant riches of glory revealed to me through Jesus Christ!
Philippians 4:19 (TPT)
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
save me, and I shall be saved,
for you are my praise.
Jeremiah 17:14 (ESV)
Next are the following lines from the Pre-Chorus part of the song: So be still, And know that He is God, He is here, To rescue every heart. Those lyrics are truthful and are related to the following bible scriptures below…
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:10-12 (NKJV)
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
Psalm 37:5 (NLT)
The Pre-Chorus lyrics as well as the above verses emphasize the truth that God our Heavenly Father and true Creator will always love us – His faithful children – and anyone who has fallen, or suffered or got persecuted need to come to Him in faith. We should never let the elements of this divided world we live in prevent us from coming to Him and that being said, our established relationship with Him is never to be compromised. God is faithful and only He can lift up the sufferers and restore them fully.
Next we look at the lyrics in the Chorus which are as follows: Jesus, let Your healing come, And let Your will be done, And mark us with a touch from heaven, Jesus, let Your kingdom come, And let Your will be done, And heal us with a touch from heaven.
Healing by the Lord is once again emphasized. The sufferers who come to the Lord in faith truly get healed. The healing power of God goes way beyond anything that science, technology and medicine can ever explain and ever achieve. The Lord’s healing is truly supernatural and it is way beyond anything worldly healing can produce. Learn from the holy scripture below…
Now, in the crowd that day was a woman who had suffered horribly from continual bleeding for twelve years. She had endured a great deal under the care of various doctors, yet in spite of spending all she had on their treatments, she was getting worse instead of better. When she heard about Jesus’ healing power, she pushed through the crowd and came up from behind him and touched his prayer shawl. For she kept saying to herself, “If I could touch even his clothes, I know I will be healed.” As soon as her hand touched him, her bleeding immediately stopped! She knew it, for she could feel her body instantly being healed of her disease!
Jesus knew at once that someone had touched him, for he felt the power that always surged around him had passed through him for someone to be healed. He turned and spoke to the crowd, saying,“Who touched my clothes?”
His disciples answered, “What do you mean, who touched you? Look at this huge crowd—they’re all pressing up against you.” But Jesus’ eyes swept across the crowd, looking for the one who had touched him for healing.
When the woman who experienced this miracle realized what had happened to her, she came before him, trembling with fear, and threw herself down at his feet, saying, “I was the one who touched you.” And she told him her story of what had just happened.
Then Jesus said to her, “Daughter, because you dared to believe, your faith has healed you. Go with peace in your heart, and be free from your suffering!”
Mark 5:25-34 (TPT)
Still on the Chorus, the lyrics about the touch from heaven – which is also the title of this worship song – I believe are connected to this particular holy scripture below…
Step down from heaven, Lord, and come down!
Make the mountains melt at your touch.
Loose your fiery lightning flashes and scatter your enemies.
Overthrow them with your terrifying judgments.
Reach down from your heavens
and rescue me from this hell
and deliver me from these dark powers.
They speak nothing but lies; their words are pure deceit.
Nothing they say can ever be trusted.
My God, I will sing you a brand-new song!
The harp inside my heart will make music to you!
I will sing of you, the one who gives victory to kings—
the one who rescues David, your loving servant,
from the fatal sword.
Deliver me and save me from these dark powers
who speak nothing but lies.
Their words are pure deceit,
and you can’t trust anything they say.
Deliver us! Then our homes will be happy.
Our sons will grow up as strong, sturdy men
and our daughters with graceful beauty,
royally fashioned as for a palace.
Our barns will be filled to the brim,
overflowing with the fruits of our harvest.
Our fields will be full of sheep and cattle,
too many to count,
and our livestock will not miscarry their young.
Our enemies will not invade our land,
and there’ll be no breach in our walls.
What bliss we experience when these blessings fall!
The people who love and serve our God will be happy indeed!
Psalm 144:5-15 (TPT)
Psalm 144:5-15 emphasizes God’s tremendous and unchallenged power, and He is truly able to come to the faithful on this chaotic world for healing, protection, restoration, prosperity, love and salvation. His Son Lord Jesus, who sacrificed Himself to save us all, overcame death and went to Heaven with the promise of returning to us. Rest assured, Lord Jesus never abandoned the faithful and He will always be with the faithful. Going back to the song, I believe that the respective lyrics of Bridge 1 (There’s nothing too hard for You, No mountain You cannot move, There’s nothing too hard for You, No limit to what You can do), Bridge 2 (We will rise, We will walk, In the strength of the Lord, We will stand, We will see, His salvation drawing near) and Verse 3 (He is here, He is our protection, He is our provision, He’s the Prince of peace, He is here , Here to heal our nation, He hears all our petitions, And wipes away our tears) connect well with Psalm 144:5-15 plus other holy scriptures below…
Jesus explained, “I am the Way, I am the Truth, and I am the Life. No one comes next to the Father except through union with me. To know me is to know my Father too. And from now on you will realize that you have seen him and experienced him.”
John 14:6-7 (TPT)
“I tell you this timeless truth: The person who follows me in faith, believing in me, will do the same mighty miracles that I do—even greater miracles than these because I go to be with my Father! For I will do whatever you ask me to do when you ask me in my name. And that is how the Son will show what the Father is really like and bring glory to him. Ask me anything in my name, and I will do it for you!”
John 14:12-14 (TPT)
Soon I will leave this world and they will see me no longer, but you will see me, because I will live again, and you will come alive too. So when that day comes, you will know that I am living in the Father and that you are one with me, for I will be living in you. Those who truly love me are those who obey my commands. Whoever passionately loves me will be passionately loved by my Father. And I will passionately love him in return and will reveal myself to him.”
John 14:19-21 (TPT)
Let them shout for joy and be glad,
Who favor my righteous cause;
And let them say continually,
“Let the Lord be magnified,
Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”
Psalm 35:27 (NKJV)
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV)
Indeed, the lyrics of Touch From Heaven are holy and anointed! I can say without hesitation that the essence of this particular worship song from New Life Music is truly based on God’s Word as well as His love for the faithful. Musically speaking, Touch From Heaven is beautiful and solemn at the same time. That being said, the song clearly has a place for musical use and worship of the Lord during Sunday worship services or during church special events. Lastly, I declare Touch From Heaven is immersive and will help church attendees on strengthening their faith to God. Once more, I encourage you readers to visit New Life Music on Facebook and YouTube plus visit New Life Philippines at https://newlife.ph/ and also their official YouTube channel.
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. Sharing this Christian piece means spreading the good news of the Lord to others. It can help you save the unsaved and the lost souls out there.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
Author Carlo Carrasco 