Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Vice Mayor April Aguilar took the time to personally review and approve the local residents’ applications for the Green Card program, according to the City Government’s social media post of March 30, 2024.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post.. Some parts in boldface…
City Vice Mayor April Aguilar on Thursday, March 21st reviewed and approved several Green Card applications from local residents. This action underscores the city’s initiative to provide essential healthcare benefits to its citizens through the health subsidy program.
The Green Card program, established by the late Mayor Nene Aguilar, was created to provide healthcare benefits to residents. It represents a lasting legacy of his dedication to improving health access for all citizens.
To know more about the benefits and relevance of the Green Card, click here, here and here.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Were there lots of people in your local community who applied for the city’s Green Card?
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 in the City of Marikina, an elderly woman died shortly after getting hit by an electric bike (e-bike) while crossing the road which was captured on CCTV, according to a GMA Network news report. The e-bike driver, who is now under the custody of the local police, has been charged for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. The victim was 73-years-old.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
A grandmother in Marikina was killed after being hit by an electric bicycle or e-bike.
According to Marisol Abduhraman’s report on “24 Oras,” the victim was not immediately brought to the hospital, her family claimed.
As seen on the CCTV footage, after the woman opened her umbrella, she started crossing the road. But while crossing, an electric bicycle hit her.
The woman fell down and was immediately approached by bystanders and the e-bike rider.
The 73-year-old Luzviminda Bisares was declared dead when she was taken to the hospital.
“Hindi ako makapaniwala bakit niya po binangga at sinagasaan po ang lola ko na nagtamo ng brain injury and putol po ang braso niya,” said the victim’s granddaughter, Samantha Bisarez.
(I can’t believe why he hit my grandmother causing her to suffer from brain injury, her arm was broken.)
She added that it was impossible for the rider not to notice her grandmother, especially since she was carrying an open umbrella.
“Sabi niya may tinitingnan daw siya sa bulsa niya pero nasa CCTV at lahat noong tao doon nakita na nagse-cellphone po siya while driving,” said Samantha.
(He said he was looking at something in his pocket but it was seen on CCTV and everyone there saw that he was using his cell phone while driving.)
“Sabihin na nating aksidente pero bakit mo hinayaang manlamig, lumamig ‘yung lola ko. Bakit hindi ka nag-insist na ipagamot yung lola ko o ipadala sa ospital? Para sana madugtungan pa ‘yung buhay niya?” she added.
(Let’s say it was an accident but why didn’t you insist on bringing my grandmother to the hospital so she could be treated?)
The rider explained that he did not immediately take the grandmother to the hospital because he was panicking.
“Malapit na po ako sa bahay nila tapos nandun po kami papasok sa eskinita nahilo po s’ya kaya pinaupo ko po muna s’ya saglit. Hindi na po kami umabot kasi nahilo po s’ya inupo ko po sya dun,” the suspect said.
(We were nearing their house, we were entering the alley…she felt dizzy so I made her sit for a while. We didn’t get there because she was dizzy, so I let her sir first.)
He said a man arrived from the alley and took the grandmother to the hospital.The suspect said he regretted what happened and said he did not mean to kill her.
“Masakit po sa dibdib, sympre po hindi ko naman po sinasadya yung nangyari. Sobrang naging bangungot. Sana po patawarin ako ng pamilya n’ya,” he said.
(It’s painful. What happened was not intentional. It was a nightmare. I hope her family will forgive me.)
But his apology was not enough for the pain of the grieving family.
Posted below is the related news video of GMA Network.
This tragedy in Marikina City reported nationwide by GMA News adds further challenges to e-bike and e-trike drivers/owners as it could spark public demand that each e-bike and e-trike should be registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and that all the respective drivers should be required to secure licenses to drive (which means participating in seminars about traffic rules and then passing a test).
As for those private or civic groups that blatantly support the rights of e-bike/e-trike drivers, observe how they will react to the Marikina City tragedy. See how they will come up with excuses as they strive to gain the attention of the media to themselves.
A file photo of an electric tricycle (e-trike) traveling along Alabang-Zapote Road in Muntinlupa City. In relation to the tragedy in Marikina City, do you think it is high-time to compel all e-bike/e-trike drivers to be licensed to drive and have their respective vehicles registered under the Land Transportation Office (LTO)?
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it is time to require all e-bike and e-trike units to be formally registered under the LTO, and the respective drivers should be required to be licensed to drive? Regarding the e-bike driver responsible for the death of the elderly woman in Marikina City, do you think his explanations make any sense at all? Are there many e-bike/e-trike-related accidents that happened in your city recently? Did you see any e-bike/e-trike using driving recklessly recently?
Here in the Philippines, scammers are almost everywhere. There are scammers who will send you direct electronic messages or call you with offers of job openings, promos, investment opportunities, subscriptions and the like. What caught my attention was the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) recent apprehension of scammers who posed as personnel of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), according to a news article published 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…
Operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested on Tuesday eight individuals pretending to be officials and employees of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in an entrapment operation in Mandaluyong City.
The DBM, in a news release Wednesday, said one of the suspects introduced herself to the complainant as an Undersecretary of the DBM supposedly in charge of the agency’s “special projects.”
The scammers promised the complainant, who is a project contractor, access to some PHP1.3 billion worth of government projects involving the construction of a dam.
The suspects assured the complainant that the project will be awarded to her once “grease money” was provided for the project’s “Blue Print” to initiate the processing of documents for the project award.
The illicit activity was uncovered after the contractor conducted an initial verification with the DBM.
After receiving and accommodating the complaint, the DBM sought the help of the NBI to carry out an entrapment operation where the suspects were arrested after accepting the PHP500,000 marked money.
“Mariin po nating kinokondena ang ganitong klaseng gawain. May proseso po tayong sinusunod na naaayon sa mga umiiral na batas (We strongly condemn this kind of activity. We have a process that is consistent with existing laws),” Budget Secretary Mina Pangandaman said.
She said the DBM is hoping that the incident will “send a strong statement to the public” that it will never tolerate fraudulent activities.
“Seryoso po ang DBM sa paglaban sa katiwalian gaya po ng ganitong mga gawain. Kaya naman po hinihikayat ko po ang taumbayan na agad magsumbong at i-report kung may mga mae-encounter sila na ganitong mga indibidwal (The DBM is serious about fighting corruption. That’s why I encourage the people to immediately report if they encounter scrupulous individuals),” Pangandaman added.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be a lot more scammers out there pretending to be representatives or officials of government departments or corporations trying to deceive people over their money? Have you been scammed before?
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government commended its own employee for honesty and helpfulness as he found P6,000 at a nearby automated teller machine (ATM) and returned it all, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Mayor Ruffy Biazon commended a Muntinlupa City government employee who returned the money that he found at an automated teller machine (ATM).
Patrick Gabriel Moreno, an employee of the Muntinlupa City Health Office, found the money amounting to P6,000 at a Landbank ATM located at the city hall compound.
Instead of keeping the money for himself, Moreno surrendered it to Landbank. Through Moreno, the money was returned to the owner.
Moreno, who recently got married, was praised by Biazon.
“This is very admirable, and it’s important to recognize such behavior to inspire others. Here in the City Government of Muntinlupa, we aim to promote the exemplary qualities of a Muntinlupeño,” said Biazon.
For his good deed, Moreno was awarded a certificate of commendation during the city government’s flag ceremony on April 1.
The Muntinlupa City government, through its Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence or PRAISE Committee, recognizes employees who perform extraordinary actions beyond what is expected of their functions.
The recognition highlights the importance of integrity in public service and reinforces Muntinlupa City’s dedication to fostering a culture of honesty and accountability, the Public Information Office said.
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 happy about this local news?
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
If plans between the different authorities indeed push through, then it would mean that tourist spots inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City will be realized, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
Plans are afoot to convert historical sites inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa into possible tourist sites following a Monday meeting between Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. and Muntinlupa City Mayor Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon.
During the meeting attended by officials from BuCor, the Department of Justice, and the city government, Catapang assured his full support to revive the Muntinlupa’s economy through tourism, the BuCor said in a statement on Tuesday.
Included in the circuit tours inside the NBP being eyed by the Muntinlupa City Tourism Culture and Arts Department are: Kiyosi Oshawa Shrine / Memorial for Peace Shrine; the Jamboree Lake, the smallest lake in the Philippines; Director’s Quarters – Presently the official residence of the Bureau of Corrections Director General; Lethal injection and Death Chamber, which has since been mothballed following the suspension of the death penalty; Japanese Cemetery, a garden cemetery located inside the NBP Reservation Compound dedicated to the Japanese Soldiers who died in Muntinlupa; Memorial Hill, the burial place of Major Eriberto B. Misa Sr. which served as a tribute to the former Bureau of Prison Director for his 12 years of service, making him the longest-serving prison director up to this date.
The government earlier announced plans to decongest the overpopulated penal facility and convert it into a high-value multi-use development once the inmates are relocated to other facilities throughout the country by 2028.
In November last year, prison officials said an open park at the heart of Metro Manila similar to Central Park in New York, is among the components of the plan by the BuCor to develop the NBP.
Catapang said that Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla’s vision for the property is to turn a 100-hectare lot of the more than 350 hectares of NBP into an open park, while the remaining area will be for a mixed-use space to house a government center, and lease parts to private entities to generate funds for the national government.
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 see any potential benefit of establishing tourist spots inside the NBP?
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 in the City of Muntinlupa, water concessionaire Maynilad inaugurated their modular treatment plant which was designed to treat raw water using state-of-the-art ceramic ultrafiltration (UF) technology, according to the official announcement.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the company’s announcement online. Some parts in boldface…
Operated under a “build-operate-transfer” contract by Rendco-FFJJ Consortium, the Laguna Lake Modular Treatment Plant (ModTP) can produce 20 million liters per day (MLD) of potable water supply, augmenting the production of Maynilad’s three existing treatment facilities in Muntinlupa that also use Laguna Lake as a source.
The 20-MLD water supply from this additional facility will help to improve service reliability for Maynilad customers in the south, as its technologically advanced treatment processes ensure sustained production despite abrupt fluctuations in the lake’s raw water quality, which have been occurring with more frequency owing to climate change effects.
Besides the state-of-the-art Ceramic UF membranes, the facility also uses other key global treatment technologies, such as Ceramic Flatsheet Membranes, Nanobubble Technology, and Sludge Dewatering Press, all incorporated into a localized design that produces zero liquid discharge. This means that every drop of water is used and conserved.
The facility’s various treatment processes also require less maintenance and lower energy and chemical consumption, thus resulting in cost efficiencies and reduced environmental impact.
“Maynilad continues to adopt innovative solutions to meet the evolving water supply and treatment challenges, ensuring long-term resilience and sustainability. With this new facility, we are setting a milestone in municipal water treatment here in the Philippines, as we explore the potential of scaling similar technologies across other facilities,” said Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez.
The use of ModTPs that tap alternative sources to Angat Dam form part of Maynilad’s service enhancement program, which aims to address water security challenges.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a Maynilad customer, do you think this newest project will improve the water supply as well as your access to water in the near future?
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 in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government gave out more than P7 million in financial assistance to residents of Barangay Alabang who were affected by the big fire that struck their community, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government gave more than P7 million in financial assistance to residents who were affected by a fire in Alabang last March 17.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon went to the Alabang Elementary School, being used as an evacuation site for the affected families, to oversee the process of claiming done by the Muntinlupa Social Services Department (SSD).
The fire on March 17 started at about 4:48 a.m. and spread to houses in Joaquin, Bautista and Mariategue Compounds in Alabang, leaving families homeless. The fire lasted nearly five hours and was put out at 9:42 a.m.
The affected families are now staying at three evacuation sites: Alabang Elementary School, Pedro E. Diaz High School and Morning Breeze Covered Court.
“Nagbigay ang City Government ng financial assistance na may kabuuang halaga ng higit seven million pesos para sa mga apektadong pamilya ng sunog sa Brgy. Alabang (The Muntinlupa City government gave financial assistance amounting to more than seven million pesos for the families affected by a fire in Brgy. Alabang),” Biazon posted on Facebook on March 24.
Biazon thanked the Muntinlupa City Council for immediately passing an ordinance allocating funds for the financial assistance to the families.
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 concerned that potentially more fire incidents could happen in other local communities now that the summer season is here?
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 in the City of Las Piñas, New Life Community Care Foundation International, Inc. (NLCOM) – the compassion arm of New Life Philippines located inside Alabang Hills Village in Muntinlupa City – sent a team to help fire victims in Barangay Pilar Village recover by providing them more assistance and this includes the conducting of Psychological First Aid.
As the 125 families affected by the second-alarm fire in Maligaya Compound, Brgy. Pilar, Las Piñas continue to tread their paths to recovery, NLCOM carried on with extending help and ministering to them in the past five weeks.
We were able to promote healthy recuperation in the children by conducting Psychological First Aid, aside from the weekly feeding of hot meals for the families and fun kiddie activities. It was such a sight of grace to see how the kids would excitedly gather as soon as they see the team and would ask for more activities, not wanting it to end. To see the grown-ups grinning while watching the children enjoy and to hear many of them express their appreciation for the time spent with them was truly heartening.
We responded with the desire to alleviate the loss and despair that they are feeling. It may only have been momentary, but the compassion bestowed surely etched a long-lasting mark in their hearts.
For the newcomers reading this, I previously blogged about NLCOM back in 2020 which you can read by clicking here and my most recent blog can viewed by clicking here, here and here. As mentioned earlier, NLCOM has a history of providing relief to disaster victims and helping them rebuild their lives and communities as they recover.
NLCOM is committed to organizing activities from disaster preparedness trainings, relief goods distribution, mobile kitchen feeding operations, Psychological First Aid to kids and adults traumatized by a disaster, and rebuilding of damaged houses. To get to know NLCOM better, I recommend you watch their official YouTube video below…
If you have decided to help potential disaster victims through NLCOM, be aware that New Life’s compassion arm is accepting donations. You may send your monetary donations to:
For more information about NLCOM, visit https://nlcom.org.ph/ or visit their office at 2 Don Manolo Boulevard, Alabang Hills Village, Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Contact them at landline 88091542 extension 426.
In ending post, let me share with you a few holy scriptures that should remind you that God is our source, our provider and the blessedness of giving is absolutely true.
Now [may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (NKJV)
Those who live to bless others will have blessings heaped upon them, and the one who pours out his life to pour out blessings will be saturated with favor.
Proverbs 11:25 (TPT)
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and that which he has given He will repay to him.
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 in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that over one thousand children were vaccinated for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) during the final day of their latest vaccination campaign at Robinsons Place Las Piñas.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post of March 22, 2024. Some parts in boldface…
The City Health Office, under the leadership of Dr. Juliana Gonzalez, concluded its Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign on Friday, March 15th, at Robinsons Las Piñas. The three-day initiative witnessed an overwhelming response from the community, vaccinating over 1,000 children on its final day, with a total of almost 3,000 total vaccinated children in the campaign.
This large-scale vaccination drive, a key part in the service projects of the 27th Cityhood Anniversary celebrations, represents Las Piñas City’s ongoing efforts to prioritize and enhance public health, highlighting the city’s dedication to combating preventable diseases and safeguarding the well-being of its younger population.
City Vice Mayor April Aguilar, who attended the event, commended the City Health Office, healthcare professionals, and volunteers for their dedication and hard work. She also expressed gratitude towards the parents and guardians for their trust and cooperation, which were essential in achieving the campaign’s goals.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you hope that the City Government will conduct another HPV vaccination campaign soon?
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 in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT) was recognized by the City Government as one of the Top 10 taxpayers in the city and this is also the 3rd consecutive year the corporation made it in the prestigious rankings, according to a Malaya Business Insight news report.
For the newcomers reading this, Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT) describes itself as “a real estate investment trust backed by Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI), one of the largest property developers in the Philippines with an established portfolio of residential, office, retail and industrial developments around the country.”
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Malaya Business Insight. Some parts in boldface…
Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT), the pioneering real estate investment trust (REIT) arm supported by Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI), and renowned as the country’s first sustainability-themed REIT, has once again received recognition as one of Muntinlupa City’s top taxpayers for the third consecutive year. Acknowledged alongside nine other esteemed businesses by the city, under the guidance of Hon. Mayor Ruffy Biazon, FILRT has been commended for its significant contribution to the city’s economic progress, bolstering various local government initiatives such as scholarships, healthcare, and security infrastructure.
Maricel Brion-Lirio, FILRT President and CEO, affirmed, “We are steadfast in our commitment to embedding sustainability in our Muntinlupa developments, and we remain dedicated to investing in projects and endeavors that champion environmental and social responsibility. FILRT and FLI stand as steadfast allies of the government, offering unwavering support for the city’s continuous pursuit of advancement.”
FILRT currently owns and manages 16 eco-efficient buildings encompassing over 280,000 square meters of gross leasable area within Northgate Cyberzone, an IT BPO campus-style hub accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Notably, FILRT’s office property portfolio boasts a globally competitive tenant mix predominantly consisting of blue-chip BPO companies.
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 delighted to see how much socio-economic progress FILRT contributed to the city? Are many members of your local community working in a company occupying properties within the Northgate Cyberzone or at Filinvest City?
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
