Muntinlupa – Page 26 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Remember how lively Festival Mall’s original cinemas used to be?

October 13, 2023October 10, 2023carlocarrasco

For decades now, I have been living in Alabang and I witnessed how much Muntinlupa City modernized along the way. Bordering Barangay Ayala Alabang is Filinvest City (formerly called Filinvest Corporate City) which itself is home to several business or facilities such as the Filinvest Tent, Commercenter, Acacia Hotel Manila, Crimson Hotel, Westgate and, of course, the wildly popular place to be in – Festival Mall.

For the newcomers reading this, Festival Mall opened in May 1998 with its initial name Festival Supermall. Way back then, out of pure curiosity, I entered the mall for the first-time ever during its soft opening on May 1, 1998 (Labor Day here in the Philippines) as I was already looking for a new place and new discoveries at a time when I got tired of Alabang Town Center (ATC).

Being very new back then, Festival Mall’s presence of retailers or tenants was not yet dynamic as there were still businesses inside that could not open in time for the mall’s opening. I do remember walking down seeing lots of vacant retail spots covered with signs such as “opening soon”, “coming soon” and the like. Back in those days, the Philippine economy and society itself were dampened by the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.

As the months passed by, more businesses opened and Festival Mall’s early attractions include the X-Site Amusement Center (which already had the indoor roller coaster) and, of course, the brand new cinemas which had several screens operating at a very spacious area on the top floor. I still remember seeing lots of people lining up for tickets and seats to watch Armageddon which ended up as the highest grossing movie of the world in 1998.

While I could no longer remember what was the first movie I saw at Festival Mall’s original cinemas (note: this is to differentiate it from the more modern cinemas of the mall located at the expanded area) back in the old days, I do remember watching several movies there through the years such as Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999), The Blair Witch Project (1999), X-Men (2000), Marvel’s The Avengers (2012), The Mummy Returns (2001), The Matrix (1999), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), Mission: Impossible II (2000), X-Men: First Class (2011), and Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001) to name some. I also saw some Tagalog films at Festival Mall’s old cinemas.

Indeed, for more than a decade, Festival Mall’s original cinemas became a favorite destination of mine to watch movies in Alabang and I definitely was not alone. I also remember the times when the said cinemas attracted a whole lot of moviegoers when the annual Metro Manila Film Festival’s (MMFF) opening day (every December 25) happened resulting in long lines. Watch the YouTube videos below…

As you can see in the above videos, Festival Mall’s original cinemas was a hot spot for moviegoers. It should be noted that the mall is strategically located in close proximity to the Alabang Viaduct and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) which ensures visibility to motorists and accessibility to commuters on a daily basis. The old cinemas were also a hot spot for a variety of small businesses selling different kinds of food and drinks to moviegoers and others who just passed by.

Festival Mall at 25

This past May, Festival Mall turned 25 and its anniversary was highlighted with special events as well and publicity through the media. There were these Festival Mall 25th anniversary feature articles that got published in different newspapers almost simultaneously. In the commemorative article that got published in the Manila Bulletin, President and CEO of Filinvest Development Corporation Josephine Gotianun Yap was quoted which goes as follows in the excerpt below. Some parts in boldface…

“We would not be where we are today without the unwavering support of our customers, merchants, suppliers, and employees who have journeyed with us through the years. It is humbling to think that when we first opened the mall, we only had 30 stores and no anchor supermarket. But thousands of visitors came on our first day, attracted by our amusement centers, cinemas, and food court. And now the mall has 800 tenants and eight leading anchor stores. We value our collaboration with major retailers, which has enabled us to bring together SaveMore, Ace Hardware, Robinson’s Department Store, Handyman, Shopwise, H&M, Decathlon, and Landmark all under one roof. As we build on its strong foundations for the future, we see Festival Mall continuing to serve as a place where time stops for making memories with family and friends,”

As seen above, the Filinvest Development Corporation executive clearly referred to the original cinemas which was one of the early attractions of Festival Mall way back in 1998. As mentioned earlier, Festival Mall today has more modern cinemas located at the expanded area on the same floor but several meters away from the original cinemas. So how does Festival Mall’s original cinemas look like nowadays? Watch the video below…

Yes, indeed the mall’s original cinemas have turned depressing. There are much less customers who pass by the area and many of the businesses that operated within have closed down! As I personally found out, Festival Mall is still using a few screens at the old cinemas for moviegoers while leaving the many others closed and left in the dark. If you think about it carefully, what does the mall management have in mind with regards to all of those cinema seats, sound systems, projectors, screens and other pieces of equipment inside each and every closed screen of the original cinemas?

*A closed screen at one end of the original cinemas of Festival Mall. Just imagine what is left of all the hardware (examples: projectors and speakers) and seats inside.*

This was a premium place to watch movies at. It had more comfortable seats and better equipment that made the cinematic experience more immersive. It was here where I saw 2001’s Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within.

*This is where I used to buy movie tickets for many years. For some time now, the selling of movie tickets here ha*s stopped. To buy tickets, you have to go to the modern cinemas of the mall several meters away by foot at the same floor.

Apart from seeing more of the screens of the original cinemas closed down, the number of small-time businesses that sold different kinds of food and drinks are also gone which is depressing. Those businesses offered moviegoers different choices of what to eat or drink apart from the usual popcorn and drinks sold by the cinema’s concessionaires. I do remember a certain business joint that sold really good coffee (both hot and cold) that is also affordable.

There used to be different kinds of small business joints that sold a variety of food and drinks located on the floor spots at the original cinemas area. Those businesses have since closed down and left.

*I remember the times I bought popcorn and drinks at this place before watching a movie. Now there are no food, no drinks and no people selling to customers anymore.*

With the way things are right now, walking through the original cinemas area of Festival Mall is lonely and depressing to do. The area is almost lifeless and it easily is the saddest place inside the mall which itself has become a major attraction for shoppers and families. I can only wonder if Festival Mall’s management has any plan to revive the original cinemas area. Will they someday renovate at least a few of the screens and install brand new seats and other equipment to accommodate more moviegoers? Do they plan to attract new businesses to occupy the vacant commercial spaces and floor spaces near the old cinemas?

*It would be nice to know if Festival Mall’s management or Filinvest itself has any plan to revive commerce at the original cinemas area which is now the saddest and loneliest part of the mall*.

To be very clear with you all reading this, I never worked for a shopping mall nor have I ever worked in the movie theater business. I am a long-time resident of Alabang who often visits Festival Mall for purchasing needed items, dining and availing of services. Watching movies at Festival Mall used to be a big reason for me to spend time at the mall. I know for a fact that operating movie theaters is difficult and attracting people to watch movies on the big screen is tougher because of streaming. It does not help that the COVID-19 pandemic convinced people that watching new movies at home via streaming is the new standard which also made them think that movie theaters are unnecessary.

As a movie enthusiast, I can say out loud that watching a movie inside the cinema is still the best and most definitive way to enjoy watching. The movie theater experience can never be matched by streaming nor could the biggest HDTV at home could ever come close to the size and visual impact of a cinema screen. That being said, I can only hope that Festival Mall could someday revive the movie experience and commerce at their original cinemas area. They already have the modern cinemas at the expanded area but those are only 4 screens.

If you are living here in South Metro Manila and you have been to Festival Mall several times before, what do you think the mall management should do about their old cinemas? Is Festival Mall your favorite place to watch movies in? Do you think that hosting multiple film festivals – both foreign and domestic – each year would justify renovating the old cinemas of the mall?

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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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

Muntinlupa City Mayor visits local market and personally inspects prices of goods

October 12, 2023October 9, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon personally visited a market in Barangay Poblacion and examined the prices of goods, 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…

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon visited a market on Oct. 9 to check the prices of basic commodities.

Biazon went to a market in Barangay Poblacion to know the prevailing prices of rice, meat, vegetables and other commodities.

He said a common feedback of stall owners inside the market is the competition from sellers outside the market, which has a negative impact on their income.

“Ang common feedback ng mga nagtitinda ay ang kompetensya mula sa mga nagtitinda sa labas—yung mga nasa bangketa at nasa iba pang private properties. Hindi na kasi sila napapasok ng mga mamimili; may advantage kasi yung mga nasa labas (The common feedback from sellers is the competition from sellers outside–those who are located on the sidewalk and private properties. Consumers no longer go inside (the market); those who sell outside have the advantage),” said Biazon during his Facebook live video of his market visit.

The mayor also noted that there are vacant stalls in the market, which could be due to sellers losing out to competitors outside the establishment. Biazon said he will look into the matter of illegal vendors around the market.

“Nagkakaroon kasi ng negative impact sa market mismo. Titingnan natin ang mga umiiral na batas natin kung may magagamit tayo para tugisin ang mga illegal vendor at wala sa tamang pwesto (It has a negative impact to the market directly. We will study the existing laws if we have something to use to go after illegal vendors and those who are not in the proper places),” said Biazon.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, were you able to visit any local market lately? If you did, were the prices of good higher than they were six months ago? Do you wish that more your city government officials would personally visit other local markets? Do you believe that local market vendors are being harmed by vendors outside of the markets?

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

Muntinlupa City business permit renewal processing at Festival Mall until October 13

October 12, 2023October 10, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, it was announced that Business and Permit Licensing Office (BPLO) of the City Government were present at Festival Mall in Filinvest City for the convenience of business owners for permit processing and will remain there until October 13, 2023, 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…

The Muntinlupa City government’s business renewal has returned to the Festival Mall in Alabang for the convenience of business owners.

Muntinlupa’s Business Permits and Licensing Office Single-Window Transaction (BPLO-SWiT) program is available in the mall from Oct. 9 to 13 for easier and faster transactions.

“We encourage businesses to take the opportunity to pay their obligations early and avoid penalties for late payments. With the BPLO-SWiT, we are making tax payments more accessible than ever, so we call on everyone to avoid the rush and possible penalties,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

Applicants can transact from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the BPLO-SWiT booth, situated near the Festival Mall concierge.

The whole process, starting from the submission of documents, encoding of information, payment of fees, to printing of official receipt, Community Tax Certificate, Business License and Mayor’s Permit Certificate, and Barangay Clearance for Business, takes as little as 20 minutes, provided all documentary requirements are complete.

In addition to the BPLO-SWiT, business owners may also continue to renew their license and Mayor’s Permit at the BPLO in Muntinlupa City Hall and online via the Business E-payment System (BESt).

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City and you own a business, were you able to avail of the BPLO’s services at Festival Mall? Do you think that the Muntinlupa BPLO should have a longer presence at Festival Mall for your business permit processing needs?

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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Local athletes and art performers met with Las Piñas City Mayor and Vice Mayor

October 11, 2023October 8, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local athletes and performers of the arts who made achievements in varied competitions met with Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar at City Hall and had warm talk together, the City Government confirmed via social media (October 6, 2023 update).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post. Some parts in boldface…

*Photo of the meeting released by the Las Piñas PIO.*

Las Piñas-based athletes and performers who have garnered acclaim in recent prestigious competitions were warmly received in City Hall by City Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar on Thursday, October 5th.

Father and daughter duo, Daniela B. Silvestre and Dante Silvestre, clinched gold medals from the Gold Weight Division at the Marianas Pro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship Manila 2023, held on August 5-6, 2023 in, Muntinlupa.

In addition, performers from Las Piñas, namely Anahbea B. Detosil, Micaila B. Detosil, Szophia Brielle B. Aguilar, and Scarlette S. Yape, won accolades at the World Championships of Performing Arts 2023 held from July 28 to August 6 in Anaheim, California, USA.

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? Are you delighted to find out that there are local athletes who won medals or honors in competitions?

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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Ramirez and Napolis congratulated by Muntinlupa City Government for Asian Games achievements

October 10, 2023October 8, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the City Government congratulated once again Annie Ramirez and Kaila Napolis for winning medals in women’s jiu-jitsu (in different weight categories) at the Asian Games, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Take note that the two Muntinlupa-based athletes won medals also in the last Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

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

Mayor Ruffy Biazon congratulated two Muntinlupa residents who bagged medals at the 19th Asian Games being held in Hangzhou, China.

Biazon honored Annie Ramirez, who won a gold medal in jiu-jitsu (women’s 57kg), and Kaila Napolis, who bagged a bronze medal in jiu-jitsu (women’s 52kg).

*The Muntinlupa PIO released this online.*

“Congratulations sa mga atletang Muntinlupeñong nagwagi sa 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022! (Congratulations to Muntinlupa athletes who won in the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022),” Biazon posted on Facebook.

Ramirez, a resident of Barangay Cupang in Muntinlupa, won the Philippines’ third gold medal in the Asian Games. She previously won a gold medal in jiu-jitsu women’s newaza nogi-57 kg category at the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Napolis is a resident of Barangay Poblacion. She previously won a gold medal in the jiu-jitsu women’s newasa gi-52 kg in the 32nd SEA Games.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you very delighted to find out that there were local athletes who won medals for our country at the Asian Games? Are there any athletes in your local community who represented the Philippines in the Asian Games?

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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What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 8

October 6, 2023October 5, 2023carlocarrasco

Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.

#1 Godzilla videos in preparation for the new Japanese Godzilla movie

In case you missed the news due to the excessive amount of entertainment developments, there is indeed a brand new Japanese-produced movie of Godzilla (Gojira in Japan) titled Godzilla Minus One which will open in cinemas in Japan this November and in America this December. You can check out my post about Godzilla Minus One by clicking here.

With renewed interest in Toho’s Godzilla sparked in moviegoers’ minds, here are some videos that can help you get to know Japan’s iconic giant monster better before the new movie comes out.

#2 Forza Motorsport (2023)

The much awaited big-budget simulation racing game Forza Motorsport (2023) is coming out on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Windows PC plus Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass within a few days from now for its general release. The big-budget Xbox-exclusive racing game is actually available via early access to those who paid extra for the privilege via the Premium Edition. As with tradition, gaming media outlets produced several video previews and updates of the game recently as the release date came closer and here are the videos you must watch on YouTube. Already Forza Motorsport (2023) received acclaim from critics (click here, here, here and here). Take note that this is the first new Forza Motorsport video game since 2017.

#3 Stay away electric vehicles (EVs) as they could kill you

No matter what the Leftists and climate change extremists do, I personally reject electric vehicles (EVs) and the elimination of fossil fuel and the lessening of energy choices for consumers. No matter what flashy publicity and loud talking points were made, I am not convinced that electric vehicles are safe enough to use for daily travel. In fact, many EV makers don’t want you to know that when their vehicles spark into flames, the fire is much harder to put out and often requires a higher amount of water to do so. Why is that EVs spark and become major fire hazards on the street (and even burn down homes) can be realized in the videos below.

#4 Music video of New Life Music’s worship song Testimony

The music team of New Life Philippines released the official music video (note: backstage sessions specifically) of their newest worship song Testimony. Written by Nash Soliven, Camille Cuna, Erican Reyes, Timothy Mena, Charity Patricio, Josiah Patricio and Sam Mokamad, Testimony reflects the meaning of Revelation 19:10 in the Holy Bible and it was made to strengthen people’s faith in the Lord and believe He is still moving no matter how bad things are around us in this very divided world we live in. The song will remind you about having the testimony of our Lord and Savior Jesus. Watch the official music video by New Life Music below.

#5 Visit the Pool of Siloam in Israel

As some of you may have known by now, I went to Israel on a pilgrimage tour with my local church which was hosted by a very good Israeli strategic partner who ensured everything was in order. Among the many sites we visited in the Holy Land was the Pool of Siloam which was the very place where a blind man (born with blindness) got healed because he followed the instructions of our Lord and Savior Jesus without hesitation. For reference, read John 9:1-11 in the Holy Bible.

You can read my Pool of Siloam feature article by clicking here. I also have several other Israel 2023 articles on this website and I hope they will inspire you to visit the Holy Land in Israel to deepen your faith in the Lord. It is in Israel where the Holy Bible comes to life!

Watch the videos – including my very own video at the place – about the Pool of Siloam below.

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Almost P90 million worth of coins deposited through BSP’s machines

October 6, 2023October 4, 2023carlocarrasco

Do you have an excessive amount of coins with you right now? In recent times, the Bangko Sentral ng Philippines (BSP) launched their project to give people opportunities to deposit their coins through coin deposit machines (CoDMs) that were installed in a few locations. According to a report by GMA Network, almost P90 million worth of coins have been deposited.

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

Nearly P90 million worth of coins have been deposited through the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) coin deposit machines (CoDMs).

Since its launch on June 20, over P87.4 million worth of coins were deposited through CoDMs from more than 20,000 transactions as of September 22, 2023.

The CoDMs were launched in a bid to encourage the public to make use of their idle coins.

Latest central bank data revealed that the coins deposited into the machines were mostly credited to customers’ e-wallets, while a portion was exchanged for shopping vouchers.

In June, the BSP deployed two CoDMs at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, one at Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, and another at Robinsons Place Ermita in Manila.

Moreover, the BSP installed additional coin deposit machines at Robinsons Place Galleria in Ortigas, SM City North EDSA, SM City Fairview in Quezon City, SM City San Lazaro in Manila, SM City Bicutan in Parañaque, and SM City Bacoor in Cavite, bringing the total CoDMs count to 10.

The BSP’s CoDMs accept all denominations of the BSP Coin Series and the New Generation Currency Coin Series launched in 2018, ranging from a centavo to as high as P20.

Through the CoDMs, customers can deposit legal tender coins and have the equivalent amount credited to their GCash accounts. The BSP said it is also working to onboard Maya to provide more e-wallet options to the public.

In using the machines, the central bank urged customers that coins to be deposited must not be taped or bundled, must not come with other objects like buttons, magnets, nails, tokens, screws, or washers, and must be gently placed in the coin slot in handfuls.

Being based in Muntinlupa City, I myself managed to deposit coins into the BSP machine located inside Festival Mall in Filinvest City in Alabang. I really liked the convenience of having the amount of my deposited coins transferred electronically into my GCash account and without any technical or convenience fees charged. I can only hope that the BSP will come up with options for coin depositors to transfer the collected value directly into bank accounts without charging any fees.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you able to deposit your coins at a BSP machine near your local community? Do you think this project by the BSP will help prevent coin shortages from happening? If you have an excessive amount of coins in your household right now, would you be willing to deposit them all into a BSP machine?

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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Formal groundbreaking of Muntinlupa City Skate Park done

October 5, 2023October 2, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, several local officials took part in the groundbreaking ceremony of the Muntinlupa City Skate Park in Barangay Tunasan, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. This is the latest sports-related project of the city.

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

City officials led by Mayor Ruffy Biazon and Rep. Jaime Fresnedi held the groundbreaking for the Muntinlupa City Skate Park.

The skate park, located in Barangay Tunasan, is part of the Muntinlupa City government’s vision to develop the next generation of Asian Games gold medalist Margielyn Didal.

“This facility will provide an engaging space for local skaters to connect with each other and develop their skills as individuals. It also gives us the unique opportunity to harness these skaters to help us develop athletes for medal events,” said Biazon.

He said the skate park was a result of Muntinlupa bagging the Seal of Good Local Governance, which had an incentive of P7 million. The fund will be used for the project.

The skate park will feature facilities primarily for skateboarding, such as quarter pipes and practice rails. It can also serve as a venue for various events and competitions, with an audience area and view deck for spectators to enjoy the action.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, what do you think about the city skate park? Are there lots of skaters in your local community who could use such a facility?

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 declared 5th Most Competitive Highly Urbanized City of the nation (CMCI 2023)

October 2, 2023September 30, 2023carlocarrasco

The City of Muntinlupa has officially been declared as the 5^th Most Competitive Highly Urbanized City of the nation based on the 2023 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) results which also showed strong finishes by the said city on other categories, 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…

Muntinlupa City was named the No. 5 overall most competitive highly urbanized city in the Philippines and landed in the top three in resiliency and infrastructure.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon received the awards at the Philippine Creative Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Congress held on Sept. 28 at the Manila Hotel.

Local government units were ranked based on the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index by the National Competitiveness Council.

“Cities and municipalities are ranked on their competitiveness based on an overall competitiveness score. The overall competitiveness score is the sum of scores on five main pillars which pool data from several sub-indicators. The five main pillars are: economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, resiliency, and innovation. Scores are determined by the values of the actual data, as well as the completeness of the submitted data. The higher the score of a city or municipality, the more competitive it is,” according to the CMCI website.

Overall, Muntinlupa ranked fifth under the most competitive highly urbanized cities category in the country with a score of 49.59.

It is also No. 3 in the resilience and infrastructure pillars, and No. 6 in the innovation pillar.

“Infrastructure pertains to the physical assets that connect, expand, and sustain a locality and its surroundings to enable provision of goods and services,” according to CMCI.

Resilience, on the other hand, “applies to the capacity of a locality to build systems that can absorb change and disturbance and being able to adapt to such changes.

For a closer look at the CMCI results, click https://cmci.dti.gov.ph/rankings-data.php?unit=Highly%20Urbanized%20Cities

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, what is your reaction to what the city achieved in the latest CMCI rankings? Do you believe that Muntinlupa is a blossoming and highly competitive city among all highly urbanized cities of the nation?

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 LGU declared a drug-free workplace

September 27, 2023September 25, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government was formally declared a drug-free workplace and a marker was unveiled highlighting it, 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…

The Muntinlupa City government achieved another feat when it was declared a drug-free workplace.

Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Chairman Catalino Uy and Mayor Ruffy Biazon unveiled the marker for the drug-free workplace during the weekly flag-raising ceremony at the Muntinlupa City hall quadrangle on Monday, Sept. 25.

According to Florecito Ragudo, chief of the Muntinlupa Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Office (DAPCO, the Muntinlupa City government became a drug-free workplace after successfully following the parameters set by the DDB.

He said the drug-free workplace policy was finally initiated under the administration of Biazon after years of deferment due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Overall, what our mayor wanted was that all employees are not using illegal drugs so we can deliver effective services to our citizens,” said Ragudo.

Biazon signed an executive order establishing a workplace anti-drug abuse assessment team to implement the policy.

Under DDB Regulation No. 13 issued in 2018, the drug-free workplace policy covers “all appointive public officers in all offices, including all constitutional bodies, departments, bureaus, and agencies of the national government, government–owned and controlled corporations, state and local universities and colleges, and elective local officials of local government units.”

“Mandatory drug testing shall remain a requirement for initial entry to government service. Any applicant found positive for drug use shall be denied entry to government service,” it added.

Uy congratulated the Muntinlupa City government for achieving the milestone.

“On behalf of the Dangerous Drugs Board, I would like to commend and congratulate [you]. We are with you in the success in having and launching of drug-free workplace policy here in Muntinlupa. Congratulations,” said Uy.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think of the City Government as a shining example of a drug-free workplace?

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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