National Capital Region (NCR) – Page 114

Almost P130,000 worth of illegal drugs seized in Parañaque City

November 4, 2021November 3, 2021carlocarrasco

The Manila Bulletin recently reported that two individuals were arrested by police officers in Parañaque City and it turns out the suspects carried with them illegal drugs worth almost P130,000. The place of the apprehension was within Barangay Sto. Nino.

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

Paranaque City police arrested two female drug suspects and confiscated from them P129,000 worth of shabu on Monday.

Police identified the suspects as Esnaira Compania, 36, and Aurora Adriano, 43, both residents of Paranaque City. They are both detained at the Paranaque City police custodial facility.

Col. Maximo Sebastian said the suspects were arrested at about 6 p.m. along Wawa Ibabaw, NAIA Avenue, Barangay Sto. Nino, Paranaque City.

Sebastian said members of the Sto. Nino police sub-station were conducting Oplan Galugad when they spotted the suspects acting suspiciously.

The police said one of the patrolling policemen noticed Compania handing out to Adriano a package containing seven pieces of heat-seales transparent sachet of shabu.

The above report ended stating that the confiscated illegal drugs were turned over to the Southern Police District Crime Laboratory for chemical analysis.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you believe that Parañaque City will still remain a hot spot for crimes related to the illegal drug trade?

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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COVID-19 Crisis: Alert Level 3 extension on Metro Manila takes effect today

November 1, 2021October 29, 2021carlocarrasco

In case you missed the news, the extension of Alert Level 3 in Metro Manila takes effect today and will last until November 14, 2021. This is the result of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) recent decision which was announced this past Friday and subsequently reported by varied news organizations. Prior to the announcement, there was anticipation that the community control and restrictions on businesses and people will be eased to Alert Level 2. The local stock market saw shares drop by over a hundred points last Friday in response to the extension of Alert Level 3 for Metro Manila.

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

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has decided to maintain the alert level classification of the National Capital Region (NCR) to alert level 3 for the first two weeks of November.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque revealed in a virtual press conference Friday, Oct. 29 that the decision was reached during the IATF’s meeting Thursday via Resolution No. 146-A.

This came about despite high expectations from the private sector and even the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)–which touches base with the different local government units (LGUs) of the country–that the alert level in Metro Manila would be downgraded to alert level 2.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you think the IATF made the right decision to extend Alert Level 3 all over Metro Manila? If you own or managed a food/beverage business here in Metro Manila, was there an increase on your sales during the recent Alert Level 3?

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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COVID-19 Crisis: Metro Manila under Alert Level 3 from October 16 to 31, 2021

October 15, 2021October 14, 2021carlocarrasco

Finally, business and residents of Metro Manila will be dealing with lesser restrictions as the national authorities declared that the metropolis will be under Alert Level 3 (previously Alert Level 4 from mid-September to mid-October) from October 16 to October 31, 2021 as reported by Philippine News Agency (PNA). Lesser restrictions should mean more reopening of the economy, more people can attend indoor worship services at churches (note: being vaccinated may be required) and more.

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

The alert level status in Metro Manila will be downgraded to Alert Level 3 from the current Alert Level 4 beginning Oct. 16, Malacañang announced Wednesday.

This, after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) decided to ease restrictions in Metro Manila, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.

“The Inter-Agency Task Force on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, approved the recommendation to place the National Capital Region under Alert Level 3 beginning October 16, 2021 until October 31, 2021,” said Roque, also acting as IATF-EID spokesperson.

He said the IATF-EID also approved and adopted the revisions to the Guidelines on the Implementation of Alert Levels System for Covid-19 Response in the Pilot Areas.

A copy of the new guidelines has yet to be made public.

Metro Manila’s shift to Alert Level 3 came amid the drop in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections in the country’s metropolis.

The relaxation of alert level in Metro Manila will pave the way for the reopening of more businesses.

Now watch this related news video from GMA Network…

Staycation in Metro Manila allowed to resume

The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that staycation within Metro Manila will be allowed under Alert Level 3, specifically in accredited hotels. Unsurprisingly there are certain limitations.

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

Staycation is now allowed in accredited Metro Manila hotels as the region eases to Alert Level 3 from October 16 until the end of the month, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Thursday.

“Individuals of all ages may check-in for staycation. However, to ensure safety of all guests, only those 18 years old and above who are fully vaccinated shall be allowed to book their stay,” the DOT said.

Under the amended guidelines, only DOT-accredited staycation hotels with government-issued safety seal certification will be allowed to accommodate staycation guests.

Cinemas in Metro Manila cleared to resume operations

Speaking of the reopening of businesses, cinemas in Metro Manila have been cleared to resume their operations but with a set of limitations. Still, this is indeed a breakthrough because Metro Manila cinemas have been closed (note: use of cinemas as temporary vaccination sites do not count as operations) for a very long time and the nation’s cinema industry had an estimated 300,000 employees. Take note that months ago, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) announced that it has allowed a variety of businesses around the Philippines to resume operations to recover from the COVID-19 crisis and cinemas were among those businesses. However the mayors of Metro Manila opposed the decision.

To put things in perspective regarding the newest development, posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine Daily Inquirer report. Some parts in boldface…

Cinemas and movie houses may already operate when Metro Manila eases to Alert Level 3 starting Saturday, October 16.

Under the updated guidelines on the pilot implementation of the government’s new COVID-19 alert level system, cinemas and movie houses are allowed to operate under Alert Level 3 at a maximum of 30% indoor capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and 50% outdoor venue capacity.

All cinemas and movie house workers and employees should also be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as minimum public health standards should be strictly followed.

Personally, I am glad that cinemas have been cleared to reopen within Metro Manila as the metropolis itself is the single largest region where movie theaters are located at and it should add to the economic recovery our nation badly needs. The cinema operators and their employees have suffered way too long! That being said, I urge you to observe how the Metro Manila mayors and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will react to the clearance for the reopening of cinemas. Will the Metro Manila Council (MMC) and MMDA oppose the IATF and keep the cinemas shut down again knowing that many of their constituents have been vaccinated over the past several months? We will find out soon enough.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this latest development? If you are a business owner who badly needs customers to avail of services indoors, are the approved standards for Alert Level 3 good enough? If you want to worship the Lord on Sunday during worship services indoors at your local church, were the mentioned changes good enough? What do you plan to do once your local cinema reopens?

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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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City and DOLE launch Bikecination, Bigasan livelihood program for indigent residents

October 7, 2021October 5, 2021carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment – National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR), officially launched the Bikecination and Bigasan livelihood program for fully vaccinated workers coping with the effects of the pandemic and indigent city residents.

Congressman Ruffy Biazon led the launching of the program together with DOLE-NCR Dir. Leonides Castillon Jr. and Muntinlupa Public Employment Service Office chief Glenda Zamora-Aniñon this past Tuesday (October 5) at Muntinlupa Sports Center, Brgy. Tunasan.

The local government of Muntinlupa, in partnership with DOLE-NCR, launched the Bikecination and Bigasan livelihood program for fully vaccinated informal sector workers and indigent city residents last October 5 at Muntinlupa Sports Center, Brgy. Tunasan. The program aims to incentivize fully vaccinated informal sector workers and provide an alternative source of income as assistance to help them recover from the challenges brought by the pandemic. Shown in the photo: (L-R, front row) PESO Muntinlupa chief Glenda Zamora-Aniñon, Congressman Ruffy Biazon, and DOLE-NCR Dir. Leonides Castillon Jr. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

For the Bikecination project, 28 fully vaccinated beneficiaries are parents/beneficiaries of child labor, micro-entrepreneur clients of the local Joint Resource Financing Program (JRFP), from 4Ps, and youth entrepreneurs under the Youth Affairs and Sports Development Office (YASDO) received a bike unit with accessories such as carrier bag, bottle, head gear, back and front light, vest, and rain coat. They also received a cellphone unit with P5,000 prepaid load.

DOLE’s Bikecination project aims to provide an alternative source of income for informal sector workers or their next of kin under the A4 category who have received their COVID-19 vaccine. The project targets to incentivize and encourage informal sector workers to get vaccinated to help in the country’s fight against this pandemic.

For the Bigasan livelihood program, 25 beneficiaries who are parents/beneficiaries of child labor each received eight 25 kilos sacks of rice worth P10,000.

Other officials joining the launching event include JRFP acting head Maylene Viñas, Youth Affairs and Sports Development Office chief Cynthia Viacrusis, City Cooperative Office chief Atty. Nemei Santiago, Social Service Department chief Analyn Mercado, and Tourism, Culture, and the Arts Department chief Juvy Engo.

Further, the City Government continues to provide financing assistance to micro-entrepreneurs and MSMEs through Tulong Negosyo Program’s zero-interest loans (formerly Dagdag Puhunan) to help city residents cope with the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

Tulong Negosyo caters to MSMEs and provides micro-finance assistance ranging from P2,000 up to P150,000 depending on the business capital ceiling and payment record of beneficiaries. The program aims to provide additional capital for business expansion for aspiring and established business owners in Muntinlupa.

For more information, visit the Joint Resources Financing Program – JRF Facebook Page or visit them at 2F Plaza Central, Brgy. Poblacion with contact numbers 8772-3457and (0921) 888 6124.

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The above information was sourced from an official press release. Some parts were changed for this website.

COVID-19 Crisis: More than 43,000 businesses certified with Safety Seals

October 7, 2021October 5, 2021carlocarrasco

Since its implementation months ago (click here, here and here) the Safety Seal certification program has covered a lot of business establishments and offices (including government). Recently, it was reported by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that more than 43,000 business establishments nationwide have been certified safe as Safety Seals were issued to them. This is really good news because our nation badly needs economic recovery as a lot of workers lost their jobs and income as a result of the last enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) that happened in Metro Manila as well in other regions. The national economy has clearly been damaged not only by COVID-19 but also by the lockdowns (note: observe closely how the top officials of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Metro Manila Council think and act when making their recommendations to the IATF).

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

A total of 43,332 public and private establishments nationwide have been issued safety seal certifications, an assurance to the public that health protocols are put in place amid the quarantine restrictions.

The safety seal certification program indicates the compliance of establishments to the minimum public health standards (MPHS) set by the government.

In a news release issued Tuesday, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the certification program is beneficial to the country’s recovering economy as it boosts the confidence of consumers in going out and patronizing business in the new normal with the assurance that a business establishment is compliant with health protocols.

He encouraged more businesses to adopt the seal as an effective measure in curbing the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

“Businesses can do their share in the fight against the pandemic and create a healthy space for consumers to transact their purchases and for employees to gainfully and safely earn a living,” Lopez said.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año told owners of establishments, especially those in areas under strict quarantine restrictions, to take the time to apply for a safety seal.

“Applying for a Safety Seal is not mandatory. However, business establishments are highly encouraged to apply since this will also help them attract customers which eventually leads to increased sales and profit,” he said.

Since its implementation in May 2021, a total of 85,731 applications were received by the issuing agencies as reported by the Safety Seal Technical Working Group (TWG); 50.54 percent or 43,332 applications were approved while 11.50 percent or 9,858 applications were either denied or referred to the appropriate agency.

The remaining percentage represents those that are still in the inspection process.

“I commend and congratulate the establishments that have taken the lead in securing their Safety Seal certifications. This will build confidence that their respective companies are committed to ensuring the health and safety of their stakeholders and workers,” said Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.

Under the program, a business establishment is eligible to apply for a safety seal given that it is duly registered, adopting the Staysafe.ph app or any other local government unit-mandated digital contact tracing application and strictly following and implementing the MPHS.

“The implementation of the Safety Seal Program is a very laudable initiative that highly reinforces our country’s response to combat Covid-19. As we gradually reopen our economy, it is important to ensure that our people are safe, and adherence to Minimum Public Health Standards is one vital key to this aspect,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) also reaches out to tourism establishment owners to get the seal.

“The Safety Seal certification program bodes well with the DOT’s priority to ensure the health and safety of both tourists and tourism workers. Let us continue to make travel fun and safe for all,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

The Safety Seal Technical Working Group assured the public that the government exerts the best efforts with a whole-of-government and whole-of-society coordination in support of the Inter-Agency Task Force’s Prevent-Detect-Isolate-Treat-Reintegrate (PDITR) strategy.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: As a consumer, are you confident that economic recovery will happen over the next twelve months? Are there still many business joints in your local community that are operating without Safety Seals? Do you believe that the MMDA and the Metro Manila Council should be held accountable for every job lost as a result of their recommending ECQ to the IATF?

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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COVID-19 Crisis: 24/7 COVID-19 hotline numbers now serving Las Piñas City residents

September 23, 2021September 22, 2021carlocarrasco

Through the Manila Bulletin, the City Government of Las Piñas announced that it has officially launched a COVID-19 hotline system composed of five numbers (one landline number and four mobile numbers) to serve residents in the campaign against the spread of the coronavirus and its variants on a schedule of 24 hours per day and seven days per week.

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

The Las Pinas City government announced that 24/7 COVID-19 hotline numbers are now open to serve residents and help fight the spread of the coronavirus disease.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said residents who exhibit the symptoms of the virus can call the COVID-19 hotline number for a free phone consultation.

Aguilar said residents who want to be brought to isolation facilities or hospitals can also call the hotline numbers and they will be picked up by the ambulance.

The mayor said the city government’s hotline numbers are 89945782, 09776726211, 09496246824, 09682397922 and 09271400595.

Aguilar said the city government is also planning to add more hotline numbers to better serve city residents.

She said aside from the 24/7 COVID-19 hotline numbers, the city government is also offering free RT-PCR and antigen swab testing.

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

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, does the establishment of dedicate hotline numbers make you feel more confident about surviving the pandemic while living in the city?

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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COVID-19 Crisis: Almost 65 million doses of vaccines received by the Philippines so far

September 22, 2021September 21, 2021carlocarrasco

The chances of the Philippines achieving herd immunity before the end of this year look somewhat better as the nation received so far almost 65 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines including almost 10 million in a single week recently according to a news report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The country has so far received a total of 64,942,000 vaccine doses, including the 9,586,270 doses from Sept. 13 to 19 — the highest weekly delivery since the life-saving shots from various manufacturers started arriving in February.

In a news release issued by the National Task Force Against Covid-19 on Monday night, it said of these shipments, 6,171,590 million doses arrived over the weekend. A total of 561,600 Pfizer doses donated by the US through COVAX Facility arrived Monday evening.

The national government continues to build up the Covid-19 vaccine inventory with the steady arrival of larger shipments of government-procured and donated vaccine supplies.

“We are very happy with the developments in our vaccine acquisition efforts especially with the recent deliveries,“ National Task Force Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said.

“This is a testament of our collective effort — from the national government, the local government units, the private sector, and the global community — in securing much-needed doses for our people,” Galvez added.

Of the more than 9.58 million doses delivered last week, 6.65 million combined doses of Sinovac, Pfizer, Moderna and Sputnik V vaccines were procured by the national government, 909,400 doses of AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines were purchased by the private sector and local government units (LGUs), and 2.02 million doses were donations through the COVAX Facility.

“We are now beginning to reap the benefits of having a forward-looking and sustainable plan in our vaccine procurement. We will continue to negotiate and hopefully sustain this bulk allocation and delivery schedule in the coming weeks,” Galvez said.

He earlier announced that more than 34 million doses are expected to be delivered this month from various sources and manufacturers. Of this number, 13,041,410 doses have been delivered.

Sustaining bulk deliveries

Vaccine manufacturers and the national government are in talks to scale up the country’s monthly allocation beginning this month, Galvez bared.

Despite most of the supply contracts indicating that the volume of the Philippines’ orders will be shipped in the fourth quarter, the NTF continued to engage with the manufacturers as part of its aggressive efforts to secure additional vaccine doses.

“We are grateful to our embassies and our consular offices around the globe for their hard work and determination to help our country access and secure the 30 million doses that we need monthly,” he said.

As of Sept. 19, a total of 41,414,015 jabs have been administered nationwide. Fully protected persons are now at 18,560,409 or 24.06 percent of the country’s 77 million target population.

More than 22.85 million vaccine doses have been administered as the first shot.

In the National Capital Region, 84.47 percent of its target population have received at least one dose, while 66.3 percent have been fully inoculated.

Residents of Muntinlupa City who remain unregistered and unvaccinated should make a move to get registered by learning the ways to do it. Those who are prepared (with personal information available) and willing to go through online registration for the free vaccines in Muntinlupa are encouraged to click https://vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac/

Las Piñas City residents who remain unregistered for the free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Does the above news make you confident that achieving herd immunity before the end of year will be realized? Are there still a lot of people in your local community who remain unregistered and unvaccinated? Did you encounter an anti-vaccine activist recently?

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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COVID-19 Crisis: Almost 9,000 minors registered for COVID-19 vaccines in Muntinlupa City

September 22, 2021September 21, 2021carlocarrasco

Since it officially launched the online registration process for local minors (12 to 17-years-old) for COVID-19 vaccination, the City Government of Muntinlupa announced that almost nine thousand minors have been registered 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…

Nearly 9,000 minors from 12 to 17-year-olds have already signed up for the Muntinlupa City government’s vaccination registration program.

According to the city government, from Sept. 14 to 20, or in one week after its launch, 8,812 people belonging to the 12-17 age group are now registered.

The total translates to 16 percent of Muntinlupa’s total population of 55,391 of 12 to 17-year-olds based on the 2020 Census of Population and Housing data from Muntinlupa’s City Planning and Development Office.

When the vaccination registration for minors was launched last Sept. 14, a total of 3,477 minors registered.

By barangay, out of the 8,812, Putatan has the highest number of registrants with 1,623, followed by Tunasan, 1,218; Poblacion, 1,153; Alabang, 978; Cupang, 781; Sucat, 570; Ayala Alabang, 493; Bayanan, 484; and Buli, 154. Non-residents who registered totaled 1,358.

Of the 55,391 population of 12 to 17-year-old in Muntinlupa, Poblacion has the highest number with 12,243 followed by Putatan, 10,164; Alabang, 7,244; Tunasan, 6,256; Cupang, 5,830; Sucat, 5,744; Bayanan, 3,990; Ayala Alabang, 2,560; and Buli, 1,360.

As of Sept. 17, the Muntinlupa City COVID-19 Vaccination Program has administered 554,197 vaccines.

A total of 324,690 individuals have received their first dose, or 84.2 percent of the target population of 385,725. In addition, 233,866 people are now fully vaccinated, or 60.6 percent of the target.

The country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had earlier agreed to amend the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) given to Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines to make them available for use for 12 years old and above.

However, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a media briefing on Sept. 20 that there is no recommendation yet from experts to vaccinate those belonging to the 12 to 17 years age bracket.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident and a parent of a child aged 12-17, what is your reaction to the above news?

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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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City implements new COVID-19 Alert Levels system

September 17, 2021September 16, 2021carlocarrasco

In connection to the Alert Level 4 rules and guidelines that took effect all over Metro Manila yesterday, the City Government of Muntinlupa formally implemented the new COVID-19 Alert Levels System 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 issued guidelines in the implementation of the new COVID-19 Alert Levels System, the new community quarantine classifications in the National Capital Region (NCR) starting Sept. 16.

Under the new classification, Metro Manila is under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) Alert Level 4 from Sept. 16 to 30.

Fresnedi issued Executive Order No. 40 dated Sept. 15 outlining the various activities allowed and prohibited from Alert Levels 1 to 5, and the implementation of granular lockdowns in communities.

The order is based on the resolution issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the new quarantine classifications.

According to the executive order and resolution, Alert Level 1 “refers to areas wherein case transmission is low and decreasing, total bed utilization rate, and intensive care unit utilization rate is low” while Alert Level 2 pertains to “areas wherein case transmission is low and decreasing, healthcare utilization is low, or case counts are low but increasing, or case counts are low and decreasing but total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate is increasing.”

Areas to be placed under Alert Level 3 are those “wherein case counts are high and/or increasing, with total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate at increasing utilization,” while those to be under Alert Level 4 are “areas wherein case counts are high and/or increasing, with total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate at high utilization.”

Alert Level 5 “refers to areas wherein case counts are alarming, with total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate at critical utilization.”

Under Alert Level 4, according to Fresnedi, the following will not be allowed outside their residence: persons below 18 years old, persons over 65 years old, persons with immunodeficiencies, comorbidities or other health risks, and pregnant women. But they are allowed to go out to obtain essential goods and services, and report for work in permitted industries and offices.

The mayor will have the sole authority to declare an area under granular lockdown, according to the executive order, and he may impose it on an entire barangay, individual house, street, block, purok or sitio, compound, subdivision, village and other gated communities.

Granular lockdown will be in effect for at least 14 days and persons under it will not be allowed to go out.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, do you anticipate significant changes to happen locally? Do you think the new guidelines make sense?

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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COVID-19 Crisis: Alert Level 4 all over Metro Manila from September 16 to September 30, 2021

September 15, 2021September 14, 2021carlocarrasco

Change is indeed coming to Metro Manila starting September 16 as the national authorities announced yesterday (as reported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer) as the entire metropolis will fall under what is referred to as Alert Level 4 in relation to the new guidelines that got ratified by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).

What can National Capital Region (NCR) residents and stakeholders expect over the 15-day period? To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Inquirer report. Some parts in boldface…

Metro Manila will be placed under Alert Level 4 starting Sept. 16 until Sept. 30, which is the start of the pilot run of granular lockdowns, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Tuesday.

Año said Metro Manila mayors have agreed to implement just one alert level as a whole “for uniformity and easier enforcement.”

“Yes, under Alert Level 4 because the NCR (National Capital Region) mayors reached a consensus that they will follow one Alert Level only,” he said in a text message to INQUIRER.net.

“For uniformity and easier enforcement within NCR, they agreed to be under Level 4. Hanggang Sept. 30 ang pilot testing,” he added.

Año said the majority of areas in the metro belong to Alert Level 4, anyway, but some qualify for Alert Level 5 while at least two areas under Alert Level 3.

Based on the new guidelines on granular lockdowns, areas under Alert Level 4, which is the second highest alert level in the new system, are those with high and/or increasing COVID-19 transmission and high total bed and intensive care unit utilization rates.

Persons aged below 18 and above 65 and those with health risks, including pregnant women, must stay at home unless they need to access essential goods and services or have to go to work.

Intrazonal and interzonal travel for persons who are not required to stay at their homes may be allowed subject to guidelines of their destination local government unit.

Individual outdoor exercises are likewise allowed in areas under Alert Level 4 for all ages regardless of comorbidities or vaccination status, but they must remain within the area of their residence.

Government agencies in areas placed under Alert Level 4 must remain fully operational while employing at least 20 percent on-site capacity with the rest under a work-from-home or flexible schedule scheme.

Under Alert Level 4, outdoor dine-in services in restaurants and eateries are only allowed at 30 percent venue capacity.

Meanwhile, indoor dine-in services are allowed to open at 10 percent capacity, but they may only cater to persons fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

All workers of these establishments must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Furthermore, LGUs may decrease the allowable capacity for these restaurants and eateries.

Personal care services limited to barbershops, hair spas, nail spas, and beauty salons are allowed at 30 percent capacity “if such services are conducted outdoors regardless of vaccination status.” But if these are indoors, the IATF said they may only operate at 10 percent capacity.

Clients must also wear face masks at all times and all employees should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Religious gatherings, meanwhile, can be held on 30 percent venue capacity if conducted outdoors regardless of vaccination status but only 10 percent will be allowed if conducted indoors and they may only accommodate persons fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Pastors, priests, rabbis, imams, or other religious ministers and the assistants of these religious congregations must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and must observe minimum public health standards.

That was a heavy load of details above. Were you able to read and understand it immediately? If you are having trouble understanding, you are not alone. What I’d like to point out that it is a relief for businesses offering personal care services and businesses in the food-and-beverage industry to be allowed to operate with the declared limits above. For the restaurants, coffee shops and other related food-and-beverage joints, take-out and delivery are still too limiting for their survival.

As for churches allowed to hold faith gatherings, what was stated above is a relief albeit with limitations. The 10% limit on venue capacity for indoor worship services is indeed small even for the fully vaccinated people who want to worship the Lord on-site (which is much more engaging than online worship). The 10% limit for on-site worship will have to do for now in Metro Manila until the end of this month. Whatever the declared limits are, never lose faith in God and keep praying to Him that the national and local authorities will do better and govern knowing that He is watching all of us.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the Alert Level 4 status for Metro Manila lasting for the rest of September? If you are a business owner, are the declared Alert Level 4 limitations good enough? If you are a pastor or church organizer, what do you think about the 10% limit on capacity venue for indoor worship? Is the requirement for pastors, priests, rabbis, imams, or other ministers and personnel on churches to be fully vaccinated too imposing on the part of the government and possibly unconstitutional? Do having multiple alert levels look confusing to you right now? Do you heavily trust the Metro Manila mayors and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) over the way they have been managing the metropolis?

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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