Through the news report of the Manila Bulletin, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that it has received almost eight million applications for voter registration. This is related to the upcoming national and elections set for May 9, 2022 here in the Philippines and the COMELEC will resume the voter registration process (referred to as an extension) on October 11, 2021. Previously, the voter registration process ended on September 30. For the foreigners reading this, the next national and local elections mean a lot to Filipinos because 2022 is the year they will elect a new President.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
Nearly eight million applications for voter registration have so far been received by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
In a press briefing on Tuesday, at the Sofitel Tent in Pasay City, Comelec Spokersperson James Jimenez said as of Sept 25, the number of applications filed totaled 7,994,821.
On Sept. 29, the Comelec en banc unanimously approved the extension of voter registration until Oct. 30.
“Extension is from Oct. 11 to 30, Monday to Friday, no Saturdays, except for the last day (Oct.30), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.” Jimenez said in a statement.
He said all types of registration services will be offered during the registration.
“Most of the registration will still be conducted in Comelec offices, but there are still mall registration sites,” he said.
“Online reactivation still an option,” added Jimenez.
On the same day, the Comelec also announced the extension of registration of overseas voters for two weeks.
Posted below for your reference are COMELEC-related news videos.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this newest development? If you are a local resident who has not yet registered until now, are you determined to join the line once the COMELEC resumes the registration process on October 11?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
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?
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That’s right, readers! The iconic Manny Pacquiao (AKA the People’s Champion, PacMan and Pambansang Kamao) is aiming higher once again and the challenge is more tremendous as the Presidency is the most attractive post of power in the nation which concerns both political stakeholders and the masses of Filipinos in general. His climb from poverty to prosperity is very well known and often his boxing matches broadcast all over the Philippines attracted lots of viewers from their homes, the public viewing venues and on the local community spots.
While there have been reports of politics-related division over his run for President (click here, here and here), Pacquiao is not a political newcomer as he served his constituents in Sarangani Province for six years as their Representative in the House of Representatives, and he has been serving as Senator of the Philippines since mid-2016.
More important than politics is Pacquiao’s deep faith in the Lord. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the article of Charismanews.com (citing varied sources)…
Raised Roman Catholic, Manny strayed from the church as he rose to fame in his boxing career. “I went to church on Sunday, but from Monday through Saturday I was in the bar drinking,” he told CBN. “I was gambling. Careless words came out of my mouth. I committed adultery. I didn’t care.”
But one day he read a letter that gripped his heart. “I received a letter from my mother saying my sister stopped going to school because I stopped sending them the money. I cried, blaming myself for spending all the money on alcohol.”
That same night in 2011, not long after his third fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, God visited Manny in a powerful dream. “I heard the voice of God in my dream. His voice was 10 times louder than thunder. He said to me, “My child, my child, why have you gone astray?” he recounted to CBN.
In the dream, which unfolded in a beautiful forest amid flowers, he also saw two angels, according to an interview with The Blaze. “When I heard the voice of God I felt like I died. … I was in the middle of the forest and I was kneeling and praying with my face on the ground and then I saw a light, a very white light and I heard the voice.”
He said the angels had “white, long, big wings” and said that God revealed to him “about the end of time.”
“I felt I was melting when I heard the voice of God. It was the turning point in my life. God spoke to me and he told me what He wanted me to do and I had to follow (Him).”
For a while, Manny tried to ignore the dream. But one day he felt compelled to pick up the Bible and begin reading it for himself. “I forgot about that dream, but when I started reading the Bible, the first verse I read said that God talked to a man through dreams. I realized, wow, my dream was real,” he told CBN.
As a result of the power of God’s Word, the working of the Holy Spirit in his heart and the compelling dream, Manny surrendered his life to Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
“I’m happy because I found the right way, salvation, born again,” he told The Blaze. “We are required to be born again, all of us. Christ said unless we are born again we cannot enter the kingdom of God. So it’s very important to me. Jesus Christ said: ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ There is no other way. The only way is through Jesus.”
“When you accept Jesus Christ into your heart as your Lord and Savior, you have eternal life.”
God has a purpose for Pacquiao
Going back to his candidacy for President, Pacquiao revealed in an exclusive interview with CBN News that God has a purpose for him and mentioned that he is to provide not only inspiration to the Filipinos but also to help them and fight for them. He also shared his observations about corruption and injustice in the Philippines. Pay close attention to the excerpt from the CBN News article below…
“I just heard the final bell,” were the words of the great boxing icon, Manny Pacquiao as he announced his retirement from his phenomenal boxing career. Over four decades, he became the only boxer to win 12 world titles in eight different divisions.
He thanked the boxing world for getting him and his family out of poverty and for inspiring many people.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced Saturday he no longer intends on running for vice president in next year’s elections and plans on retiring from politics when his term ends.
Pacquiao, who is currently a senator in the Philippines, has announced his candidacy for next year’s presidential elections.
He spoke with CBN News about his decision and what compelled him to run for the presidency.
“I want to focus on a bigger fight in life which is serving the people, fighting against corruption and injustice,” Pacquiao said.
Part of that corruption deals with $200 million in unaccounted-for aid that was meant to fight the pandemic. Pacquiao has questioned four government agencies for alleged misuse.
“I saw the situation of this country is really bad. People are suffering. What I saw is hopeless. Our people deserve a better future,” Pacquiao said.
“I always believe God has a purpose for me. He raised me from nothing into something for a purpose. Not only giving inspiration to the people, but to help them and fight for them,” he said.
What is his answer to people who say this is going to be very difficult as he fights against corrupt people who are in power?
“One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 41:10, ‘Do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’ Only to God (do) we have fear. I believe He will uphold me with His righteous right hand,” he said.
The above article ended quoting Pacquiao who said that glorifying God in our daily lives is the most import thing. That I personally agree with! In relation to Pacquiao’s mention of Isaiah 41:10 from the Holy Bible, posted below are a few translations of the said holy scripture.
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
Do not yield to fear, for I am always near.
Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God.
I will infuse you with my strength
and help you in every situation.
I will hold you firmly with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (TPT)
Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.
Isaiah 41:10 (AMPC)
For more references about Manny Pacquiao’s faith in the Lord and his dedication to God’s Word, watch the following videos below…
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your opinion right now about Manny Pacquiao’s candidacy for the Presidency of the Philippines? Does Pacquiao inspire you to come to Lord Jesus and follow the Word of God? Is boxing still the first thing you think about when Pacquiao’s name gets mentioned? Have you prayed to the Lord for guidance with regards to the May 2022 national and local elections which can impact the direction of the entire Philippines?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
Through the MunCoVac team and the Manila Bulletin’s reporting, it was revealed that the City Government of Muntinlupa has officially registered more than twelve thousand local minors for COVID-19 vaccination. The exact figure, which is accurate of 8AM of October 4, is at 12,096.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government has registered 12,096 minors for its coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination program.
According to the Muntinlupa City COVID-19 Vaccination Program (MunCoVac), as of 8 a.m. of Oct. 4, 12,096 12 to 17-year-olds have signed up for the inoculation program.
The total is 22 percent of the estimated 55,391 total population of 12 to 17-year-olds in Muntinlupa.
By barangay, out of the 12,096, Putatan has the highest number of registrants with 2,114 followed by Poblacion, 1,618; Tunasan, 1,590; Alabang, 1,297; Cupang, 1,093; Sucat, 713; Bayanan, 652; Ayala Alabang, 547; and Buli, 199. Non-residents who registered totaled 2,273.
In May, the country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the amendment to the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to allow its use for 12 years old and above. Last month, the FDA approved the use of the Moderna vaccine for 12 years old and above.
The national government announced that the vaccination of the general population will start this month.
In Resolution No. 141 issued last Sept. 30, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases stated, “Upon the directives of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the National COVID-19 Immunization Program shall be opened to the general public nationwide upon the determination of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 and its Vaccine Cluster.”
It said starting Oct. 16, the vaccination of 12 to 17-year-olds will “be piloted under a phased approach as may be determined by the National Vaccination Operations Center.”
Residents of Muntinlupa City who remain unregistered and unvaccinated can make their moves 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/
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? What do you think about the planned start of vaccinating minors on October 16, 2021?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin’s news report. Some parts in boldface…
A one-year-old boy died when he was trapped inside their burning house in Paranaque City Saturday afternoon.
Senior Fire Officer 1 Gennie Huidem, Paranaque Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) arson investigator, identified the fatality as Zach William Prado, of 4053 Culdesac Rotonda, Barangay Sun Valley, Paranaque City.
Huidem said Prado was on the second floor of their house when the fire broke out at about 3:45 p.m. on Saturday.
The report showed the victim was left in the custody of their grandfather, Wilfredo Prado, prior to the fire.
The arson investigator said before the fire broke out, the victim’s four-year-old brother Amber Brado left Zach William sleeping to follow their other sibling Akia Zoei who attended a birthday party.
The flames immediately spread to nearby houses.
The fire gutted 13 houses rendering 23 families homeless.
The above report ended stating that the estimate amount of damage was at P100,000.
Below is the related TV news report.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Parañaque City, what do you think should be done to prevent fire and death from happening within a local community?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
From September 16 to September 30, 2021, Metro Manila was placed under Alert Level 4 of the new system of quarantine (which includes granular lockdowns) and during this particular period, businesses were literally given some breathing room as personal care service joints and restaurants were allowed accommodate vaccinated customers to spend time inside their respective locations but with specific limits on in-door capacity. DTI is pushing for something better economically.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA report. Some parts in boldface…
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is proposing to allow all businesses to remain open at all alert levels but varying operating capacities.
“The idea is business activities, economic activities should continue at all alert levels and you just change the operating capacity. So at least there is still (business) continuity,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said in an interview with ABS CBN News Channel (ANC) Thursday.
He added that operating capacity should be reduced when an area reached Alert Level 4.
Under Alert Level 4, indoor dine-in and personal care services are allowed at 10 percent capacity for fully vaccinated customers only, while outdoor dine-in and personal care services can operate up to 30 percent operating capacity.
“So there’s containment, there are a bit of more restrictions, but at least you allow the business activities to continue,” Lopez added.
The trade chief is also hopeful that the alert level system in Metro Manila will ease to Alert Level 3 starting Friday.
Lopez said some 76,000 to 80,000 businesses did not operate even under the alert level system since the current protocol does not allow some sectors to operate.
Moreover, he said DTI is pushing for the inclusion of gym operations in Alert Level 4 considering that fitness clubs and centers are essential businesses.
“We’ve been arguing that exercise is really one vital activity to increase their immunity level. In fact, they allowed outdoor exercise at all levels. We were just saying, for indoors, we just manage it,” Lopez said.
Lopez said the DTI stands ready to assist enterprises as the agency continues to offer financing packages to businesses affected by the pandemic.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the DTI’s latest move to improve the economic situation? If you are a business owner who has at least ten employees to take care of, what do you think the DTI, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Metro Manila Council (MMC) should do to make things better for doing business in Metro Manila? Do you believe that the people responsible for the last ECQ and MECQ in Metro Manila cared about hot issues like unemployment, loss of income and business closures?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Muntinlupeños now have one thing less to worry about for the duration of the pandemic as the current leadership unite under one banner and ensure the continuous delivery of excellent public service.
Incumbent Representative Ruffy Biazon and Mayor Jaime R. Fresnedi have allied under the “One Muntinlupa” unity party led by Biazon to make sure the economic gains and best practices of the last nine years continue to be enjoyed by Muntinlupeños and even by transient workers based in the City.
Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi will run for Congress in the May 2022 elections while incumbent Congressman Ruffy Biazon will run for Mayor of Muntinlupa. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)
“Mas makakampante ngayon ang ating mga kababayang Muntinlupeño sa harap ng pandemya (Muntinlupeños can be more confident now in this pandemic),” Biazon said of the unity force. Under the One Muntinlupa slate, Biazon will be the mayoral candidate while Fresnedi runs for Congress.
“The services such as scholarships, benefits, and relief packages that have helped many of our kababayan survive will definitely continue. Together, we will survive and overcome,” Biazon said.
“Elections tend to cause significant uncertainty in the people, which is why they can be divisive as voters choose candidates they think can make life better for them,” Fresnedi added. “By joining our vision and resources, Congressman Biazon and I make sure that the benefits that Muntinlupeños have enjoyed for the last nine years will continue, and can even be made better.”
In an interview, Fresnedi said his first order of business should he win as Congressman is to lobby for the creation of an additional congressional district in Muntinlupa. “Isa sa mga una kong isusulong ay ang additional congressional district para sa Muntinlupa. Ang population ng aming lungsod ay tamang tama na para sa isa pang congressional district,” Fresnedi noted.
To date, Muntinlupa City has a population of 543,445 according to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing. The population requirement for the creation of a congressional district is 250,000 residents per Article VI, Sec.5 of the 1987 Constitution. Fresnedi also vowed to sponsor bills of national relevance that will not only benefit the people of Muntinlupa but also the whole country.
In Fresnedi’s six terms as mayor (1998-2007, 2013-present), Muntinlupa experienced unprecedented economic and social growth, culminating in recognitions such as the ISO 9001:2008 certification, Most Business-Friendly LGU by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance, among others. Fresnedi advocated an Eight-Point Program of Governance which prioritized education, health care, and economic development, driven by numerous scholarships and training programs and the construction of schools and health facilities.
Likewise, in his five terms as lone district Representative (2001-2010, 2016-present), Biazon has continuously championed in Congress measures that would promote and protect the plight and welfare of his constituents in Muntinlupa City and the Filipino people in general. As of this writing, Biazon has already filed more than a hundred proposed measures and various resolutions on defense and security; local governance and public order; poverty alleviation/social justice; education; environment; agriculture; housing; and maritime, air and land transportation and safety.
Biazon also served from 2011 to 2013 as Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs where he initiated a wide range of reforms, including pushing for the passage of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (Republic Act No. 10863). Fresnedi meanwhile started his service to Muntinlupa when he was appointed Municipal Attorney and later as OIC Vice Mayor in the aftermath of the 1986 People Power uprising.
Both Biazon and Fresnedi currently offer scholarships for poor but deserving students, purposely investing for the future through education, and laying the foundations of long-term economic development as a means to peace and security in Muntinlupa City.
Joining Biazon and Fresnedi in One Muntinlupa are Artemio “Temy” Simundac for Vice Mayor, District 1 Councilors: Coun. Atty. Raul Corro, Coun. Allan Rey Camilon, Coun. Paty Katy Boncayao, Coun. Alexson Diaz, Coun. Ivee Arciaga-Tadefa, Coun. Ting Niefes, Ms. Rachel Arciaga, and Mr. Jedi Presnedi, District 2 Councilors: Coun. Francis Ian Bagatsing, Coun. Mark Lester Baes, Coun. Engr. Marissa Rongavilla, Coun. Engr. Arlene Hilapo, Coun. Engr. Mamerto Sevilla Jr., Coun. Cornelio Martinez, Ms. Luvi Constantino, and Ms. Letty Santiago.
+++++
The above information was sourced from the official press release of the Muntinlupa PIO. Some parts were changed for this website.
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
In case you missed the news, the national authorities extended the Alert Level 4 status on the entire Metro Manila until October 15, 2021, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. While the said status looks the same, there were some changes made in favor of certain businesses as well as churches organizing indoor worship services which I personally like.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
The government’s pandemic task force has extended the pilot implementation of the new Alert Levels System for coronavirus (COVID-19) response in the National Capital Region (NCR) until October 15 butagreed to relax some of the Alert Level 4 restrictions.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement as Metro Manila’s Alert Level 4 status ends on September 30.
In a statement on Thursday evening, September 30, Roque said the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious DIseases decided to extend the pilot run of the new COVID-19 response strategy until October 15, 2021.
While Roque’s statement did not specify if Metro Manila will be kept under Alert Level 4, the second-highest of the five alert levels, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said confirmed in a text message that the region will still be under the same alert level.
Meanwhile, Roque said that the IATF has approved the recommendation to increase to 20 percent the operational capacity of indoor services such as dine-in, in-person religious services, and personal care under Alert Level 4 for those fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
The IATF initially allowed the said services to cater to the fully vaccinated indoors at only 10 percent seating capacity.
Operational capacity for outdoor dine-in, religious, and personal care services will remain at 30 percent.
The task force also approved the recommendation to reopen fitness studios and gyms at a limited 20 percent capacity for fully vaccinated individuals. However, gym workers should also be fully vaccinated.
Both gym clients and service providers are required to wear face masks at all times. Group activities are not allowed.
According to Roque, the said indoor services are allowed to increase their operational capacity by another 10 percent if they have a safety seal certification.
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 recent changes 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? Is your local government unit (LGU) doing a sufficient job on having you and your fellow community members vaccinated for COVID-19?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for the May 2022 national and local elections has officially begun today according to a Manila Bulletin news report. That means that within the following days, we will see pre-election buzz pop up on social media as potential candidates file their COCs and appear in front of photographers and their respective supporters. Things will be a bit different this time around due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and already it has been reported that all COC filers must present negative RT-PCR test or antigen test results and there will be limitations on the number of companions allowed per filer.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
Potential candidates in the May 2022 polls will start filing their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) Friday, Oct. 1.
Those running for national positions such as for President, Vice President, Senator and Party-List will file their COCs and their Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance of Nomination at the Garden tent of Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City.
For other elective positions: Members of the House of Representatives for legislative districts in the National Capital Region (NCR) at the Office of the Regional Director, NCR; for Members of the House of Representatives for legislative districts in provinces at the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor concerned; for Members of the House of Representatives for legislative districts in cities outside the NCR, which comprise one or more legislative districts at the Office of the City Election Officer concerned designated for the purpose by the Regional Election Director.
For Member, Sangguniang Panlalawigan at the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor; for Mayor, Vice-Mayor in cities with more than one Election Officer at the Office of the City Election Officer concerned designated for the purpose by the Regional Election Director.
With the continued threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the poll body is limiting the number of companions of filers as part of their health and safety measures.
“Candidates from President to Senator we allow a maximum of three companions,” Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas said in a television interview Wednesday, Sept. 29.
He said Party-Lists can only have one companion.
“We will traffic the flow of candidates one at a time. It will be on a first come, first serve basis,” said Abas.
For his part, Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez said they want the COC filing activities to be sober that’s why they opted to transfer the COC filing for national posts at Sofitel.
“One of the main things of the filing of COCs this year is that we really went to great extent to make sure that the filing would be sober,” he said.
“We located it there to provide better security for our filers and prevent crowds from forming outside the filing area,” added Jimenez.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this newest development? Does the filing of candidacies at the COMELEC encourage you to vote in the May 2022 elections?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
FamilyMart, a chain of convenience stores with presence in strategic locations in Metro Manila and some provinces, recently opened a brand-new branch inside BF Homes subdivision in Parañaque City. The new store is located just steps away from the corner of Aguirre Avenue and Gonzales street. Very near FamilyMart BF Homes (which is not located along Aguirre Avenue) are Vapor and the closed gate of the nearest enclave.
This is FamilyMart BF Homes.
On the Facebook page of FamilyMart BF Homes, a picture was posted showing the ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place on the afternoon of September 28. On that same picture post, it was announced that the convenience store will operate daily from 9AM to 7PM.
Having seen that social media post, I took the opportunity to go there, see the new store and buy myself a drink. Having visited the past FamilyMart branch (opened in 2013 outside of the subdivision but still part of Barangay BF Homes) that once operated along Presidents Avenue years prior, I wondered how much interior space the new store has for its customers.
After parking my vehicle, I paid attention to the signs on the entrance. I could not just go in because I had to complete an online registration form (for COVID-19 contact tracing and referencing) in order to enter (note: it would be great if the store starts using the StaySafe.ph system as an additional contact tracing option). After submitting my details online, a store employee opened the door and near him were the temperature scanner and the sanitizer.
Family Mart BF Homes has an interior set-up that resembles a local community pharmacy. There is a counter with the store employees behind it waiting to serve customers. On the other side of the counter, there was limited space for customers to move with and there were shelves of varied products (mostly consumable goods), a freezer containing ice cream products, as well as refrigerators containing drinks and a few ready-to-cook food items. Ultimately, I bought a Milo shake from them.
While driving along Aguirre Avenue, watch out for this corner sign to find FamilyMart BF Homes.
Having visited FamilyMart branches in Parañaque City (two), Muntinlupa City (two) and Makati City (two), I can say that FamilyMart BF Homes is easily the smallest branch I ever visited. Not a bad thing but notable. The store is ideal if you want to stop by, buy something to enjoy and move on to your next destination.
Regardless, FamilyMart BF Homes still has a lot to offer that other convenient stores cannot. If you love chicken, FamilyMart has FamiChicky and ChickyPops. If you want something unique to eat, try their pizza bar. If you can’t afford ramen at the restaurants, FamilyMart offers ramen that is friendly to your budget. For the beverage enthusiasts, the Iced Caramel Macchiato, Sakura Ichigo, Signature Hot Matcha and Iced Creamy Matcha should be tried.
To know more about FamilyMart BF Homes (address: 75 Aguirre Avenue), visit their official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fmbfhomes
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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
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Author Carlo Carrasco 