Philippines – Page 217 – Author Carlo Carrasco

COVID-19 Crisis: Metro Manila still under Alert Level 4 until October 15, 2021

October 2, 2021October 1, 2021carlocarrasco

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 but agreed 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?

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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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

COC filing for May 2022 elections begins today

October 1, 2021September 30, 2021carlocarrasco

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?

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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FamilyMart now serving customers inside BF Homes subdivision

September 30, 2021October 25, 2021carlocarrasco

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.

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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Muntinlupa City Council passes resolution recognizing US Open Nine-Ball champion Carlo Biado

September 30, 2021September 28, 2021carlocarrasco

In recognition of his recent feat in the highly coveted US Open title in billiards, the Muntinlupa City Council recently passed a resolution congratulating Filipino pool player and Muntinlupa resident Carlo Biado.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi approved Resolution No. 2021-542 this past Monday formally congratulating Biado for emerging as champion in the U.S. Open Nine-Ball Competition held in Atlantic City on September 19. Biado’s achievement ended a 27-year drought for the Philippines in the US Open Pool Tournament winning over Aloysius Yapp from Singapore.

Since its founding in 1976, championship titles were dominated by Americans until 1994 when the most-winning non-U.S. player in the event’s history, Efren Bata Reyes from the Philippines, was the first non-American victor.

The City Council lauded Biado’s achievement noting that “such a feat is a testament that talent, coupled with sacrifice and hard work, is always a formula to success.”

The local resolution was sponsored by Councilors Atty. Raul Corro, Alexson Diaz, Paty Katy Boncayao, Louisito Arciaga, Allan Rey Camilon,, Ting Niefes, Stephanie Teves, Ivee Rhia Tadefa, Marissa Rongavilla, Francis lan Bagatsing, Mark Lester Baes, Mamerto Sevilla Jr., Arlene Hilapo, Cornelio Martinez, Walter Arcilla and Kenichi Takagi Jr.

Carlo Biado, originally hails from Nueva Ecija, is presently residing in Southern Hills in Soldiers Village, Muntinlupa City.

Biado’s professional career includes playing in the WPA [World Pool-Billiard Association] World Ten-ball Championship in 2015, the Men’s 9-Ball event of the 2017 World Games, 2018 WPA World Nine-ball Championship, and 2019 WPA Players Championship.

His current WPA ranking is No. 3 and he is the only player from the Philippines in the top 10. He earned medals for billiards and snooker at the 2019 Southeast-Asian Games-Men’s 9-ball doubles.

Biado is slated to compete in the 2022 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Thailand, Vietnam SEA Games, and World Games in Alabama.

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The above information was sourced from the official press release of the Muntinlupa PIO. Some parts were changed for this website.

COVID-19 Crisis: Total inoculation count in Las Piñas City approaching 800,000

September 28, 2021September 26, 2021carlocarrasco

This past weekend, the City Government of Las Piñas announced that its overall inoculation count is approaching the eight hundred thousand. To be precise, the official grand total was at 787,768 as of September 25, 2021. The total number of patients who got vaccinated with the 1^st dose was at 422,300 while the number of patients who got vaccinated with the 2^nd dose was at 374,260.

For transparency, posted below is the official image of statistics released by the City Government through social media.

As before, the numbers just don’t add up. 422,300 1^st dose count plus 374,260 2^nd dose count equals 796,560. That’s a difference of 8,792 more than the official grand total.

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

In recent times, the City Government launched COVID-19 hotline numbers so that those with problems can gain assistance.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction about the latest vaccination statistics?

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: Vaccine czar Galvez says 50% population protection enough to start vaccinating minors

September 28, 2021September 27, 2021carlocarrasco

Any parents out there still struggling to decide on whether to have their qualified children vaccinated for COVID-19 or not? For everyone’s information, the nation’s vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. stated that a 50% population protection threshold is enough to begin the actual vaccination of minors (aged 12 to 17 specifically) according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report.

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

A 50-percent population protection threshold is enough to start the vaccination of minors aged 12 to 17 years old, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Sunday.

Galvez, who welcomed the latest shipment of 3 million doses of government-procured Sinovac vaccines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City, said once the “saturation point” in the inoculation drive for the priority sectors is reached, the vaccination of the younger age group can commence.

“We will present in the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) on how we would really look at the possibility as to when are we going to vaccinate our pre-adolescents and if we see that we get the sizeable threshold of more or less 50 percent of our population, we can start vaccinating them,” Galvez said partly in Filipino during an interview.

Galvez had proposed the vaccination of youngsters by mid-October, with minors with comorbidities and children of health care workers as among the priorities.

The government can vaccinate about 12 million minors with the arrival of 20 million doses by the first week of October, added Galvez, chief implementer of the National Task Force Against Covid-19.

In relation to the news above, the City Government of Muntinlupa formally started their online registration of COVID-19 vaccination for local minors and as of September 20, 2021, close to nine thousand minors got registered.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a parent of a child aged 12 to 17-years-old, what is your reaction to Galvez’s statements above? Do you think a 50% population protection rate is good enough to justify the start of actual vaccination of minors?

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: DTI’s latest attempt to boost business operations in areas under Alert Level 4

September 27, 2021September 23, 2021carlocarrasco

While businesses in Metro Manila’s areas under Alert Level 4 have been allowed to operate and cater to customers with specific limits for outdoors and indoors, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) continues to push forward with boosting their operations even more and it could happen soon according to a recent report published by Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said the agency is considering increasing the allowed operation capacity of businesses in areas that will be under Alert Level 4 next month.

This, as the pilot week of the alert level system in Metro Manila has been a “good start” and “safe”, Lopez said in an interview with CNN Philippines Wednesday.

“We consider bringing operation capacity up from 10 percent to 20 percent because it is deemed safe, and customers are highly complying (with the protocols). It makes sense to give a little more support on this protocol,” he said in mixed English and Filipino.

He added this could start by October, after the last day of Alert Level 4 status in Metro Manila.

Metro Manila is currently under the new alert level system, in which outdoor dine-in operation is allowed up to 30 percent, and 10 percent for indoor dine-in services.

Same operation capacity was also applied for personal care services.

Aside from increasing the allowed capacity in stores, Lopez said the agency is also considering reopening the gyms under Alert Level 4.

Protocols under Alert Level 4 are equivalent to the current modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) protocol.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this latest development? Were you able to personally visit a restaurant or a personal care service joint here in Metro Manila since the start of the Alert Level 4 implementation? Has everyone in your local community been vaccinated for COVID-19?

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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Las Piñas City Mayor Aguilar honored again

September 27, 2021September 24, 2021carlocarrasco

A few months ago, Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar was honored by the Regional Peace and Order Council-National Capital Region (RPOC-NCR) in recognition of her administration’s perseverance and ensuring order and safety in the city during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Very recently, Mayor Aguilar received another honor this time by Department of Labor and Employment-National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR) according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

What exactly is the newest honor all about? To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

Las Pinas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar was was recognized by the Department of Labor and Employment-National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR) for her leadership and humanitarian interventions to address the health and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Atty. Sarah Mirasol, Regional Director of the DOLE-NCR, recognized Aguilar’s contribution to the global response of leaving no-one behind and extending the LGU’s arms to DOLE-NCR personnel in its COVID-19 vaccination roll- out.

The Plaque of Recognition cited Aguilar’s actions as an indication of her selflessness and dedicated service to the public driven by compassion and solidarity.

Aguilar thanked DOLE-NCR for the recognition and vowed to continue to give better services to Las Pineros.

The above report ended with Mayor Aguilar expressing her gratitude to the local constituents for their discipline and following the minimum health protocols. It should be mentioned that very recently, the City Government launched COVID-19 hotline numbers so that those with problems can access help or information. Also there are hundreds of thousands of people in the city who got vaccinated.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what do you think about the latest recognition your mayor received? Do you feel delighted that Mayor Aguilar got honored again?

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: Wearing of face shields outdoors is no longer required

September 23, 2021September 23, 2021carlocarrasco

It is all over the news right now…the wearing of face shields outdoors is no longer required as President Rodrigo Duterte stated recently.

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

Filipinos are no longer required to wear face shields outdoors, President Rodrigo Duterte announced on Wednesday.

Duterte made the pronouncement, as he approved the recommendation of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to limit the use of face shields to the so-called “3Cs,” which refers to “closed and crowded” spaces, and activities that “promote close contact.”

“I was informed of the recommendation from the Technical Advisory Group and medical groups that the use of face shields, on top of face mask, may be limited to high-risk activities under the three Cs – closed, crowded pati (and) close contact,” Duterte said in his prerecorded Talk to the People.

Duterte also ordered that the implementation and guidelines on the latest policy on use of face shield be done “immediately.”

“Puwede na tanggalin sa labas (You no longer need to use that outside). No more face shields outside. Ang limitasyon, ang face shield gamitin mo [sa] three ‘Cs’ (The limitation is use face shield in three ‘Cs’),” he said. “Iyang tatlo na iyan, face shield is a must pa rin. Iyan ang recommendation (Face shield is still a must in three [‘Cs]. That’s the recommendation).”

On September 10, Duterte told the public that while wearing a face shield could not provide “complete” protection,” it could still control the transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the country.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on Dec. 14, 2020 issued Resolution 88, mandating all persons to wear full-coverage face shields on top of face masks in all public spaces to reduce Covid-19 transmission.

However, Duterte in June this year ordered the public to wear face shields only in hospitals.

Duterte later decided to keep the IATF-EID’s policy on the mandatory use of face shields in public spaces, given the presence of the more infectious Delta coronavirus variant.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this latest development? Do you truly believe that face shields do provide real protection from COVID-19 infection while being used outdoors? Were you able to understand the President’s mention of the three C’s? Do you feel relieved about this latest development at all?

Do you personally know someone who got apprehended for not wearing a face shield outdoors?

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.

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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