Tag: press release

CREATE bill to boost Philippine economy by cutting corporate income tax and implementing incentives

CREATE bill to boost Philippine economy by cutting corporate income tax and implementing incentives

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Yesterday, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez announced that the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act is aimed to reduce the corporate income tax which should lead to creating more jobs as well as attracting investments.

Given the dramatic fall of the Philippine economy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CREATE bill could be the big solution to boost the economy and pave the way for recovery. For almost a year now, the said pandemic caused a lot of people to lose their jobs and much of their income. A lot of businesses closed down as well.

For your reference, here is a long excerpt of the news release about the said bill published via Philippine News Agency (PNA). Key words are highlighted in bold:

The recent bicameral approval of the game-changing CREATE Act can also provide a big boost to the National Employment Recovery Strategy (NERS) Task Force chaired by the DTI and co-chaired by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which was signed last Feb. 5 by several agencies.  

“The landmark tax and incentives reform bill that we expect to be signed by the President is expected to bring in (a) massive inflow of investments that will create more jobs, especially as we focus efforts in the National Employment Recovery during this period of the pandemic and beyond. The passing of CREATE will firm up the tax and incentive reforms that will make the investment climate significantly more attractive than the current tax and incentive regime,” Lopez said in a statement.

He said the bill will certainly encourage more investments with the lowering of the corporate income taxes rate from 30 percent to 20 percent for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and 25 percent for large corporations.

“Modernizing the incentives system likewise makes the incentives such as income tax holiday (ITH), special corporate income tax rates (SCIT) or enhanced deductions (ED), available to industries considered strategic, critical or export oriented,” he added.

The Trade chief said the length of incentives, such as four to seven years of ITH plus five or 10 years of SCIT or ED, will depend on the nature of industry, export or domestic oriented, degree of technology and value adding, and geographical location, with additional years outside the Metro Manila and urban centers.

“There is also (a) longer transition period for those currently granted incentives. Thus, incentives are now made more performance-based, focused and timebound,” Lopez said.

CREATE is a bill certified urgent by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte upon the recommendation of the economic team led by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III.

Lopez also thanked the legislators at the Senate and the House of Representatives, with Sen. Pia Cayetano and Rep. Joey Salceda, respectively, as principal authors, for the hard work of the committee members in bringing the CREATE bill to fruition.

“The passing of CREATE will unleash the growth potential of investments by removing uncertainties during the period that the bill was under deliberation,” Lopez said. “Based on our estimate and those from Cong. Joey Salceda, CREATE can bring in over PHP200 billion of new investments that can generate 1.4 (million) to 2 million incremental jobs.”

CREATE will help boost investments in the Philippines, which would support the 2021 target of the Board of Investments (BOI) of PHP1.25-trillion investment approvals.

A report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) had also estimated that the Philippines bucked the trend in Southeast Asia, and had increased its foreign direct investments (FDIs) during the pandemic by 29 percent last year.

Meanwhile, the NERS 2021-2023 is a medium-term plan anchored on the updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 and ReCharge PH by expanding the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan initiative and improving access and security of employment.

The strategy also takes into consideration the changes in the labor market brought about by the pandemic and the fast adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe) technologies.

“NERS shall also consolidate all measures, programs, and institutions that influence the demand and supply of labor, as well as the functioning of labor markets,” Lopez said.

Members of NERS Oversight Committee include the Departments of Transportation (DOTr), Tourism (DOT), Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Science and Technology (DOST), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Agriculture (DA), Agrarian Reform (DAR), Interior and Local Government (DILG), Information and Communications Technology (DICT),  Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and National Security Council (NSC), as well as the Office of the Cabinet Secretary (OCS), Departments of Finance (DOF) and Budget and Management (DBM), and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III said: “This JMC (joint memorandum circular) will fortify our collective undertaking as a Task Force working to develop a policy environment that encourages the generation of more employment opportunities, improves employability and productivity of workers, and supports existing and emerging businesses.”

Lopez further stressed the importance of continuing with the calibrated and safe reopening of the economy to allow the country to regain the growth momentum that it had before the pandemic. 

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StaySafe.ph app formally launched by Muntinlupa City and DOH

StaySafe.ph app formally launched by Muntinlupa City and DOH

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In an effort to strengthen its COVID-19 response and contact tracing efforts, the City Government of Muntinlupa in partnership with the Department of Health recently launched the Staysafe.PH app as the official digital contact tracing system in the city and will implement a “No QR Code, No Entry Policy” in all local establishments.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Department of Health exec Dr. Anatoly de los Santos, and other local officials led the launching event at Festival Mall Alabang this past Friday.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi personally scanned the QR code using the StaySafe.ph app at Festival Mall, Filinvest City, Alabang. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)
Mayor Fresnedi delivering his remarks during the launch event inside Festival Mall. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Fresnedi said the adoption of StaySafe.PH in Muntinlupa was executed in compliance with the national government’s recommendation for a uniformed contact tracing system to prevent further COVID-19 transmission, especially with the detection of the B.1.1.7. SARS-CoV-2 variant (UK variant) in the country.

Also joining the ceremony were Congressman Ruffy Biazon, City Health Officer Dra. Maria Teresa Tuliao, Filinvest Land senior vice president Joselito Santos, Committee on Health and Sanitation chairman Coun. Allan Rey Camilon, City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela, MultiSys Technologies Corporation CEO David Almirol, and other local executives.

Following the launch event, members of the Muntinlupa City StaySafe.Ph Task Force will conduct an city-wide inspection to ensure compliance of local public and private establishments.

Muntinlupa City Council passed City Ordinance No. 2020-181 mandating the installation and use of Staysafe.PH system as an automated contact tracing through the use of QR Codes in all commercial establishments, workplaces, churches, and government offices in the city.

All residents and visitors who will enter, work, or do business in all indoor or enclosed public and private establishments in Muntinlupa shall be required to download and register at the StaySafe.PH application and secure a unique QR Code which they can store on their phone or print for physical copy. QR Codes for non-smartphone user registrants shall be generated by their respective barangays and shall be distributed to where the registrant resides.

Under the local ordinance, all establishments in the city are mandated to designate personnel to ensure each individual who will enter their premises possesses a StaySafe.PH unique personal QR Code. All customers, visitors, and employees of the public and private establishments shall not be allowed entry unless they present their own QR Code.

Allowing other person to use an individual’s unique QR Code to gain entry into the premises of the covered establishment and intentionally registering more than once for the purpose of possessing more than one unique personal QR Code shall be prohibited. Covered establishments shall be required to transmit a copy of their digital log book to the City Health Office on a daily basis for data integration.

For non-compliant establishments, violators will be charged with P2,000 penalty and suspension of franchise or business permit until violation has been rectified for first offense, P3,000 for second offense, and suspension or revocation of franchise or business permit including a P5,000 penalty for the third offense. In case the offender is a government official or employee, the maximum penalty shall be imposed including the filing of administrative, civil, or criminal action.

Recently, the Department of the Interior and Local Government issued MC No.2020-129 enjoining local government units to use of StaySafe.PH v.2 application system as the official social distancing, health condition reporting, and contact tracing system that will assist in the government’s response to COVID-19.

As of January 28, 2021, Muntinlupa City has 64 active cases, 5,326 confirmed cases with 5,094 recoveries, 168 reported deaths, 71 suspect cases, and 389 probable cases.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City extends Business Permits Renewal until February 11, 2021

Muntinlupa City extends Business Permits Renewal until February 11, 2021

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The City Government of Muntinlupa yesterday announced that it has officially extended this year’s business permits renewal to February 11, 2021 from its original schedule on January 29 without penalties in a bid to help members of the private sector who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Muntinlupa Business Permits and Licensing Office requested for the extension of the business permits registration to the City Council following a consultation with owners of commercial establishments in the city.

Muntinlupa City Council readies a resolution granting the extension of the filing and renewal of Business Permits and the payment of business taxes, fees, and other charges without penalty up to the closing hours of February 11, 2021.

The BPLO vows to assist business locators in the registration process and other services. Muntinlupa City’s Business Permits Renewal Hub is open from Mondays to Fridays, 8:00AM – 5:00PM at Muntinlupa Sports Center, Brgy. Tunasan.

Strict health standards and distancing protocols are implemented in the Renewal Hub which include sterilization and disinfection of submitted documents using UV box, body temperature check, and installation of alcohol sprays and sneeze guards. The public is advised to wear face mask with face shield and bring their own ballpen for their safety and convenience.

Business taxpayers are also instructed to download the StaySafe app on their mobile device to scan the QR Code at the entrance of the Renewal Hub for contact tracing purposes. The local government partnered with Staysafe.PH through City Ordinance No. 2020-181 to implement a “No QR Code, No Entry Policy” in all establishments for mandatory contact tracing starting January 2021. Further, senior citizens will not be allowed entry into the Renewal Hub, unless they are business owners renewing their permits in compliance with IATF guidelines.

A One-Stop Shop arrangement in the Business Permit Renewal Hub has been installed in the venue for the convenience of taxpayers. Business taxpayers can pay using Debit Cards in the Renewal Hub. Mobile ATMs and a Closed-Circuit Television Systems (CCTVs) are also installed across the venue. Free shuttle service is provided for clients going to the venue with pick-up points located at Muntinlupa City Hall Quadrangle in Putatan.

Recently, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) officials visited Muntinlupa City’s Business Permit Renewal Hub at Muntinlupa Sports Center for an inspection audit last January 21. ARTA lauded Muntinlupa’s policies on Ease of Doing Business including the Zero Contact Policy, Queuing System, and strict implementation of minimum health protocols.

Joining the audit were ARTA Deputy Director General (DDG) Ernesto V. Perez, Director Grace Fernandez, ARTA exec Atty. Marco Balleser, DILG Muntinlupa representative James Fadrilan, and LEIPO Gary Llamas. Earlier, BPLO Muntinlupa also encouraged business taxpayers to renew their business permits online through the Business E-payment SysTem (BEST).

Muntinlupa BEST is an online platform that will allow locators in Muntinlupa City to accomplish business permit applications and transactions through any internet-enabled device.

Taxpayers can access the online platform via www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph and accomplish transactions including application for New Business Permit, Renewal of Business Permit, Application Status Inquiry, Billing and Payment, and Payment History.

The list of requirements is posted in the city’s website www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph. For inquiries, you may call BPLO Muntinlupa at 8317-9964 or email at bplo.muntinlupa@yahoo.com.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City Mayor vows to extend financial assistance to 294 families affected in Alabang fire incident

Muntinlupa City Mayor vows to extend financial assistance to 294 families affected in Alabang fire incident

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Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi vows to provide assistance to 294 families or at least 1,119 individuals affected by a fire incident at Barrio Bisaya, Alabang this past Sunday.

The mayor assures fire victims that the city council will be passing a resolution to give financial assistance to affected house owners, house sharers, and renters, along with the provision of basic necessities. The City Government is set to provide P10,000 financial assistance to affected house owners, P5,000 to house sharers, renters, and P3,000 to owners of partially damaged houses.

Firefighters working on the fire that happened on January 17. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire broke out in the residential area at 8:20 AM and was raised to fourth alarm. The residential area is situated adjacent to Ospital ng Muntinlupa, including a COVID-19 isolation facility and the city’s Molecular Laboratory.

Affected families are temporarily sheltered at Pedro E. Diaz High School in U.P. Side Subdivision, Alabang. The Muntinlupa Social Service Department has provided hot meals to the evacuees through the installation of the city’s Disaster Response Mobile Kitchen. The City Health Office strictly monitors the evacuation area to ensure that minimum health protocols and measures are observed.

The Muntinlupa City Fire Station extends their gratitude to government agencies, NGOs, fire volunteer brigades who have helped in the fire incident on Sunday morning. Responders declared fire out at 11:06 AM while the cause of fire is still under investigation.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa to buy additional 200,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine, starts training health workers for vaccination roll-out

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa to buy additional 200,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine, starts training health workers for vaccination roll-out

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The City of Muntinlupa recently announced that it is set to order an additional 200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine from AstraZeneca as more local government units in the country sign a purchase deal with the British pharmaceutical firm and the national government.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi announced that the City Government of Muntinlupa requested for an additional purchase of 200,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine as part of an earlier tripartite agreement with the National Task Force against COVID-19 (NTF) and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Philippines. Recently, Muntinlupa secured 100,000 doses to initially inoculate residents in high priority groups.

The local exec stressed that the agreement is only an augmentation of the national government’s vaccination plan. He said that the Department of Health will continue to provide additional vaccines for the inoculation of the rest of Muntinlupa residents.

Muntinlupa earmarked a 170 million pesos initial budget for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines once they are available and approved for use in the country.

National Immunization Program Coordinator for COVID-19 in Muntinlupa Dra. Maria Rochelle Abat said that 28 health workers from the City Health Office were already trained for the vaccine administration as part of the local immunization program.

The training of Muntinlupa’s medical personnel was facilitated by UNICEF, World Health Organization, and Department of Health last January 12-13. Participants were trained for vaccine administration, managing the side effects of the vaccine, vaccine storage and handling practices, health communication, and waste management.

Abat noted that the training of other health workers from Ospital ng Muntinlupa, including frontliners from local private hospitals and clinics, is still ongoing.

Muntinlupa City Health Office (CHO) prepares for the operational logistics of the vaccination program and will be purchasing storage equipment for the vaccines. CHO is also coordinating with local storage rental facilities in the city for the cold chain management of vaccines needing special storage requirements.

The City Government is set to launch an information campaign to raise awareness and provide clarification on the immunization program. An online survey on the COVID-19 vaccine in Muntinlupa is currently being conducted by the Management Information System Office and the Public Information Office. Recently, OCTA Research’s Tugon ng Masa survey noted that only 25% of respondents in Metro Manila are willing to get an anti-coronavirus vaccine shot when the vaccine becomes available in the country.

As of January 14, Muntinlupa City has 55 active cases, 5,222 confirmed cases with 5,000 recoveries, 167 reported deaths, 63 suspect cases, and 277 probable cases.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City joins Metro Manila LGUs with signed deals for Astrazeneca vaccine, to initially procure 100,000 doses

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City joins Metro Manila LGUs with signed deals for Astrazeneca vaccine, to initially procure 100,000 doses

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The City of Muntinlupa officially joined the growing number of Metro Manila cities that have signed a purchase deal of COVID-19 vaccines from British pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi signed a tripartite agreement with the National Task Force against COVID-19 (NTF) and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Philippines for the advance purchase of 100,000 doses to initially inoculate residents in high priority groups.

Fresnedi said the agreement is only an augmentation of the national government’s vaccination plan. He noted that the Department of Health will also provide additional vaccines for the inoculation of the rest of Muntinlupa residents.

Previously, the City Government earmarked P170 million as an initial budget for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines once they are available and approved for use in the country. A COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force shall be created to oversee the local immunization program.

Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dra. Teresa Tuliao said the local government prepares for the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines by training its personnel for the operational logistics and vaccine administration. Tuliao reported that CHO has coordinated with local storage rental facilities in the city for the cold chain management of vaccines.

Members of the city’s vaccination teams shall also undergo training for vaccine storage and handling practices, vaccine administration, and health communication on how to talk to patients about COVID-19 vaccines.

The City Government is also set to launch an information campaign to raise awareness and provide clarification on the immunization program.

Recently, OCTA Research’s Tugon ng Masa survey noted that only 25% of respondents in Metro Manila are willing to get an anti-coronavirus vaccine shot when the vaccine becomes available in the country.

On January 6, the Food and Drug Administration announced that AstraZeneca has submitted an application for the emergency approval of its COVID-19 vaccine in the Philippines.

As of January 10, Muntinlupa City has 54 active cases, 5,177 confirmed cases with 4,956 recoveries, 167 reported deaths, 26 suspect cases, and 292 probable cases.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City Government turns over 20,000 tablets for public school students

Muntinlupa City Government turns over 20,000 tablets for public school students

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In an effort to help local learners in the ongoing distance learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the City Government of Muntinlupa has provided several tablet computers for local public school students. Mayor Jaime Fresnedi recently turned over 20,000 units of mobile tablets to the Schools Division Office – Muntinlupa, led by Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Dominico Idanan, to be given to underprivileged public elementary, junior, and senior high school students.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (4th from right) turns-over 20,000 tablets to Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Dominico Idanan (center) and student representatives last January 8. Fresnedi says the initiative aims to help Muntinlupa students access online learning resources and help them adapt to the changes and challenges of the new normal in the education system. Earlier, the local government also turned over the first batch of 2,557 laptops and 28 photocopiers to the Schools Division Office for public schools and teachers. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)
A few of the many tablets that were turned over for the benefit of public students of the city. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Fresnedi says the initiative aims to help Muntinlupa students access online learning resources and help them adapt to the changes and challenges of the new normal in the education system. The turn-over ceremony was attended by public school principals and some student representatives.

Previously, the City Government also turned over the first batch of 2,557 laptops and 28 photocopiers to the Schools Division Office for public schools and teachers.

“The City Government of Muntinlupa will continue to support our teachers and students to adapt to the changes of the education system, no one will be left behind. We will ensure that everyone can access all kinds of learning modalities whether online or offline,” Fresnedi said.

This past January 4, the City Government also inaugurated the Muntinlupa Mobile Learning Hub, the first innovative roving ‘learning bus’ in Metro Manila to teach city residents about disaster resilience.

The learning bus is equipped with state-of-the-art Virtual Reality area where residents can wear VR headsets to experience being in ‘close-to-actual’ scenarios of disasters including earthquakes, flooding, storm surge, bomb explosion, chemical poisoning, volcanic eruption, tsunami, and landslide. The VR facility aims to provide immersive, visual and sound-based experience of weather disturbances and calamities and to train residents on disaster response.

Further, the DDRM Mobile Learning Hub has an interactive Lecture Area with informative videos on COVID-19 Protective Measures, Disaster Prevention, Mitigation and Preparedness, First Aid Response and Management, and Basic Life Support, among others.

Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said the Learning Hub will visit several barangays and health and safety protocols will be strictly implemented. Regular disinfection of the facility will also be conducted.

Navarro noted that the learning bus will also be used for the information campaign of the City Government on COVID-19 vaccination.

As of January 7, Muntinlupa City has 48 active cases, 5,152 confirmed cases with 4,937 recoveries, 167 reported deaths, 23 suspect cases, and 287 probable cases.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

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

Business Permit Renewal processing in Muntinlupa City to last until January 29, 2021

Business Permit Renewal processing in Muntinlupa City to last until January 29, 2021

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The annual Business Permits Renewal process in Muntinlupa City commenced in a bigger venue with strict health measures in place to comply with IATF safety protocols.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi assures business locators in the city that health protocols are strictly observed in the 2021 Muntinlupa Business Permit Renewal Hub located at the Center Court of Muntinlupa Sports Center, Brgy. Tunasan.

Fresnedi inspected the venue with Local Economic Investment Promotions Officer Gary Llamas, City Administrator and Business Permits Licensing Officer Allan Cachuela, and other local officials during the opening of the renewal event last January 4.

Strict health standards and distancing protocols are implemented which include sterilization and disinfection of submitted documents using UV box, body temperature check, installation of alcohol sprays, and monitoring of ‘sneeze guards.’.

The public is advised to wear face mask with face shield and bring their own ballpen for their safety and convenience.

Business taxpayers are also instructed to download the StaySafe app on their mobile device to scan the QR Code at the entrance of the Renewal Hub for contact tracing purposes. The City Government partnered with Staysafe.PH through City Ordinance No. 2020-181 to implement a “No QR Code, No Entry Policy” in all establishments for mandatory contact tracing starting January 2021.

Further, senior citizens will not be allowed entry into the Renewal Hub, unless they are business owners renewing their permits in compliance with IATF guidelines. A One-Stop Shop arrangement in the Business Permit Renewal Hub has been installed in the venue for the convenience of taxpayers.

Business taxpayers can pay using Debit Cards in the Renewal Hub. Mobile ATMs and a Closed-Circuit Television System are also installed across the venue. Free shuttle service is provided for clients going to the venue with pick-up points located at Muntinlupa City Hall Quadrangle in Putatan.

The 2021 Business Permit Renewal will run from January 2 to 29, 2021 and BPLO Muntinlupa will serve clients from Mondays to Fridays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Currently, there are 15,144 registered business in the city. Earlier, BPLO Muntinlupa also encouraged business taxpayers to renew their business permits online through the Business E-payment SysTem (BEST).

Muntinlupa BEST is an online platform that will allow locators in Muntinlupa City to accomplish business permit applications and transactions through any internet-enabled device.

Top Ten “Early Bird” Taxpayers in the 2021 Muntinlupa Business Permit Renewal receive cerficates of recognition and grocery packages from the City Government. Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (5th from left) and City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela (left) greeted early taxpayers and extended his gratitude to the business owners for renewing their businesses in the city last January 4. The business renewal event will run until January 29 at Muntinlupa Sports Complex, Tunasan. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Taxpayers can access the online platform via www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph and accomplish transactions including application for New Business Permit, Renewal of Business Permit, Application Status Inquiry, Billing and Payment, and Payment History.

Mayor Fresnedi thanked the business owners for their punctuality in paying their dues and renewing their businesses in the city despite challenges brought about by the pandemic. The local exec also encouraged other locators to skip “rush days” of registration nearing the deadline.

He vowed to assist local entrepreneurs in the city through various social and economic programs and services for their recovery.

The list of requirements is posted in the city’s website www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph. For inquiries, you may call BPLO Muntinlupa at 8317-9964 or email at bplo.muntinlupa@yahoo.com.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City inaugurates state-of-the-art Disaster Resilience Mobile Learning Hub, the first in NCR

Muntinlupa City inaugurates state-of-the-art Disaster Resilience Mobile Learning Hub, the first in NCR

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In an effort to improve community resilience and level of disaster preparedness of city residents, the City Government of Muntinlupa formally inaugurated its Mobile Learning Hub, the first innovative roving ‘learning bus’ in Metro Manila designed teach disaster resilience.

The state-of-the-art Mobile Learning Hub. (photo contributed by Muntinlupa PIO)

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Congressman Ruffy Biazon, and other local officials inaugurated the Department of Disaster Resilience and Management (DDRM) Mobile Learning Hub during the City Government’s first flag raising ceremony yesterday.

The learning bus is equipped with state-of-the-art Virtual Reality area where residents can wear VR headsets to experience being in ‘close-to-actual’ scenarios of disasters including earthquakes, flooding, storm surge, bomb explosion, chemical poisoning, volcanic eruption, tsunami, and landslide.

The VR facility aims to provide immersive, visual and sound-based experience of weather disturbances and calamities and to train residents on disaster response.

Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi inaugurated the city’s DRRM Mobile Learning Hub and tried the Virtual Reality facility during its inauguration ceremony last January 4. Muntinlupa LGU officials led the inauguration ceremony of the Mobile Learning Hub, the first innovative roving ‘learning bus’ in Metro Manila to teach disaster resilience. The learning hub is equipped with state-of-the-art Virtual Reality area where residents can wear VR headsets to experience being in ‘close-to-actual’ scenarios of disasters an interactive Lecture Area with informative videos on disaster mitigation, adaptation, and resiliency. Fresnedi hopes that the Mobile Learning Hub will enhance the level of preparedness and awareness of Muntinlupeños on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. (photo contributed by Muntinlupa PIO)

Further, the DDRM Mobile Learning Hub has an interactive Lecture Area with informative videos on COVID-19 Protective Measures, Disaster Prevention, Mitigation and Preparedness, First Aid Response and Management, and Basic Life Support, among others.

Muntinlupa City DDRM chief Erwin Alfonso says the Mobile Learning Hub targets to mainstream disaster mitigation, adaptation, and resiliency by bringing learning resources to communities and vulnerable sectors.

Alfonso added that as the Learning Hub is expected to visit several communities during the time of the pandemic, health and safety protocols will be strictly implemented and regular disinfection of the facility will be conducted. MCDDRM is yet to release the schedule of the Mobile Learning Hub through their Facebook Page.

Mayor Fresnedi hopes that the Mobile Learning Hub will empower Muntinlupeños to become well-prepared on disasters and calamities and to enhance their level of preparedness and awareness on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

Inside the Mobile Learning Hub. (photo contributed by Muntinlupa PIO)

Recently, the local disaster response department also installed early warning system across the city to inform communities in a timely manner about typhoon signal warnings, severe flooding, and earthquakes, among others.

Muntinlupa City has been named Rank 1 in the Resilience Pillar – Highly Urbanized Cities category of the 2020 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index organized by the Department of Trade and Industry and National Competitiveness Council. The city bested at least 145 LGUs in the country and was followed by Valenzuela City (Rank 2) and Manila City (Rank 3).

As of January 3, Muntinlupa City has 54 active cases, 5,126 confirmed cases with 4,905 recoveries, 167 reported deaths, 22 suspect cases, and 138 probable cases.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City warns violators of firecracker ban will be apprehended, targets zero casualty

Muntinlupa City warns violators of firecracker ban will be apprehended, targets zero casualty

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The City Government of Muntinlupa reminds the public of the on-going ban on firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, including open pipe mufflers, and warns violators that they will be apprehended.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urged residents to use alternative noise-making instruments and not to patronize firecrackers and open-pipe mufflers to celebrate the holidays and New Year’s Eve.

Fresnedi ordered the local Peace and Order Council, in coordination with Muntinlupa City Police Station, to put up checkpoints and conduct inspections and clearing operations on thoroughfares and marketplaces to apprehend violators.

The Muntinlupa City Council passed Ordinance No. 14-092 prohibiting the display and distribution of firecrackers in Muntinlupa as part of its efforts to reduce cases of casualties and harmful effects of pyrotechnic devices to health and the environment.

Violators will be fined with P1,000 up to P5,000 penalty. While commercial establishments selling firecrackers may face revocation of permit and license to operate in pursuant to penalties provided in the ordinance.

The City Government targets to record zero firecracker-related injuries this year following the success of the local ban on firecrackers on 2018 and 2019.

Muntinlupa is the sole LGU to have reported zero casualty and firecracker-related injury in Metro Manila for two years in a row. DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development lauded Muntinlupa City as a model LGU in implementing the ban on firecrackers in NCR.

While alternative noise-making activities are encouraged, the Muntinlupa Traffic and Management Bureau warned motorists that the use of aftermarket mufflers, or removal of such, which emit excessive loud noise causing disturbances in the holiday season will be apprehended.

As per City Ordinance 04-022 or the Muntinlupa City Traffic Code, motorists shall equip their vehicles with a muffler to prevent unusual noise.

Recently, the Department of Health also discouraged the use of “torotot” and whistles during the holiday season as it poses risk of spreading COVID-19 through the release respiratory droplets from using these instruments.  The public is encouraged to use beat drums, blow car horns or use various household items to make noise on New Year’s Eve instead.

To report violations, you may coordinate with the following offices: MTMB (8831-9884), PNP Muntinlupa (8862-2611), BFP Muntinlupa (8842-2201), and Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management (8925-4351).

As of December 28, Muntinlupa City has 36 active cases, 5,088 confirmed cases with 4,886 recoveries, 166 reported deaths, 27 suspect cases, and 191 probable cases.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

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