Tag: public service

COVID-19 Crisis: Department of Health (DOH) pushing to redefine fully vaccinated status

COVID-19 Crisis: Department of Health (DOH) pushing to redefine fully vaccinated status

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For some time now, the terms fully vaccinated has officially been used by the national authorities to describe a patient who received two doses of most COVID-19 vaccine brands (note: Janssen vaccine from Johnson & Johnson is a single dose vaccine). That may soon change as the Department of Health (DOH) is pushing to redefine what fully vaccinated means in relation to the recent COVID-19 developments here in the Philippines, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Department of Health (DOH) said it will push for the redefinition of “fully vaccinated” against Covid-19— which is to include a booster dose.

“Katulad ng nasabi namin noon, we’ll be really supporting, we have recommended the redefinition of our fully vaccinated–kung saan ang first two doses plus yung booster shot (As we have said before, we’ll be really supporting, we have recommended the redefinition of our fully vaccinated – first two doses plus a booster shot),” said DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire in a press briefing on Wednesday, July 20.

Such a move can be used as “incentives and disincentives to people,” said Vergeire.

“So, people cannot go to these public spaces or cannot enter restaurants and they just eat outside if they don’t have that fully vaccinated status. ‘Yun sana yung gusto natin ipatupad pero siyempre marami dapat tayong ikonsidera kapag ginawa natin ito (That’s what we want to implement but of course, we have a lot to consider before we can do this)” she said.

“Kaya patuloy pakikipagusap sa iba’t-ibang ahensya pati na rin sa (We continue to discuss this with various agencies as well as the) Office of the President if this is going to be feasible or not. So, hahantayin po natin na mabuo ang ating pakikipag-usap para hindi natin maiwan ang ibang sektor sa usapin na ito (So, we will wait for all discussions to be completed so that we do not leave other sectors behind in this matter),” she added.

Vergeire said they will propose this strategy once the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) is reconstituted.

“Primarily that’s what we are thinking about. Hopefully in the coming days, pag convene ng IATF, mailagay na natin sa ating agenda, mapag-usapan, mapagkasunduan, at mairekomenda na uli sa ating Presidente (when the IATF convenes, we will be able to put this on our agenda, discussed, come up with a decision, and make the recommendations to the President),” she said.

Second booster – In a related development, the DOH is not yet recommending the second booster shot for the general population.

“Hanggang sa ngayon, sinasabi ng mga eksperto (Until now, experts say)—especially for the general population—your first two doses and your first booster shot are still enough to protect you from severe and critical illness from this Covid-19 virus,” said Vergeire.

“It is different for the immunocompromised, seniors, and healthcare workers. Kasi sila, hindi ganun ka robust ang kanilang immunity sa katawan… kaya binibigyan pa sila ng another dose (Because their immunity in the body is not that robust… so they are given another dose). That is based on evidence. Itong second booster for general population, hanggang sa ngayon, sparse pa rin ang datos para makapagbigay ng ebidensya that we can give this to our general population (This second booster for the general population, until now, the data is still sparse in order to provide evidence that we can give this to our general population),” she added.

As of this writing, the current definition of fully vaccinated still remains in effect. It will take the approval of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. to make the revision happen at all.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this new development? What do you think about the DOH’s push to have fully vaccinated redefined? Do you think this will lead to confusion among all the people who got vaccinated with two doses nationwide?

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, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

City Government provides water to Las Piñas City residents as water supply problems continue

City Government provides water to Las Piñas City residents as water supply problems continue

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Let’s get straight to the point here. Las Piñas City is one of many cities that are affected by water service interruptions of Maynilad which will last until the end of July. In relation to that, the City Government headed by Mayor Imelda Aguilar took action by providing water to its affected residents, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. For clarification, the affected residents are based in specific barangays of the city.

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

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar ordered the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) to deploy two water trucks and deliver potable water to residents affected by Maynilad’s water service interruption.

Aguilar said the two water trucks will be going around in the first and second districts of the city to serve the affected residents.

Local residents collecting water from one of the trucks of the City Government. (photo source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)

She said Maynilad has announced that six communities in the city will experience water service interruption from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 16.

The mayor said the six barangays in the city identified by Maynilad are BF International/CAA, Daniel Fajardo, E. Aldana, Ilaya, Manuyo Dos, and Manuyo Uno.

Las Piñas is among five cities in Metro Manila that will experience water service interruption of up to 26 hours due to the emeregency leak repair activity along Pureza corner Abad Santos in Manila. The four other affected cities are Manila, Makati, Pasay, and Parañaque.

The above report ended stating that Maynilad customers in the city received text messages that the daily water interruption is set between 11AM and 10PM from July 16 to 31, 2022.

Water truck from the City Government. (photo source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? Does your household have consistent access to water? How many households there in your local community got affected by Maynilad’s water supply interruptions? Have you availed water provided by the City Government?

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. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

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: Philippines pandemic exit strategy coming

COVID-19 Crisis: Philippines pandemic exit strategy coming

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It has been over two years since the entire Philippines first got setback economically and socially by the COVID-19 crisis. Until now, people, private organizations and businesses are still struggling to fully recover from the varied effects that come with government-imposed restrictions, limitations on business-related activities, and the public’s complacency towards COVID-19. It is bad enough that the Philippines now has a core of anti-vaccine fanatics who are misinforming and scaring people while offering no real solutions to the problems.

Speaking of solutions, a pandemic exit strategy is brewing high up in the government and it should be sent to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., soon, according to a recent report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

A Cabinet member has committed that the proposed pandemic exit strategy crafted by a panel of medical experts will be endorsed to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Former presidential adviser and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion said that Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos will endorse the proposal which the government can adopt to help the country transition from pandemic to normalcy.

In a statement, Concepcion said “Abalos said he will endorse the presentation of the proposals to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.”

Abalos also said that he “will organize a meeting with the Department of Health (DOH) to initiate more vaccinations at the community level.”

Abalos also agreed on the importance of raising booster vaccination rates to 70 percent of the eligible population which is included in the pandemic exit proposal.

“Kailangan ng isa pa. Isa pa para sa mga pamilya, isa pa para sa komunidad (We need one more One more for our families, one more for our community),” Abalos said.

With this, Concepcion also renewed his call to push for one more massive effort for vaccination.

“Complacency is really the problem. There is no sense of urgency because people don’t see what might happen if our wall of immunity starts to weaken,” he said.

Concepcion explained that re-infections are quite possible, and that cases of long Covid have grave consequences on productivity, and ultimately, the economy.

He echoed Abalos’ statement that “we need to convince people that they need boosters.”

The DILG Chief recently met with Concepcion and members of the Advisory Council of Experts (ACE), a group of medical doctors, scientists and academics comprising the country’s foremost authorities on public health, molecular biology, disaster resilience, data insight and analysis, and economics.

The group’s proposal outlined parameters to ease the country into normalcy and encourage economic activity without risking the public’s health. It has been met with approval from the private sector, including several industry groups and businessmen.

Abalos further expressed optimism as the proposal was an initiative of the private sector, and that it puts emphasis on the importance of achieving high booster vaccination rates.

As you can see in the above news excerpt, national government officials, private sector members and other stakeholders have been brainstorming and discussing ways with the exit strategy in mind to truly lift the nation further from the COVID-19 crisis. Former presidential adviser Joey Concepcion is absolutely right when he pointed to complacency which is an enduring problem on the part of the public when it comes to how they perceived COVID-19, vaccination and health. I am certain that a lot of people got fooled by the anti-vaccine fanatics who keep on spreading misinformation and fear.

On the aspect of vaccination, I do agree that a major renewal of COVID-19 vaccination and booster shot rollouts should happen soon. I’m talking about reopening the closed vaccination sites, deploying a lot of health workers with lots of supplies of vaccines prepared, and making sure that each vaccination hub is well organized (note: we don’t want a repeat of the very embarrassing Parañaque Pfizer vaccine launch of May 2021). In addition, the national authorities should come up with ways to make economic recovery more achievable for businesses and employees. On the topic of new infections caused by Omicron and its subvariants, our nation should serious consider acquiring more Sputnik vaccines as those have proven to be very effective against Omicron. Whatever the details they are discussing, the pandemic exit strategy for the Philippines something that everyone should watch out for.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this new development? Do you think that the national authorities and other stakeholders will be able come up with a pandemic exit strategy that will work? Do you think that the anti-vaccine fanatics will ramp up their misinformation campaign and fearmongering now that they know a national pandemic exit strategy is being developed? Do you think President Marcos will spend sufficient time to review the pandemic exit strategy before issuing his response?

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 as well as making a donation to support my publishing.. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Las Piñas City Mayor Aguilar to double efforts on serving the constituents

Las Piñas City Mayor Aguilar to double efforts on serving the constituents

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Last week in the City of Las Piñas, Mayor Imelda Aguilar and several other officials of the City Government took their respective oaths to serve the constituents over the next three years. Now on her third consecutive term as Mayor, Aguilar reportedly vowed to double her efforts on serving the locals through the program titled “Tuloy ang Tapat at Progresibong Serbisyo”, according to a Manila Times news article.

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

REELECTED Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda “Mel” Tobias Aguilar vowed to continue and double the efforts of her “Tuloy ang Tapat at Progresibong Serbisyo” program as she took her oath of office Thursday afternoon.

In a social media post, Aguilar was sworn in at the Las Piñas City Hall where she was with her running mate and daughter Vice Mayor April Aguilar and other allies.

She expressed the belief that the elected councilors under the mother and daughter tandem will work harder and continue to promote resolutions and ordinances to make the city more progressive and prosperous.

“Nangako po ang alkalde ng tuluy-tuloy at mas maayos na serbisyo para sa mga Las Piñeros sa pamamagitan ng “Tuloy ang Tapat at Progresibong Serbisyo” program (The mayor promised continuous and better service for the people of Las Piñeros through the “Continued Honest and Progressive Service” program),” she said.

Aguilar allies in District 1 are Councilors Mark Anthony G. Santos; John Jess Anthony C. Bustamante; Felimon A. Aguilar 3rd; Rex H. Riguera; Oscar C. Peña and Florante S. Dela Cruz.

Those in District 2 are Councilors Henry C. Medina; Luis I. Bustamante; Ruben C. Ramos; Lord Linley R. Aguilar; Danilo V. Hernandez and Emmanuel Luis C. Casimiro.

The 75-year-old mayor, who ran under the Nacionalista Party (NP), garnered 108,644 votes.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? As a local resident, did you benefit somehow under the leadership of Mayor Imelda Aguilar since mid-2016? What do you hope to see from the City Government over the next three years with regards to public service? Do you think the City Government have a plan to boost local businesses with COVID-19 recovery and job creation in mind?

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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

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

Oath-taking ceremonies of Muntinlupa’s incoming officials to happen today at Filinvest City

Oath-taking ceremonies of Muntinlupa’s incoming officials to happen today at Filinvest City

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Today, the oath-taking ceremonies of Muntinlupa City’s incoming government officials such as new Mayor Ruffy Biazon, new Congressman Jaime Fresnedi, returning Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac and others will happen this afternoon at the Filinvest Tent within Filinvest City, the Manila Bulletin reported. The new officials will be serving for the next three years.

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

Incoming Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon, reelected Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac, and congressman-elect Jaime Fresnedi will hold their oath-taking ceremony on June 30.

The three will be joined by 16 newly elected councilors in taking their oath of office at 3:30 p.m. at The Filinvest Tent in Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

Biazon and Fresnedi’s oath-taking will be administered by Executive Judge Myra Quiambao of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 203.

The One Muntinlupa team led by Biazon and Fresnedi swept the May 9 elections by winning all 19 seats for mayor, vice mayor, congressman and 16 councilors in the two districts of Muntinlupa.

Biazon won his first ever term as mayor with 180,742 votes, or 74.25 percent of the total votes, against Red Marinas of the People’s Reform Party (PRP) who got 60,434 votes.

Fresnedi was elected to his first term as congressman with 183,085 votes against rival Silverio Garing who got 52,530 votes.

Simundac was reelected for another term as vice mayor with 131,882 votes against Oyo Boy Dioko of the PRP who garnered 97,567 votes.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? Are you interested to attend the oath-taking ceremonies on-site or do you prefer to watch it online? Do you believe the City Government will keep doing good under the new Mayor Biazon?

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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

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

Las Piñas City to open soon a diagnostic center and offer free laboratory services to locals

Las Piñas City to open soon a diagnostic center and offer free laboratory services to locals

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In the City of Las Piñas, Mayor Imelda Aguilar announced that a diagnostic center will soon be opened by the City Government and the said center will provide locals free laboratory services, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The Las Piñas City local government will soon open a diagnostic center that will give free laboratory services to residents, Mayor Imelda Aguilar announced.

Aguilar said Vice-Mayor April Aguilar met with the department heads and the team from the City Health Office (CHO) on Tuesday, June 21, in preparation for the opening of the diagnostic center.

She said the diagnostic center will give free laboratory services like CBC (complete blood count) with platelet, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test, creatinine test, uric acid, SGOT (a blood test part of liver profile), Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT) or blood chemistry, urinalysis, and chest X-ray.

The mayor said the opening of diagnostic center is part of the city government’s health program for the residents of Las Piñas.

Watch out for future updates about this newest development by searching online at https://www.facebook.com/cityoflaspinasofficial and also at https://m.facebook.com/MayorImeldaAguilar/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? Are you happy that a diagnostic center from the City Government will be opened to provide laboratory services that you need? Do you see the future diagnostic center as a solution to help you save money when it comes to your health-related needs?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

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

Las Piñas City Mayor Aguilar and Vice Mayor proclaimed

Las Piñas City Mayor Aguilar and Vice Mayor proclaimed

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Here in the Philippines, the 2022 National and Local Elections have finally passed and as I am writing this, many results have been released and already a growing number of leading candidates are getting proclaimed by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

In the City of Las Piñas, Mayor Imelda Aguilar was proclaimed as winner in the local election according to a Manila Bulletin report. She won re-election by a landslide which earned her a 3rd term to serve her constituents from mid-2022 to mid-2025. She has been serving as the city’s top official since mid-2016 and had previously served as Mayor from mid-2004 to mid-2007. Along the way, her daughter and incumbent Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery also got proclaimed as a result of re-election.

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

Las Piñas City Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery (2nd from left) and Mayor Imelda Aguilar (middle) show their certificates to photographers after being proclaimed as winners in the May 9, 2022 local election. With them are COMELEC officials (photo source – Las Piñas City PIO through Manila Bulletin)

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Las Piñas City has proclaimed incumbent Mayor Imelda Aguilar as the winner in the mayoral race in the city.

Aguilar received a total of 108,644 votes against her closest rival Doc Ferds Eusebio who got 38,285 votes.

Mayor Aguilar proclaimed! (photo source – Mayor Mel Aguilar Facebook page)

The mayor’s daughter, Vice Mayor April Aguilar, also won with 123, 457 votes against Bishop Jerry Delos Reyes who got 44,991 votes.

Comelec officer Atty. Eli Aringay proclaimed the mother and daughter team and their councilors as winners at around 10:30 a.m. at the Las Pinas Session Hall. They were joined by their family members Dr. Aivee Teo, Anne Virgil Aguilar, Alelee Aguilar Andanar, and Bong Nery.

The Team Aguilar “Tuloy ang Serbisyo” thanked Las Piñeros for the support given to them.

Aguilar who is on her third and last term, and her vice mayor who is on her second term, vowed to continue giving better services to Las Piñeros

The mayor implemented the 5K (Kalusugan, Kaayusan,Kabuhayan,Kaalaman, and Kinabukasan) program during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The above report ended stating that Mayor Aguilar donated two years’ worth of her salary to buy additional test kits to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the city. When it comes to the national elections, a majority of Las Piñas voters elected Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte for President and Vice President respectively.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to the re-election of the Mayor and Vice Mayor? What do you hope to see from Mayor Aguilar in her third term? Are you thankful to the Mayor for serving you and your community members all these years?

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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

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 commended for good government services

Muntinlupa City commended for good government services

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The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), a government agency that is focused on a Philippine government that is clean, just, people-centered and highly efficient, recently commended the City Government of Muntinlupa for its good government services, the Manila Bulletin reported recently.

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

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has commended the Muntinlupa City government for its e-governance innovations and other business-friendly programs.

In an inspection report, ARTA Deputy Director General for Operations Usec. Ernesto Perez lauded the innovations on public service made by the city government through the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) such as compliance to national standards and automation in business registration processes.

“The Authority would like to express our utmost gratitude for your continuous efforts towards making the government services of your Local Government Unit more efficient, systematic, and productive for all,” said Perez in a letter.

ARTA recently conducted an on-site inspection to validate and monitor the compliance of the Muntinlupa City government on the provisions of Republic Act 11032 (Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018) that seek to streamline services.

The inspection evaluated the city’s establishment of an electronic Business One Stop Shop (eBOSS), setting up of a Citizen’s Charter and other provisions under RA 11032.

ARTA cited the city’s “outstanding automation efforts” in the local Business One Stop Shop and noted that Muntinlupa has complied with the required automation and has passed inspection

The Muntinlupa City government is the first local government unit to introduce the Single Window Transaction–Modified Business One-Stop Shop, a single-interface business-registration process in which a business permit registration application can be accomplished in up to 15 minutes only.

The city government rolled out the program to implement more efficient governance by creating one-stop-shop access for the delivery of public services, which has been modified and simplified over time.

The article ended stating that Mayor Jaime Fresnedi thanked the ARTA for its feedback on the City Government’s efforts to ease transactions.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what do you think about this recent development? How much do you trust the City Government right now when it comes to services?

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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

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

Parañaque City mayoral candidate Jun Zaide emphasizes barangay power

Parañaque City mayoral candidate Jun Zaide emphasizes barangay power

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In Parañaque City, voters will decide on May 9 who their next mayor will be to serve them for the period of mid-2022 to mid-2025. Recently, mayoral candidate and Barangay Baclaran captain Jun Zaide (for his social media, click here) was featured by the Manila Times and he confirmed that once he is in the Mayor’s Office, he would harness barangay power which means having the city’s sixteen barangays work in tandem to meet the needs of members of local communities while making Parañaque even better. Zaide has been leading the barangay of Baclaran since 2018 and his election campaign has been aggressive, transparent (at least on social media) and tireless.

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

JULIUS Anthony “Jun” Zaide believes that if the 16 barangay (villages) of Parañaque City link up and work together, they could be a force that would be more effective in responding to community issues like the coronavirus pandemic.

Zaide, chairman of Barangay Baclaran in Paranaque’s first district, plans to harness “barangay power” if he is elected mayor on May 9.

Speaking during The Manila Times roundtable Friday at the Barangay Baclaran hall, Zaide said he would “make Parañaque even better” by strengthening cooperation between village officials.

Barangay Baclaran chairman and mayoralty candidate Jun Zaide poses with people during one of his recent campaign events. (photo – sourced from Zaide’s official Facebook page)

He stressed that there must be an equal distribution of opportunities, basic necessities and beneficiary services in order to trigger hope and determination among Parañaque constituents who were affected by the pandemic.

“Ang tao hindi makikinig kapag hindi ka nagsusumikap. Pakitaan mo ng aksyon at determinasyon, susunod ‘yan. Sa Baclaran ay nagawa namin. Kaya naming gawin din ‘yan sa Parañaque (The people will not listen if you do not work hard. Show them action and determination. In Baclaran we did it. We can do the same in Parañaque),” he said.

Zaide plans to replicate his program as barangay chairman, the “Talakayan sa kalye” or dialog in the streets, in other villages, which institutionalizes regular consultations between village officials and their constituents.

He said his advocacy has always been to bring the government closer to the people and develop synergy.

Zaide said he was inspired by the dynamic leadership of the mayors of Pasig, Makati, San Juan and Manila, and wanted to adopt their style of leadership in Parañaque.

He said he was confident that as mayor, he could improve Parañaque’s current standing as the country’s fifth-richest local government unit (LGU).

He said among the programs he wanted to adopt were the employment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens in Manila, the scholarship grants received by Makati City’s students, and the free health care in San Juan City.

Zaide, who is running under Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) banner, is up against the brother of the incumbent mayor Edwin Olivarez, Rep. Eric Olivarez, who was the principal of Zaide’s alma mater, Olivarez College.

He said it was difficult running against Olivarez, the bet of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban and the scion of Parañaque’s dominant political family, but added that entrenched politicians tend to grow complacent and less responsive to the people’s problems.

He said it was time Parañaque had a new, youthful leadership.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are living in Parañaque City, what is your impression about Barangay Baclaran captain Jun Zaide right now? Do you believe Zaide is principled and dedicated to serve as the next mayor of Parañaque? What city problems do you want Zaide to solve as mayor in the near future? Do you want Zaide to somehow end the city crime wave, including crimes that involved Chinese nationals? Do you believe that a Mayor Zaide will be able to unite all sixteen barangays to serve people better and improve Parañaque as a whole? Do you believe that entrenched politicians tend to grow complacent and less responsive to your problems? Are you satisfied with the quality of life and the local economy that Parañaque has since 2013? Will you vote for Zaide for Mayor on May 9?

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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

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 clarifies issue about P1.2 billion standby loan from Landbank

Muntinlupa City Mayor clarifies issue about P1.2 billion standby loan from Landbank

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If you are a local resident of Muntinlupa City, were you a recipient of circulating text messages about a certain loan worth over a billion Pesos that was allegedly used by City Government? Recently, Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi clarified the issue, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi refuted claims by his detractors that the city government already used a P1.2 billion standby loan from Landbank of the Philippines.

In March 2021, the Muntinlupa City Council passed an ordinance authorizing Fresnedi to enter into a loan agreement with Landbank in the amount of P1.2 billion to fund various projects.

During the flag raising ceremony at the Muntinlupa City hall quadrangle on March 7, Fresnedi reiterated that the city government has not availed of the standby loan.

“The Muntinlupa City government gave us the authorization to get a loan from Landbank. As of Dec. 31, our ending balance [at Landbank] is more than P2 billion. The [Landbank] manager said we have not availed of our standby loan. This means we have not taken any [amount from the standby loan],” said Fresnedi.

Fresnedi clarified the issue after text messages circulated claiming that the city government already got the loan from Landbank.

Landbank earlier issued a certification stating that the Muntinlupa City government has not availed of the loan.

“This is to certify that per records of this office, City Government of Muntinlupa has no outstanding drawdown as of December 31, 2021,” according to a certification issued by Landbank and signed by Lani Pornuevo, head of the Loan Operations Management Department.

Fresnedi said getting a loan is not a bad thing. He said when he assumed office during his first ever term as mayor, the city government took out a loan and used it to construct the Ospital ng Muntinlupa.

“Please remember, getting a loan is not bad when it is used in the right way,” he said.

The mayor said if ever the city government avails of the standby loan from Landbank, it will be used to fund ongoing projects of the city government.

In fact, he said, Landbank has sent two letters to the Muntinlupa City government to remind it about the standby loan.

According to Fresnedi, the standby loan is a program of the national government for economic recovery. The standby loan carries an interest of four percent per year.

“But what the city government needs to pay, if ever we avail of the loan, is only two percent per annum. The other two percent will be paid by the national government,” he said.

He said this is being done to help businesses to run and to help people get jobs, which are part of the national government’s national economic recovery plan.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what do you think about the mayor’s clarification? Were the details explained well by him? Do you personally believe that the LGU (local government unit) should always be scrutinized over any loan it takes?

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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

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