Recently the City Government of Muntinlupa was recognized as a child-friendly unit by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
The Department of the Interior and Local Government-National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) has recognized Muntinlupa as a child-friendly local government unit (LGU).
The agency announced that 12 LGUs in the National Capital Region passed the 2025 Child‑Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA).
These are Muntinlupa, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Las Pinas, Paranaque, Malabon, Makati, Navotas, Pasay, Valenzuela, Quezon City and San Juan.
“Twelve local government units (LGUs) within the National Capital Region (NCR) have successfully passed the 2025 Child‑Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA), demonstrating strong commitment to upholding children’s rights to survival, development, protection, and participation,” DILG-NCR posted on Facebook.
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon said, “Salamat sa mga kasamahan natin na nagtrabaho ng mahusay para makamit ito! (Thank you to our colleagues who worked so hard to achieve this!).”
In a memorandum circular, the DILG stated that the CFLGA, established in 2014, “is a results-based assessment tool and an annual mandatory audit designed to gauge the performance of City and Municipal local government units (LGUs) towards implementing programs and instituting measures to ensure the well-being of children.”
“It aims to inform and influence the planning and programming of LGUs towards achieving the envisioned goal where ‘children are accessing inclusive social services and lives free of poverty in all dimensions’ by putting primacy on child-rights responsive governance and accountability,” it added.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted to see the City Government formally declared as child-friendly?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government added a new honor to its 2025 list of achievements with the certification as a drug-free work place, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Daily Tribune. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City Hall has again been declared as a drug-free workplace, making it the first local government unit (LGU) in Metro Manila to secure this status for 2025, Mayor Ruffy Biazon said.
The LGU earned the drug-free certification for the first time in the year 2023.
Biazon noted that the reaffirmed recognition is a reflection of the city’s strengthened efforts and policies under ordinance No. 2024-030, along with cooperation with authorities including the Philippine National Police, the Department of Interior and Local Government, the City Health Office, and the Drug-Free Institution Oversight Committee.
The nine other barangay halls in Muntinlupa have also been declared to be a drug-free workplace.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted with the newest certification for the city?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently, this year’s Christmas spectacle at the Filinvest City Central Park was launched by Filinvest with a special event that attracted special guests (including Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon and Olympic Gold Medalist Carlos Yulo).
A few nights ago, I personally visited Filinvest City Central Park (Google Maps location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vzt8D9yLzRSVVhae9) and I saw the new decorations highlighting the Christmas season. They look very similar to what was set up in 2024, notably the tall Christmas tree and the permanent structures that only needed decorating.
The Filinvest City sign at the Central Park.
Tall Christmas tree in the background, other decorations and lights in the foreground.
A short distance away from the tall Christmas tree was the park’s standout structure called The Tree (launched in late 2024) which has a very unique design that not only provides people cover from rain or intense sunlight but serves as a helpful place for special activities. At night, lights of different colors are projected towards The Tree which make a fine visual attraction.
As of this writing, I noticed there were lesser non-permanent structures (that were decorated with additional Christmas lights) during my visit at the park. Since Filinvest City still has a lot of activities scheduled at the central park, there is always the possibility that additional structure and lights will be set up soon. For reference about non-permanent structures and lights, click here for my 2024 Christmas Filinvest City Central Park article.
The permanent park structures plus added decorations and lights.
Visitors taking pictures at the tall Christmas tree.
Unsurprisingly, Filinvest City Central Park remains popular with families, visitors from other cities, some foreign tourists, and those who love the open-air environment of the CBD. It would be interesting to see if there will be more visitors coming to the park during the weekends leading to Christmas as the brand new Starbucks Filinvest branch with drive-thru has been attracting a lot of customers since it opened. That being said, Filinvest City announced through social media a schedule of events or activities happening at the central park.
Set to happen at Filinvest City Central Park are the following: Holiday Lights Symphony at The Tree on November 22, December 7 and December 20 starting 7PM; Fireworks Displace on November 22, December 7 and December 20 starting 8PM. Live musical performances on November 22-23, November 30, December 7, December 20-21 starting 6PM. To see the complete park activities schedule, click https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17aEHGaGX4/
Christmas is still all about Lord Jesus
The theme of Filinvest City’s Christmas campaign this year is titled as “Celebrate Magical Christmas Moments.”
First and foremost, Christmas is all about Lord Jesus, the Savior and hope of ALL nations. During the season, we remember not only His birth in Bethlehem in Israel, but also His overall significance and the hope He always bring to people. The world we live in is twisted and chaotic. While there are many who are indeed faithful to Lord Jesus, there are still many other people out there who remain lost and unsaved. A lot of people ended up lost as they allowed themselves to be manipulated by the secular, the worldly and other rebellious forces of the world we live in.
God sent His Son Jesus to us to pave the way for people to get saved and become part of His Kingdom. Realize how much God loves His creations and none of us would exist without Him. Learn from the bible verses below.
For here is the way God loved the world—he gave his only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.
John 3:16 (TPT)
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:4-7 (NKJV)
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
Matthew 2:1-2 (NKJV)
By honoring, praising and following Lord Jesus, we are connected with the Heavenly Father. When we are faithful to the Lord, it is clear that we do not let the worldly nor wickedness get in the way. It is essential that we must have uncompromising faith in the Lord. Learn from the bible verses below.
Then Jesus answered and said to them,
“Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.”
John 5:19-23 (NKJV)
Then Jesus said,
“I am light to the world, and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk in darkness.”
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
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government officially launched the Philippines’ first-ever citywide early warning system (EWS) for the deaf and those who are living with hearing loss, according to a GMA Network news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the GMA News. Some parts in boldface…
Muntinlupa City has become the first in the Philippines to launch a citywide early warning system to ensure that people who are deaf or hard of hearing receive timely life-saving information during emergencies.
Developed by the city’s Department of Disaster Resilience and Management (DDRM), the system uses LED beacon lights that flash color-coded signals corresponding to different types of hazards, such as tropical cyclones, earthquakes, or other emergencies. When activated, the lights emit distinct flashing patterns to alert communities across the city.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon, who led the launch alongside Representative Jimmy Fresnedi this week, said the initiative reflects Muntinlupa’s commitment to making disaster preparedness accessible to all residents.
“Through this first-of-its-kind system, we’re making sure that every Muntinlupeño, especially those who cannot hear sirens or public announcements, receives life-saving warnings when it matters most,” Biazon said.
A total of 20 Beacon Lights have been installed in key locations, including schools, health centers, and major thoroughfares, as part of the pilot phase. Expansion plans are already underway, in partnership with the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), to extend coverage to more communities.
The new visual alert network complements Muntinlupa’s existing 17 early warning system sirens, which deliver audible alerts citywide during disasters or emergencies.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted to see the City Government achieve more awards? Do you see any excellence in the local governance in relation to urban developments?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Excellence of the City of Muntinlupa has been realized in the form of seven honors bagged by the City Government during the recent Urban Governance Exemplar Awards (UGEA) 2025, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government bagged seven awards at the Urban Governance Exemplar Awards (UGEA) 2025 given by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Nov. 4.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon and Vice Mayor Stephanie “Phanie” Teves-Wong attended the awarding ceremony along with city officials.
UGEA recognized the accomplishments of local government units (LGUs). The Muntinlupa City government received the following awards:
• Local Council for the Protection of Children Performance Year 2024 – Top Performer
• Sangguniang Panlungsod of Muntinlupa – 2025 Local Legislative Award for Exemplary Performance
• Peace and Order Council & Anti-Drug Abuse Council – Significant and Invaluable Partner in Advancing the Vision of a Safe, Secure, and Drug-Free NCR
• Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children 2025 Functionality Audit – Highly Functional
• 2024 Manila Bay Clean-Up, Rehabilitation and Preservation LGU Compliance Assessment – Highly Compliant
• 2024 Manila Bay Clean-Up, Rehabilitation and Preservation LGU Compliance Assessment – Top Performer (Informal Settler Families Cluster)
• 2024 Manila Bay Clean-Up, Rehabilitation and Preservation LGU Compliance Assessment – Top Performer (Liquid Waste Management Cluster)
Biazon said the awards reflected the efforts of every city employee and leader in delivering high-quality public service.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted to see the City Government achieve more awards? Do you see any excellence in the local governance in relation to urban developments?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The City Government of Muntinlupa made clear through its executive budget and goals that it is putting the people first, according to a news article by the Manila Standard.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Standard. Some parts in boldface…
In an era of cynicism toward government, Muntinlupa City is proving that good governance is still good politics.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon champions social justice through strong health and education spending — proving that clean, compassionate, and competent governance works.
As budget debates heat up nationwide, Muntinlupa City is standing tall for all the right reasons. Under the leadership of Biazon, the city has made human development, not grandstanding or prestige projects, its number one priority.
In the city’s P8.8-billion 2025 executive budget, a remarkable 22 percent is devoted to health and 18 percent to education, directing nearly P4 out of every P10 toward people-centered programs.
These figures far surpass national benchmarks where the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) assigns around 16.7 percent to education and less than 6 percent to health.
Based on comparative data from the Department of Budget and Management and DILG, Muntinlupa consistently ranks among Metro Manila’s highly urbanized cities with the highest proportional investments in health and education, a reflection of the city’s deep commitment to human capital development.
In a time when the public is more watchful than ever about where every peso goes, Muntinlupa is setting the gold standard for purposeful and transparent spending.
“As we close the year, Muntinlupa can say with pride that our budget reflects our conscience,” said Biazon. “We chose people over politics, essentials over excess, and impact over impression.”
Through his 7K Agenda, Biazon has kept his focus sharp: Kalusugan (health) and Karunungan (education) lead the city’s spending priorities, backed by strong fiscal performance.
“A good budget is not about how much we spend, but how many lives we lift,” Biazon said. “That’s what makes governance both moral and meaningful.”
With 22 percent of the city’s budget directed to health, Muntinlupa is upgrading the Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun), acquiring modern medical equipment, and strengthening drug supply systems. Investments are also flowing to barangay health centers and community-based health institutions to ensure access to preventive care and emergency response.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you feel important to the City Government? Are you happy with the way the City Government has prepared its executive budget?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
For the 3rd year in a row, the City Government of Muntinlupa received another Gawad Kalasag award for compliance in relation to disaster preparedness, according to a Daily Tribune news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Daily Tribune. Some parts in boldface…
The City Government of Muntinlupa has been recognized for the third consecutive year as a Gawad Kalasag Beyond Compliant Awardee for its excellence in disaster preparedness.
On 17 October, Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced that the city received the distinction from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, following an evaluation of its disaster risk reduction and management programs.
Biazon said Muntinlupa surpassed the standards set under Republic Act 10121, or the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Law.
He added that the city government continues to strengthen its capacity to respond to disasters through equipment acquisition, stockpiling of relief goods, and investment in the training of emergency responders and personnel.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted with the newest award the City Government received? Are you convinced Muntinlupa City is fully prepared for disasters?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The City Government of Muntinlupa added another huge honor to its growing list of achievements as it received a special citation for advancing the ease of doing business during the 51st Philippine Business Conference & Expo, according to a Daily Tribune news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Daily Tribune. Some parts in boldface…
The City Government of Muntinlupa received a Special Citation at the 2025 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) Awards during the 51st Philippine Business Conference & Expo held on 20 October, recognizing the city’s continued commitment to innovation and digital transformation.
The award, presented by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), acknowledges Muntinlupa’s sustained efforts to advance the ease of doing business through its tech-driven programs that streamline government processes and empower the local business community.
Among Muntinlupa’s flagship initiatives are the Business e-Payment System (BESt) — a fully automated platform that enables businesses to pay taxes and fees online — and the Single-Window Transaction (SWiT), which consolidates multiple business registration steps into a faster, more convenient one-stop process.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon thanked the PCCI for the recognition, saying the citation reinforces the city’s pursuit of business-friendly governance anchored on efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity.
“Our goal is not only to simplify processes for businesses but also to create an environment where enterprises can thrive and generate quality, life-sustaining jobs for Muntinlupeños,” Biazon said.
“Through our strong partnership with the private sector, particularly the Muntinlupa Business Advisory Council (MBAC), we continue to push for innovations that make Muntinlupa a model city for smart, strong, and sustainable growth,” he added.
The Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards, an annual program of the PCCI, honors local governments that demonstrate exceptional performance in creating a conducive business climate and promoting local economic development.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted with the special citation the City Government received? Do you think Muntinlupa City is the most business-friendly city in Metro Manila today?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, a free birth registration program was launched and it is being done to endure that every local child has a legal identity, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Daily Tribune. Some parts in boldface…
The local government of Muntinlupa City has launched a free birth registration program aimed at ensuring every child has a proper legal identity and full access to basic services.
The program offers free late registration of birth certificates for children enrolled in the Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) Program. Parents of ECED students are advised to coordinate with their children’s teachers for details and requirements.
The service is also available to indigent residents aged 0 to 17 who can coordinate directly with the Local Civil Registry Office at the South Park Center.
Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon said the initiative is designed to protect children’s rights by ensuring they are legally recognized by the government.
“If you don’t have a birth certificate, it is as if you don’t exist. That’s the proof that you are here in the world — that you are a Filipino,” Biazon said. “If a child does not have a birth certificate, his future will be put at risk. That’s why we launched this project, to give every child a secure future.”
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are there lots of children in your local community who lack birth certificates?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, RIDEMed (previously referred to as RIDE Med) was officially launched and Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the inaugural delivery, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune. RIDEMed stands for Responsive Integrated Delivery of Essential Medicines.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Daily Tribune. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government held its inaugural ride of the RideMed program, a free delivery service of maintenance medicines for senior citizens and bedridden seniors.
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the inaugural delivery of the program joined by the program riders, Barangay Health Workers and Councilor Rachel Arciaga. Their first stop was at Bliss Muntinlupa where they visited one of the beneficiaries.
Biazon said that the program covers seniors aged 80 and above, as well as bedridden individuals aged 60 and above, who will receive their maintenance medicines directly at home. The program forms part of the benefits and health programs for senior citizens of the city.
Under the program, each health center will have an assigned RideMed team accompanied by a barangay health worker.
“We require that the Barangay Health Worker accompany the rider to check the beneficiaries’ vital signs,” Biazon said.
The program provides several maintenance medicines for hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and for general wellness.
Registration is open at all barangay health centers on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For details on the registration for RIDE Med, click here.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are there many senior citizens in your local community who need medication delivered to them?
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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Author Carlo Carrasco 