Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, an elderly woman received a P100,000 cash gift from the City Government as she turned 100-years-old and Mayor Ruffy Biazon paid a visit, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Mom Teodula Pesigan celebrated her 100th birthday with a P100,000 cash gift from the Muntinlupa City government.
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon personally visited Pesigan at her house in Barangay Putatan to hand over the P100,000 gift, a program of the city government through its Office of the Senior Citizen’s Affairs.
“At her age, very sharp pa ang kanyang isip (At her age, her mind is still very sharp),” said Biazon.
When he asked about her secret to long life, her family responded that she likes to eat lechon and liempo.
“It was a great and fun experience na makilala at makausap si Nanay Dulay (It was a great and fun experience to meet and talk to Nanay Dulay),” the mayor added.
All centenarian residents of Muntinlupa get P100,000 cash gift under City Ordinance No. 2018-147.
Under Republic Act 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016, all Filipinos aged 100 and above will be given cash gifts to recognize their contribution to the country, added Biazon.
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 learn about the existence of the local ordinance that ensures cash gifts to centenarians? Is anyone in your local community about to reach the age of 100?
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 approved an ordinance establishing a moratorium on the collection of the amusement tax on Filipino films (note: movies produced by Philippine companies/organizations) within the city for the next three years, as reported by the Manila Bulletin. The ordinance was signed into law by Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
In short, local companies here in the Philippines whose films are shown in theaters within the jurisdiction of Muntinlupa City could earn more as the amusement tax won’t be imposed for most of the year for the next three years while the cinema operators themselves can benefit along the way.
I say most of the year because the moratorium does not cover the time period of December 25 to January 7 which is precisely the time when the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) happens.
To put things in perspective, read the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report posted below. Some parts in boldface…
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon and the City Council approved an ordinance granting a three-year moratorium on the collection of amusement tax from Filipino films in the next three years.
The Muntinlupa City Council passed and Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2024-229 “Declaring Moratorium on the Collection of Amusement Tax for Filipino Films in the City of Muntinlupa from January 08 to December 24 of every year for the next three (3) years.“
Under the existing Local Government Code, “The province may levy an amusement tax to be collected from the proprietors, lessees, or operators of theaters, cinemas, concert halls, circuses, boxing stadia, and other places of amusement at a rate of not more than ten percent (10%) of the gross receipts from the admissions fees.”
In February, the Metro Manila Council adopted the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Resolution No. 24-11 “Declaring a Moratorium on the Collection of Amusement Tax for Filipino Films in Metro Manila from January 08 to December 24 of Every Year for the Next Three Years.”
In the Muntinlupa ordinance, it was stated that the MMDA resolution “was adopted to recognize the importance of the local film industry in promoting cultural and economic development and in response to the appeal of the local filmmakers to boost the film industry after the impact of the COVID-i9 Pandemic on the production and exhibition of Filipino Films, and the dominance of foreign films.”
Under the ordinance, all cinemas in Muntinlupa can avail of the moratorium on the collection of amusement taxes for Filipino films from Jan. 8 to Dec. 24 of every year for the next three years.
When it comes to the state of cinemas within Muntinlupa City, Commercenter has four screens and I noticed over the past two months that only 2 or 3 were operating during my visits there. Over at Festival Mall, their 4-screen modern cinemas are fully operating but their original cinemas (located several feet away by foot on the same floor) are still dark and depressing as only 2 or 3 screens (out of ten screens) were operating almost all the time.
As for the cinemas in Alabang Town Center, they seem to be operating normally and continue to attract a steady amount of moviegoers.
Going back to the approved moratorium, it remains to be seen if it could lead to a potential reduction of ticket prices in relation to Filipino movies within Muntinlupa. Even if ticket prices get reduced, would it be enough to convince people to come to the Muntinlupa cinemas and buy tickets for the cinematic experience. There is also the factor of the quality of Filipino movies showing in Muntinlupa movie theaters plus the factor of foreign movies.
As a resident of Alabang who saw lots of movies in the local cinemas, I noticed that Muntinlupa City is lacking when it comes to hosting film festivals (note: the annual MMFF does NOT count). Special events about movies focusing on variety, quality and artistry being held in Muntinlupa can help cinema operators attract moviegoers as well as the enthusiastic film buffs.
Perhaps the City Government or barangays could someday organize a special event of short films made by Muntinlupa-based filmmakers and have such films screened in local cinemas. Organizing another film festival showcasing films by independent filmmakers from around the country and having them screened in theaters within the city could help too.
Still on the topic of Filipino movies, when will the time come when the major local movie producers will have premieres of their new movies held in cinemas here in Muntinlupa and give locals the chance to see their favorite movie stars in person?
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about the 3-year moratorium approved by the City Government of Muntinlupa? Do you think that cinemas in Muntinlupa are losing money? Do you think the newly approved moratorium could be disadvantageous to the City Government in terms of revenue?
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the opening of classes in public schools was observed by new Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Mayor Ruffy Biazon and Congressman Jaime Fresnedi, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Education Sec. Sonny Angara, Mayor Ruffy Biazon and Rep. Jaime Fresnedi visited a high school in Muntinlupa on July 29 to observe the opening of classes.
Biazon and Fresnedi accompanied Angara when he visited Muntinlupa National High School Main in NBP Reservation, Barangay Poblacion.
All public schools in Muntinlupa from Kindergarten to Senior High School opened on July 29 as scheduled.
Dr. Violeta Gonzales, head of the Schools Division Office (SDO)-Muntinlupa City, said the opening of classes pushed through since schools in the city were not affected by the onslaught of Habagat (southwest monsoon) and Typhoon Carina.
Many public schools in areas in the country that were hit by heavy rains and floods delayed the opening of classes.
“Ang announcement ng DepEd ay para lamang sa mga paaralang ginagamit pa bilang evacuation centers, binaha, at napinsala. Tayo po sa Muntinlupa, kasabay ng karamihan ng mga lungsod sa NCR, ay magbubukas ng klase bukas dahil maayos na po ang kondisyon ng ating mga paaralan (The announcement by DepEd [Department of Education] is only for schools being used as evacuation centers, flooded and damaged. We in Muntinlupa, along with the majority of cities in NCR, will open classes tomorrow because our schools are in good condition),” said Gonzales on July 28.
“We want to build what you have here para mas de-kalidad pa ang makukuha nyo in the coming years (We want to build what you have here so that you will get more high quality in the coming years),” said Angara.
He added, “We’re very pleasantly surprised with how smooth things run here. Sa ibang pinuntahan namin double shift. Ma-swerte po ang mga students dahil number one, unified ang political leaders dito, ang beneficiaries ng taong bayan. At secondly, very helpful ang city government and the national government to partner, dapat ganon para umunlad ang isang school district.”
Also accompanying Angara were DepEd Usec. Revsee Escubedo, Deped RD-NCR Joyce Andaya, MNHS principal Dr. Florante Marmeto and Gonzales.
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 think Secretary Angara’s visit adds credibility to the state of public education in 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
During the recent presentation of newly designated police officers in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded them to follow the values of ACT (Accountability, Confidence and Trust) as they perform their duties, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded the police to follow the values of ACT or Accountability, Confidence, and Trust, in doing their duties as law enforcers.
Biazon made the reminder during the presentation of the newly designated police officers by Muntinlupa Police chief Col. Robert Domingo.
The new officers in the Muntinlupa Police are:
⬪Major Allan Rainier Cabral – chief of the Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS)
⬪Capt. Reynaldo Par – chief of the Custodial and Detention Facility Unit (CDFU)
⬪Capt. Fernando Niefes – chief of the Station Tactical Operations Center (STOC) and concurrent assistant chief of the Patrol Operations Section (POS)
⬪Capt. Rolando Ty – commander of the Tunasan Police Substation (SS1)
⬪Capt. Alemar Cabanit – commander of the Putatan Police Substation (SS2)
⬪Capt. Roderick Tubon – commander of the Sucat Police Substation (SS4)
⬪Capt. Rizalyn Soledad – commander of the Ayala Alabang Police Substation (SS5)
⬪Capt. Marlo Abella – commander of the Poblacion Police Substation (SS6)
Biazon congratulated the newly designated police officers and told them about the expectations from the public.
“And, of course, our expectations from the newly designated. Remember the word ACT. The expectation is not only from you but from the whole Muntinlupa Police Station. The rank and file,” he said.
He added, “One is your accountability to your duty. We will expect that you will take action in fighting crime. Definitely, the public is expecting that. That is why you are in the police because you are our hope in addressing problems of drugs, criminality and, of course, the safety of our citizens. You have assumed that accountability.”
“Letter C, you have our confidence. As what Col. Domingo said earlier, we approved the designation by putting confidence in you. So don’t fail us on that,” he said.
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 looking forward to observing how the new city police officers will do their duty?
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
In a major move to improve local emergency response capabilities with the use of technology, the City Government of Muntinlupa formally launched at Crimson Hotel today their new iRespond mobile app which is now available for download via Google and Apple online, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
In its latest digital innovation, the Muntinlupa City government launched the iRespond mobile app, setting a new standard in emergency response capabilities.
Built for emergencies, Muntinlupa iRespond provides residents with immediate access to essential services directly from their smartphones.
The app allows residents to report emergencies such as disasters and fire, or the need for the police and ambulance.
“The iRespond app is a significant leap forward in emergency management, providing users with seamless access to emergency reporting with just a single tap. Whether in need of medical assistance, fire rescue, police intervention, or other critical services, Muntinlupeños can now initiate help swiftly and effectively through this platform,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon during the app launch on July 18 at the Crimson Hotel in Alabang.
According to the city government, the iRespond app’s key functionalities include one-touch emergency reporting, allowing responders to pinpoint the exact location of those needing help; real-time incident tracking for back-end dispatchers to supervise incoming alarms and respond appropriately; and community alerts and notifications that allow the city’s Department of Disaster Resilience and Management to inform residents of potential scenarios and help them to prepare or respond adequately.
The digital tool ensures that emergency situations are addressed promptly, leveraging real-time incident tracking to facilitate quick and precise responses from dedicated dispatch teams, the city government added.
“By empowering residents with a tool that expedites emergency response, we are not only enhancing public safety but also reinforcing our city’s resilience in times of crisis.” added Biazon.
Residents are encouraged to download the free iRespond app for from the App Store or Google Play Store, ensuring they are prepared and empowered to respond effectively to any emergency situation.
Upon download, users need to create an account by providing their name, birthday, gender, photo, valid document, address, email address and mobile number.
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 think the newly launched iRespond app will improve local emergency response capabilities? Have you downloaded the app?
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
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Two more men who were captured on CCTV attacking referees during a Muntinlupa inter-barangay basketball championship game met and apologized to Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
The violence happened during the championship game between Barangays Bayanan and Cupang under the La Liga de Muntinlupa Basketball Tournament 2024 held on July 5 at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.
The scores were 97 for Cupang and 96 for Bayanan when a player and a referee had a confrontation. The crowd and players joined the melee and attacked the referees. Several people hurled monoblock chairs while others threw water bottles.
De La Salle Green Archers’ Kean Baclaan, a player for the Barangay Bayanan team, was banned from the 2024 tournament “for physically attacking and disrespecting game officials.”
Three other players and a coach from Barangay Bayanan were also banned from the tournament for the same offense.
After the game, an investigation was launched to pinpoint those who attacked the referees. Videos from spectators and CCTV footage at the sports complex showed those who were responsible.
Two additional men who were involved in the violence heeded the call of Biazon and went to his office on July 9.
“Maging responsableng mga indibidwal. Kung hindi sa ibang tao, sa ating mga pamilya. Dapat makatulong sa katahimikan at hindi dumagdag sa kaguluhan (Be responsible individuals. If not for other people, for our family. You should help for peace and not add to the chaos),” Biazon told the two men.
He added, “Humarap sila sa akin matapos ang panawagan ko sa social media. Nag-sorry sila sa mga akto nila noong araw na yun (They went to see me after my call on social media. They said sorry for their actions on that day).”
The mayor previously called on the two men who hurled a chair and punched a referee in the back of the head to see him.
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 satisfied that the four men who caused trouble during the chaos of the July 5 local basketball game came to the mayor and apologized in his presence?
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
Very recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the championship game of the La Liga de Muntinlupa Tournament 2024 held at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex turned chaotic which resulted in the launch of an investigation, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Mayor Ruffy Biazon said an investigation was launched after a championship game between Barangays Cupang and Bayanan teams under the La Liga de Muntinlupa Basketball Tournament 2024 on July 5 turned into a chaos with a player and a referee having a confrontation and monoblock chairs being thrown by the crowd.
The first game of the Best of 3 Finals between Cupang and Bayanan was held at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.
The game became disorderly after a player and a referee had a confrontation in the court. At the time, the scores were 97 for Cupang and 96 for Bayanan.
“Security! Security! Security!” the announcer called as the chaos erupted inside the court.
People in the crowd went inside the court and charged the referee. People threw monoblock chairs and water bottles.
In a statement, Biazon said, “Kinalulungkot ko ang nangyari sa maganda sanang championship game ng La Liga de Muntinlupa na nauwi sa kaguluhan (I am saddened that what was supposed to be nice championship game in La Liga de Muntinlupa ended up into chaos).”
He said instead of sportsmanship and unity fostered by the basketball tournament, the game became a bad example for the youth because of the attitude shown by some of the players and the crowd.
“Ayon sa Liga ng mga Barangay na organizer ng event, ongoing ang imbestigasyon at maghahain sila ng reklamo laban sa mga mapapatunayang sangkot sa gulo (According to the Liga na mga Barangay, which is the organier of the event, the investigation is ongoing and they will file a complaint against those who will be found involved in the mess),” the mayor added.
Biazon said he will order barangay captains to submit a report about what happened during the game.
“Hindi ito basta simpleng init ng ulo sa basketball, nalagay sa alanganin ang kapayapaan at kaayusan sa ating lungsod. Merong nambato ng silya, may sumugod, may nagtangkang manakit. Hindi natin palalampasin ito at may kalalagyan din sila sa batas (This is not a simple temper. Peace and order in our city was put in jeopardy. Someone threw a chair, someone advanced, there are those who attempted to hurt. We will not let these pass and they will have a place in law),” he said.
Barangay Poblacion Chairman Allen Ampaya, president of the Liga ng mga Barangay in Muntinlupa, said they will make sure to identify those who were involved in the mess.
“Ongoing na ang imbestigasyon at maghahain tayo ng reklamo laban sa mga gumambala sa ating liga. Kakaharapin po nila ang parusang naaayon sa batas (The investigation is ongoing and we will file a complaint against those who disturbed our league. They will face punishment according to the law),” he said.
About the players, he said, “Para sa mga manlalaro namang mapapatunayang sangkot sa gulo, kakaharapin nila ang kaukulang penalty ayon sa rules ng liga (To the players who will be found involved in the mess, they will face the corresponding penalty based on the league rules).
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 think the basketball chaos will be resolved soon?
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, the City Government of Muntinlupa got the highest ranking in the National Capital Region (NCR) with regards to the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance for the year 2022 and they received the award, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced that the Muntinlupa City government got the highest rating in the National Capital Region for the 2022 Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance.
He said he received the 2022 Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance award from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The award is given to local government units that have shown excellence in implementing programs for the youth and have passed the 2022 Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA).
Biazon said the Muntinlupa City government received a rating of 97 percent, the highest among LGUs in NCR.
“Mula pa noong 2015, recipient na ang Muntinlupa ng Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance award. Patunay ito sa commitment natin sa pagsulong ng kapakanan at mga karapatan ng kabataang Muntinlupeño (Since 2015, Muntinlupa has been a recipient of the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance award. This is a testament to our commitment to advance the welfare and rights of Muntinlupeño youth),” said Biazon.
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 what the City Government has been achieving with regards to child-friendly local governance?
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
Very recently, Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon slammed China Coast Guard for harming personnel of the Philippine Navy who were on a resupply mission at sea and the incident was captured on video, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. A Philippine seaman lost his finger as a result of a Chinese vessel ramming a Philippine rubber boat.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Muntinlupa Mayor and former representative Ruffy Biazon condemned the China Coast Guard for attacking and hurting Philippine Navy troops who were doing a humanitarian rotation and resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal in the Spratlys Island in Palawan on June 17.
“The only Coast Guard in the world that puts life at sea in danger,” Biazon posted on X.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said, “The China Coast Guard’s coercive, aggressive, and barbaric actions during the humanitarian rotation and resupply mission at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on June 17, resulted in severe damage to AFP vessels, including their communication and navigation equipment.”
As a result of the China Coast Guard’s attack, Seaman First Class Jeffrey Facundo’s finger was cut off when the Chinese vessel rammed a Philippine rubber boat.
In a statement, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said that “the Chinese Coast Guard has no right or legal authority to interfere with our legitimate operations or damage our assets within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).”
“This reckless and aggressive behavior has caused bodily harm and constitutes a blatant violation of international maritime law, Philippine sovereignty, and sovereign rights. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) strongly denounces these actions, which not only infringe upon our maritime rights but also pose significant risks to regional stability. The AFP remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will collaborate with international partners to ensure and secure peace and stability across the West Philippine Sea and the Indo-Pacific Region,” he said.
Biazon said the China Coast Guard has been violating maritime regulations.
“They are invoking the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, the best thing for them to do is file a formal complaint at the IMO [International Maritime Organization]. But of course, they won’t do that because they know they have been violating it themselves for a long time now,” he said.
He added, “In the hands of military or even coast guard, the bolos & knives are weapons. Using them against persons or property to cause injury or death or damage is an attack. Define ‘Armed attack/ now, in the context of the MDT [Mutual Defense Treaty].”
“Point to ponder : If CCG [China Coast Guard] has the audacity to board a PH RHIB (Philippine Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat],will they have the impunity to board a grounded PH LST [Philippine landing ship, tank]? I think the AFP should state as early as now that our soldiers won’t be restrained to fire weapons in defense if LS 57 [BRP Sierra Madre)] is forcibly boarded by foreign forces,” added Biazon.
Biazon called on senators and representatives to speak up about the latest attack on Philippine troops.
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 agree with Mayor Biazon slamming China Coast Guard for harming Philippine Navy personnel at sea? What do you think will it take for the Philippines to push back against Chinese agresssion?
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 just announced that all new construction located on earthquake fault zones will be prohibited and already the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of City Ordinance 2024-174 are being drafted, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government will prohibit all new construction on earthquake fault zones in the city.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced this on June 13 as he led the meeting of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
The Muntinlupa City government is drafting the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of City Ordinance 2024-174 or the Fault Zone Ordinance of 2024.
“Through this ordinance, we aim to ensure the safety of our constituents from earthquake risks by prohibiting construction in areas affected by the West Valley Fault and ground fissures,” said Biazon.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and Science and Technology Information Institute (STII), “the West Valley Fault system is an imaginary line marking the area where the different fault systems are located underground and are actively moving from where a big earthquake may originate.”
The Valley Fault System “is an active fault system composed of two fault segments: the 10-km long East Valley Fault (EVF) in Rizal and the 100 km long West Valley Fault (WVF) that runs through different cities and towns of Bulacan, Rizal, Metro Manila, Cavite, and Laguna. The WVF can generate a large earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 or commonly known as ‘The Big One’ which poses threat to people, livelihood, buildings and infrastructures.”
In April, the Muntinlupa City Council passed the ordinance, which was signed by Biazon on April 16.
Under the ordinance, new construction will be barred on earthquake fault zones transected by the West Valley Fault and Fissure in Muntinlupa.
The identification of the no-build zones will be based on the 2015 Valley Fault Atlas published by the Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), which “shows an expanded reach and scope of these earthquake fault and fissures in Muntinlupa City.”
The Muntinlupa City Council passed Ordinance 2024-174 or the Fault Zone Ordinance of 2024, which was signed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon on April 16.
“There are existing faults and fissures zones in City of Muntinlupa, which need to be effectively identified, zoned and delineated to promote the safety and provide guidance to the inhabitants of Muntinlupa City and the general public,” according to the ordinance.
The ordinance mandates that “permanent fault markers shall be installed for the purpose of awareness and preparedness following national and international standard roadside traffic designs and materials.”
It added that “buildings, structures, and other properties transected by the West Valley Fault and Fissures, as appearing in the Valley Fault Atlas published by Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS), are considered dangerous and unsafe for human occupancy.”
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 agree with the City Government’s prohibition on all construction on earthquake fault zones? Is your local community located near an earthquake fault zone?
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 