During a graduation ceremony held recently in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon told the graduates to live life with integrity instead of wanting likes of social media, 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…
Amid the popularity of social media like Facebook and Instagram, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded graduates to live life with integrity and purpose beyond online validation.
“Live for others instead of for ‘likes.’ Think about how we can serve our families, communities, and fellow citizens,” he said in his speech to the Class of 2024.
He added, “Work hard to be a champion, not to chase clout. Strive for excellence and become champions in everything you do.”
Biazon attended the graduation and moving up ceremonies of more than 20,000 students in public elementary and high schools in Muntinlupa from May 29 to 31.
He acknowledged the importance of social media and noted that while likes are not inherently bad, they should not dictate people’s actions or compromise their values and principles.
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 strongly agree with Mayor Biazon’s advice to the graduates? Do you think that the Filipino youth has gotten too addicted by social media? Do you think that social media companies genuinely care about the mental health of teenagers among their many users?
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 Bureau of Local Government Finance under the Department of Finance (DOF) revealed that the revenues of the City Government reached P4.63 billion for the year 2023, 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 earned P4.63 in revenues in 2023 to rank ninth among local government units in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The Bureau of Local Government Finance under the Department of Finance released the revenue data for NCR.
Muntinlupa generated P4.63 billion in revenue last year, marking a 13 percent increase in its Annual Revenue Income (ARI) from 2022.
“We are in a crucial period of pandemic recovery. The significant growth in our revenue is a positive sign that our economy is on the right track. This growth enables us to enhance public services and better support our community,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
He added, “We assure our constituents that every centavo is judiciously used to enhance social services and improve the quality of life for all Muntinlupeños.”
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 find the 2023 revenue surprising? Do you think the City Government is doing a good job financially?
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 added several new ambulances and motorcycles to its fleet with the intention of enhancing public service, 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 distributed 10 new ambulances and 34 motorcycles to barangays and various departments to enhance public service.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the distribution of the 10 ambulances to all nine barangays in the city and to the Muntinlupa Department of Disaster Reduction and Management to enhance medical and emergency response services.
The ambulances, which feature high-visibility Battenburg designs, are fully equipped with basic life support supplies and equipment, blinkers, and sirens.
“These ambulances will significantly enhance medical response services for our residents,” said Biazon during the turnover ceremony.
He said the Battenburg design is for high visibility, easier identification, and safety.
In addition, the city government also distributed 34 Honda Click 125 motorcycles to various departments, including the Business Permits and Licensing Office, Community Affairs and Development Office, and Colegio de Muntinlupa. The motorcycles are part of an ongoing effort to improve mobility and efficiency in public services.
“These motorcycles will help our offices fulfill their mandates more effectively. Let’s use them properly to better serve our community,” the mayor 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, do you think the new vehicles distributed by the City Government will improve public service and response time?
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 received a donation of bike racks from the Makati Business Club (MBC) and Dow Chemical Philippines, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government received 25 bike racks from the Makati Business Club (MBC) and Dow Chemical Philippines.
The bike racks, produced by Envirotech Waste Recycling, are completely made from upcycled materials such as styrofoam, bubble wrap and sando bags, and non-recyclable and multi-layer packaging like sachets, candy wrappers, and foil packaging.
About 1,770 kg of plastic waste was recycled to manufacture 55 bike racks with Las Pinas as the other recipient.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon thanked the Makati Business Club and Dow Chemical Philippines for the donation, saying Muntinlupa is also advocating the use of bicycles to lessen carbon emissions as its contribution to the protection of the environment.
“MBC and Dow Chemical collaborated to turn plastic waste into bike racks because of our mutual advocacy for sustainable transport and circular economy,” said MBC chairman Edgar Chua.
“Apart from reducing plastic waste, installing secure bike parking can reduce traffic congestion and help employees bike to work, and those for whom biking is work.”
According to Dow Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand marketing manager Arnold Benitez, “This project reflects Dow’s commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. By transforming potential pollutants into community benefits, we are significantly reducing waste and promoting a healthier environment.”
He added, “Celebrating Dow Philippines’ 60th anniversary, our ‘Together Towards Tomorrow’ theme emphasizes our dedication to a sustainable future through collaboration and innovation. This milestone highlights our enduring commitment to the Philippines and the importance of working together to achieve our shared goals.”
The Muntinlupa City government turned over 50 kg of plastic waste to support the production of upcycled bike racks, an advocacy that was highlighted by Mayor Biazon.
“Bahagi ito ng pagsulong natin sa circular economy kung saan ang ating waste materials ay nagagamit pa rin natin for other purposes, at nababawasan ang ating pollution sa environment (This is part of our advocacy for circular economy wherein our waste materials can still be used for other purposes and it lessens pollution of the environment),” said Biazon.
The bike racks will be installed at Cupang Health Center, Poblacion Health Center, Schools Division Office, Muntinlupa Business High School, and Victoria Homes Elementary School, benefiting at least 50 cyclists at a time.
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 concerned FLiRT variants of COVID-19 could be detected in the city 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 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 announced that free school supplies and sneakers will be given to around 100,000 students (from daycare to Grade 12) in accordance to the ongoing local program, 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 announced that public school students from daycare to Grade 12 will receive free school supplies and sneakers under the Balik Eskwela Package program in time for the opening of classes in July.
The free school supplies and shoes will benefit 98,000 students in Early Childhood Education (ECED), Kindergarten, Grades 1 to 6, and junior and senior high school in Muntinlupa.
“We are committed to supporting our students and ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed. By providing these high-quality sneakers and school supplies, we aim to ease the financial burden on families and boost student morale,” said Biazon.
For ECED students, they will receive a backpack, two notebooks, crayons, tumbler, two pencils and pad paper.
For Kindergarten, each will get a backpack, jumbo crayons, pencil sharpener, two jumbo pencils, pad paper, eight notebooks and a pair of MunWalk rubber shoes.
Students in Grades 1 to 6 will each receive a backpack, eight notebooks, three ballpens, pad paper, crayons and a pair of MunWalk rubber shoes.
Those in Grades 7 to 12 will get a backpack, spiral notebooks (eight in junior high school and 10 in senior high school), a pair of MunWalk rubber shoes and three ballpens.
Last school year, the Muntinlupa city government provided students with black leather shoes and school supplies.
Biazon explained that the switch to sneakers this year was made because many students still have usable leather shoes from last year and parents requested rubber shoes that may be used for physical education classes.
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 find the new batch of free supplies for students sensible and useful?
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
The City Government of Muntinlupa recently won a prestigious award (Gawad Edukampyon) in the field of education among highly urbanized cities (HUC), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. For the newcomers reading this, Gawad Edukampyon is a nationwide program launched by REX Education in collaboration with the Department of Education, Department of the Interior, and Local Government and Early Childhood Care and Development Council.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government won the Gawad Edukampyon award in the highly urbanized city category for its efforts in Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD).
Muntinlupa won the award for its Supplementary Programs on Early Stimulation and Promotion of Proper Health and Nutrition. This involved a wide range of initiatives, including feeding program, health services, sports activities, educational support, and social services for families.
The city also caters to the needs of parents through the Family Support Program, Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged / Displaced Workers (TUPAD), and Parent Congress.
“Patuloy ang City Government of Muntinlupa sa pagsulong ng mahusay na childhood care services para sa mga kabataang Muntinlupeño. Gusto natin lahat ng mga bata sa Muntinlupa ay malusog, nakakapag-aral at may mabuting asal (The City Government of Muntinlupa continues to advocate great childcare services for our young Muntinlupeño. We want all children in Muntinlupa to be healthy, go to school and have good manners),” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
He added, “Maraming salamat sa ECED Muntinlupa, led by Ms. Jenny Mercado, sa pangunguna sa ating mga programa for childhood development (Thank you to ECED Muntinlupa, led by Ms. Jenny Mercado, for leading our programs for childhood 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 happy with the Gawad Edukampyon award the city government won?
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
If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City who must have noticed members of your local community being able to find jobs within the city, it is most likely because of the online job portal launched recently by the City Government as reported by the Manila Bulletin. The job portal can be accessed at https://jobportal.muntinlupacitygov.com/
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government launched an online portal to connect employers and job seekers.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the launch of the 1Munti Job Portal, a collaboration between the city government and partner private institutions led by the Lingkod Muntinlupa Foundation and 1Munti Party.
“The 1Munti Job Portal is an innovation that helps break down barriers of unemployment. For companies and employers, as part of our City’s mission to be a business-friendly hub, this Portal is free, and you can gain exposure to a diverse range of candidates tailored to your company’s specific needs and requirements,” said Biazon.
For job seekers, they need to visit the website, create an account, and search for employment opportunities, the mayor said.
Biazon also revealed the upcoming Dress for Success Program which aims to equip job seekers through a series of capacity-building training on the basics of job-hunting and employment, writing good resume, and presenting oneself well in an interview.
Once they finish the short modules, they can claim their set of business attires that will hopefully help boost their confidence in their job seeking journey.
Biazon also said the portal is still part of the city government’s effort to attain “Smart City” status, describing 1Munti Job Portal as “created at the nexus of leadership and technological innovation” to solve human issues.
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 know anyone who applied for a local job through the 1Munti Job Portal?Have you visited the job portal already?
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 Muntinlupa City hosted the 2024 edition of the Flavors of NCR food festival at the Filinvest City Central Park in Alabang and I personally witnessed the formal opening ceremony which involved many high-level officials and special guests. A lot of people visited the food festival on April 19 and 20 which added to the credibility of Filinvest City Central Park as a suitable open-air venue for special events.
For the newcomers reading this, Flavors of NCR is a special event presented by the Association of Tourism Officers – NCR which collaborated with the City Government of Muntinlupa for this year’s event. It is a showcase of unique cuisine found in the sixteen cities and one municipality of the National Capital Region (NCR). The local government units (LGUs) that participated include: Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela, and the Municipality of Pateros.
Event launch
The ribbon cutting led by high officials that include Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano (3rd from left), Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon (3rd from right) and Department of Tourism-NCR Regional Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin (2nd from left) to name a few.
The opening ceremony of Flavors of NCR 2024 was attended by Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, Department of Tourism-NCR Regional Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin, Association of Tourism Officers-NCR headed by Manila City Tourism chief Charlie Dungo, and Pasay City chief of staff Peter Eric Pardo. Also present were Muntinlupa Vice Mayor Temy Simundac and Muntinlupa City Council Raul Corro.
“We are delighted to host the Flavors of NCR,” Mayor Biazon stated during his welcome remarks to all the guests. “(We acknowledge) the presence of other cities here so that their products will be showcased and we are proud to have you here.”
Biazon stressed that hosting the Flavors of NCR opens up opportunities for Metro Manila’s LGUs and their respective food-and-beverage stakeholders access to the Calabarzon region composed of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon with a collective population of over sixteen million people.
It should be noted that the Alabang area of Muntinlupa is a popular destination for Calabarzon residents as well as those from nearby cities who enjoy shopping and recreational activities during the weekend. That being said, Flavors of NCR fits nicely with the weekend vibe at Filinvest City.
After the formal ribbon-cutting was done, Flavors of NCR 2024 officially opened and a lot of people and photographers followed Biazon and the guests visit the different food booths of each city.
Each LGU and their best
I visited and explored the designated areas (also referred to as “booths”) of each LGU during the food festival. Each area had a different style of interiors and layouts of food, drinks and other products being offered to visitors. There were also chairs and tables present for those who need to seat down and eat. Check out my raw YouTube videos plus pictures below…
Native delicacies on display for sale at the Las Piñas City booth.
Burger patties being cooked at the Mandaluyong City area.
Delicious halo-halo from Aling Consuelo Halo-Halo sa Ugbo. This was sold at P100 each.
Marikina City had four sellers that attracted customers during the food festival.
Drinks, dessert and other stuff offered to customers at the Las Piñas City booth.
As expected, the variety of food and drinks were really great. Offered to customers were chicken, beef, pork, siomai, barbeque, puto, bibingka, pansit, siopao, fried chicken, roasted pig, pastries, cakes, halo-halo and ice cream to name some. There were also non-food products being sold such as bags and accessories in some booths.
The Muntinlupa City area.
Sea food and other food items being sold at the Parañaque City booth.
Fried chicken being prepared for customers.
The best of Muntinlupa City offered to customers.
Food and bags for sale inside the booth of Malabon City.
It was really nice to see these small businesses represent their locality and offered their best products to visitors at Filinvest City Central Park. Adding zest to the food festival were some performances by different bands from the cities of NCR. There also was a modern dance activity that drew in lots of visitors which added to the customers at the food festival.
Conclusion
The 2024 edition of Flavors of NCR at Filinvest City Central Park was indeed a nice showcase of what each LGU had to offer for those who love food and drinks. In addition, this festival really emphasized unity between the local governments of NCR and it also promoted local tourism. The festival also attracted some residents of Filinvest City’s residential towers (plus others from Ayala Alabang, Palms Pointe Village and other residential communities) and some employees (who worked at offices near the park) whose shifts ended.
In the perspective of tourism, this event really boosted Filinvest City Central Park’s status as a venue for special events or activities. To date, the said park continues to be an attraction for visitors and already it has been used by organizers of sports events and musical events.
This was taken during Saturday night.
The successful staging of Flavors of NCR could inspire food festival organizers to have their events held within Filinvest City in the future.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: Were you able to attend Flavors of NCR at the central park in Filinvest City? If you did, how was your experience? Do you wish to see another food festival to be held at Filinvest City Central Park 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 engagements, 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, Mayor Ruffy Biazon congratulated local Grade 5 student Antonio Pio Vivo for achieving honors for the country by winning the bronze medal in a mathematics contest held in Thailand, 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 congratulated a Grade 5 student who won in an international math contest in Thailand.
Antonio Pio Vivo of San Beda College Alabang won a bronze medal at the International Talent Mathematics Contest (ITMC) held in Thailand.
Vivo is one of the Filipino students who competed and won in the contest participated in by students from 10 countries and regions: Thailand, Brazil, Vietnam, Philippines, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
“Nakakaproud talaga ang mga kabataang Muntinlupeño na nag-eexcel in many various fields (We really feel proud about young Muntinlupeño who excel in many various fields),” said Biazon.
“Congratulations ulit, Antonio! Sana ma-inspire mo rin ang iba pang kabataang Muntinlupeño na mag-excel in both academics and sports (Congratulations again, Antonio! I hope you will inspire other young Muntinlupeño to excel in both academics and sports),” he added.
Before competing in Thailand, Vivo also joined and won in other math and science contests in South Korea and Hong Kong. Vivo also won a gold medal at the 1st MRB Taekwondo Cup last November.
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 about the achievement by the local Grade 5 student who brought honors for the country?
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 progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government formally raise the monthly allowance of its athletes under Class A who represented the city in competitions locally and overseas, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The raise was done by means of legislation.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government has increased the monthly allowance of its Class A athletes who represent the city in local and international competitions.
Ordinance 2024-164, passed by the Muntinlupa City Council, was signed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon on April 11.
Under the ordinance, a Class A athlete is someone who has shown excellence in sports and is representing Muntinlupa in regional, national, international and invitational competitions including the Olympics, Asian Games, SEA Games, world championships, Philippine National Games, national finals, Philippine Youth Games, and Palarong Pambansa.
For 2024, Class A athletes from the years 2022 to 2023 will receive a monthly allowance of P1,000 while additional athletes will start from P500 per month.
For 2025, Class A athletes of 2023 will get P1,500 per month; P2,000 per month in 2026; P2,500 per month in 2027; and P3,000 per month in 2028.
The allowance can be used by athletes to buy food and medicine, transportation, equipment for training, playing uniform and other expenses for their studies, the ordinance stated.
The criteria for the selection of Class A athletes are: should be a resident of Muntinlupa for at least one year during the time of his training or joining a competition; recommended by the coach; and those who represent Muntinlupa who win gold, silver and bronze medals in international, national, regional and invitational competitions certified by the Philippine Sports Commission, National Sports Association, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Education and International Sports Federation.
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 confident that the raise of allowance for the local Class A athletes will boost their moral and encourage more locals to excel in sports?
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
Author Carlo Carrasco 