Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the 676-meter stretch of the Zapote River Drive was formally inaugurated by Senator Cynthia Villar, Senator Mark Villar and House Deputy Speaker Camille Villar as shown through the Villar SIPAG Facebook page.
Other officials who attended the inauguration were City Councilor Danny Hernandez, City Councilor Carlo Aguilar, City Councilor Ruben Ramos, Barangay Pilar Kagawad Ping Nerbes, and Barangay Talon Uno Kagawad George Zuniga to name some.
The ribbon cutting ceremony. (photo source – Villar SIPAG Facebook page)
The Villars and other officials inspecting the newly inaugurated stretch of the River Drive. (photo source – Villar SIPAG Facebook page)
The expanded road located along Pasong Baka connects to Barangay Talon Uno and Barangay Talon Singko within the city. It is expected to ease travel from Marcos Alvarez Avenue to Barangay Pilar. Take note, however, that in one of the pictures showing street signs leading to the 676-meter stretch of Zapote River Drive, there is a notable public instruction that motorcycles, bicycles and tricycles are not allowed.
Pay close attention to the details on the signs in this picture. (photo source – Villar SIPAG 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? Have you been driving along the River Drive recently? Do you find travel along the River Drive helpful or more efficient when compared with traveling along the Alabang-Zapote Road?
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
In the progressive City of Muntinlupa, active local cases of COVID-19 have remained over two hundred based on the latest City Government data reported through the Philippine Star. This should remind you – notably Muntinlupa residents – to practice caution, follow health protocols, prioritize your trips outside the home and get vaccinated/boosted whenever you have the chance.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Philippine Star report. Some parts in boldface…
There are 219 active COVID-19 cases in Muntinlupa, the city government reported yesterday. The number is slightly lower compared to 220 active cases recorded last Wednesday.
The death toll in Muntinlupa brought by the COVID-19 pandemic remains at 622.
All nine barangays in Muntinlupa have active cases, with 51 in Poblacion. The other barangays with over 20 cases are Tunasan with 36; Ayala Alabang, 29; Alabang, 28; Putatan, 26, and Cupang, 21. The remaining barangays of Buli, Sucat and Bayanan have 12, 10 and six, respectively.
A total of 123 other persons are under monitoring for possible COVID infection.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think that people in the city have gotten complacent with following health protocols? Do you think that the City Government should do more to convince local constituents to get vaccinated/boosted? Did anyone from the anti-vaccine fanatics community harm you or bombard you with their lies and propaganda? Do you believe that the anti-vaccine fanatics want the entire Philippines to fail in the campaign against COVID-19?
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 Las Piñas achieved another honor with regards to the Pantawid Pamilya compliance and this includes finishing 2nd place overall among Metro Manila LGUs, the Manila Standard reported.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Standard news report. Some parts in boldface…
Las Piñas City was ranked No. 2 among cities in Metro Manila in compliance with the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Mayor Imelda Aguilar thanked the Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) for recognizing her city in its effort to implement the program for the welfare of the people, especially poor families.
She said the local government got a 98.4 percent compliance in health, education, deworming categories, and family development sessions.
The city chief executive said Las Pinas ranked second on the list after members of the city’s Social Welfare and Development Office, CityLinks and the social welfare assistants worked hard in continuing to give better services to residents belonging to 4Ps category.
Aguilar said the City Health Office, Department of Education (DepEd), and the Local Development Council also took part in prioritizing programs for 4Ps.
Previously, Las Pinas City ranked 13th among other local government units in the National Capital Region in the said category.
Aguilar earlier promised that in her third and final term as city chief executive, she will be focusing more on health and other services intended for poor families.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are living in Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this report? Are you happy with this newest achievement by your City Government? Do you hope to see your city finish at first place among all Metro Manila LGUs?
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 just added a new achievement to its record as it finished 8th among the many cities of the nation with regards to collection efficiency of local revenues for the year 2021, the Manila Bulletin reported.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government took eighth place among cities in the Philippines in collection efficiency of local revenues in 2021.
The Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) under the Department of Finance (DOF) announced the top performing provinces, cities, and municipalities based on locally sourced revenues (LSRs).
LSRs “are collections generated by LGUs [local government units] from real property tax, tax on business, other taxes, regulatory fees, service/user charges, and receipts from economic enterprises,” according to the BLGF.
“External Sources, on the other hand, are from Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), other shares from national tax collection, inter-local transfer and extraordinary receipts/grants/donations/aids while other receipts include interest income and miscellaneous income,” according to the bureau.
Based on collection efficiency of LSRs, Muntinlupa LGU recorded a collection rate of 129.8 percent when its LSRs in 2021 totaled P3.728 billion, exceeding the target of P2.871 billion.
“Congratulations, Muntinlupa City! With a collection efficiency of 129.8%, Muntinlupa City is Top 8 in Collection Efficiency of Locally Sourced Revenues Nationwide for fiscal year 2021,” Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon posted on Facebook.
The top 10 cities in collection efficiency of LSRs are Urdaneta City in Pangasinan, Taguig, Dasmarinas in Cavite, San Pedro in Laguna, Valenzuela, Roxas City in Capiz, Lapu-Lapu in Cebu, Muntinlupa, Cagayan de Oro City, and San Juan.
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 feeling happy knowing that collection efficiency by the City Government has been very good?
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
This past Sunday, a disturbance happened in Las Piñas City as a man (on a motorcycle) who allegedly robbed a foreign national encountered the police at a checkpoint that was set up as the law enforcers were already informed by the victim about what happened, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect turned out to be armed and this prompted the police to fire shots at him and eventually arrested him. The suspect was brought to a hospital for treatment.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A 37-year-old man who allegedly robbed an Indian national was seriously injured when he was shot by responding policemen on July 31 in Las Piñas City.
Police identified the suspect as Gian Bautista, a resident of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. He suffered a gunshot wound in the body and was rushed to the Las Piñas District Hospital for treatment.
Investigation showed the incident happened at about 12: 20 p.m. in front of a fast food chain at Casimiro Intersection, Barangay Talon, Las Piñas City
Members of the Las Piñas police were conducting Oplan Sita along Grandeur, Marcos Alvarez Avenue when they were approached by Narinder Singh, 37, Indian national, who said he was robbed by a man on board a motorcycle without a plate number.
The victim told police that the suspect immediately fled going to the direction of Alabang-Zapote Road after he was robbed of his cash and valuables. A chokepoint was immediately set-up in front of Casimiro Intersection for the arrest of Bautista.
Police manning the chokepoint flagged down the motorcycle described by the victim when it was spotted passing the area.
The police said the suspect pulled out his firearm and pointed it to the police, prompting them to shoot Bautista.
The above article ended stating that the law enforcers recovered a .45-caliber pistol with eight pieces of live ammunition, seven assorted cellular phones, and a belt bag containing a necklace, ring watch, assorted identification cards and cash amounting to more than P45,000.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are living in Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this report? Do you believe that robbery is still a major problem in your local community? Do you know anyone who was robbed over the past twelve months?
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
Crime in Parañaque City is involving Chinese nationals is back in the spotlight as local police officers arrested four Chinese persons for the alleged kidnapping of a fellow compatriot, the Manila Bulletin reported. The arrest happened in Barangay Tambo, and the police found guns and illegal drugs.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
Four Chinese nationals were arrested by patrolling policemen allegedly after kidnapping their fellow citizen in Parañaque City Sunday, July 24.
Col. Maximo Sebastian, Paranaque City police chief, identified the suspects Hu Tang, 30; Jiang Zhengxing, 29; Liu Lu, 30; and Gud Hui,36.
Sebastian said the suspects were arrested around 11:45 p.m. on Macapagal Ave. corner Bradco Ave. in Barangay Tambo.
The city police chief said members of Parañaque Police Sub-Station 2 were conducting patrol when ASEANA security guards sought their help after witnessing a kidnapping incident.
The cops together with the security guards blocked the metallic gray Peugot Sedan of the suspects and rescued the victim identified as Zhijie Huang, 32.
The city police chief said the lawmen found inside the car of the suspects one heat-sealed plastic sachet containing shabu, two .9mm pistols, one long airsoft gun, and drug paraphernalia.
The above report ended stating that the suspects will be charged for kidnapping and possession of illegal drugs.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are living in Parañaque City, what is your reaction to this report? Do you think that Parañaque will remain a hot spot for criminal activities involving Chinese nationals? Do you believe that the Chinese in Parañaque have easy access to guns and illegal drugs? Are there a lot of Chinese nationals occupying houses in your local community right now?
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 is back in the drugs-related crime news as three people were arrested by local police officers in Barangay San Dionisio as a result of a drug buy-bust operation, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Over P300,000 worth of illegal drugs was confiscated.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
Three alleged drug peddlers were arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by members of the Parañaque Police Station’s Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) in coordination with Police Sub-Station 2 on Sunday, July 24.
Col. Maximo Sebastian, city police chief, identified the suspects as Elmer Dizcaya, 42; Myleen Mendoza, 42; and Joseph Dalimit, 46.
Sebastian said the suspects were arrested around 9:20 a.m. in Pitonio Extension, Lupang Pangarap, Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City during a buy-bust operation conducted by members of the SDEU and Sub-Station 2
The city police chief said confiscated from the suspects were 50 grams of shabu worth P340,000 placed in ten plastic sachets, two P1,000 bills used as the buy-bust money, and one blue coin purse.
The above report ended stating that the suspects will be charged for illegal possession of drugs while the confiscated substances will be analyzed.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are living in Parañaque City, what is your reaction to this report? Do you think that Parañaque will remain a hot spot for illegal drugs and buy-bust operations over the next few years? What do you think should be done by the City Government and the barangays in order to make Parañaque a drug-free 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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
According to a GMA Network news report, Parañaque City police officers arrested three people for allegedly violating the implemented ban of guns in relation to the State of the Nation Address (SONA). The notable thing here is that the apprehension happened outside of Parañaque City.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA Network news report. Some parts in boldface…
Parañaque City cops arrested three people on Monday for violation of the ongoing six-day gun ban for the safety of the first State of the Nation Address of President Bongbong Marcos.
Unang Balita reported on Monday — SONA Day – that authorities acting on a tip tailed and cornered the suspects on Ongpin Street in Binondo, Manila.
Police said the suspects immediately surrendered.
An initial police investigation indicates the suspects were carrying service firearms as they were supposedly private security agents of a company.
Authorities said the three will face complaints for violating the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.
According to the report, the suspects have refused to give any further statement.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this latest news development? Could there be gun smuggling or a lot of loose firearms (unregistered weapons) within the City of Parañaque that could be connected to this recent development?
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
Are you a Las Piñas City resident looking for fresh and affordable food to buy for your family? Then you should consider visiting Kadiwa Market at the Las Piñas City Hall complex every Friday. This is a special project by the local authorities and their strategic partners that aims to benefit local residents who are looking for great value when buying fresh products sourced directly from the farmers, the fishermen and other suppliers.
Check out the pictures below…
Fresh fish, vegetables and fruits on display. (photo source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)
More fresh goods on display. (photo source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)
Kadiwa Market tarpaulin.(photo source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)
As such, Las Piñas City are encouraged to visit the Kadiwa Market at the Las Piñas City Hall complex every Friday.
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? If you were able to visit the Kadiwa Market at the City Hall complex, were you able to buy fresh goods? Did you get your money’s worth? How are the prices of fish, meat and vegetables at the Kadiwa market compared to those in other wet markets or palengke?
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
Have you been paying more for pandesal at your local bakery? In my experience, I love the pandesal of Mang Pandesal located along Tropical Avenue, BF International in Las Piñas City. When I first visited them in 2019, they sold pieces of pandesal at P2 each. That is no longer the case anymore. Two days ago, I visited Mang Pandesal ang bought 20 pieces of pandesal at P2.50 each. That’s a total of P50.
Do the math, P2.50 is a notable increase of 25% over the previous price of P2 per pandesal which lasted for years at Mang Pandesal. While I still will buy pandesal from Mang Pandesal (note: they’re still the best in the BF Homes community), I am more conscious about how many pieces to buy each time I visit them.
Even as our country continues to struggle to recover from the COVID-19 crisis socially and economically, we have no choice but to face the new normal of bread from the local bakeries…a new normal of higher prices and/or smaller sizes of bread. There are both internal and external economic forces that have been affecting the many local bakeries around the Philippines. High fuel prices are just the tip of the iceberg, literally.
Expect local bread to get smaller but become more expensive at the same time.
Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda made this rather depressing prediction as wheat, eggs, and sugar–all vital ingredients to breadmaking–have all shot up in price.
Salceda even has a clever word for it: “shrinkflation”.
“Bread will probably be the hardest hit by shrinkflation. Wheat prices have increased by 165 percent. At that point, breadmakers will probably both increase prices and shrink sizes,” the economist-solon said in a statement Sunday night, July 17.
Last March, Salceda warned of higher bread prices amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which affected the trade of wheat.
“Egg prices are also threatening to go out of control. Sugar supply is already problematic, noted the Bicolano.
“What we are likely to see us shrinkflation. Goods getting smaller instead of higher prices,” he noted.
Salceda said that while the government continues to try to control price hikes and resolve supply issues, manufacturers and millers can “fortify their products with vitamins and minerals”.
“Nutrition should be part of Science for Change, which is the DOST’s (Department of Science and Technology) flagship program. This should be one of the most relevant and immediate applications.
“Secretary [Fortunato] dela Pena also asked millers and breadmakers to consider other alternatives and additives to maintain nutritional value without increasing prices or reducing sizes significantly…So, in the meantime, while we solve the structural issues affecting price and supply, we can adapt,” the lawmaker said.
Community bakers have lost 20 percent of their members due to the twin effects of the pandemic and rising raw material prices.
Princess Lunar, director of the Asosasyon ng Panaderong Pilipino, told the Balitaan sa Maynila yesterday, the fair price of pandesal should be P4 per piece to maintain its quality but bakers continue to sell at P2 to P2.50 but the size has considerably shrank to 18 grams.
Lunar said at P4, pandesal size can be restored to 30 g.
While pandesal is not a regulated commodity, community bakers cannot increase their prices because of competition among themselves as well as with commercial and industrial bakers which have economies of scale.
She said the group plans to come up with variants of pandesal at a much bigger size enhanced with more nutritious ingredients from agricultural crops like potato, cassava and other starches. The group plans to sell this at P8 to P10 per piece.
The value-added product can help elevate the stature of the pandesal which Lunar has termed as the “pambansang tinapay.”
She appealed to government to assist the group in conducting trainings to improve further the quality of their breads especially pandesal and ensure its sustainability.
Lunar said prior to the pandemic, about 40 percent of the flour requirements for bread go to community bakers. This has since shrank to 19 percent.
Lunar said from P785 per bag, the price of flour has gone up to P1,000. Since January when the Russia-Ukraine crisis started, the price of flour has gone up by P100 to P150 per bag.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Have you been paying more for pandesal at your local bakery? Does each pandesal piece look smaller in terms of size and content in relation to what you paid for? Are you willing to pay P4 per piece of pandesal? Are there any bakeries in your local community that shut down recently? Apart from pandesal, what other types of bread do you buy from your local community bakery?
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 