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
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar ordered the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) to deploy two water trucks and deliver potable water to residents affected by Maynilad’s water service interruption.
Aguilar said the two water trucks will be going around in the first and second districts of the city to serve the affected residents.
Local residents collecting water from one of the trucks of the City Government. (photo source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)
She said Maynilad has announced that six communities in the city will experience water service interruption from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 16.
The mayor said the six barangays in the city identified by Maynilad are BF International/CAA, Daniel Fajardo, E. Aldana, Ilaya, Manuyo Dos, and Manuyo Uno.
Las Piñas is among five cities in Metro Manila that will experience water service interruption of up to 26 hours due to the emeregency leak repair activity along Pureza corner Abad Santos in Manila. The four other affected cities are Manila, Makati, Pasay, and Parañaque.
The above report ended stating that Maynilad customers in the city received text messages that the daily water interruption is set between 11AM and 10PM from July 16 to 31, 2022.
Water truck from the City Government. (photo source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? Does your household have consistent access to water? How many households there in your local community got affected by Maynilad’s water supply interruptions? Have you availed water provided by the City Government?
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
This past Saturday, I took the opportunity to visit Alabang Hills Village for the return of the AHV Saturday Market which was held at the Sports Pavilion. The Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) announced the Saturday market return on July 15 or just the day before it happened. Take note that the association also said that the AHV Saturday Market will be held every Saturday (from July 16 onwards unless otherwise advised) from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
The Sports Pavilion inside Alabang Hills where the AHV Saturday Market was held at on July 16, 2022.
There, I saw two sellers catering to some customers who were carefully choosing from the variety of fresh vegetables, meat, seafood and fish on display. To support the vegetable seller, I bought green tomatoes. Those who missed out on last Saturday’s AHV Saturday Market, there will be another one this Saturday and so on.
Fresh vegetables on display.
Some fresh meat, chicken, seafood and fish on display.
In their official announcement, the AHVA stated that local residents may also join in to feature their home-cooked meals, fresh produce, novelty products and other items.
Residents who might be interested to join the AHV Saturday Market, to sell goods and make some additional money while also connecting with customers, are encouraged to call the AHVA’s administration office at landline numbers 88509631 or 88508254 local 106 and ask for Mark Granada. They can also visit the administration office from Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM, and Saturday from 8AM to 12PM.
For further inquiries, visit https://alabanghillsvillage.com/. To all the non-resident motorists who enter Alabang Hills Village, always remember to follow their rules and speed limits wherever you go. Be respectful to the village and the AHVA.
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
It has been over two years since the entire Philippines first got setback economically and socially by the COVID-19 crisis. Until now, people, private organizations and businesses are still struggling to fully recover from the varied effects that come with government-imposed restrictions, limitations on business-related activities, and the public’s complacency towards COVID-19. It is bad enough that the Philippines now has a core of anti-vaccine fanatics who are misinforming and scaring people while offering no real solutions to the problems.
Speaking of solutions, a pandemic exit strategy is brewing high up in the government and it should be sent to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., soon, according to a recent report by the Manila Bulletin.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A Cabinet member has committed that the proposed pandemic exit strategy crafted by a panel of medical experts will be endorsed to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Former presidential adviser and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion said that Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos will endorse the proposal which the government can adopt to help the country transition from pandemic to normalcy.
In a statement, Concepcion said “Abalos said he will endorse the presentation of the proposals to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.”
Abalos also said that he “will organize a meeting with the Department of Health (DOH) to initiate more vaccinations at the community level.”
Abalos also agreed on the importance of raising booster vaccination rates to 70 percent of the eligible population which is included in the pandemic exit proposal.
“Kailangan ng isa pa. Isa pa para sa mga pamilya, isa pa para sa komunidad (We need one more One more for our families, one more for our community),” Abalos said.
With this, Concepcion also renewed his call to push for one more massive effort for vaccination.
“Complacency is really the problem. There is no sense of urgency because people don’t see what might happen if our wall of immunity starts to weaken,” he said.
Concepcion explained that re-infections are quite possible, and that cases of long Covid have grave consequences on productivity, and ultimately, the economy.
He echoed Abalos’ statement that “we need to convince people that they need boosters.”
The DILG Chief recently met with Concepcion and members of the Advisory Council of Experts (ACE), a group of medical doctors, scientists and academics comprising the country’s foremost authorities on public health, molecular biology, disaster resilience, data insight and analysis, and economics.
The group’s proposal outlined parameters to ease the country into normalcy and encourage economic activity without risking the public’s health. It has been met with approval from the private sector, including several industry groups and businessmen.
Abalos further expressed optimism as the proposal was an initiative of the private sector, and that it puts emphasis on the importance of achieving high booster vaccination rates.
As you can see in the above news excerpt, national government officials, private sector members and other stakeholders have been brainstorming and discussing ways with the exit strategy in mind to truly lift the nation further from the COVID-19 crisis. Former presidential adviser Joey Concepcion is absolutely right when he pointed to complacency which is an enduring problem on the part of the public when it comes to how they perceived COVID-19, vaccination and health. I am certain that a lot of people got fooled by the anti-vaccine fanatics who keep on spreading misinformation and fear.
On the aspect of vaccination, I do agree that a major renewal of COVID-19 vaccination and booster shot rollouts should happen soon. I’m talking about reopening the closed vaccination sites, deploying a lot of health workers with lots of supplies of vaccines prepared, and making sure that each vaccination hub is well organized (note: we don’t want a repeat of the very embarrassing Parañaque Pfizer vaccine launch of May 2021). In addition, the national authorities should come up with ways to make economic recovery more achievable for businesses and employees. On the topic of new infections caused by Omicron and its subvariants, our nation should serious consider acquiring more Sputnik vaccines as those have proven to be very effective against Omicron. Whatever the details they are discussing, the pandemic exit strategy for the Philippines something that everyone should watch out for.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this new development? Do you think that the national authorities and other stakeholders will be able come up with a pandemic exit strategy that will work? Do you think that the anti-vaccine fanatics will ramp up their misinformation campaign and fearmongering now that they know a national pandemic exit strategy is being developed? Do you think President Marcos will spend sufficient time to review the pandemic exit strategy before issuing his response?
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 victim of an investment scam? Recently in the City of Parañaque, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested an investment scam suspect who allegedly deceived someone into investing over one million Pesos into a poultry business that failed to materialize, the Manila Bulletin reported.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
A man who allegedly duped a person to invest P1.5 million in a poultry business that did not materialize has been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Paranaque City.
In a statement, the NBI identified the suspect as John D. Bombita who was arrested last July 4 by agents of the NBI’s Bulacan District Office (NBI-BULDO) at a coffee shop. Seized from Bombita was the P200,000 entrapment money he received from his victim.
“Subject Bombita was presented for inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for estafa under the Revised Penal Code,” the NBI said
It said the complainant met Bombita in March 2020 when an offer was made to invest P1.5 million in a poultry farm to be set up in Talugtug, Nueva Ecija. The suspect introduced to the complainant Ramil Bautista, the alleged project manager.
The complainant, the NBI said, was assured that the poultry business would be operational in six months after the payment of P1.5 million to Bombita. The complainant paid the full amount in tranches, it said.
“Seven months later, Subject Bombita called an emergency meeting with the investors and introduced a certain Ulysses F. Barcial as the new person in charge of the project because Ramil Bautista took away the money intended for the Poultry project and assured the investors that the Poultry project will move forward. On May 22, 2021, a ground breaking ceremony was conducted to show that the construction of the poultry will still push through,” the NBI said.
“Sometime in April 2022, Subject Bombita called the complainant and asked for P100,000 for the payment of building permit of the three (3) Poultry Vent Tunnel. The complainant told the subjects that he can only pay P50,000. After a month, the complainant was informed that the payment for the building permit was increased to P200,000. The complainant was threatened that if he failed to pay the said amount his investment of P1.5 million will be forfeited,” it said.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this latest news development? Has anyone out there tried to convince you to pour a lot of their money into a project or venture that lacked credibility?
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 non-resident motorist with a valid AHVA car sticker who constantly passes through Alabang Hills Village in Muntinlupa City, be aware that there are tree pruning operations going on inside the village and you will need to a bit patient with regards to potential reduction of road space or potential obstacles on the road in relation to the pruning.
The Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA)announced recently to their residents the pruning of trees all around the village which is being done in preparation of the incoming typhoon season. The pruning operations include the rent of a “boom crane” which is to help them reach and cut the higher branches. They also stated that the said crane may not always be available and they may need to do the pruning during weekends. Pruning operations, unsurprisingly, will produce noise and the AHVA asked their residents for their indulgence and understanding.
On a different matter, the issuance of new vehicular stickers for non-resident motorists is ongoing in Alabang Hills. Those of you who need to renew your old AHVA non-resident sticker can apply online at https://alabanghillsvillage.com/sticker/ or you can apply off-line by visit the office at 1 Don Jesus Boulevard inside Alabang Hills Village from Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM. Always remember to follow their rules and speed limits whenever you are in the village.
For your reference about the new AHVA stickers.
For more information, call the AHVA at landline 88508254.
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
Today, Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon gave an important update about the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the city and specified that it is not a cause for alarm yet, the Manila Bulletin reported.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded the public to follow health protocols such as wearing of face masks as the number of Covid-19 cases in the city is rising although not a cause for alarm yet.
“This morning I would like to emphasize the reminder on health protocols. Cases are rising although it is not a cause for alarm,” said Biazon during the weekly flag-raising ceremony at the Muntinlupa City hall quadrangle on July 11.
Based on data from the City Health Office (CHO), Muntinlupa added 29 new Covid-19 cases on July 10 to bring the total active cases to 125. There were also 11 patients who recovered and one who died.
The mayor said based on health care utilization rate in Muntinlupa, the Covid-19 situation is not yet a cause for alarm.
“So far our health facilities are not overwhelmed, we do not feel that there is a crisis. Cases are rising but we will not be overwhelmed based on the report that was given to me. But that is a reason for us to be on alert. We should never let our guard down,” said Biazon.
He added, “Let us remind everyone to follow protocols, here at work, at home, within the community just to stop the spread. We don’t want that to spread to the point that it will be a concern.”
“As of now, nothing to be alarmed about but we should be alert,” he said.
The above article ended stating that of the 125 COVID-19 cases in Muntinlupa City, 27 of that were in Barangay Cupang, 23 in Barangay Tunasan, 19 in Barangay Alabang and 16 in Barangay Ayala Alabang to name some.
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 uneasy about the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the city? What can you say about the reported statements of Mayor Biazon? Were there any anti-vaccine fanatics out there who approached you with their campaign of distorted information? Do you think the anti-vaccine fanatics will organizing something sinister to undermine the City Government of Muntinlupa?
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 relation to the increased number of COVID-19 cases happening all around Metro Manila, the City Government of Las Piñas recently launched the online registration for the first COVID-19 booster shot (or the 3rd shot following two doses of most COVID-19 vaccines) specifically for local minors aged 12 to 17-years-old, as reported in the Manila Bulletin. The registration is still ongoing.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Las Piñas city government announced that the registration of minors aged 12 to 17 years old under the immunocompromised category is now open to receive their first booster shot.
Aguilar urges residents to answer the question properly including the sickness of the child placed under the immunocompromised category.
She said the vaccination of (first) booster shot for immunocompromised children will be conducted in hospitals.
The mayor encouraged all the parents and guardians to register their children, aged 12-17 years old, for them to get additional protection against the Covid-19 disease.
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 are a parent with a child aged 12 to 17-years-old who has been vaccinated with two shots already, are you planning to help your child avail of the first booster shot?
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 