South Snippets – Page 111 – Author Carlo Carrasco

PDEA apprehend suspects and seize illegal drugs in Parañaque City and Las Piñas City

May 10, 2021May 9, 2021carlocarrasco

Something big happened in two operations by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in two cities of South Metro Manila. The result is the seizure of illegal drugs worth over P130 million and the arrest of suspects. The cities where the operations took place at were Las Piñas City and Parañaque City.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the May 8, 2021 news article published by Philippines News Agency (PNA)…

Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested four persons, including an 18-year-old, who yielded suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP136 million in separate buy-bust operations in the cities of Parañaque and Las Piñas on Friday night.

PDEA spokesperson Derrick Carreon identified the lone arrested suspect in Parañaque City as Ralel Barauntong, 29, who was busted along Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Barangay Sto. Niño at 7 p.m.

Seized from Barauntong were more or less 10 kg of suspected shabu valued at PHP68 million, a mobile phone, 10 bundles of boodle money with one genuine PHP1,000 bill, and a gray Chevrolet Optra.

Apprehended in Las Piñas City were Mohaimen Andang, 28; Marilou Leviste, 45; and an 18-year-old.

The 8:30 p.m. drug bust along Diamond Street, Camella Homes 3C Pamplona Tres, conducted by personnel of the PDEA and the Philippine National Police, resulted in the confiscation of 10 kg of suspected shabu valued at PHP68 million, three mobile phones, the buy-bust money, and a black Toyota Vios.

The report ended stating that charges related violating Republic Act Number 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) will be filed against the suspects.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the Philippine News Agency’s report? Did you notice something strange going on in your local community there in Parañaque City or in Las Piñas City? Are the local police and barangay tanods doing enough to secure your local community from criminals?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Up to 7 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine coming to the Philippines this month

May 7, 2021May 6, 2021carlocarrasco

Are you feeling uneasy or anxious about the fact that the millions of vaccines for COVID-19 (China Virus) secured for the Philippines could not come in fast enough? You are not alone.

Are the daily reports of new COVID-19 cases released by the Department of Health (DOH) scaring you? You are not alone as I know someone who is extremely religious yet panicky who gets affected by such reports. Not even the good news of the launch of Sputnik V in the Philippines (check out the Muntinlupa City launch) could lift up that same person’s outlook.

Anyway, the latest COVID-19 vaccine update regarding the Philippines is this…the nation will start receiving the bulk of COVID-19 vaccine composed of up to seven million doses within this month. This was according to vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reports…

“Ang maganda po dito ‘yong delivery natin ng ano ng May, baka po from 4 million madadagdagan po tayo ng 7 million. Malaki po ‘yon, Mr. President, kasi ang dadagdag po dito ‘yong COVAX mukhang makakapag-deliver na po ng Pfizer at saka ng AstraZeneca (The good news is that, the delivery this May may increase from 4 million doses up to 7 million doses. That’s a huge volume, Mr. President, because the COVAX facility may also be delivering Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines),” Galvez told President Rodrigo Duterte in a Cabinet meeting Wednesday night.

Galvez assured that enough doses dedicated for the vaccinees’ second shots would arrive on time.

“‘Yong second dose wala na po tayong problema. Mayroon po tayong makukuha ngayong May more or less baka mga 1 million or 2 million na AstraZeneca. Iyong definite date lang po ang ina-ano po natin. So matutuwa na po ‘yong mga nakapag-first dose dahil kasi mayroon pong padating na COVAX na AstraZeneca (We don’t have a problem with the second dose. We might be having more or less 1 million or 2 million doses of AstraZeneca this May. We are just working on the definite dates so we are glad because the AstraZeneca vaccines from the COVAX Facility will be delivered),” he said.

As of May 4, a total of 2,065,235 Filipinos have been vaccinated with at least one dose against Covid-19, with 320,586 persons fully vaccinated.

The bulk of the vaccines will be arriving in June, allowing the government to begin the inoculation of the general populace, Galvez added.

“So pataas po nang pataas ang volume po, Mr. President. Talagang ang medyo nahirapan lang po tayo noong March at saka April. Pero ngayong May medyo mayroon pong bubuhos sa atin (We will be receiving an increased volume of vaccines, we really had hard times during March and April, but this May, more vaccines will be arriving),” he said.

An estimated 20-30 percent of the country’s healthcare workers have yet to be vaccinated, according to Galvez, as they opted to wait for the arrival of other brands of Covid-19 vaccines.

Despite negative reports, Galvez said the public’s acceptance of the Covid-19 vaccines has significantly increased, noting that more Filipinos wanted to get immunized.

To date, data from Our World in Data show that the Philippines is fourth among Southeast Asian nations with the most number of vaccine doses administered.

The report ended stating that as more vaccines arrive, Galvez described as “very doable” is the government’s goal to vaccinate half-a-million people daily.

In closing this, let me ask you readers…do you believe the updates from Galvez? How is the local COVID-19 vaccinating program doing there in your local area? Were you vaccinated already?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City lifts liquor ban with some restrictions amid MECQ, other less stringent quarantine status

May 7, 2021May 6, 2021carlocarrasco

The liquor ban in Muntinlupa City is has officially been lifted but with restrictions for the duration of Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) and other less stringent community quarantines as may be declared by the national government.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi approved City Ordinance No. 2021-232 lifting the liquor ban in the city with provisions on regulation and limitations for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Under the local ordinance, city residents can only consume alcoholic beverages within their private residence. Social drinking involving individuals not living in the same residence shall still be strictly prohibited.

The sale of liquor and other intoxicating beverages shall only be during 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and will only be limited to Muntinlupa residents.

Consumption or drinking liquor in public places such as restaurants and other commercial establishments permitted to operate by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) shall be regulated: beer – maximum of 2 bottles, hard drinks – maximum of 2 glasses, and for wine and whiskey – maximum of two glasses.

Business establishments who will violate the ordinance shall be meted with the following penalties: closure of one week for first offense and revocation of business permit for second offense.

Further, violating persons who are sellers shall receive P2,000 penalty for first offense and P5,000 for second offense, while those who are buyers will be penalized with P2,500 for their first offense and P5,000 for second offense.

Members of the Muntinlupa City Police Station, Public Order and Safety Office, City Security Office, Muntinlupa Traffic and Management Bureau, Business Permit and Licensing Office, Barangay Chairpersons and their personnel, and other deputized individuals will conduct inspections in commercial establishments to ensure that the local ordinance is followed.

The City Government warns beneficiaries of the emergency assistance from the DSWD that they are prohibited to use their cash aid to purchase liquor or any alcoholic beverage. The public is encouraged to report violators for proper action.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi reminds city residents that the lifting of liquor ban is for economic reasons and that the health and safety of the public should not be compromised.

“COVID-19 is still an imminent threat so I urge everyone to be responsible and to continue observing health protocols even as quarantine measures and the liquor ban are relaxed in the implementation of MECQ,” Fresnedi said.

As of May 5, Muntinlupa City has 11,585 confirmed cases with 10,127 recoveries, 1,154 active cases, 304 reported deaths, 168 suspect cases, and 988 probable cases.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City officially starts vaccinating its residents with Sputnik V, MMDA lauds strong public-private partnership

May 6, 2021May 5, 2021carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa officially launched the ceremonial roll-out of Sputnik V Gam-COVID-Vac vaccines for senior citizens, persons with comorbidities, and other frontline workers from specific groups yesterday morning.

The ceremonial roll-out was held at Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) Field Tent and Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC) Tower 2 Rotunda Parking Space. At least 250 members of A2 (senior citizens) and A3 (persons with comorbidities) priority groups were set to receive their first dose of Sputnik V at OsMun, while 130 individuals from A2 and A3 priority groups were prepared for inoculation at AHMC.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (right most), MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos (2nd from the right), Congressman Ruffy Biazon (3rd from the right) and other officials witness a patient get vaccinated with Sputnik V. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Only the pre-registered residents in the local COVID-19 Vaccination Registration System will be inoculated with Sputnik V in OsMun and AHMC. Residents will receive a message from the local health office for their schedule and no walk-ins will be accommodated in the vaccination areas in OsMun and AHMC. Muntinlupa residents are encouraged to register themselves for vaccination via www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac.

MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos lauded the City Government’s preparedness as well as its strong partnership with the private sector for the local vaccination program. Abalos recognized the role of Muntinlupa’s partnership with AHMC in encouraging more people to get inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines.

Special Envoy to the Russian Federation Olivia Limpe-Aw said Muntinlupa met the stringent storage and handling requirements to be selected as one of the pilot sites for the roll-out of Sputnik V.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi expresses his gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte for the allocation of Sputnik V to Muntinlupa and being selected as one of the few Metro Manila cities to be the pilot sites for the roll-out of the Russia-made vaccine.

“This ceremonial roll-out signifies a step closer in returning to our normal lives. We are grateful to the national government for donating additional vaccines to our city as this will help reach our target of achieving herd immunity as soon as possible. I encourage all Muntinlupeños to avail the vaccination program of the government because this is a vital step in curbing the pandemic,” says Fresnedi.

Other officials attending the ceremony include Congressman Ruffy Biazon, WHO Representative Dr. Rowena Capistrano, MMDA Public Affairs Dir. Sharon Gentillan, Ospital ng Muntinlupa director Dr. Edwin Dimatatac, AHMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jose M. Acuin, CHO chief Dr. Juancho Bunyi, Muntinlupa City Council Committee on Health and Sanitation Coun. Allan Camilon, Coun. Ryan Bagatsing, and other local officials.

Muntinlupa received three thousand doses of Sputnik V on May 3 and are being stored in OsMun and AHMC’s -18 degrees Celsius temperature storage facilities. With the cold-chain management requirement of the vaccine, members of priority group in the city will be inoculated in OsMun and Asian Hospital. The vaccine is to be administered in two doses 3 weeks apart.

This past May 1, fifteen thousand doses of Sputnik V were delivered to the country by a Qatar Airways flight from Moscow via Doha. The initial doses will be divided among five cities in Metro Manila: Taguig, Manila, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, and Makati.

The Food and Drug Administration has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to Sputnik V vaccine manufactured by Russian medical-research institute Gamaleya National Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology last March 19, 2021.

Recently, the City Government opened its fourth major vaccination hub in Brgy. Sucat Covered Court last May 4. Other major vaccination hubs launched in the city include: Filinvest Alabang Steel Parking last April 30, SM Center Muntinlupa Open Parking Area, Brgy. Tunasan last April 27 and Ayala Malls South Park, Brgy. Alabang last April 24.

As of May 1, a total of 24,163 Muntinlupa residents were inoculated with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, of which 19,991 received Sinovac and 4,172 inoculated with AstraZeneca. While 843 residents from priority groups received their second dose.

Muntinlupa City has 11,513 confirmed cases with 9,924 recoveries, 1,288 active cases, 299 reported deaths, 169 suspect cases, and 980 probable cases as of May 4.

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A man shot dead in Parañaque City

May 5, 2021May 4, 2021carlocarrasco

If you are living in Parañaque City, did you notice something wrong or suspicious near you recently? Did you sense you were being stalked by someone? Did you witness any gun-related violence in your local community? The reason why I asked is because the Manila Bulletin reported a tragedy: a local was shot dead by an unidentified attacker while he was on his way home in Barangay Tambo along MIA Road. The victim died just days before his approaching birthday.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin’s report…

A man was shot dead by an unknown assailant while on his way home Monday night in Parañaque City just days before his birthday.

Police said the victim, identified as Darvin Baldovino, and a resident of Paranaque City, suffered several gunshot wounds in the body and died on the spot.

Baldovino was supposed to celebrate his 39th birthday on Saturday (May 8).

Investigation showed the incident happened at 8:35 p.m. along MIA Road in front of 711 Global Plaza, Barangay Tambo, Paranaque City.

According to a witness, Baldovino was walking when an unidentified suspect suddenly appeared and shot him several times in the body.

Baldovino’s wife, Janice, told the police that prior to the incident, her husband asked for her permission to go out of the house to buy a cellphone and failed to return home.

Janice also said that she learned from Rose Diestro, a desk clerk at Barangay Tambo, that her husband came from the barangay before the incident.

Diestro told Janice that a man filed a complaint against her husband in the barangay and that Baldovino had a confrontation with the complainant, walked out, and left.

The report ended that the police are exploring the possibility that the motive behind the killing could be connected with the complaint (filed against the victim).

But there is more! Watch these related YouTube news videos by GMA Network and ABS-CBN. The GMA Network news video even has certain details not found in Manila Bulletin’s report.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the Manila Bulletin’s crime news report? Did you notice something strange going on in your local community there in Parañaque City? Are the local police and barangay tanods doing enough to secure your local community from criminals?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City to receive 3,000 doses of Sputnik V, Fresnedi thanks national government for the supply

May 4, 2021May 3, 2021carlocarrasco

Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi expresses his thanks to the National Task Force Against COVID-19 for allocating some of the county’s initial supply of Sputnik V to Muntinlupa and selecting the city as one of the pilot sites for the roll-out of the Russia-made vaccines.

“We are grateful to the national government for donating COVID-19 vaccines to Muntinlupa and the additional supply will help our ongoing vaccination program. As more vaccines arrive in the city, more residents can be inoculated to reach the target herd immunity,” Fresnedi said.

Muntinlupa expects to receive the 3,000 doses which will be stored in -18 degrees Celsius temperature storage facilities of Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) and Asian Hospital and Medical Center.

With the cold-chain management requirement of the vaccine, members of priority group in the city will be inoculated in OsMun and Asian Hospital. The vaccine is to be administered in two doses 3 weeks apart.

On Saturday, 15,000 doses of Sputnik V were delivered to the country by a Qatar Airways flight from Moscow via Doha. The initial doses will be divided among five cities in Metro Manila: Taguig, Manila, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, and Makati.

The National Task Force Against COVID-19 says the next batch of 485,000 Sputnik V doses are expected to be delivered in the country within May.

Further, the City Government of Muntinlupa is set to open its fourth major vaccination hub in Brgy. Sucat Covered Court today, in addition to existing community vaccination centers.

Other major vaccination hubs launched in the city include: Filinvest Alabang Steel Parking last April 30, SM Center Muntinlupa Open Parking Area, Brgy. Tunasan last April 27 and Ayala Malls South Park, Brgy. Alabang last April 24.

City residents who are not yet registered in the city’s COVID-19 Vaccination Registration System can sign-up via www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac.

Muntinlupa City has 11,236 confirmed cases with 9,692 recoveries, 1,245 active cases, 299 reported deaths, 172 suspect cases, and 999 probable cases as of May 2.

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COVID-19 Crisis: New isolation facility to open soon in Las Piñas City

April 23, 2021April 22, 2021carlocarrasco

Even as the City Government of Las Piñas continues with its COVID-19 (China virus) vaccination program, the Manila Bulletin reported recently that the local authorities announced that a brand new isolation facility will open soon.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report. Some parts in bold…

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the new isolation facility will be called the Ligtas Center 2 located along Talon Dos with a 120- bed capacity.

Aguilar said the city government has two existing isolation facilities — Ligtas I located in Barangay Daniel Fajardo with 100 beds, and Ligtas 3 located in Barangay Almanza Dos with 88 beds.

She said the City Health Office (CHO) reported that due to the city government’s intensification of its isolation efforts, Ligtas 1 is already 70 percent occupied while Ligtas 3 now has an 85 percent occupancy.

The mayor said that Ligtas 2 is now ready to open to help residents who have contracted COVID-19 virus and need to be placed in a quarantine facility.

Do the math, the addition of the new isolation facility will push the total bed-count from the current 188 to 308. That’s a jump of 63.8%! As much as possible, there should be available beds for people in the city who got infected with COVID-19. This is really good news for people of the city.

Las Piñas residents who want to get vaccinated are encouraged to get registered digitally or manually. Click right here for information.

In case you missed the news, our nation will be receiving many millions more vaccines from overseas in the months to come.

Meanwhile overseas, Israel has made tremendous progress with its widescale vaccination program and already a second round of COVID-19 vaccination is being planned. Already the mask mandate in Israel has been rescinded. Schools have been reopened and more people are moving around without masks. With regards to being in indoor public places like stores, malls and churches, masks are still required.

Going back to Las Piñas City, something happened that should remind you all to avoid getting scammed. According to GMA Network News, three suspects were apprehended in the city as a result of an entrapment operation in relation to the alleged issuance of fake RT-PCR test results for COVID-19.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Government to include qualified families in villages, subdivisions affected by ECQ to ‘ayuda’ distribution

April 21, 2021June 13, 2021carlocarrasco

Following the distribution of emergency subsidy to families from priority groups who were affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), the City Government of Muntinlupa announced that it will include qualified beneficiaries from local subdivisions and villages for the financial assistance program.

The Muntinlupa Social Service Department has distributed the emergency subsidy to initial beneficiaries who were members of the Social Amelioration Program, Waitlisted Individuals (SAP), and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) as prescribed by the Joint Memorandum Circular of DSWD, DILG, and DND to be the priority groups for the financial assistance.

Muntinlupa Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said that after the pay-out for priority groups, qualified residents who were not included in the previous list of beneficiaries, even those living or renting in villages and subdivisions, can apply for the emergency subsidy.

She clarifies that other city residents who are not beneficiaries of SAP, those who are SAP waitlisted, and 4Ps can receive the financial assistance given that they qualify the requirements from the JMC.

Navarro noted that individuals who were directly affected by the recent imposition of the ECQ need to coordinate with their respective barangays and homeowners’ associations (HOAs) to fill-up a Client Information Sheet (CIS) and submit necessary documents. The submission of CIS to the barangays was set from April 19 to 22, 2021.

The allocated budget for Muntinlupa City is P442,191,000 which covers 80% of the local population as projected by National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The City Government has established a Grievance and Appeals Committee (GAC) to resolve issues and concerns from the beneficiaries. As of April 19, Muntinlupa GAC has responded to 809 inquiries sent via email and resolved 83 phone call inquiries.

Recently, Muntinlupa has requested an extension for the distribution of emergency subsidy to the DILG. Initially, local government units (LGUs) are enjoined to conduct the distribution of the emergency subsidy within 15 calendar days from release of Notice of Cash Allocation if the assistance is done in cash and within 30 days if assistance is given in kind.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi signed an executive order for the distribution of emergency subsidy in cash amounting to P1,000 per individual with a maximum amount of P4,000 per family to target beneficiaries.

The local exec noted that the assistance will be in cash as the local government is continuously providing food packs to city residents. Muntinlupa LGU has distributed 72,900 food boxes to city residents from January 2021 to April 2021.

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The above information was provided by the City Government of Muntinlupa for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website.

COVID-19 Crisis: DTI says restaurants in MECQ areas are allowed to have outdoor dining

April 13, 2021April 12, 2021carlocarrasco

In what is clearly a move with economic recovery in mind, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez declared that restaurants (located in places under MECQ or modified enhanced community quarantine status) with outdoor dining services and set-ups are allowed to resume but with certain limitations.

To make things clear, below is an excerpt from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) article which was published just yesterday. For greater emphasis, some parts are in bold.

In a text message to reporters Sunday night, Lopez said food establishments with alfresco dining services are only allowed up to 50 percent capacity, with diagonal seating arrangement and acrylic dividers on tables.

He added that indoor dine-in services are still not allowed in areas under MECQ, but food establishments can continue to operate with their take-out and delivery services.

From April 12 to 30, the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal or the NCR Plus as well as Santiago City in Isabela, and the provinces of Quirino and Abra were also placed under MECQ.

Earlier, the DTI chief said that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) might be sensitive in allowing indoor dine-in due to the highly contagious new variants of Covid-19.

“The IATF recommended to the President to shift to MECQ after two weeks of ECQ to restore more jobs and livelihood for the people,” Lopez said.

Clearly the local authorities are trying hard to balance themselves between economics and public health as new cases of COVID-19 (China Virus) continue to be counted in very high numbers on a daily basis in recent times. On April 2, the count of infections reached over 15,000.

Going back to the issue of allowing restaurants with outdoor dining (AKA alfresco) within the MECQ areas, it is good news that they are allowed to resume operations. It will still be a challenge for food establishments to attract enough paying customers and make their business’ financial ends meet.

On a personal experience, I love eating ramen and Tsukemen at Sigekiya Ramen in Alabang. I prefer that such meals would be cooked by the restaurant and be served to me at a table at their place. The alternative of taking the cooked ramen out and consume it at home is just not a convincing option for me because ramen is meant to be consumed quickly while it is hot. The alternative of taking home ingredients and noodles, and have them cooked at home does not appeal to me as I prefer Sigekiya’s cooks make the meal I paid for.

*A delicious meal like this one is best to be eaten at the restaurant, even outdoors.*

Also located in Alabang is the local branch of Akrotiri, a really fine restaurant that serves authentic Greek meals that my family and friends enjoyed. They also have meals that, in my opinion, are best consumed at their place and their Alabang branch (Commercenter to be precise) has space for outdoor dining. It was at Akrotiri Alabang where I treated 2019 SEA Games gold medalist Kim Mangrobang to a meal and organized an exclusive interview with her. They really have a fine-looking place. Visit their website at https://akrotiri.ph/

It is important to keep in mind that restaurants around the nation have struggled a lot since the pandemic started last year. These business establishments are also struggling with retaining their respective employees, notably their cooks, the baristas, waiters and waitresses. Remember that the meals and drinks you enjoy would not be the same when the people who prepared them get laid off.

With the DTI’s declaration of allowing food establishments with outdoor dining setups and services to resume, I encourage you my readers to consider supporting these businesses for your food and beverage needs. If you can’t have a meal with the family outdoors, perhaps you can push through with a business meeting with a corporate associate or reunite with your friend or relative with the outdoor setting of a restaurant while adhering to health protocols (wearing face masks, face shields, sanitizing yourselves, etc.).

Now, let’s observe how the mayors, the barangay captains and other local authorities in MECQ areas will react to DTI’s declaration. You also might want to check with the local restaurants and coffee shops if they allow outdoor dining. Consider taking time out to call them or verify on their respective social media channels/accounts to see if outdoor dining is allowed.

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa Molecular Lab to open next week, eyes processing of 100 COVID-19 tests per hour

October 29, 2020October 28, 2020carlocarrasco

In a bid to strengthen the local testing capacity and COVID-19 response efforts, the City Government of Muntinlupa announced it is set to open its own Molecular Laboratory in Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) which is expected to process one hundred tests per hour.

OsMun director Dr. Edwin Dimatatac reported to Mayor Jaime Fresnedi and Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade the status of the city’s Molecular Laboratory during a virtual meeting of the local COVID-19 Response Team last October 27.

Ospital ng Muntinlupa director Dr. Edwin Dimatatac (left) and Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management chief Erwin Alfonso (center) inspect the Muntinlupa Molecular Laboratory located at SAGIP Building, near Ospital ng Muntinlupa, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Dimatatac said that the delivery of medical equipment is expected to be finished by the end of this month and the laboratory will be operational next week. He noted that the laboratory can process 100 tests per hour and results may be released as early as six (6) hours. The hospital director noted that they are in close coordination with DOH for the laboratory’s accreditation.

Further, personnel to be assigned in the city’s Molecular Laboratory were already trained by the DOH and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). The laboratory is located at the Saklolo at Gabay ng Ina at Pamilya (SAGIP) building near Ospital ng Muntinlupa in Alabang.

DOTr Sec. Tugade vowed to assist Muntinlupa for the accreditation of the laboratory. Tugade noted that Deputy Chief Implementer against COVID-19 Sec. Vince Dizon committed to donate one RT-PCR machine to Muntinlupa’s Molecular Laboratory once the accreditation is approved by the DOH.

*A look at part of the equipment in the Molecular Laboratory. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)*

The additional equipment is set to double the laboratory’s capacity from 200 tests to 400 tests per day. Muntinlupa City aims to operate two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines at the laboratory which can process 500 to 900 samples a day.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi says the construction of the Molecular Laboratory will augment the city’s detection-isolation-treatment strategy in curbing COVID-19. He noted that while the City Health Office records improvement with COVID-19 cases, the City Government will not be lenient in implementing health protocols and other programs.

A sharp drop of active cases was recorded in Muntinlupa from 768 cases in September 1 to 69 cases as of October 26. The city’s recovery rate has further improved to 95.25%, an all-time high since the start of the pandemic.

Muntinlupa City also earned the lowest prevalence among Metro Manila cities with a rate of 0.13. The city’s prevalence rate or the number of cases over the total population is below the ‘acceptable rate’ of 1.0.

As of October 26, the doubling time in Muntinlupa City is at 17.94 days. Doubling time refers to the number of days for COVID-19 cases to double in number and the standard rate of transmission should be at 7-30 days to be considered decelerating.

The City Health Office has also launched a mobile swabbing testing in coordination with barangay health centers. As of October 26, the local health office facilitated 19,307 swab tests equivalent to 3.57% of the city’s population. Muntinlupa surpassed the national target of testing two percent of the population.

Recently, the 144-bed quarantine facility “We Heal As One” COVID-19 patients and suspect cases was inaugurated in Pacwood Site, Barangay Tunasan through the efforts of the Department of Public Works and Highways in partnership with the City Government.

DPWH Secetary Mark Villar, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the blessing ceremony of the emergency quarantine facility amounting to P45-million last October 13. During the program, Villar reported that an additional quarantine facility with 200-bed capacity will be constructed in the Filinvest Tent Parking Area.

Isolation Facility manager Dr. Juancho Bunyi said the We Heal As One Center in Tunasan is accommodating 22 COVID-19 cases (12 positive individuals and 10 probable cases) as of October 27. Occupants of the We Heal As One quarantine facility are given free medicine, food, and hygiene kits.

As of October 27, Muntinlupa City has 4,615 confirmed cases with 4,411 recoveries, 54 active cases, 150 reported deaths, 131 suspect cases, and 290 probable cases.

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Latest City Government of Muntinlupa details sourced from their official media release. Some parts were edited for this website.

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