The latest results of the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) for the year 2024 showed that the City of Muntinlupa is now the 4th Most Competitive Highly Urbanized City (HUC) of the nation as well as a very high finisher among other categories including 1st place on Innovation.
Muntinlupa City, which was the 5th Most Competitive last year, scored 53.5967 points in total on Competitiveness among HUCs ranking 4th out of 33 overall.
Along the way, the city scored 12.2489 points for 1st place on the category of Innovation, 15.2697 points on Resiliency for 2nd place, 10.1075 points on Infrastructure for 3rd place, 11.9714 points on Government Efficiency for 6th place, and 3.9992 points on Economic Dynamism for 17th place. On the category of the Most Improved Rankings for 2024 among HUCs, Muntinlupa finished 7th place.
In addition, the City of Muntinlupa won awards during the Creative Cities and Municipalities Congress held on August 23, 2024, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The awards are related to the CMCI 2024 research and results.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted to see your city being very competitive with other HUCs of the nation? Do you think Muntinlupa City has what it takes to become the most competitive city of all in next year’s CMCI?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the city of Parañaque, a team composed of the local police, Bureau of Immigration (BI) operatives and members of the Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) of the Republic of Korea for fraud in South Korea arrested a wanted Korean national, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A Korean national was arrested by combined personnel of the Parañaque City Police BF Homes substation, Bureau of Immigration (BI), and Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) of the Republic of Korea for fraud in South Korea.
The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as “Park,” 33 who was arrested at around 1:30 p.m. along Manrea St., BF Homes, Parañaque City.
Park was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office and Hong Sung District Court for fraud of Article 347 in violation of the criminal act and telecommunications business act of the Republic of Korea.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think there could be more foreign fugitives who could be living within your local community?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The campaign against scammers made a notable achievement recently as National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operatives arrested five foreigners and twenty-four locals in Cavite for their involvement in different kinds of scams, according to a GMA Network news report. It turns out, the scammers were a splintered group of a certain Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
Operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have arrested five foreigners and 24 Filipinos in Cavite for involvement in various types of scams.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, NBI director Jaime Santiago said the NBI-Cybercrime Division caught the foreigners, composed of three Chinese nationals and two Malaysian nationals, and the Filipinos in the act in a subdivision in Kawit.
“These 24 Filipinos are working with them para mag-commit ng [to commit] romance scam, investment scam, cryptoscams, impersonation scams, and… credential stopping. They are supervised by these foreigners,” Santiago said.
Meanwhile, NBI Cybercrime Division Chief Atty. Jeremy Lotoc said this was a splintered group of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub.
Instead of operating in an office, he said the group has shifted to residential units.
“From different departments, from different locations, and purpose nila sa compartmentalization na ito is to avoid exposure or detection from law enforcement,” Lotoc said.
(From different departments, from different locations, the purpose of their compartmentalization is to avoid exposure or detection from law enforcement.)
“So meron silang administration department, may operation department, may finance and money laundering department. Makikita niyo ‘yung nakaraang week, ‘yun ho ‘yung nahuli natin through entrapment, ‘yung operation nila is more on finance and laundering. Ito naman ngayon, ito purely operation,” he added.
(So they have an administration department, an operation department, a finance and money laundering department. You can see that the ones we arrested last week through entrapment, their operation is more on finance and laundering. This time, this is purely operational.)
Lotoc said he also believes that the group still has a “big boss.” He declined to give further details, saying that the NBI’s follow-up operation is ongoing.
Lotoc said they also discovered a “scam show room” filled with high-end products and luxury items, meant to create an illusion for victims.
“Doon ho nahu-hook yung ating mga kababayan at ibang mga foreign victims kasi they are believing na yung kausap nila is kaya silang payamanin din,” he said.
(That is what hooks our countrymen and the other foreign victims because they believe that the one they are talking to can make them rich.)
The NBI recovered pre-registered SIM cards, GCash accounts, computers, devices containing scripts, cellphones, and textplus machines, among others, during the operation.
Lotoc said the arrested individuals were charged under the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA). He also appealed to the public to stop being involved in such scams.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that there could more splintered groups from POGOs that could secretly operating in residential communities? Do you think that scammers could be hiding in your local community right now?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a former employee of the City Government revealed how she survived breast cancer with the help of the local green card 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…
A breast cancer survivor was emotional in narrating how she survived the disease with the help of green card program, a hospitalization support of the Las Piñas city government that subsidizes P30,000 of the total bill of a confined patient.
Clara Cruz, a former employee at the City Hall, said she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 1919 and was operated on at the San Juan de Dios Hospital.
Cruz said she underwent chemotherapy and was very thankful to Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice-Mayor April Aguilar because she was able to use her green card twice with their approval.
Aguilar said the green card program is an important part of the city’s health subsidy program designed to deliver essential medical benefits to residents.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you or any member of your household a green card holder? Are many members of your local community applying for a green card at City Hall?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
In response to the smog from Taal Volcano that reached the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government issued a warning about the unhealthy air quality, 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 warned the public of unhealthy air quality on Aug. 18 as volcanic smog, or vog, from Taal Volcano had reached the city.
Residents woke up to hazy weather. Mayor Ruffy Biazon held a live broadcast on Facebook to warn residents to be careful when going out and advised them to wear masks for protection.
“While we were sleeping, the volcanic smog from Taal Volcano reached us,” he said, adding that he observed “hazy air.”
Biazon said children who are already in schools should stay in classrooms as the city government will continue to monitor air quality. If needed, the mayor said he will suspend afternoon classes. He also said it’s up to parents to decide.
“Tandaan ninyo, kung kayo ay hindi komportable na palabasin ang anak ninyo, huwag ninyo na palabasin (Remember, if you are not comfortable letting your child go out, don’t let them go out),” said Biazon.
The Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management said the current air quality in Muntinlupa is “unhealthy.”
It explained that volcanic smog consists of sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas and other volcanic gasses that mixes with atmospheric oxygen, moisture, dust and sunlight.
“As a reminder, vog consists of fine droplets containing volcanic gas such as SO2 which is acidic and can cause irritation of the eyes, throat and respiratory tract with severities depending on the gas concentrations and durations of exposure. People who may be particularly sensitive to vog are those with health conditions such as asthma, lung disease and heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women and children,” according to a past advisory from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
According to the IQAir website, Muntinlupa has an air quality index (AQI) of 154 or unhealthy level. The PM2.5 concentration in Muntinlupa is 60 µg/m3, based on IQAir data.
“PM2.5 concentration in Muntinlupa is currently 12 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value. PM2.5 is measured by micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3). According to the U.S. EPA NAAQS, any measurement greater than 9.0 μg/m3 (US AQI 50) can be dangerous to human health,” according to the website.
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, did you notice the changes of the quality of the air in your local community?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the city of Parañaque, the local police arrested three Chinese nationals who allegedly robbed and abducted a 23-year-old Vietnamese woman who managed to escape from her captors, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspects have been charged with robbery, grave coercion, illegal detention, possession of illegal drugs, and illegal possession of firearms.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A female Vietnamese national who was robbed and abducted by three Chinese men was rescued by members of the Parañaque City Police on Tuesday, August 6.
The victim was identified as “Lang,” 23 and is said to be working in a money exchange services business in Manila. Meanwhile, the suspects were identified as “Jun,” 31, “Hao,” 27, and “Zhang,” 26.
The police said Lang was rescued after she managed to escape from one of her abductors who fell asleep while guarding her and sought assistance from a lobby security guard of a condominium building located in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City. The police immediately responded to the report of the security guard and rescued the victim.
Lang said her workplace caters to several Chinese nationals and foreigners seeking to exchange currencies.
At around 12:20 a.m. on August 6, one of the suspects contacted her through Telegram for a meeting to exchange Vietnamese dong to Philippine peso.
Upon arrival at the condominium unit, Lang said she was threatened by Hao with a knife and forcibly took her cellphone. The suspects transported her to an unknown location on board a Ford Ranger pickup.
The suspects forcibly obtained her cellphone password including her facial ID to access her online bank account where they were able to transfer her money to an unknown account amounting to 8,940,000,000 Vietnamese dong from Vietcombank, P1,000,000 worth of jewelry, and P300,000 cash.
Police recovered from the arrested suspects two .9mm pistols; a North American Ans Black Widow 22 Magnum revolver; various ammunitions; P236,000 cash; several electronic devices such as an Apple iPad, Apple MacBook Air, and seven iPhones; a Chinese passport in the name of “Liu”; and a Vietnamese passport under the name of “Dong.”
They also yielded a set of vehicle license plates; one matte black Ford Ranger Sport; 76 ecstasy tablets with an estimated value of P129,200; and 5 grams of suspected shabu worth P34,000.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more Chinese nationals committing crime, accumulating guns and stealing money from others?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government received two awards from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for compliance with Republic Act Number 9003 as well as its engagement in the proper implementation of solid waste management practices, 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 local government of Las Piñas received two awards from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for its compliance with the Ecological Solid Waste Act of 2000 and active engagement in the proper implementation of solid waste management practices.
Las Piñas Vice Mayor April Aguilar said the city was awarded after being included as one of the top five local government units (LGUs) who displayed outstanding performance in complying with the Republic Act 9003 or the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.”
The agency recognized the city government for its efforts during the 2023 LGU-Compliance Assessment and its contributions to the Manila Bay clean-up rehabilitation and preservation program.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted with the newest awards the City Government received from the DENR?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government approved an ordinance establishing a moratorium on the collection of the amusement tax on Filipino films (note: movies produced by Philippine companies/organizations) within the city for the next three years, as reported by the Manila Bulletin. The ordinance was signed into law by Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
In short, local companies here in the Philippines whose films are shown in theaters within the jurisdiction of Muntinlupa City could earn more as the amusement tax won’t be imposed for most of the year for the next three years while the cinema operators themselves can benefit along the way.
I say most of the year because the moratorium does not cover the time period of December 25 to January 7 which is precisely the time when the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) happens.
To put things in perspective, read the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report posted below. Some parts in boldface…
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon and the City Council approved an ordinance granting a three-year moratorium on the collection of amusement tax from Filipino films in the next three years.
The Muntinlupa City Council passed and Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2024-229 “Declaring Moratorium on the Collection of Amusement Tax for Filipino Films in the City of Muntinlupa from January 08 to December 24 of every year for the next three (3) years.“
Under the existing Local Government Code, “The province may levy an amusement tax to be collected from the proprietors, lessees, or operators of theaters, cinemas, concert halls, circuses, boxing stadia, and other places of amusement at a rate of not more than ten percent (10%) of the gross receipts from the admissions fees.”
In February, the Metro Manila Council adopted the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Resolution No. 24-11 “Declaring a Moratorium on the Collection of Amusement Tax for Filipino Films in Metro Manila from January 08 to December 24 of Every Year for the Next Three Years.”
In the Muntinlupa ordinance, it was stated that the MMDA resolution “was adopted to recognize the importance of the local film industry in promoting cultural and economic development and in response to the appeal of the local filmmakers to boost the film industry after the impact of the COVID-i9 Pandemic on the production and exhibition of Filipino Films, and the dominance of foreign films.”
Under the ordinance, all cinemas in Muntinlupa can avail of the moratorium on the collection of amusement taxes for Filipino films from Jan. 8 to Dec. 24 of every year for the next three years.
When it comes to the state of cinemas within Muntinlupa City, Commercenter has four screens and I noticed over the past two months that only 2 or 3 were operating during my visits there. Over at Festival Mall, their 4-screen modern cinemas are fully operating but their original cinemas (located several feet away by foot on the same floor) are still dark and depressing as only 2 or 3 screens (out of ten screens) were operating almost all the time.
As for the cinemas in Alabang Town Center, they seem to be operating normally and continue to attract a steady amount of moviegoers.
Going back to the approved moratorium, it remains to be seen if it could lead to a potential reduction of ticket prices in relation to Filipino movies within Muntinlupa. Even if ticket prices get reduced, would it be enough to convince people to come to the Muntinlupa cinemas and buy tickets for the cinematic experience. There is also the factor of the quality of Filipino movies showing in Muntinlupa movie theaters plus the factor of foreign movies.
As a resident of Alabang who saw lots of movies in the local cinemas, I noticed that Muntinlupa City is lacking when it comes to hosting film festivals (note: the annual MMFF does NOT count). Special events about movies focusing on variety, quality and artistry being held in Muntinlupa can help cinema operators attract moviegoers as well as the enthusiastic film buffs.
Perhaps the City Government or barangays could someday organize a special event of short films made by Muntinlupa-based filmmakers and have such films screened in local cinemas. Organizing another film festival showcasing films by independent filmmakers from around the country and having them screened in theaters within the city could help too.
Still on the topic of Filipino movies, when will the time come when the major local movie producers will have premieres of their new movies held in cinemas here in Muntinlupa and give locals the chance to see their favorite movie stars in person?
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about the 3-year moratorium approved by the City Government of Muntinlupa? Do you think that cinemas in Muntinlupa are losing money? Do you think the newly approved moratorium could be disadvantageous to the City Government in terms of revenue?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the celebration of the 50th Nutrition Month was held at SM Center which Vice Mayor April Aguilar attended, the City Government announced via social media. The event emphasized the City Government’s attention towards the wellbeing of its constituents.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post. Some parts in boldface…
The City of Las Piñas marked its 50th Nutrition Month celebration with a culminating activity at the SM Center in Pamplona Dos on Tuesday, July 30. The event featured a Grand Zumba Dancercise and an awarding ceremony, drawing participation from various community members and officials.
Vice Mayor April Aguilar, a key supporter of the city’s nutrition initiatives, attended the event, expressing her commitment to promoting health and wellness among residents. The event was also graced by City Nutrition Office Officer-in-Charge Dr. Julio Javier II and City Health Office Officer-in-Charge Dr. Juliana Gonzalez.
The celebration included a video presentation of the 2024 Nutrition Month activities, followed by a Zumba session that saw participation from attendees of all ages. Awards and recognitions were presented to participants who actively engaged in the month’s various nutrition activities.
The activity underscored the city’s dedication to (promoting) a healthy community, aligning with the theme “Sa PPAN Sama-Sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat,” which encourages adequate nutrition for all.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you consider the celebration of Nutrition Month important in your city? How many members of your local community participated in the 50th Nutrition Month activities at SM Center?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than three hundred senior citizens availed the free vaccine shots for pneumonia during the City Health Office’s vaccination drive held at Barangay Talon Uno, the City Government confirmed via social media. Vice Mayor Aprl Aguilar was present during the health activity.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post. Some parts in boldface…
The City Health Office, led by OIC Dr. Juliana Gonzalez, held a free pneumonia vaccination drive for senior citizens at the Talon Uno Covered Court on Tuesday, July 16. City Vice Mayor April Aguilar attended the event to express her support for the initiative.
Over 300 senior citizens received vaccinations, providing them with essential protection against pneumonia. This effort is part of the City Health Office’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the health of the most vulnerable sectors of the community.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Would you happen to know if the City Government will organize a pneumonia vaccination drive in your barangay soon?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Author Carlo Carrasco 