Tag: Southies

CyberKnife Breakthrough in Alabang

CyberKnife Breakthrough in Alabang

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When you hear the words “cyber knife”, does it sound like something that came out of the realms of science fiction and fantasy? In the real world, a new procedure called CyberKnife made waves in the local news and social media recently as it was introduced by Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. More notably, the first-ever CyberKnife treatment took place helping an 8-year-old child with meningioma, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune.

For the newcomers reading this, Asian Hospital and Medical Center (also referred to simply as Asian Hospital) is located in close proximity to Festival Mall and Ospital ng Muntinlupa. For Asian Hospital’s location, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/9k4HbG1Lr8T9jEsw6

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the news report of Daily Tribune. Some parts in boldface…

Asian Hospital has completed the country’s first CyberKnife® procedure, marking a milestone in advanced cancer treatment.

The inaugural patient, an 8-year-old child with meningioma — a tumor that forms in the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord — successfully underwent treatment at the hospital’s Asian Cancer Institute.

CyberKnife® is the only system of its kind currently available in the Philippines. The technology delivers precise, image-guided radiation therapy in real time, allowing doctors to target tumors accurately while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. Unlike traditional methods, the treatment is non-invasive, painless, and efficient.

To understand CyberKnife better, posted below is an excerpt from the official announcement by Asian Hospital. Some parts in boldface…

Asian Hospital and Medical Center proudly brings you the CyberKnife, a groundbreaking radiotherapy machine dedicated to stereotactic radiation treatment. Setting new standards in cancer care, this revolutionary technology marks a significant milestone in the Philippines.

What is CyberKnife? – The CyberKnife is non-invasive treatment designed for both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors, as well as other medical conditions requiring radiation therapy. Unlike conventional radiotherapy systems, CyberKnife delivers precise and accurate treatments, reducing damage to healthy tissues and minimizing side effects.

What Types of Cancer Can CyberKnife Treat? – CyberKnife is highly versatile and effective in targeting a wide range of cancers, including but not limited to:

Brain Lesions: Both malignant and benign, including meningiomas, arteriovenous malformations (AVMS) brain metastasis, spread from other cancers to the brain.

Lung Cancer: Treats early-stage lung cancer and metastatic lesions with exceptional accuracy.

Prostate Cancer: Offers precise treatment while minimizing side effects in 5 sessions.

Liver Cancer: Effective for both primary and metastatic liver tumors.

Pediatric Cancer: high-dose radiation to pediatric tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues, making it effective for brain, spine, and certain soft tissue cancers with fewer side effects.

Spinal Tumors: Non-invasive treatment for tumors in sensitive spinal areas and (bone metastasis) spread from other cancer to the bone

Head and Neck Cancer: Re-irradiation

Pancreatic Cancer: Targets tumors in challenging locations with precision.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think CyberKnife will make a significant impact on treating patients without any damage in the near future? Do you know anyone living with cancer who is aware of CyberKnife at Asian Hospital in Alabang? Do you know how much does the CyberKnife procedure cost?

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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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 Congressman Yamsuan Encourages Use of Technology With Transparency In Mind

Parañaque Congressman Yamsuan Encourages Use of Technology With Transparency In Mind

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In this age of social media and smartphones, achieving transparency is more crucial than ever. Recently, Parañaque City’s 2nd District Representative Brian Yamsuan reached out to his fellow lawmakers to use digital tools to establish bridges of transparency and close the gap between people and their government, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Parañaque 2nd District Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan has called on fellow lawmakers to leverage digital tools to build “bridges of transparency” that will heighten awareness about state-funded services, strengthen public trust, and bring government closer to the people.

Instead of relying on traditional and often tedious modes of delivering public services, Yamsuan said government officials should learn to adapt and take advantage of digital solutions to make such processes simple, fair, and convenient for potential beneficiaries.

“In this digital age, information is no longer confined to the halls of government or the pages of textbooks –it flows through the screens and smartphones of every Filipino. And with that flow comes an opportunity: an opportunity to connect, to inform, to empower, and above all, to build trust,” Yamsuan said in a privilege speech on Monday.

He said the Philippines’ distinction as the world’s social media capital with 97.5 million internet users illustrates how Filipinos have become heavily reliant on online platforms in getting information, which the government can capitalize on to connect with citizens and make them aware of its various programs and projects.

“The government, and we public servants, are often criticized for not doing enough to address problems or bridge gaps. But sometimes the issue is not the lack of programs, but the lack of awareness,” the vice-chairperson of the House Committee on Public Information said.

“As representatives of our respective districts and sectors, we are in a prime position to be part of the solution. We can take the lead in providing information that is easily digestible and understandable, and most importantly, information that is relevant to the needs of our constituents.”

He said delivering the “right information and the right services” to Filipinos can help regain public trust and confidence in “our institutions because people would be able to see and feel that they have a government they can rely on.”

Pointing out the lack of public awareness about government support programs, Yamsuan cited a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey which showed that while over 93 percent of Filipinos know about the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), only 34 percent were aware of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

A nationwide survey conducted in 2023 by the research firm Capstone-Intel also showed a lack of knowledge about the various initiatives of the Department of Health (DOH), with only 45 percent of the survey participants being aware of the Universal Health Care program, he said.

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 like what Congressman Yamsuan has been doing since he took office? Do you think there is hope that social media will be used for transparency and cooperation instead of tribalism-related division?

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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

More Than 4,000 Kids Receive Free Uniforms And Useful Items From Las Piñas City Government

More Than 4,000 Kids Receive Free Uniforms And Useful Items From Las Piñas City Government

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Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than four thousand young children received free uniforms from the City Government which is related with their enrollment with the local Child Development Centers (CDCs), 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 Las Piñas City government has distributed free uniforms to more than 4,000 toddlers enrolled in the city’s Child Development Centers (CDCs) to help ease the financial burden on parents.

The distribution was held at the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) and the Mayor Nene Aguilar Multi-Purpose Hall in BF Resort, Barangay Talon Dos.

This marks the first time the city has provided free CDC uniforms under the “Alagang April” program, which aims to help young learners focus on their studies while reducing school-related expenses for families.

Along with uniforms, the city also distributed school supplies and interlocking puzzles designed to enhance children’s memory, problem-solving, and planning skills.

She said that education starts at an early age, and by supporting the children’s needs, they can focus on their studies.

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 think the City Government should continue distributing more items for CDC-enrolled kids?

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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Dredging Work in Las Piñas City Intensified

Dredging Work in Las Piñas City Intensified

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In an effort to reduce the risk of flooding, dredging in the city has been intensified under the watch of the administration of Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar, according to a news article by Dredging Today.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Dredging Today news article. Some parts in boldface…

The City Government of Las Piñas, under the leadership of Mayor April Aguilar and Vice Mayor Imelda Aguilar, is intensifying its flood mitigation initiatives through the conduct of a clearing and dredging operation in Bangkalan Creek, Barangay Almanza Uno.

“This operation is not just an environmental effort – it is a proactive measure to safeguard lives, protect properties, and keep our city resilient against climate change and extreme weather events,” CENRO Las Piñas said.

“By conducting dredging and clearing works, the City Government ensures that waterways remain open, deeper, and unobstructed, thereby reducing the risks of overflow.”

The initial dredging operations uncovered plastic bags, plastic bottles, soda cans, and other non-biodegradable materials that had been stacked up through the years.

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 think the City Government is doing enough to reduce the risk of flooding in the near future?

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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Las Piñas City Congressman Santos Says Zapote River Drive Narrowed Waterway and Made Flooding Worse

Las Piñas City Congressman Santos Says Zapote River Drive Narrowed Waterway and Made Flooding Worse

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Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Congressman Mark Santos visited the Zapote River Drive and pointed out that the construction of the road made the waterway narrower and resulted in worse flooding in recent times, according to a GMA Network news report.

For the newcomers reading this, the Zapote River stretches for several kilometers and it physically separates Las Piñas City from Bacoor City (Cavite province). The Zapote River Drive itself was constructed to decongest traffic in Las Piñas City.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

The construction of a road along the Zapote River in Las Piñas City has narrowed the waterway and worsened flooding in parts of the city, according to a lawmaker.

In Maki Pulido’s Thursday report on “24 Oras,” a resident of Barangay Zapote 2 said floodwater enters their home during heavy rains.

Due to the rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) in July, several areas in Las Piñas City were submerged in the ensuing floods.

According to Las Piñas Rep. Anthony Santos, there is a flood control project for the Zapote River, one of the major waterways in the city. But instead of dredging and cleaning the river, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) constructed a road alongside the river.

As a result, Santos said the river became narrower and prone to faster overflowing, causing more floods in different areas of the city.

“Malaki po ang inoccupy nito doon sa Zapote River kung saan makikita natin ngayon na medyo nabawasan yung puwang o luwang ng river na nagdudulot ngayon ng problema dito sa Las Piñas nung raw na mas malapad ito mas maraming tubig ang dumadaloy,” Santos said.

(The road occupies a larger portion of the Zapote River. The width of the river is now smaller, which is causing problems here in Las Piñas. When it was wider, more water was able to flow.)

The DPWH is currently repairing riprap after a portion of it collapsed.

“Itong river na ito, hindi dapat tinayuan para gawing kalsada. Ito po ay para linisin lang ang river, pero kita niyo ang nag initiate na predecessors ko. Conflict of interest po, very clear po dito, kasi lahat ng kalsadang dinaanan papunta sa mga lupa nila ng mga Villar kasi nagpagawa bridge papunta sa mga property nila. Ang dulo nito ay isang malaking mall na pag aari ng pamilya Villar,” Santos said.

(Roads were not supposed to be constructed alongside the river. It was intended for just cleaning the river, but look at what my predecessors did. It’s very clear that there is a conflict of interest because all the constructed roads lead to the properties of the Villars. At the end of this road is a mall owned by the Villar family.)

According to Santos, the road construction began in 2012 and now stretches to at least 10 kilometers.

Posters along Las Piñas Zapote Road indicate the road is a project by siblings and senators Mark Villar and Camille Villar-Genuino and their mother, former senator Cynthia Villar.

Santos won the congressional seat against the elder Villar during the 2025 Philippine elections.

“Wala naman pong kwestyun kung sino mag be-benefit dito e nag re-reklamo mga kababayan ko sa baha (there is no question who will benefit from this project, but the people are complaining about the floods),” Santos said.

Roads were also built alongside the city’s creeks, including Talong Creek in Barangay Pulang Dos.

According to a resident, in 2024, the retaining wall collapsed due to the volume of water and accumulated garbage in the narrower creek.

“Gumiba siya. Nag breach aming wall pinasok kami tubig. May portion pa na neck-deep. Kinakatakot namin papasok na naman tag-ulan wala na natutulog dito,” resident Elmer Pascual said, adding that their subdivision experienced flooding for the first time.

(The wall collapsed after it was breached by the water. In some areas, the floodwaters rose to neck-deep levels. We’re concerned that it might happen again during the rainy season.)

In a statement, Cynthia Villar said the Las Piñas Zapote River Drive is a flood control and traffic decongestion project to rehabilitate the Las Piñas River.

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? Have you ever traveled along the Zapote River Drive in Las Piñas City? Are you convinced that the Zapote River Drive made the river narrower and made flooding worse? Do you think the Zapote River Drive succeeded in decongesting traffic within the city? Do you live in a residential community bordering the Zapote River?

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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Two Vietnamese Nationals Arrested in Parañaque For Operating Illegal Cosmetic Clinic

Two Vietnamese Nationals Arrested in Parañaque For Operating Illegal Cosmetic Clinic

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Recently in the City of Parañaque, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested two Vietnamese nationals for the operation of an illegal cosmetic clinic, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune. This development is similar with what happened to an abortion clinic that was raided in Parañaque in 2023.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Daily Tribune. Some parts in boldface…

Personnel of the National Bureau of Investigation–Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD) arrested two Vietnamese nationals in Parañaque City on 15 August for illegally practicing medicine and offering unauthorized cosmetic procedures.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago identified the suspects as Nguyen The Thang and Mai Quy Loc, who also used the alias “Dr. Do Thi Binh.” They operated a beauty clinic where they performed procedures such as chin fillers, liposuction, rhinoplasty, and facelifts without proper authorization. The NBI acted on a tip about their activities, which violated the Medical Act of 1959 (R.A. No. 2382) and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (R.A. No. 10175).

Agents posed as clients and confirmed the suspects were advertising their services online. Verification with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) revealed that “Dr. Do Thi Binh” had no Special Temporary Permit (STP) or Special Permit (SP) to practice medicine in the Philippines.

During the entrapment operation, the NBI seized medical equipment and supplies used in their illegal clinic. The suspects now face multiple charges, including: Illegal practice of medicine (under R.A. No. 2382 and R.A. No. 10175), Sale of unregistered and misbranded health products (under the FDA Act, R.A. No. 9711), Unauthorized dispensing of pharmaceutical products (under the Philippine Pharmacy Act, R.A. No. 10918)

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 still be a lot more illegal operations being done by foreigners? What do you think makes Parañaque an attractive place for foreign criminals to put up illegal operations?

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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Las Piñas City Congressman Santos Says Over 40 DPWH Projects Lack Permits From City Government

Las Piñas City Congressman Santos Says Over 40 DPWH Projects Lack Permits From City Government

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Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Congressman Mark Santos revealed that more than forty projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the city lacked permits from the City Government, according to a BusinessMirror news report.

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

Las Pinas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos revealed that a total of 42 construction projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), amounting to millions of pesos, were found to have been carried out without the required permits.

Citing acting City Engineer Michael Aguilar, Santos said that the Las Piñas–Muntinlupa District Engineering Office, failed to secure any building permits from the city government when the projects commenced earlier this year.

Santos, citing the district office, noted that of the projects inspected, 19 have already been completed while seven are still undergoing construction. Fifteen projects with ongoing activities were promptly issued notices of violation, while one project has stopped construction after being served with the same notice.

The City Engineering Office has directed the concerned private contractors and government offices to immediately secure the required building, electrical, and plumbing permits, along with zoning and barangay clearances, the lawmaker said.

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 think the mentioned projects in Las Piñas City will be able to get completed in the near future?

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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Free HIV Self-Test Kits Offered by Muntinlupa City Government

Free HIV Self-Test Kits Offered by Muntinlupa City Government

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Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that it is offering free HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) self-test kits to the public, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Registration for the kits is ongoing.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Muntinlupa City government is offering free HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) self-test kits to the public.

The HIV self-test kits are available at the Muntinlupa Reproductive Health and Wellness Clinic located at the Laguerta Health Center on Centennial Avenue in Laguerta, Tunasan.

To avail of the free HIV self-test kit, people need to register at https://tinyurl.com/sfr3yz2. They need to wait for the call or text from the clinic staff to verify their request. They will receive a confirmation text for the delivery of the kit.

“Ang pag-sumite ng iyong resulta ay mahalaga upang ikaw ay higit na matulungan. Bisitahin ang https://tinyurl.com/3yurw32m upang i-report ang iyong resulta (Submitting your results is important so that we can help you further. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3yurw32m to report your results),” the clinic posted on Facebook.

The instruction on how to use to the HIV self-test kit is available at https://alere.wistia.com/medias/guyym62w5j.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you need an HIV test kit? Are there many members in your local community who need the kits?

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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Muntinlupa City Government Prohibits Names and Images of Local Officials on Projects and Programs

Muntinlupa City Government Prohibits Names and Images of Local Officials on Projects and Programs

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Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government approved a key ordinance that specifically prohibits putting the names and photos of local officials on local programs and projects of the government, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Muntinlupa City government has passed an ordinance that prohibits putting names and photos of local officials on government-funded infrastructures, programs, and projects.

Ordinance No. 2025-004, also known as the “Anti-Epal Ordinance of Muntinlupa City,” will prohibit the “marking or installation of identifiers such as names, initials, aliases, insignias, logos, images of incumbent government officials on infrastructure, programs, or projects funded by government appropriations.”

It was signed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon after the measure was passed by the Muntinlupa City Council.

One basis of the ordinance is a 2010 memorandum of the Department of the Interior and Local Government that banned the names, initials or photos of government officials on billboards and signages of government programs and properties.

“Elected and appointed government officials have engaged in the practice of displaying their names, logos, insignias, and even photographs on government-funded projects and programs facilitated by their office and administration during their term. In reality, such projects are fully funded by taxes collected from the Filipino people, making this act clearly contrary to the law,” the ordinance noted.

It added, “the City Government of Muntinlupa firmly upholds the principle that all government programs and projects are funded by public money and must not be used as platforms for self-promotion or political propaganda by any public official, and asserts that such acts undermine the integrity of public service and mislead the people.”

Under the ordinance, government officials refer to “any person, appointed or elected to government service at the city or barangay level, whose office is given the authority, privilege or right to identify, administer, implement, coordinate or propose a government program or projects.”

Government project, as used in the ordinance, refers “to all current and future government infrastructure, engineering works and service contracts, and other related and necessary activities such as site acquisition, supply and/or installation of equipment and materials, implementation, construction, completion, operation, maintenance, improvement, repair and rehabilitation, funded from local sources.”

Government program refers to “all current and future government projects providing the delivery of any basic or special services, falling under all programs of social outreach and services, anti-poverty measures, educational, infrastructure, livelihood, and all Other programs that utilize government funding and resources for the provision of giving any tangible or intangible support to the citizenry, and other related and necessary activities or all Muntinlupenos.”

Public works include “the construction, improvement, rehabilitation, repair, restoration, or maintenance of sidewalks, walkways, roads and bridges, irrigation, flood control and drainage, water supply, sanitation, sewerage and solid waste management systems, shore protection, school buildings, hospital buildings, public buildings, public parks, sports facilities, waiting sheds, and lamp posts, which are funded, wholly or partly, through public funds expended by the local government.”

Prohibited acts under the ordinance include “naming after or marking with the initials, alias, insignia, logo, or image of an incumbent elected local government official on government projects or programs funded by public funds; affixing, or causing to be affixed, the name, initials, alias, insignia, logo, or image of any incumbent local government official to a signage announcing a proposed, on-going, or existing public works project funded through government appropriations;” and “installing, or causing to be installed, signage/s announcing the maintenance, rehabilitation, and/or construction of public works crediting any incumbent local elected government official, or bearing his or her name, initials, alias, insignia, logo, or image for the maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction of such public works funded by public funds.”

Also prohibited are “attaching any stickers that contains the name, initials, alias, insignia, logo, or image to property owned or items given away by the city government and barangays that were bought using public funds including but not limited to vehicles, relief goods, supplies, equipment and the like; and putting the image or picture of local officials in business license plates and permits.”

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 glad that the City Government approved the anti epal ordinance? Do you think the approved new ordinance will make Muntinlupa a shining example for other cities dealing with pride and vanity of local officials on projects, programs and infrastructure?

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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Five Suspects Arrested and Illegal Drugs Worth Over P3 Million Seized in Parañaque City

Five Suspects Arrested and Illegal Drugs Worth Over P3 Million Seized in Parañaque City

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Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers arrested five people and seized more than P3 million worth of illegal drugs as a result of a successful buy-bust operation, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

Five suspects, including two high-value individuals (HVIs), were arrested in anti-drug operations in Parañaque City early Tuesday, with authorities confiscating PHP3.2 million worth of suspected illegal drugs.

In a statement, Southern Police District (SPD) acting director Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo said alias Christian, 28, and Symon, 29, both HVIs; along with Renmer, 26, Jackylyn, 21, and Christine, 26, all classified as street-level individuals (SLI), were arrested during a buy-bust operation inside a condominium unit at Pacific Coast Plaza in Barangay Tambo around 5:10 a.m.

Arceo said SPD operatives seized from the suspects 200 grams of suspected ketamine valued at PHP1.1 million; 1,000 grams of suspected marijuana kush worth PHP700,000; 500 grams of suspected dried marijuana leaves valued at PHP60,000; and 791 pieces of suspected ecstasy tablets with an estimated worth of PHP1.34 million, for a total street value of PHP3.20 million.

Also recovered were the PHP2,000 buy-bust money, a weighing scale, a storage box, and a cellular phone believed to have been used in the drug trade.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin Aberin underscored the determination of the police force to combat the proliferation of illegal drugs.

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 illegal drugs could be flowing into your local community? Do you think crime involving illegal drugs have been worsening in Parañaque?

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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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