Tag: #vaccine

COVID-19 Crisis: More Sputnik V vaccines coming to the Philippines

COVID-19 Crisis: More Sputnik V vaccines coming to the Philippines

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Gradually, millions in additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines are coming into the Philippines and around ten million doses are to be administered this month. Along the way, Russia’s COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V has been used to immunize thousands of Filipinos (check out the Sputnik V launch in Muntinlupa City and Parañaque City). As of May 30, 2021, a grand total of 80,000 doses of Sputnik V has arrived in the Philippines.

But there is more! According to an article published by Philippine News Agency (PNA), Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that further supplies of Sputnik V vaccine doses will keep coming to the Philippines.

To put things in perspective, posted blow is an excerpt from the PNA’s article. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines can expect more Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine doses in the coming months after Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to increase the volume of deliveries.

According to a statement from the Office of the President (OP), Putin made this commitment in a telesummit with President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday.

“President Putin said that Russia will increase the volume of deliveries of Sputnik V vaccines to the Philippines,” the OP statement read.

Duterte, for his part, thanked Putin for making Sputnik V available to the Philippines and reiterated the importance of the expeditious delivery of ordered vaccines.

On May 30, the Philippines received 50,000 more doses of the Sputnik V vaccines.

The country has so far received a total of 80,000 Sputnik V doses, including the latest shipment.

In relation to the above details, check out this news video by GMA Network.

For the newcomers reading this, Sputnik V is an adenovirus viral vector vaccine for COVID-19 developed by Russia-based Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology. When the first batch of the Russian vaccines arrived in early May, the City of Muntinlupa was one of the first cities to receive them. In connection to the latest batch that arrived from Russia, Sputnik V has finally made its way to the island province of Cebu. I should state that President Putin’s vow to deliver more of his nation’s vaccines into the Philippines is significant and the results will be seen in the months to come.

To learn about Sputnik V, watch these two videos…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Does this news about Sputnik V boost your confidence with vaccines for COVID-19? How crucial is President Putin’s vow (on delivering more Sputnik V vaccines to the Philippines) considering the ongoing efforts of vaccination in the Philippines? Were you vaccinated with the Russian vaccine?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Over 80,000 Las Piñas City residents vaccinated

COVID-19 Crisis: Over 80,000 Las Piñas City residents vaccinated

carlocarrasco

According to a recent news report by the Manila Bulletin, over eighty thousand residents of Las Piñas City got vaccinated for COVID-19. To be more specific, the official count was at 82,526 residents who received the first and second doses of the free vaccines. This was announced by the City Government of Las Piñas to the Manila Bulletin just as a brand-new vaccination site opened within the city lately.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report which highlighted the new vaccination site. Some parts in boldface…

The Las Pinas City government’s biggest vaccination site located at The Tent, Vista Global South in C5 Extension, is now open to serve residents and can accommodate around 650 to 1,000 vaccinees a day.

Paul San Miguel, public Information chief, said the new vaccination site is an addition to the 14 existing centers that provide service to around 300 people a day.

San Miguel said the city government now has a total of 15 vaccination sites around the city and will add five more centers to speed-up the vaccination program of the city.

He also said the city government already vaccinated around 82,526 residents with the first and second doses against COVID-19.

The Las Pinas City government also emphasized the importance of vaccination in a Facebook post and reminded residents who have not been inoculated to register for it.

San Miguel said the city government is also giving free face masks to those who are given the vaccines in all vaccination centers.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar also urged city residents to observe the basic health protocols to stop the spread of the virus.

The above is really good news for city residents. The Tent along C5 Extension should help the many registered residents in terms of getting vaccinated in a more comfortable and more spacious place. The said new vaccination should also help somewhat in decongesting the traffic at the smaller vaccination sites around the city. For all other residents who have not yet registered, local registration for free COVID-19 vaccines in the city is still ongoing and the details as well as steps can be read right here.

For those who missed out on the recent Las Piñas City COVID-19 vaccination news, new vaccination sites are being established and residents who successfully got vaccinated can become eligible in a city raffle draw and have chances to win goods, motorcycles and a house-and-lot. There are certain requirements to qualify for the program and in order to get vaccinated, unvaccinated residents are welcome to register via the City Government’s online system at bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think of The Tent as the newest vaccination site in the city? Is the City Government working hard and fast enough to set up new vaccination sites? Does Representative Camille Villar’s incentive program convince you to come out, get registered and line up for the free COVID-19 vaccine in your city? Were you able to get vaccinated in an orderly and efficient manner?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

COVID-19 Crisis: 10 million vaccine doses to be administered in the Philippines this June

COVID-19 Crisis: 10 million vaccine doses to be administered in the Philippines this June

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As the old say goes – the more, the better! In the case of this ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the Philippines needs all the vaccines it can get! A new development is brewing in relation to this.

Yesterday, it was announced through the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that ten million vaccines doses are being eyed by the national vaccination program as additional vaccines will arrive in this new month of June. In addition, the newest supply of COVID-19 vaccine from Russia called Sputnik V just arrived.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA’s article. Some parts in boldface…

The national vaccination program is eyeing to reach 10 million doses by the middle of the year as the bulk of Sputnik, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca orders arrive within June.

On June 6, one million doses of China’s Sinovac are expected while 1.3 million and 900,000 US-made Pfizer jabs are arriving on June 7 and 11, respectively.

Moderna vaccines, also from the US, are scheduled for delivery on June 21.

“We are very thankful that we have already breached the five-million figure and this June, mapapabilis tayo (we will speed up). We are aiming to breach another five by the end of this month,” said National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Sunday night during the arrival of 50,000 doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccines at Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“There will also be another batch from the COVAX facility this month most likely,” he added.

The Sputnik V jabs were taken to the PharmaServ cold storage in Marikina City.

So far, the country has received 80,000 doses of the Russian vaccines after the first two tranches of 15,000 doses each on May 1 and 12. Another shipment will arrive within 21 days.

Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Marat Pavlov, who also welcomed the delivery, said the occasion further strengthened cooperation between the two nations in fighting the pandemic.

“This is timely for the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Russia. It is important for us to help the Filipino people. [We hope to] contribute to the strength in our relationship,” he said in an interview.

Last week, Russian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Igor Morgulov said the vaccine allotment is one of the prominent areas for cooperation between the Philippines and Russia and expressed hope that more batches of the jabs could be delivered in the next months.

Indeed, more of the COVID-19 vaccines are coming in gradually here in the Philippines. Any new supply that arrives is welcome because there simply are not enough to vaccinate local citizens with the required two doses. And then there are also other challenges such as preserving the delicate vaccines and delivering them by the bulk to different cities, towns and barangays.

Meanwhile, the City of Muntinlupa confirmed that as of May 27, 2021, 46,015 residents have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, of which 16,989 have received their second dose. For those inoculated with their first dose, 22,758 received Sinovac, 16,771 were inoculated with AstraZeneca, 2,979 with Gamaleya’s Sputnik V, and 3,507 with Pfizer-BioNTech.

Muntinlupa City residents are urged to register online in the city’s COVID-19 Vaccination Registration System via www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac to avoid crowding in vaccination areas.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you were vaccinated already, how many doses were you inject with right now? What was the brand of vaccine you got injected with? Did you experience any tremendous chaos or disorganization when you lined up to get vaccinated at the local vaccination site?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Residents who get vaccinated in Las Piñas City can win goods, motorcycles and a brand-new house-and-lot through special incentive program

COVID-19 Crisis: Residents who get vaccinated in Las Piñas City can win goods, motorcycles and a brand-new house-and-lot through special incentive program

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Good news for all those based in Las Piñas City! It has been reported through the media recently that Las Piñas City Representative Camille Villar launched a special program designed to entice city residents to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and get chances to win a new house-and-lot plus consumable goods and motorcycles. There are certain requirements to qualify for the program and in order to get vaccinated, unvaccinated residents are welcome to register via the City Government’s online system at bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

To start knowing the details, watch the interview of Congresswoman Villar in the news video below…

And below is an excerpt from the GMA Network news report. Some parts in boldface…

Residents of Las Piñas who have received COVID-19 vaccine could get a brand new house and lot as well as groceries and motorcycles.

The incentive program “May Bahay sa Bakuna: Bakunado Ka Na, May Bahay ka Pa” is open to all residents of the city who already received a single dose of any COVID-19 vaccine brand.

It was initiated by Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar to convince her constituents to get vaccinated.

“We want to reinforce the importance of getting vaccinated for people, their families, and the community. It will not only protect people but help our economy slowly recover,” Villar said in a press release.

“Through this effort, we also have a chance to increase awareness and confidence in vaccines,” she added.

Residents must be at least 18 years old to be able to join the program. Raffle tickets are available in all barangay halls for those who have already been vaccinated and in vaccination centers for those newly-inoculated.

The tickets may be dropped in barangay halls as well as in AllHome and AllDay supermarket branches in Las Piñas City.

Monthly draws will be held starting July 15 wherein 50 winners will be given “pangkabuhayan showcase” worth P5,000.

On the other hand, the grand draw will be on December 24 wherein the winner will get two motorcycles and a house and lot from Bria Homes.

Wow! Congresswoman Villar’s program sure has very attractive incentives! The economy has dampened a lot since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020 and so many people lost their jobs and income. The opportunities to gain house-and-lots and other goods through the program are not only valuable but will also prove to be helpful not only to the eventual winners but also helpful to the local society. Incentives aside, it is high time for people to overcome their fears and hesitation on vaccines.

From the Facebook page of Representative Camille Villar.

More on Las Piñas City, new and comfortable vaccination sites recently opened in cooperation with SM Southmall and SM Center LP. The City Government already announced that more vaccination sites will open soon.

For the newcomers reading this, get to know the ways to get registered by clicking right here. There are details and images with instructions included.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are an unvaccinated Las Piñas resident, does Congresswoman Villar’s incentive program convince you to come out, get registered and line up for the free COVID-19 vaccine in your city? Are the house, consumable goods and motorcycles offered through raffle very enticing to you personally? How many people in your local community are aware of Villar’s incentive program?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

COVID-19 Crisis: House-to-house vaccination of bedridden residents in Muntinlupa launched

COVID-19 Crisis: House-to-house vaccination of bedridden residents in Muntinlupa launched

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The City Government of Muntinlupa officially started providing at-home COVID-19 vaccination services for bedridden residents and individuals who are not capable of travelling to the city’s major vaccination sites.

Muntinlupa City Health Office recorded 84 individuals from Brgy. Sucat, Brgy. Putatan, and Brgy. Tunasan who were vaccinated in their homes for the initial rollout of the house-to-house vaccination service as of yesterday. The CHO expects more requests for at-home service in the coming days.

The local health office also launched a pilot drive-thru vaccination service to accommodate more vaccine takers and decongest local major vaccination sites.

The health workers assigned to do house-to-house vaccination services. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi says the City Government, through the CHO and in partnership with the barangays, continues to expand the local vaccination program through the house-to-house vaccination services and installation of drive-thru vaccination centers. Fresnedi added that the City Government is targeting to finish vaccinating 385,000 eligible residents by November to achieve herd immunity.

A patient gets vaccinated while on a bed at home. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

As of May 24, a total of 41,443 residents received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, of which 15,394 have received their second dose. For those inoculated with their first dose, 22,011 received Sinovac, 12,994 were inoculated with AstraZeneca, 2,979 with Gamaleya’s Sputnik V, and 3,507 with Pfizer-BioNTech.

The public is urged to register online in the city’s COVID-19 Vaccination Registration System via www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac.

Walk-ins in the city’s major vaccination sites including Ayala Malls South Park, Festival Mall UGF Covered Parking, SM Muntinlupa, and Sucat Covered Court will not be accommodated. Only those who are registered online will be given schedule in the major vaccination sites and will be notified via SMS. For more inquiries, the public may reach the MunCoVac hotlines: 0956 358 9228 / 0915 805 5932 / 0915 806 7419 / 0960 588 5935 / 0960 588 5937 / 0998 249 4580.

Further, Brgy. Sucat has launched a raffle campaign for vaccinated residents to win 25 kgs. of rice in a bid to boost the local COVID-19 vaccination drive. 20 lucky vaccinated residents from the barangay will be randomly chosen in the raffle. Brgy. Sucat captain Raffy Sevilla added that the raffle is the barangay’s gesture to thank the residents for their cooperation in the government’s vaccination program.

Muntinlupa City has 12,695 confirmed cases with 11,703 recoveries, 651 active cases, 341 reported deaths, 119 suspect cases, and 1,971 probable cases as of May 25.

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The above details were from the official press release issued by the Muntinlupa Public Information Office. Some parts were edited for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Las Piñas City Government to add five more vaccination sites

COVID-19 Crisis: Las Piñas City Government to add five more vaccination sites

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Last time around, SM Southmall and SM Center Las Piñas became the new locations for the additional COVID-19 vaccination sites in the City of Las Piñas and went on with the vaccination services of local residents who previously registered through the city’s system.

That’s not all, however. According to a recent report by the Manila Bulletin, the City Government of Las Piñas announced that it will add not one, not two, but FIVE more vaccination sites so that they can reach their target of vaccinating six thousand people per day.

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

The Las Piñas city government will add five more vaccination sites to achieve its goal of inoculating 6,000 persons per day.

Vice-Mayor April Aguilar-Nery disclosed the plan of adding five vaccination sites in the next two weeks as part of the city government’s “Ligtas na Las Piñeros, Lahat Bakunado” vaccination program.

During the Bakuna Benefits segment of Angkas chief transport advocate George Royeca, Nery said the city currently has a total of 15 vaccination sites from 10 barangay covered courts, two hospitals — the University of Perpetual Help Medical Center and the Las Piñas Doctors Hospital, and three additional sites at the SM Southmall, SM Center, and Robinsons Mall.

The vice-mayor said the city government is planning to add five more vaccination sites since Mayor Imelda Aguilar wants all city residents to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The city also aims to inoculate 300 residents per vaccination site per day for a total of 6,000 persons per day.

Nery said the city government purchased 300 AstraZeneca and 200 Novavax vaccines to achieve the mayor’s goal of inoculating all city residents.

To date, a total of 40,000 frontline health workers, senior citizens, and adults with comorbidities have received their first dose of vaccines and 15 for the second dose.

If you do the math, the City Government’s plan of establishing new sites will push their current total of 15 vaccination sites to 20 vaccination sites. While the report published details sourced from Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery, there is no indication as to when exactly will the planned new vaccination sites be set up. No details yet as to where exactly will the five new vaccination sites be set up at. It would be nice, however, if all the five upcoming new vaccination sites will be established in airconditioned places so that it will be more comfortable for the patients, especially the senior citizens (and the less abled persons among them).

For the newcomers reading this, get to know the way to get registered by clicking right here. There are details and images with instructions included. The local registration process is still ongoing for all those who need to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you a Las Piñas resident who is happy to learn that five brand new vaccination sites will be established within the city? If you were able to visit any of the vaccination sites located at the open-air, covered basketball courts in the city, was the venue comfortable enough?

Does this latest announcement from the City Government encourage you to get registered and line up for the free COVID-19 vaccine?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

COVID-19 Crisis: GMA News video shows patients frustrated during the launch of Sputnik V in Parañaque

COVID-19 Crisis: GMA News video shows patients frustrated during the launch of Sputnik V in Parañaque

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To all the readers based in Parañaque City…were you able to avail of the free COVID-19 vaccine in your city lately? If you were vaccinated successfully, what type of vaccine was used on you? How long did you wait in line?

The reason why I’m asking this is because GMA Network published news videos that showed some people who waited long in line only to end up not getting vaccinated at a mall in the city the same day Sputnik V debuted there.

Before exploring the GMA News video, let’s put things in perspective that the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) published on May 5, 2021 a press release by the National Task Force against COVID-19 that stated that Parañaque City displayed logistical readiness related to the rollout of Sputnik V vaccines. It should be noted that vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. attended the Sputnik V launch in the said city.

To be clear, here are two excerpts from the PIA-published press release…

Excerpt 1

This city demonstrated its capability to efficiently receive and handle the administration of the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccines during a trial run held here on Tuesday, May 4, at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez cited the unique characteristics of the Sputnik V vaccines, as he assured the national government and his people that the city is capable of handling the vaccines.

“Ito pong Sputnik V, special po ang logistics nito, kasi kailangan po natin dito at least negative 18 degrees centigrade ang storage. Ang City of Parañaque, through our City Health Office ay prepared na prepared sa paghandle nitong Sputnik V,” Olivarez said.

Excerpt 2

For his part, Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., chief Implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19 and vaccine czar thanked the City of Parañaque for agreeing to be one of the host cities for the pilot rollout of the Sputnik V vaccines.

“Through this pilot test we are conducting today, we will be able to see and address possible challenges that may arise before we begin to roll out the 485,000 Sputnik V doses that are expected to arrive this week,” Galvez said.

By reading the entire press release at PIA’s website, you would end up believing that things went well in Parañaque City and the launch of Sputnik V. What was completely missing in the press release were long lines and frustration (for those who waited so long and ended up empty handed) at the same venue on the same day as the Sputnik V rollout in Parañaque. Watch GMA Network’s news video below titled “Tempers flare at Parañaque COVID-19 vaccination site as not everyone receives jabs”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about GMA Network’s news video on Parañaque and its Sputnik V launch? Are the organizers in Parañaque taking proper care of its citizens who are trying to get vaccinated for COVID-19? Is the City Government of Parañaque relying on media gimmicks (examples: fancy speeches, lots of show-off photography, etc.) while trying to serve as many citizens to the best of its abilities? Whether you got vaccinated or not, how many hours did you spend waiting in line in your city? How many vaccination sites are available in Parañaque right now that you know? Do you believe that Parañaque can achieve its goal of vaccinating 5,000 people per day?

Are you one of the frustrated people who appeared in GMA’s news video who waited so long in line only to end up without getting vaccinated?

Were the vaccine program organizers of Parañaque City transparent and took good care of you when you lined up?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

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

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

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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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

I Love Israel: Direct Philippines-Israel flights before the end of 2021 in the works

I Love Israel: Direct Philippines-Israel flights before the end of 2021 in the works

carlocarrasco

Have you been dreaming of visiting the Holy Land or doing business in Tel Aviv in Israel? There is something positive in development right now and breakthroughs could happen before the year ends. This is because recently, Israel’s Ambassador Rafael Harpaz announced that the establishment of direct flights between the Philippines and Israel is being worked on with 2021 in mind (specifically before the end of the year). There is no timeline yet as to when will Philippines-Israel travel will resume but make no mistake that Israel is opening its borders to foreign tourists (who got vaccinated for COVID-19) starting May 23, 2021 which itself is connected with their successful vaccination program.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) article. Some parts in bold…

Direct flights between the Philippines and Israel before the end of the year are in the pipeline, Israeli Ambassador to Manila Rafael Harpaz said Friday.

“We would like very much for the Filipino tourists to be back to Israel. The Philippine Airlines already informed us that they are planning to start a direct flight to Israel towards the end of the year,” Harpaz told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an interview.

There’s no timeline yet when tourism exchanges between the Philippines and Israel would resume, but he said the deployment of Filipino caregivers continues despite the pandemic.

“Actually, every day we see new caregivers because there is a demand. So they are flying to Israel and when they get there, they also get the vaccine immediately,” Harpaz said. “We don’t have a quota (on deployment) but it depends on the demand. Because our population is getting older and older, the demand is getting high. We also have from other countries but the demand is high for Filipino caregivers.”

In 2019 alone, about 35,000 Filipino tourists visited Israel, while more than 30,000 overseas Filipinos are working there as caregivers.

‘Tourism restart’

At present, there is no agreement between the Philippines and Israel for a travel bubble setup, but Harpaz said he is hopeful that the two nations’ tourism exchanges would soon resume.

He added that several Filipino tour operators are interested to bring travel groups once Israel fully reopens.

“They’re waiting. There’s so many tour operators in the Philippines who are eager to take groups to Israel because it’s a big tourist destination for Filipinos,” Harpaz said. “The Israelis are also eager. The businessmen are eager to return to the Philippines. They want to go to Banawe, Palawan, Siquijor, and all those wonderful places. Let’s hope that it will soon work out.”

Israel is opening up its borders to foreign tourists under a travel bubble setup, with the vaccinated population no longer required to undergo a long period of quarantine.

But for now, the vaccines that Israel recognizes for this arrangement are Pfizer and Moderna.

It has so far signed a travel bubble agreement with Cyprus and Greece.

“We are moving slowly with more countries because we want to have tourism back and business back,” he said.

As you already know, I strongly believe that the ties between my native Philippines and Israel are very essential. I really love it when Israelites and Filipinos are in harmony together, and the fact that Filipino caregivers and students were vaccinated for free in Israel is an example of that. Filipino caregivers have been known to be very helpful towards Israelites and there is a strong demand for more caregivers. Christians here in the Philippines, led by faith, love to visit the Holy Land and discover personally the places where Lord Jesus had been to.

Speaking of Philippines-Israel ties, Ambassador Harpaz also announced more good news for Filipinos struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Posted below is an excerpt from another Philippine News Agency article…

The Philippines can expect to be among the priority countries of Israel once the latter is able to transfer its excess vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Israel Ambassador to Manila Rafael Harpaz said Friday.

Harpaz explained that Israel, for the time being, could not transport its extra vaccine doses to any third country due to some legal issues in its contract with Pfizer.

“It has nothing to do with the Philippines. Israel, for the time being, was not able to give vaccines to a third country because we have a contract and there are limitations on giving it to a third party,” he told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an interview on Friday.

Aside from Manila, more than 10 countries have also expressed interest in purchasing their excess vaccines, Harpaz said.

“It’s something we are looking generally in a favorable manner but it’s the legal issues that must be resolved first. But it’s one of the issues in the discussions and when the moment that there would be a green light to give (the vaccines) as assistance to third countries, the Philippines will certainly be among them,” he said.

“The Philippines is definitely a high priority for us once we’re capable of giving away the vaccines.“

Wow! Considering the current situation here in the Philippines, it’s nice to learn that our country is a high priority for Israel for potential donations of excess vaccines from their own stocks. The legal issues are blocking access. To be very clear, the Philippines secured many millions of COVID-19 vaccines but those stocks cannot come fast enough. Very recently, the cities of Muntinlupa and Parañaque became the first recipients of vaccines from Russia. How many exactly? THREE THOUSAND doses for each city.

In closing this, here are some Israel-related videos for your viewing pleasure and for your insight.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

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

I Love Israel: Israel’s success in dealing with the pandemic acknowledged

I Love Israel: Israel’s success in dealing with the pandemic acknowledged

carlocarrasco

Yesterday, there was this article published in the Philippine Star (online version here) with a title that caught my attention…O Israel!

The said article was written by long-time columnist Boo Chanco (who cited the Washington Post, Capital Economics and Deutsche Welle for context) and to put things in perspective, below are notable excerpts for your reading. Some parts in bold…

Excerpt 1

According to The Washington Post, Israel is now partying like it’s 2019.

“With most adults now vaccinated against the coronavirus and restrictions falling away – including the lifting this week of outdoor mask requirements – Israelis are joyously resuming routines that were disrupted more than a year ago and providing a glimpse of what the future could hold for other countries.”

Oh, Israel! How did you guys do it? We are still in limbo. The best guess for us puts two more years of aimless wandering in the COVID desert.

Excerpt 2

According to The Washington Post, “the rate of new infections has plummeted – from a peak of almost 10,000 a day to about 140 – and the number of serious coronavirus cases in many hospitals is down to single digits.

“The emergency COVID-19 ward at Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv resumed duty as a parking garage, and waiting rooms are suddenly flooded with non-COVID patients coming for long-deferred treatments.”

But Israeli health officials are quick to note that the pandemic is not over. They are worried about the variants. There is also the possibility of outbreaks in schools, where most students are too young to be vaccinated.

Still, Israel is showing what other nations can expect if they can keep on vaccinating.

“With almost 90 percent of the most vulnerable cohort – those 50 and older – fully inoculated, experts say hospital ICU units are now shielded from being overwhelmed, as almost happened earlier in the pandemic.”

Just two months ago, the spread of the disease stubbornly refused to slow. Vaccination with the Pfizer vaccine is making the difference for Israel.

Dr. Tony Leachon, who once advised IATF, however observed rightly that while “vaccines save lives, the success of Israel is anchored on leadership and governance, and agility in execution.”

According to Deutsche Welle, Israel was able to secure large quantities of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine because Israel agreed to pay double the price for each dose.

Excerpt 3

Israeli officials explained they agreed to pay extra per dose because they figured that in pure economic numbers, the total amount they overpaid was a miniscule fraction of what it costs to lockdown the country. This is not counting the extra medical costs of COVID and the incalculable price of losing a loved one.

Poor Filipinos. We don’t have leaders who think as clearly as the Israelis. We have red tape loving bureaucrats. So, we didn’t have enough vaccines early enough, and it seems we have the wrong one.

A successful vaccination rollout would be our country’s economic game changer. But as Capital Economics said, progress has been disappointing as only one percent of the population has been inoculated almost two months since the start of the program.

Israel launched one of the fastest rollouts in the world. According to The Washington Post, Israel delivered just under 10 million doses of the two-shot Pfizer vaccine regimen, reaching 4.98 million people or about 55 percent of its total population. An additional 400,000 Israelis have received one shot.

“If those who have been infected and then recovered are added, more than 60 percent of Israeli residents now have some level of protective antibodies. The virus is running short of vulnerable bodies to infect.”

Can you imagine if we were able to do that for Metro Manila? NCR’s population is comparable in number to Israel’s.

Wow! Those are very notable details. It is very clear that Israel went all-out and paid heavily to protect their people and set the stage for social and economic comebacks. I admire Israel for their focus, their efforts and management of the COVID-19 crisis (China Virus) there. To put things in perspective, watch these related YouTube videos below…

By comparison, the efforts here in the Philippines are nowhere as efficient and nowhere as successful. It should be noted that yesterday, the Philippines’ total number of COVID-19 cases has passed the 1,000,000 mark. Regardless, I encourage you all to read Boo Chanco’s article in full at https://www.philstar.com/business/2021/04/26/2093707/oh-israel

Going back to Israel, they already announced that they will open their borders to foreign visitors who have already been vaccinated for COVID-19.

In ending this piece, let me ask you readers the following questions:

  1. What is your opinion about Israel’s COVID-19 vaccination program and the way they managed their economy and society?
  2. Here in the Philippines, what is your opinion about the COVID-19 crisis-related efforts of the national government as well as the local government units (LGUs)?
  3. Also here in the Philippines, as local citizens, do you believe your respective mayors are diligently working to serve you and protect your from COVID-19? Do you find your mayors more focused with their egos instead of performing public service?
  4. Still here in the Philippines, if you are a local business owner or manager, has your local government been helpful or harmful?

If you are willing to answer, please do so in the comments section below. If you want more privacy, please contact me directly online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com