Las Pinas City Hall - From a Residents' Point of View

 

Why Pay Early

Every months of November or December, local residents make it a point to pay their real property tax as discounts from 15 to 20% are given by the city government. These are advance payments for the coming year. Last year, I was able to avail of the 20% discount by paying early or by around November 10. This year, I was only able to pay two weeks ago or by December 12, so I was only given a 15% discount.

Nevertheless, I am happy with that since the discount amounted to around P2,500, or enough spending money for the Christmas feast of Maring and I. Thinkinofg about 2021, it was a dizzying and most fearful plight for me. As somebody who has comorbidities, the onslaught of covid19 brought about the most unwanted fears in me. I was stressed out as I see friends, acquaintances, and even relatives get infected by it.

 

Fear of Covid

However, the city government with the avid participation of the LGU's were able to implement the inoculation program of residents by middle of the year. I got two shots of aztra zenica around June  and my booster shot a day after Christmas. That leaves me a sore arm all through the new year. Nonetheless, I am thankful for all these shots as it gives me peace of mind. 

A good friend of mine died of covid a few months back. She was anti-vac and believed that we only need to keep the body strong by being physically active, eating right, and by praying. I kept telling her then that I am not healthy as she is and I don't like exercising. Besides, I don't know if God will opt to get me instead if don't get vaccinated. Nah, I don't want that! 

 

Ayuda from the local LGU's

2021 was also the year when I saw food boxes and ayuda from the LGUs. I refused the first giveaways but lined up for the second round of the pandemic when it was given. I shared it with my alalays and partake of the other items like rice of a few kilos. Nothing grand. It was just enough to help tide things over.

There's still much that the city government could have done for its people. There was poverty and hunger everywhere. Jobs became non-existent and help was nowhere to be found when needed. Or if there was, it came in trickles. The year was undoubtedly difficult for most of us, but there is still that light at the end of the tunnel. Some businesses can thrive, only if we look hard enough.

Here's looking up to 2022!  

Photo credit: Carlo Carassco