Investagrams – Author Carlo Carrasco

2.26 Million Filipinos Jobless in December 2025, Unemployment Rate Lands At 4.4%

February 15, 2026February 9, 2026carlocarrasco

Over two million Filipinos were reported jobless for the month of December 2025 with the unemployment rate landing at 4.4%, according to a business news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The country’s unemployment rate held steady at 4.4 percent in December 2025 from the previous month, but underlying labor market data pointed to emerging softness as the number of jobless Filipinos continued to rise.

The latest preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released Friday, Feb. 6, showed that around 2.26 million Filipinos were unemployed in December, up sharply from 1.63 million during the same month in 2024 and slightly higher than the 2.25 million recorded in November.

The increase came alongside a labor force participation rate of 64.4 percent, translating to about 51.69 million Filipinos aged 15 and above who were either employed or actively seeking work.

The employment rate settled at 95.6 percent for the month, down from 96.9 percent in December 2024, while the underemployment rate fell to a single-digit eight percent in December—the lowest on record, National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa noted at a press briefing. The last time that underemployment reached a single-digit rate was in May 2024, when it stood at 9.9 percent.

For full-year 2025, the employment rate slipped to 95.8 percent from 96.2 percent in 2024, while the unemployment rate rose to 4.2 percent from 3.8 percent. Underemployment held steady at 11.9 percent, the same level recorded in 2024.

Mapa attributed the year-on-year increase in unemployment primarily to the construction sector, which reportedly shed 550,000 jobs.

He noted that weak growth in construction—particularly public construction—was the main driver of the rise in unemployment. The sector further declined in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared with the third quarter.

Reductions in employment were also observed in transportation and storage (258,000), fishing and aquaculture (258,000), and manufacturing (255,000), but Mapa emphasized that construction accounted for the largest impact.

While employment grew by around 172,000 in 2025 compared with 2024, Mapa said this was the lowest annual increase in the past three years, excluding the pandemic years.

He noted that employment had risen by 1.29 million in 2023 compared with 2022 and by 664,000 in 2024 compared with 2023, highlighting a clear downward trend.

The slowdown was largely due to the construction sector contributing fewer workers compared with previous years, as reduced public construction activity translated into lower employment.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think unemployment all over the Philippines will gradually get worse over the next twelve months? If the economic growth of the Philippines weakens further, do you think job opportunities will be reduced?

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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Japan And Trump’s America To Speed Up Investment Plans Under $550 Billion Package

February 14, 2026February 13, 2026carlocarrasco

Remember Japan’s commitment of investing $550 billion into core industries in the United States? The two great nations had a high-level meeting in Washington and they agreed to speed up the selection of the first round of investment projects under the multi-billion Dollar package before they are sent to US President Donald J. Trump for approval, according to a news report by Kyodo News.

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

Japan and the United States agreed Thursday to speed up selection of the first round of investment projects under a $550 billion package that Tokyo committed to last year following months of tariff negotiations, with a summit of their leaders about a month away.

Hours after his meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington, Japanese industry minister Ryosei Akazawa told reporters a “significant gap” remained and more coordination was required to serve the mutual interests of the two countries.

“In conducting negotiations, we are naturally keeping in mind the goal of making Prime Minister (Sanae) Takaichi’s visit to the United States a fruitful one,” he said.

Akazawa’s meeting with Lutnick was believed to be part of last-ditch efforts to sort out the first batch of Japanese investment projects to be carried out in the United States, before they are sent to President Donald Trump for final approval.

Although Akazawa, who serves as economy, trade and industry minister, said there was some progress, neither side could unveil any specifics. While refusing to elaborate, he suggested differences remained over interest rates and business risk assessments.

“In a nutshell, as far as we are concerned, high-risk, high-return (investments), given that they also involve taxpayers’ money, are not something we are interested in,” he said.

The meeting with Lutnick took place a week after Trump said he would welcome Takaichi to the White House on March 19.

Under a trade deal struck in July last year, Japan has committed to investing $550 billion in the United States by the end of Trump’s second term in January 2029, in exchange for his administration reducing tariffs on Japanese cars and other goods.

The massive figure represents a combination of investments, loans and loan guarantees from Japanese government-backed financial institutions.

Japan and the United States have agreed that the forthcoming investments will focus on strategic sectors, such as critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and energy, to support their national security interests and economic objectives.

For the initial tranche of investments, the construction of gas-fired power generation facilities for data centers, the production of synthetic diamonds used in the semiconductor industry and the development of a port are among the leading candidates, according to Japanese officials.

The memorandum of understanding between Japan and the United States, signed by Akazawa and Lutnick in September last year, stipulates that Trump will ultimately select projects recommended by an “investment committee” chaired by the commerce secretary and composed solely of U.S. officials.

Earlier in the process, the so-called consultation committee — comprising officials from both countries — is tasked with identifying potential investment projects.

The United States will forward investment projects that gain Trump’s endorsement to Japan for review, with Tokyo given 45 days to respond and transfer the necessary funds to Washington.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the two nations will reach an agreement over the first round of investment projects under the $550 billion package? Do you think the remaining challenges will be resolved in due time? Are you looking forward to Prime Minister Takaichi’s Washington visit and meeting with President Trump this March?

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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More Senior Citizens Benefitting From Muntinlupa’s RIDEMed Program

February 14, 2026February 13, 2026carlocarrasco

Senior citizens of Muntinlupa who are bedridden and those who are at least 80-years-old are benefitting from the City Government’s RIDEMed (Responsive Integrated Delivery of Essential Medicines) program and almost two thousand seniors have registered as of January, according to a Manila Bulletin news article.

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’s RIDEMed (Responsive Integrated Delivery of Essential Medicines) program is benefitting senior citizens who are bedridden and those who are at least 80 years old.

Launched last October, RIDEMed is the home delivery component of the city government’s free medicines initiative for senior citizens.

The program ensures that eligible seniors receive their maintenance medicines regularly, conveniently, and with basic health monitoring at home.

One of the beneficiaries of RIDEMEd is Gloria Ayesa, 64, a resident of Alabang, who is a diabetes patient and whose legs were amputated.

“Dati aligaga ako kung saan kukuha ng pambili, ngayon regular na ako nakakainom ng gamot. Malaking bagay yung dinadalhan ako ng gamot dito sa bahay. Mayroon akong diabetes, una, pinutol yung kanan kong binti. Kalaunan, yung kaliwa naman. Wala na akong magagawa, nabubulok na, kaysa naman mamatay ako (I used to be worried about where to buy medicine, now I take medicine regularly. It’s a big deal that medicine is brought to my house. I have diabetes, first, my right leg was amputated. Later, the left one. I can’t do anything, it’s rotting, rather than die),” she told the city government.

She added, “Malaking tulong sa akin yun na hindi na ako naghahanap ng pambili, mayroon nang naghahatid. Sa mga katulad kong hindi na nakakalabas ng bahay, wala na kayong iisipin. May mga gamot na kayo. Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa iyo Mayor Biazon, at sa OSCA, kasi kung hindi naman sa inyo wala akong gamot. Maraming marami pong salamat (It’s a big help to me that I don’t have to look for medicine anymore, someone delivers it. For those like me who can’t leave the house, you don’t have to think about it anymore. You already have medicine. I’m very grateful to you, Mayor Biazon, and to OSCA [Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs], because if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have medicine. Thank you very much).”

The free medicines being delivered to senior citizens in Muntinlupa under RIDEMed are losartan and amlodipine for hypertension, metformin for diabetes, atorvastatin for high cholesterol, and Vitamin B Complex.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon said RIDEMEd is an example that healthcare in Muntinlupa should be accessible.

“RIDEMed is proof that healthcare services should be within easy reach, especially for our senior citizens. Our goal is to make their access to care easier, more organized, and continuously supported,” he told Manila Bulletin, adding that he wants to expand RIDEMed to persons with disabilities (PWDs).

As of January this year, a total of 1,931 senior citizens in Muntinlupa are registered and currently undergoing assessment. The oldest beneficiary is a 111-year-old grandmother from Ayala Alabang.

Mahalia Divinasflores, officer-in-charge of Muntinlupa OSCA, said, “RIDEMed is important because it removes one of the biggest barriers senior citizens face in managing their health: access.”

“This program ensures continuity of care, prevents complications from untreated chronic illnesses, and gives peace of mind not only to seniors but also to their families,” she said.

Divinasflores said the response from beneficiaries is very positive.

“The response from our senior citizens has been overwhelmingly positive. Many express deep gratitude because RIDEMed eases the physical and financial burden of regularly obtaining medicines. Seniors often share that the program makes them feel remembered and cared for, especially those who rarely leave their homes,” she said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted to see the RIDEMed program helping the qualified senior citizens of the city get their medicine? Are there any senior citizens in your local community who are qualified for RIDEMed?

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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Philippines January 2026 Inflation Rate Lands At 2%

February 14, 2026February 9, 2026carlocarrasco

The inflation rate of the Philippines for the month of January 2026 landed at 2% which is the highest in almost a year’s time, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

PHILIPPINE INFLATION accelerated to its fastest pace in nearly a year in January amid a faster rise in rents and electricity rates, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.

Headline inflation picked up to 2% from 1.8% in December but slowed from 2.9% in the same month last year. This was the fastest pace seen in 11 months or since 2.1% in February 2025.

It also marked the first time in almost a year that the consumer price index (CPI) hit the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 2%-4% target.

The January clip was likewise above the 1.8% median forecast in a BusinessWorld poll of 18 economists but was within the central bank’s 1.4%-2.2% estimate for the month.

“The main reason for the higher inflation rate in January 2026 compared with December 2025 is the faster price increase in housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, which recorded a 3.3% inflation rate,” National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa said at a news briefing on Thursday.

Inflation for housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels quickened to 3.3%, the fastest since 3.8% in August 2024.

According to the PSA, this commodity group had a 45.9% share in the overall inflation uptick in January.

Broken down, inflation for electricity rose to 6.5% year on year in January from the revised 4% in December, while rental prices picked up by 2.9% during the month from 2.4% in December.

This comes even after Manila Electric. Co. trimmed electricity rates by 16.37 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to P12.9508 per kWh last month from P13.1145 per kWh in December, which meant households consuming an average of 200 kWh paid P33 less in their monthly electricity bill.

In January 2025, Meralco charged P11.7428 per kWh.

The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said the government is enforcing programs to manage price pressures emerging from the energy sector. It includes improving the Department of Energy’s Net Metering Program by enforcing time-bound local permitting, simplifying utility documentary requirements and expanding consumer incentives.

“The program allows consumers to install eligible renewable energy systems and export surplus electricity to the grid, helping lower electricity costs and support the energy transition,” the DEPDev said in a statement.

Mr. Mapa also noted that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) added price pressures, as inflation settled at -2.8% in January from -5.1% in December.

In January, Petron Corp. hiked LPG prices by P2.18 per kilogram (kg), while Solane imposed a P2.18-per-kg increase.

This means that the price of a household-standard 11-kg LPG tank ranged from P820 to P1,120 last month, based on data from the Department of Energy.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the inflation rate of the Philippines could rise to as much as 3% this year? What do you think will be the factors – both internal and external – that will cause the inflation rate to spike?

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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Indonesia Attracts 15.39 Million Foreign Visitors In 2025

February 14, 2026February 10, 2026carlocarrasco

Indonesia, the 2^nd largest economy of Southeast Asia, successfully attracted 15.39 million foreign visitors in 2025 and it is already looking forward to attracting even more this year, according to a news report by VnExpress.

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

Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, welcomed 15.39 million foreign visitors in 2025, exceeding its target of 14-15 million arrivals.

“We have exceeded our target and performed better than our previous projections,” Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said at a meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday, as quoted by Antara News Agency.

Government figures show that average spending per foreign visitor reached US$1,267 in 2025, surpassing the target of $1,220.

Malaysia remained the biggest contributor to Indonesia’s tourism revenue, while the United Arab Emirates posted the fastest growth in visitor numbers.

Arrivals from China rose sharply, reaching 1.34 million in 2025, the highest level in six years, according to Xinhua News Agency. The data indicates that travel from China to Indonesia has not only recovered but has also exceeded pre-pandemic levels.

By doing the math of the numbers revealed in the above news report, US$1,267 multiplied with 15.39 foreign tourists is equal to roughly US$19.5 billion in foreign tourism revenue. That is a huge economic boost for Indonesia.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Have you ever toured Indonesia? If you have visited Indonesia, what did you enjoy the most while touring there?

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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Two Suspects Arrested In Parañaque City, Marijuana Worth P112,000 Seized

February 13, 2026February 9, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers pulled off a successful buy-bust operation that resulted in the apprehension of two suspects and the seizure of marijuana kush worth P112,000, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Authorities arrested two drug suspects and seized P112,000 worth of marijuana kush during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Parañaque City Police Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU).

The suspects were identified as Dagul, 23, and Joshua, 20, both residents of Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City.

Police said the operation was launched after the SDEU received intelligence reports regarding the suspects’ alleged involvement in illegal drug activities. The two were apprehended after selling marijuana kush to an undercover police operative.

Recovered from the suspects were 76 grams of marijuana kush valued at P112,000, marked buy-bust money, a cellular phone, and a black pouch.

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 glad the local police officers succeeded in arresting the suspects? Has the illegal drug trade affected your local community?

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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Vietnam Attracts 2.5 Million Foreign Tourists In January 2026

February 12, 2026February 7, 2026carlocarrasco

Vietnam, which is already one of the leading players of Southeast Asia on foreign tourism, is off to a powerful start as it successfully attracted 2.5 million foreign tourists in January 2026 alone, according to a news report by VnExpress. The relaxed visa policies and enhanced tourism campaigns were factors behind the early success.

For insight, Vietnam attracted 21.2 million foreign tourists in 2025. It is expected to attract more from Israel as its ties with the Jewish state are getting stronger. Also, a lot of Filipino travelers searched for accommodations in Vietnam online in 2025. These are only a few of many factors highlighting the tourism boom in Vietnam.

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

Vietnam received 2.5 million foreign visitors in January, its highest monthly number ever, thanks to relaxed visa policies and increased tourism campaigns.

It represents an increase of more than 21% from the previous month, data released Tuesday by the General Statistics Office shows.

The composition of Vietnam’s top source markets changed during the month. South Korea overtook mainland China to become the top market with nearly 490,000 visitors, and China was next with 460,000.

Cambodia emerged as the most notable mover with more than 223,000 arrivals to rise to third place overtaking Taiwan. The rest of top 10 comprised Taiwan, Japan, the U.S, Australia, Russia, India, and Malaysia.

Industry insiders attribute the jump to ground-breaking visa policies, strong innovation in tourism promotion and marketing, greater product diversification, and improved service quality.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Have you ever toured Vietnam? With the strong start, do you think Vietnam will be able to attract more than 30 million foreign tourists this year? What is the first thing that comes to your mind when it comes to tourism in Vietnam?

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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Las Piñas City Recognized For Advancing Animal Welfare

February 12, 2026February 7, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government received a certificate of recognition for the advancement of animal welfare, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. Mayor April Aguilar formally received the certificate.

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

The city government of Las Piñas has been recognized as one of the first local government units (LGUs) in the country to receive a Certificate of Recognition for Advancing Animal Welfare in the Philippines.

Mayor April Aguilar said the award was conferred by the Animal Health and Welfare Division of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) on the Las Piñas City Veterinary Services Office, headed by Dr. August Michael Basangan, in acknowledgment of its significant contributions to promoting and protecting animal welfare in the city.

Aguilar said the city was cited for its strong and consistent implementation of Republic Act 8485, also known as the Animal Welfare Act.

She added that Las Piñas continues to roll out various animal welfare programs, including free spay and neuter services, anti-rabies vaccination, monthly pet adoption events, pet registration, and pet microchipping.

The mayor also highlighted the City Animal Shelter as a key component of the city’s animal welfare initiatives. The facility serves as a haven for abandoned, rescued, and neglected animals, providing them with proper care and protection.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted that the city was recognized for advancing animal welfare? Should more animal shelters be built and opened in the city?

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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Tremendous Election Victory To Allow Takaichi Policy Power

February 11, 2026February 10, 2026carlocarrasco

Now that the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) won a great majority of the seats of Japan’s House of Representatives, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and her administration are now in a better position to implement policies to help the constituents and strengthen the nation, according to a news article by NHK World.

For insight, the LDP won 316 of the House of Representatives 465 seats. With the addition of the 36 seats won by the coalition partner Japan Innovation Party (JIP) – also referred to as Nippon Ishin no Kai – the grand total is 352 seats. This means the Prime Minister’s ruling coalition surpassed the two-thirds threshold required to overring the upper chamber (House of Councilors) and propose constitutional amendments. Very clearly, the voters of Japan have spoken and they want stability and the right direction for their country.

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

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party overwhelmed the opposition for a historic victory in Sunday’s Lower House election.

Voters gave the LDP a massive majority of 316 seats, empowering Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae – who pledged to accelerate her policy agenda. This marked the first time in the postwar period that a single party secured more than two-thirds of the seats on its own.

But the largest opposition party, the Centrist Reform Alliance, lost a significant number of seats. Both of its co-presidents announced their resignations on Monday.

Takaichi vows to accelerate her policy agenda – The prime minister spoke with NHK about her plans after the landslide win.

She pledged to accelerate the implementation of what she calls “responsible and active fiscal policy,” while calling on opposition members to cooperate in areas where consensus can be reached.

A consumption tax cut was one of the major issues during the election campaign. The LDP had pledged not to apply the consumption tax to food items for a limited period of two years. Takaichi said she is eager to accelerate Diet discussions on the issue.

Asked about the cabinet, she said her current lineup is a good team.

“Just over three months have passed, but everyone is working hard and achieving results, so I am not thinking of changing it,” she added.

But she indicated that she would think about a cabinet position for the LDP’s coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, if the issue is raised.

Crushing defeat – The Centrist Reform Alliance, the largest opposition party, fell to a crushing defeat as it lost more than 100 seats. It held 172 prior to the election and was formed from two separate parties just before the poll.

For additional insight regarding the popularity of Prime Minister Takaichi and other related developments, watch the videos below.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Prime Minister Takaichi and her administration will come up with new and significant policies covering the economy, social norms and defense of the nation over the next twelve months? Do you sense a strong revival of Japan’s economy happening within the next few years? Do you think Communist China is now afraid of Prime Minister Takaichi being a more powerful Japanese leader? Do you think that the planned cooperation between Israel and Japan will proceed smoothly over the next six months?

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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Wanted Construction Worker Apprehended In Las Piñas City

February 10, 2026February 5, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers arrested a construction worker who has been wanted for some time, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Police arrested a construction worker, listed as the No. 8 Most Wanted Person at the station level, in Las Piñas City on Feb. 2

Las Piñas City Police chief Col. Wilson Delos Santos said the suspect, identified as alias DJ, 39, was nabbed at his residence on Gen. Luna Street, Barangay Manuyo Uno, Las Piñas City.

Delos Santos said the arrest was carried out by members of the Warrant and Subpoena Section for violation of Republic Act No. 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

The warrant of arrest for the service of sentence was issued by Judge Mildred Jacinto Marquez of the Las Piñas City Family Court, Branch 2. He is currently detained at the custodial facility of the Las Piñas City Police Station.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you thankful to the local police for arresting the suspect? Does this development make you feel safer?

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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