Author Carlo Carrasco

Las Piñas City qualifies as a 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awardee

November 15, 2024November 14, 2024carlocarrasco

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) just released the official list of Seal of Good and Local Governance (SGLG) awardees for 2024 and the City of Las Piñas made it, the City Government announced via social media. Las Piñas is one of the fourteen National Capital Region (NCR) cities that were declared awardees.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt of the City Government’s social media post (translated from Tagalog). Some parts in boldface…

Las Piñas City was honored with the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) 2024 from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in recognition of the smooth and effective governance of the city under the leadership of Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar. This award is only given to local governments that pass the strict standards of DILG in various aspects of public service and governance.

The SGLG focuses on ten key categories, including Financial Administration and Sustainability, which assesses proper and transparent use of city funds; Disaster Preparedness, which ensures disaster preparedness; Social Protection and Sensitivity, which emphasizes addressing the needs of the poor and vulnerable Sector; Health Compliance and Responsiveness, which promotes effective health services; Sustainable Education, which aims to improve the quality of education; Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness, which facilitates business; Safety, Peace, and Order, which promotes safety and order; Environmental Management, which values environmental care; Tourism, Heritage Development, Culture, and Arts, promoting tourism and cultural appreciation; and Youth Development, encouraging active participation of youth in governance.

Through this recognition, Las Piñas City proved its continuous dedication in providing quality service for the welfare of its residents.

There is a grand total of 714 SGLG awardees nationwide for 2024. For full transparency, displayed below is the entire 2024 SGLG awardees list from the DILG. Feel free to download a copy.

wp-1731560433405 Download

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 happy with the way the City Government has been doing public service and governing? Are there certain things that you wish the City Government could improve on? Does this new development impact your way of choosing which candidates to vote for in the May 2025 local elections?

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

Parañaque City fails to qualify in 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) list of awardees

November 15, 2024December 10, 2024carlocarrasco

Just months after its embarrassing 27^th place finish among highly urbanized cities (HUC) in the 2024 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI), the City of Parañaque suffered another setback as it failed to make it in the list of the 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awardees which the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) released online very recently.

To put things in perspective, there were a total of 96 cities nationwide that were named as awardees of the SGLG for 2024. Among those 96 cities, 14 were from the National Capital Region (NCR). Among the 14 NCR cities, two cities of South Metro Manila made it as awardees – Muntinlupa City and Las Piñas City.

Parañaque City was completely missing from the 2024 list which clearly means it was not an awardee at all. In order to win the SGLG award, the local government unit (LGU) must pass the DILG’s strict standards. For transparency, posted below are images of the lists of the 96 cities that made it as 2024 SGLG awardees.

For further transparency, displayed below is the full 2024 SGLG document from the DILG for your view. Feel free to download a copy.

wp-1731560433405 Download

All in all, there were a total of 714 SGLG awardees for 2024 covering the cities, municipalities and provinces around the country. The 2024 SGLG awardees list was signed by DILG Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla. The official Facebook page of SGLG posted below its message to the 2024 awardees:

Hats off to the 714 awardees of the 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance!

Your commitment to excellence in public service and dedication to the principles of good governance have set a remarkable standard for local leadership. Your unwavering dedication to serving the people is an inspiration to us all.

Going back to Parañaque, this is not the first time the city failed to become an SGLG awardee. In 2023 list of SGLG awardees, eleven NCR cities were named and the City of Parañaque was not among them. Look at the image below.

Now that Parañaque City is ending 2024 with a very bad CMCI finish and the failure to qualify for an SGLG award, one has to wonder what has the current City Government been doing with regards to public service, governance, financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, health compliance, public safety, peace and order, and more.

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 satisfied with the way your Mayor and your City Government have been doing their jobs? Do you think it is time for the City Government to realize that other LGUs are more competitive and doing better jobs with regards to local governance? Do you think Parañaque City can still improve? Do these results affect your decision as to which local candidates would you vote for in the May 2025 local elections?

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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Can the DOT achieve its 2024 target of 7.7 million international visitor arrivals?

November 15, 2024November 6, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently the Department of Tourism (DOT) confirmed that as of November 1, 2024, it has recorded 4.8 million international visitor arrivals, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. That is around three million short of its 2024 target of 7.7 million.

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

International visitor arrivals to the Philippines reached more than 4.8 million, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Friday.

In a statement announcing its attendance at the 2024 World Travel Market (WTM) in London, the DOT said the event would serve as an opportunity to invite more tourists from the European market, especially as it makes up a huge percentage of the foreign visitors to the country.

“The United Kingdom leads as the top European source of visitors, ranking as the Philippines’ ninth-largest source market, with 128,660 arrivals recorded from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31,” it said.

“As the UK outbound travel market rebounds, it presents a valuable opportunity for the Philippines.”

As of Nov. 1, the number of international visitors to the Philippines has reached 4,879,022, less than 3 million away from the DOT’s yearend target of 7.7 million arrivals.

With UK tourists increasingly seeking destinations that offer value for money and experience, the DOT is confident the Philippines’ “diverse landscapes, rich history, and immersive travel experiences” align well with the market’s preferences.

By doing the math, 4,879,022 international tourist arrivals covering the period of January 1 to November 1 (306 days) is equivalent to 15,944.516 per day. Multiply that current average by 366 days for 2024 (a leap year), the total would be 5,835,693 international tourist arrivals which is clearly short of the target.

Of course, it is expected that more visitors from overseas will increase sharply this December as many Filipinos based abroad will be coming home for Christmas and New Year celebrations with families. It remains to be seen how the DOT and its strategic partners will accommodate the anticipated high influx of visitors from overseas. It is recalled that the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) and China Banking Corp. found the nation’s Philippine tourism recovery still lacking.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this latest development? Do you think the DOT can still hit its 2024 target of 7.7 million international visitor arrivals by the end of December? Do you think news about crime connected with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are discouraging foreigners from visiting the Philippines? Do you wish to see the DOT get more involved with special events such as food festivals, entertainment conventions, film festivals, international sports events, car shows and the like?

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, special event 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

Philippines October 2024 inflation rate settles at 2.3%

November 14, 2024November 5, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently it was announced that the inflation rate of the Philippines for October 2024 settled at 2.3%, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. By comparison, the nation’s inflation rate was at 4.9% in October 2023.

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

Inflation continued to settle within the government’s 2 to 4 percent target despite a slight uptick in October this year.

In a briefing on Tuesday, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said headline inflation during the month was at 2.3 percent, slightly higher than the 1.9 percent recorded in September this year. Inflation in October last year, however, was higher at 4.9 percent.

The latest data brings the national average inflation rate from January to October 2024 to 3.3 percent.

Mapa said the higher inflation in October was primarily influenced by the faster increase in food and non-alcoholic beverages at 2.9 percent from 1.4 percent in September 2024.

Despite the increase, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) are optimistic that inflation will remain within target this year.

“The latest inflation figures confirm that we are on track to keep inflation within target. The government is fully committed to ensuring price stability and protecting Filipino households from undue shocks,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a statement.

Balisacan assured the public that while recent weather disturbances posed challenges to the country’s food supply and logistics, the government will work “relentlessly to keep food available and prices steady, particularly for essential commodities.”

“With targeted support and streamlined food supply chains, we aim to ensure that food is affordable and accessible for Filipino families, especially those most vulnerable to price shocks when disasters hit us,” Balisacan said.

To mitigate the impact of natural disasters, Balisacan said the Department of Social Welfare and Development is implementing the Building on Social Protection for Anticipatory Action and Response in Emergencies and Disasters Program.

The program provides social safety nets and capacity-building measures to support affected communities.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration earlier forecast that La Niña will persist until the first quarter of 2025, with two to eight tropical cyclones expected to affect the country until April 2025.

“The President has mobilized all of government to ensure relief efforts are comprehensive and delivered on time. In addition, he has directed us to craft a robust solution to build the resilience of families and communities amid the onslaught of severe typhoons,” Balisacan said.

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 nation will end up between 2% to 4% for the final two months of the year?

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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Call center agent apprehended in Parañaque City for online sexual abuse

November 14, 2024November 5, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, police officers arrested a call center agent for violating the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. It turns out the suspect was one of the most wanted individuals by the police.

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

A call center agent, identified as one of the Top 5 most wanted individuals at the station level, was nabbed by the Parañaque City Police during a manhunt operation conducted on Monday, November 4 for breaching the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.

According to Southern Police District (SPD) Director, PBrig. Gen. Bernard Yang, the arrest took place at approximately 3:00 p.m. in Barangay Marcelo Green, Parañaque City.

Director Yang further stated that the suspect was taken into custody under a warrant issued by Judge Zandra Tubat Bato of the Imus Cavite Regional Trial Court, Fourth Judicial Region, Branch 22, dated October 1, 2023, with a recommended bail set at ₱200,000.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you consider online sexual abuse a serious problem affecting your 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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What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 41

November 13, 2024November 12, 2024carlocarrasco

Welcome back, my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.

#1 Varied videos of Friday The 13^th Part 2 – While it is a fact that Friday The 13^th Part 2 is not exactly a great slasher horror movie, it is still an improvement over its predecessor and first established Jason Voorhees as the deadly antagonist. Its production values were also better as well. Believe it or not, there are lots of retro movie video reviews and movie reaction videos about it and I posted below the best ones you can enjoy.

#2 When people push science too far (dramatized with XCOM games) – Science can be helpful but if scientists allow it to overwhelm and control them, science can be disastrous. In fact, science can make someone much less human. The YouTuber Woahvi made the video below to make a point about going extreme with science while using footage and concepts of the popular video game XCOM: Enemy Unknown (and the sequel) which I myself played a lot. There is a lot of engaging stuff to see in the video and I encourage you to watch it now.

#3 Commiewood in chaos over Donald Trump’s amazing comeback – It is a known fact that Hollywood has too many Commies, woke nuts and other Leftists. Unsurprisingly, Commiewood blindly supported the Democrats and their presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Because Donald Trump pulled off the greatest American comeback by winning the US Presidential Election, Commiewood elements are agonizing and falling apart. Watch and learn from the videos below.

#4 A look at Undercover Cops – I never played Undercover Cops on the arcade nor on console. In fact, I don’t even remember seeing it anywhere back in the 1990s. I recently visited the YouTube channel of PatmanQC and decided to watch his retrospective video about Undercover Cops. It is a fun video to watch to discover what the game is about and what I missed out on. Watch it!

#5 Critical Drinker’s Production Hell videos about Star Trek V: The Final Frontier and Full Metal Jacket – Apart from his reviews and analytical videos about movies, I find Critical Drinker’s Production Hell series engaging to watch. He clearly does his own research about the troubled productions of movies as well as conflicts between certain people involved. I encourage to watch his videos about Star Trek V: The Final Frontier and Full Metal Jacket. Each video is loaded with details and Critical Drinker’s presentation is great.

#6 The reckless spending and debt of Kamala Harris and the Democrats – If you want a modern look at spending done so recklessly that it led to debt and division, look at the failed US Presidential campaign of Commie Kamala Harris. To say the least, Harris and the Democrats raised over a billion Dollars and spent massively to literally buy the endorsements of celebrities, pay to have Harris in shows and podcasts, transport die-hard supporters from state to state to create the illusions of massive attendance, and more. Watch and learn from the detailed, explanatory video of Sky News Australia below.

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Three men apprehended in Las Piñas City for illegal gambling

November 13, 2024November 4, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, an operation conducted by the local police resulted in the arrests of three men for illegal gambling and the illegal possession of a firearm, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Three men engaged in illegal gambling were arrested by members of the Las Piñas City Police Zapote Substation during the conduct of “Oplan Galugad” on Saturday, November 2.

Las Piñas City Police chief, PCol. Sandro Tafalla identified the suspects as alias “Jiapar”, 39;, alias “Rolando”, 60 and alias “Romeo”, 41.

The suspects were arrested at around 2:50 a.m. at Lopez Compound, Barangay Daniel Fajardo, Las Piñas City.

Tafalla said members of the Zapote Police Substation were conducting “Oplan Galugad” against lawless elements when they spotted the suspects engaged in illegal gambling (cara y cruz) activity.

Authorities recovered a 9 mm caliber pistol with three live ammunition in the possession of Jiapar, assorted bet money in different denominations used in illegal gambling, and three pieces of one peso coins used as flippers.

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? Is illegal gambling a serious problem in your local community right now?

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 3rd quarter economic growth settles at 5.2%

November 12, 2024November 8, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently it was announced that the economy of the Philippines expanded by 5.2% in the 3^rd quarter of 2024, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Philippines remains one of the fastest growing economies in the region despite the slowdown in the third quarter of the year, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said on Thursday.

Philippine economic growth settled at 5.2 percent in the third quarter, lower than the 6 percent recorded in the same period last year.

The latest data brought the year-to-date gross domestic product (GDP) expansion to 5.8 percent, slightly under the 6-percent lower end of the government’s growth target for this year.

“Our economy continues to grow steadily; the latest GDP figures indicate continuous expansion. Of the countries that have reported their third-quarter GDP growth rates, we remain one of the fastest-growing Asian economies,” Balisacan said in a briefing at the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) office in Quezon City.

“We follow Vietnam, which posted a 7.4 percent growth rate, and are ahead of Indonesia (with 4.9 percent), China (4.6 percent), and Singapore (4.1 percent), ” he added.

Among the major economic sectors, industry and services grew by 5 percent and 6.3 percent in the third quarter.

National Statistician Dennis Mapa said, however, that agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector contracted by 2.8 percent.

Balisacan explained that the contraction in the agriculture sector was due to the effects of El Niño, seven typhoons, and Habagat. He added the fishing ban in Cavite and Bataan due to the oil spill, and cancellation of fishing trips due to bad weather conditions, also affected fishing and aquaculture.

“Likewise, livestock production decreased due to the recent outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF), such as in Batangas last August,” he said.

Balisacan said the successive typhoons also suspended classes and work in government and some private offices, resulting in administrative delays.

Household final consumption expenditure grew by 5.1 percent, which Balisacan attributed to the slower consumer price inflation. Government final consumption expenditure slowed to 5 percent from 6.7 percent.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines will grow much faster in the 4^th quarter?

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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68.6 million registered voters for 2025 National and Local Elections

November 12, 2024November 4, 2024carlocarrasco

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) recently announced that almost sixty-nine million voters got registered for the 2025 National and Local Elections, according a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The figure was almost three million more than what was counted in 2022.

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

The country has now close to 69 million registered voters for the 2025 midterm elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Sunday.

Latest Comelec records showed that 68,618,667 registered voters nationwide may participate in the forthcoming polls, with Region IV-A or Calabarzon topping the highest number of voters at 9,764,170.

Region III (Central Luzon) came in second with 7,712,535 registered voters, followed by the National Capital Region (Metro Manila) with 7,562,858.

Regions VII (Central Visayas) and V (Bicol Region) came in fourth and fifth at 4,407,337 and 4,066,662, respectively.

On the other hand, the Cordillera Administrative Region with 1,111,859 voters and Caraga (Region XIII) with 1,889,616 voters posted the lowest number of registered voters.

The total is higher than the May 2022 national polls with 65,745,526 voters and the village and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth) elections in October last year with 67,839,861.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there many members of your local community who intend to vote in the 2025 National and Local Elections?

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 man arrested in Las Piñas City for acts of lasciviousness

November 12, 2024November 3, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a man was apprehended by local police officers for violation of acts of lasciviousness, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect also turned out to be one of the most wanted persons in the city.

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

A man placed by the police as top 3 most wanted person was arrested by Las Piñas City Police Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) for violation of acts of lasciviousness on November 2.

Col. Sandro Tafalla, Las Piñas City police chief, said the suspect identified as alias “Jear,” 36, was arrested at around 1:30 p.m. in Barangay Talon Tres, Las Piñas City.

Tafalla said the suspect was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by Judge Mildred Jacinto Marquez of Las Piñas City Family Court Branch 2 under Criminal Case Nos. 24-0929, 24-0930, and 24-0031 for acts of lasciviousness with a recommended bail of P540,000.

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 know anyone who caused acts of lasciviousness in your local community over the past 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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