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“Muntinlupeño First” Emphasized In Mayor Biazon’s Speech

March 5, 2026March 3, 2026carlocarrasco

During the 31^st City Anniversary celebration of Muntinlupa City, the concept of “Muntinlupeño First” was emphasized by Mayor Ruffy Biazon during his State of the City Address held on March 2, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Mayor Ruffy Biazon emphasized the principle of “Muntinlupeño First” in his State of the City Address (SOCA) during the celebration of Muntinlupa’s 31st Cityhood Anniversary on March 2.

For Biazon, the phrase was not a rhetoric but a governing standard, a discipline that requires every government decision to begin with one question: “Makakabuti ba ito sa Muntinlupeño?” (Will this be good for Muntinlupeño?).”

He said public funds are sacred, that policy must be driven by evidence rather than expediency, and that true progress is built on systems, not personalities.

“When we put the Muntinlupeño first, we do not merely move forward. We move forward — together,” he said.

Strengthening systems – In his address, Mayor Biazon listed the achievements and outlined the city government’s continuing priorities in health, education, livelihood, environment, social justice, peace and order, and infrastructure, underscoring that disciplined governance produces measurable outcomes.

In healthcare, his administration continues to focus on maternal and child health, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life, alongside expanded nutrition interventions and intensified immunization efforts.

At the city-run Ospital ng Muntinlupa, improvements are ongoing. The Emergency Room has been renovated, while the Out-Patient Department now operates in a new building designed to improve patient flow and comfort. Renovations are also in the pipeline for the patient rooms, dialysis center, laboratory facilities, operating rooms, and pharmacy.

“These are not cosmetic changes. They are deliberate investments in quality, safety, and dignity in healthcare delivery,” said Biazon .

Investing in education and local opportunity – Biazon reaffirmed the city government’s commitment to sustaining one of the largest local scholarship investments in the country, alongside strengthened technical-vocational training and industry partnerships aimed at linking education directly to employment.

“We are not only producing graduates. We are cultivating professionals. Opportunity must not depend on circumstance, it must be built into the system,” he said.

In employment, he reiterated the principle behind the 70–30 Local Employment Ordinance, which mandates that at least 70 percent of a company’s rank-and-file workforce be composed of Muntinlupeño residents.

“Muntinlupeño First remains clear. We protect local workers — but we also adapt responsibly to ensure that opportunity continues to come home,” he said.

Recognizing partners in progress – As part of the cityhood anniversary program, the city government recognized the top 10 taxpayers, whose contributions help fund scholarships, healthcare services, infrastructure, and social protection programs.

“Without you, we would not be able to implement programs that uplift hundreds of thousands of Muntinlupeños. Your contribution translates into real services, real opportunities, and real impact,” said Biazon.

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 satisfied with the current state of the city? What can you say about the local business environment, the quality of local healthcare and the efficiency of services rendered by the City Government? As a citizen of Muntinlupa, do you feel like you are valuable resident?

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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Road Safety Park In Muntinlupa City Inaugurated

March 4, 2026March 3, 2026carlocarrasco

During the 31^st City Anniversary celebration of Muntinlupa City, the much-awaited Muntinlupa City Road Safety Park was formally inaugurated by the City Government and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in Barangay Tunasan on March 2, according to a news report by The Manila Times.

For insight, the Muntinlupa City Road Safety Park is a 3,140 square-meter interactive facility designed to emphasize to children the rules of traffic and traffic discipline through on-location simulations. The facility is located at the Tunasan Baywalk. I first blogged about the road safety park in 2025.

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

THE Muntinlupa City government has inaugurated its Road Safety Park in Tunasan village as part of the city’s 31st Cityhood Anniversary celebration, marking what officials described as a long-term investment in safer and more disciplined road use.

*The front of the Muntinlupa City Road Safety Park. (photo source – City Government of Muntinlupa)*

Established in partnership with the Department of Transportation, the facility is a learning space where children can learn proper road use through simulations and traffic signage.

The park features a mini road network, pedestrian lanes, cycleways, training areas, and road sign installations designed to teach students and young road users the fundamentals of traffic discipline in a controlled environment.

“Together with our 31st Cityhood Anniversary, we inaugurated the Muntinlupa Road Safety Park in partnership with the DOTr. This is a dedicated learning space where children can learn the proper use of the road through actual road simulations and traffic signage,” Mayor Ruffy Biazon said.

The mayor described the project as personal, recalling that while he was still in Congress in 2019, he filed a proposal to integrate road safety into the basic education curriculum.

*The ribbon-cutting done by Mayor Ruffy Biazon and DOTr acting transport secretary Giovanni Lopez with lots of guests as witnesses. (photo source – City Government of Muntinlupa).*

“I believed then, and I believe even more now, that discipline on the road does not start when getting a driver’s license — it starts while one is still young,” he said.

He added that teaching children at an early age about proper road use, respect for traffic laws, and understanding of road signs would help prevent future accidents and tragedies.

“Roads are a shared responsibility — whether you are a motorist or a pedestrian,” he said.

Biazon said the city immediately proposed the project when funding from the DOTr became available, emphasizing that the park allows children to learn through experience — not only from books but also through actual simulation.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Nicolas Torre III attended the inauguration along with other transport and local officials.

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 Muntinlupa City Road Safety Park inaugurated and made accessible to the public already? Have you visited the facility already?

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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Filipina Worker In Israel Killed By Iranian Missile

March 4, 2026March 3, 2026carlocarrasco

As the Islamic terrorist state of Iran – which lost its demonic Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – kept on firing missiles and drones at several locations in the Middle East in retaliation to the joint US-Israel military operations, a Filipina worker in Israel got killed by an Iranian missile and already the embassies of both the Philippines and Israel expressed their condolences to the victim’s family, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Israel’s embassy in the Philippines has expressed its condolences to the family of the Filipina caregiver who was killed during an Iranian missile attack on Tel Aviv amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Mary Ann Velasquez de Vera, 32, from Basista, Pangasinan, lost her life when a missile struck her apartment on March 1, according (to) the Israel Embassy in Manila. Before this, she was still assisting her patient to safety while she, herself, was already injured.

“Mary Ann, like so many overseas Filipino workers in Israel, exemplified resilience, compassion, and quiet strength,” the Israeli Embassy in Manila said.

“She was identified by her husband, who is also an overseas Filipino worker in Israel, and their family,” it added.

“Israel joins in the profound sorrow of her family and the Filipino community. We mourn together and honor Mary Ann’s memory with dignity and respect. May her soul rest in peace,” it also said.

The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv also conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family through a phone call made by Ambassador Aileen Mendiola to her husband. Mendilola assured him of the Philippine government’s full assistance.

In a separate news report by GMA News, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh confirmed that the Jewish state has committed to providing lifetime support to the family of the victim. Under under Israeli law, the families of individuals injured or killed during a conflict — whether Israeli citizens or foreign nationals — are entitled to lifetime benefits.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines should suspend diplomatic ties with the Islamic terrorist state of Iran? Do you think the terrorist regime of Iran should be held accountable for attacking civilians with missiles and drones so indiscriminately? How long do you think the conflict in the Middle East will last? Are you hoping that Trump’s America, Israel and all the affected nations of the Middle East will band together to end the Islamic terrorist government of Iran? Did you notice any Islamist in your local community expressing support for Iran and Islamic terrorists?

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 Virtual Assistant Arrested In Parañaque City For Qualified Theft

March 3, 2026February 26, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a wanted virtual assistant was apprehended by the local police for four counts of qualified theft, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. The police officers were armed with a warrant of arrest.

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

A female virtual assistant facing four counts of qualified theft through falsification of private documents was arrested during an operation in Parañaque City on Feb. 24.

The suspect was identified as “Maria,” 28, a resident of Barangay San Dionisio, and was listed as the No. 6 most wanted person. She was arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police–San Dionisio Substation along Dr. A. Santos Avenue.

Maria was arrested after police served a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Regina Paz Ramos-Chavez of the Parañaque City Regional Trial Court, Branch 274. The court recommended bail of P130,000.

The suspect is now detained at the Parañaque City Police custodial facility pending the return of the warrant to the issuing court.

Southern Police District (SPD) Director Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo said the arrest is a clear message that no one can hide from the law.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more people who worked as virtual assistants who could have committed theft? When doing transactions, do you do it over-the-counter or online?

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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Pakistani Men Arrested In Parañaque City For Selling Fake Medicine

March 2, 2026February 25, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, three men from Pakistan were arrested by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for selling fake medicine, according to a news report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI).

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

Three Pakistani men were arrested at a Parañaque City subdivision for allegedly selling counterfeit medicine, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Monday.

The foreigners were tracked to a subdivision in Barangay Sun Valley on Sunday afternoon, the PDEA said in a statement.

The agency identified the arrested suspects as “Waseem,” 60; “Mohy,” 54; and “Salman,” 25.

“Seized evidence included 24 packages of Midazolam Injection IP, thousands of tablets and vials of Valium, Nalbin, NLB Injection, Bional Plus and Rivotril,” the agency detailed.

Authorities also confiscated “various counterfeit drugs such as Ibuprofen Medicol Advance, Rabies Vaccine (Human IP), Buscogast, Tuseran Forte, Testosterone Enanthate, Evitek-OCE and Provera Tablets among others,” PDEA added.

It estimated that the allegedly counterfeit medicines seized were worth an initial P120,000, but it noted that an inventory of the total quantity and value of other suspected drugs in the suspects’ possession was still ongoing.

“Non-drug items recovered included cash, accounting records, mobile phones, identification cards, passports, a barcode scanner, and machinery allegedly used in handling counterfeit drugs,” PDEA further said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that the city is getting infiltrated by foreign nationals who planned to commit criminal activities? Are there many Pakistani nationals staying within your local community right now? What do you think makes Parañaque an ideal city for illegal aliens and related criminal activities?

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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Cerberus’ P5.31 Billion Unsolicited Proposal For Subic Bay International Airport Development Under SBMA’s Review

February 28, 2026February 25, 2026carlocarrasco

When was the last time you visited the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA)? In recent times, the US-based company Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments, LLC (Cerberus) proposed to manage, operate and rehabilitate the said airport for P5.31 billion and it has been endorsed by the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center. The unsolicited proposal is officially being reviewed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

THE P5.31-billion unsolicited proposal of US-based investment company Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments, LLC (Cerberus) to manage, operate, and upgrade Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) is now being reviewed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) after the go signal from the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center.

“This unsolicited project was endorsed by the (PPP) Center to the IA (implementing agency) after being determined complete… The Subic Bay International Airport PPP is currently undergoing the approval process of SBMA,” the PPP Center told BusinessWorld on Tuesday.

According to the PPP Center, the SBMA will be the approving body for the project. If approved, the airport project will be under an operate-add-transfer contract arrangement.

Once the SBMA approves the project, it will begin negotiations with the project proponent. The government will then formalize the Original Proponent Status and initiate the Swiss Challenge process.

The Swiss Challenge is a process where other companies can submit better offers, but the original proponent has the right to match them.

Cerberus Capital Management is an investment firm managing approximately $65 billion in assets. Its global network of affiliates includes Cerberus Asia Pacific, which focuses on investments in logistics, infrastructure, technology, and energy.

Cerberus already operates part of a 310-hectare lot of a former South Korean-owned shipyard located west of the airport for which it had submitted an unsolicited bid.

“In theory, competitive bidding is king. In the reality of the SBIA, Cerberus is the catalyst we need. It is time to choose strategic results over procedural delays,” Rene S. Santiago, former president of the Transportation Science Society of the Philippines, said in a Viber message.

Nigel Paul C. Villarete, a senior adviser on public-private partnerships at the technical advisory group Libra Konsult, said that solicited bidding would be more feasible and faster, as it enables the government to define the contract’s parameters and coverage.

“Many of our public facilities should be operated by the private sector to attain a lot of the efficiencies that they can do, which are often difficult to attain within the government realm,” Mr. Villarete said.

For Mr. Villarete, a government-led solicited procurement process will always be preferable.

However, since an unsolicited proposal has already been submitted, the government’s role is to enter into negotiations, introduce the necessary changes and amendments, and only then present the proposal to the public for challenge, he said.

“There should be a negotiation period for the two parties to discuss any amendments required by the government before this is published for challenge,” he said.

Cerberus’ proposal covers the rehabilitation of SBIA assets and the development of new facilities to expand capacity and attract new tenants.

The company has also committed to invest “considerable financial resources” and utilize its real estate management capabilities in developing the airport.

In its proposal the company said that it will maintain the existing leases but only for the “early years” of its concession period.

“Cerberus plans to maintain the status quo of existing operations by honoring existing leases and retaining incumbent employees. In parallel, Cerberus will invest significant capital expenditure to improve SBIA’s infrastructure and operations, whilst building new hangars and storage facilities to reestablish SBIA as a major hub for commercial cargo operations and to expand SBIA’s government logistics operations,” it said.

The company added that it will monitor and evaluate airport fees to optimize SBMA’s returns under the revenue-sharing agreement, while supporting efforts to attract and manage both existing and new airport tenants.

This revenue-sharing scheme would be the determining factor if the proposed 25-year concession agreement were extended, PPP Center said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What is your opinion about the current state of the international airport inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone? Do you think so much more can be achieved with the Subic Bay International Airport in terms of expanding flight connectivity, attracting more tourists from overseas and paving way for more foreign commerce to enter the freeport?

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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Chinese National Arrested In Parañaque City For Identity Theft And Overstaying

February 26, 2026February 25, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a Chinese national was arrested by elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the local police for identity theft, illegal activities and overstaying in the country, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Saturday reported the arrest of a Chinese national for alleged identity theft and overstaying during a raid on a condominium unit in Parañaque City.

Operatives from the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), in coordination with the Parañaque City Police Intelligence Section and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), carried out the enforcement operation on 16 February at a residential unit in Barangay Tambo.

Authorities arrested Fang Li, 36, a Chinese national, following intelligence reports that she had been engaging in illicit activities and was allegedly using the identity of another Chinese citizen.

Immigration records showed that Fang last entered the Philippines in 2022 as a temporary visitor but failed to apply for any visa extension or conversion. She has since been classified as an overstaying alien.

During the operation, agents also encountered two other Chinese nationals identified as Chen Youliang, 38, and Xu Yuxiang, 39.

febXu, meanwhile, was found to be overstaying, as her last recorded visa extension expired in 2020.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized that the bureau will not tolerate attempts by foreign nationals to evade immigration laws by using false identities.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be a lot more Chinese nationals committing criminal acts while hiding in the city? What do you think makes Parañaque a hot spot of criminal activities involving Chinese nationals.

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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Muntinlupa City Affected By Daily Water Service Interruptions Of Maynilad

February 26, 2026February 25, 2026carlocarrasco

As the month of February is about to end, Maynilad’s daily water service interruptions continue to affect Muntinlupa City, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Recently, Maynilad was asked by the City Government to explain why the interruptions keep on happening.

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

The daily water service interruptions being implemented by Maynilad Water Services have continued in Muntinlupa.

“Some areas of Las Pinas City and Muntinlupa City may experience low to no water supply starting February 24, 2026 at 12:00 pm until 7:00 pm due to variable raw water quality during the Amihan season, caused by strong winds over Laguna Lake. We are managing limited supply and will restore service as soon as conditions improve,” Maynilad announced on Feb. 24.

In a recent live broadcast on Facebook held by Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Maynilad representatives admitted that the company is having difficulty supplying water 24/7 to households in the city mainly because of problems that hound its treatment plants that draw raw water from the Laguna Lake.

“We need to distribute or allocate hours. We have to distribute the water because of the number of customers that we have to serve,” said Greg Antonio, speaking in Filipino, head of Maynilad’s Water Production South.

He admitted that Maynilad was currently rationing water to many areas in Muntinlupa with eight hours each in the morning, afternoon and evening. When there is no water, Maynilad said it is delivering water using tankers.

Alfred John Gallego, head of Maynilad’s Muntinlupa-Las Pinas Business Area, said the company’s treatment plant handling water from Laguna Lake was unable to cope with strong winds that generate powerful waves in the lake surface.

“We can see that wind conditions have not been favorable to us though we know it’s seasonal,” he said..“We need to protect our plant to prevent a surge of water that is not according to design.”

He said Maynilad reduces the volume of water that the treatment plant processes to avoid compromising water quality.

Gallego said that the concessionaire also gets help from other water sources, like La Mesa Dam. He did not discuss, however, whether the company is also looking at other water sources.

He also said existing pipelines of Maynilad are no longer sufficient to carry additional water volume. He added that their main source of water, Angat, is always prone to the effects of El Nino, or prolonged dry spell.

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, how was your experience with the water service of Maynilad? Do you think Maynilad told the truth behind the water service interruptions? Do you want to the City Government to keep on pressing Maynilad for answers and solutions? Do you think Maynilad should do refunds?

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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Muntinlupa City Government Continues Support Of Over 110,000 Local Students

February 25, 2026February 20, 2026carlocarrasco

In a serious effort to support the education of over one hundred ten thousand students of Muntinlupa City, the City Government continues to make scholarships and school supplies accessible to them through the established programs, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Amid the rising cost of living, the Muntinlupa City government is supporting the education of more than 110,000 students through scholarships and free school supplies.

One of them is Jaspher Nherie Elviña, a beneficiary under the city government’s Muntinlupa Scholarship Program. For him, it was never just about the allowance but staying in school.

Now a cum laude graduate of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Colegio de Muntinlupa, Jasper recalled being a city scholar.

“Nagsimula ako maging iskolar ng Muntinlupa… simula pa noong 1st year high school, noong nagkaroon ng scholarship program ang Muntinlupa o MSP. Ang allowance na nakukuha ko sa Muntinlupa ay malaki ang naitutulong para sa pandagdag baon at gastusin sa araw-araw na pagpasok at requirements sa iba’t ibang subject ko dati (I started being a Muntinlupa scholar… since my 1st year of high school, when the Muntinlupa or MSP scholarship program was established. The allowance I get from Muntinlupa is a great help for supplementing my pocket money and expenses for daily attendance and requirements for my various subjects),” he said.

The cost of education is not just about tuition fees. There are daily transportation expenses, project materials, printing fees, laboratory contributions, and the small but constant costs of staying enrolled.

Elviña said the allowance he received from the Muntinlupa City government was a symbol of reassurance that allowed him to focus on his studies instead of worrying about daily expenses.

Elviña said the allowance he received from the Muntinlupa City government was a symbol of reassurance that allowed him to focus on his studies instead of worrying about daily expenses.

He is one of the more than 110,000 scholars supported by the Muntinlupa City government in 2025, a scholarship system that started from about 5,000 beneficiaries during its early years.

Today, it has become one of the most expansive local government-funded education programs in Metro Manila.

In 2025, the city government spent P587.8 million in educational assistance or about seven percent of its P8.8-billion annual budget.

In proportional terms, officials said this placed Muntinlupa among the highest in the National Capital Region when it comes to allocating funds for scholarships, even compared with cities that operate on larger overall budgets.

The scholarship program started in 1989 when a scholarship trust fund was established to assist financially struggling students. At the time, only around 5,000 scholars were covered. Under former mayor Jimmy Fresnedi, now Muntinlupa representative, the system was institutionalized and expanded across educational levels.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you approve of the way the City Government is supporting local students?

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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Deals Worth $4.2 Million Signed To Expand Nuclear Cooperation

February 24, 2026February 18, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently the effort to integrate nuclear power into the energy mix of the Philippines moved a few steps forward as deals with American companies worth $4.2 million were formally signed, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE PHILIPPINES is gaining more support from the United States in its goal of integrating nuclear power into the national energy mix in the next six years as it sealed $4.2 million worth of deals with US companies.

Government agencies and private companies from the Philippines and the US on Monday entered into memoranda of understanding which are aimed at exploring deployment of nuclear technology and supporting nuclear workforce development in the country.

“The Philippine Energy Plan sets clear direction for an energy future — 1,200 megawatts (MW)by 2032. And that is not moving until somebody tells us that it’s impossible,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said in her speech during the signing ceremony in Makati City on Monday.

“These targets demand preparation, anchored in discipline, safety, and capacity. As we pursue energy security and a responsible transition, we must invest in our people as deliberately as we invest in infrastructure,” she added.

Under the Philippine Energy Plan, the country aims to integrate nuclear energy into the power mix with at least 1,200 MW of capacity by 2032, rising to 2,400 MW by 2045 and to 4,800 MW by 2050.

“We want to work together to get the Philippines to the finish line on nuclear energy,” Ann K. Ganzer, principal deputy assistant secretary at the US Department of State’s Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation, said.

“Beyond acquiring the technology and establishing robust regulations, to achieve that 2032 goal, the most vital elements will be assessing sites for commercial reactor and developing the skilled workforce needed to design, construct, operate, regulate and sustain advanced nuclear plants for generations to come,” she added.

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s largest private electric distribution utility, secured a $2.7-million grant from the United States Trade and Development Agency to help the company assess and deploy US-designed small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Philippines.

Meralco will pursue a feasibility study which involves an evaluation of leading US technologies, identification of viable sites, and delivery of a high-level implementation roadmap.

SMRs, each capable of generating up to 300 MW, can be constructed more quickly than traditional nuclear power plants.

Meralco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Manuel V. Pangilinan described the grant as “the beginning of a long but necessary journey.”

“Meralco is also looking actually at not only SMRs. It depends on the horizon by which we are able to deploy, but also, perhaps a bit sooner, conventional nuclear plants for this country,” Mr. Pangilinan said.

“It simply is right for the country and for Meralco to take nuclear, and we are prepared to act as thought leaders in this regard,” he added.

The US State Department’s Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Reactor Technology Program involves the installation of a $1.5-million nuclear reactor control room simulator at a technical institution within the planned Luzon Economic Corridor.

The simulator will provide hands-on realistic training for future reactor operators, which is aimed at positioning the Philippines as an SMR regional training hub.

Meanwhile, several private companies and government agencies also contributed $2.5 million to bring US nuclear experts to the Philippines to develop specialized vocational and higher education curricula focused on the civil nuclear industry.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines still has a lot of work to do and many challenges to resolve before it could convince foreign investors to come in? Do you think the national government is doing good enough to make the country attractive to foreign investors again?

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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