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STI’s P950 million academic center in Alabang to rise, to start operating in 2026

February 24, 2025February 14, 2025carlocarrasco

STI Education Services Group, Inc. (STI ESG) formally broke ground of their ambitious P950 million campus in Alabang (the STI Academic Center Alabang) which was designed to accommodate ten thousand students and start operating in 2026, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Tanco-led STI Education Services Group, Inc. (STI ESG) is investing P950 million for the construction of a new state-of-the-art campus in Alabang designed to meet the evolving needs of students in the 21st century.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the firm said it has broken ground for the new STI Academic Center Alabang located on a 3,266 square-meter property in South Park District. The campus is set to be operational in 2026.

The new campus is designed to accommodate up to 10,000 senior high school and college students. The 8-storey building will feature top-of-the-line facilities and equipment to ensure a world-class learning environment.

“For years, we have been expanding and improving our facilities to keep up with the demands and challenges of the modern world,” said STI President and COO Peter K. Fernandez.

He added that, “This new campus in Alabang reflects our commitment to creating a conducive learning environment that empowers students with relevant skills, knowledge, and character.”

STI Academic Center Alabang will be equipped with modern facilities, including air-conditioned classrooms with flat-screen TVs, student activity centers with internet connectivity, industry-grade laboratories, and recreational spaces such as a basketball court.

The campus will offer senior high school programs and bachelor’s degree programs in high-demand fields such as Information Technology, Business & Management, Hospitality Management, and Tourism Management.

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 think the upcoming STI Academic Center Alabang will make a positive impact on local society as well as on families looking for schools to have their children enrolled in?

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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Opening of DFA-NCR South Consular Office inside Festival Mall commended by Muntinlupa Mayor

February 23, 2025February 18, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the permanent Consular of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was formally opened inside Festival Mall in Filinvest City, Alabang, and it was commended by Mayor Ruffy Biazon as the facility’s many services will be helpful for the local residents and those from other cities, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon commended the opening of the permanent Consular Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) at Festival Mall in Alabang.

Biazon attended the opening of the DFA Consular Office National Capital Region-South located at the third floor of the mall’s east wing.

Also present during the opening ceremony were Ambassador Joseph Yap, DFA Office of Consular Affairs Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito Cruz, and Filinvest Land president and CEO Tristan Las Marias.

“Available dito ang primary services tulad ng document verification and authentication at passport issuance, among others. Spacious, bright, at convenient din ang bagong office—hindi lang para sa Muntinlupeños kundi pati sa ating mga kababayan from nearby cities and provinces (Primary services such as document verification and authentication and passport issuance, among others, are available here. The new office is spacious, bright, and convenient—not only for Muntinlupeños but also for our countrymen from nearby cities and provinces),” the mayor posted on Facebook.

Biazon said, “this office is more than just a facility. It’s a gateway of dreams para sa lahat ng Pilipinong nagnanais makabisita, makapag-aral, o makapagtrabaho sa ibang bansa (It’s a gateway of dreams for all Filipinos who wish to visit, study, or work abroad).”

Cruz said the DFA-NCR South Consular Office will serve “as the mini-OCA Aseana and DFA outpost.”

He said the Alabang office will provide “consular services that cover first time passport applications, passport renewals, authentication, and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN).”

The first passport applicant at the DFA-NCR South office was a 67-year-old man who applied for his very first Philippine passport. He said he applied for a passport so he can visit his child in California.

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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Office building in Parañaque City raided, hundreds of employees arrested

February 22, 2025February 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Very recently in the City of Parañaque, a team of local law enforcers raided an office building in the Bay Area resulting in hundreds of suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) employees – including 146 foreigners – getting arrested, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

Authorities arrested 453 illegal POGO employees in a raid in an office building in the Bay Area of Parañaque City on Thursday.

Operatives from the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Justice Office of Cybercrime (DOJ OOC) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) enforced an arrest warrant against a Chinese national for fraud.

An Immigration Mission Order was also implemented as the subject is an employee of suspected POGO that has been under surveillance for the past months.

A total of 453 employees including 146 foreigners, mostly Chinese, were caught in front of their computers on the three floors of the building believed to be operating illegal offshore gaming and scamming activities.

“Dalawang taon na raw silang nag-o-operate and they never stopped. Galing daw sila ng ASEANA. Nung medyo uminit daw doon, lumipat daw sila dito,” PAOCC Spokesperson Director Winston Casio told GMA Integrated News.

Initial review of computer screens and interviews with Filipino employees revealed the different scams employed in the alleged POGO.

“Bawat floor, iba-ibang scam. Sa fifth floor at seventh floor, stock investment scam. Pero ang pinagkaiba dito sa seventh floor, may spamming na nagaganap using a Hong Kong mobile,” DOJ OOC Head Agent Innah Protacio-Ladislao said.

“Sa sixth floor is online betting scam. Particularly, target nila is Indian. Sa sixth floor, Filipino ang employees,” Protacio-Ladislao added.

Scripts for scamming were also found in workstations.

Authorities recovered hundreds of computers, laptops, smartphones, pre-registered SIM cards and other gadgets. The said items will be examined and will undergo digital forensics.

Based on information gathered, local authorities issued a closure order on the POGO after it was raided before.

It is now operating under a new name with a Mayor’s permit, business license and a barangay permit. These will form part of the investigation.

“Dapat kasi before they issue yung permits nila, yung sa barangay, yung sa city hall, dapat they do yung talagang religious inspection of the establishment,” PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said.

“Kung ang permit nila is entertainment, are they really indulging yung kumpanya nila sa entertainment? O baka naman scamming yan tulad ng nangyayari dito?” Cruz added.

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 think the City Government is ignoring the presence of POGOs within its jurisdiction? Do you think the Parañaque City Government and barangays should be more careful with reviewing business applications and ensure that no new POGOs will sprout?

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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Direct loading to GCash and Maya recently phased out by BPI

February 20, 2025February 12, 2025carlocarrasco

In case you missed the news, direct loading to e-wallet services GCash and Maya using the app of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has been disabled recently as the bank made changes, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is phasing out its direct e-wallet loading feature for GCash and Maya on Feb. 13, 2025.

After this date, BPI customers will no longer be able to use the “Load E-Wallet” option within the BPI mobile app to fund their GCash or Maya accounts.

Instead, BPI is advising users to transfer funds via InstaPay and PesoNet using the “Transfer to other banks” function. Within this feature, customers can select “G-Xchange” for GCash or “Maya Philippines Inc/Maya Wallet” for Maya.

BPI explained that this shift is in line with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Circular 980, which outlines the National Retail Payment System Framework, and complies with recommendations from the Philippine Payments Management, Inc. (PPMI) as detailed in Advisory No. 2024-1104-020.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a BPI user who also has a GCash or Maya account, were you deeply affected by the recent changes? Do you find transferring money from BPI to an e-wallet service more inconvenient to do today?

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 voting population almost 76 million, voters aged 18-44 form majority

February 20, 2025February 12, 2025carlocarrasco

When compared to the National and Local Elections of 2022, the voting population of the Philippines for this year is significantly higher with almost 76 million and voters aged 18 to 44-years-old combined for a majority, according to a GMA Network news report. It should be noted that the number of registered voters for 2025 is short of 70 million.

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

Filipinos from the ages of 18 to 44 make up the majority of voters for Eleksyon 2025, data compiled by GMA Integrated News Research showed.

According to a report on 24 Oras Weekend, the Philippines’ voting population—or those who are of age to vote—increased by a little over 10 million to 75,940,535 for the 2025 national and local midterm elections, from 65,745,512 in 2022.

Of the 2025 total, Comelec data as of Jan. 23, 2025 shows that 69,673,655 are registered voters.

And of this number, the breakdown by generation is as follows, according to GMA Integrated News Research:

* 25.94 million are Millennials, born in the period from 1981 to 1996, making up 34.15% of the voting-age population

* 21.87 million are Gen Z, born in the period from 1997 to 2007, making up 28.79% of the voting-age population

* 17.64 million are Gen X, born in the period from 1965 to 1980, making up 23.22% of the voting-age population

* 10.50 million are from the Baby Boom and Silent Generations, born in the 1946–1964 and 1928–1945 periods respectively, making up 13.83% of the voting-age population

This means Millennials and Gen Z voters make up about 63% of the voting-age population and 68% of the registered voters for Eleksyon 2025.

In 2022, millennials were still the biggest group of voters, followed by Gen X-ers at 16.78 million. Gen Z-ers saw the biggest increase in voters, from 13.11 million in 2022 to 21.87 million three years later.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do Millennials and Gen Z voters of your local community form a majority of the local voting population? Are the registered voters of your local community willing to vote in this May’s 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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Around 600 Barangay Pamplona Uno residents served by Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan

February 19, 2025February 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, roughly six hundred residents of Barangay Pamplona Uno got served when the Health and Wellness Caravan was held in their local community, the City Government announced via social media.

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

The City of Las Piñas, through the City Health Office, conducted another Health and Wellness Caravan on Thursday, February 6, at the Centraza Covered Court in Pamplona Uno. Around 600 residents availed themselves of free health services during the event.

The caravan offered a variety of services, including medical consultations, FBS/RBS screening, cholesterol examination, chest X-rays, ECG, dental services, and nutrition counseling. Other services included risk assessments for non-communicable diseases, pneumococcal vaccination for senior citizens, mobile birth registration, and assistance with Green Card and PhilHealth registration.

City Vice Mayor April Aguilar graced the event along with City Councilor Mark Anthony Santos, and City Health Office head Dr. Juliana Gonzalez. Alelee Aguilar and Martin Andanar were also present to express support for the initiative.Their presence emphasized the city’s commitment to prioritizing accessible healthcare for its residents.

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 get served during a recent Health and Wellness Caravan?

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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Crime syndicates may have infiltrated government agencies

February 18, 2025February 9, 2025carlocarrasco

In connection with the recent raid on a particular travel and consultancy firm that was allegedly involved with the issuance of fake Philippine government documents, it seems that crime syndicates may have infiltrated certain agencies of the government, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian warned that criminal syndicates may have infiltrated key government agencies following the recent raid on a travel and consultancy firm that allegedly facilitated the issuance of fraudulent Philippine government documents.

“The recent raid strengthens our suspicion that criminal syndicates have infiltrated agencies such as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Bureau of Immigration, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Philippine National Police (PNP),” Gatchalian said in a statement on Friday.

This came after members of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) found birth and marriage certificates and a passport with a foreign national’s photo but a Filipino name during a raid at JRB Travel and Consultancy Services Inc. based in Intramuros, Manila on Wednesday.

Gatchalian, who has filed a bill to expand Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) authority and impose penalties on civil registrars involved in fraudulent registrations, urged law enforcement to intensify efforts in dismantling these illegal networks.

He cited cases wherein individuals reported paying large sums to the travel agency to secure the release of their detained partners, with one complainant claiming to have paid PHP900,000 to free her fiancé and another paid PHP1.1 million for her husband’s release after a Jan. 17 raid in a Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) center in Parañaque City.

In a press conference on Thursday, PAOCC Executive Director Gilberto Cruz described the raided travel agency as the “missing link” in the Senate’s ongoing investigation on POGOs.

He said the firm enabled foreigners to obtain government-issued documents, allowing them to stay in the country despite crackdowns on POGOs.

Aside from document forgery, Cruz revealed that personnel of the travel agency also impersonated PAOCC personnel to extort money.

Cruz, however, clarified that no actual PAOCC officers were involved in the scheme.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the national authorities will be able to find and arrest all the criminal elements who infiltrated government agencies? Do you think the law enforcers can put a stop on the forgery of government documents?

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 Chinese nationals arrested in Parañaque City for selling unregistered medicines

February 18, 2025February 14, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, two Chinese nationals were arrested by elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for allegedly selling unregistered medicines, 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 Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have arrested two Chinese nationals allegedly involved in selling unregistered medicines in Metro Manila.

Agents of the CIDG-Detective and Special Operations Unit nabbed suspects Hu and Quan in a buy-bust at Concorde Village, Tambo, Parañaque City past midnight Saturday.

According to a news release Sunday, the CIDG agents confiscated two boxes of OTC 999 – Ganmaoling Keli, 20 boxes of Glucophage – Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-release tablets, two boxes of Amlodepine Besilate tablets, three boxes of Linou – Gliclazide tablets, two boxes of OTC – Longdan Xiegan pills, four boxes of Zhibai Dihuang pills, one box of Bear Bile powder, 12 boxes Diamicron – Gliclazide tablets and 16 boxes Bayaspirin – Aspirin Enteric-coated tablets.

The medicines, with an estimated market value of PHP15,000, are not registered with the Food and Drug Administration.

The suspects will be charged with violation of Section 11 of Republic Act 9711 (FDA Act of 2009) which prohibits manufacturing, importation, export, sale, distribution and transfer of unregistered drugs.

CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to the sale of unregistered medicines.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, how many Chinese nationals are living within your local community right now? Did you notice any foreigners selling unregistered medicine locally? Why do you think Parañaque remains 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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Almost 400 Barangay Pulang Lupa Dos residents served by Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan

February 17, 2025February 5, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, almost four hundred residents of Barangay Pulang Lupa Dos got served when the Health and Wellness Caravan was held in their local community, the City Government announced via social media.

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

The Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan, spearheaded by the City Health Office, reached San Antonio Valley 7 Covered Court in Pulanglupa Dos on Thursday, January 30. This initiative catered to the health and wellness needs of nearly 400 residents, affirming the city’s mission of providing accessible healthcare services.

Beneficiaries availed themselves of free medical consultations, dental services, laboratory tests such as cholesterol and blood sugar screening, chest X-rays, and ECG tests. The event also offered free medicines, PhilHealth registration, Greencard program assistance, and vaccinations for senior citizens. To promote sustainable wellness, vegetable seedlings, including high-value crops, were distributed by the City Agriculture Office.

City Vice Mayor April Aguilar, Alelee Aguilar, and City Councilor Mark Anthony Santos graced the event, extending their support to residents. City Health Office head Dr. Juliana Gonzalez was also present, ensuring the seamless delivery of services throughout the day.

During the event, Dr. Gonzalez emphasized the importance of preventive care and early detection in fostering a healthier community.

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? When was the last time the Health and Wellness Caravan was organized in 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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Muntinlupa City Government to implement zero-contact policy in issuance of business permits and licenses

February 15, 2025February 8, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, a new ordinance was approved resulting in the City Government to implement a zero-contact policy in the issuance of business permits and licenses, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government will implement a zero-contact policy in the issuance of business permits and licenses.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2025-303, passed by the Muntinlupa City Council, “Institutionalizing Business E-Payment System (BeST) for Effective Implementation of the ‘Zero-Contact Policy’ in the Issuance of Business Licenses and Permits in Muntinlupa City.”

The ordinance stated that “in compliance to the mandate of all existing laws and national directives, the City Government of Muntinlupa through the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) established Business E-Payment System (BeST) as an online platform to facilitate applications for new and renewal of business permits.”

BeST “allows electronic payments through various partner banks, e-wallets, and payment gateways and also provides an option of door-to-door delivery service.”

The ordinance added that “there is an urgent need to institutionalize the said system to support and enhance city services in pursuit of being a ‘smart city’ and be compliant with the said laws and national directives.”

It mandates the Muntinlupa BPLO to “adopt and establish Business E-Payment System (BeST) as an online platform of the City Government of Muntinlupa to facilitate application for, processing of, and issuance Of business licenses and permits for business entities, including, but not limited to, those owned and operated by individuals, partnerships, cooperatives, associations or corporations in the City of Muntinlupa.

“The BeST will guarantee the effective implementation of the ‘zero-contact policy,’ transparency and good governance that eliminates the possibility of graft and corruption with lesser personnel the taxpayer deals with,” the local law stated.

Under BeST, “electronic versions of licenses, clearances, permits, certifications or authorizations with the same level of authority and containing the electronic signature of the authorized officer/s and seal of the City, which may be printed by the businesses in the convenience of their offices” shall be provided.

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, does the new zero-contact policy in the issuance of business permits and licenses make a lot of sense?

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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