A 25-year infrastructure masterplan will be crafted soon by the Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev) to ensure the continuation of critical projects even though government transitions happen, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev) is set to craft the country’s first 25-year infrastructure masterplan to ensure that critical projects continue despite changes in administration.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a recent press chat that the Economy, Planning and Development Act, which reorganizes NEDA to DEPDev, mandated the agency to formulate the country’s first long-term infrastructure blueprint.
The law was signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on April 10 and would take effect on April 27.
“The law now tasks us to produce the first long-term framework for the period 2025 to 2050. And then it also tasks us to provide and to lead the efforts in coming up with this long-term comprehensive infrastructure development framework,” Balisacan told reporters.
Balisacan said this is the first time that a government agency is mandated by law to oversee and carry these plans forward, especially as administration changes.
“The new law gives that mandate to DEPDev, serving as link between the outgoing administration and the incoming administration,” he added, emphasizing the importance of continuity of key infrastructure projects.
Historically, infrastructure development in the Philippines has suffered from inconsistent implementation, with projects often stalled or abandoned due to shifts in leadership.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that infrastructure development in the Philippines will change for the better once the 25-year masterplan becomes a reality in the near future? Are you sick and tired seeing infrastructure projects getting disrupted whenever a change of government happens?
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government enacted an ordinance which effectively institutionalized the Government Internship Program (GIP), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed the ordinance into law on April 10.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government has enacted an ordinance institutionalizing and localizing the Government Internship Program (GIP), which offers up to six months of paid public service internships to high school graduates.
Ordinance No. 2025-332, or the Muntinlupa City Government Internship Program (MC-GIP), was enacted by the Muntinlupa City government on March 31 and signed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon on April 10.
The ordinance stated that “in recognition of the potentials of young workers in the development of the Muntinlupa City Government, there is a need to institutionalize the Government Internship Program (GIP) that directly supports and contributes to the goal of inclusive growth through employment generation.”
“One of the 7K agendas of our Honorable Mayor Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon is ‘Kaunlaran’ to work towards the further development and progress of Muntinlupa City. Human resource development in government shall be given focus to attain high performance standards in public service,” it added.
Public service, under the ordinance, “refers to the service provided by the government, such as hospitals, schools, or the police, or the work that the government does.”
The duration of the internship agreement will be from three to six months.
Each GIP beneficiary in Muntinlupa will receive “a daily allowance equivalent to the prevailing and applicable daily minimum wage rate in the National Capital Region for the services rendered” and a monthly transportation allowance of P500.”
Each GIP applicant should be a resident and registered voter of Muntinlupa City, between 18 to 30 years old, at least a graduate of high school/senior high school or its equivalent level under the Alternative Learning System or technical-vocational graduate, and has no work experience.
Applicants need to submit their resume, two photocopies of valid ID, two photocopies of updated Muntinlupa Care Card, a 2 x 2 picture, certified true copy of diploma, certified true copy of transcript of records, and certificate of indigency from the barangay.
The Muntinlupa Public Employment Service Office (PESO) will implement the GIP while the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) will be “responsible for the overall management of the Muntinlupa City Government Internship Program (MC-GIP).”
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 agree with the details behind the ordinance of GIP in the city?
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
The movement towards a nuclear-powered Philippines progressed some more as Meralco and the French energy firm Électricité de France SA (EDF) formally signed an agreement to explore nuclear energy development in the country, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Power utility giant Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with France’s state-owned Électricité de France SA (EDF) to explore the deployment of nuclear energy in the Philippines, an initiative aimed at bolstering long-term energy security.
EDF will provide Meralco with technical support and strategic guidance in conducting feasibility studies under the two-year memorandum of cooperation, according to a news release over the weekend.
Meralco revealed in November 2024 that it is in talks with the French government on research collaborations.
The studies will focus on evaluating site readiness, grid integration and the economic viability of nuclear energy in the Philippines.
“One of Philippine government’s key objectives is to achieve greater energy security for our country and nuclear power is one viable path toward that goal,” Meralco chair and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan said.
“We see this cooperation as a significant first step for Meralco, and we are committed to taking a leadership role in advancing nuclear energy in the Philippines,” he added.
EDF, one of the world’s largest nuclear power operators, will also offer tailored training on nuclear reactor technologies and project management.
It will support Meralco in preparing for potential deployment and in seeking financing options, including those from the French government.
“Through this important first step — and the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with you — we hope to make real progress at your site as well. This is the beginning of what we envision as a remarkable, long-term journey, one that could span the next hundred years,” EDF senior vice president for International Nuclear Development Vakisasai Ramany told Meralco officials.
The collaboration builds on Meralco’s nuclear energy strategic transition initiative and its ongoing engagements with France’s top research institutions.
Through its Meralco Power Academy, the company has partnered with Université Paris-Saclay under the Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering program to develop future Filipino experts in the nuclear field.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that a nuclear-powered Philippines will be realized in the years to come?
The Thai-led oil firm PTT Philippines recently announced that it will expand its operations in the country over the next five years with P1.5 billion worth of investments, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The expansion includes putting up new fuel stations.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
In a briefing on Friday, April 11, PTT Philippines officials said the company is eyeing to increase its fuel stations to 280 within the next five years.
Athiwat Rattanakorn, president and chief executive officer of PTT Philippines, stated that the oil firm aims to improve its nationwide presence, particularly focusing on establishing more stations in Luzon and Visayas.
Currently operating 170 stations throughout the Philippines, PTT plans to not only boost its pumping stations but also increase the brand’s presence.
The firm has also introduced a reformulated line of fuel brands, namely Power+ gasoline, Eco+ gasoline, Ultra+ diesel, and Save+ diesel.
“This is going to redefine high-performance fuels as they are intended to improve driving experience not only in terms of mileage but also the cleaning and protection formula for the engine to last longer,” Rattanakorn said.
Apichate Thipphayakosai, supply and logistics director of PTT Philippines, clarified that while they’re only aiming to add around 110 stations in the next five years, they’re focused on the aviation industry.
“We don’t go aggressively on the number of stations… We have to invest effectively in terms of that one,” he told reporters. “But one other thing that can be the mainstream of revenue of PTT Philippines is aviation. We can say that [for] most of the domestic flights.”
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this new plan by PTT will make the Philippines a more attractive destination for foreign investors? Is there a PTT fuel station near you right now?
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from my personal experiences and observations during the Israel pilgrimage tour I joined and what happened during my free time. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
Welcome back, readers and fellow followers of the Lord! This is the 10th chapter of my ongoing series of articles about the holy nation of Israel with recollections about the experiences and discoveries I had during the pilgrimage tour I joined with my local church (hosted by strategic partner Behold Israel). To see my previous Israel tour articles, click here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. No matter what happens in this twisted world we live in, I will always stand with Israel and my faith in the Lord remains uncompromising!
In this latest edition of my Israel 2023 series, I share with you what I experienced when our pilgrimage tour group visited the Southern Steps (also referred to as the Southern Stairs and Rabbi Stairs) located at the lower part of the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Thanks to our dedicated local tourist guide, our tour group had a meaningful visit there and we spent several minutes observing the place. Our time at the steps concluded with a bible teaching led by New Life Philippines Pastor Edwin Tugano. In my personal experience, I felt something from the Lord there as I realized the biblical relevance of the holy site as well as insight regarding what the place was like thousands of years ago.
This is me at the Southern Steps in Jerusalem, Israel.
The site is very significant as it is the place that served as one of the main entrances from the south to the Temple Mount during the time of Lord Jesus. In fact, people coming from the City of David going north to the Temple Mount used the Southern Steps very long ago. Also, the Southern Steps became a useful place where rabbis and their disciples gathered for faith lessons and this explains why the said steps are also called the Rabbi Stairs. Physically, the steps were hundreds of feet wide which provided abundant space for congregating and teaching.
As many centuries had passed since Lord Jesus ascended to Heaven, there were physical changes that happened at the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount and this is evident as visitors today cannot access the mentioned sacred site above (where the Jewish temples used to be) using the Southern Steps. This is because there is noticeable expansion of the Southern Wall blocking the steps’ upward access to the Temple Mount. I myself had touched that wall and noticed how its stone quality and colors differed from the rest of the Southern Wall.
I brought the Passion Translation Holy Bible with me at the Southern Steps. After taking this image, I climbed up the steps, reached the Southern Wall and touched it.
Regardless, the step themselves – composed of the original stones from Jesus’ time (those steps with the rougher stones) plus newer ones (added to fill the gaps) leading to the Southern Wall – are still there and climbing them required methodical walking. The Southern Steps today are widely visited by faithful Christians from around the world as it is a holy site and it is very likely that Lord Jesus Himself climbed the steps going to the Temple Mount. There is no doubt that Lord Jesus and His disciples also gathered at the steps for teachings. The holy site should remind you about the significance of Lord Jesus’ presence in Jerusalem.
In my experience there at the Southern Steps with my tour companions, I felt the holiness of the place and that became more evident as I opened the Holy Bible during the bible teaching led by our pastor right there. During our time there, I noticed another pilgrimage tour group was present with us several feet away.
Did Pentecost happen at the Southern Steps?
Our pilgrimage tour group in the foreground, and another group in the background. The Southern Steps is an essential place for Christians to visit in Israel.
By reading the biblical reference of Pentecost and connecting it with my observations of the holy site, I can say that the Southern Steps is a possible place where Pentecost may have happened. I can even say that it is a more suitable place – where about three thousand Jews got baptized after the apostle Peter preached the good news – than the Upper Room (itself a popular location in many paintings and artworks dramatizing Pentecost).
Take a close look at the biblical record of Pentecost below…
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”
Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams.
And on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
And they shall prophesy.
I will show wonders in heaven above
And signs in the earth beneath:
Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.
The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.’
“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. For David says concerning Him:
‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face,
For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.
Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad;
Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.
For You will not leave my soul in Hades,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
You have made known to me the ways of life;
You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’
“Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted [j]to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.
“For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself:
‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
Acts 2:1-41 (NKJV)
Take note that verse 2 of Chapter 2 in the Book of Acts specifically mentioned “house” which is not limited to houses. In fact, in the Old Testament of the Bible, the Jewish temple is referred to as the house – as in the house of the Lord. The place of worship of the Lord!
Still within biblical context, “house” – as seen in verse 36 with “house of Israel” – also symbolizes family and lineage in the Holy Bible. “House of Israel” refers to the entire nation descended from Abraham through Jacob and Isaac and that includes the Jewish people (descendants) who were present in Jerusalem during Pentecost. For relevance of the house of Israel, read 2 Kings 7:1-16 in the Holy Bible – God’s words for King David passed through the prophet Nathan.
In the foreground are the Southern Steps and the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount. In the background is more of Jerusalem. (source – screenshot taken from the Instagram video of Hananya Naftali)
As it was an essential form of access into the Temple Mount, the Southern Steps also served as a natural place of gathering, spacious enough to accommodate thousands of Jews. As mentioned earlier, these wide and spacious holy stairs are a more suitable place than the Upper Room for Pentecost to happen.
Also take note that verse 41 of Chapter 2 of the Book of Acts mentions that there were around three thousand Jews who got baptized and helped the church of Lord Jesus grow a lot on the day of Pentecost itself (for relevance, read John 3:3 in the Holy Bible). This also means that there were between fifteen thousand to thirty thousand people in Jerusalem who witnessed Pentecost happen. Having been at the Southern Steps myself, I can easily visualize the whole place – from the steps themselves and the space between them and the City of David in the south, plus the whole stretch of the Southern Wall – being filled with lots of people on that very day. Having attended the bible teaching led by our pastor who stood at the steps facing us south, I can visualize the apostle Peter preaching to thousands of Jewish people there long ago.
Our pastor Edwin Tugano (standing on the ancient steps facing us) led the bible teaching for me and my pilgrimage group companions.
There is absolutely no way that the 3,000 people who received Christ and got baptized would fit inside the Upper Room at the time of Pentecost. When the apostle Peter preached, he was not surrounded by only a tiny group of people but by a huge crowd who listened. The other apostles were with Peter back then. This should remind you that the artists responsible for the paintings and artworks portraying Pentecost happening inside the Upper Room or within an indoor place with walls and a roof did not fully understand the biblical record of Pentecost. In other words, those artists got it wrong and the Bible proves they are wrong. This should remind you to maintain faith in God’s Word, not in man-made artworks.
Once again, the Southern Steps is a possible site of Pentecost. It may not be definitive but it definitely is more suitable than the Upper Room for congregating and preaching in front of thousands. The other possible places where Pentecost may have happened include the Royal Stoa (which was intact at the Southern Wall covering its length and was located high above the Southern Steps) and at the Jewish Temple itself.
While the exact location of Pentecost remains unresolved, I encourage you all to always keep faith in the Lord and His Word knowing that Pentecost truly happened as it was an anointed by the Lord to happen. Location is one thing, but the Holy Bible and the Holy Spirit are always essential to our faith in Lord Jesus.
Conclusion
It was destiny from the Lord for me and my pilgrimage tour group to visit the Southern Steps. I felt the unction from the Holy Spirit to capture this very moment upon arrival there.
I can say that me and my pilgrimage tour group companions were blessed by the Lord during our time at the Southern Steps. Simply thinking about Lord Jesus teaching His followers at the steps is uplifting There clearly is a lot to learn and discover by being at the holy site and having the Bible for reference. I thank Lord Jesus for blessing us, for our pastors and our local tour guide, and for the anointed experience at the Southern Steps. I definitely will revisit those steps when I return to Israel.
Israel is a great and holy place to visit! Visit Israel with the Holy Bible! Pray to the Lord wholeheartedly and reveal to Him your heart’s desire to visit Israel to deepen your faith in Him. Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Follow the light of Lord Jesus, keep on praying to support Israel, learn to love and bless the Jewish people and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Watch out for more Israel 2023 travel articles here. There is more to come!
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed into law an ordinance mandating the use of licensed software specifically in government offices and contracted private entities, 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 has enacted an ordinance mandating the use of legal and ethical software in its offices and private entities where it has contracts and agreements.
Ordinance No. 2025-328, or the “Legal and Ethical Software Use Ordinance of Muntinlupa,” passed by the Muntinlupa City Council, was signed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
The local law cited Republic Act No. 10175, or the Anti Cybercrime Law, which “explicitly recognizes in Section 4 the act of copyright infringement as a punishable offense when committed using electronic or digital means, thereby underscoring the importance of adhering to software licensing agreements in all technological applications.”
The ordinance emphasized that “the unauthorized use of unlicensed software applications poses significant risks, including compromised cybersecurity, exposure to malware, operational inefficiencies, and violations of intellectual property laws, which collectively endanger individuals, businesses, and government institutions, undermining public trust and efficiency in digital operations.”
It added that “the proliferation of unlicensed software deprives software developers, both local and international, of fair compensation for their intellectual property, stifling innovation, discouraging investment in technological advancement, and weakening the overall digital economy by promoting unethical business practices.”
The ordinance covers all departments, offices, agencies, and personnel of the Muntinlupa City government; all hardware and electronic devices, whether owned, leased, or under the custody of the city government, that use software applications for official functions; and private entities engaged in contracts, projects, or partnerships with the city government, insofar as their transactions involve the use of software.
A licensed software is defined in the ordinance as “any software application that is legally acquired and used in accordance with its licensing agreement, including commercial, freeware, and open-source software.”
The city government will “strictly enforce the use of legally acquired and licensed software in all its offices, transactions, and operations.”
“This mandate aims to safeguard government systems from cybersecurity threats, enhance operational efficiency, and uphold transparency in technology use,” it added.
The ordinance states that “all software applications used by the City Government of Muntinlupa, including operating systems, office productivity suites, specialized applications, cybersecurity tools, and other digital solutions, shall be duly licensed or legally acquired in accordance with applicable copyright laws and licensing agreements. City departments and offices shall ensure that all software installed on government-owned devices and systems has a valid license and complies with legal agreements.”
It mandates that “the acquisition, installation, or use of unlicensed, counterfeit, or pirated software within the City Government of Muntinlupa is strictly prohibited.”
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 mandated use of licensed software by the government and contracted private entities make a lot of sense?
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
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed recently that the unemployment rate of the Philippines fell down to 3.8% this past February from 4.3% the previous month, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The country’s unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in three months, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.
In a briefing on Tuesday, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said preliminary results of the latest Labor Force Survey showed that the unemployment rate further declined to 3.8 percent in February this year from 4.3 percent the previous month. It was the lowest rate since the 3.1 percent recorded in December last year.
Mapa said the number of unemployed Filipinos declined to 1.94 million from 2.16 million in January this year.
Employment rate on the other hand, rose to 96.2 percent in February this year from 95.7 percent the previous month.
Mapa said the number of employed Filipinos went up to 49.15 million, higher than the 48.49 million and 48.95 million recorded in January this year and in February 2024, respectively.
Industries which recorded the largest increase in employment include accommodation and food service (+377,000), fishing and aquaculture (+365,000), public administration and defense (+330,000), construction (+258,000), and other service activities (+232,000).
Mapa said preparations for the midterm elections and summer holidays helped increase employment in accommodation and food service and other service activities.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there will be more than enough job opportunities for the unemployed throughout the year? Do you think the Philippine economy will grow strongly to sustain new job creation until the end of 2025?
By pointing to the VAT refund for foreign tourists (click here and here), the Department of Tourism (DOT) is looking forward to growth in tourism revenue this year, according to a BusinessWorld news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…
THE Department of Tourism (DoT) said tourism revenue is expected to rise this year, aided by the new tax refund for tourists.
“2024 was a banner year for Philippine tourism, with international spending reaching around P760 billion, a 126% recovery rate (from pre-pandemic levels). Our goal was always to exceed that, which we achieved the previous year,” Tourism Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina G. Frasco said on Monday.
She said that the value-added tax (VAT) refund for foreign tourists and DoT’s collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will encourage more visitor spending.
She added such measures will allow the country “to exceed its international visitor receipts as well as domestic tourism receipts from the year before.”
On Monday, the DTI and DoT signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to strengthen coordination in promoting tourism-related industries, participate in joint trade and tourism missions, develop sustainable tourism-related enterprises, and encourage the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“Through this MoA, we will give our tourism MSMEs the platform to avail of the programs of the DTI, especially in supporting the expansion of their livelihood and businesses,” Ms. Frasco said.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the VAT refund for tourists will actually result in an increase of tourism revenue in the Philippines this year?
The inflation rate of the Philippines settled at 1.8% for the month of March this year based on the latest details released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), according to the news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). The confirmed inflation rate was the lowest since June 2020.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Inflation rate in March 2025 settled at 1.8 percent, marking a nearly five-year low, mainly due to slower price increase in food and non-alcoholic beverages, particularly lower prices of rice.
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa said in a press briefing Friday that last month’s inflation was lower than the rate in February 2025 at 2.1 percent and the 3.7 percent in March 2024. PSA data showed that the inflation last month was the lowest since June 2020.
The PSA attributed the slower pace of price increases in March 2025 to the easing of food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation at 2.2 percent from 2.6 percent a month ago. Mapa said this commodity group shared 50.2 percent to the downtrend in inflation.
In particular, cereals and cereal products recorded a deflation, or decrease in prices, of 5.2 percent last month from a deflation of 3 percent in February 2025.
This commodity group includes rice, which recorded negative inflation for the past three months: -2.3 percent in January, -8.4 percent in February, and -7.7 percent in March.
Mapa said that since the Executive Order 62 took effect in July 2024, which reduced the tariff on imported rice, prices of the staple have substantially declined.
“Kung i-compare natin noong—say, base natin noong July 2024, kung saan nagsimula ‘yong reduction sa tariff, bumaba na rin substantially ‘yong presyo ng bigas per kilo [If we compare it to—(let’s) say, based on July 2024, when the tariff reduction started, the price of rice per kilogram has substantially decreased],” he said.
Citing PSA data, Mapa said comparing the prices from July 2024 to March 2025, average price reduction for regular milled rice was at PHP4.90, or from PHP51.11 per kilo to PHP46.09 per kilo.
Well milled rice also declined in the same period by PHP4.19 per kg., or from PHP56.44 per kg. to PHP52.25 per kg., and by PHP2.60 per kg. for special rice, or from PHP64.75 per kg. to PHP62.15 per kg., the national statistician added.
Aside from food and non-food beverages, inflation in transport group recorded -1.1 percent in March 2025 from -0.2 percent in February 2025.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you surprised that the inflation rate of the country settled at less than 2% for the month of March 2025? Do you think inflation will remain stable for the next six months?
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government passed a new ordinance against the use of fake person with disabilities (PWD) identification cards, according to a GMA Network news report. The move was done in response to the rise of fraud related to the proliferation of fake PWD IDs.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
The city government of Muntinlupa has approved an ordinance penalizing the use of fake person with disabilities (PWD) identification cards.
City Ordinance No. 2025-325 imposes a fine ranging from P2,000 to P5,000 to persons who use or owns fake PWD IDs; tamper, alter, or produce fake IDs; declare false information in the application, renewal, and update of PWD ID; and issue fake certificate of disability and other medical documents.
The local law also imposes penalties to those who give or receive money or any exchange for a PWD ID; phishing and scamming through text, email, or other online methods; and the use of PWD ID by other persons.
Business establishments that do not post the ordinance in their establishments, as well as those that do not verify the PWD IDs of the customers will likewise face penalties under the local law.
Individuals who violate the ordinance would be fined P2,000 for the first offense, P4,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 for third offense.
If applicable, violators will face one-year ineligibility on all the benefits, services, and programs of the city government of Muntinlupa.
Stiffer penalties will be imposed to those who sell, produce, and proliferate fake PWD ID. They will face P5,000 fine, imprisonment of up to six months, and one-year ineligibility on all the benefits, services, and programs of the Muntinlupa City government.
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 newest ordinance against fake PWD IDs? Did you notice a local surge of fraud related to the use of fake PWD IDs?
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
Author Carlo Carrasco 