Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government was awarded by the Anti-Red Tap Authority (ARTA) for innovation with regards to business registration, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government was recognized by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) for its innovative business registration.
Muntinlupa is one of the cities that received the Accelerating Reforms for Improved Service Efficiency (ARISE) Award to recognize initiatives to improve the delivery of government services.
“We are definitely proud of this recognition, as this is validation of the City Government’s commitment to bring quality public service to every Muntinlupeño,” Mayor Ruffy Biazon said.
The city’s Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) and its electronic format eBOSS, which places all the necessary agencies for a business license or permit in one location, was commended earlier this year by ARTA in its latest compliance monitoring as a benchmark for other local government units (LGUs) to follow.
In addition to BOSS, Muntinlupa also has the Business Permits and Licensing Office Single-Window Transaction (BPLO-SWiT) program in partnership with Festival Mall in Alabang in order to bring tax payment and registration services closer to business owners.
Alternatively, business owners may also renew their license and mayor’s permit at the BPLO at Muntinlupa City Hall, as well as online via the Business E-payment System (BESt), through the city’s official website (www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph).
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted with the award from ARTA for the City Government?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday maintained that its operation against a suspected illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in Las Piñas early this week is legitimate as it refuted claims of abuse and manhandling of workers rescued from the establishment.
In a statement, PNP Public Information Office chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the 2,714 workers earlier taken into custody during the operation would be released once they have completed their profiling works.
He also denied that human rights violations were committed by the police when the operation was carried out and assured that the police force would conduct a full and impartial investigation into the said operation.
The PNP’s statement came after the legal representatives of the firm Xinchuang Network Technology, Inc., demanded an investigation into alleged abuses committed by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) during the operation at Hong Tai Compound located at No. 501 Alabang-Zapote Road in Barangay Almanza Uno on Tuesday morning.
Vargas Law Office representative lawyer Ananias Christian Vargas has requested NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, PNP-Anti Cybercrime Group director Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia, PNP Directorate for Intelligence chief, Maj. Gen. Jon Arnaldo and Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco to investigate.
“As you may very well recall, in the late evening of 26 June 2023, 11:30 p.m. to be specific, the NCRPO Joint Police Task Force, led by Deputy Regional Director for Operations Brig. Gen Jack Wanky and Anti-Cybercrime Group Deputy for Operations Col. Villamor Tuliao implemented Search Warrant Nos. SW-LP23-007, SW-23-14 and SW-23-016, all dated 26 June 2023, issued by the Regional Trial Court of Las Piñas City, Office of the Executive Judge, which you conveniently couched as ‘Rescue Operation’ in Hong Tai Compound located at No. 501 Alabang-Zapote Road Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City, during which you and your Task Force control of the entire Hong Tai Compound, and even converted one of the structures as a command post,” Vargas said in the letter dated June 30.
He claimed the firm as well as its foreign and local workers were duly documented.
“The company and the legitimate workers all abide by the legal requirements,” Vargas said adding that all the documents covering the operations of the company had been in the vault seized during the raid.
Reports earlier said the PNP-ACG, backed up by several NCRPO uniformed personnel, conducted the operations. The company also questioned the conduct of the operation the police described as anti-human trafficking-related.
Vargas also claimed that as of this time, the NCRPO has not allowed the persons in the compound to leave despite its inability to file the necessary cases against these Filipino and foreign individuals.
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 think the June 26 evening raid is legitimate?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday expressed optimism that the Philippines will become the “tourism powerhouse” of Asia in the next few years.
This, as Marcos witnessed the unveiling of the country’s new tourism slogan “Love the Philippines” during the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) 50th anniversary celebration at The Manila Hotel.
In a keynote speech, Marcos affirmed his commitment to advancing the tourism sector, hoping that the new campaign slogan would help stimulate economic activities and generate job opportunities in the country.
“What a better way to express that love than directly incorporating it into our country’s newest tourism campaign slogan, Love the Philippines. This is new branding which we unveiled today. It will serve as our guidepost for the Philippine Tourism Industry moving forward,” Marcos said.
“Allow me then to express my sincere appreciation to Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and for the DOT team because aside from the tourist destination, the campaign that you have conceptualized aims to enhance the overall experience of every traveler,” he added.
In May, Marcos approved the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 which will serve as his administration’s blueprint and development framework for the tourism industry.
Marcos said the NTDP 2023-2028 contains the government’s targets, which include the promotion of local products and the implementation of more infrastructure projects to ensure hassle-free travel.
“The five-year plan stemmed from this admin’s determination to implement programs that will positively transform our country towards being a tourism powerhouse in Asia in the coming years. Let us therefore strive to translate out golden vision into reality,” he said.
Marcos lauded the DOT for making the tourism industry as “a major driver of economic growth.”
He also welcomed the “improving” figures in tourism revenues, employment, international arrivals and domestic trips, saying these indicate the country’s recovery from the onslaught of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
“All of these are encouraging signs that the tourism industry in our country as a whole is headed well towards full recovery. It also conveys a strong message to the world that we are ready and fully equipped to welcome tourists, travelers as well as investors,” Marcos said.
To realize his administration’s goal of transforming the Philippines as Asia’s tourism powerhouse, Marcos urged Filipinos to be the country’s tourism ambassadors.
“I enjoin you all to be our country’s promoters, advocates, and if I may borrow a coined term in this age of social media, be our country’s top influencers,” he said.
“Indeed, the Philippines will never run out of places to discover, meals to enjoy, adventures to experience, people to meet, talents to admire. Let us take pride and celebrate the love we have of our country and our people for it is the same love that gave meaning to the establishment of the DOT and the same love that will propel our tourism industry moving forward into the future,” Marcos added.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you foresee a bright economic future with a reinvigorated national tourism industry? Does “Love the Philippines” sound attractive to you?
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface…
THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY is likely to grow by 6% this year amid strong domestic demand and despite elevated inflation, the World Bank said, raising its forecast from 5.4% in January.
A recovery in jobs, improved consumer sentiment and strong remittances from Filipinos overseas would drive local consumption, the multilateral lender said in its Global Economic Prospects report on Wednesday.
“Despite external challenges, high domestic inflation and tight monetary conditions, domestic demand has once again remained resilient, fueling growth,” World Bank Country Director for the Philippines Ndiame Diop separately told a virtual news briefing.
The latest growth forecast is the lower end of the government’s 6-7% growth target this year. The Philippine economy grew by 6.4% in the first quarter, slower than 8% a year ago and 7.1% a quarter earlier.
“Despite weak global conditions, our upward revision reflects this continued strength in domestic demand,” World Bank Philippines Senior Economist Ralph van Doorn said.
But the potential global slowdown could still affect growth. “Although the global economy displayed remarkable resilience in early 2023, economic conditions will remain subdued for the rest of 2023,” Mr. Diop said.
He said global growth is expected to wane due to “persistent inflation, slowdown of global trade and the effect of recent monetary tightening.”
The World Bank expects global growth to slow to 2.1% this year, though this is higher than its earlier 1.7% projection. It also sees global growth reaching 2.4% next year and 3% in 2025.
“Risks remain tilted to the downside,” Mr. Diop said. “Recent episodes of market instability have raised concerns of a potential spillover. The possibility of further monetary tightening amid sticky core inflation could raise the cost of global financing and lead to a more pronounced and prolonged global slowdown.”
Persistent inflation remained a cause for concern, the World Bank said.
“Although our baseline forecast (shows) inflation will decelerate, it is still the main challenge,” Mr. van Doorn said.
The World Bank expects Philippine inflation to average 5.7% this year, higher than its earlier 4.2% forecast.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the World Bank’s analysis about economic growth for the Philippines this year? Do you think the Philippine economy can do better than expected by the end of 2023?
This week has been very significant for Israel-Philippines relations. Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohenarrived here on an official visit and he had a high-level meeting with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. in Malacañang Palace which resulted in very tremendous agreements that include direct flights between Israel and the Philippines, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…
Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., with Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. (photo source: Israel in the Philippines Facebook page)
The Philippines and Israel are pushing for the direct flights between the two countries and elevating their partnership in agriculture and water sectors, Malacañang said on Tuesday.
The plan to enhance cooperation between Manila and Tel Aviv was discussed when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Monday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement.
Cohen told Marcos that establishing direct flights between the Philippines and Israel would boost the two nations’ tourism and economic ties.
“There’s another thing that we, both of us, took for an action item. [It] is to have a direct flight… your external sea between Israel and the Philippines,” Cohen, as quoted by the PCO, said during the meeting, referring to his earlier meeting with Filipino officials.
“And I think that we agree that both ministries will work together to have the direct flight. And this is also to bring more business people to come to invest and reach the place between us. So this is also another important action item that we will do.”
The Philippine Airlines was supposed to launch its direct flights to Tel Aviv in 2022, but the plan has been stalled because of geopolitical concerns.
The Philippines has become one of the top tourist destinations for the Israelis in the last few years, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said in November 2022.
Cohen also told Marcos about Israel’s planned closer cooperation with the Philippines to ensure food security, suggesting that the two nations may open an agricultural hub.
“I think that we can work together on the segment of agriculture. I just let you know that our land, 60 percent of our land is desert. But although 60 percent of our land is desert, we were able to provide all our water needs,” Cohen said.
“And I think that we can work together and let’s say that less import, more export for the Philippines. And I think that we can work together,” he added.
Marcos said he was glad that Cohen raised Israel’s plan, as he expressed admiration for its advancement in agriculture.
He added that agricultural development is “very important” for the Philippines,
“Because when we look at the economy as hard to just test, we said how do we fix the economy. It always comes down to agriculture first, how to fix every policy, then everything else would be great. So that’s the position that we find ourselves in,” he said. “So, the offers that you make for assistance and partnership in those two areas are very, very welcome.”
Cohen said the Philippines and Israel can also collaborate on water management, noting Tel Aviv’s vast experience in this sector.
He said Israeli experts may visit the Philippines to provide advice, noting that Israel has been reusing a large portion of its water resources because of water scarcity and it can share its experience in water management with the Philippines.
Marcos said the Philippines is looking at Israel and Singapore for best practices that the country can imitate.
The establishment of direct Israel-Philippines flights will enable more Filipinos to visit the Holy Land while potential more Israelis will visit more conveniently and boost not only Philippine tourism but also engage in business and investments. For those of you who want to visit Israel to deepen your faith in the Lord, read my Israel 2023 feature articles by clicking here, here, here, here, here and here.
To my fellow Filipinos reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed by all. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!
Recently in the city of Las Piñas, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) awarded tools and equipment to the Las Piñas Manpower Training Center (LPCMTC) which will boost the existing livelihood training programs for the locals, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The awarding was done in the presence of Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) awarded tools and equipment to the Las Piñas Manpower Training Center (LPCMTC) to boost the skills and livelihood training programs being offered to Las Piñeros.
According to Vice-Mayor April Aguilar, the awarding ceremony of tools and equipment was held on May 10 at the LPCMTC quadrangle located in Barangay Talon Dos.
DOLE distributed equipment for various livelihood programs of the training center such as cookery, bread and pastry production, hairdressing, automotive, and air conditioning servicing.
Aguilar thanked DOLE headed by Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, for the equipment which will help boost the city government’s effort to promote sustainable livelihood and address the high unemployment rate in the country.
She said the manpower training center being managed by the local government has been offering various technical and vocational courses to residents of the city.
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 think the quality of skills and livelihood training in the city will improve significantly now that the LPCMTC has new equipment?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
In line with the ambition to establish the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse in Asia in the years to come, the National Tourism Development Plan covering the year 2023 until 2028 has been approved by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., according to a GMA Network news report. Take note that as of May 12, 2023, the Philippines has already counted over two million foreign tourist arrivals.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news article. Some parts in boldface…
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has approved the National Tourism Development Plan for 2023-2028 which will serve as the blueprint of the Philippines’ tourism industry.
This was announced by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco at a Palace press briefing following a sectoral meeting with the President on Tuesday morning.
“This NTDP is the result of consultation among the tourism coordinating council as well as our various tourism stakeholders from our regions all over the Philippines. The NTDP shall serve as the blueprint and the development framework for the tourism industry for the duration of the Marcos administration,” she said.
Frasco said this plan focuses on giving the country a chance to become a “tourism powerhouse.”
“These objectives involve not simply the promotion of the Philippines which we will continue domestically and internationally but also, more importantly, addressing the essential issues of tourism development, including the development of infrastructure, connectivity, as well as digitalization, the equalization of tourism, development, and promotion, the enhancement of overall tourism experience as well as the strengthening of tourism governance,” she explained.
Frasco said the plan would also serve as a guide for regions across the Philippines “to spread countrywide development through tourism,” adding that this will also provide jobs to Filipinos.
“Mabibigyan po ng pagkakataon ‘yung ating mga kababayan na magkaroon ng tourism employment sa pamamagitan ng pag-develop natin ng tourism circuits and to continue to push for tourism across our regions and provinces,” she said.
DICT support
Meanwhile, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy promised that the agency would extend support to DOT on this tourism plan, specifically on connection issues.
He said most tourists are also vloggers who are making content about their experience in tourist spots.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines is on its way to becoming an Asian tourism powerhouse in the years ahead? If you own a business that specifically caters to tourists, were able to make significant gains this year?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
In recent times, Jonathan Tan became the new Chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and through his first public interview, he made clear to the people that he is prioritizing the ease of doing business and creating jobs in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Previously, Tan served as a mayor of Pandan in Antique.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface…
Jonathan Tan, the newly appointed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator, said he is prioritizing further streamlining in the processing of business permits of investors to ensure ease of doing business and create more jobs at the freeport.
In his first public interview at the Laging Handa Public Briefing as SBMA chief, Tan said he will further streamline business processes at the freeport in compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to attract more foreign investors and create more jobs at the Subic Bay Freeport zone.
Tan, who served as mayor of Pandan, Antique from 2010 to 2019, reported that he highlighted ease of doing business when he met with Subic investors, locators, and stakeholders during his first Townhall meeting Wednesday since he assumed office last week.
“My priority is ease of doing business to ensure faster processes of business permits,” he said telling around 1,000 SBMA stakeholders. He also vowed to make the Townhall Meeting a regular event to thresh out issues and address them faster.
He also vowed of a participatory governance as SBMA chief, promising to consult all Subic Freeport stakeholders and to treat them as partners.
He also mentioned of efforts to improve existing facilities like port rehabilitation as well as tieups with Department of Tourism and stakeholders with resorts. At present, he said, there are several tourist-related activities in Subic, including, water sports, environmental, and ecotourism.
On smuggling, Tan said he has always emphasized to do his best to minimize if not eliminate smuggling in partnership with the Bureau of Customs.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you think that the new SBMA chief and his team will be able to make improvements on the business environment of the Freeport?
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The government’s 6 to 7 percent economic growth target will likely be met this year despite possible effects of El Niño, an economist said on Friday.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation chief economist Michael Ricafort told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the 6 to 7 percent gross domestic product (GDP) expansion is possible amid easing year-on-year inflation that could help reduce the drag of higher prices on economic growth.
“Fed (US Federal Reserve) and local policy rates could also be reduced later this year and into 2024 amid easing inflation, and as the economy further reopens towards greater normalcy with no more lockdowns as a policy priority,” he said.
Inflation reached as high as 8.7 percent in January. It has however started to decelerate and settled at 6.6 percent in April.
Ricafort said the possible effects of El Niño later this year and up to 2024 could lead to reduced agricultural output and some pick up in prices, “but would not have a significant drag on GDP growth.” he said.
“[Philippine] economic growth [is] expected to be among the fastest-growing in the region and among major economies around the world amid favorable demographics of the country with more than 110 million Filipinos, majority of Filipinos already at working age, (and) young average age of less than 25 years old, all of which would support GDP growth of at least 6%-7% in the coming years,” he said.
He noted that other possible drivers of growth would be increased consumer spending due to lower individual income tax rates, high overseas Filipino workers’ remittances, further increase in government spending, the continued growth of business process outsourcing, and the resumption of foreign tourism.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will achieve 2023 economic growth between 6% to 7%?
The potential future of the Philippines adapting nuclear power that will generate clean and abundant energy for the needs of the people and businesses moved a few more steps forward thanks to two key meetings involving the group of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., and notable energy firms, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). This is the latest in the Marcos administration’s effort to adapt nuclear power for the Philippines (click here and here).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is considering using a “cutting-edge” micro nuclear fuel technology to address the country’s power woes, Malacañang said Tuesday.
Marcos met with officials of US-based Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC), a vertical integrator of nuclear technologies and services in Washington.
In a news release, the Presidential Communications Office said the Marcos administration has made it a top priority to ensure an unhampered supply of energy alongside the promotion and utilization of renewable energy sources.
Francesco Venneri, CEO of Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation, expressed interest to bringing clean and reliable nuclear energy to the Philippines, which the firm is seriously considering for its first nuclear energy facility in Southeast Asia. Venneri also vowed to help address the series of blackouts that hit several areas of the country.
The Marcos administration earlier swiftly acted on the power crisis in the provinces with the operation of at least three more power stations to provide 24-hour electricity power service.
“We also note that there’s a great deal of discussion about Mindoro having blackouts and that might be an excellent….a good science [solution],” said Venneri.
The micro modular reactor (MMR) energy system is a fourth-generation nuclear energy system that seeks to deliver safe, clean and cost-effective electricity to users, according to USNC officials.
The MMR is being licensed in Canada and the US and considered the first “fission battery” in commercialization.
The company anticipates eventual heavy demand for its MMRs and its nuclear fuel and envisions the Philippines as its nuclear hub in the region.
The PCO said that NuScale, which is known for developing a safe modular, and scalable small nuclear power system, is expected to invest USD6.5 billion to USD7.5 billion (PHP415.5 billion) to provide 462 megawatts to the country by the early 2030s.
It is clear President Marcos is seriously working to solve the nation’s fragile power supply with a focus on nuclear power and related technologies as potential solutions. Compared to nuclear power, solar and wind power are both unreliable. Those two forms of clean energy – which are the favorites of climate change zealots and Leftists – cannot generate the abundant energy that nuclear power could provide.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that nuclear power in the Philippines will be realized in your lifetime? Do you think it will happen during the term of President Marcos?
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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Author Carlo Carrasco 