Tag: business

NBI agents apprehend investment scam suspect in Parañaque City

NBI agents apprehend investment scam suspect in Parañaque City

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Are you a victim of an investment scam? Recently in the City of Parañaque, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested an investment scam suspect who allegedly deceived someone into investing over one million Pesos into a poultry business that failed to materialize, the Manila Bulletin reported.

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

A man who allegedly duped a person to invest P1.5 million in a poultry business that did not materialize has been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Paranaque City.

In a statement, the NBI identified the suspect as John D. Bombita who was arrested last July 4 by agents of the NBI’s Bulacan District Office (NBI-BULDO) at a coffee shop. Seized from Bombita was the P200,000 entrapment money he received from his victim.

“Subject Bombita was presented for inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for estafa under the Revised Penal Code,” the NBI said

It said the complainant met Bombita in March 2020 when an offer was made to invest P1.5 million in a poultry farm to be set up in Talugtug, Nueva Ecija. The suspect introduced to the complainant Ramil Bautista, the alleged project manager.

The complainant, the NBI said, was assured that the poultry business would be operational in six months after the payment of P1.5 million to Bombita. The complainant paid the full amount in tranches, it said.

“Seven months later, Subject Bombita called an emergency meeting with the investors and introduced a certain Ulysses F. Barcial as the new person in charge of the project because Ramil Bautista took away the money intended for the Poultry project and assured the investors that the Poultry project will move forward. On May 22, 2021, a ground breaking ceremony was conducted to show that the construction of the poultry will still push through,” the NBI said.

“Sometime in April 2022, Subject Bombita called the complainant and asked for P100,000 for the payment of building permit of the three (3) Poultry Vent Tunnel. The complainant told the subjects that he can only pay P50,000. After a month, the complainant was informed that the payment for the building permit was increased to P200,000. The complainant was threatened that if he failed to pay the said amount his investment of P1.5 million will be forfeited,” it said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this latest news development? Has anyone out there tried to convince you to pour a lot of their money into a project or venture that lacked credibility?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Maynilad problems for Muntinlupa-based customers to continue until July 31, 2022

Maynilad problems for Muntinlupa-based customers to continue until July 31, 2022

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If you are a Muntinlupa resident who endured more than 24 hours of having no access to water from water concessionaire Maynilad, you better brace yourselves because the company announced that water supply problems will continue until the end of this month, the Manila Bulletin reported.

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

Customers of Maynilad Water Services in Muntinlupa will suffer more daily water service interruptions (WSI) until the end of the month.

Maynilad announced on July 5 that customers in Barangays Alabang, Bayanan, Poblacion, Putatan, and Tunasan “will experience water service interruptions daily, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. from July 6, 2022 to July 31, 2022 due to raw water quality issue from Laguna Lake entering our Putatan Treatment Plant.”

“We are continuously monitoring the water quality in Laguna Lake even as we conduct system adjustments to optimize the limited supply,” Maynilad added in its advisory to customers.

The Putatan Water Treatment Plant draws and processes water from Laguna Lake, and supplies it to customers in Muntinlupa and other areas.

It was not immediately known why the new daily WSIs only cover five of the nine barangays.

Excluded from the daily WSIs are Barangays Ayala Alabang (which covers the posh Ayala Alabang Village), Cupang, Buli and Sucat.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident living in one of the affected barangays, what can you say about the continuing water supply problems with Maynilad? Do you want the City Government to call Maynilad officials to explain to them why the water supply problems in the city cannot be solved? If you own a business, how much damage did the water shortage from Maynilad cause on your business?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Las Piñas City Mayor Aguilar to double efforts on serving the constituents

Las Piñas City Mayor Aguilar to double efforts on serving the constituents

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Last week in the City of Las Piñas, Mayor Imelda Aguilar and several other officials of the City Government took their respective oaths to serve the constituents over the next three years. Now on her third consecutive term as Mayor, Aguilar reportedly vowed to double her efforts on serving the locals through the program titled “Tuloy ang Tapat at Progresibong Serbisyo”, according to a Manila Times news article.

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

REELECTED Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda “Mel” Tobias Aguilar vowed to continue and double the efforts of her “Tuloy ang Tapat at Progresibong Serbisyo” program as she took her oath of office Thursday afternoon.

In a social media post, Aguilar was sworn in at the Las Piñas City Hall where she was with her running mate and daughter Vice Mayor April Aguilar and other allies.

She expressed the belief that the elected councilors under the mother and daughter tandem will work harder and continue to promote resolutions and ordinances to make the city more progressive and prosperous.

“Nangako po ang alkalde ng tuluy-tuloy at mas maayos na serbisyo para sa mga Las Piñeros sa pamamagitan ng “Tuloy ang Tapat at Progresibong Serbisyo” program (The mayor promised continuous and better service for the people of Las Piñeros through the “Continued Honest and Progressive Service” program),” she said.

Aguilar allies in District 1 are Councilors Mark Anthony G. Santos; John Jess Anthony C. Bustamante; Felimon A. Aguilar 3rd; Rex H. Riguera; Oscar C. Peña and Florante S. Dela Cruz.

Those in District 2 are Councilors Henry C. Medina; Luis I. Bustamante; Ruben C. Ramos; Lord Linley R. Aguilar; Danilo V. Hernandez and Emmanuel Luis C. Casimiro.

The 75-year-old mayor, who ran under the Nacionalista Party (NP), garnered 108,644 votes.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? As a local resident, did you benefit somehow under the leadership of Mayor Imelda Aguilar since mid-2016? What do you hope to see from the City Government over the next three years with regards to public service? Do you think the City Government have a plan to boost local businesses with COVID-19 recovery and job creation in mind?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

New water coming from Maynilad this July

New water coming from Maynilad this July

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Starting this July, water concessionaire Maynilad will start distributing their so-called new water to customers, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

MAYNILAD Water Services, Inc. targets to distribute starting in July up to 10 million liters per day (MLD) of its “new water” or treated used water from households that passes through a rigorous purifying process to make it potable.

“We’re still doing some pipe-laying in Sucat, and we’re still waiting for our permit to operate from the Department of Health, but once we get it, maybe next month we can already distribute 10 MLD,” Maynilad Chief Operating Officer Randolph T. Estrellado said partly in Filipino during a virtual press briefing on Tuesday.

He said the company’s target eventually is to use all the wastewater in Metro Manila to be purified into new water. He said 80% of the water produced in its concession area comes back as wastewater.

The treated water will come from its modular treatment plants or ModTPs that will get raw water from the Parañaque Water Reclamation Facility.

The initial 10 MLD will be flowed into the distribution system for blending with the standard drinking water produced by Maynilad’s La Mesa treatment plants.

The blended supply will then be conveyed to barangays San Dionisio and San Isidro in Parañaque City, which are the areas nearest to the ModTP location. The two barangays will benefit from the additional supply, as it will improve water availability in the area.

Maynilad said it had been holding a series of social acceptability tests and public consultations with residential and commercial customers, local government units, and government agencies such as the DoH, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), and National Water Resources Board.

The consultations are meant to ensure that the new water will be acceptable to consumers.

Maynilad said that based on the results of its initial social acceptability test, its residential and commercial customers have expressed willingness to use new water after seeing it and understanding the process behind it.

“Mahaba ang pinagdaanan na journey ng Maynilad bago kami nakarating dito (Maynilad’s journey has been long before we got here),” Maynilad President and Chief Executive Officer Ramoncito S. Fernandez said.

“We will ensure that periodic tests will be done,” he added.

Maynilad said the new water will have no impact on customers’ water bill. The standard water tariff rates will apply whether raw water is sourced from Angat Dam, Laguna Lake, or treated used water.

The initiative is part of Maynilad’s move toward potable water reuse, which is aimed at boosting available supply in view of the growing demand for water. It is also in response to the strain on existing raw water sources due to the impact of climate change, the company said.

At present, used water from households is collected, cleaned in sewage treatment plants, and discharged into bodies of water. But with potable water reuse, treated used water goes through a second treatment plant for a more rigorous purification process. The new water output can be used for drinking, having passed the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water.

Maynilad officials said treated water reuse for drinking is already done in other countries.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What can you say about the new water that will be distributed by Maynilad? Are you looking forward to using the new water?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Panda Express Muntinlupa City branch set for July 1, 2022 opening

Panda Express Muntinlupa City branch set for July 1, 2022 opening

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If you are fond of American Chinese meals with the fast food touch, then you might be interested to know that Panda Express is about to open its Muntinlupa City branch at one of the gasoline stations along the southbound lane of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) on July 1, 2022, according to a report by Malaya.

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

The south area of the metro is attracting some good fortune. Panda Express—the world’s largest American Chinese dining concept—is set to open another store in the south on July 1, with its Shell SLT branch, the first location in Muntinlupa and along the South Luzon expressway.

The new branch will be the 10th Panda Express branch in Metro Manila since it set foot in the country in 2019.

“This back-to-back store openings in the south is all attributable to the heartwarming support that Panda Express has received from Filipino customers since 2019. Guests from Muntinlupa and nearby areas, as well as city travelers heading south can now stop over at our new location to satisfy their craving for savory, wok-cooked American Chinese dishes,” said Ned Bandojo, Business Development Head of Jollibee Group Foreign Franchised Brands.

The Panda Express menu includes a variety of entrées with regional Chinese influences—from its bestselling The Original Orange Chicken, a wok-tossed crispy chicken coated in sweet tangy sauce to other must-try entrees like Broccoli Beef, Savory Shrimp and Black Pepper Steak.

For the newcomers reading this, Panda Express started in Glendale, California in the United States in 1983 and expanded worldwide with over two thousand branches. In the South Metro Manila area, they have branches in Parañaque City and Las Piñas City.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? Are you willing to take the trip south the SLEX just to eat at the Shell gas station branch of Panda Express? When was the last time you ate at an American Chinese restaurant? Do you wish that Panda Express would someday open a new branch within the Alabang area of Muntinlupa?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

I Love Israel: Joint Economic Commission (JEC) established by Israel and the Philippines

I Love Israel: Joint Economic Commission (JEC) established by Israel and the Philippines

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Trade between Israel and the Philippines could improve and help develop each other economically in the years to come as the two nations strengthened their ties further by establishing the Joint Economic Commission (JEC), according to a recent report by BusinessWorld.

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

THE Philippines and Israel said they formed a Joint Economic Commission (JEC) that will explore pathways to improving trade.

In a statement on Thursday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Israel Economy and Industry Minister Orna Barbivai in Jerusalem on June 7 that created the JEC.

“The MoU seeks the establishment of a bilateral consultative mechanism that will develop and strengthen trade, enhance investments, and advance economic ties between the Philippines and Israel,” the DTI said.

“In establishing a JEC, the two countries agree to exchange information on economic issues, identify and implement cooperative projects, organize consultations, missions, and official visits and enhance cooperation and linkages with their respective private sector,” it added.

The DTI said the MoU will seek to explore industries where the two countries can collaborate with a view towards diversifying trade and investments.

He added that priority sectors for promotion include agribusiness/agriculture production, energy efficiency technologies and renewable energy, infrastructure and public-private partnership (PPP) projects in infrastructure, real estate development, logistics, artificial intelligence, information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) including shared services, electronics manufacturing, and digital infrastructure.

Mr. Lopez told reporters via Viber that the initial investments from the investment promotion and protection agreement (IPPA) between the Philippines and Israel could bring around $150 million in investment in 2022.

“Early harvest could be around $150 million this year,” Mr. Lopez said.

Also signed on June 7, the IPPA provides the framework for a closer investment relationship between Israel and Philippines. It also specifies investment protection elements such as national treatment, most favored nation treatment, free transfers, rules-based expropriation and compensation, and investor-state dispute settlement.

The DTI also recently signed an MoU seeking to strengthen cooperation with the Israel Innovation Authority.

This newest development is undoubtedly critical as both the Philippines and Israel share the same goal of recovering from the damage of the COVID-19 crisis and emerging stronger economically and socially. The JEC between the two nations is something we must be thankful to God for.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful (not religious), you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel, love the Jewish people and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Always stand in support of Israel!

In ending this I Love Israel piece, posted below are Israel-related videos for your viewing pleasure and enlightenment.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

I Love Israel: Israel and the Philippines sign business agreement

I Love Israel: Israel and the Philippines sign business agreement

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The relationship between Israel and the Philippines moved forward some more as they recently signed a major agreement related to investments and economic cooperation, according to a news report by The Jerusalem Post.

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

Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman and Filipino Secretary of Trade and Industry Ramon Lopez signed an agreement on Tuesday that encourages and protects investments between Israel and the Philippines.

The trade deal

The deal aims to create an investment environment that encourages economic activity by providing a basket of commitments to investors from both Israel and the Philippines. It is expected to provide security and stability to foreign investors and encourage capital movements between the two countries. It covers regulatory issues, prevention of expropriation of assets, free flow of capital and advanced protection mechanisms for the rights of foreign investors in the host country.

“The investment protection agreement signed will help develop economic ties between the countries,” Liberman said. “The commitment between the countries to encourage mutual investment and provide optimal conditions for investors will strengthen existing economic activity and enable new opportunities for the private sector in both countries.”

The Philippines’ economy has grown significantly in the last decade, averaging about 6.4% annually from 2010-2019, according to the World Bank.

Following the coronavirus pandemic, the Philippines managed to bounce back from a 35% decline in global investment flow in 2020, increasing its incoming investment almost 30% this year.

“The high growth in the Philippines over the last decade and the increase in investment flows to it, together with the agreement signed, will strengthen economic cooperation and increase investment between the countries,” said Shira Greenberg, the Finance Ministry’s chief economist.

“The Philippines is a major partner in significant Asia-Pacific regional trade agreements, and in conjunction with the investment agreement signed today, it will open up new opportunities for Israeli companies and investors operating in these markets,” she said.

In recent times, the initial batch of Filipino hotel workers were sent to Israel to help its hospitality/tourism industry. Already the State of Israel is looking forward to stronger bilateral ties with the Philippines under the incoming administration of new President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos. Marcos, who had met Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss, will formally take office on June 30, 2022.

As for this most recent development between the Republic of the Philippines and the State of Israel, the agreement can lead to a new wave of investments and even business innovation between them. Both nations have their own populations of not just trained workers but also entrepreneurs and investors (both individuals and organizations) who can visit the other nation for fresh opportunities to progress and prosper. Israel itself has an enduring record of being a hot spot for business innovation and startups. As such, the protection of investments between Israel and the Philippines is indeed crucial. This newest development is something we can all be thankful to the Lord for.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful (not religious), you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel, love the Jewish people and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Always stand in support of Israel!

In ending this I Love Israel piece, posted below are Israel-related videos plus Philippine news videos for your viewing pleasure and enlightenment.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/  and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

Alabang Central Market inaugurated by Mayor Fresnedi

Alabang Central Market inaugurated by Mayor Fresnedi

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Outgoing Muntinlupa Mayor and Congressman-elect Jaime R. Fresnedi led the inauguration of the new Muntinlupa City Public Market, now rebranded as Alabang Central Market, together with local officials on Wednesday morning.

The local exec leads the unveiling of the marker of the new market’s Building A, one of its two buildings, with outgoing Congressman and Mayor-elect Ruffy Biazon.

The inauguration was led by outgoing Mayor and Congressman-elect Jaime Fresnedi. Also present were incoming Mayor Ruffy Biazon and several other city officials plus guests. (photo source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Fresnedi hopes that the construction of the new market will boost the local economy and help small business owners in the city to recover from the challenges of the pandemic.

Also in attendance during the inauguration ceremony were Vice Mayor Temy Simundac, City Councilors, City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela, Muntinlupa City Public Market chief Randy Garcia, and other local officials.

Alabang Central Market has two buildings for its Wet and Dry sections with a lot area of 20,000 sqm.

Building A has three floors with a total of 448 stalls. The building’s ground floor consists of 242 stainless stalls for fish, chicken, beef, and pork products, 11 buko stalls, 5 commercial/dry stalls, 6 canteen stalls with toilet, while the second floor has 172 vegetable stalls and 12 canteen stalls.

A look at the modern facility. (photo source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Meanwhile, the three-storey Building B which is yet to be completed shall consist of 357 dry stalls for groceries, sari-sari stores, supplies, and canteen, among others with roll up doors.

The buildings in the new Alabang Central Market are equipped with fire protection features such as fire hose cabinets, sprinkler system, fire alarm detection. Some of the architectural features in the facilities also include rainwater collector, LED lights, and being solar panel-ready.

Facilities at the site development also include: Material Recovery Facilities, Electrical Room, Genset Room, Ice Storage / Ice Plant, Products Storage (Wet and Dry), Meat Inspection Office, and Security Office.

Further, it has a parking capacity for 235 private cars, 8 accessible parking slots, 13 tricycle slots, 54 motorcycle parking, and 23 delivery trucks.

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The above information was sourced from an official press release. Some parts were changed for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Over 500,000 foreign tourists counted since the borders were reopened

Over 500,000 foreign tourists counted since the borders were reopened

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If you are looking for encouraging news about our country and its struggle to rise up from the COVID-19 crisis, be aware that more than half a million foreign visitors have been counted since the Philippines reopened its borders months ago, according to a recent news report by BusinessWorld.

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

FOREIGN VISITORS have totaled 517,516 as of May 25, since the reopening of borders with minimal quarantine requirements in February, according to the Department of Tourism (DoT).

The DoT said in a statement that the US was the top source of arrivals between Feb. 10 and May 25 with 104,589, followed by South Korea with 28,474 arrivals, and Canada 24,337.

“Australian nationals, British, and Japanese were next on the list with 23,286; 20,846; and 13,373 respectively,” the DoT said. 

“Other foreign visitors during the early months of the year include Vietnamese, Singaporeans, Malaysians, Italians, Irish and French,” it added.

On Feb. 10, the Philippines started accepting nationals that do not require visas to enter the country. Since April 1, borders have been opened to all nationals. 

“The DoT is looking forward to an uptick in tourist arrivals in the coming weeks following the further easing of entry requirements,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

Starting May 30, the DoT said fully vaccinated and boostered inbound foreign visitors will no longer be required to have a pre-departure test for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The looser entry rules are authorized by Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 168.

However, the DoT said arriving passengers are still encouraged to obtain travel insurance. All types of vaccination certificates, regardless of country of origin, will also be accepted.

“Based on the resolution, the visitor must be at least 18 years old and must have received the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines and at least one booster shot,” the DoT said.

For the newcomers reading this, more tourists from overseas means better opportunities for local businesses to make more money and recover whatever losses they had as a result of lockdowns and quarantine-related business restrictions. Tourism-related businesses like hotels, resorts and connected transportation and food-and-beverage services badly need the spending of foreign visitors.

In relation to this tourism industry development, be aware that there were foreign participants in the recent Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) which was a big sports even that attracted hundreds of participants on May 1 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Speaking of the said location, I personally saw lots of hotels, restaurants (note: read my feature articles about Gourmet Garage Subic and Xtremely Xpresso), stores and other leisure facilities that operated as if the country is back in the pre-pandemic days. The more foreign tourists coming in plus the more local tourists engage in holidays, special events and travel in the country, the better it will be for local businesses to recover (plus pay their fees, taxes and keeping their hard-working employees longer) and the nation as a whole. I believe that the Philippines will continue to rise socially and economically from the pandemic.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this tourism-related development? Do you believe the Philippines will be able to attract 2 million foreign tourists by the end of 2022? Do you run a business that catered to foreign tourists?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

Electric transport system inside the SBMA could happen

Electric transport system inside the SBMA could happen

carlocarrasco

If initial talks progress a lot, then electric vehicles as well as charging stations could be established at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in the future as the Manila Bulletin recently reported that the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and a private entity formally started discussing a key proposal that emphasized renewable energy.

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

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), holding true to its commitment to promote the use of renewable energy, has welcomed its partner Indigo Distribution Corporation in putting into the boardroom a proposal to set up an Electric Transport System inside SBMA as part of a new initiative for renewable energy projects inside the facility.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino and Indigo Distribution Corporation General Manager Gerard S. Galang have started serious discussion on a proposal that also includes setting up solar and electric charging stations inside SBMA to support and promote electric vehicle adoption for private and public transportation.

This is also in line with the ’Renewable Energy Act of 2008′ that affirms the government’s commitment to accelerate the utilization of renewable energy (RE) resources in the country. This is to effectively reduce harmful emissions and achieve economic development while protecting health and environment.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) have started to gain popularity, globally, as many countries decide to pursue the use of alternative technologies that reduce harmful emissions, climate-related effects and reliance on the use of fossil fuels.

Electric vehicles are cars and other vehicles with motors that source power from electricity and not liquid or liquefied fuels.

EVs count among its technological benefits: few moving parts, charging done overnight when electricity demand is low and cheaper fuel cost, running cost and maintenance cost.

The above report ended stating that the SBMA believes that the initiative would bring down the cost of electricity by harnessing the free energy from the sun.

As I mentioned before, Subic Bay is a great place to visit for holidays, shopping, organizing special events, doing business and discovering new things. I was there when the Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) happened on May 1 (for references, click here and here) and I saw SBMA chairman Paulino who took part during the awarding ceremony of the Elite Men category. I also managed to revisit my favorite restaurant there and had a great lunch. To learn about SBMA moving forward with renewable energy and potentially use electric vehicles (e-vehicles) for both public and private transportation is indeed interesting. It would be nice to see electric vehicles in the form of buses, jeepneys and vans be established for commuters to ride and move around the freeport. Think about the tourists, the shoppers and employees who need to move to their respective destinations around the freeport but don’t have their own private vehicles.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you excited to see the SBMA establish an electric transport system in the near future?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/