Tag: business

Muntinlupa Mayor Biazon declares city steadily bouncing back

Muntinlupa Mayor Biazon declares city steadily bouncing back

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Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon stated that the city is steadily bouncing back from the downturn of COVID-19 as he delivered his State of the City Address during the 28th cityhood celebration, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The mayor also shared updates about the city government’s programs.

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

Mayor Ruffy Biazon delivered his first State of the City Address on Muntinlupa’s 28th cityhood anniversary on March 1 and said the city is bouncing back from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic has been a true test of our strength, even of our faith. It has been—and for some, still is—a difficult time, but the good news is that we are steadily bouncing back. We are steadily recovering from the effects of the crisis caused by the pandemic,” he said.

One indicator, he said, is that the number of registered businesses in Muntinlupa increased to 12,232 as of Jan. 31 this year, up by 59 percent from 7,651 in January 2022.

Muntinlupa became a highly urbanized city on March 1, 1995 when then President Fidel Ramos signed Republic Act 7926 or the Charter of the City of Muntinlupa.

According to Biazon, in 2022, the Muntinlupa City government collected P6.03 billion in total revenues, exceeding the target income for the year with 101.09 collection efficiency.

“This means we have enough collections to fund our pandemic recovery programs and projects,” he said.

Under his administration, he focused on reviving the local economy and in strengthening health services and education.

“It is important to mention that Congressman Jimmy Fresnedi’s leadership paved the way for the progressive and developed Muntinlupa that it is today,” he said.

He added, “Our cityhood journey, and now our road to pandemic recovery, underscores the importance of working together, and shows what we can do when we are focused towards a more livable and more responsive city for Muntinlupeños.”

Biazon ran and won as mayor in the May 2022 elections, and launched his 7K Agenda containing the blueprint of his administration.

HEALTH – In 2022, he said, the city government continued its immunization program against Covid-19. The city achieved 136 percent vaccination rate of the eligible target population, or 580,614 individuals, while 80 percent have received their booster shots. In addition, 80 percent of the target population got immunized under the Chikiting Bakunation Program.

The Putatan Health Center was transformed into a Super Health Center that expanded medical and diagnostic services, and operating hours up to 10 p.m. The health center provides basic consultation, minor surgery, laboratory and radiology services, ultrasound for pregnant women and medicine.

The Biazon administration also launched the Womb to Work Program aiming to provide programs for children.

Services at the city-run Ospital ng Muntinlupa were improved including the construction of a new annex building that increased the facility’s bed capacity from 200 to 250.

“I’m also glad to share with you all that we can look forward to the Ospital ng Muntinlupa being an accredited Malasakit Center in the near future. This program, in partnership with the national government, will serve as a one-stop hub for requesting assistance for medical services and for providing indigent patients access to free medicines and quality health care and medical intervention,” said Biazon.

EDUCATION – Biazon thanked the Schools Division Office for preparing for the return of nearly 89,000 students to face-to-face classes. He turned over hygiene kits to the office as part of the full implementation of face-to-face classes in public schools.

The city government also launched programs such as the Muntinlupa Reading Book Club to encourage reading among the youth.

Under the city’s scholarship program, 82,000 students have received financial assistance. Of the P450 million budget for scholarship programs, 85 percent of it is for elementary and high schools students. The city also has about 3,000 college and university scholars.

The Doctor of Medicine Program of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa and Ospital ng Muntinlupa was also launched.

LIVELIHOOD – Biazon said Muntinlupa was recognized as the fifth most competitive economy among 33 highly urbanized cities in the Philippines by the Department of Trade and Industry  Competitiveness Bureau.

Under the Dagdag Puhunan, or zero-interest loan program of the city government, more than P20 million was provided to 7,533 entrepreneurs

This year, he said, the city government will launch the SIKAP loan or startup capital loan for those who want to start their own business.

He also thanked business owners who have complied with City Ordinance 96-80 that mandates that at least 70 percent of their total workforce should be from Muntinlupa. He is requesting for the amendment of the ordinance to give incentives to businesses that have 100 percent Muntinlupa resident employees.

The mayor also thanked the Department of Agriculture, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for holding the Kadiwa program in Muntinlupa.

To find more details from the mayor’s speech, click https://mb.com.ph/2023/03/02/biazons-soca-muntinlupa-steadily-bouncing-back/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Did the mayor deliver all the relevant details in his speech? What do you think the City Government should do to strengthen the local economy to pre-pandemic levels?

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, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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

Muntinlupa City Government commended by Anti-Red Tape agency for simplifying business permit and licensing procedures

Muntinlupa City Government commended by Anti-Red Tape agency for simplifying business permit and licensing procedures

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Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the City Government of Muntinlupa was commended by Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) over the simplifying of business permits and licensing procedures, 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 received a commendation from a national government agency for simplifying business permit and license procedures.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon received the commendation for the city government’s Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS) initiative from the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) under the Office of the President.

In a letter addressed to Biazon, ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez said “we would like to convey our appreciation and commendation to the City Government of Muntinlupa as one of the LGUs that simplified business permit application, addressed systemic issues in the local permits and licenses, and introduced reforms and technology-enabled applications and systems that paved way to a seamless and efficient process.”

The eBOSS is one of the centerpiece initiatives of the City Government, bringing together all the necessary permits and licensing offices in one location, and since the pandemic, now can be done online. Aspiring and existing entrepreneurs can now apply for a business license without having to visit the city hall.

The BOSS program has been considered one of Muntinlupa’s best practices, with local government units visiting the City to learn first-hand about it. The pandemic, with physical-distancing a necessity, eventually paved the way for the original BOSS program to go digital.

“We applaud the City Government for setting the standards among the cities and municipalities. It is our hope that the City Government will continue what it has started and even exceed what was previously accomplished for the continuous realization of the ease of doing business in the Philippines. Again, congratulations on your significant contribution in the country!” Perez told Biazon.

After monitoring eBOSS, Perez said the Muntinlupa City government “has successfully implemented all functionalities in setting-up the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS) required by the law and as further stated in ARTA-DTI-DILG-DICT Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1, series of 2021 or the ‘Guidelines for Processing Business Permits, Related Clearances and Licenses in All Cities and Municipalities.’”

“The said implementation of all functionalities initiated by the [Muntinlupa] City Government, backed up with significant results set the LGU as a model city where various cities and municipalities have been using as benchmark in their own business permit system,” he added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? If you are a local business owner or manager, how would you describe your experience of getting your business license in the city? Does ARTA’s commendation to Muntinlupa make you feel more confident about the local business permit and licensing procedures?

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, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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

My nice stop at Tmol Shilshom

My nice stop at Tmol Shilshom

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Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from my personal experiences and observations during the Israel pilgrimage tour I joined. Additional information from the official website of the subject business is also used. 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.

During the one and only free day I had in my recent tour of Israel, I decided to make use of the extra time to visit the Temple Mount, the Western Wall (note: my return for prayer), the Jewish Quarter, King David’s Tomb and Oskar Schindler’s grave on foot. It was also my plan to have lunch at the popular Mahane Yehuda market.

Coming from the old city of Jerusalem, I marched along Jaffa Street heading towards Mahane Yehuda. However, the accumulated stress of very long walks in the morning caught up with me and I needed a break. It was then I decided to pursue finding a certain Jerusalem joint known for good food, drinks and books which was featured on the YouTube channel of Israel (called Jerusalem’s culture café). That place is Tmol Shilshom and as soon as I saw a sign of it along the very busy Jaffa Street, I made the decision to search for it knowing it was a challenge to do so.

What exactly is Tmol Shilshom? It is described as “the one holy place of Jerusalem that stands above the fray,” quoting Amoz Oz.  

According to the official material of theirs, Tmol Shilshom is a Jersualem institution. A café-restaurant and bookstore that was established in 1994 in a century-old building in the Nahalat Shiv’a quarter of the city center. The joint’s name means “yesteryear”, is the title of a classic Hebrew novel by Nobel laureate S.Y. Agnon. Tmol Shilshom was founded as a unique way to combine culture, good food, and a cozy atmosphere, as imagined by the late David Ehrlich who was the business partner of the joint’s owner Dan Goldberg.

For several minutes, I struggled to find Tmol Shilshom going through a few narrow walkways coming from Jaffa Street. I did not have mobile Internet access with me and there was no way Google Maps could help me. I simply paid attention to details of the walkways and the signs that I saw. There was a point when I thought I got lost but I found another sign leading to the place. After some further walk, turns and climbing up some steps, I finally made it to Tmol Shilshom!

My experience inside Tmol Shilshom

As soon as I entered the café-restaurant, I felt this great relief not only from the cold weather outside but also because I found the place’s beautiful interiors very welcoming and cozy instantly. The place’s heater was so good, I took off my trench coat and sat at the nearest table enjoying the instant warmth and comfort. 

As it was my plan to have lunch at Mahane Yehuda, I first wanted to try Tmol Shilshom’s coffee. On the table, however, I noticed there was this visual reference about their special drinks offered complete with descriptions and prices (in Shekels) displayed. After some thinking and wanting to try something really unique, I decided to order their Halva Drink which is a vegan beverage composed of date honey, tahini, hot soy milk and shredded Halva. I stated my order to the waiter who passed it on to the counter. The waiter was also helpful in granting me access to their Wi-Fi.

After several minutes of browsing and checking updates online, a pretty blonde served to me my Halva Drink and she said, “Enjoy.”

The Halva Drink is one of the special drinks from Tmol Shilshom and I enjoyed this a lot! You should go for this when you visit!

Just looking at the Halva Drink, I was very impressed with the way it looked and how Tmol Shilshom made it. As a native of the Philippines who had been to local cafés and other cafés in the United States, Canada, Japan and Hong Kong, the drink truly looked one-of-a-kind to me!

After marveling at it, I finally decided to start drinking my Halva Drink. The first sensation of my tongue registered a mild sweetness that was also delightful. Naturally, I wanted more of the enjoyable taste so I continued consuming it. The combination of Halva combined with the other mentioned ingredients made it a pretty engaging and very unique drink experience for me. Whoever prepared the Halva Drink there at Tmol Shilshom deserves admiration and thanks! The same should also go to whoever designed the drink there.

As I enjoyed my drink, I took a break from my smartphone and observed the really nice interiors around me. There was this unique feeling of being at home (note: explanation in the Conclusion section) while also feeling comfortable as a consumer. I have been to many cafés and restaurants in my life but Tmol Shilshom is not only very unique but also a standout.

Lots of books on display. Tmol Shilshom is also a bookstore and if you love literature, you should ask for their recommendations.

It comes to no surprise that the Halva Drink, combined with the warmth, the coziness and fine atmosphere of the interior, relaxed me a lot. The stress and the slight soreness of my feet faded away, and I was ready to move on to Mahane Yehuda for lunch and further exploration. Before leaving, I ordered bottled water (to keep myself hydrated), paid the bill and tipped them.

Conclusion

That’s a cozy looking spot and the decorations around are really nice.

While my stay at Tmol Shilshom lasted less than an hour, my experience there still proved to be memorable with the mentioned factors above. I really enjoyed the place (note: the building was originally residential and it got converted for commercial use) and the minimal interior space was not a problem to me at all. Their workers were very professional, friendly and accommodating. It should be noted that apart being a fine place for dining, reading and working, Tmol Shilshom also established itself as a place for special events and gatherings.

If ever I will get to revisit Jerusalem, I would not hesitate to return to Tmol Shilshom and try out their meals and other offerings. It is truly a very special place of Jerusalem and I encourage you to visit them for your food and beverage interests. I personally thank our Lord for guiding me to find the place.

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Colossians 2:6-7 (NKJV)

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)

To each of you reading this, I highly recommend visiting Tmol Shilshom when you are in Jerusalem. For your reference, visit their website at https://www.tmol-shilshom.co.il/en/home/ and follow them on Instagram.

Watch out for more Israel 2023 travel pieces here.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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

AIA Philippines’ investment management arm expresses optimism of robust growth of the Philippine economy

AIA Philippines’ investment management arm expresses optimism of robust growth of the Philippine economy

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Recently, the investment management arm of AIA Philippines expressed confidence that the Philippine economy will continue to have robust growth in connection with what they claim to be an expanding manufacturing sector, according to news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

An official of the investment management arm of AIA Philippines is optimistic on the robust growth of the domestic economy as the manufacturing sector continues to expand.

In a briefing on Thursday, AIA Investment Management and Trust Corporation Philippines (AIAIM Philippines) chief executive officer Angie Pacis said the country’s manufacturing sector is expected to continue posting expansion following the seven-month high manufacturing index in January 2023.

“Notwithstanding the slight weakening of the business confidence and consumer confidence, businesses will still be on a growth track,” she said.

The S&P Global Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) hit 53.5 in the first month this year. An index of 50 and above indicate expansion while those below 50 indicate contraction.

Pacis said forecasts point to continued 50-level index in the coming months.

Pacis also identified demographic dividends as among the factors that will help boost domestic growth this year given the large number of young people who are part of the workforce.

“It’s a young population, it’s a big population with a growing middle class that is actually becoming stronger. Because of that, we will continue to attract investments notwithstanding some of the structural problems,” she added.

These factors are seen to boost one-year-old AIAIM Philippine business, which currently offers three unit investment trust funds (UITFS) namely AIA Peso Adventurous Fund, AIA Peso Balanced Fund and AIA Peso Conservative Fund.

Pacis said the products they are offering are exclusively available for AIA Philippines policy holders for now, while the assets amounting to PHP155 billion they currently have will be handled purely without catering to outside investors.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Were you able to understand the explanations from AIA Philippines investment management arm?

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. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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/.

Oxford Economics says Philippine economic growth will slow down to 4.1% this year

Oxford Economics says Philippine economic growth will slow down to 4.1% this year

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For Oxford Economics, the economy of the Philippines will achieve continued growth in 2023 but with a notable slow down to 4.1%, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Oxford Economics mentioned in its statement factors like the global economy entering recession, inflation and the lack of impact from China’s reopening.

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

PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC GROWTH is expected to slow to 4.1% this year, as external headwinds and elevated inflation are seen to dampen domestic demand, Oxford Economics said.

“After registering respectable growth of 7.6% in 2022, we expect the Philippines’ economy to slow to 4.1% amid global headwinds, elevated inflation, and a fading reopening boost. With monetary tightening set to continue, the economy could use a hand from the fiscal side, but chances are slim,” Makoto Tsuchiya, assistant economist at Oxford Economics, said in a research note released on Wednesday.

Oxford Economics’ gross domestic product (GDP) projection is well below the government’s 6-7% target.

It expects GDP to expand by 4.5% next year, still outside the 6.5-8% target set by the government.

“We expect GDP growth to slow materially amid softer external demand as the global economy enters a recession, led by weakness in major advanced economies. We don’t think China’s reopening will be enough to offset this weakness, with the recovery in private consumption there likely to be lackluster,” Mr. Tsuchiya said.

There is a widely anticipated global recession this year, with the World Bank projecting global growth to slow to 1.7%.

Rising inflation is also seen to “substantially” slow the Philippine economy, Mr. Tsuchiya said.

In January, inflation soared to a 14-year high of 8.7%, marking the 10th consecutive month inflation was above the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 2-4% target range.

The central bank also raised its average inflation forecast to 6.1% this year from 4.5% previously.

Oxford Economics said that the BSP will continue to hike rates to tame inflation and keep in step with the US Federal Reserve.

“Elevated inflation means policy makers will not be able to react by lowering interest rates. Indeed, we expect tightening to continue for at least the next two meetings, albeit at a slower pace — in contrast to other Asian central banks who can afford to pause,” Mr. Tsuchiya said.

Oxford Economics also cited the lack of policy support as a factor contributing to slower growth this year.

“We think significant support is unlikely given limited policy space on both the monetary and fiscal front. Ideally, fiscal policy would take over the burden of supporting growth. But debt accumulated during the pandemic era means the focus is instead on fiscal consolidation,” Mr. Tsuchiya said, noting that the Philippine government may adopt a more restrained approach in spending.

Oxford Economics expects the budget deficit will reach 2.7% of GDP by 2028, better than the 3% projection given by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).

The government projects the fiscal deficit to hit 6.9% of GDP or around P1.5 trillion this year. In the 11 months to November, the budget deficit shrank by 7.2% to P1.24 trillion.

However, Oxford Economics said the debt-to-GDP ratio may remain elevated at 61.1% by 2025. This is higher than the 60% target set by the government in the same period.

The country ended last year with a debt stock at 60.9%, better than the 63.7% seen in end-September but still above the 60% threshold considered manageable by multilateral lenders for developing economies.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think Oxford Economics’ prediction about 4.1% economic growth for the Philippines this year will turn out to be true? Do you think Oxford Economics made a strong case explaining why economic growth in 2023 will be smaller for the Philippines?

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, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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

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

BIR says half a trillion Pesos lost to tax evasion each year

BIR says half a trillion Pesos lost to tax evasion each year

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Tax evasion remains a very serious problem in the Philippines. As far as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is concerned, the authorities lose around half a trillion Pesos each year due to tax evasion, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE GOVERNMENT loses around P500 billion annually to tax evasion, according to a top Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) official.

“There is a lot, especially if we include those involved in illicit trade. In cigarettes alone, there’s around P100 billion,” BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. said, when asked about revenue losses from tax evasion.

“Leakages aren’t part of that yet, like petroleum or vape products that aren’t registered, as well as fake receipts. I think it won’t go below P500 billion if you add everything up,” he added.

Mr. Lumagui said the BIR will have an easier time achieving its collection targets if it addresses tax evasion.

Earlier this month, the BIR filed 74 tax evasion complaints worth P3.5 billion against several companies.

“We will tailor efforts to improve digital services so businesses will leave the shadow economy and join the tax net. We will now focus on enforcement activities against tax evaders, put emphasis on tapping uncollected taxes through illegal activities,” Mr. Lumagui said.

The BIR is currently monitoring and investigating a number of suspected tax evaders.

“The most important right now is the selling of fake receipts and we know who (they are). We are investigating so we can file a case against those involved,” Mr. Lumagui said.

The BIR is targeting to collect P2.6 trillion in revenues this year.

“With all our activities and efforts we are making, we will be able to achieve the tax collection target,” he said.

In 2022, the agency collected a total of P2.34 trillion, surpassing its P2.1-trillion target.

Meanwhile, Mr. Lumagui said the agency will also review its policies after the Supreme Court declared void its regulations that require firms to disclose the personal information of investors.

“We must respect the privacy (of these investors) but when it comes to the correct amount of taxes, the BIR has auditing power. There is still a need to pay taxes and the compliance of these businesses needs to be monitored. When it comes to determining the correct amount of taxes, we can investigate that,” he added.

The Supreme Court declared that the BIR Revenue Regulations No. 1-2014 and Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 5-2014 “void for being unconstitutional” as it violated the right to privacy.

The regulations require businesses to disclose investor information such as addresses, tax identification number (TIN), and birthdays, among others.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the BIR will be able to collect P2.6 trillion this year even with tax evasion still going on? What do you think should be done to eradicate tax evasion all over the Philippines?

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, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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

You should visit Tamar Bakfar Visitors Center

You should visit Tamar Bakfar Visitors Center

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Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from my personal experiences and observations during the Israel pilgrimage tour I joined. Additional information from the official website of the subject business is also used. Take note that this is not a sponsored article at all. 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.

Let me start by confirming to you all that I just had the greatest foreign trip ever in my life…a pilgrimage tour in Israel with my local church (led by two of its designated pastors for the tour) hosted by its Israeli partner.

During a particular day of the tour, our group was in close proximity to the Sea of Galilee (also referred to as Lake Tiberias) when some of us – including myself – participated in water baptism at the Yardenit Baptismal Site. After that, our group went to a nearby store for organic goods and spices to shop. The problem was the store we visited was closed for some reason.

As an alternative, we went to the area of Kinneret (located in close proximity to the Sea of Galilee) and visited the Tamar Bakfar Visitors Center (also referred to as Tamar B’kfar Visitors Center). It turns out, the change was splendid.

The front of the Tamar Bakfar Visitors Center.

Upon entering the store, Tamar Bakfar’s people welcomed us very warmly and one of them oriented us about what they were selling, how wide their lineup of organic goods was, which products are healthy, why nature is emphasized a lot through their products, and the like. The store has a very nice interior design and the products were cleverly organized to be customer-friendly and even be attractive.

The lady representing the store gave our group an in-depth orientation about their business, what they have, what is good, why nature is emphasized a lot on many products and more. It was an enlightening experience to learn from her.
Look at these energy bars made with natural ingredients.

As I personally observed, Tamar Bakfar Visitors Center sells a lot of different types of products that can meet the needs or wants of customers. They have dates and date products (note: date spread, date honey, date conditioner, date syrup and so on), nuts, dried fruits, spices, honey (note: avocado honey, eucalyptus honey, and Galilee-sourced honey to name a few), olive oil,  chocolates (note: chocolates come in many different forms), wine and other types of sweets.  

I bought from the store this snack of chocolate-covered coffee beans. So enjoyable!

Anyone looking for self-care products should check out their cosmetics section where they have products that used natural ingredients such as age-away hydrating cream, avocado and rosemary soap, the black bamboo soap, cypress nurturing hand cream, honey hand-and-foot cream, and the lavender body wash to name some. If you are insistent on having self-care products that come with natural ingredients, then you will find something here.

If you are into kitchenware, Tamar Bakfar Visitors Center has a good production selection for you: lunch cubes, multipurpose kitchen scissors, thermos bottles, stainless steel pots, bamboo cups, espresso cups, barbeque grill pans and more.  

In my experience, walking around the store and observing the products offered was a joyful thing. Just about every product I saw had that premium aesthetic which you will realize by visiting the place and seeing the products personally.

Conclusion

Tamar Bakfar Visitors Center’s store is a must-visit! Ask your tourist guide to bring you there. The store’s personnel are very welcoming and professional.

I can say that our visit at the Tamar Bakfar Visitors Center is a nice blessing from our Lord. Their store is huge and attractive. Their personnel are customer-friendly, helpful and professional. Also what they have in-store are very varied and plentiful. So many choices you can make based on what you need or want. More notably, their store offers the finest of the Galilee region’s harvest in the form of dried fruits, spices, ingredients and more. Galilee is blessed and this should not be surprising at all as our Lord and Savior Jesus spent a good amount of time in the region thousands of years ago. Refer to the holy scriptures below…

On the third day Jesus left there and continued his journey to Galilee, where he had been raised. Now Jesus knew that prophets are honored everywhere except in their own hometown. Even so, as Jesus arrived in the province of Galilee, the people welcomed him with open arms. Many of them had been in Jerusalem during the Passover Festival and had witnessed firsthand the miracles he had performed.

Jesus entered the village of Cana of Galilee where he had transformed water into wine. He met there a governmental official from Capernaum whose son was very sick and dying. When he heard that Jesus had left Judea and was staying in Cana of Galilee, he decided to make the journey to Cana. When he found Jesus, he begged him, “You must come with me to Capernaum and heal my son!”

So Jesus said to him, “You never believe unless you see signs and wonders.”

But the man continued to plead, “Come with me to Capernaum before my little boy dies!”

Jesus looked him in the eyes and said, “Go back home now. I promise you, your son will live.”

The man believed in his heart the words of Jesus and set off for home. When he was still a distance from Capernaum, his servants met him on the road and told him the good news, “Your son is healed! He’s alive!”

Overjoyed, the father asked his servants, “When did my son begin to recover?”

“Yesterday,” they said, “at one in the afternoon. All at once his fever broke—and now he’s well!”

Then the father immediately realized that it was at that very same hour that Jesus spoke the words to him, “Your son will live.”

From that day forward, the man, his servants, and all his family believed. Healing the official’s son was Jesus’ second extraordinary miracle in Galilee after returning from Judea.

John 4:43-54 (TPT)

Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

Luke 4:14-15 (NKJV)

If ever you are visiting Israel and will be spending time in the Galilee region, then I highly recommend visiting the Tamar Bakfar Vistors Center in Kinneret. Visit the company’s official website at https://tamarbakfar.co.il/ and follow them on Instagram.

Watch out for more Israel 2023 travel pieces here.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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

BSP sees 6-7% economic growth in 2023 for Philippines

BSP sees 6-7% economic growth in 2023 for Philippines

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As far as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is concerned, the Philippine economy will grow between 6% to 7% this year, according to a news report by BusinessWorld. By comparison, HSBC and the World Bank forecast growth rates of 4.4% and 5.4% respectively.

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

THE “CONTINUED NORMALIZATION” of post-pandemic mobility will help the Philippine economy expand within the government’s 6-7% target this year, but slower growth is likely in 2024, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.

“GDP (gross domestic product) growth is projected to settle within the DBCC’s (Development Budget Coordination Committee) target of 6-7% for 2023, but economic headwinds could result in slower GDP growth in 2024,” the BSP said in its latest Monetary Policy Report (MPR).  

“The full-year growth forecast for 2023 was adjusted upward from the previous MPR. Meanwhile, the growth forecast for 2024 is lower compared to previous round, reflecting weaker global prospects and the impact of cumulative policy rate adjustments of the BSP,” it added.  

While the central bank does not give its exact growth forecasts, the DBCC targets 6.5-8% GDP growth in 2024.

According to the central bank, the economy will be “driven by growth in the industry sector as manufacturers signal increased production plans as the economy reopens further.”  

Based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the service sector expanded by 9.8% in the fourth quarter last year, while the industry sector grew by 4.8%. Annually, services jumped by 9.2%, and industry expanded by 6.7%.

Better labor market conditions, higher demand for tourism, and greater economic activity due to the resumption of face-to-face classes are seen to boost growth in the services sector, the BSP said.  

“Moreover, the implementation of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Law, Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer (FIST) Act, and the second tranche of the reduction in personal income taxes could help further bolster the domestic outlook in 2023-2024,” it added.

Meanwhile, the overall balance of supply and demand conditions, as reflected by the output gap, is expected to “remain broadly neutral” in the near term.  

“Estimates from the BSP’s Policy Analysis Model for the Philippines (PAMPh) indicate that the output gap is estimated to be slightly positive in early 2023, reflecting the sustained economic expansion in 2022,” the central bank said.  

The economy grew by 7.6% in 2022, exceeding the government’s 6.5-7.5% target, and the fastest growth since 1975.

“Thereafter, the output gap is seen to remain in broadly neutral territory as the impact of policy interest rate adjustments takes hold on the economy. A projected slowdown in global growth owing in part to tightening monetary conditions across countries could likewise dampen aggregate demand,” the BSP said.  

The Monetary Board last week increased the benchmark policy rate by 50 basis points (bps) to 6%, the highest in nearly 16 years. Rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were also increased to 5.5% and 6.5%, respectively.

According to analysts, higher interest rates could drag economic growth slower this year.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines can achieve economic growth beyond 6% this year? Do you think the government should do more with post-pandemic living and economics 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, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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

Cambodia a potential new source of rice for the Philippines

Cambodia a potential new source of rice for the Philippines

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While living here in the Philippines doing your daily chores and fulfilling other objectives, do you still remember how much money did you spend buying rice grain for your household over the last six months? Do you find the current prices of rice expensive nowadays? As far as rice is concerned, the nation of Cambodia could become the next new source of rice grain for the Philippines, according to a news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

Cambodia is exploring opportunities to directly export rice to the Philippines, offering an alternative and cheaper source of rice for the country.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual met with a Cambodian delegation on Thursday, led by chief executive officer of the state-owned Green Trade Company Chan Sokty and the president of the Cambodia Rice Federation Okhna Chan Sokheang.

Green Trade is the counterpart of DTI’s Philippine International Trading Corp. (PITC).

The Cambodian delegates are also exploring exporting rice through a government-to-government arrangement between Green Trade and PITC.

“They are still in the fact-finding stage. They are surveying our markets,” Pascual told reporters.

Pascual said Cambodia has a rice surplus of 50 percent of its total rice production, and the Southeast Asian country intends to sell it directly to neighboring countries and also in Europe.

Cambodian rice can enter the Philippine market at 35 percent tariff rate.

Pascual added the Cambodian delegates said they can commit to supply 3 million metric tons of rice to the Philippines, which is the level of imported rice by the country in 2022.

Earlier, Go Negosyo founder and ASEAN Business Advisory Council chair Joey Concepcion said Cambodia expressed intention to directly export unmilled rice to the Philippines on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in November 2022.

Concepcion then said Cambodia exports unprocessed rice to Vietnam, wherein the country processes the rice before exporting to other countries like the Philippines.

More than 80 percent of the country’s rice imports are sourced from Vietnam, according to the Bureau of Plant Industry.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think rice imported from Cambodia will surely bring down the local rice prices?

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, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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

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 extends business permit renewal deadline to February 28, 2023

Las Piñas City extends business permit renewal deadline to February 28, 2023

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Recently the City of Las Piñas issued another extension of the local deadline for the renewal of business permits which is now February 28, 2023, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Previously, the deadline was set for January 31, 2023.

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

The Las Piñas City government extended again the deadline for renewal of business permits and licenses from Feb. 1 until Feb. 28.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar is urging all business owners in the city to avail of the second deadline extension for renewal of business permits, licenses, taxes, and other commercial and industrial fees and charges without penalties and surcharge.

Aguilar said the city government set the first deadline extension for business permit renewal from Jan. 20 to 31 through a City Council resolution.

She said the city government made the move after the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) noted a high number of business permit registrations and applications.

The mayor said deadline extension until Feb. 28 will also help businesses who have just recovered from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Aguilar said the extension will also accelerate the city’s collection from business permit renewal and applications.

The mayor is also hoping delinquent businesses can now legalize their operation.

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 find it surprising that the City Government extended the deadline again? Do you know any local business owner who intends to have his or her business permit renewed very soon?

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, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. 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