Tag: Cavite

Las Piñas Congressman Points To Construction Firm Of Former City Councilor Over Multiple Public Works Contracts Worth Billions

Las Piñas Congressman Points To Construction Firm Of Former City Councilor Over Multiple Public Works Contracts Worth Billions

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Recently Las Piñas City’s congressman Mark Santos pointed to the construction firm of former city councilor and mayoral candidate Carlo Aguilar having cornered multiple public works contracts worth several billions of Pesos since 2016, according to a Malaya Business Insight news report.

For the newcomers reading this, former councilor Aguilar is the cousin of Senator Mark Villar who himself took office as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in 2016 during the administration of then Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. During the 2025 National and Local Elections, Aguilar ran for mayor under the banner of the Villar political family but lost to then Vice Mayor April Aguilar.

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

LAS Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos yesterday said a construction firm of Carlo Aguilar cornered 161 public works contracts worth billions since 2016, the same year that his cousin Sen. Mark Villar was appointed as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) by then President Rodrigo Duterte.

“The scale, frequency, and consistency of these awarding raise serious red flags that warrant immediate scrutiny,” he said in a statement, adding there is a “deeply alarming pattern” in national infrastructure spending.

The Villar family was linked to the flood control controversy after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Aguilar’s I&E Construction was awarded P18.5 billion worth of flood control and infrastructure projects during his tenure as public works secretary under the Duterte administration.

Santos said according to official documents he has obtained, I&E Construction Corp. secured multiple projects in Las Piñas starting in 2016, including the construction and rehabilitation of a flood control structure along the Alabang–Zapote Road, worth P6.9 billion.

In the same year, he said, the DPWH awarded a P64.5-million contract to I&E for the construction of a slope protection structure along Naga Creek, also in Las Piñas.

In total, Santos said, I&E bagged 13 public works contracts that year, the same year that Villar was appointed as DPWH head.

“There are so many projects, it’s one after the other, worth billions. These projects didn’t just fall from the sky. The public deserves full transparency on how and why a single family-linked contractor repeatedly secured massive government contracts,” he said in mixed Filipino and English.

He urged the Office of the Ombudsman, the Commission on Audit (COA) Congress to look into “potential conflicts of interest, preferential treatment or violations of procurement laws.”

He also called on the DPWH to release all documents related to bidding, awards, and implementation of the 161 projects to ensure full transparency.

Santos cited the testimony of former public works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that commissions from approved DPWH projects were divided among officials: half to Aguilar and the remaining half was split between former undersecretary Maria Cabral and Bernardo, himself.

Santos said that in 2017, I&E secured six government infrastructure projects, including the P62.9-million construction of slope protection and other improvements at Talon Creek (from CAA Bridge to Talon Bridge).

Santos said the following year, I&E “captured” 12 multi-million-peso DPWH projects at a time when Mark’s mother, Cynthia, was an incumbent senator and his sister Camille was the lone representative of Las Piñas.

He said documents would show that the largest project that year was the construction of slope protection, including a box culvert and the removal of informal settlers, amounting to P120.7 million.

Santos said all 12 projects were implemented in Las Piñas “along routes leading to malls, subdivisions, and other business interests of the Villar family.”

In 2019, I&E got 14 additional government projects, including the P96.4 million for a flood control structure along the Las Piñas River and its tributaries and two major projects in Mariveles, Bataan: the P94-million road leading to tourism port facilities at the Freeport Area, and the P114.2-million network development program for the Bagac–Mariveles Road.

Santos, who noted that the Villar family has roots in Bataan, said Aguilar’s firm secured 10 government projects in 2020, including various local infrastructure improvements totaling P144.7 million, and the P96.5-million construction of port facilities in Mariveles.

The following year, he said, I&E was awarded 15 projects. Even after Villar resigned as DPWH secretary in October 2021 to run for senator, I&E “continued to secure contracts, cornering 22 projects in 2022, including the ₱144.7-million Laguna Lake Highway Extension (Phase 3), and the ₱289.301-million General Nakar–Dingalan Road, Package A in Quezon province,” Santos said.

This year, Santos said, the construction firm was awarded 17 government infrastructure projects, even as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered for a thorough investigation into the scam.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think congressman Santos’ quest for truth behind the many projects involving I&E Construction will lead to a full investigation by the national government?

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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Aliligay and Salazar Triumph In National Duathlon Championships 2025

Aliligay and Salazar Triumph In National Duathlon Championships 2025

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Lowegene Aliligay and Katrina Salazar emerged as the champions of the National Duathlon Championships (NDC) 2025 held yesterday at Villar City, Bacoor, Cavite.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the sports press release of Triathlon Philippines. Some parts in boldface…

Lowegene Aliligay of Isabela ruled the men’s elite division Sunday in the National Duathlon Championships at the Villar City in Bacoor, Cavite.

The 26-year-old registered 58:51 to claim his first National title.

“I trained for two months to prepare for this tournament and I am so happy and proud of my achievement here,” said Aliligay, who hails from Barangay San Fabian in Echague town.

Daniel Cadavos (58:56) placed second followed by Mark Ryan Lago of Trece Martires, Cavite (1:01:57).

Katrina Salazar shared the limelight with Aliligay, dominating the women’s division with a time 1:07:25. Jena Valdez (1:08:30) got the silver medal.

Salazar, a third-year dentistry student from University of the East, secured her second gold medal this year after her victory in the National Aquathlon Championships last month.

Meanwhile, Eric Joachim Hechanova of Go-for-Gold clocked 58:38 to win the gold medal in the men’s junior elite division of the event organized by Triathlon Philippines headed by Tom Carrasco.

His teammate Justhene Navaluna took the silver with a time of 58:59 while Darell Johnson Bada (1:00:53) got the bronze.

“The course was good and I’m happy to win,” said the 17-year-old Hechanova, who hails from Lingayen, Pangasinan. He won the 5,000 meters event at the 2024 Batang Pinoy National Championships in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Anisha Eunice Caluya clocked 1:13:08 followed by Dhana Victoria Seda-Lomboy (1:13:28) in the women’s junior division of the event supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

The National Duathlon Championships 2025 is special event by Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) supported by venue partner Villar City, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Gatorade, Western Guaranty Corporation and RaceYa.

To receive more local triathlon and multisport updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil.  

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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

The Current State of Flood Control in Las Piñas City

The Current State of Flood Control in Las Piñas City

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If you were in Las Piñas City during the week of July 21 to 25, 2025, were you trapped in the middle of heavy traffic because of immense flooding? Did you witness flood water that entered houses of a local residential community during that week? Today, the topic of flood control is a very hot one for Las Piñas City residents because a lot were negatively affected by flooding and Congressman Mark Santos has been speaking out a lot about it.

For starters, watch the YouTube news video of GMA Network below.

Next, watch the analytical YouTube video of Claire Castro below.

Santos recently pointed out that more than forty construction projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the city lacked permits from the City Government.

The DPWH itself has turned controversial due to several flawed and questionable flood control projects nationwide handled by contractors.  No less than Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., was angered over a Bulacan flood control project that was never completed even though the contractor has been paid. Not only that, one particular business person admitted owning several construction firms that bid for DPWH projects.

Going back to Las Piñas City, there is controversy over certain infrastructure projects involving the influential Villar business and political family and already there was friction with the City Government. Congressman Santos pointed out that the Las Piñas-Zapote River Drive (another project of the Villar family which you can learn about by clicking here and here) made flooding in the city worse. For insight about Las Piñas City developments, watch the YouTube video below.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to the recent developments regarding construction, infrastructure and flooding? Are you following what Congressman Santos has been doing and saying regarding the state of flood control in the city? Do you hope to see the DPWH coordinate closely with the City Government and make sure it secured permits for local projects?

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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Las Piñas City Congressman Santos Says Zapote River Drive Narrowed Waterway and Made Flooding Worse

Las Piñas City Congressman Santos Says Zapote River Drive Narrowed Waterway and Made Flooding Worse

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Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Congressman Mark Santos visited the Zapote River Drive and pointed out that the construction of the road made the waterway narrower and resulted in worse flooding in recent times, according to a GMA Network news report.

For the newcomers reading this, the Zapote River stretches for several kilometers and it physically separates Las Piñas City from Bacoor City (Cavite province). The Zapote River Drive itself was constructed to decongest traffic in Las Piñas City.

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

The construction of a road along the Zapote River in Las Piñas City has narrowed the waterway and worsened flooding in parts of the city, according to a lawmaker.

In Maki Pulido’s Thursday report on “24 Oras,” a resident of Barangay Zapote 2 said floodwater enters their home during heavy rains.

Due to the rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) in July, several areas in Las Piñas City were submerged in the ensuing floods.

According to Las Piñas Rep. Anthony Santos, there is a flood control project for the Zapote River, one of the major waterways in the city. But instead of dredging and cleaning the river, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) constructed a road alongside the river.

As a result, Santos said the river became narrower and prone to faster overflowing, causing more floods in different areas of the city.

“Malaki po ang inoccupy nito doon sa Zapote River kung saan makikita natin ngayon na medyo nabawasan yung puwang o luwang ng river na nagdudulot ngayon ng problema dito sa Las Piñas nung raw na mas malapad ito mas maraming tubig ang dumadaloy,” Santos said.

(The road occupies a larger portion of the Zapote River. The width of the river is now smaller, which is causing problems here in Las Piñas. When it was wider, more water was able to flow.)

The DPWH is currently repairing riprap after a portion of it collapsed.

“Itong river na ito, hindi dapat tinayuan para gawing kalsada. Ito po ay para linisin lang ang river, pero kita niyo ang nag initiate na predecessors ko. Conflict of interest po, very clear po dito, kasi lahat ng kalsadang dinaanan papunta sa mga lupa nila ng mga Villar kasi nagpagawa bridge papunta sa mga property nila. Ang dulo nito ay isang malaking mall na pag aari ng pamilya Villar,” Santos said.

(Roads were not supposed to be constructed alongside the river. It was intended for just cleaning the river, but look at what my predecessors did. It’s very clear that there is a conflict of interest because all the constructed roads lead to the properties of the Villars. At the end of this road is a mall owned by the Villar family.)

According to Santos, the road construction began in 2012 and now stretches to at least 10 kilometers.

Posters along Las Piñas Zapote Road indicate the road is a project by siblings and senators Mark Villar and Camille Villar-Genuino and their mother, former senator Cynthia Villar.

Santos won the congressional seat against the elder Villar during the 2025 Philippine elections.

“Wala naman pong kwestyun kung sino mag be-benefit dito e nag re-reklamo mga kababayan ko sa baha (there is no question who will benefit from this project, but the people are complaining about the floods),” Santos said.

Roads were also built alongside the city’s creeks, including Talong Creek in Barangay Pulang Dos.

According to a resident, in 2024, the retaining wall collapsed due to the volume of water and accumulated garbage in the narrower creek.

“Gumiba siya. Nag breach aming wall pinasok kami tubig. May portion pa na neck-deep. Kinakatakot namin papasok na naman tag-ulan wala na natutulog dito,” resident Elmer Pascual said, adding that their subdivision experienced flooding for the first time.

(The wall collapsed after it was breached by the water. In some areas, the floodwaters rose to neck-deep levels. We’re concerned that it might happen again during the rainy season.)

In a statement, Cynthia Villar said the Las Piñas Zapote River Drive is a flood control and traffic decongestion project to rehabilitate the Las Piñas River.

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? Have you ever traveled along the Zapote River Drive in Las Piñas City? Are you convinced that the Zapote River Drive made the river narrower and made flooding worse? Do you think the Zapote River Drive succeeded in decongesting traffic within the city? Do you live in a residential community bordering the Zapote River?

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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Chinese nationals arrested in Cavite, two women rescued

Chinese nationals arrested in Cavite, two women rescued

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Recently in the province of Cavite, elements of the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) fugitive search unit arrested three Chinese over varied violations and rescued two women who were held against their will, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A Chinese national, who is allegedly linked to illegal drugs activities and human trafficking, has been arrested in Cavite by agents of the Bureau of Immigration Fugitive Search Unit (BIFSU).

BIFSU Chief Rendel Ryan Sy identified the suspect as Jin Tian, 26, who was arrested in his residence in General Trias City last July 15.

During the operation in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine Navy, two women allegedly held against their will were rescued, Sy said.

At the same time, Sy said that two other male Chinese nationals were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Sun Yong, 36, and Liu Zhiwei, 33. Sun was found by PDEA operatives to be in possession of a substance believed to be shabu and drug paraphernalia.

Sy also said that the three Chinese nationals were found to be overstaying aliens for failure to present any valid immigration documentation. Also, Jin was found to have two derogatory records for overstaying.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be more Chinese fugitives as well as overstaying fugitives hiding in your local community?

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

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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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

BSP Calls for Anti-Counterfeiting Campaigns in Malls, Supermarkets and Wet Markets

BSP Calls for Anti-Counterfeiting Campaigns in Malls, Supermarkets and Wet Markets

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Counterfeiting of money is a hot issue right now in the Philippines as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) called for targeted anti-counterfeiting campaigns in specific places of trade and commerce, according to a business news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is calling for targeted anti-counterfeiting campaigns in shopping malls, supermarkets, and wet markets after these locations emerged as the main sources of fake banknotes and coins recovered last year.

Data from the 2024 BSP annual report published in June showed that counterfeits were “frequently recovered in areas with high foot traffic, such as shopping malls (27.2 percent), supermarkets (25.9 percent), and wet markets (20.9 percent).”

“This highlights the need for targeted anti-counterfeiting campaigns in these areas,” the report said.

According to the central bank report, the ₱1,000 paper banknote was the most counterfeited bill, accounting for 59.9 percent or the majority of documented counterfeits last year. The ₱500 paper banknote was the second-most counterfeited bill at 19.3 percent.

Notably, there were a very low number of cases of counterfeit ₱1,000 polymer banknotes. Recording only three “low-quality” counterfeits in 2024, the BSP noted that the three-year-old ₱1,000 polymer banknote has shown “resilience” against counterfeiting.

“These counterfeit polymer banknotes were printed on paper, with the transparent portions cut out and substituted with substandard plastic, making them easily detectable by the public,” the BSP said.

Fake coins also dropped significantly by 87.8 percent last year, noting that there were fewer than one fake coin for every one million real coins in circulation. Most counterfeit coins were leftovers from previous years, mostly five-peso coins from the BSP coin series.

The BSP attributed this substantial decline in counterfeited banknotes and coins to the “enhanced security features of the New Generation Currency (NGC), including the micro-printed details and laser-engraved designs.”

These added features made it more challenging for fraudsters to copy and reproduce the currencies, the BSP said.

Most counterfeiting involved inkjet printing, accounting for 79.7 percent of the recorded cases. Laser printing was next at 12.6 percent, while tampered security threads accounted for 7.6 percent.

When it comes to location, most fake currencies were found in Metro Manila, at 52.2 percent, followed by the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon (collectively known as CALABARZON), at 12.2 percent.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think counterfeiting in the Philippines will get worse over the next twelve months? Do you think the local supermarket, wet market or shopping mall are hot spots of fake banknotes and coins? Who do you think is responsible for the rise of counterfeit money? Do you think the BSP’s research about counterfeiting is accurate?

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

Filinvest Group still optimistic with Alabang central business district

Filinvest Group still optimistic with Alabang central business district

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Even though there are emerging rivals that each have distinctive attractions for businesses and residents, the Filinvest group remains confident and optimistic with its 244-hectare Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa, according to a business article by BusinessWorld. This is about the current state of corporate cities or central business districts (CBDs) which are contributing a lot to the economy of the Philippines in terms of financial value, jobs, properties and new residential communities.

For the newcomers reading this, Filinvest City is located within the Alabang area of Muntinlupa City, and it is connected with both the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Metro Manila Skyway (which itself is connected to the NAIA Expressway  and the North Luzon Expressway) which makes travel connectivity convenient.

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

THE FILINVEST group is banking on unsold inventory and infrastructure readiness at its 244-hectare Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa to support growth in its township portfolio, as new large-scale developments emerge in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Catherine A. Ilagan, president and chief executive officer of Filinvest Alabang, Inc. (FAI), said Filinvest City continues to attract interest from businesses and residents, even as estates such as the 3,500-hectare Villar City, the 700-hectare Vermosa in Cavite, and the 74-hectare Arca South in Taguig expand their footprints.

“We’re the most developed. We have the essentials to back it up. We have the infrastructure and all of the utilities. All of that are already in place. Accessibility is also key. We also have access to talent,” Ms. Ilagan said in an interview with BusinessWorld.

“It takes a long time to develop into a real central business district (CBD),” she added.

FAI is the real estate arm of the Filinvest group, overseeing townships and high-end residential developments.

“In terms of densifying, there’s still a lot of potential for Filinvest City. The outlook for Filinvest City is really positive,” Ms. Ilagan said.

“The release of inventory is very deliberate,” she added.

According to a regulatory filing by the Filinvest group’s listed conglomerate, Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC), FAI beneficially owns 76.4 hectares of unsold lots in Filinvest City as of end-2024, indicating further growth capacity.

Launched in 1995, Filinvest City is a mixed-use township that integrates a CBD, residential communities, leisure destinations, educational institutions, and medical and wellness centers.

It is the country’s only CBD to hold both Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE) certifications.

“The LEED and BERDE certifications are testaments to Filinvest City being a green development,” Ms. Ilagan said.

Filinvest City’s sustainability features include a district cooling system that reduces energy use and emissions by servicing multiple buildings, an integrated electric-powered transport system known as the 360 Eco-Loop, and dedicated green spaces and sustainable buildings in Northgate Cyberzone.

Under Ms. Ilagan’s leadership, FAI is replicating the Filinvest City model in other areas as it grows its portfolio of master-planned, sustainable townships and premium real estate developments under the Filigree brand.

Ms. Ilagan brings more than 30 years of experience in real estate and urban development.

“Filinvest City is a ten-minute city. Everything can be reached in ten minutes. This is the DNA that we want to replicate in the other townships,” Ms. Ilagan said.

“We’ve always subscribed to the idea of a balanced live-work-play. That’s the DNA of all of our townships, a well-rounded and balanced development,” she added.

Other FAI-led townships include the 58-hectare City di Mare in Cebu, the 201-hectare Filinvest Mimosa Plus in Clark, Pampanga, the 288-hectare Filinvest New Clark City in Tarlac, and the 677-hectare Timberland Heights in Rizal.

“Whether it’s a small development, a bigger development, a high development, or a denser development, there should always be that balance of live-work-play components. As a real estate developer, that is the sustainable way to do things. Now, we want everything to be walkable,” Ms. Ilagan said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What do you think that Villar City, Arca South and Vermosa don’t have when compared with Filinvest City? If you are developing properties, do you find Filinvest City advantageous and attractive for your business needs?

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

Over 100 Chinese former POGO workers deported

Over 100 Chinese former POGO workers deported

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Recently authorities here in the Philippines deported over one hundred Chinese nationals who previously worked for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), according to a news report by GMA News.

For the newcomers reading this, the Philippines still has many thousands of illegal aliens who previously worked in POGOs who are on the loose.

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

Some 100 Chinese individuals who worked for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) were deported to China on Tuesday.

According to Saleema Refran’s report on Balitanghali, they were deported at around 10:40 a.m.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said China paid for the airfare of the deportees, with the goal of ensuring that they will not be able to escape.

“Importante kasi sa kanila ‘yan dahil marami silang nakukuhang impormasyon dito sa mga bosses kung paano sila nag o-operate, saan sila nag-o-operate, at anu-anong mga sistema sa money laundering ang ginagamit nila,” PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said.

(It’s important to them because they get a lot of information from the bosses here. How they operate, where they operate, and what money laundering systems they use.)

“Ang ayaw kasi nila siyempre ‘yung hindi nakakarating sa China mismo ‘yung mga boss nitong operation ng POGO,” he added.

(What they really don’t want, of course, is for the bosses of these POGO operations to not arrive in China.)

Once in China, the deportees will undergo investigation for scamming, cybercrime, fraud, and money laundering.

Broken apart – Meanwhile, the Filipino partners and spouses of the deportees were emotional when saying their goodbyes, including one who even brought their six-month child.

“Sobrang sakit po kasi may anak po kami (It really hurts because we have a child),” one of the women said.

The mother is already in contact with the deportee’s family and China, and plans to follow him there with their daughter.

The former workers were arrested during anti-POGO operations in Cebu, Cavite, Parañaque, and Pasay.

They have been declared undesirable aliens due to lack of visas and work permits, and for working in illegal POGOs. Aside from these, they have also been blacklisted and can no longer return to the Philippines.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the authorities should do more apprehending the many illegal aliens (former POGO workers) still on the loose so that more will get deported? Are you concerned that there could be many Filipinos who became personally involved with foreigners who worked in POGOs?

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

2025 National Age Group Aquathlon and National Age Group Duathlon highlights at Vermosa Sports Hub

2025 National Age Group Aquathlon and National Age Group Duathlon highlights at Vermosa Sports Hub

carlocarrasco

Welcome back, multisports athletes and sports enthusiasts! The highlights of the 2025 National Age Group Aquathlon and 2025 National Age Group Duathlon held this past weekend at the Vermosa Sports Hub are revealed below.

Official image of the two events hosted by Vermosa Sports Hub. (photo source – TriPhil)

Alaina Bouffaut displayed her best form to dominate the girls Under-15 category in the National Age Group Aquathlon and Duathlon at the Ayala-Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite.

The 12-year-old Filipino-French finished the 400m swim-2.5km run aquathlon competition in 18 minutes and 17 seconds to beat Christy Ann Perez (18:35) and Naomi Rozeboom (18:45) last Saturday.

On Sunday, she claimed victory in duathlon (3km run-10km bike-1.5km run) with a time of 41:48, prevailing over Kaia Christiana Gica (42:32) and Naomi Rozeboom (42:44).

“I feel good,” said Bouffaut, whose mother is from Cagayan Valley.

“It’s nice to win, this is my first time competing in the U15 category,” added the Grade 7 student who dominated the 11-12 category for two years.

Bouffaut’s schoolmate, Johan Joey Marcelo won the gold medal in duathlon with a time of 35:30.

“I felt that I’m going to get a podium, but not the gold,” said the 14-year-old Marcelo, a member of Sante Barley Nextstep Tri Team.

“I was not feeling well since Wednesday, I just took a rest. I’m happy that I won,” added Marcelo, who bagged a silver medal in the Ironkids Subic and a bronze in Ironkids Duathlon in Davao last year.

Meanwhile, Ruan Azriel Santos and Jan Christel Culanag also pocketed two gold medals in the 6 and under category of the tournament which is part of Triathlon Philippines’ grassroots and talent identification program.

Santos (4:31) beat Ivo Gadiel Kanlas (4:49) in aquathlon (50m swim-200m run). He clocked 14:01 in duathlon (400m run-1km bike-200m run).

Culanag (4:49) beat Rafaela Tifany Marie Culala (12:12) in aquathlon and clocked 14:01 to win the gold medal in duathlon over Lucia Ysabel Sarmenta (20:02) in the girls division.

Other Super Tri Kids duathlon winners were Thomas Miguel Edangal and Naomi Dimayuga in the 11-12 category (2km-8km-1km); Enrique Jose Dela Rosa and Pia Gienne Meiko Gito in the 9-10 category (1km-6km-500m); and Zavier Caeden Prequenza and Stacey Ailia Aisha Escala in the 7-8 category (800m-2km-400m).

Other champions in aquathlon were Pele Matteo Latonio and Elise Salas in the 11-12 category (300m-1.5km); Jairus Achilles Bongotan and Athena Masadao in the 9-10 category (200m-1km); and Eli Julian Dela Cruz and Stacey Ailia Aisha Escala in the 7-8 category (100m-500m).

In the sprint elite category in duathlon (5km-20km-2.5km), Franklin Yee and Merry Joy Trupa ruled their respective divisions.

Yee won the gold medal in 57:13 over Irienold Reig Jr. (57:16) and Patrick Ciron (57:26) in the men’s division.

Trupa clocked 1:05:41 to beat Katrina Salazar (1:05:56) and Rachel Sarah Wei Ying (1:06:57) in the women’s division.

The National Age Group Aquathlon and Duathlon tournaments were supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Milo, Asian Centre for Insulation, Gatorade, Fitbar and RaceYa.

For local triathlon updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil.  

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Note: The above contest was sourced from the official press release of Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) covering the highlights of the 2-day National Age Group Aquathlon and National Age Group Duathlon hosted by Vermosa Sports Hub on March 1 and 2, 2025. Some parts were edited for this website.

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

Ramos and Burgos top 2025 National Age Group Aquathlon event at Vermosa Sports Hub

Ramos and Burgos top 2025 National Age Group Aquathlon event at Vermosa Sports Hub

carlocarrasco

Welcome back, multisports athletes and sports enthusiasts! John Alexander Ramos and Erika Nicole Burgos won their respective Elite titles during the 2025 National Age Group Aquathlon event yesterday at the Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite, according to a sports news article published by the Philippine New Agency (PNA).

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

Joshua Alexander Ramos delivered a fine performance to claim victory in the Standard Men Elite of the National Age Group Aquathlon 2025 at the Ayala-Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite on Saturday.

The 23-year-old member of the Baguio Benguet Triathlon club clocked 31 minutes and 19 seconds in the 1km-swim and 5km-run competition.

“I joined this tournament to test my fitness and I’m glad I won,” said Ramos, a second-year marketing management student at the University of Baguio.

Last year, he was runner-up to Cebuano Kim Andrew Remolino in the race that only covered 500 meters (swim) and 2.5 km. (run).

Remolino and Matthew Hermosa did not join due to a Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) regional qualifying.

“Even if they are not here, I can say that I gave my best,” said Ramos, who won four medals in swimming – two golds (400m and 1500 freestyle), one silver (4x200m freestyle), and one bronze (4×100 freestyle) at the 2024 PRISAA National Games in Legazpi City, Albay.

Iñaki Emil Lorbes registered 31:28 to finish second despite nursing a right ankle injury he sustained two weeks ago in training. Irienold Reig Jr. (32:12) was third.

Meanwhile, Erika Nicole Burgos defended the women’s title, clocking 34 minutes and 17 seconds to prevail over Wan Ting of Singapore (35:01) and Lady Samantha Jhunace Corpuz (35:50).

“The course is difficult, it’s exhausting,” said Burgos of Tanauan, Batangas.

She will join the National Age Group Duathlon on Sunday.

“I’ll do my best to win (in the National),” said Burgos, who won the gold medal in the 2023 Asian Duathlon Championships at the New Clark City Sports Complex.

In the Junior Elite category, Joshua’s younger brother, Dayshaun Karl, topped the men’s division in 16:37. Darell Johnson Bada (16:40) ranked second followed by Peter Sancho Del Rosario (16:44).

Dhana Victoria Seda-Lomboy clocked 18:45 to win the women’s title over Maria Celinda Raagas (21:42).

Edison Badillo (PTS2), Raul Angoluan (PTS3), Alex Silverio (PTS4), and Joshua Nelmida with guide Bernard Matthew Cruz (PTVI) won their respective divisions in the para category of the event organized by the Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) headed by Tom Carrasco.

The 2025 National Age Group Aquathlon event in Vermosa was sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Milo, Asian Center for Insulation, Gatorade, Fitbar, and RaceYa.

For local triathlon updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil.  

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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