diversity – Page 3 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Hitachi to Build $528-million Transformer Manufacturing Plant in America

September 17, 2026September 16, 2026carlocarrasco

Hitachi Energy Ltd. – a global leader in energy technology and electrification – announced yesterday that it will invest almost $530 million to construct a transformer manufacturing plant in the state of Mississippi in the United States, according to a news article by Jiji Press. The investment is to help meet the rising power demand as the use artificial intelligence (AI) keeps on rising.

Hitachi Energy Ltd. is the energy arm of the Hitachi Group with over a century of innovation, and a long list completed projects that helped people for their access to dependable energy.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

Hitachi Energy Ltd. said Wednesday that it will invest 528 million dollars to build a transformer manufacturing plant in Mississippi to meet surging U.S. power demand amid wider use of artificial intelligence.

The Swiss unit of Hitachi Ltd. expects the plant to more than double its production capacity compared with an existing transformer plant in Mississippi. Construction of the new plant will begin later this year, with production scheduled to start in 2029.

The new plant will be “the cornerstone” of Hitachi Energy’s 1.5-billion-dollar U.S. investment plan, the company said.

In September last year, Hitachi Energy said it would invest 1 billion dollars in the United States. It later expanded the plan as Japan pledged to make 550 billion dollars in investment and loans to the United States as part of a bilateral trade agreement.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you consider this new investment by Hitachi a crucial one in relation to the rising demand for power in the United States? Are you hoping that the bilateral trade agreement between the United States and Japan will create economic and energy breakthroughs for Americans in the near future?

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

+++++

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Urban Gardening Training in Las Piñas City Ongoing

September 17, 2026September 11, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas City, the urban gardening training program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was launched and already hundreds of local residents are getting trained, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Five hundred Las Piñas residents are taking part in a 20-day Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) training program on growing vegetables in community gardens, an initiative aimed at helping families put food on the table while opening opportunities for added income.

The residents are participating in Project LAWA at BINHI, a DSWD cash-for-training program implemented in partnership with the city government.

The training focuses on proper techniques for planting and caring for vegetables in community gardens.

The produce can be used to supplement the food needs of participants and their communities, while excess harvests may be sold to generate additional income.

The program also covers the effects of climate change and environmental protection, including proper practices for maintaining cleanliness and order in local communities.

The Las Piñas City Social Welfare and Development Office is coordinating the program with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and the City Agriculture Office.

The participating city offices provide guidance on urban gardening, proper plant care, and the maintenance of community gardens.

Mayor April Aguilar thanked the DSWD and the national government for supporting programs that provide residents with practical skills that could benefit their families beyond the training period.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, are you thankful that the DSWD’s urban gardening training program happened within the city? Do you know anyone who is getting trained in the said program?

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

+++++

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

America Sanctions Major Russian Bank for Aiding Iran’s Sanctions Evasion

September 16, 2026September 15, 2026carlocarrasco

VTB Bank, one of the major financial institutions of Russia, has officially been sanctioned by the United States for assisting the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran evade sanctions, according to the US State Department’s official announcement.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the whole announcement of the State Department. Some parts in boldface…

The United States sanctioned VTB Bank, one of Russia’s largest financial institutions, for helping Iran evade sanctions and sustain its support for terrorism. VTB Bank opened offices in Iran, built banking ties with sanctioned Iranian financial institutions, and worked to move billions of dollars in Iranian assets.

The United States remains steadfast in cutting off the financial lifelines that allow the Iranian regime to fund terrorism, destabilize the region, and threaten U.S. economic security.

Today’s action sends a clear message to governments and financial institutions considering similar arrangements: any effort to help Iran evade sanctions will carry serious consequences, including exposure to U.S. financial restrictions.

The United States will continue to use every diplomatic and economic tool at its disposal to isolate the Iranian regime. We urge the international community to join this effort to sever the financial lifelines of a regime that threatens peace and security.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this latest move by the United States will convince more members of the international community to join in the effort to cut the financial lifelines of the Islamic terrorist state Iran? Do you think VTB Bank has a lot of financial ties with your local business 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.

+++++

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Las Piñas City Government Renews Warning on fake Friendship Route stickers

September 15, 2026September 10, 2026carlocarrasco

In response to the proliferation of fake friendship route stickers, the City Government of Las Piñas City renewed its warning to the public and reminded them that violators will be penalized in accordance to local laws, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

This is not the first time the City Government issued a warning about friendship stickers and they announced their move against online shopping platforms that were involved in the selling of fake friendship stickers.

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

The Las Piñas City government has issued another warning against the sale and use of counterfeit “Friendship Route” stickers, stressing that official stickers are distributed free of charge to qualified residents.

The reminder, led by Mayor April Aguilar, comes amid reports of the continued proliferation of fake and unauthorized stickers being offered to motorists.

Under City Ordinance No. 715-06, selling, buying, or using counterfeit or unauthorized Friendship Route stickers is prohibited and punishable by fines.

Violators face penalties ranging from P500 for the first offense to P3,000 for subsequent offenses.

Other violations under the ordinance may carry fines of up to P5,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both.

The city government emphasized that legitimate stickers are available only through official channels and urged residents to report the sale of fake stickers to authorities.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, did you notice a lot of motorists using fake friendship road stickers? Are you able to tell which sticker is genuine or fake?

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

+++++

Las Piñas City Emergency Responders Undergo Flood Safety Training

September 13, 2026September 8, 2026carlocarrasco

Several personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Las Piñas City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LPCDRRMO) recently went through flood safety training in Batangas which lasted four days, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Las Piñas City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LPCDRRMO) have stepped up preparations for flood emergencies through a four‑day training program for emergency responders.

Firefighters from the Las Piñas City Fire Station’s Special Rescue Force (SRF) and Operations Section participated in the Flood Incident Response and Safety Training (FIRST) 2026, conducted from Aug. 24 to 27 at Laiya Grande Beach Resort in Barangay Laiya Aplaya, San Juan, Batangas.

Responders underwent training focused on flood incident management, water‑related emergencies, rescue operations, and lifesaving techniques.

The activity aimed to improve the ability of BFP and city disaster responders to work together during emergencies, particularly when flooding requires immediate rescue and evacuation operations.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, do you think the training will help the local emergency responders work better in future flood incidents? How many members of your local community got affected by flood during the past few months?

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

+++++

Russia and the Philippines Emerge as Fast-Growing Tourist Markets for Vietnam

September 12, 2026September 10, 2026carlocarrasco

As Vietnam successfully attracted almost sixteen million foreign tourists during the first eight months of this year, Russia and the Philippines have emerged as the fast-growing tourist markets at 166% and 58% respectively, according to a VnExpress news report.

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

Tourist arrivals from Russia and the Philippines surged 166% and 58%, respectively, in the first eight months, as Vietnam recorded nearly 16 million international visitors, up more than 14% year-on-year.

The rise in Russian tourists has made Russia the largest European market and the third largest source of international arrivals to Vietnam this year, with around 1 million visitors, only after mainland China (3.5 million) and South Korea (2.8 million).

Nguyen Tien Dat, CEO of AZA Travel, said: “Russian tourists enjoy swimming, sunbathing, eating seafood, and relaxing at resorts. Vietnam fully meets these needs, so it is understandable why they are visiting in large numbers,” Dat says.

Kristina Zagumennaya, director of a Russian travel agency, told the Russian news agency Sputnik in early August that Russian tourist flows are shifting between markets. While Turkey remains the top choice, Vietnam and China have recorded outstanding growth.

“Vietnam stands out as a popular choice this tourist season,” Zagumennaya said, noting that multiple charter flights are operating to destinations across the country to meet demand for both beach holidays and cultural tourism.

In addition to charter flights, Vietnam Airlines increased the frequency of its direct Hanoi-Moscow route from three to four flights per week starting in July.

Ranking behind Russia, the Philippines also showed notable growth, despite not being a prominent source market for Vietnamese tourism prior to 2025.

Filipino visitors have risen to nearly 470,000 this year, among the 10 largest group of foreign visitors to Vietnam.

Bui Thanh Tu, marketing director of BestPrice Travel, attributes this rise to more convenient flight routes, especially from Manila and Cebu, competitive costs, and tourism products that differ from the island destinations familiar to Filipinos.

He also cites the viral impact of TikTok and YouTube videos featuring Hanoi, Sa Pa, Da Nang, and Hoi An.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you find it surprising that Russia and the Philippines became the fastest growing tourist markets for Vietnam? Do you think it is only a matter of time before Vietnam could someday attract at least 30 million foreign tourists per year?

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

+++++

2 Men Arrested in Las Piñas City, Illegal Substances Worth P268,000 Seized

September 11, 2026September 5, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, local police officers successfully organized a buy-bust operation that resulted in the apprehension of two male suspects and the seizure of illegal substances worth P268,000, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Two men, both tagged as newly identified high-value individuals (HVIs), were arrested after police seized from them P268,000 worth of suspected shabu in a buy-bust operation in Las Piñas City early Saturday, Sept. 5.

Las Piñas Police chief Col. Fermin Armendarez identified the suspects as alias Brad, 27, of Talon Singko, Las Piñas City, and Roholllah, 29, of Bacoor, Cavite.

The two were arrested at around 12:40 a.m. on Strawberry Street in Golden Acres, Barangay Talon Singko, following an entrapment operation carried out by members of the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU).

Armendarez said the operation was launched after police received information about the suspects’ alleged illegal drug activities in the area.

A police officer acting as a poseur-buyer successfully purchased suspected shabu from Brad, leading to the suspects’ arrest.

Police recovered four heat-sealed transparent sachets containing suspected shabu weighing approximately 39.44 grams.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, are you thankful to the local police for arresting the suspects?

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

+++++

Vietnam Attracts Almost 16 Million Foreign Tourists in First 8 Months of 2026

September 10, 2026September 4, 2026carlocarrasco

The tourism boom in Vietnam continued strongly as the nation successfully attracted almost sixteen million foreign tourists during the first eight months of 2026, according to a news report by VnExpress.

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

Vietnam welcomed nearly 2 million international visitors in August, up 19.7% from July and 18.4% year-on-year, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.

In the first eight months of this year, the country received nearly 16 million foreign visitors, an increase of 14.4% from the same period in 2025 and equivalent to 63.6% of the full-year target.

The August figure is notable as the month is usually considered part of the low season for international tourism.

The result shows that the country’s tourism market continued to maintain and expand its appeal. Air travel remained the main mode of entry, accounting for 83% of international arrivals, while arrivals by road continued to increase, particularly from neighboring countries.

By region, Asia was still Vietnam’s largest source market, with about 11.8 million visitors in the eight-month period, making up nearly 74% of the total and increasing 7.4% year-on-year.

Europe recorded the strongest growth among major regions, at 53.4%, with about 2.68 million visitors.

Arrivals from the Americas reached around 887,000, up 20.7%, while those from Oceania rose 23.3% to nearly 489,000. Africa sent about 45,000 visitors to Vietnam, up 25.1%.

The tourism authority said the figures show that Vietnam is expanding its reach beyond nearby Asian markets, with strong growth from long-haul markets, helping diversify the visitor base and reduce dependence on individual markets.

By country, China remained Vietnam’s largest source market, with 3.54 million visitors, accounting for about 22.3% of the total. South Korea ranked second with approximately 2.76 million visitors, or 17.3%. Together, the two markets provided more than 6.3 million visitors, nearly 40% of the country’s total.

Russia ranked third with more than 1 million visitors, representing a year-on-year increase of about 165.7%, the highest growth among major source markets.

Other key markets also posted strong growth. Visitors from the U.S. increased 20.4%, Cambodia 41.5%, Japan 9.2%, the Philippines 58.8% and Australia 23.3%.

European markets continued to perform well, with arrivals from the U.K. rising 9.8%, France 13.4%, Germany 15.1%, Sweden 25.1%, Switzerland 27%, Poland 51.2% and the Czech Republic 28.2%. In Southeast Asia, tourists from Malaysia grew 20.5%, Singapore 31.7%, and Indonesia 26.7%.

India was another fast-growing market. The number of Indian visitors rose from just 102,000 in 2019 to more than 612,000 in the first eight months of 2026.

The expansion of direct air services between major Indian cities and Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang has helped make Vietnam more accessible to Indian travelers.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Vietnam can attract at least 25 million foreign tourists by the end of this year? If you plan to visit Vietnam soon, what are your three main reasons for visiting?

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

+++++

Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Empties Mexico Border Shelters

September 9, 2026September 8, 2026carlocarrasco

Ever since US President Donald Trump returned to office, the immigration crackdown and tightening implemented by the current administration not only brought illegal crossings down and deported a lot of illegal immigrants/aliens but also made the migrant shelters along Mexico’s northern border getting emptied, according to a news report by Newsmax.

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

Migrant shelters along Mexico’s northern border are emptying as fewer migrants head to the United States following President Donald Trump’s tighter immigration enforcement and expanded deportation efforts.

For Salome Villena, an Ecuadorean migrant who once planned to cross into the U.S. with her husband and two children, aged 4 and 6, the shifting landscape of U.S. immigration policy helped change those plans. Instead, the family has decided to remain in Ciudad Juarez, where they are among the few people still staying at a local shelter.

“Our intention was to cross into the United States, but because of what Trump did, we couldn’t,” Villena said, referring to changes in U.S. immigration and asylum policies.

The family also considered paying a smuggler to take them across the border, but abandoned the idea after they said the man began stealing their money.

After returning to office, Trump ended one of the main pathways migrants had used to seek entry to the U.S., ending the CBP One app that allowed asylum seekers to schedule appointments at ports of entry. The change left thousands of migrants in border cities such as Ciudad Juarez and prompted Mexican authorities to prepare for a surge in deportees by opening emergency shelters.

Many of those facilities, however, remained largely empty as migrant arrivals fell and deportations were often carried out by air to southern Mexico or other countries.

The drop in migrant flows has been felt across Ciudad Juarez’s shelter network. Juan Fierro, who heads the city’s Good Samaritan shelter, said Trump’s policies had sharply reduced the number of new arrivals.

“It’s becoming increasingly complicated and difficult for people to reach Mexico’s northern border and cross into the United States,” he said.

The shift has altered the makeup of the city’s migrant population, said Dirvan Garcia of the state population council, Coespo.

“We are living something completely different,” Garcia said. “There are a large number of people who initially intended to cross the border but are now putting down roots in the city.“

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you pleased with the ongoing immigration crackdown in America under the Trump administration? Are there still a lot of illegal immigrants/aliens still living in your local community? Do you think the number of foreigners who planned to illegally enter the United States but ended up staying in Mexico will settle in Mexican towns/cities permanently?

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

+++++

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

ICC President Akane Calls Her Organization the “Last Bastion of the Rule of Law”

September 8, 2026September 8, 2026carlocarrasco

Tomoko Akane, the incumbent president of the International Criminal Court, called her organization in The Hague the “last bastion of the rule of law” as she labeled America’s sanctions against her illegal and unacceptable, according to a news article by Jiji Press.

This past August, the United States sanctioned Akane and ICC trial lawyer Abdoul Seye of Senegal which is a part of their campaign to dismantle the organization’s threat to American sovereignty. Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae called the sanctions against Akane (a Japanese citizen) “very unfortunate”. It remains to be seen how the ICC sanctions will impact the current state of US-Japan relations and cooperation.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire Jiji Press news article. Some parts in boldface…

International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane, under U.S. sanctions, on Sunday called The Hague-based organization the last bastion of the rule of law in the world.

Support from people around the world is necessary for the continuation of the ICC, she said in an event held by a nongovernmental organization in Tokyo.

Akane, who attended the event online, expressed her sincere gratitude for assistance from Japan, such as a signature campaign.

The U.S. sanctions are illegal and unacceptable, she said, calling them a move to suppress justice through external force.

Akane said she has been able to receive her salaries through a local bank while facing problems remitting money. Companies have rejected transactions with her due to the sanctions, she added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you find Akane’s words about the American sanctions on her rather twisted given the fact that the ICC itself threatened American sovereignty and even interfered Philippine sovereignty and justice system? Are you convinced that Akane is simply pretending to be a victim? Do you want to see the ICC come to an end 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.

+++++

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

	Travel Channel on P50-million Expansion Facility…
	Social Media Channel on P50-million Expansion Facility…
	Business Channel on P50-million Expansion Facility…
	Technology Channel on P50-million Expansion Facility…
	Markets & Financ… on P50-million Expansion Facility…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: