Tag: economy

Tourism Industry of Vietnam Shifts Focus From Visitor Numbers to Spending

Tourism Industry of Vietnam Shifts Focus From Visitor Numbers to Spending

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As it enjoys the many benefits of the ongoing tourism boom, Vietnam now has the opportunity to truly build itself up economically by means of long-term investments and creating new jobs. That said, the tourism industry of the nation has shifted focus from attracting visitors to higher spending, longer stays and other economic opportunities, 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 is shifting tourism growth from attracting more visitors to generating greater value from each trip, with a focus on higher spending, longer stays, green development, technology application and cultural experiences.

The country aims to welcome 45-50 million international visitors and 160 million domestic tourists by 2030, Do Cam Tho, head of the Planning and Finance Division at the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said at HORECFEX Vietnam 2026, a major hospitality and tourism forum.

She said 2026-27 would be a pivotal period in shifting tourism development from expansion in scale to deeper value creation.

Vietnam welcomed 21.2 million international visitors and 137 million domestic tourists in 2025, with total tourism revenue estimated at around VND1 quadrillion ($38.1 billion).

In the first seven months of 2026, the country received nearly 13.92 million foreign tourists, up 13.8% year on year, while domestic visitors numbered about 98 million, with tourism revenue of 675 trillion VND.

International visitors currently spend an average of US$1,200-1,400 per trip in Vietnam, while domestic tourists about 2.4-2.6 million VND (US$92-99).

About 70% of foreign visitors come from China, the Republic of Korea, Japan and Taiwan (China), while markets with higher spending power, including the Middle East, Northern Europe, North America and Australia, still account for relatively small shares.

Tourism is receiving greater attention as Vietnam seeks to achieve rapid national development and make tourism a spearhead economic sector, Tho was quoted by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper as saying.

Under the proposed approach, Vietnam targets total tourism revenue of $80-90 billion by 2030. The country is expected to have about 1.5 million accommodation rooms and tourism is projected to create around 5.8 million direct and indirect jobs.

Among three development scenarios for 2030, the most ambitious targets annual international visitor growth of 15-18%. Achieving it will require institutional reforms, development of the night-time economy, diversification of high-end markets and measures to increase visitor spending.

VNAT said Vietnam will continue to consolidate Northeast Asian and ASEAN markets while expanding into Europe, North America, Australia and other markets with high spending capacity and longer stays.

India, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Russia and Muslim markets have been identified as areas with significant growth potential.

For domestic tourism, the focus will shift from boosting visitor numbers to encouraging higher spending, with an emphasis on two- to three-day weekend getaways, high-end Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, family vacations and night-time tourism.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Vietnam’s tourism industry players are fully prepared to make the most of the economic benefits that come with surging foreign and domestic tourism? Do you think new investments related with the tourism boom will be made soon in Vietnam? How many millions of new jobs do you think will be created in Vietnam as a result of the tourism boom?

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

South Korean Man Who Overstayed in Japan for Decades Apprehended

South Korean Man Who Overstayed in Japan for Decades Apprehended

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As Japan is in the middle of reforming its immigration system and the permanent residency requirements for foreigners, a 72-year-old man from South Korea was arrested by the local authorities for overstaying in the country for a few decades already, according to a VnExpress news report. The suspect admitted he overstayed and supported himself with different jobs locally and how exactly he entered Japan will surprise you.

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

A 72-year-old South Korean man has been arrested in Japan for allegedly overstaying his tourist visa for more than 26 years, police said.

Shizuoka Prefectural Police announced on Aug. 26 that the man had entered Japan illegally and continued to live in Yaizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Police said they received a tip about the man in June and subsequently arrested him.

He originally entered Japan in September 1993 on a 15-day tourist visa, using his brother’s passport because he hoped to find better-paid work in the country, as reported by ANNnewsCH.

The man is believed to have remained in Japan since his arrival 26 years ago.

Because visa overstaying was not a criminal offense in Japan until February 2000, when a revised immigration law took effect, police arrested him on suspicion of overstaying from that point onward, according to the Japan Times.

The suspect has admitted to the allegation, telling investigators that he supported himself by working various day jobs.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the person who informed the local police about the overstaying foreigner should be rewarded? Does this news make you feel concerned about the potential presence of illegal aliens in your local community? Do you think Japan has what it takes to find all of the overstaying foreigners, apprehend them and eventually deport them? If ever the suspect gets deported, do you think he could adjust to life in his native South Korea?

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

SBMA Offers Exemptions and Incentives for P7 Billion Subic Bay International Airport Modernization

SBMA Offers Exemptions and Incentives for P7 Billion Subic Bay International Airport Modernization

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The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center confirmed that the company that wins the bid for the P7 billion Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) project will receive exemptions and incentives that include exemptions from national and local taxes, according to a 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 winning bidder for the ₱7-billion concession to transform Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) into a world-class logistics hub will receive a generous government incentives package, including national and local tax exemptions.

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center noted that the project’s implementing agency, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), will offer a competitive slate of incentives to support long-term private investment.

Under the Special Corporate Income Tax (SCIT) regime, the winning operator may qualify for a five percent corporate income tax rate for up to 16 years, with the possibility of an extension subject to eligibility requirements.

As long as it is registered as an export enterprise with the SBMA, the concessionaire will be exempt from all national and local taxes under the SCIT regime.

It may also enjoy exemptions from customs duties and value-added tax (VAT) on imports, along with zero-rated VAT on qualified local purchases.

Beyond fiscal incentives, the project also opens up commercial opportunities outside standard airport operations. The operator can generate additional revenue through cargo handling, warehousing, commercial leasing, logistics services, and other non-aeronautical ventures.

“The SBIA project offers a compelling opportunity for the private sector to partner with the government in developing one of the Philippines’ most strategic aviation and logistics gateways,” the PPP Center said in a statement.

The SBMA recently launched a comparative challenge for the airport’s modernization and expansion, which originated from an unsolicited proposal by United States-based Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments LLC.

Under this process, interested firms may submit competing offers against the original proposal. As the original proponent, Cerberus retains the right to match or beat the best offer.

Cerberus, which has assets across transportation, real estate, and other sectors, wants to manage the SBIA under a 25-year operate-rehabilitate-add-transfer (ORAT) scheme, with an investment cost of around ₱7 billion.

The concession aims to develop the gateway, located northwest of Manila, into a strategic cargo and logistics hub that would help ease congestion at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), especially as demand for air cargo continues to grow.

The project will focus on upgrading existing airport facilities to align them with international standards, alongside the development of new facilities to transform the airport into a higher-capacity logistics hub.

The SBIA is poised to support logistics and aviation growth through the development of the airport’s midway apron, which will consist of two warehouse buildings with a total floor area of 22,400 square meters (sqm) and a 32,000-sqm aircraft staging and parking area.

The north airport land development, meanwhile, covers an additional 88,000 sqm across four parcels of land for warehouse facilities, a hangar, a storage facility, and additional apron space.

To ensure proper development of the project, SBMA will assist the private partner in securing the necessary approvals for implementation and facilitating permits and regulatory coordination.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Subic Bay International Airport project will attract a lot of bidders from overseas? Do you believe the modernization of SBIA will add a lot to the economy of the Philippines in the long-term?

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

Higher Residence Permit Procedure Fees for Foreigners in Japan Will Take Effect on October 1

Higher Residence Permit Procedure Fees for Foreigners in Japan Will Take Effect on October 1

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Starting October 1, the fees for residence permit procedures for foreigners in Japan will be hiked officially as a result of the approval by the Cabinet yesterday, according to an NHK World news article. This new development is part of the revision of the immigration control act of Japan and was set in motion over a month ago.

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

Japan’s government has decided on a series of fee increases for residence permit procedures for foreign nationals.

The move was approved at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday and will go into effect on October 1 in line with a revision to the immigration control act.

The fee to obtain a permanent residence permit will be raised from the current 10,000 yen, or about 63 dollars, to 200,000 yen, or more than 1,250 dollars. The procedure can be carried out only in person.

The current fee when renewing or changing residence status is set at 6,000 yen, or about 38 dollars, at an official counter and 5,500 yen, or about 35 dollars, online.

For a stay of up to three months, the charge at both counters and online will be raised to 10,000 yen, or about 63 dollars.

For a one-year stay, the fee will be raised to 33,000 yen, or over 205 dollars, at a counter, and 27,000 yen, or about 170 dollars, online.

The fee for a stay of five years or longer will be raised to 75,000 yen, or about 470 dollars, at a counter, and 65,000 yen, or more than 400 dollars, online.

The government says it will reduce the fees for applicants facing financial difficulties, including those designated as refugees.

Justice Minister Hiraguchi Hiroshi told reporters that the fee hikes are necessary to ensure that the policy is implemented to promote an orderly society coexisting with foreign nationals.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you convinced that there will be no stopping the hike of the mentioned fees from taking effect on October 1? Do you think the increased fees are insufficient from a financial viewpoint? Do you think this latest immigration control move by the current government can effectively alter the direction of permanent residency in Japan? Do you think people from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey and other Muslim-majority nations will be discouraged from going to Japan for work and residency?

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

Availability of Cashless Payment Services for Children in Japan Grows

Availability of Cashless Payment Services for Children in Japan Grows

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The number of cashless payment services for children in Japan is growing and already parents have the means to check their kids’ spending history and balances using digital means, according to a news article by Jiji Press.

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

Cashless payment services for children are increasingly available in Japan, allowing parents to check their children’s balances and spending history through an app to prevent excessive spending.

They are also attracting attention as a financial education tool that helps children learn how to manage their allowances and spend money systematically as Japan becomes increasingly cashless.

In July, Seven Bank began offering a prepaid card and a dedicated app for children aged 6 or older. Parents can load their children’s allowance onto the card via the app and review their spending history.

Notifications are sent whenever the card is used. The app has a feature to send money to children as a reward for achieving goals, such as completing chores.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What is your opinion about having more cashless payment services for children? Do you think the said services will help them become more financially literate and also more disciplined on handling their money?

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

BCDA To Ensure Philippines Will Benefit A Lot From Pax Silica

BCDA To Ensure Philippines Will Benefit A Lot From Pax Silica

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The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) recently announced that it will ensure the Philippines will benefit a lot from the ambitious Pax Silica project as they negotiate with the United States on the final framework, according to a GMA News report.

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

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) on Wednesday said it will ensure that the Philippine side, negotiating with the US on the final framework agreement to hit the ground running for the Pax Silica project in New Clark City, Tarlac, will push for a deal that would be most beneficial for the country.

At the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel, BCDA President and CEO Joshua “Jake” Bingcang said that the government is eyeing to sign the comprehensive framework agreement for the Pax Silica initiative with the US by November.

However, Bingcang admitted that “negotiations can always take longer,” noting that the target signing “is not cast in stone as long as the two [parties] will come up with mutually agreed arrangement.”

Nevertheless, the BCDA chief said the Philippines is pushing for terms that would “most beneficial sa’tin (to us)” as negotiations for the framework deal are ongoing.

“It’s a business contract, normally it is favorable to the host country,” he said.

Bingcang said the government has also made clear that the project will operate under the BCDA’s governing legal framework and applicable investment laws.

“It would be covered by two Philippine laws —the BCDA law and CREATE MORE so the incentives provided will be covered by these two laws,” he said.

“Never in that initial arrangement that we are going to adopt anything other than the two laws,” he added.

Pax Silica is the US Department of State’s flagship initiative on artificial intelligence and supply chain security, aimed at advancing a new economic security framework among allies and trusted partners.

The Philippines in April officially joined the Pax Silica initiative, cementing its place among other 23 global signatories, including the European Union, Japan, India, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.

As part of the initiative, Manila and Washington are working to establish a 4,000-acre industrial hub that is envisioned as a new model for AI-focused investment within the Luzon Economic Corridor.

The BCDA chief earlier clarified that the Pax Silica hub is not envisioned as a cluster of hyperscale data centers but as an industrial hub that would include the manufacturing of semiconductors and microchips used in computers, laptops, electric vehicles, and other technologies.

Bingcang said that through Pax Silica, the Philippines and its partners see an opportunity to process raw materials domestically instead of exporting them in unprocessed form.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you feel confident that the BCDA will be able to secure an agreement with the Americans to ensure the Philippines will benefit from Pax Silica economically? Do you realize Pax Silica’s potential to boost manufacturing jobs and the processing of raw of materials in 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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

SBMA Port Operations Revenue Grows 8% in First Half of 2026

SBMA Port Operations Revenue Grows 8% in First Half of 2026

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Even though global economic headwinds were very challenging and the economy of the Philippines continued to slow down, revenue of the Port Operations Group of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) reached P874 million in the first half of 2026 (8% higher compared to the same period last year), the authorities confirmed.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the official announcement of the SBMA. Some parts in boldface…

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) today disclosed a robust 8% increase in consolidated gross revenue from its Port Operations Group, reaching Php 874 million in the first half of 2026, compared to Php 806 million in the same period last year.

This growth was propelled by stronger earnings in the Seaport and Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department (TFCD), despite ongoing global economic challenges.

SBMA Deputy Administrator III for Operations Group, Ronnie Yambao, attributed the positive performance to strategic initiatives that balanced growth with stakeholder support.

“We successfully navigated a complex global environment while implementing discount measures totaling approximately Php 81 million. These were aligned with Executive Order No. 110 of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., aimed at mitigating disruptions caused by the fuel supply crisis linked to the Middle East conflict,” Yambao explained.

Breaking down the revenue contributions for H1 2026:

• The Seaport Department continued to be the primary revenue driver, contributing 78% of the consolidated gross income with Php 683 million—marking a 10% increase year-on-year. This growth was largely fueled by an 18% rise in non-containerized cargo, particularly bulk and break- bulk shipments, which surged 24%.

• Subic Bay International Airport accounted for 14% of the revenue, registering a slight 3% decrease due to lower leasing activities and reduced military logistics operations.

• Meanwhile, the Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department recorded an impressive 17% revenue increase, boosted by the newly implemented Registration Certificate (RC) Policy which introduced additional fees on trucks, heavy equipment, and regulated goods.

The notable increase in non-containerized cargo was further supported by an 88% surge in rice imports. This import growth was driven by proactive government measures to secure rice stocks ahead of the anticipated El Niño weather phenomenon.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) emphasized the critical importance of maintaining sufficient rice inventories in response to potential climate-related production impacts.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you feel confident that port operations in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone will somehow grow stronger until the end of this 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.

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

AHVA Announces 2026 Bar Exams Security Plan for September 6, 9 and 13

AHVA Announces 2026 Bar Exams Security Plan for September 6, 9 and 13

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Once again, San Beda College Alabang (SBCA) inside Alabang Hills Village will be hosting the bar exams schedule for September 6, 9 and 13. In relation to this, the Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) announced the security plan to ensure safe, secure and traffic-free conditions along Don Manolo and Don Jesus Boulevards during the conduct of the exams.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the AHVA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

We would like to inform you that the Supreme Court of the Philippines has once again decided to have the 2026 Bar Exams conducted at San Beda College Alabang (SBCA). Exam dates/times are set for September 6, 9 & 13, from 0700H to 1800H.*

For this 3-day event, AHVA Security has developed a comprehensive security plan in coordination with relevant authorities. The objective of the plan is to ensure safe, secure and traffic-free conditions along Don Manolo and Don Jesus Boulevards during the conduct of the exams.

Following are the restrictions:

A. VEHICLE CONTROL

  1. During the examination dates, only vehicles with valid AHVA stickers and Supreme Court car passes will be authorized to enter Alabang- Zapote & Tirona gates.
  2. Vehicles of expected visitors, delivery & village workers are requested to enter the Don Jesus Blvd gate

B. CROWD CONTROL

  1. Bar supporters and well wishers are not allowed to gather at the drop-off area and in Alabang-Zapote & Tirona gates
  2. Village workers with valid AHVA IDs are requested to enter the Don Jesus Blvd gate
  3. Media Personnel who wish to cover the on- going bar examination are not allowed to enter the village.

For further updates from the AHVA, visit https://alabanghillsvillage.com/ or call them at 88508254. You can visit their office at 1 Don Jesus Boulevard inside Alabang Hills Village from Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM. Always remember to follow their rules and speed limits whenever you are in the village.

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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 @CarloCarrascoPH 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

Russia Conducts Missile Test Off Japan-claimed Islands

Russia Conducts Missile Test Off Japan-claimed Islands

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It is clear that Russia is the newest regional problem for Japan. Not only have their ties been strained since 2022, tension intensified as Russia conducted a missile test off the group of islands claimed by Japan, according to a news report by Kyodo News. Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Etorofu Island (referred by the Russians as Iturup) which drew backlash from the Japanese.

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

Russia’s Pacific Fleet said Thursday it has conducted a missile test off a group of Russian-held, Japanese-claimed islands amid an intensifying row over the disputed territory following President Vladimir Putin’s first-ever visit there last week.

While it was unclear exactly when the test was carried out, the announcement comes after the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Japanese Ambassador to Russia Akira Muto over Japan’s protest against Putin’s trip to the area.

Putin visited Etorofu Island, the largest of the four islands collectively called the Northern Territories by Japan and the Southern Kurils by Russia, on Aug. 13.

The naval fleet said a unit equipped with the Bastion surface-to-ship missile system conducted the test. The system is deployed to Etorofu.

The guided missile cruiser Varyag, the flagship of the Pacific Fleet, also took part in the missile test along with the Omsk nuclear-powered submarine, the fleet said.

The test simulated an attack on enemy vessels and succeeded in hitting all the intended targets at a range of at least 300 kilometers, according to the fleet.

“We cannot tolerate moves (by Russia) to strengthen military power on the four northern islands because they go against our country’s stance (on the territories),” Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told reporters Thursday during his visit to Oman.

A senior ministry official revealed Friday that Japan had lodged a protest with Russia shortly after Moscow notified Tokyo that it would conduct the missile exercise during the week beginning last Sunday.

Japan says the islands, which also include Kunashiri, Shikotan and the Habomai islet group, were illegally seized by the Soviet Union soon after Japan’s surrender in World War II on Aug. 15, 1945. Russia claims the action was legitimate, saying the islands became part of its territory as a result of the war.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Russia’s military activity in the Pacific is the first sign of more disturbances that will affect Japan and possibly the rest of Asia? Do you anticipate China or North Korea will get involved in the Russia-Japan conflict at sea? Do you think the tension with Russia will negatively impact the economy of Japan?

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

Philippines Energy Department Identifying More Potential Nuclear Power Plant Sites

Philippines Energy Department Identifying More Potential Nuclear Power Plant Sites

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The Department of Energy (DOE) is identifying more potential sites in the Philippines for nuclear power facilities, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

THE DEPARTMENT of Energy (DoE) is identifying more potential sites for nuclear power facilities as the government targets 1.4 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2038.

Energy Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo said the government is studying seven areas as possible locations for future nuclear power plants.

“There are two sites in Bataan, two sites in Palawan, one in Masbate, Pangasinan, and Camarines Norte,” Mr. Bacordo told reporters on Tuesday.

These sites have undergone initial assessment, with technical assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to determine whether the areas can safely host nuclear facilities.

“Nuclear energy is not simply about deciding to build a power plant. We must build the institutions, the regulatory system, the technical capability, the financing framework, and the public confidence to support it,” Mr. Bacordo said.

These sites will set the foundation as the Philippines works toward its goal of developing 1,200 megawatts (MW) of nuclear power generation by 2032. Beyond this target, the country is also considering the entry of 1,400 MW of nuclear capacity by 2038.

The DoE said the country’s progress on nuclear development heeds to the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in his 2026 State of the Nation Address to revisit nuclear energy as part of efforts to strengthen energy security and bring down electricity costs.

The Philippines is positioning nuclear energy as part of efforts to diversify its energy mix, reduce emissions, and enhance energy security.

“Nuclear can add firm capacity and diversify the energy mix, but it does not replace the need for other technologies,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.

Amid concerns over the safety of nuclear power, the DoE said public acceptance has increased, citing a Social Weather Stations survey that showed public approval of nuclear energy rose to 82% in 2024 from 79% in 2019.

While laying down the groundwork for nuclear energy sites, the DoE said it also focuses on addressing the remaining work across the IAEA’s 19 nuclear infrastructure issues, with priority areas covering electrical grid readiness; safety, security and safeguards; legal and regulatory requirements; emergency preparedness; nuclear fuel cycle and waste management; stakeholder involvement; and nuclear workforce development.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you feel confident that nuclear energy will be realized in the Philippines in your lifetime? Did you encounter a lot of people living with nuclear fear?

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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