governance – Page 2 – Author Carlo Carrasco

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.

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Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Net Inflows Fall 18% in First Half of 2026

September 16, 2026September 10, 2026carlocarrasco

In what is clearly another sign that the Philippines is the economic weakling among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), foreign direct investment (FDI) net inflows into the country fell by 18% during the first half of this year, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Foreign direct investment (FDI) net inflows into the Philippines contracted 18 percent in the first half of the year to ₱211.3 billion from ₱257.5 billion recorded in the same period last year, weighed down by higher borrowing costs and geopolitical friction.

Data released on Thursday, Sept. 10, by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed that the cumulative six-month decline was driven by reduced intercompany borrowings and lower retained earnings, which undercut gains in net equity capital investments.

The central bank noted that FDI pulled back on intercompany lending to their domestic subsidiaries while retaining fewer earnings for local reinvestment.

Among individual components, net investments in debt instruments—which include intercompany borrowing between foreign investors and local affiliates—fell 26 percent in the first half to ₱128.8 billion from ₱173.8 billion a year earlier.

Reinvestment of earnings slipped 19 percent over the same period to ₱51.8 billion, compared with ₱64.4 billion in the previous year.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the cumulative decline in foreign inflows largely stemmed from the fallout of war in the Middle East.

Ricafort said the conflict fueled slower economic activity, sustained inflation, and elevated borrowing costs globally, ultimately raising the cost of direct investment.

Despite the broader downward momentum, net equity capital investments excluding reinvested earnings posted a sharp rebound, surging 59.4 percent to ₱30.6 billion from ₱19.2 billion a year ago. Total equity capital placements climbed to ₱45.3 billion, easily outpacing ₱14.8 billion in withdrawals.

Inflows during the first half originated mostly from Japan, the United States (US), and Singapore, with capital primarily directed toward manufacturing, financial and insurance activities, alongside real estate development.

On a monthly basis, FDI rebounded in June, expanding 35 percent year-on-year to ₱27.9 billion. Even with the bounce, June marked the second-lowest monthly total of the first semester.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What do you think the government’s economic managers should do to attract more FDI? Do you think the Philippines will fall into a recession in 2027 or in the first half of 2028? Are you convinced that hosting the ASEAN Summit will not lead the Philippines to any economic improvements?

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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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.

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DOT Expects Philippines Tourism Growth with Campaign Rebrand

September 14, 2026September 9, 2026carlocarrasco

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is expecting tourism growth for the Philippines as it makes a serious brand adjustment with its “Love the Philippines” campaign, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

For insight, the Philippines counted 4.11 million foreign tourist arrivals for 2026 as of August. While the Philippines remains an international tourism weakling as well as an economic weakling among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), domestic tourism is actually thriving.

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

The Department of Tourism (DoT) said that changing its branding direction in its Love the Philippines campaign will help boost the country’s tourism growth.

“Upon entry into the office, the first mandate that I had carried out was to change the tone of voice of the Department of Tourism with regard to how it communicates to the public,” DoT Assistant Secretary for Branding and Marketing Communications Armand Lorenze “Ren” Sapitan told lawmakers in a House Committee on Appropriations budget hearing.

“We didn’t have to change the members of branding and the marketing team,” he added. “The only thing that we adopted was a change in direction.”

Mr. Sapitan noted that the agency will shift how it approaches the Love the Philippines campaign instead of replacing it through its Discover More to Love program.

“We would not change this campaign because we recognize that the administration only has two years left,” he said. “What we are changing is how we approach the campaign.”

“The way we relate to the people, the way we promote, the way we market our tourism destinations,” he added.

The Discover More to Love program aims to highlight local destinations by partnering with companies, offering travel bundles and discounted offers.

“The Sun Group actually not only invests in marketing, but they also invest in the entire ecosystem,” Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay explained, citing the agency’s relationship with the private sector.

“The tourist attractions, from hotels, the accommodation, the entire village – that’s the kind of investment that is complete; it’s almost like a subsidy,” she added.

Filipino talents BINI and SB19 were also named as the country’s tourism ambassadors who will support the push for domestic travel.

The DoT earmarked a P4.03 billion budget under the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP), down 4.6% or P196 million from the approved P4.23 billion budget for 2026.

Of the proposed budget, P1 billion will fund branding campaigns, mostly for overseas marketing (60%) and domestic efforts (40%).

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the Philippines will be able to attract more foreign tourists this year? Do you think the DOT’s recent moves will boost both domestic and international tourism for the Philippines?

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

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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.

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Online Sellers of Fake and Unregulated Products in the Philippines Targeted by Police

September 12, 2026September 8, 2026carlocarrasco

If you have been purchasing a lot of products online here in the Philippines, was there a time when a seller cheated you or scammed you over a transaction? A lot of online sellers have been involved in the distribution of fake and unregulated products, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) is actively searching for them, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The Philippine National Police has strengthened its intelligence and enforcement efforts against online sellers and networks involved in the distribution of fake and unregulated products that may endanger consumers.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said they are now working with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and other partner agencies to identify those behind the illegal trade and build cases for prosecution.

“The PNP backs efforts to strengthen the crackdown against counterfeit goods online. We will continue to coordinate with our partner agencies to identify those behind the illegal trade and ensure that appropriate charges are filed,” Nartatez said.

Nartatez ‘statement was issued amid a call from consumer advocacy group Malayang Konsyumer for an immediate and sustained government crackdown on counterfeit products being sold through e-commerce platforms.

The group warned that fake medicines, vitamins, health supplements and beauty products may contain toxic chemicals, while counterfeit clothing, footwear, toys and perfumes as products that could expose consumers to hidden health risks.

It also raised concerns over substandard electronics that may cause fires or electrocution and fake household adhesives, sealants and building materials that may pose structural and health hazards.

“We will not allow online platforms to become a safe haven for counterfeiters. The PNP will strengthen intelligence gathering and enforcement operations against individuals and networks engaged in the sale and distribution of fake and unregulated products,” Nartatez said.

“Counterfeit goods are not only an intellectual property concern. They are also health and safety matters in most cases that need immediate and aggressive law enforcement response,” he added.

The PNP’s planned action will build on its existing campaign against smuggling and other economic crimes.

From January to June 2026, police conducted 8,986 anti-smuggling operations, resulting in the arrest of 2,560 individuals and the seizure of about P8.6 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes and equipment.

The campaign has also extended to other illegal goods as the PNP confiscated P628 million worth of smuggled goods, counterfeit products, and other illegal articles in nationwide operations in July.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Has any online seller released to you a counterfeit product? Do you believe that online shopping platforms like Shopee and Lazada have a lot of scammers and abusive online sellers?

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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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.

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Over 400 Las Piñas City Residents Avail of Free Medical Services in Barangay Daniel Fajardo

September 8, 2026September 2, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, more than four hundred local residents availed of free varied medical services during the health and wellness caravan held in Barangay Daniel Fajardo, according to the social media announcement by the City Government. Mayor April Aguilar was present during the caravan.

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

More than 400 Las Piñero residents received free medical services at the Health and Wellness Caravan of the Las Piñas City Government held at Casimiro Townhomes Covered Court, in Barangay Daniel Fajardo.

More than 1,400 health and wellness services were provided to residents, including free medical and dental consultations, blood sugar and cholesterol testing, chest X-ray, ECG, nutrition counseling, NCD risk assessment, PhilHealth First Patient Encounter, Green Card assistance, and free medicines.

The caravan also brought free haircut and massage therapy.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, was there a health and wellness caravan held in your local community lately?

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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Philippines GDP Growth Unlikely To Reach 6% In Medium Term

September 6, 2026September 1, 2026carlocarrasco

Several economic factors and the continued vulnerability to climate-driven shocks make it unlikely for the Philippines to achieve gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6% in the medium term, according to a news report by BusinessWorld citing Moody’s Ratings.

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

MOODY’S RATINGS said the Philippines’ medium-term growth outlook seems bleak as its slow investment recovery and vulnerability to climate-driven shocks may derail its economic rebound.

In a statement following its latest rating action on the Philippines, the debt watcher said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth is expected to hover below its pre-pandemic level of around 6% over the medium term.

“The Philippines’ medium-term growth will continue to be underpinned by favorable demographics, resilient remittances and service exports, and a gradual strengthening of investment as confidence recovers, with electronics and other goods exports providing a more marginal offset,” Moody’s Ratings said late on Monday.

“Even so, we expect medium-term potential to settle somewhat below the near-6% pace recorded before the pandemic, as investment recovers only gradually and the economy remains exposed to recurrent natural disasters and climate-related shocks,” it added.

Moody’s slashed its Philippine GDP growth forecast for this year to 3.6% from 5.5%. This falls near the bottom end of the government’s 3.5%-4.5% target for the year.

In the second quarter, GDP growth tumbled to a new post-pandemic low of 2.3%, bringing average growth to 2.6% in the first half.

The fourth consecutive quarter of slowing growth came as investments continued to reel from last year’s flood control corruption scandal, while rising prices amid the Middle East war squeezed household spending.

Moody’s Ratings noted that the Middle East war shocks and investment slump are “largely cyclical,” with an investment-driven recovery expected later this year.

“The recovery from the second half of 2026 should be led by a rebound in public investment as the government resumes stalled disbursements and normalizes spending execution,” it said.

Moody’s Ratings said that local investments should focus on public infrastructure and public-private partnerships, especially in renewable energy “as the country diversifies its energy mix in response to the recent shock.”

The government’s recent reforms should also eventually boost investment and productivity as their benefits are realized, the debt watcher said.

These include the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy Act, foreign investment liberalization, and allowing more private and foreign participation in sectors such as renewable energy.

By 2027, Moody’s Ratings expects GDP to expand by 5.3%, although still slower than its previous estimate of 5.6%.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that the economy of the Philippines really does not have enough strength to achieve 6% GDP growth anytime soon? Do you think the current economic managers know what they are doing? Do you think there will absolutely be no economic gains from the Philippines’ hosting of the 2026 ASEAN Summit?

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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Rehabilitated Road and Drainage System in Barangay Almanza Uno Inaugurated

September 4, 2026August 31, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, the rehabilitated road and drainage system at a certain location within Barangay Almanza Uno was officially inaugurated with the presence of Mayor April Aguilar and Vice Mayor Imelda Aguilar, the City Government announced via social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire City Government announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The Las Piñas City Government, led by Mayor April Aguilar and Vice Mayor Mel Aguilar, formally inaugurated the rehabilitated road and drainage system at St. Joseph corner CRM Avenue, Barangay Almanza Uno.

Through the project, the previously pothole-ridden road, sidewalk curb, and gutter were repaired, while the drainage system was also strengthened in the area to provide a safer and more orderly passage for residents and motorists, as well as to prevent flooding during rainfall.

This is part of the programs and projects that directly contribute to the daily lives of Las Piñeros and improve the safety and quality of life in every barangay.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, do you wish to see more roads and drainage systems improved in more parts of the city? Were such rehabilitation projects done 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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