governance – Page 40 – Author Carlo Carrasco

377 families graduate from Muntinlupa City’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)

October 22, 2024October 14, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, three hundred and seventy-seven families (377) graduated from the local Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), 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 total of 377 families graduated from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Muntinlupa.

4Ps is the Philippine government’s “national poverty reduction strategy and human capital investment program that provides conditional cash transfer to poor households for a maximum period of seven (7) years, to improve health, nutrition and education,” according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The beneficiaries of 4Ps “are households that: are classified as poor and near-poor based on the Standardized Targeting System and the poverty threshold issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) at the time of selection.”

The DSWD led the Pugay Tagumpay Graduation Day attended by Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon where the families were recognized.

“Sabi nga nila, walang forever, at mas maganda talaga na walang forever pagdating sa pagtanggap ng tulong mula sa gobyerno (As they say, there is no forever, and it’s better that there is no forever when it comes to receiving assistance from the government),” said Biazon.

He said 4Ps can be seen not only as a chance to get financial assistance from the government but to learn life lessons including saving, budgeting and prioritizing needs.

“Ayaw natin na umaasa lang ang mga tao sa gobyerno (We don’t want people to rely solely on the government); we want every family to be self-sustaining,” the mayor added.

“The City Government will continue to support Muntinlupeño families, especially in the education of your children. Congratulations to all the graduates! Patuloy tayong magsikap para sa mas maliwanag na kinabukasan! (Let’s continue to strive for a brighter future),” he added.

According to the Muntinlupa City government, the graduation from 4Ps meant that a family is now out of poverty and has the capability to become self-sufficient.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you know any family in your local community that needs to get enrolled in the local 4Ps program? How many families in your local community were among the 377 graduates?

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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New animal shelter in Barangay Ilaya, Las Piñas City inaugurated

October 17, 2024October 10, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a new animal shelter located in Barangay Ilaya was formally inaugurated by the City Government with the presence of Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar, according to an official announcement via social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt of the social media announcement of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…

Las Piñas City’s New Animal Shelter was inaugurated on Friday, September 27, in Barangay Ilaya. The event was attended by City Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar, who led the ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremony of the facility. The shelter, which can accommodate up to 120 pets, is designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for rescued animals in the city.

The City Veterinary Office, headed by Dr. August Michael Basangan, spearheaded the project. Dr. Basangan highlighted the shelter’s important role in the community, explaining that it will serve not only as a refuge for abandoned and neglected animals but also as a hub for animal welfare services. He added that the City Veterinary Office is working together with local animal rescue groups to help give abandoned and neglected animals a second chance at life.

The shelter offers a range of essential services, including adoption programs, deworming, rabies vaccination, and pet registration. As part of the city’s commitment to responsible pet ownership, the shelter also introduced microchipping for both dogs and cats. Dr. Basangan noted the ceremonial application of the first microchip on rescued pets during the event, further emphasizing the city’s efforts to expand its digital pet registration system.

The shelter’s opening coincided with Las Piñas City’s celebration of World Rabies Day, reflecting the city’s broader initiatives for animal health and safety.

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 a new animal shelter is needed in your local community right now?

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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Multi-medalist figure skater meets Las Piñas Mayor and Vice Mayor at City Hall

October 16, 2024October 7, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local resident Julian Jean Quijano Plata – who won multiple medals in figure skating overseas – was welcomed by the Mayor and Vice Mayor at City Hall and went on to have a discussion, the City Government announced via social media.

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

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar warmly welcomed Julian Jean Quijano Plata, a young figure skater from Las Piñas City National Science High School, during her courtesy visit at the City Hall on Tuesday, September 24. The student recently brought pride to the city by winning multiple gold and silver medals at the Skate Asia 2024 competition held in Taipei, Taiwan, from August 3-11, 2024. Her impressive performance in categories such as Freestyle 4, Artistic FS4, and Solo Compulsories earned recognition for both her school and the city.

*Left to right: Las Piñas City Vice Mayor April Aguilar, Julian Jean Quijano Plata and Mayor Imelda Aguilar. (photo source – Las Piñas PIO)*

*A lively discussion at the table between the guests and the Vice Mayor and Mayor at City Hall (photo source – Las Piñas PIO)*

During the visit, Mayor Mel and Vice Mayor April congratulated the skater for her achievements and for being a positive representative of Las Piñas in an international competition. The young athlete expressed her gratitude for the support of her family, acknowledging their role in her success.

The Aguilar administration recognized the hard work and determination displayed by the skater, emphasizing that her accomplishments serve as an inspiration to the youth of Las Piñas.

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? Are inspired by the recent achievements of the multi-medalist local figure skater? Are there any young athletes in your local community who won honors in competitions overseas?

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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Note: Photos sources from Las Piñas City PIO.

Due to failure to fulfill energy commitments, Solar Philippines’ 21 contracts with government will be terminated

October 13, 2024October 12, 2024carlocarrasco

Have you ever heard of a corporation called Solar Philippines? That company boasted being the largest solar company in Southeast Asia and the national government awarded them with lots of contracts years ago. The results, however, are disastrous as Solar Philippines failed to fulfill the energy commitments which compelled the government to initiate moves to discontinue 21 of the 42 contracts, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Department of Energy (DOE) on Thursday said it is set to discontinue 21 or half of the 42 service contracts it awarded to Solar Philippines following the company’s alleged failure to carry out its energy commitments.

The DOE made the announcement at the Senate finance subcommittee hearing on the agency’s budget after Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada inquired about the matter.

“Twenty-one of the contracts are already being processed for termination because they are not able to deliver the scheduled targets of the work program,” Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara said at the hearing.

Estrada said different renewable energy companies were awarded a total of 473 service contracts for the construction of solar farms as of last March, supposedly for 32,359 megawatts of renewable energy supply.

He said that only 174.41 megawatts or 2% had been completed and started commercial operations of the 10,000 megawatts committed by Solar Philippines and its affiliates.

“The vast majority of the total commitment have not yet entered the development stage and remain in various phases of pre-development. How will this affect the department’s targets?” the senator asked.

He was referring to the Iba-Palawig project, Iba-Palawig 2 project, and San Marcelino phase 3 project.

Guevara said that acquisition of land, either through lease or purchase, is the most challenging part of energy companies in constructing power facilities.

“Previously, possessory rights were not required when we issued service contracts. However, under the new guidelines, developers must have possessory rights before service contracts are granted,” she said.

Estrada, however, inquired specifically as to why Solar Philippines, owned by businessman Leandro Leviste, was taking too long to adhere with the terms of its service contracts compared with other developers.

“You know, my conclusion is that while other project developers take an average of around two to three years to develop solar power projects, Solar Philippines and its affiliates have taken more than three years to even take its projects to development phase and much longer for actual construction,” the senator said.

“Bakit masyadong pinagkakatiwalaan itong Solar Philippines? (Why put so much trust with Solar Philippines?) Why do you keep on awarding contracts to them?” he added.

Guevara said 22,000 megawatts of capacity were already fully developed or are in development of 32,359 megawatts covered by service contracts.

“The remaining 10,000 megawatts depend on Solar Philippines, which could significantly compromise the DOE’s ability to meet its commitment to transitioning to renewable energy. I hope you seriously consider this matter,” Estrada said.

Senators Pia Cayetano and Sherwin Gatchalian also inquired about delays in the commitments indicated in the service contracts.

According to Guevara, the DOE would issue new sets of terms of reference for its succeeding green energy auctions, to include the performance of renewable energy companies as qualifying conditions.

In my honest opinion in relation to this development, renewable energy sources like solar and wind are truly unreliable. On the part of Solar Philippines (founded in 2013), generating 174.41 megawatts instead of the required 10,000 megawatts over the years is shocking. That being said, initiating moves to discontinue the 21 contracts with Solar Philippines makes a lot of sense.

Again, in my own view, the government should stop focusing so much on renewable energy and focus more on nuclear power to ensure clean and abundant energy for the entire nation as the energy needs of the people and businesses will only keep on growing. Solar power cannot be relied on as the sun does not shine brightly 365 days per year nor can the power collected through solar panels be enough to meet the needs to the nation.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it is right for the government to move to terminate the 21 contracts with Solar Philippines? Are you convinced that solar power is not the solution for the nation’s energy requirements? What excuse can Solar Philippines come up with to convince the government to retain the 21 contracts?

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 seven hundred local residents served during Las Piñas City Health and Wellness Caravan

October 12, 2024October 4, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than seven hundred local residents availed of the free services offered to them during the Health and Wellness Caravan that happened at the Golden Acres Covered Court, according to a social media announcement by the City Government. Vice Mayor April Aguilar appeared and personally observed the activity.

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

The City Health Office successfully held a Health and Wellness Caravan on Friday, September 20, at the Golden Acres Covered Court, offering free health services to more than 700 residents. The event aimed to bring essential medical services closer to residents, particularly those who may have difficulty accessing the free health centers and diagnostic facilities in Las Piñas.

City Vice Mayor April Aguilar attended the event, alongside City Health Office OIC Dr. Juliana Gonzalez, who led the caravan. In a statement, Dr. Gonzalez mentioned that the City Health Office is dedicated to bringing medical services closer to those who are unable to visit the city’s free health centers. She added that this initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to provide accessible and essential healthcare to the people of Las Piñas.

Residents benefited from a wide range of free health services, including medical consultations, blood sugar and cholesterol testing, blood typing, chest X-rays, ECGs, dental services, and access to a pharmacy. The event also facilitated Greencard and PhilHealth applications, as well as mobile birth registration services.

In addition to these services, the caravan offered pneumococcal vaccinations for senior citizens, nutrition counseling, and lifestyle-related illness screenings to help identify risks associated with common non-communicable diseases.

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 hope to see the City Government’s health office organize a Health and Wellness Caravan in your local community soon?

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

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President Marcos signs into law VAT on foreign digital services

October 10, 2024October 2, 2024carlocarrasco

Foreign entities that provide digital services to their customers here in the Philippines will have to pay their fair share of taxes as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., recently signed into law Republic Act Number 12023 (RA12023) which imposes the 12% value-added tax (VAT) on foreign digital service providers (DSPs), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law on Wednesday a measure imposing a value-added tax (VAT) on foreign digital services providers (DSPs).

A priority measure of the administration, Republic Act (RA) 12023 imposes a 12 percent VAT on foreign DSPs, such as Netflix, Disney, and HBO, to generate additional revenue for the government.

In his message, Marcos said the new law would level the playing field for local providers.

“If you are reaping the rewards of a fruitful digital economy here, it is only right that you contribute also to its growth. After all, whether you are a small tech startup or a global tech giant based halfway around the world, if you are making money here in the Philippines, you’re a part of our community, and with that comes a shared responsibility,” Marcos said.

According to the President, about PHP105 billion in revenue is expected to be collected in the next five years due to RA 12023.

The amount is enough to build 42,000 classrooms, more than 6,000 rural health units, and 7,000 km of farm-to-market roads, the Chief Executive noted.

Additionally, 5 percent of the revenues generated by the law will be allocated to the local creative industry.

“This means our artists, filmmakers, musicians, the very people who fill our platforms with storage and the content, will directly benefit. It ensures that our creative talents are not just surviving in a competitive digital market, but will be allowed by fairness and progress,” Marcos said.

The President thanked the legislators for passing the measure even as he called on companies covered by the law to support and heed the rules of the Act.

‘Fair and square’ tax policies – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, meanwhile, said the new law is expected to address revenue losses by clarifying the taxability of non-resident digital service providers and addressing the ambiguity in the previous law.

“We believe in the importance of creating an environment where our digital services providers, whether they are nonresident or local, operate under fair and square tax policies,” Gatchalian said in a statement. He said the new measure does not mean a new tax imposition.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the new law will be good for the economy of the Philippines? Do you think that the foreign digital service providers will somehow raise the subscription rates and fees for their customers here in the Philippines in response to the new law?

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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More than 400 residents served during the Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan in Barangay Talon Singko

October 10, 2024October 3, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than four hundred residents availed of the medical services provided to them during the Health and Wellness Caravan that took place in Barangay Talon Singko, the City Government announced via social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of the City Government of Las Piñas. Some parts in boldface…

The Health and Wellness Caravan, held on Thursday, September 26, at the Emmaus 2 Covered Court in Barangay Talon Singko, successfully provided various medical services to over 400 residents. This initiative, organized by the City Health Office, aimed to bring essential health services closer to the people and raise awareness of the existing healthcare facilities available in the city.

Vice Mayor April Aguilar personally attended the event, engaging with residents and emphasizing the city’s commitment to community health. Among the services provided were medical consultations, blood sugar testing, cholesterol examinations, blood typing, dental services, ECG, nutrition counseling, and pneumococcal vaccinations for senior citizens. A mobile nutrition food truck was also present at the event to offer healthy meals to participants, further supporting the caravan’s health-centered goals.

City Health Office OIC Dr. Juliana Gonzalez was also present, working alongside healthcare professionals to ensure the smooth delivery of services. Dr. Gonzalez noted that the turnout exceeded expectations, with hundreds of residents availing themselves of the services.

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 the City Government will organize a Health and Wellness Caravan in your local community soon?

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

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Former City Councilor Carlo Aguilar to run for Mayor of Las Piñas

October 9, 2024October 7, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, former City Councilor Carlo Aguilar filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) at the local Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office to formalize his run for the office of Mayor, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The candidate is the nephew of former senator and business tycoon Manny Villar and is running under the banner of the Nacionalista Party (NP)

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

Former Las Piñas City Councilor and businessman Carlo Aguilar filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for city mayor on Monday, October 7.

Aguilar is running under the banner of the Nacionalista Party (NP) which his uncle, business tycoon Manny Villar, leads. The former councilor was accompanied by his supporters in filing his COC.

Aguilar said that if he’s elected, he would focus on flood control, waste and traffic management, accessible health care, and livelihood for residents.

“We are at a crucial time where we need effective and decisive leadership to tackle pressing issues in Las Piñas. We need to elevate the quality of life of every resident. My priority is to maximize the city’s revenues through better tax collection, which will be channeled towards providing the best social services for our people,” Aguilar said.

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? Will you vote for Carlo Aguilar as Mayor of Las Piñas in May 2025?

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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Barangay Baclaran Captain Jun Zaide files COC to run for Parañaque City Mayor again

October 8, 2024October 7, 2024carlocarrasco

Barangay Baclaran Captain Jun Zaide is running for the office of Mayor of Parañaque City again as he recently filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) in the presence of Commission on Elections (COMELEC) officials at City Hall. The local elections will happen in May 2025.

To watch the filing of his COC, click https://www.facebook.com/share/v/Gx9UQ6AVLuZ7AHUt/

*Barangay Baclaran captain Jun Zaide. (photo source – Kap Jun Zaide – Baclaran Facebook page*)

For the newcomers reading this, Jun Zaide has been serving as the head of Barangay Baclaran for many years now. He first ran for Mayor of Parañaque as an independent candidate in May 2022 but lost.

Captain Zaide has an official Facebook page where viewers can find updates about his campaign. To visit the FB page of the candidate, click https://www.facebook.com/kapjunzaideOfficial

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, would you be voting for captain Jun Zaide for Mayor in the May 2022 local elections? What is your impression of captain Zaide right now? Knowing how badly Parañaque City turned out amoung the 33 highly urbanized cities (HUC) in the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) results of 2023 (24^th place) and 2024 (27^th place), do you hope that Zaide as Mayor will be able to inspire positive changes and 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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Former Parañaque City Councilor Benjo Bernabe files certificate of candidacy (COC) to run for Vice Mayor

October 5, 2024October 3, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, former City Councilor Benjo Bernabe officially filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) to run for the office of Vice Mayor of Parañaque in the May 2025 local elections.

For the newcomers reading this, Benjo Bernabe is the son of former Parañaque City Mayor Florencio “Jun” Bernabe. The young Bernabe served as City Councilor from 2010 to 2013, and he ran for Mayor in the 2013 local election but ended up short.

Benjo Bernabe filed his COC in the presence of Commission on Elections (COMELEC) – Parañaque officials at City Hall. With him were his father, Congressman Brian Yamsuan (note: a candidate for the District 2 Congressional Seat of Parañaque) and Barangay BF Homes captain Jeremy Marquez to name a few.

Former City Councilor Benjo Bernabe shows his certificate of candidacy (COC) confirming his run for the office of Vice Mayor of Parañaque in the May 2025 local elections. (photo source – Benjo Bernabe Official Facebook page)

Benjo Bernabe signing the form at City Hall. In the background were his father former Parañaque City Mayor Florencio “Jun” Bernabe, congressman Brian Yamsuan and Barangay BF Homes captain Jeremy Marquez (hidden, standing behind former Mayor Bernabe). (photo source – Benjo Bernabe Official Facebook page)

Benjo Bernabe has an official Facebook page where viewers can find updates about his campaign. To visit the FB page of the candidate, click https://www.facebook.com/BenjoBernabeOfficial

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think Benjo Bernabe will make a good and effective Vice Mayor? Have you decided already to support Bernabe’s campaign for the office of Vice Mayor? Do you think that in the event Bernabe becomes the next Vice Mayor, do you think her can inspire change to improve the quality of the City Government’s services and also make the city more competitive with the other highly urbanized cities of the nation? How enthusiastic are you right now when it comes to voting in the next local elections in May 2025?

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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