Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government formally turned over vehicles for the transportation and benefit of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) during a ceremony at City Hall, according to the City Government’s social media post.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post. Some parts in boldface…
The City Local Government of Las Piñas, led by Vice Mayor April Aguilar, conducted its weekly flag-raising ceremony this Monday, which included a significant initiative for the community’s disabled members. The ceremony featured the turnover of specially equipped vehicles intended for the transportation of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
Vice Mayor Aguilar, overseeing the event, emphasized the local government’s commitment to inclusivity and mobility for all citizens. She highlighted that the new vehicles would help PWDs access various services more easily and participate more actively in community life.
The event, attended by city officials and local leaders, underscores the administration’s efforts to enhance the quality of life for all residents, particularly those facing mobility challenges.
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 you delighted with the turnover of vehicles for the local PWDs? Are there many members of your local community who identify as PWD?
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
Recently the Commission on Audit (COA) reminded local government units (LGUs) to limit the expenses of discretionary funds as it cited the case of one particular town that exceeded its “prescribed statutory limitation” for extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses (EME) by millions of Pesos in 2023, 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…
The Commission on Audit (COA) has reminded local government units (LGUs) against exceeding the “statutory limitation” on disbursements for extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses (EME) or discretionary funds taken out of their collected real property taxes (RPTs).
It cited the case of Eastern Samar’s Guiuan town which exceeded its “prescribed statutory limitation” for EME by P6.53 million in 2023.
In its annual audit report (AAR), COA cited its Circular No. 85-55A and Section 325(h) of Republic Act No. 7160, the Local Government Code, which both provide the general limitation on the use of EME funding.
Section 325(h) of RA 7160 provides: “The annual appropriations for discretionary purposes of the local chief executive shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the actual receipts derived from basic real property tax in the next preceding calendar year. Discretionary funds shall be disbursed only for public purposes to be supported by appropriate vouchers and subject to such guidelines as may be prescribed by law. No amount shall be appropriated for the same purpose except as authorized under this section.“
COA said that under the law, Guiuan town should only have EME of P26,465.14, which is equivalent to two percent of the P1.323 million RPT collected in 2021. But, it said, the town used P6.56 million for its discretionary funds or an excess of P6.53 million.
It pointed out that discretionary funds are only supposed to be used by the Office of the Municipal Mayor, but Guiuan even allocated funds for different offices such as the Vice Mayor’s office, Municipal Investment and Tourism Office (MITO), and Municipal Treasurer’s Office, among other offices.
It said the Mayor’s Office used P2,611,254.77 EME in 2023, while the vice mayor used P500,000. MITO, it also said, spent P1,332,395, while the Municipal Treasurer’s Office used up P450,000 EME.
It noted that when its audit team confronted the municipal accountant about its excessive use of discretionary funds, the accountant explained that it committed an “honest error” in assuming that the EME account was a “misnomer for Other Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses account.”
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Is your local government practicing a disciplined approach on spending and the alignment of funds?
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon congratulated local Grade 5 student Antonio Pio Vivo for achieving honors for the country by winning the bronze medal in a mathematics contest held in Thailand, 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…
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon congratulated a Grade 5 student who won in an international math contest in Thailand.
Antonio Pio Vivo of San Beda College Alabang won a bronze medal at the International Talent Mathematics Contest (ITMC) held in Thailand.
Vivo is one of the Filipino students who competed and won in the contest participated in by students from 10 countries and regions: Thailand, Brazil, Vietnam, Philippines, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
“Nakakaproud talaga ang mga kabataang Muntinlupeño na nag-eexcel in many various fields (We really feel proud about young Muntinlupeño who excel in many various fields),” said Biazon.
“Congratulations ulit, Antonio! Sana ma-inspire mo rin ang iba pang kabataang Muntinlupeño na mag-excel in both academics and sports (Congratulations again, Antonio! I hope you will inspire other young Muntinlupeño to excel in both academics and sports),” he added.
Before competing in Thailand, Vivo also joined and won in other math and science contests in South Korea and Hong Kong. Vivo also won a gold medal at the 1st MRB Taekwondo Cup last November.
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, are you delighted about the achievement by the local Grade 5 student who brought honors for the country?
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
As some of you are already aware, I fully stand with Israel which is directly connected with my uncompromising faith in the Lord. I keep on praying to Him for Israel to overwhelm its enemies, rescue the hostages and recover from the effects of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks committed by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. I can assure all of you that nobody from the evil Islamo-Leftist mob, nobody from the pro-Palestine zealots and nobody from any evil society would stop me from supporting and loving Israel.
Now, on with the news…
Recently here in the Philippines, memorandum of understanding (MOU) on food security solutions was signed by an Israeli agricultural center and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), according to an official announcement. The MOU signing was witnessed by Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the announcement published through the DILG’s website. Some parts in boldface…
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with an Israeli agricultural center aimed at providing intensive training and education to selected local agriculture students on modern food security solutions.
The MOU was signed by DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos and AgroStudies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Yaron Tamir at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
In his speech, Abalos thanked the Israel Embassy and the AgroStudies for their friendship and partnership, as the agreement will significantly boost the attainment of Pres. Marcos Jr.’s vision of ensuring food security under the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance.
Agrostudies is an international training center which provides a program for agricultural education to interns from developing countries around the world.
“We thank our partners for this continuous partnership of you transferring the technology and best practices to our Filipino farmers,” he said.
Abalos also thanked the partner national government agencies including the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Agriculture, National Security Council, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for their equal commitment to pushing forth the said program.
The DILG Chief also cited the DILG’s Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay (HAPAG) Program, which complements the national government’s food security measures, and the KADIWA ng Pangulo program, which provides access to quality and safe food items at affordable prices.
Based on the MOU, the DILG will collaborate with LGUs in the selection of eligible students to participate in the 11-month AgroStudies program in Israel, focusing on various aspects of agriculture, including crop cultivation, livestock management, and agricultural technology.
Meanwhile, Tamir explained that the Philippines was the first partner country of Israel over the last 20 years, with some 8,000 Filipinos as scholars in this program, the largest among 15 partner -countries in the AgroStudies internship program.
“Our purpose is for the students and farmers to learn modern technologies in Israel and engage in businesses in the Philippines. I promise that as long as I am the CEO, the Philippines will have the highest quota,” Tamir said.
Posted below is a related news video…
The MOU signed is crucial because food security is a priority under the current government. We Filipinos should be very thankful that Israel – which is an established world leader on agriculture, farming, water and food development – was willing to be a strategic partner as there are over one hundred million people around the Philippines who need to be fed in the long term. Along the way, the Philippines has to keep working hard on boosting agricultural production, expanding the number of government-backed food stores, stabilizing prices of food and cracking down on those who smuggle and hoard agricultural goods.
We should also be thankful to the Lord that even as Israel remains busy fighting the terrorists not only in Gaza but also across the border with Lebanon (Hezbollah), the Jewish state and Israeli companies still value the Philippines as a key partner on economics and social development issues.
To my fellow Filipinos reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!
We live in a very divided world. Around the world, Leftist forces have been supporting evil forces like the current regime of Iran which is known for supplying and arming the Palestinian terrorists and other terrorist groups around the Middle East. Leftist forces have been supporting the Palestinian Authority and other enemies of Israel. The Leftists and terrorists always go together and their anti-Semitism is clearly obvious. Hamas is purely evil and they are being protected by not only their fellow terrorists but also by mainstream news media outlets who are linked with Leftist forces and people who hate Israel and the Jewish people. Beware of the evil union of the Islamo-Left which is wicked deep within.
With all that said, I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel and believe that He will guide the Israeli forces to another victory which means finishing off Hamas, crushing Hezbollah and forcing Iran and its terror proxies to give up. Read Joshua 11:1-20 in the Holy Bible for relevance and truth.
As far as the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) is concerned, current domestic and global developments justified their recent revision of economic growth targets for the Philippines in 2024 and 2025, 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…
The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) has adjusted its economic growth targets for 2024 and 2025 due to current domestic and global developments.
The DBCC revised downward its gross domestic product (GDP) outlook for 2024 to 6 to 7 percent from the previous range of 6.5 to 7.5 percent, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a Palace press briefing on Thursday.
For 2025, the DBCC narrowed the GDP target to 6.5 to 7.5 percent from the previous 6.5 to 8 percent. Balisacan said the growth projection of 6.5 to 8 percent for 2026 to 2028 was retained.
The revised targets growth targets were initially discussed during the DBCC’s 187th meeting on March 22.
The DBCC took into consideration the latest trade outlook of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) amid global trade disruptions and geopolitical tensions.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved the latest GDP outlook when he presided over the 16th full Cabinet meeting at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Wednesday.
Balisacan said the Marcos administration remains steadfast in its commitment to sustaining the robust growth trajectory of the Philippine economy.
“Robust macroeconomic fundamentals will support this growth trajectory. These growth targets will sustain the country’s position as one of the fastest-growing emerging economies in the Asia Pacific region,” Balisacan said.
“The government’s dedication transcends meeting statistical targets or numerical benchmarks. We direct our efforts toward realizing a strategic and compelling vision for our nation’s prosperity even as we navigate a global economic landscape marked by various challenges within and without,” he added.
Balisacan also assured the public that the government is still on track to achieving the upper middle income status by 2025.
Opportunities and risks – Balisacan said the country’s economic team discussed the possible opportunities and risk to growth outlook, adding that it identified several domestic and external challenges that are “on the horizon.”
These include climate change and extreme natural disasters such as El Niño that would “continue to pose risks to food security and the stability of food prices,” he said.
“Additionally, risks related to inflation, such as potential adjustments in transport fares, wages, and service utility fees higher than expected, could dampen household consumption,” he said.
Balisacan also cited that global economic slowdown may weaken external demand, while increasing geopolitical and trade tensions could disrupt supply chains.
He added that general elections in major economies could lead to political shifts that may disrupt trade and investment.
“Despite the anticipated risks, we remain optimistic about the country’s sustained growth momentum as we strive for better development outcomes. We aspire to position the Philippines as a frontrunner within our region and beyond—a beacon of inclusive progress and resilience,” Balisacan said.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines will end up growing at a lower-than-expected pace?
Recently the huge international financial firm The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) confirmed its commitment to investing in the Philippines and supporting the government’s economic agenda which President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., welcomed, 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. on Thursday welcomed the commitment of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) to support the government’s economic agenda and continue to invest in the Philippines.
HSBC Holdings Group officials, led by its Chairman Mark Tucker, paid a courtesy visit to the President at the Malacañan Palace and expressed its intention to continue expanding in the country.
“Today, we are left as one of the few international banks. But our commitment to the Philippines, and continuing to invest, continuing to work here remains absolutely intact,” Tucker told Marcos.
He added that HSBC, which has been operating in the Philippines for almost 150 years, is interested in expanding its investment in the Philippines, particularly on foreign direct investment (FDI), saying it “supports FDI by a number of different ways.”
For his part, the chief executive acknowledged the significant contributions of HSBC to the Philippine economy, pointing out the “interconnections” it has made in the country.
“Thank you again for HSBC’s continued interest. We continue to encourage (foreign investments). The economy, actually, we’ve tried to open it up, we put very, we put much (importance)… on the fact that private partnerships are necessary,” Marcos said.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think HSBC’s commitment will encourage other international financial firms and foreign investors to support the national economy?
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
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that its Treasurer’s Office will no longer accept personal and company checks as forms of payment, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. This effectively means that only cash and manager’s checks will be accepted by the said office on-site (over the counter).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government announced that its Treasurer’s Office will no longer accept personal and company checks as payment.
In a Facebook post on April 1, the city government said this is based on the “Commission on Audit (COA) Circular No. 2013-004, Items 26-28, Chapter II” or the Revised Cash Examination Manual.
It said only cash and manager’s checks with the City Treasurer of Muntinlupa as payee will be accepted for on-site payment.
Under items 26 to 28 of the COA circular, “Checks presented for payment must be drawn by the payor himself and made payable to the agency or head of agency. In the latter case, only the official title or designation of the agency head concerned shall be stated as the payee.”
It prohibits the following checks as payment: checks drawn payable to the name of the agency head or any of its officers, endorsed private checks, post-dated checks, and stale checks.
“When a check drawn in favor of the government is not accepted by the drawee for any reason, the drawer shall continue to be liable for the sum due and all penalties resulting from delayed payments. Where the reason for non-acceptance by the drawee bank is insufficiency of funds, the drawer shall be criminally liable therefore,” the circular stated.
It added, “Whenever a payor has a record of a previously dishonored private check drawn by him in payment of taxes and dues, even if such check has already been settled, any private check presented by him shall no longer be accepted. In such case, the payor shall be required to pay only in cash or by certified check. Each agency head, or treasurer, in the case of local government units, shall make a list of payors whose checks have been dishonored and shall circularize the list to all COs under his jurisdiction.”
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 have any issues with having to pay only cash or manager’s checks to the Treasurer’s Office?
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
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Vice Mayor April Aguilar took the time to personally review and approve the local residents’ applications for the Green Card program, according to the City Government’s social media post of March 30, 2024.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post.. Some parts in boldface…
City Vice Mayor April Aguilar on Thursday, March 21st reviewed and approved several Green Card applications from local residents. This action underscores the city’s initiative to provide essential healthcare benefits to its citizens through the health subsidy program.
The Green Card program, established by the late Mayor Nene Aguilar, was created to provide healthcare benefits to residents. It represents a lasting legacy of his dedication to improving health access for all citizens.
To know more about the benefits and relevance of the Green Card, click here, here and here.
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? Were there lots of people in your local community who applied for the city’s Green Card?
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
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government commended its own employee for honesty and helpfulness as he found P6,000 at a nearby automated teller machine (ATM) and returned it all, 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…
Mayor Ruffy Biazon commended a Muntinlupa City government employee who returned the money that he found at an automated teller machine (ATM).
Patrick Gabriel Moreno, an employee of the Muntinlupa City Health Office, found the money amounting to P6,000 at a Landbank ATM located at the city hall compound.
Instead of keeping the money for himself, Moreno surrendered it to Landbank. Through Moreno, the money was returned to the owner.
Moreno, who recently got married, was praised by Biazon.
“This is very admirable, and it’s important to recognize such behavior to inspire others. Here in the City Government of Muntinlupa, we aim to promote the exemplary qualities of a Muntinlupeño,” said Biazon.
For his good deed, Moreno was awarded a certificate of commendation during the city government’s flag ceremony on April 1.
The Muntinlupa City government, through its Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence or PRAISE Committee, recognizes employees who perform extraordinary actions beyond what is expected of their functions.
The recognition highlights the importance of integrity in public service and reinforces Muntinlupa City’s dedication to fostering a culture of honesty and accountability, the Public Information Office said.
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, are you happy about this local news?
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
Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government gave out more than P7 million in financial assistance to residents of Barangay Alabang who were affected by the big fire that struck their community, 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…
The Muntinlupa City government gave more than P7 million in financial assistance to residents who were affected by a fire in Alabang last March 17.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon went to the Alabang Elementary School, being used as an evacuation site for the affected families, to oversee the process of claiming done by the Muntinlupa Social Services Department (SSD).
The fire on March 17 started at about 4:48 a.m. and spread to houses in Joaquin, Bautista and Mariategue Compounds in Alabang, leaving families homeless. The fire lasted nearly five hours and was put out at 9:42 a.m.
The affected families are now staying at three evacuation sites: Alabang Elementary School, Pedro E. Diaz High School and Morning Breeze Covered Court.
“Nagbigay ang City Government ng financial assistance na may kabuuang halaga ng higit seven million pesos para sa mga apektadong pamilya ng sunog sa Brgy. Alabang (The Muntinlupa City government gave financial assistance amounting to more than seven million pesos for the families affected by a fire in Brgy. Alabang),” Biazon posted on Facebook on March 24.
Biazon thanked the Muntinlupa City Council for immediately passing an ordinance allocating funds for the financial assistance to the families.
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, are you concerned that potentially more fire incidents could happen in other local communities now that the summer season is here?
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
Author Carlo Carrasco 