governance – Page 58 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Over 1,000 children vaccinated for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) during final day of vaccination campaign in Las Piñas City

April 2, 2024March 23, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that over one thousand children were vaccinated for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) during the final day of their latest vaccination campaign at Robinsons Place Las Piñas.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post of March 22, 2024. Some parts in boldface…

The City Health Office, under the leadership of Dr. Juliana Gonzalez, concluded its Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign on Friday, March 15th, at Robinsons Las Piñas. The three-day initiative witnessed an overwhelming response from the community, vaccinating over 1,000 children on its final day, with a total of almost 3,000 total vaccinated children in the campaign.

This large-scale vaccination drive, a key part in the service projects of the 27th Cityhood Anniversary celebrations, represents Las Piñas City’s ongoing efforts to prioritize and enhance public health, highlighting the city’s dedication to combating preventable diseases and safeguarding the well-being of its younger population.

City Vice Mayor April Aguilar, who attended the event, commended the City Health Office, healthcare professionals, and volunteers for their dedication and hard work. She also expressed gratitude towards the parents and guardians for their trust and cooperation, which were essential in achieving the campaign’s goals.

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 that the City Government will conduct another HPV vaccination campaign 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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Achievements in public service celebrated in Las Piñas City

March 28, 2024March 27, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government celebrated the recent accomplishments and the outstanding contributions of some key officials, 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 Las Piñas City government cited the accomplishments and outstanding contributions of some key city officials during its regular Monday flag-raising ceremony on March 18 held at the City Hall grounds.

City police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla was commended for his exceptional leadership.

Las Piñas Vice Mayor April Aguilar and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-National Capital Region Las Piñas City Director Patrick John Megia lauded Tafalla and his team for their successful police operations that have significantly contributed to the city’s safety and order.

Aguilar said the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) awarded Barangay Almanza Uno for its achievement in public safety preparedness and for being the champion at the 11th Inter-Barangay Fire Olympics held last Saturday, March 16.

She said the award reflects the community’s commitment in enhancing their responsiveness and skills in fire safety and prevention.

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 services or the contributions made by the officials who were cited?

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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P170.6-billion NAIA deal signed

March 28, 2024March 18, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently at Malacañang Palace, the ambitious P170.6 billion agreement to rehabilitate and modernize the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) was formally signed in the presence of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin which symbolically starts the public-private partnership, 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 PHP170.6-billion Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement for the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is expected to herald economic growth through better collaborations with both local and foreign investors, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said Monday.

At the signing of the concession deal between the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) in Malacañang, Bautista said the PPP project would “open floodgates” of opportunities from investments, business, tourism, and employment.

“We welcome this development for the NAIA PPP Project as this will not only generate revenue for the government but it will also create opportunities for Filipinos. With a modernized NAIA, we are elevating the airport’s facilities and services to international standards,” he said.

The agreement, Bautista said, would send signal to the international business community about the viability of government infrastructure projects.

“This radical transformation comes at no small price Substantial investments in infrastructure and technology will necessitate collaborations with local and foreign partners,” he added.

San Miguel Corporation president and chief executive officer Ramon Ang, for his part, said the NNIC would not only rehabilitate but also improve the airport’s functionality and “establish a new standard in serving excellence.”

“Together with our partner, Incheon, we have assembled a team of experts, focused on implementing immediate improvement, and help us achieve our long-term goal for NAIA,” Ang said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos who witnessed the signing described the pact as an “investment in our future.”

“This undertaking is not just about revenues that will be remitted to treasury alone, but resources invested in the airport,” Marcos said.

The agreement, signed by Bautista, Ang and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Eric Ines, covers 15 years with an option for a 10-year extension.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think this new public private partnership will succeed with achieving its goals of modernizing the NAIA, creating new jobs and attract both new investments and a higher number of foreign visitors in the years in the come?

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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2nd diagnostic center opened by Las Piñas City Government

March 27, 2024March 15, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government formally launched a 2^nd diagnostic center in Barangay Daniel Fajardo, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The previous diagnostics center was launched in 2023 at the vicinity of City Hall.

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 unveiled the city’s second diagnostic center as part of its comprehensive health program.

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar (middle) and Vice Mayor April Aguilar (2nd from left) led the formal cutting of the ribbon. With them are City Councilor Filemon “Peewee” Aguilar III (2nd from right) and City Health Office (CHO) head Dr. Juliana Gonzalez. (photo source – Las Piñas PIO)

Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice-Mayor April Aguilar, together with City Health Office (CHO) head Dr. Juliana Gonzalez led the unveiling of the diagnostic center located in (Barangay) Daniel Fajardo.

Gonzales said the center is prepared to offer a range of different laboratory services and can accommodate about 100 people a day.

“Tayo po ay magbibigay ng mga serbisyong pang laboratory tulad (We will provide laboratory services such as) ng CBC (complete blood count test), urinalysis, examination para sa (for) cholesterol, uric acid, sugar, creatinine, at sa (and) liver function test,” Gonzalez said.

She added that electrocardiogram tests (ECG) and complimentary x-ray services will be provided to eligible Green Card holders.

*A group shot at the brand new diagnostic center in Barangay Daniel Fajardo. (photo source – Las Piñas PIO)*

The CHO head said by adding another diagnostic center to its growing list of healthcare service facilities, essential laboratory and diagnostic services are now readily available and more accessible to Las Piñas residents.

Gonzalez said the presence of the city mayor and vice-mayor during the opening reflects the local government’s commitment to making healthcare services more accessible.

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? Have you visited the new diagnostic center lately? Does anyone in your local community need service at the newest diagnostic center?

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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It’s not right for the ICC to intervene in the judicial process in the Philippines

March 25, 2024March 14, 2024carlocarrasco

We all live in a chaotic and divisive world. In this case, I’m talking about the concept of the International Criminal Court (ICC) based in the Netherlands getting involved in the internal affairs of the Philippines, particularly with the judicial process. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., stood up to the ICC pointing out that the nation has a functioning judiciary, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. Be aware that the Philippines severed its ties with the ICC five years ago.

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

It is a “mistake” for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to intervene in the Philippines’ judicial process, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has said, as he maintained that the country has a functioning judiciary.

Marcos made the remarks during his bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday in Berlin, Germany, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement on Thursday.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stood firm before German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that the International Criminal Court has no jurisdiction over the Philippines as it remains to have a working judicial system and law enforcement mechanisms,” Garafil said.

During the meeting, Marcos told Scholz that ICC cannot investigate the Philippines’ drug campaign under the Duterte administration because the country is capable of conducting its own probe.

Marcos said there is no need for the international court to meddle, considering that “there are too many lawyers in the Philippines already.”

“And so, it’s really a question of jurisdiction and we have our own investigations and we’re capable of conducting our own investigations and, so we are, we are continuing to do so,” Marcos was quoted as saying by the PCO.

Marcos said the ICC’s apparent intrusion into the Philippine judicial system is something that his administration has to deal with.

He said it is “unacceptable” for an international court to take control over the Philippines where there is a working judicial system and law enforcement mechanisms.

“Well, there is now a conflict between – in terms of jurisdiction because, in our opinion, the ICC was created when a country has no judiciary, no functioning judiciary, no police force to enforce peace and order; enforce law,” Marcos said.

“As a matter of principle, it is very difficult for the Philippines to accept that an outside court will, shall I say, dictate to our policemen, ‘who they will investigate, who they will arrest and who will say, that hey, because we don’t need that advice’,” he added, stressing that the country has a “functioning military and police force that uphold the rule of law.”

In February this year, Marcos said the ICC prosecutors could “produce as much evidence as they want but they could not act upon it in the Philippines.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think that the ICC and its henchmen here in the Philippines are secretly conspiring to weaken the nation’s justice system and the local authorities’ fight against crime? Do you think the latest move by President Marcos will send a clear signal to the internationalist organizations that it is pointless for them to violate the sovereignty of 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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Muntinlupa City Government warns public about highly contagious Pertussis (whooping cough)

March 25, 2024March 23, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government warned the public about the spread of Pertussis (also referred to as whooping cough) which already caused over four hundred cases counted in the first ten weeks of the year in the country (according to the Department of Health’s statistics), 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 warned the public about pertussis, or whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory illness.

“Pertussis spreads easily from person to person mainly through droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. The disease is most dangerous in infants, and is a significant cause of disease and death in this age group,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Department of Health (DOH) recorded 453 cases of pertussis in the first 10 weeks of 2024.

Dr. Juancho Bunyi, head of the Muntinlupa City Health Office (CHO), said pertussis is a bacterial disease affecting the mucous membrane of the throat.

The symptoms of pertussis, he said, include persistent cough with episodes of vomiting. The cough lasts for two weeks.

“And for every cough episodes, meron siyang pagsusuka (And for every cough episode, the patient will have vomiting),” Bunyi said in a video uploaded by the Muntinlupa City government on Facebook.

He told Manila Bulletin that the Muntinlupa CHO is currently monitoring five cases of pertussis from different barangays with no clustering. No death from pertussis has been recorded in Muntinlupa.

The CHO is also doing a defaulter tracking of children who may have missed their pertussis shots, Bunyi added.

“Individuals who are experiencing prolonged and excessive cough of more than 2 weeks with fever, runny nose and with vomiting episodes after bouts of cough are advised to seek immediate consultation,” said Bunyi.

He added, “Pertussis if left untreated may lead to respiratory distress and eventually difficulty of breathing resulting to death. As of to date Muntinlupa has no fatality from pertussis.”

Bunyi advised wearing of face masks for those who were in close contact and for families with known cases of pertussis.

“As a standard measure to prevent any type of airborne infection just like pertussis, wearing of face mask is prescribed especially to those in close contacts and families with known case of pertussis or whooping cough,” he said.

He encouraged people to have their children vaccinated against pertussis.

“Since this is a vaccine preventable disease, mother’s are encouraged to bring their children to the nearest health facilities to get their pertussis shots which is given free to all public health institutions . Those who failed to complete the dose (defaulters) requirement for the shot are likewise encouraged to get immunized,” he said.

In the video, he said pertussis is included in pentahib, or pentavalent vaccine, which is a routine immunization of children in the country.

Pertussis is part of the DPT immunization, or diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus.

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 Pertussis could have infected some members of your local community? Are people in your local community aware of whooping cough?

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 secures at least $4 billion worth of investments from Germany

March 22, 2024March 13, 2024carlocarrasco

The Philippines has been on a roll lately when it comes to attracting investors and sealing agreements. Following the success of attracting investment from Australia, the Philippines secured from Germany investments worth at least $4 billion (over P220 billion) as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos and his team went there recently, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). The said amount is more than double than what the nation secured from Australia.

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

The Philippines has secured at least USD4 billion (PHP222 billion) worth of investments in various sectors during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s working visit in Germany.

“We have secured business deals worth USD4 billion in Germany, the EU’s economic powerhouse!” he said in a Facebook post Wednesday morning.

“Last year’s significant investments from Germany underscore their confidence in us as a key partner in the Asia-Pacific. We eagerly welcome further collaborations in climate action and energy transition.”

On Tuesday night (Manila time), Marcos became the first Philippine president to address German business leaders in 10 years, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of Philippine-Germany diplomatic relations.

The Philippines and Germany established their diplomatic relations on Oct. 8, 1954.

Marcos also witnessed during the business forum the presentation and exchange of various memoranda of agreement or understanding and letters of intent with different German businesses.

Marcos, in his speech, said Germany is one of the countries that the Philippines is looking forward to further fostering strong business partnerships and collaboration, being one of the biggest economies in the European Union.

He said Germany has the biggest economy both in Gross Domestic Product and population, and a global force in technology and innovation.

“Last year was a testament to the continuing confidence of Germany in the Philippines as a partner in the Asia-Pacific and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region by leading among the countries in terms of investments,” Marcos said.

The President also touted the policy reforms and key legislations made by his government to make the Philippines a reliable partner for foreign investors.

In 2022, Germany was the Philippines’ 12th largest trading partner, 10th export market, and 15th import supplier.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think that the confirmed investments from Germany will translate into new jobs and new opportunities for social and economic prosperity?

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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Bazaar, Mayor’s Gallery and other activities at Las Piñas City Hall set for March 25 and 26, 2024

March 21, 2024March 21, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that special activities related to the dual celebrations of Las Piñas’ founding and cityhood anniversaries will take place at City Hall on March 25 and 26, 2024, according to the social media post of March 6, 2024.

On March 25, a cultural dance presentation will happen at City Hall at 7AM.

On March 25 and 26, a bazaar will take place at the City Hall Quadrangle starting 8AM up to 5PM. There will be a variety of goods that visitors will find.

On March 26 at 3PM, the unveiling of the Las Piñas City Mayor’s Gallery will take place at the lobby of the Mayor’s Office inside City Hall. At the quadrangle just outside, the Bayan ng Las Piñas one-act play will start at 5PM and last until 7PM. At 6PM, the launch of “Tahanan” will commence.

March 27 is a special non-working day as previously announced by Malacañang Palace recognizing the dual celebrations of the city’s founding and cityhood anniversaries.

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 plan to attend the special activities at Las Piñas City Hall on March 25 and 26? What do you expect to see at the bazaar as well as at the Mayor’s Gallery?

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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COMELEC wants credible 2025 National and Local Elections, will enforce law against those who commit poll sabotage

March 20, 2024March 11, 2024carlocarrasco

Now that the P17.99 billion contract with new provider Miru Systems has been signed, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that it aims to ensure the integrity of the 2025 National and Local Elections and they will not hesitate to apply the full extent of the law against those who intend to commit irregularities and poll sabotage, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday warned it would not hesitate to apply the full extent of the law to those who are out to jeopardize the country’s electoral process.

Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia issued the warning during the signing of the contract for the Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count (FASTrAC) project with officials of South Korean firm Miru Systems Inc., headed by president Jinbok Chung, its service provider for the next polls.

Garcia said electoral sabotage is a non-bailable offense and can be meted with a penalty of life imprisonment under Republic Act 9369 or the Election Automation Law of 2007.

He also warned Miru and its Filipino partners against politicians and political parties who might approach them to rig the polls.

“Inemphasize ko sa kanila, kung kaya nyo gawin yan, huwag na huwag nyo gawin yan under the present leadership of this Commission. We want ang pinaka maayos na elections, credible, pinaka pinagkakatiwalaan election ng 2025. Sabi ko kung gusto nyo pa mag participate sa mga susunod na procurement ng Comelec, ayusin nyo 2025 elections (I emphasized to them ‘if you can do that, never do that under the present leadership of the commission. We want the 2025 elections to be most organized, credible and reliable. I told them, ‘if your want to participate in future procurements of the Comelec, make sure that the 2025 elections would be smooth),” he added on the sidelines of the signing rites.

The poll body chief also said Miru must prove to Filipinos that it deserves to bag the poll automation deal by establishing a highly credible and transparent system.

At the same time, Garcia acknowledged the support of the South Korean government for the poll automation project.

“We are pleased with the presence of the South Korean ambassador (Lee Sang-hwa) because it proves that he is supportive of this endeavor and we can trust the company that we have as partners simply because the government of Korea is very supportive of this endeavor,” he said.

Hackers – Garcia, meanwhile, said they are coordinating with law enforcement authorities against hackers who might manipulate the polls.

“Sumulat na kami sa National Bureau of Investigation asking for assistance para maaresto or mapigilan mga taong ito. So siguro napreempt na kanilang plano (We have sent a request to the NBI asking them to arrest or prevent these people from carrying out their illegal acts. I think their plans were preempted),” he said.

The poll body is looking to start the customization of the automated counting machines (ACMs) next month. Garcia said this customization process usually takes six months.

“If we can have it shortened, it would be better. But in our experience, it’s really six months. If we start by April, six months from April. We have two months for international certification and one month for source code review,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chung vowed they would comply with the rules set by the Philippine government.

“Our goal is also to build up our company and to expand and we’re looking towards the future. We will not do anything that will jeopardize our future and also the election process of the Philippines. We promise, we can guarantee that we will be transparent all throughout the process. We will abide by the rules of the Comelec, of this nation,” Chung said in Korean and was translated to English by Miru overseas sales representative Jason Lee.

Under the contract, the joint venture (JV) of Miru Systems Co Ltd, Integrated Computer Systems, St. Timothy Construction Corporation, and Centerpoint Solutions Technologies, Inc. (MIRU-ICS-STCC-CPSTI) will provide 110,000 ACMs, ballot boxes; laptop and printer; and ballots.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think Miru Systems will remain laser focused on doing its part in the contract and help the COMELEC preserve the integrity of the 2025 National and Local Elections? Do you think Miru Systems will do a better and more efficient job than Smartmatic?

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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COMELEC and Miru Systems sign P17.99 billion contract for 2025 automated poll system

March 19, 2024March 11, 2024carlocarrasco

Once the 2025 National and Local Elections here in the Philippines finally happen, expect to see some differences when voting as the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and new provider Miru Systems Company Limited signed the P17.99 billion contract for the procurement of a new automated election system (AES) related to the said polls, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Commission on Elections and South Korean company Miru Systems Company Limited on Monday signed the contract for the procurement of a new automated election system (AES) for the 2025 national and local elections.

The P17.99-billion contract will cover around 110,000 machines and peripherals including ballot boxes, laptops, and other printing requirements for the 2025 elections.

Miru is joined by Integrated Computer Systems and St. Timothy Construction Corporation and Centerpoint Solutions Technologies, Inc. in the joint venture for the Comelec procurement.

The signing was led by Comelec Chairman George Garcia, Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay, and Miru President Chung Jin Bok.

This came more than two weeks after Comelec announced that it awarded the contract to Miru, the lone bidder for the procurement.

Lawmakers, election watchdogs, and other groups earlier expressed concern and called on the Comelec to stay vigilant and review Miru’s track record.

But, Miru Systems said the allegations of election failures due to its technology were false.

For perspective about allegations of Miru Systems, click here. The company itself has stated that allegations against them related to elections in Iraq and Congo were false and you can read about that by clicking here.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think Miru Systems will live up to the requirements of the contract and prove helpful in the 2025 National and Local Elections?

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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