governance – Page 59 – Author Carlo Carrasco

FDA working with BIR to make medicine more affordable for senior citizens

March 18, 2024March 17, 2024carlocarrasco

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) are working together to cut the prices of medicine for senior citizens by means of exemption from the value-added tax (VAT), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). It should be noted that previously President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., ordered the FDA to implement a 20 percent discount and VAT exemption for senior citizens under RA 9994 or Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

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

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to bring down prices of medicines for senior citizens through exemption from value-added tax (VAT).

FDA Director General Samuel Zacate said the exemption of VAT coverage will be through the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) or Republic Act (RA) No. 11534.

“Basically, the exemption for VAT is through a law – iyong (the) CREATE Law. So, those medicines have been declared by the FDA, endorsed to the BIR para matanggal or mawala iyong kanilang (to remove) VAT,” Zacate said in a news forum in Quezon City on Saturday.

RA 11534 provides VAT exemption to certain medicines for hypertension, cancer, mental illnesses, tuberculosis, kidney diseases, diabetes, high cholesterol, as well as Covid-19 drugs and medical devices.

Pursuant to the CREATE law, Zacate said the FDA is directed to identify and transmit the list of approved medicines for VAT exemption to other implementing agencies, such as the BIR.

“Basically…we only endorse it to the BIR kasi kami po iyong nagdi-determine kung ano, para saan talaga iyong gamot. So, FDA ang magsasabi, kung papaano iyong mekanismo, kung paano tatanggalin iyong gamot (because we are the ones who determine what, what your medicine is really for. So, FDA will say, how your mechanism, how to withdraw your drug). So, it’s a joint process po of the FDA and the BIR,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Are there lots of senior citizens in your local community who are aware of this development?

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 1.2 million international tourist arrivals in the Philippines counted (January 1 to March 5, 2024)

March 18, 2024March 7, 2024carlocarrasco

If the newest data about the 1.2 million international tourist arrivals released by the Department of Tourism (DOT) for the period of January 1 to March 5, 2024, is indeed true and accurate, then it looks like achieving the 7.7 million international tourist arrivals target for the Philippines for 2024 is doable. The DOT recently announced that that 1,227,815 international tourist arrivals (which includes both foreign tourists and Filipinos based overseas) were counted during the first 65 days of the year, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Philippines is off to a good start in reaching its year-end arrival target after getting 1.2 million foreign visitors in the first two months of 2024 alone, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported Thursday.

As of March 5, international tourist arrivals to the Philippines have tallied 1,227,815.

Foreign tourist arrivals took the lion’s share with 1,160,129 or 94.49 percent while overseas Filipinos make up the remaining 67,686.

Speaking at the Philippine Pavilion at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) 2024 Convention in Germany, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said this is 22.86 percent higher than the 999,390 arrivals received by the country in the same period in 2023.

“I would like to express my profound gratitude first to all our Philippine sellers who continue to champion Philippine tourism. As of today (March 5), the Philippines has received over 1.2 million international visitors, a robust indication of the future of Philippine tourism. Cheers to all the reasons to celebrate and Love the Philippines,” she said.

South Korea remains the country’s top source market for visitors, with 349,956 or 28.50 percent of the total, followed by the United States with 195,603 (15.93 percent), China with 85,876 (6.99 percent), Japan with 73,159 (5.96 percent), and Canada landing in the fifth spot with 50,555 (4.12 percent).

Australia took the sixth spot with 50,488 (4.11 percent), Taiwan with 42,955 (3.50 percent), the United Kingdom with 30,507 (2.48 percent), Singapore with 25,253 (2.06 percent), and Germany with 20,816 (1.70 percent).

In January, the country’s visitor receipts also grew by 4.84 percent to USD652.26 million from the USD622.14 million recorded in the same month last year.

By doing the math, 1,227,815 international tourist arrivals divided by the first 65 days of 2024 is equivalent to 18,889.46 per day. Multiply that by 366 days for 2024 (a leap year), the total would be 6,913,542 which is several hundreds of thousands of international tourist arrivals short of the declared target. The DOT and the rest of tourism industry’s stakeholders still have lots of work to do to ensure that more than enough visitors from overseas will come into the country and add to the nation’s economy. It should be remembered that the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) and China Banking Corp. found the nation’s Philippine tourism recovery still lacking.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this latest development? Do you think the reforms and initiatives the Department of Tourism (DOT) executed last year are generating positive results right now? Did you notice the lack of Arab nations among the top markets of international visitors the DOT declared? Do you think there is enough momentum and time for the Philippines to be able to attract 7,700,000 international tourist arrivals by the end of the year?

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

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Over 700 senior citizens vaccinated for pneumonia at Robinsons Place Las Piñas

March 18, 2024March 11, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than seven hundred senior citizens got vaccinated for pneumonia at Robinsons Place Las Piñas, the City Government announced through social media on March 7, 2024.

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

The City Health Office of Las Piñas successfully conducted the final leg of its series of pneumonia vaccination drives for senior citizens at the Robinsons Place Las Piñas on Saturday, March 2nd.

The drive saw the vaccination of over 700 senior citizens, protecting their vulnerable population from pneumonia, a leading cause of morbidity among the elderly.

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 many senior citizens in your local community who managed to get vaccinated for pneumonia at Robinsons Place Las Piñas? Are you hoping that the City Government will conduct another pneumonia vaccination drive?

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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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

Las Piñas City’s PESO recognized by DOLE

March 13, 2024March 5, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that its Public Employment and Services Office (PESO) was recognized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for its efficient and effective conduct and monitoring of job fairs, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-National Capital Region (NCR) recognized the Las Piñas Public Employment and Services Office (PESO) for its efficient and effective conduct and monitoring of job fairs that contributed to the increase of employment in the region.

Vice-Mayor April Aguilar said the department was awarded by the DOLE-NCR as best performing PESO in job placement for 2023.

The recognition was given to PESO during the regular flag raising ceremony on Monday, March 4.

Aguilar expressed her pride for the recognition as she reiterated the city government’s commitment to increasing the employment opportunities for Las Piñas residents.

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 PESO office deserves the recognition from DOLE? Did anyone in your local community got employed through the services of the PESO over the past twelve 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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Over 300 senior citizens vaccinated for pneumonia in Barangay Pamplona Uno, Las Piñas City

March 12, 2024March 5, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced through social media that their health office vaccinated more than three hundred senior citizens during the pneumonia vaccination drive held in Barangay Pamplona Uno.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post dated March 4, 2024. Some parts in boldface…

The City Health Office of Las Piñas conducted another pneumonia vaccination drive for over 300 senior citizens at the Balagtas Covered Court in Barangay Pamplona Uno on Tuesday, February 27.

The event, which saw the participation of Vice Mayor April Aguilar, underscores the Las Piñas City Government’s dedication to the health and safety of its senior residents. This targeted initiative is part of the city’s proactive measures to protect its elderly population from pneumonia, a condition that poses significant health risks to them.

Healthcare professionals were on hand to administer the vaccinations and offer advice on preventive health practices. The organization of the event was carefully planned to accommodate a large turnout, ensuring a smooth and orderly process for all attendees.

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 that the City Government’s health office should conduct more pneumonia vaccination activities before the summer heat really gets intense in the city? Are there many senior citizens in your local community who need pneumonia vaccines 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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DILG Secretary tells local governments to improve social protection and monetary management strategies

March 11, 2024March 2, 2024carlocarrasco

In recent times, local government units (LGUs) were urged by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos to improve their social protection and sensitivity as well as their monetary management strategies, 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…

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. urged local government units (LGUs) to put up measures to enhance their social protection and sensitivity as well as financial sustainability assessment ratings.

He issued the call during the recent Council on Good Local Governance (CGLG) activity in Cebu City, which discussed the proposed criteria for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Assessment for 2024- 2025.

During the event, Abalos bared that the LGUs registered the lowest compliance rates during SGLG assessments when it comes to their social protection and sensitivity, and financial administration and sustainability.

On the flip side, Abalos stated that the LGUs registered positive performance and excelled in the following assessment criteria: Health Compliance and Responsiveness; Tourism Heritage Development, Culture and the Arts; and Sustainable Education.

“Natutuwa ako sa mataas na pagpapahalaga ng mga LGUs sa kalusugan, turismo at edukasyon base sa lumabas sa assessment para sa SGLG nitong nakaraang taon. Ipagpatuloy lang natin ang pagsisikap sa mga areas na ito (I am glad about the LGUs’ high appreciation for health, tourism and education based on the results of the assessment for the SGLG last year. Let’s continue working on these areas,” he said.

Together with Abalos, DILG Undersecretary Marlo Iringan also emphasized the significance of aligning the objectives and ensuring the effective execution of the SGLG assessment process.

The SGLG is an award, incentive, honor and recognition-based program for LGUs that aim to challenge them to continue good governance practices while providing better public services.

Relatedly, the DILG noted that a total of 42,000 barangay captains and other newly-elected officials will undergo continuous training to enhance their capabilities in handling various challenges that they may face in the course of their mandated duties as community leaders.

Abalos stressed that the exercise dubbed as “Grassroots Renewal and Empowerment for Accountable and Transparent (GREAT) Barangays” will run until 2025 and is designed to capacitate the village officials in all leadership aspects.

“As the basic unit of local governance, at pinakamalapit sa ating mga kababayan sa komunidad (and nearest to the people in the community), everything starts in the barangay,” Abalos explained.

Through the Local Government Academy (LGA), Abalos pointed out that the DILG ensures newly-elected barangay officials are ready to face the challenges of leadership in the barangays.

“We will prepare our barangay officials,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think the DILG is properly doing its job to guide all LGUs on how to do their jobs over a wide series of issues? Do you think your local government or barangay has been neglecting its duties?

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 to give free rubber shoes to public school students

March 8, 2024March 5, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that it will soon release free rubber shoes to public school students as the next school year approaches, 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 will give free rubber shoes to students in public schools for the next school year that will start in July.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced that the free rubber shoes will be an addition to the city government’s Balik Eskwela Package, which was launched last year.

Last year’s package contained school bags, school supplies and leather shoes, which was given for free to public school students from kindergarten to Grade 12.

“Last school year, tinupad natin ang commitment nating wala nang ‘sana all’ (Last school year, we fulfilled our commitment that there would no longer be ‘sana all’). Around 100,000 public school students were provided with a free balik eskwela package, mula daycare, elementary, junior hanggang sa senior high school,” said Biazon in his recent State of the City Address.

“Sana all” is a Filipino-English expression of being envious with the hope that everyone will have the same experience.

“Lahat ng binigay natin, from school bags to school supplies and leather shoes, ay high quality. Gusto natin sa Muntinlupa, happy ang mga bata. Gusto natin ganado silang mag-aral (All that we gave, from school bags to school supplies and leather shoes, were high quality. We want that in Muntinlupa, all children are happy),” he added.

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 that the City Government will be giving rubber shoes to public school students?

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 honored for environmental sustainability and stewardship

March 6, 2024February 27, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government celebrated over the newest honor it received for its support for environmental stewardship and sustainability, according to their social media post of February 26, 2024.

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

In addition, during the ceremony, City Vice Mayor April Aguilar was awarded for Las Piñas City’s substantial support to environmental sustainability initiatives by Engineer Cezar Perillo, head of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO). The award, presented during the “Greenership: Nurturing Partnerships for a Sustainable and Greener Future” forum on February 20, 2024, acknowledges the city’s efforts in backing the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) National Capital Region’s projects.

The award underscores the city’s active engagement in promoting environmental stewardship and its commitment to sustainable urban development. Las Piñas has been instrumental in driving forward initiatives aimed at urban greening, waste management, and reducing pollution, demonstrating leadership in environmental conservation and a proactive approach to tackling ecological challenges.

This recognition during the flag-raising ceremony exhibits Las Piñas City’s enduring dedication to environmental initiatives, fostering a culture of sustainability and community involvement.

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 over the award the City Government received in relation to environmental sustainability and stewardship? Do you think the City Government has done enough on making Las Piñas a true environmental place? Has pollution been reduced all over the city?

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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Local swimmer who won medals overseas meets with Las Piñas City Mayor Aguilar at City Hall

March 5, 2024February 25, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government celebrated the achievement of a young local swimmer who brought home two bronze medals from a prestigious competition overseas and eventually met with Mayor Imelda Aguilar at City Hall, according to the social media post of the local authorities.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post of February 25, 2024. Some parts in boldface…

In a proud moment for Las Piñas, local swimmer James Allen Papango, who clinched bronze medals at the prestigious Asian Open Schools Invitational Aquatics Championships 2024 held in Bangkok, paid a courtesy visit to City Mayor Imelda Aguilar on Thursday, February 22.

*James Allen Papango met with Mayor Imelda Aguilar at Las Piñas City Hall. He brought home two bronze medals from a competition overseas. (photo source – Las Piñas PIO)*

*Papango with Mayor Aguilar. (photo source – Las Piñas PIO)*

James Allen Papango, a resident of Las Piñas and a beacon of youthful talent in sports, showcased exceptional prowess in the pool, bringing home bronze medals in both the 100m and 50m backstroke events against a competitive field of swimmers from across Asia. His achievements at the championships have not only placed him on the international swimming map but have also served as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes in his hometown.

During the courtesy visit, Mayor Aguilar commended Papango for his hard work, dedication, and the honor he brought to 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 you delighted to learn that a local resident made big achievements overseas and brought home honors for both the city and the nation?

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 Mayor asks City Council to pass ordinance to regulate electric tricycles (e-trikes)

March 5, 2024March 4, 2024carlocarrasco

In the progressive City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon formally asked the City Council to pass an ordinance that would regulate the use of electric tricycles (e-trikes) within the city, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. For the newcomers reading this, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) passed a resolution covering e-trikes and electric bikes (e-bikes) while the Land Transportation Office (LTO) wants the said electric vehicles to be registered.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon asked the City Council to pass an ordinance regulating the use of e-trikes (electric tricycles) in the city, saying “the road is a dangerous place.”

During the flag-raising ceremony at the Muntinlupa City hall on March 4, Biazon said a local measure is needed following a resolution passed by the Metro Manila Council (MMC) that will ban e-trikes and e-bikes on 21 national roads in Metro Manila. A P2,500 fine will be imposed on violators.

Each local government unit (LGU) in Metro Manila will determine the roads in its jurisdiction that will be added to the ban.

Biazon said the MMC resolution does not include any road in Muntinlupa but the city has the National Road, which stretches from Barangay Tunasan to Sucat.

Only e-trikes will be under regulation in Muntinlupa.

“Talagang lumalaganap ang ownership ng e-trikes kasi mura nga naman, it’s a means of transportation. Madaling matutunan (The ownership of e-trikes is spreading because it’s really affordable, it’s a means of transportation. It’s easy to learn how to drive it),” said Biazon.

However, based on traffic accidents, he said, there is a growing number of incidents involving e-trikes.

Biazon said the use of e-trikes is “running out of control.” He noted that e-trikes are being driven by minors going to school.

“The road is a dangerous place. Kaya mayroong (That is why we have) road rules and regulations for safety of everyone,” he said.

Road accidents can hurt and kill people, he said.

“The road is a dangerous place which needs regulation,” said the mayor.

“How come ang e-trike, nakikisama dun sa kalsada, sumasabay, minsan nga nagwi-weave in and out pa sa traffic, sila pa nagagalit, bakit hindi nag-a-undergo ng the same kind of regulation? ) How come e-trikes, which join the road, going along, and sometimes they weave in and out of traffic, they are even the ones who get angry, don’t undergo the same kind of regulation? They also cause traffic, they also cause accidents,” said Biazon.

He added, “At the point, kasalanan ng gobyerno na hindi kaagad naregulate o pinabayaan pa na lumaganap ang paggamit. From the very beginning dapat kinontrol na yon kasi nga we are using the road. Yan po ang position ng Metro Manila Council. (At this point, it is the fault of the government for not immediately regulating or letting its use to spread. From the very beginning, it should have been controlled because we are using the road. That is the position of the Metro Manila Council).”

“My position is clear: We need to regulate,” said Biazon, adding that the LTO is being called upon by the MMC to come up with licensing requirements for e-trike and e-bike users.

Muntinlupa City Council Majority Floor Leader Raul Corro said they will hold a public hearing to discuss the details of the regulation in the city.

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 think that electric tricycles are so rampant locally they are made the flow of traffic slower and they became new traffic hazards? Did you see anyone drive an e-trike along the Alabang-Zapote Road or the national road leading to Muntinlupa City Hall? Are there minors in your local community who daringly drove an e-trike lately? Did you spot a reckless e-trike driver who committed violations such as violating the red traffic light, doing illegal counter-flow or illegally parking along a major road?

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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