governance – Page 62 – Author Carlo Carrasco

DBCC revises Philippine economic growth targets for 2024 and 2025

April 17, 2024April 7, 2024carlocarrasco

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?

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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

HSBC remains committed to investing in the Philippines and supporting the government’s economic agenda

April 16, 2024April 5, 2024carlocarrasco

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?

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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Only cash and manager’s checks will be accepted by Muntinlupa Treasurer’s Office

April 10, 2024April 1, 2024carlocarrasco

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?

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 Vice Mayor reviews and approves Green Card applications

April 9, 2024April 1, 2024carlocarrasco

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?

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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Honest and helpful Muntinlupa City Government worker commended

April 8, 2024April 7, 2024carlocarrasco

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?

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 provides over P7 million in financial assistance to residents affected by Barangay Alabang fire

April 3, 2024April 1, 2024carlocarrasco

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?

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 1,000 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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