governance – Page 65 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Performance-based bonus (PBB) for Muntinlupa City Government employees confirmed

December 15, 2023December 12, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that its employees will get a performance-based bonus (PBB), 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…

Officials and employees of the Muntinlupa City government will get a performance-based bonus (PBB) as an extra Christmas treat.

Majority Floor Leader Raul Corro announced on Dec. 11 that the Muntinlupa City Council passed a resolution on first reading granting the bonus for the fiscal year 2022.

The decision was made after the city government passed the four criteria that allowed it to grant the bonus: performance results, process results, financial results and citizen/client satisfaction result.

The grant of the PBB on Muntinlupa City government personnel was approved by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which certified that “the City of Muntinlupa is included in the official list of local governments eligible to grant the FY 2022 Performance-Based Bonus to qualified local government officials and employees.”

Muntinlupa’s Local Finance Committee also approved a resolution recommending the release of the PBB to qualified personnel.

Let me end this piece 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 employees will receive the PBB just in time for Christmas?

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

+++++

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 at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Christmas tree at Las Piñas City Hall lighted

December 12, 2023December 8, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government officially lighted the Christmas tree at City Hall which was attended by several people, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) article. The event marked the launch of their special program titled “Love Las Piñas Christmas.”

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

The festive spirit of the holiday season shone brightly in Las Piñas City as the local government, led by Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar, held its much-anticipated tree lighting ceremony, and the launch of “Love Las Piñas Christmas.”

The event, held on Thursday night at the City Hall Quadrangle, marked a significant moment for the city, symbolizing not only the joy of the season but also the unity and resilience of the Las Piñas community.

*City Government officials led by Mayor Imelda Aguilar (front row) and many others posed with the Christmas tree and decorations at City Hall (in the background). (photo source – Las Piñas PIO)*

The ceremony was attended by several city hall officials, alongside a large gathering of residents, all eager to partake in the festive cheer.

The mayor, in her address, emphasized the importance of unity and community spirit, especially during the festive season despite the recent pandemic.

The ceremony featured a spectacle of lights and music, beginning with a chorale performance from the students of the Dr. Filemon C. Aguilar Memorial College of Las Piñas and a duet performance from Las Piñas City’s Monterozo twins that showcased local talent, adding to the evening’s entertainment and festive atmosphere.

*The Christmas tree at City Hall. (photo source – Las Piñas PIO)*

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 you able to visit City Hall at night and see the Christmas tree and decorations around? Do you think Christmas in the city will be happier than last 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.

+++++

Muntinlupa City Government opens Christmas bazaar at renovated Alabang Central Market (ACM)

December 11, 2023December 7, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government formally opened a Christmas bazaar at the renovated Alabang Central Market (ACM) and the bazaar will last until January 1, 2024, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The bazaar’s operating schedule is 4PM to 10PM.

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

The Muntinlupa City government opened a Christmas bazaar at the renovated Alabang Central Market (ACM), giving shoppers more options this holiday season.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon presided over the reopening of the newly renovated Building B of the ACM and invited shoppers to enjoy the bazaar at the refurbished market.

The new building features 357 stalls for general merchandise, salon services, and dry goods. Building A, which was reopened earlier, is the wet section of the market.

The renovated ACM now has more updated service facilities such as individual power supply, air handling system,️ fire protection system, fire detection and alarm system, and rainwater collection system.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa, are you delighted with this new Christmas bazaar located in the renovated ACM? Have you been to this specific bazaar recently? Do you consider Alabang the best place for Christmas bazaars in the entire south of Metro Manila?

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

+++++

Muntinlupa City Government receives Seal of Good Local Governance Award 2023

December 7, 2023December 6, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government added another major achievement to its list of accomplishments as it received from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) the Seal of Good Local Governance Award 2023, 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 received the Seal of Good Local Governance Award 2023 from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Muntinlupa is one of the 493 local government unit awardees including 11 from the National Capital Region (NCR).

Awardees from the NCR are Muntinlupa, Caloocan, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Navotas, Pasay, Pasig, San Juan, Valenzuela, and Quezon City.

LGUs were assessed based on 10 governance areas. These were financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection and sensitivity, health compliance and responsiveness, sustainable education, business-friendliness and competitiveness, safety, peace and order, environmental management, tourism, heritage development, culture and the arts, and youth development.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon said Muntinlupa was also an awardee in 2022, 2019 and 2015.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted with this newest award the City Government received?

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

+++++

The pending resurgence of sex tourism in the Philippines is a major concern for the BI

December 6, 2023December 4, 2023carlocarrasco

While the Philippines continues to attract more tourists from around the world (read the related post), the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is concerned about the pending resurgence of sex tourism in the country, according to a Manila Times news report. Already there have been reports of sex offenders from abroad who were intercepted by the local authorities.

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

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has expressed alarm over the likely resurgence of sex tourism in the country as indicated by the frequent arrival and interception of foreign sex offenders (FSO) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other major ports of entry.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said on Sunday that entry attempts by sex offenders into the country have become almost a “daily trend” and are not limited to the national capital Manila, but are also in provincial airports such as Cebu.

Tansingco also said that some unscrupulous groups or individuals could be promoting sex tourism, the practice of traveling to foreign countries with the intention of engaging in sexual activity in exchange for money.

“We will not allow that to happen. We are duty-bound to implement a provision in our immigration act that prohibits the entry of aliens convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude. We will not allow the entry of these undesirable aliens to pose a threat to our women and children,” Tansingco said.

He attributed the possible resurgence of sex tourism to the reopening of the country’s border after the pandemic.

“During the pandemic, there was an increase in online exploitation of women and children. When international travel resumed, the number of FSOs rose, which could show that the exploitation is being continued,” he said. “With the return of tourism, foreigners who intend to abuse our hospitality seem to be returning.”

“We warn these predators not to attempt to enter the country, as we have close coordination with different governments, who provide us information about sex offenders that might attempt to enter the Philippines,” he said.

Under the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, those who have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude, which includes sex offenders, are ineligible to enter the country.

The Philippines is regarded as among the top 10 sex tourism destinations in the world. Others on the list are Germany, the Netherlands, Columbia, Thailand, the Dominican Republic, Spain, Kenya and Brazil.

Just over the weekend, BI frontline officers intercepted two more FSOs, identified as Mark David Scanlon and Richard Stuard Patterson, both Americans convicted of sexually molesting minors in the US. They arrived via separate flights at the international airports in Cebu and Manila.

Scanlon, 53, was intercepted after arriving aboard an Eva Air flight from Taiwan at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), while Patterson, 33, was turned back upon arriving from Los Angeles via a Philippine Airlines flight at the NAIA 1 terminal.

Both passengers were sent back to their ports of origin hours after they were denied entry.

Information obtained by the BI revealed that in 2012, a court in Cook County, Illinois, convicted Scanlon on the charge of indecently soliciting a child over the internet.

On the other hand, Patterson was convicted in Oregon in May 2011 on the charges of sexual abuse in the second degree and sodomy in the third degree, where the victims were 15 and 13 years old, respectively.

Scanlon and Patterson are only two of the more than 150 foreign registered sex offenders (RSOs) who have been refused entry at the airports since January.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you consider sex-related tourism a major issue for the Philippines’ standing in international tourism? Do you think that there are lots of suspected business joints within your city that could secretly be engaging in prostitution, pornography and human trafficking? What do you think should be done to prevent sex tourism from growing in the Philippines? Do you think that illegal sex-related activities involving foreigners here in the Philippines (for insight, click here, here, and here) are somehow attracting foreign sex offenders to come into the country?

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

+++++

Philippines’ credit ratings affirmed by S&P Global Ratings

December 4, 2023November 30, 2023carlocarrasco

The credit ratings of the Philippines for both long-term and short term were affirmed by the US-based S&P Global Ratings which also saw stronger economic growth for the country in the next few years, 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…

United States-based S&P Global Ratings on Wednesday affirmed the Philippines’ ‘BBB+’ long-term and ‘A-2’ short-term sovereign credit ratings, citing the country’s sustained economic recovery due to the government’s ongoing efforts to address infrastructure gaps and improvements in the business climate.

“The stable outlook reflects our expectation that the Philippine economy will maintain healthy growth rates and the fiscal performance will materially improve over the next 24 months,” S&P Global said in a report.

According to S&P, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to grow by 5.4 percent this year, reflecting the impact of high base and the slower growth of the world economy.

The report also showed that Philippine economic growth is projected to accelerate to 5.9 percent in 2024, 6.2 percent in 2025 and 6.4 percent in (2026).

The credit rater expects that the Philippines’ economic growth will remain well above the average among its peers “due to the government’s ongoing efforts to address infrastructure gaps and improvements in the business climate through regulatory and tax reforms, which will further support expansion in economic productivity.”

It also recognized the government’s efforts to prioritize infrastructure development and fiscal measures and cited crucial reforms such as the public-private partnership (PPP) framework and the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act.

“The Philippine government has generally enacted effective and prudent fiscal policies over the past decade. Improvements to the quality of expenditure, manageable fiscal deficits, and low general government indebtedness testify to this. This track record of sustainable public finances helped the government accumulate fiscal resources to respond to the pandemic,” the report said.

It also underscored the importance of tax reforms in ensuring that public finances remain sustainable, while infrastructure and social needs are addressed.

S&P said the general government (GG) deficit is estimated to decline and to settle at 3.8 percent of GDP in 2023, from 4.4 percent in 2022.

“We believe the fiscal shortfall will continue to narrow over the coming years while the economy regains its footing and the government scales back stimulus measures. We expect the medium-term fiscal framework (MTFF) revealed by the Marcos administration last year to guide the consolidation process,” it said.

The report also highlighted the country’s solid household and corporate balance sheets and sizable remittance inflows, and expects foreign direct investments to remain stable this year.

However, S&P said it may lower the country’s ratings if economic recovery falters, if general government debt exceeds 4 percent of GDP, if net debt stock exceeds 60 percent of GDP or if interest payments exceed 15 percent of revenue on a sustained basis.

“We may raise the ratings if the economy recovers much faster than we expect, and the government achieves more rapid fiscal consolidation,” it said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Are you satisfied with what was accomplished this year with regards to foreign tourist arrivals and the related revenues? Do you think the Philippine economy will continue to grow stronger each year until 2026? Do you believe in the findings of S&P Global Ratings?

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

+++++

Philippines finally surpasses 2023 foreign tourist arrivals target

December 1, 2023November 29, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that their set target of 4.8 million foreign tourist arrivals for 2023 has finally been reached and already hundreds of billions of Pesos have been generated, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news report. To say the least, the foreign tourist arrivals-related numbers achieved by the Philippines this year is a tremendous improvement over what were achieved in 2022 and there are still a few weeks left before 2023 closes.

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

The Philippines has recorded more than 4.82 million foreign visitor arrivals, including Filipinos based overseas, breaching its target even before year end, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco said Tuesday.

DOT data show that as of Nov. 28, a huge chunk of foreign arrivals comes from South Korea with 1,275,887 foreign visitors and 4,231 overseas Filipinos for a total of 26.46 percent.

It is followed by the United States with 923,409 foreign visitors and 123,828 overseas Filipinos and Japan with 323,029 and 49,299 overseas Filipinos.

Other international arrivals in the top 10 come from Australia, China, Canada, Taiwan, Singapore, United Kingdom and Malaysia.

The foreign arrivals have brought PHP404 billion to the economy.

Citing a report by economic managers, Frasco said this manifests that Philippine tourism is the second highest driver of economic growth for the Philippines.

“This cements our position as one of the strongest pillars of the Philippine economy that employs no less than 5.35 million Filipinos in the tourism industry sector, ensuring jobs, livelihood, and the well-being of communities all over the country,” she added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Are you satisfied with what was accomplished this year with regards to foreign tourist arrivals and the related revenues? Are you confident that the Philippines is on-track to becoming a major tourism player in Asia by the year 2028? Do you trust the Department of Tourism more now that they were able to hit their 2023 targets already? Do you think foreign tourist arrivals here in the Philippines will reach the 5,000,000 mark before the end of the year? Could it be possible that the gains of Philippine tourism will help the nation achieve at least 6% economic growth this 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.

+++++

Las Piñas City’s indigent senior citizens benefit from social pension cash pay-out

November 30, 2023November 27, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, indigent senior citizens benefited from the cash pay-out organized by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the City Government announced via social media. The cash pay-out happened in Barangay Pilar Village and was attended by Vice Mayor April Aguilar.

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

In an event dedicated to the welfare of its elderly residents, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Las Piñas conducted another Social Pension Cash Pay-out for indigent senior citizens on Tuesday, November 21st. The event, held at the Aguilar Sports Complex in Barangay Pilar Village, was a part of the city’s ongoing commitment to support and honor its senior community.

The occasion was graced by City Vice Mayor April Aguilar, reflecting the local government’s dedication to the welfare of its elderly population. Vice Mayor Aguilar’s presence underscored the importance the city places on its senior citizens, acknowledging their contributions and ensuring their comfort in their later years.

The pay-out event was organized efficiently, ensuring that the process was smooth and respectful for the elderly beneficiaries. A significant number of senior citizens from various parts of Las Piñas attended the event, adhering to health and safety protocols.

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 what the City Government and the CSWDO continued to support local senior citizens? Did any senior citizens in your local community benefited from the recent cash pay-out?

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

+++++

Foreign tourist arrivals in the Philippines about to reach 2023 target

November 28, 2023November 26, 2023carlocarrasco

Philippine tourism is back in the spotlight once again as the Department of Tourism (DOT) headed by its secretary Cristina Frasco announced that the 2023 foreign tourist arrivals target of 4.8 million is about to reached and the tourism sector has contributed more than P400 billion to the national economy, 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 tourism sector is the second highest driver for economic growth during the first half of the year, a result of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s focus on the industry.

Department of Tourism Secretary Cristina Frasco said on Saturday that tourism has so far contributed PHP404 billion to the economy and has reached 99 percent of its goal of 4.8 million international arrivals for 2023.

The improving employment rate is the top contributor to the economy while the increase in investment registration activities and students coming back to school follow tourism.

“I am also here to deliver the good news under the President’s focus of prioritizing tourism. Tourism has emerged as one of the strongest pillars of our economy. According to our national economic managers, tourism is the second top highest driver for economic growth in the first six months of this year,” Frasco said during the opening of the 2nd North Luzon Tourism Expo at Camp John Hay in Baguio City.

She said for Marcos, tourism is a priority “and for that very reason, we have seen the strides we have accomplished in a year.”

Among the government support for the tourism industry are at least 158 kilometers of roads rehabilitated and in 2024, there will be more improvements in airports, Frasco said.

“The flight portfolio of our major international gateways is gradually recovering and we have increased the tourism experience across the country by building tourist rest areas (TRA) across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” Frasco said.

She said the TRA is one of the ways the government wants to extend its welcome to tourists by giving them a special experience.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the DOT has done a good job making tourism a more vibrant and more economic sector this year? Has the increase of foreign tourist arrivals this year benefited your business? Do you think that the foreign tourist arrivals will reach 5,000,000 by the end of 2023?

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

+++++

Fines and penalties for Maynilad over pipe repair project that caused damage on the National Road in Muntinlupa

November 27, 2023November 23, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, it was announced that water concessionaire Maynilad will be slapped with fines and penalties for their pipe repair project that caused damage on the National Road in the barangay of Tunasan, 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 Muntinlupa City government will impose fines and penalties on Maynilad Water Services over a pipe repair project that damaged the National Road in Barangay Tunasan.

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon summoned representatives of Maynilad over their pipe repair project that has caused severe traffic.

Biazon said on Nov. 21, a pipe valve of Maynilad along the National Road in Barangay Tunasan got disconnected that led to water spilling out and causing cracks on the road. The crack got so big that one lane of the road had to be closed to traffic. This resulted in heavy traffic in the area. The City Engineering Office and Maynilad immediately responded to the incident.

Maynilad is repairing the pipe and road damage. The crack will be cemented to restore it that will allow the national road to be fully opened again to motorists.

According to Maynilad, Biazon said, the restoration will be finished by Nov. 25 and the national road will be fully opened again. But the City Engineering Office recommended additional days to totally cure the cement.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa, were you stuck in heavy traffic along the National Road due to the reported damage? Do you think Maynilad has a lot to answer for in this case?

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

+++++

	Jesse Alexander, WB2… on More US Visa Applicants In The…
	#blogpost on More US Visa Applicants In The…
	Travel Channel on More US Visa Applicants In The…
	AI Channel on More US Visa Applicants In The…
	#tech on I Love Israel: Further Israel-…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: