Tag: Investagrams

Trilateral Framework Agreement Aimed At Dismantling Hezbollah Signed by US, Israel And Lebanon

Trilateral Framework Agreement Aimed At Dismantling Hezbollah Signed by US, Israel And Lebanon

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Following the initial talks in Washington, the United States, Israel and Lebanon signed a trilateral framework agreement that outlines a structured process for disarming the Islamic terrorist group Hezbollah, the terrorist infrastructure and enabling the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to withdraw from Lebanon one the terrorist threat is removed, according to a news report by The Jerusalem Post.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from The Jerusalem Post report. Some parts in boldface…

The United States, Israel, and Lebanon signed a trilateral framework agreement aimed at combating Iran-backed Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah on Friday, after days of US-mediated talks in Washington.

According to a US State Department statement, the agreement outlines a structured process for disarming Hezbollah, dismantling terrorist infrastructure, and enabling the IDF to withdraw from Lebanon once the threat posed by Hezbollah is removed.

The agreement also established a US-facilitated trilateral Military Coordination Group for Lebanon (MCG4L) to ensure the implementation of the framework.

The US, according to the statement, will also take steps to improve the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces and support Lebanese military efforts against Hezbollah.

In addition, the US pledged to contribute $100 million for humanitarian assistance to be coordinated with the United Nations.

A first step towards peace, prosperity, and mutual coexistence – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commended Israeli and Lebanese leadership and delegations for their participation in the talks and for signing the agreement.

While Rubio noted that there is still much work ahead, he highlighted the importance of the framework and stated that the US is “honored to have played a part in bringing this together.”

“Today is the first step. This first step sometimes is the hardest one, but it’s an important one and the one we’ve taken together,” Rubio stated, adding that he hopes the agreement will bring about “a future of peace, a future of prosperity, a future of mutual coexistence.”

During the signing of the agreements, Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter praised the trilateral cooperation as a “historical” move towards peace between Israel and Lebanon.

“In my opening remarks four days ago, I expressed concern that this train was running off the tracks, that Iran and its proxies wanted a trainwreck,” Leiter recounted.

He continued to describe that through the work of all involved with the negotiations, “we have put the train back on the tracks, and it’s running in the right direction,” towards “real peace, where both countries will live in security; where Israel’s and Lebanon’s sovereignty will be respected, honored, and protected.”

Framework agreement a ‘major achievement for Israel,’ Netanyahu says – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the announcement in a video message on Friday, describing the framework as “a major achievement for the State of Israel.”

Netanyahu affirmed that as of the signing of the agreement, Israel will “remain [in] the security zone in southern Lebanon” and coordinate the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the area as the Lebanese army works to disarm Hezbollah and establish control over territory.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you convinced that the newly signed trilateral framework agreement will result in breakthroughs that can lead to real peace and coexistence between Israel and Lebanon? Do you feel confident that the Islamic terrorist group Hezbollah will get cornered (militarily and diplomatically) and stand down eventually?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Japanese Embassy Confirms Temporary Visitor Visas Remain Free For Filipinos

Japanese Embassy Confirms Temporary Visitor Visas Remain Free For Filipinos

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Following the recent announcement of significant increases of foreigner entry visa fees that will take effect on July 1, the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines confirmed that the temporary visitor visas (good up to 90 days maximum) are still free of charge for Filipinos, according to a GMA News report.

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

Temporary visitor visas for Filipinos remain “gratis” or free of charge, the Japanese embassy in Manila announced on Thursday.

The embassy’s announcement came in the wake of the Japanese government’s announcement that single-entry visa fees for foreign nationals will increase fivefold, from 3,000 yen (about P1,170) to 15,000 yen (around P5,850), for applications filed starting July 1.

“Please note that a temporary visitor visa (for a stay of a maximum of 90 days) for a Philippine national remains gratis,” the embassy announced on its website and on Facebook.

The Japanese embassy in Manila also announced the “Cabinet Order on Fees Collected by Consular Officers,” which sets forth visa fees, has been amended and comes into effect on July 1, 2026.

“For visa applications accepted at overseas diplomatic missions on or after that date, the fee, converted into Japanese yen, will be approximately 15,000 yen for a single-entry visa and approximately 30,000 yen for a multiple-entry visa,” the embassy said.

“As a general rule, payment shall be made in the local currency of the country (region) where the Embassy or Consulate-General of Japan issuing the visa is located,” it added.

The embassy said fees may not be required or the amount may differ, “depending on the purpose of your visit and your nationality.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this good news will encourage more Filipinos to visit Japan using the temporary visitor visa? Do you know anyone who applied for a Japanese visa lately?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

US Secretary Of State Rubio Warns Iran To Drop Its Fantasy Of Imposing Fees On Ships Passing Through Strait Of Hormuz

US Secretary Of State Rubio Warns Iran To Drop Its Fantasy Of Imposing Fees On Ships Passing Through Strait Of Hormuz

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As Iran continues to be unpredictable following the deal it signed with the United States, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned the Islamic terrorist state against the fantasy of imposing fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Newsmax report.

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

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday warned Iran against “the fantasy” of imposing fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking after meetings with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders in Bahrain, Rubio said the Trump administration will not tolerate any attempt by Tehran to charge commercial vessels for using one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

“Fees and tolls are the same thing to me,” Rubio told reporters. “If you’re paying someone to go there, I don’t care if you call it a fee or a toll or a donation. It’s a toll.”

Rubio argued such a system would be impossible to enforce without threatening international shipping.

“Let’s say a ship says, ‘Well, I’m not going to pay the fee,’” he said. “It’s not like a toll on a road. You don’t get a ticket in the mail. They get shot at. You shoot at one ship, you sink one ship, no other ship is going to move. So that sort of system is not only unwise, it can’t happen. It’s not even workable. So you might as well abandon the fantasy now.“

The secretary said there was “zero support” among Gulf nations for any tolling system and emphasized President Donald Trump has made clear that charging for passage through the strategic waterway “cannot be a part” of any agreement with Iran.

“There isn’t a nation on Earth that supports having to pay money to go through the straits,” Rubio said, adding, “If you are charging money to use the straits, we won’t support it. We won’t tolerate it. We won’t allow it.“

Rubio’s remarks came after reports that some Iranian officials have floated charging ships for security, insurance, and other services following last week’s U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, which temporarily restored free navigation through the strait while broader negotiations continue.

Under the agreement brokered by the Trump administration, Iran agreed to permit toll-free passage for at least 60 days as both sides pursue a broader peace arrangement.

Rubio stressed the administration is focused less on Tehran’s rhetoric than on its actions.

“We’re interested in whether or not ships are moving,” he said. “If ships are moving as they should be moving, then that’s what we’re going to judge. If this rhetoric is backed up by actual ships being threatened and ships are not moving, that’s a violation of the agreement and we’re going to have a problem with it.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think it is just a matter of time before the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran threatens to hit ships and force them to pay a fee for passage through the Strait of Hormuz? Who do you think is actually leading the current regime of Iran right 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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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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

US Supreme Court Approves Trump’s Move To End Temporary Protective Status For Haitians And Other Refugees

US Supreme Court Approves Trump’s Move To End Temporary Protective Status For Haitians And Other Refugees

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Remember years ago when the failed US President Joe Biden welcomed a massive number of Haitians to the United States with the temporary protective status (TPS)? That finally ended when the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) approved US President Donald Trump’s authority to put a definitive stop at the TPS of the Haitians as well as other refugees living in America, according to news reports by Breitbart and CBN News. The vote was 6-3.

This development is justice for the nation and the many Americans whose lives got disrupted severely when the numerous, protected Haitians arrived in their local communities causing spikes in rents, taking job opportunities away, entering schools and the like. It also clarifies that the US President has the authority on TPS.

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

In a 6-3 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court has endorsed President Donald Trump’s authority to end “Temporary Protected Status” for at least 450,000 Haitian migrants welcomed by President Joe Biden.

The judges said Congress’s law bars any judicial review of the White House TPS decisions:

The TPS statute plainly bars consideration of respondents’ non-constitutional claims. It allows “no judicial review of any determination… with respect to the… termination” of a TPS designation. 8 U. S. C. §1254a(b)(5)(A). The term “determination” can be used to describe either an individual decision or the whole process leading to a final decision, and under either understanding of the term, §1254a(b)(5)(A) squarely bars all of respondents’ non-constitutional claims.

The decision is good news for many Americans, including the citizens of Springfield, Ohio. The Ohio town has been radically disrupted because the local elite welcomed at least 10,000 wage-cutting, rent-spiking, diversity-boosting Haitian migrants into the city’s jobs, homes, schools, welfare offices, and roadways.

The decision means that the Haitian migrants will lose their work permits, access to government aid, drivers’ licenses, and legal residency. In turn, employers will face fines if they keep employing the Haitians instead of Americans, and landlords will have to negotiate cheaper rents for Americans as Haitians move out of the local housing market.

Many Haitians were actually provided visas by Biden’s officials to fly from Haiti to American towns — despite the huge economic and civic harm to the millions of left-behind Haitians. The crippling outflow included many doctors, cops, teachers, and politicians.

But the decision is also an economic loss for many investors and a management headache for many employers who hired Haitian migrants instead of competing for Americans in the national labor market.

In April, Breitbart News reported that pro-TPS lobbyists had submitted a legal brief by pro-migration economists which said Biden’s 1.4 million TPS migrants from Haiti, Venezuela, and El Salvador create $20 billion in annual profits for investors.

The report of CBN News mentions Syrians and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s highly unusual way of reading her dissent from the bench. Some parts in boldface…

The Supreme Court issued a key decision on the issue of immigration on Thursday, ruling that the Trump administration has the authority to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for certain refugees living in the U.S.

The immigrants affected by this case were granted Temporary Protected Status under a law passed by Congress in 1990. The program allows the Homeland Security Secretary to let people from certain countries remain and work in the U.S. when conditions back home make it unsafe to return. That same law also gives the secretary the authority to end those protections.

“It gives people protection while the country’s in turmoil or after they suffer a hurricane,” explained Border Czar Tom Homan during a press briefing Thursday.

The Trump administration first announced its plans to end TPS for Haitians in the summer of last year, and for Syrians in the fall. Those decisions were put on hold by lower courts until Thursday’s Supreme Court ruling.

“The decision creates the type of panic, in a sense, that people in our community are wondering what the best action to do now,” said Viles Dorsainvil, who runs a support center for Haitians in Springfield, Ohio.

He and his wife are also now at risk of deportation.

“We are just TPS holders and asylum seekers. So, we’ll be relying on our asylum. We have our permit in the asylum, that we will continue to work. We will continue to do what we gotta do, but we don’t know how long,” Dorsainvil said.

Thursday’s ruling was 6-3, the majority saying Congress gave the Homeland Security Secretary broad discretion over TPS, including the authority to decide when to end it.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor strongly disagreed with the ruling, taking the unusual step of reading her dissent aloud from the bench. “The consequences of today’s decision are predictable,” said Justice Sotomayor. “More people will die.”

“More people will turn back and be subjected to violence because of something they cannot or should not have to change about themselves, such as their race, religion, nationality, or political opinion.”

Following her comments, Justice Samuel Alito, who read the majority decision, remarked that, had he known she planned to read her dissent from the bench, he would have said more in defense of the majority decision.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Has your local community been flooded by foreigners with TPS? Do you think the government should start the process of declaring temporary protective status illegal? Apart from the mentioned investors, who else do you think makes a lot of money out of TPS foreigners in America? What should the Trump administration do about the remaining TPS foreigners from other nations? Do you think US Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor tarnished the Court’s image with her unusual move?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

US Embassy Warns Filipinos About Visa Scams

US Embassy Warns Filipinos About Visa Scams

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It is a sad fact that scammers here in the Philippines continue to hound people using a wide variety of methods. The scammers – both locals and foreigners – have gotten so sophisticated and arrogant, they dared to target Filipinos who are pursuing United States visas. That said, the US Embassy in Manila officially warned Filipinos about visa scams and they clarified that applicants should rely only on official sources of the US when it comes to visa applications and processes, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The United States Embassy in the Philippines has warned Filipino visa applicants about scammers who claim they can guarantee approval, reminding the public that US visas are issued only after a proper evaluation by consular officers.

In an advisory posted on its official social media pages, the embassy stressed that visa applicants should obtain information only from official US government sources and be wary of individuals offering shortcuts or guaranteed approvals.

“We cannot guarantee visa issuance. If someone guarantees you a visa, it is a scam,” the embassy said.

The embassy emphasized that it does not communicate with applicants through Viber or Telegram, endorse travel agencies or lawyers, accommodate special connections or shortcuts, or guarantee the approval of visa applications.

It reiterated that every application is evaluated individually under US immigration laws, and the final decision rests solely with consular officers.

The embassy advised applicants to rely only on its official website, the U.S. Visa Customer Service Center website, and the US Department of State’s visa page for accurate information on visa requirements and procedures.

It also reminded the public that official embassy emails end only with the @state.gov or @ustraveldocs.com domains.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you a victim of scammers with regards to applying for a US visa? Do you know anyone who got scammed over the same purpose?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Gang Leader Apprehended In Parañaque City

Gang Leader Apprehended In Parañaque City

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Recently in the City of Parañaque, a gang leader who evaded local authority for two years was finally arrested by police officers successfully found him, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. 

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

A suspected criminal gang leader who had allegedly been evading authorities for two years was finally arrested in Parañaque City on Saturday, June 20.

The suspect, identified only as Ranille, 42, and tagged by police as the No. 6 Most Wanted Person at the station level, was apprehended at around 5:00 p.m. in Barangay San Isidro, Parañaque City.

According to police, Ranille is believed to be the leader of a criminal group and had been in hiding since a warrant was issued against him for illegal possession of a firearm.

Operatives from the Station Intelligence Section conducted surveillance and tracking operations that led to his arrest.

Police said a warrant of arrest had been issued against Ranille for violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The warrant was issued by Judge Regina Paz A. Ramos-Chavez of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 274 in Parañaque City on March 14, 2024, with a recommended bail of ₱120,000.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, does the arrest of the suspected gang leader make you feel safer 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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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 @CarloCarrascoPH 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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

New Campaign To Boost Domestic Tourism In The Philippines

New Campaign To Boost Domestic Tourism In The Philippines

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In a serious attempt to boost domestic tourism in the Philippines, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has a new campaign titled “Discover More to Love”, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

This new move by the DOT makes sense since it is very difficult for the nation to attract foreign tourists. The DOT admitted that Vietnam and other destinations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are more affordable for foreign travelers.

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

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is leading a new campaign called “Discover More to Love” to boost domestic travel within the Philippines.

Among its major features is the introduction of curated and discounted travel-related packages by local tourism stakeholders, including several hotels from across the country.

In an interview over the weekend, Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the campaign would not replace but instead complement the DOT’s primary tourism branding “Love the Philippines,” with the intention of allowing tourists to define their travel experience in their “own personal way.”

“(The thrust is) local muna pero hopefully, we will expand that to international (The thrust would be initially domestic, but hopefully, we will expand that internationally),” she said.

“The Filipinos love to travel, especially Gen Z and the others, it’s an adventure for them, and we want them to be sound board on what else we can do to improve.”

Domestic travel remains a strong driver of tourism in the Philippines. Last year alone, it generated at least PHP3.26 trillion in tourist spending, up by 3 percent from PHP3.16 trillion in 2024.

Beyond strengthening local travel, Angara-Mathay said the DOT is also stepping up efforts to recover the decrease in Korean travelers, while continuing to woo the rest of its top source markets.

She admitted that the competitive pricing in other Southeast Asian destinations is pulling in more Koreans, which traditionally has been the Philippines’ number one source market for foreign visitors.

“South Korea’s population is declining, but they’re travelers. Ngayon, ‘yong slot natin kinuha ng Vietnam, kinuha ng other ASEAN countries kasi kalahati lang ang kanilang cost to go there (Now, our slot has been taken by Vietnam and other ASEAN countries because it only costs half to go there),” she explained.

The DOT, for its part, she said, would continue engaging stakeholders to introduce and craft new “tour bundles” to make the cost of travel to the Philippines more affordable and “predictable.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the DOT’s new campaign will significant boost domestic tourism which itself has been thriving? Do you think it is possible for domestic tourism spending to reach P4 trillion 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.

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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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

AHVA Announces Updates On Ad Display Rates And Tarpaulin Sizes

AHVA Announces Updates On Ad Display Rates And Tarpaulin Sizes

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Do you intend to advertise something within Alabang Hills Village? Be aware that the Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) formally announced that it has updated the ad display rates as well as tarpaulin sizes. Ads with political or malicious content are still unacceptable.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the AHVA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

We are pleased to inform you of our updated advertising display rates & prescribed tarpaulin sizes in our ads display board located near our AHV- Tirona gate.

Effective July 1, the following are the rates for a 30-day ads placement: Resident – P3,600.00, Non-Resident – P7,200.00

Prescribed Tarpaulin size: 4ft x 6ft (maximum size)

For Garage Sale ads display, we have allocated one (1) frame for this, good for 4 tarpaulins. Fee is P500.00 for 7 days display, cartolina size. Only residents may avail of this.

Kindly note that tarpaulins beyond the prescribed size will not be accepted. We request your cooperation regarding this.

Procedure for the ads display

Proceed to the admin office & bring your tarpaulin

if tarpaulin is within the prescribed size, the help desk staff will accept the tarpaulin

Pay the ads display fee to our cashier

Ads will be displayed the following working day

if ads are not renewed on or before the 30th day (display), such will be removed accordingly.

Ads with political and / or malicious content will not be accepted.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you have advertised inside Alabang Hills Village before, did you get a good return in terms of responses or sales? What do you think about the new rates AHVA announced? Did you business get a good response from consumers of Alabang Hills?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://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

Muntinlupa Mayor Thanks Taxpayers For Back-To-School Program

Muntinlupa Mayor Thanks Taxpayers For Back-To-School Program

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Recently in the city of Muntinlupa, the City Government distributed packages of school supplies to public school students and Mayor Ruffy Biazon expressed his gratitude to the taxpayers for their contributions to the local back-to-school program, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon, citing the vital role of taxpayers’ contributions, led the distribution of the city government’s “Balik Eskwela” packages to public school students on Tuesday, June 16.

“Salamat sa taxpayers kaya we are able to provide free school supplies to public school students (Thanks to the taxpayers, we are able to provide free school supplies to public school students),” Biazon said.

Each package contains backpacks, notebooks, pens and pencils, pencil cases, pad papers, and MUNwalk sneakers for learners from kindergarten to senior high school.

Biazon personally visited several schools, including Alabang Elementary School, Bayanan Elementary School Unit 1, and Muntinlupa Elementary School, to hand out the supplies.

“Maayos at smooth ang naging distribution natin ng libreng balik eskwela packages sa Alabang Elementary School. Tuwang-tuwa ang students at parents dahil sa excitement. Basta enrolled sa public schools sa Muntinlupa, mabibigyan (Our distribution of free back-to-school packages at Alabang Elementary School went smoothly. Students and parents were very happy because of the excitement. As long as they are enrolled in public schools in Muntinlupa, they will be given),” he assured.

It is estimated that about 100,000 public school students, including those in early childhood education, will each receive the package.

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 approve of the City Government’s distribution of school supplies to local 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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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 @CarloCarrascoPH 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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Subic Bay Port Operations Revenue Jump 20% To P389 Million In 1st Quarter Of 2026

Subic Bay Port Operations Revenue Jump 20% To P389 Million In 1st Quarter Of 2026

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The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently announced that the port operations revenue reached P389 million in the first quarter of this year which reflects a 20% jump compared to the previous year.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the SBMA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) generated PHP 389 million in revenues from port operations during the first quarter of 2026, with a 20 percent increase from last year’s PHP 324 million.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao disclosed that the Seaport Department alone generated PHP 302 million of the said amount, the Airport Department with PHP 50 million, and the Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department (TFCD) at PHP 36 million.

According to Yambao, the Seaport Department generated PHP 302 million from higher Vessel and Cargo Charges which increased by 31 percent, while the number of ship calls also increased by 20 percent.

The Port of Subic recorded a total of 463 ship calls by foreign and domestic vessels, 171 of which were bulk and break-bulk vessels, recording a 29 percent increase. Meanwhile, there was also an 18% increase in recorded port calls with 159 liquid bulk vessels.

“Consequently, revenues from SBMA’s share in Pilotage Services also increased by 20 percent, while Tugboat Services posted a significant 75 percent growth,” he said.

Revenues from wharfage fees also escalated by 24 percent with an increase in total volume of containerized cargo by 3 percent. This was driven mainly by a 5 percent growth in imports, equivalent to 28,070 TEUs.

Major contributors included assorted food products from Ecossential Foods Corp., and rubber products from Yokohama Tires Philippines Inc. Export cargoes likewise grew substantially by 31 percent, reaching 15,757 TEUs, primarily contributed by DSV Air and Sea Inc. and Yokohama Tires Philippines Inc.

Meanwhile, non-containerized cargo volume posted a remarkable 30 percent increase, mainly driven by bulk and break-bulk cargoes, which rose by 47 percent. Key commodities contributing to this growth included rice (up by 331 percent), corn (up by 571 percent), soybeans (up by 15 percent), wheat (up by 16 percent), and liquid bulk petroleum products (up by 11 percent).

Yambao added that revenues from SBMA’s share in Cargo Handling Services increased by 22 percent, largely from Amerasia International Terminal Services Inc., Mega Subic Terminal Services Inc., and Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services Inc.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the port of Subic Bay will be able to exceed 2025’s revenues by the end of 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.

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