journalism – Page 61 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Cambodia aiming to attract 3 million to 4 million foreign tourists for 2023

February 10, 2023February 3, 2023carlocarrasco

Cambodia, the nation that will be hosting the 32^nd edition of the Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as SEA Games and Cambodia 2023, click here and here), is aiming to attract between 3 million to 4 million foreign tourists for the year 2023 and improve over what was achieved in 2022, according to Khmer Times news report. For the year 2022, Cambodia attracted 2.28 million foreign tourists while the Philippines and Israel attracted 2.65 million and 2.675 million foreign tourists respectively.

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

Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed his hope that between three and four million foreign tourists will visit Cambodia this year.

At a get-together with the 1,049 grade A students of the 2021-2022 academic year held here at Chroy Changvar International Convention and Exhibition Centre this morning, Hun Sen said two major events this year, including the Angkor Sankranta in April and the SEA Games-ASEAN Para Games in May and June, will attract more foreign visitors to the country.

“This year, we hope to welcome the return of foreign tourists, from three to four millions of them,” he underlined.

At the same time, Prime Minister Hun Sen also called on all Cambodians overseas to visit their home country, particularly during these two upcoming big events.

According to the Ministry of Tourism’s statistics, Cambodia welcomed 2.28 million foreign visitors last year, a sharp rise by 1,059 percent compared to 2021.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Have you ever visited Cambodia for tourism? If you did, how would you rate the quality of their tourist spots and how hospitable are Cambodia’s tourism industry workers?

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 and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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/.

Muntinlupa City Mayor signs resolution related to prepositioning of relief goods by DSWD

February 7, 2023February 2, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed a key resolution pertaining to the preposition of relief goods by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Manila Bulletin reported. This is related to the DSWD’s storing of food and other items in local facilities in preparation of disasters.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon has signed a resolution for the prepositioning of relief goods in the city by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

He signed Resolution 2023-178 passed by the Muntinlupa City Council which gives him the authority as representative of the city government to enter “in a Relief Prepositioning Agreement (RPA) with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office National Capital Region (DSWDFO-NCR) represented by its Regional Director Monina Josefina H. Romualdez.”

The prepositioning of relief goods allows the DSWD to put food and non-food items in storage facilities in Muntinlupa as preparation for any disaster.

“The City of Muntinlupa, within the period of three (3) years, supports the Prepositioning of relief goods posed by the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) as this would contribute in the increased preparedness for disaster of the city,” according to the resolution.

According to the Muntinlupa Legal Office, “During the disaster, the City is at the frontline of service delivery and thus, must always be prepared and equipped to take emergency action and relief measures. The prepositioning of food and non-food items from DSWD-NCR is a welcome augmentation to our disaster preparedness efforts.”

“The Muntinlupa Contingency Plans for Disasters (Flood, Earthquake and Covid-19 pandemic) has been adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod through various legislative measures where the policies, course of action, resources allocation aimed to build disaster resilient communities and institutionalize arrangement and measures for reducing disaster risks are underscored,” the resolution stated.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think this development will ensure the efficient and orderly release of goods for victims of disasters within 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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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

Las Piñas City extends business permit renewal deadline to February 28, 2023

February 6, 2023February 2, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently the City of Las Piñas issued another extension of the local deadline for the renewal of business permits which is now February 28, 2023, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Previously, the deadline was set for January 31, 2023.

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

The Las Piñas City government extended again the deadline for renewal of business permits and licenses from Feb. 1 until Feb. 28.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar is urging all business owners in the city to avail of the second deadline extension for renewal of business permits, licenses, taxes, and other commercial and industrial fees and charges without penalties and surcharge.

Aguilar said the city government set the first deadline extension for business permit renewal from Jan. 20 to 31 through a City Council resolution.

She said the city government made the move after the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) noted a high number of business permit registrations and applications.

The mayor said deadline extension until Feb. 28 will also help businesses who have just recovered from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Aguilar said the extension will also accelerate the city’s collection from business permit renewal and applications.

The mayor is also hoping delinquent businesses can now legalize their operation.

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 find it surprising that the City Government extended the deadline again? Do you know any local business owner who intends to have his or her business permit renewed very 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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Metro Manila Council (MMC) approves traffic code paving way for single ticketing system in NCR to start this April

February 3, 2023February 2, 2023carlocarrasco

Following the recent developments regarding traffic in the metropolis, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) gave its approval on the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023 which paves the way for the implementation of the single ticketing system in the National Capital Region (NCR) this coming April, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The implementation of the single ticketing system in the National Capital Region (NCR) will start within April, Metro Manila Council (MMC) head and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said Wednesday.

“Within April, realistic ‘yan. Like what I’ve mentioned earlier, after today, it has been approved already. Aandar na ‘yung proseso natin (The process will start),” Zamora said at a press briefing shortly after the meeting of the MMC.

The MMC has approved the Metro Manila Traffic Code that will be used for the single ticketing system in NCR.

Concerned LGUs have to amend their respective ordinances in connection with traffic policies before March 15, according to Zamora.

The Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, which will serve as the guideline for the system, includes 20 most common traffic violation penalties that will be imposed uniformly in NCR:

Disregarding traffic signs
Illegal parking (attended and unattended)
Number coding UVVRP
Truck ban
Light truck ban
Reckless Driving
Unregistered motor vehicle
Driving without license
Tricycle ban
Obstruction
Dress code for motorcycle
Overloading
Defective motorcycle accessories
Unauthorized modification
Arrogance/Discourteous conduct (driver)
Loading and Unloading in Prohibited Zones
Illegal counterflow
Overspeeding
Special laws:
Seat Belts Use Act of 1999
Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act
Mandatory Use of Motorcycle Helmet Act
Children’s Safety on Motorcycle Act
Anti-Distracted Driving Act
Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act

Asked for the list of fines for the violations, the MMDA said this is still subject for amendment.

The single ticketing system aims to establish a uniform policy on traffic violations and penalty system in Metro Manila.

It would cover Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, Makati, Manila, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Pateros.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? What is the one thing about the newly approved Metro Manila Traffic Code that concerns you the most 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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Over 200,000 Maynilad customers to get rebates this month

February 3, 2023January 31, 2023carlocarrasco

If you are a paying customer of Maynilad who got affected by water service interruptions, then you will be receiving a rebate this month as the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) made a big announcement about rebates for over two hundred thousand customers of the water concessionaire, as reported in a recent GMA Network news report.

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

Over 200,000 customers of Maynilad Water Services Inc. in areas served by the Putatan Water Treatment Plants (PWTPs) affected by water service interruptions shall expect a hefty refund in their water bills next month, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) said Tuesday.

During the public information drive for the affected Maynilad customers, MWSS-RO Technical Regulations Area-Operations Monitoring manager Engr. Joel Dominguez said that the agency “found out during the period December 23 to January 15, there was service level breach in the areas of Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, and Cavite which includes Bacoor, Imus, Noveleta, Rosario, and Cavite City.”

“There are actually 222,221 affected customers during the interruption,” Dominguez said.

The said service interruptions was the subject of the MWSS-RO’s investigation which found that Maynilad violated its service obligation of an uninterrupted 24-hour supply in areas served by the PWTPs.

The water concessionaires’ regulator eventually ordered Maynilad to rebate or refund affected customers in the amount of P27.477 million.

The west zone water concessionaire has since agreed on the rebate program and said it would be best for customers to get the details from the public information drive of the MWSS-RO scheduled this week.

During the public information drive, Dominguez said there are two types of service interruptions.

“One is those who are receiving intermittent supply, meaning there are a number of hours that customers were rendered with low pressure or no water,” the MWSS-RO official said.

“The other type of customers were found to have no water for more than 24 hours,” he said.

Of the total 222,221 accounts or customers affected during the water interruptions, 18,032 accounts were those who experienced no water for more than 24 hours while the bulk or 204,189 were those who experienced intermittent supply.

“We have computed a total penalty for those accounts with no water for more than 24 hours in the amount of P6,794,166.67. Followed by customers with intermittent supply… the computation was P20,673,450.46,” Dominguez said.

The refund shall be reflected in the bills of affected customers next month.

“The rebate for those who were rendered no water for more than 24 hours is at P376.78, while those accounts with intermittent supply of water it’s at P101.30 per water service connection,” Dominguez said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? If you are a paying Maynilad customer who got affected by water service interruptions in recent times, do you think you are qualified for the rebate of P376.78?

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 lauded by DOH for anti-tuberculosis program

February 2, 2023January 30, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently the City of Las Piñas got praised by the Department of Health (DOH) over their anti-tuberculosis program which made an a positive impact, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. A certification of appreciation was officially received by the City Government.

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

The Department of Health (DOH) lauded the Las Piñas City government for developing and implementing anti-tuberculosis initiatives which contributed to the attainment of National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP) targets.

According to Mayor Imelda Aguilar, the DOH conferred the city government with a certificate of appreciation, signed by DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development Director Gloria Balboa, on Jan. 19 at the Lafayette Luxury Suites, Baguio City.

She said the city government launched in July last year a project called Chest X-Ray on Wheels, which roams around the city’s 20 barangays to conduct tuberculosis screening.

The program enables the City Health Office (CHO) determine the health condition of the residents.

The mayor said patients who test positive for tuberculosis based on the X-ray results immediately undergo sputum examination.

Aguilar said those found positive with tuberculosis are referred to barangay health centers for treatment and observation.

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 consider tuberculosis a major health problem within your local community 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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Alleged ghost employees within the Parañaque City Government an issue

February 1, 2023January 29, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, the issue of so-called ghost employees was raised as the City Government moved to review personnel records to find them and determine where exactly the funds from the city budget went, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Parañaque city government will conduct a thorough review of personnel records to weed out “ghost employees” who have been eating a huge portion of the city’s budget.

Mayor Eric Olivarez ordered on Sunday, Jan 29, the review after noticing discrepancies in the number of personnel being reported by the Human Resource Management Office and different departments, as well as in the records of the City Budget Office.

Olivarez said the personnel review will be conducted by a committee to be headed by the city administrator, Atty. Voltaire dela Cruz.

“We suspect that this racket has probably been going on for a long time, perhaps decades,” said Olivarez.

The mayor said he became suspicious because when he assumed office, he was told that there are more than 8,000 city hall employees.

The number was later reduced to around 7,600, but no final number has been submitted to him up to now.

Olivarez said he became curious after all the department heads were ordered to submit the list of their employees who are physically working.

The city government then observed a noticeable increase in the number of supposed employees who have voluntary dropped from the rolls.

The mayor added that when he assumed the post only last July, after serving as congressman for nine years and, before that, as city councilor, he ordered all workers to remain in their posts, and that no rank-and-file employees were terminated as a show of goodwill and to establish a healthy working relationship.

This year, however, he decided to order all offices and departments to submit their personnel list to reduce redundancies and trim bureaucratic fat so that more resources can be allocated to other programs and services that will directly benefit the constituents.

“It turns out that we found a lot of discrepancies, so we decided to find out the truth because this is our responsibility to our people,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you think that the City Government really has a lot of so-called ghost employees? How much money from the City Government’s budget do you think went to those ghost employees? What do you think caused ghost employees in the first place? Do you think this could become a major crisis for Parañaque?

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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Maynilad’s new water treatment plant in Muntinlupa City more than 50% complete, additional water supply of 50 MLD expected by year-end

January 31, 2023January 25, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently, water concessionaire Maynilad announced that it is more than half-way through with its construction of a new water treatment plant in Barangay Poblacion in Muntinlupa City and additional water supply be the end of the year is expected, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

MAYNILAD Water Services, Inc. said on Tuesday that it is now more than halfway through the construction of its Poblacion water treatment plant in Muntinlupa.

“Once fully operational by the first half of 2024, this facility will have the capacity to produce 150 MLD (million liters per day) of potable water for the southern portion of Maynilad’s concession area, particularly Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Cavite,” the west zone water concessionaire said.

The Poblacion water treatment plant, now 53% complete, is expected to produce 50 MLD of additional water supply by yearend. It will be Maynilad’s third facility to tap Laguna Lake as an alternative raw source of water.

Currently, Maynilad has two treatment plants in Putatan, which provide 300 MLD to around 1.7 million customers.

“Our production of 300 MLD is stretched to meet the current requirements of our customers in the south. Hence, whenever extreme conditions necessitate reduced production, there is no extra supply so some of our customers experience service disruption. The additional output that we will get from the Poblacion WTP will help to address that,” said Maynilad Chief Operating Officer Randolph T. Estrellado.

The Poblacion water treatment plant is part of Maynilad’s P220 billion service enhancement program for 2023 to 2027.

Separately on Tuesday, Lee Robert M. Britanico, deputy administrator for customer service regulation of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), said that the agency’s corporate office continues to look for a new water source.

“If we fail to look for an additional source the existing water supply can no longer meet the demand and the increasing population,” he said in a virtual press briefing.

He also said that the MWSS is now coordinating with Maynilad and Manila Water Co., Inc. to ensure adequate and uninterrupted water supply for the summer months.

“We have a supply deficit now not just in southern Metro Manila,” Mr. Britanico said, referring to the Philippine capital and parts of Cavite and Rizal provinces.

“[Because] the population in these areas continued to grow and the water supply is not coming from Metro Manila, our corporate office is looking for another source to augment that deficit, and we encourage everyone to conserve water and encourage Maynilad and Manila Water to be efficient,” he said.

Mr. Britanico said the MWSS is now preparing for the summer months when it expects a supply deficit due to high temperatures and the lack of rainfall.

“Rest assured as of now, we are okay but we encourage the public to conserve water, let us not take that for granted,” he said.

Mr. Britanico added that if population growth continues amid a lack of new water sources, a significant supply deficit might happen by 2024.

“Right now, if we will base the projection on the population, most likely next year we will have a problem but if we can find a new water source for Metro Manila, Cavite and Rizal, then that will address the issue,” he said.

Meanwhile, the MWSS regulatory office on Tuesday directed Maynilad to rebate P27.48 million to customers affected by the water services interruptions in areas served by the concessionaire’s Putatan water treatment plants.

“MWSS has determined the final rebate amount for Maynilad customers. Maynilad shall rebate a total of P27.477 million as reasonably determined by this office,” Mr. Britanico said.

The decision came after the recurring service interruptions from December 2022 until January this year in areas covered by the Putatan plants such as the southern part of Metro Manila.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? As a local resident, do you think that Maynilad will be able to complete its Poblacion water treatment plant and improve the local water supply? Do you manage a business that got negatively affected by the most recent water service interruptions?

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

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COMELEC confirms over 1.5 million voters registered for 2023 Barangay and SK polls as of January 21

January 31, 2023January 30, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that over 1.5 million voters nationwide have registered for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections as of January 21, according to a GMA Network news report. Take note that the registration process will officially end today.

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

Over 1.5 million voters have registered for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) as of January 21, data from the Commission on Elections showed.

Based on the latest figures released by Comelec spokesperson Rex Laudiangco, there are 1,530,317 who have processed their registration through the regular process, while there are 8,651 who registered through the Registration Anywhere Project.

The latest figures bring the total number of registrants to 1,538,968 for the 2023 BSKE. Of this, 931,256 are new registrants.

Most of the new registrants are 15 to 17 years old with 442,330; 18 to 30 years old with 397,323; and 31 and above with 86,818. The voter registration will end on January 31.

In an interview with reporters, Comelec Chairman George Garcia reiterated that there will be no extension of registration period for the 2023 BSKE.

However, they will accommodate those who will be lining up to the Comelec registration sites until 5 p.m. on January 31.

“Kung pagdating ng alas singko sa bawat registration sites ay may nakapila pa, kukunin po lahat ng pangalan ng nakapila, at sila ay patuloy pa ring irerehistro,” he said.

(Those who are in queue by 5 p.m. will still be accommodated in all registration sites.)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Are there lots of people in your local community who wanted to get registered for this year’s Barangay-SK elections but still have not yet registered for some reason?

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 uses Japanese technology to clean up Laguna Lake

January 30, 2023January 24, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the City Government started using Japanese technology in the form of “bokashi balls” to clean up Laguna Lake, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government is using Japanese technology to improve the overall quality of the Laguna Lake.

The city government’s Lake Management Office (LMO), in partnership with the Rotary Club of Muntinlupa City Central and Rotaract Club of Alabang Bagong Paraiso, launched “Project ADBOKASHI” on Jan. 22 that aims to improve bodies of water in Muntinlupa and across the country.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon welcomed the cooperation of the city government, Rotary and Rotaract that focuses on improving water quality in Laguna Lake for the long-term as part of his administration’s 7K Agenda for the environment.

More than 1,000 bokashi balls were released into the lake as part of a two-year experiment to see if the water quality would improve and to counteract the effects of rapid urbanization around the lake.

The project will involve releasing bokashi into Laguna de Bay at least every six months with periodic water quality testing to be conducted by the LMO.

Bokashi balls are made of organic materials such as garden soil, effective microorganisms (EM1), molasses and rice hulls that break down toxins and bad bacteria in water.

Dubbed locally as “mabuhay balls,” bokashi were also proven in Japan to deodorize bodies of water and reduce siltation.

Recently, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) used these to improve the water quality in Boracay’s wetlands as part of the rehabilitation of its beaches.

The organic “deodorizer” balls were introduced into the country by the Asian National Institute in Angono, Rizal, in 2008.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the bokashi balls will be effective?

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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