Tag: livelihood

HSBC Says Philippines Should Focus On Strengthening Services Sector

HSBC Says Philippines Should Focus On Strengthening Services Sector

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As far as HSBC is concerned, the Philippines would be better off strengthening its services sector instead of playing catch up with manufacturing, according to a business article published by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The Philippines should leverage its services sector to stand out in the global investment landscape, as competition with manufacturing-led economies is well out of reach, according to an HSBC economist.

The country has been lagging behind its peers in Southeast Asia in terms of attracting foreign investments.

Last year, the Philippines secured the sixth spot in the region, trailing behind Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand, according to the report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

This trend is expected to continue this year amid uncertainties in global trade and especially due to the country’s relatively low manufacturing activity.

HSBC Asia Economics Associate Director Ines Lam said the limited scale of the manufacturing sector in the Philippines hinders its ability to draw foreign capital.

Lam explained that attempting to be competitive in manufacturing at this late stage could ultimately be ineffective and counter to the government’s efforts to secure investments.

“Everyone wants to get a piece of the global supply chain. Everyone wants to be a supplier to Apple. But for the Philippines, I think the Philippines’ unique value proposition is its people and soft skills,” she said during the 23rd International CEO Conference hosted by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP).

Instead of trying to catch up in manufacturing, Lam said the country could instead shift its focus to strengthening its services sector, in which it has an advantage compared to regional partners.

The economist said upskilling the country’s talented pool of workers is a critical component in boosting the sector. She noted that the educational proficiency and English expertise of Filipino workers are the top qualities sought by global employers and investors.

“I’m not saying that manufacturing is not important, but because the Philippines has already found its advantage, I think it’s important that the Philippines does not lose this,” said Lam.

“You provide something new and you improve your offerings in terms of BPO (business process outsourcing) and exports of services. Then, that will help the Philippines to stand out in this world,” she added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to the recent developments? Do you agree with HSBC’s economic opinion about the Philippines? Do you think the Philippines should focus more on strengthening the services sector instead of manufacturing? What do you think makes the Philippines not so good at manufacturing when compared with its Asian neighbors?

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

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

Philippines Unemployment Rate Hits 5.3% in July 2025

Philippines Unemployment Rate Hits 5.3% in July 2025

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As controversy about flood control projects continues to dominate the news cycles, more Filipinos reported themselves as unemployed this past July as the unemployment rate jumped to 5.3%, according to a GMA Network business news report.

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

The number of Filipinos without jobs or livelihoods increased in July 2025 due to weather disturbances which affected various sectors of the labor market during the period, according to the results of the Philippine Statistics Authority’s latest Labor Force Survey.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, PSA chief and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa reported that unemployed persons, ages 15 and above, rose to 2.59 million from 1.95 million in June 2025. This was also higher than the 2.38 million jobless in July 2024.

As a percentage of 48.64 million participants in the labor force who are actively looking for labor opportunities during the period, the number of jobless persons translated to an unemployment rate of 5.3%, up from 3.7% month-on-month.

This means 53 in 1,000 individuals do not have jobs or livelihoods during the period. This was also the highest unemployment since August 2022’s 5.3%.

Labor force participation in July 2025 declined from 52.42 million in June 2025 and 50.06 million in July 2024.

Likewise, employed persons, or those with jobs and livelihoods, during the period contracted to 46.05 million from 50.47 million in June 2025 and 47.68 million in July 2024.

As a percentage of labor force participants, the employment rate stood at 94.7%, lower than the 96.3% seen in June 2025 and 95.3% in July 2024.

Mapa attributed the increase in unemployed persons and decreases in both employed and labor force participation to the series of storms which hit the country during the month.

“Una talaga ang nangyari dito sa July round is first tinamaan ang ating bansa, maraming areas ng typhoons. Ito talaga ‘yung nakita namin na main reason kung bakit bumababa ang labor force participation at employment na rin,” the PSA chief said.

(First, what we saw during the July round is that many areas of the country were hit by typhoons. This was really the main reason why the labor force participation and employment numbers declined.)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to the recent developments? Do you think the unemployment rate of the Philippines will remain above 5% until the end of the year?

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

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

Parañaque Congressman Yamsuan seeks passage of Equal Maternity Protection Act

Parañaque Congressman Yamsuan seeks passage of Equal Maternity Protection Act

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Following the 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) of Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Parañaque’s 2nd District Representative Brian Yamsuan seeks passage of House Bill No. 224 (Equal Maternity Protection Act) which is one of his more notable proposals in the House of Representatives, 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…

Parañaque City 2nd Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan has highlighted the significance of one of his pet bills in the 20th Congress following President Marcos’ his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) earlier this week.

In a statement Wednesday, July 30, Yamsuan sought the passage of House Bill (HB) No.2240, or the Equal Maternity Protection Act. It aims to provide maternity cash benefits for women workers in the informal sector.

Specifically, the measure seeks “a one-time direct maternity cash benefit per delivery” to informal sector female workers “equivalent to the prevailing minimum wage rate in their region of residence multiplied by 22 days”.

Once the bill becomes law, a female worker in the informal economy who lives in Metro Manila where the prevailing minimum wage rate is P695 will receive P15,290 from the DSWD after giving birth.

Yamsuan’s proposal covers women workers in the informal economy who are not members of the Social Security System (SSS), whether on a regular or voluntary basis. These include freelancers, own-account workers, home-based workers and workers in unrecognized or unregulated employment relationships.

In his SONA last Monday, July 30, President Marcos expressed a renewed commitment to expand opportunities for low-income Filipinos to set up small businesses. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said that among the expected beneficiaries of this SONA commitment are women.

“Malaking bahagi ng ating mga informal workers na kasama sa pagpapasigla ng ating ekonomiya ay mga kababaihan at karamihan sa kanila ay walang benefits na natatanggap mula sa gobyerno. Ang ating panukalang batas ay layuning mabago ang ganitong di-patas na pagtrato sa kanila,” Yamsuan said.

(A big chunk of our informal workers who contribute to energizing our economy are women and many of them do not receive any benefits from the government. Our bill aims to change this unfair treatment of them.).

HB No.2240 intends to amend certain provisions of Republic Act (RA) No.11210, or the Expanded Maternity Leave Law in which eligibility is limited only to women who are SSS members and contributors.

Yamsuan said that in his district alone where he has helped provide jobs and livelihood opportunities through his Bigay Negosyo and Dagdag Pangkabuhayan programs, the majority of the beneficiaries were women.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you find the details of Congressman Yamsuan’s proposal clear and concise? Do you think the proposal will be able to help a lot of women in the informal sector once it becomes a law? If you are a 2nd district voter of Parañaque, do you like what Congressman Yamsuan is doing?

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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Parañaque Congressman-elect Yamsuan aims to reduce people’s dependence on ayuda by locally implementing government livelihood programs

Parañaque Congressman-elect Yamsuan aims to reduce people’s dependence on ayuda by locally implementing government livelihood programs

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Parañaque City’s incoming 2nd District Representative Brian Yamsuan aims to reduce people dependence on ayuda (dole outs) as he stepped up the implementation of the government’s livelihood programs, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Part of his efforts include the refiling of bills in the next Congress.

For context about what happened in the recent elections, Yamsuan ran under the Team Pag-Asa banner and his teammates include Vice Mayor-elect Benjo Bernabe, and the re-elected City Councilors Tess de Asis, Binky Favis and Shannin Olivarez. Yamsuan won over 2nd District Representative Gus Tambunting with a lead of almost ten thousand votes. The 2nd District includes the very large Barangay BF Homes, BF Homes subdivision and Tahanan Village. To learn more about Yamsuan, check out his Facebook page by clicking https://www.facebook.com/congbrianyamsuan

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

Parañaque City 2nd district Representative-elect Brian Raymund Yamsuan has stepped up the implementation of the government’s livelihood programs in a bid to reduce district folk’s dependence on “ayuda” or dole outs.

Yamsuan said he has begun exploring tie-ups with non-government organizations (NGOs) to assist in training qualified beneficiaries of his “Dagdag-Puhunan” and “Bigay-Negosyo” entrepreneurship programs.

The solon, who represents Bicol Saro Party-list in the 19th Congress, has been implementing these in the district since last year in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Yamsuan also said he will re-file bills in the incoming 20th Congress that aim to create local job facilitation offices for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), and promote entrepreneurship by creating a sustainable financing program for micro and small enterprises, to name a few.

“Ang kailangan natin mabigyan ng mga oportunidad ang mga tao na umangat ang kanilang estado ng pamumuhay. Hindi yung basta magbibigay lang tayo ng ayuda ng walang follow-through. Ang pagbabago magsisimula rin sa mga tao mismo. Bibigyan natin sila ng oportunidad para magtiwala sila sa kanilang sarili na makapagbago at mag-rely sa kanilang kakayahan sa halip na umasa na lamang sa ayuda,” Yamsuan said in a recent media interview.

(What we need is to provide opportunities for people to elevate their standard of living, instead of just giving dole outs without any follow-through. Change will start with the people themselves. We will provide them the opportunity so that they will have the confidence to change and rely on their capabilities instead of just depending on dole outs.)

This “follow through” involves providing livelihood training and seminars for ‘ayuda’ beneficiaries to encourage them to set up micro businesses and “graduate” from being doleout recipients, he said.

Yamsuan said his Dagdag-Puhunan and Bigay Negosyo programs provide comprehensive livelihood training for applicants before they can qualify as beneficiaries. 

These programs will be enhanced to include financial literacy seminars to educate people on how to prudently save, spend or invest their ayuda or earnings from livelihood programs.

“Ang ‘ayuda’ kailangan pa rin yan ng ating mga mahihirap na kababayan, kasi pantawid nila yan (Our poor countrymen still need dole outs because it will serve as a lifeline for them),” But we will teach them how to use it wisely. The same goes for those who have received assistance through our livelihood programs,” Yamsuan said.

Yamsuan said his twin programs can lead to success stories if beneficiaries use the funds given to them wisely.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think incoming District 2 Representative Yamsuan will be able to implement socio-economic reforms for his constituents? Do you think that the 2nd District of Parañaque could experience a new wave of economic improvements over the next three years? Do you believe now is a good time for Filipinos to become less dependent on government-provided cash assistance?

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

Las Piñas City Vice Mayor and others inspect location for new TESDA building

Las Piñas City Vice Mayor and others inspect location for new TESDA building

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Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Vice Mayor April Aguilar and other officials organized a comprehensive inspection to assess the location for the new Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) building, the City Government announced via social media.

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

City Vice Mayor April Aguilar, alongside City Engineer Rose Bantog, conducted a comprehensive site inspection on Thursday, August 8 to assess the location for the proposed new building at the TESDA Las Piñas campus. This new facility is intended to accommodate additional classrooms to support the growing number of students enrolled in various technical and vocational courses.

During the site visit, the officials discussed plans for the repair and repainting of existing facilities, ensuring that the campus remains conducive to learning. They also reviewed proposals for the fabrication of new classroom equipment and chairs, which will enhance the educational experience for students.

The proposed development underscores the city government’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and improving infrastructure to meet the needs of the community.

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 many members of your local community taking courses with the local TESDA?

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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Las Piñas City Government fully supports parol makers

Las Piñas City Government fully supports parol makers

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Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a group composed of makers of the parol (traditional Filipino Christmas lanterns) received full support from the City Government, according to a social media post of the local government’s Facebook page dated December 13, 2023.

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

The Samahang Magpaparol ng Las Piñas, a group of traditional Filipino Christmas lantern makers, was warmly received by City Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar in City Hall on Tuesday, December 12th. This meeting underscored Las Piñas City’s reputation as the Parol Capital of Metro Manila, celebrating the city’s deep-rooted tradition in crafting these iconic symbols of Filipino Christmas.

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar with the parol makers group at City Hall. (photo source – Las Piñas City PIO)

In a table discussion, Mayor Imelda Aguilar expressed her profound appreciation for the parol makers’ dedication to their craft and assured their group of the city government’s full support. This promise marks a crucial step in safeguarding the art of parol making and promoting its continued relevance in the city’s cultural landscape. The parol makers, in response, extended their heartfelt thanks to Mayor Aguilar, appreciating the recognition and support for their craft, which is integral to the city’s identity and festive celebrations.

This meeting between the city officials and the parol makers reaffirms Las Piñas City’s commitment to its cultural roots and its preservation.

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 see the parol as the most important Christmas decoration ever? How many parols does your household have now? How much money did you spend on each parol you bought? Is ever parol in your household made in Las Piñas?

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

DOLE awards tools and equipment to manpower training center in Las Piñas City

DOLE awards tools and equipment to manpower training center in Las Piñas City

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Recently in the city of Las Piñas, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) awarded tools and equipment to the Las Piñas Manpower Training Center (LPCMTC) which will boost the existing livelihood training programs for the locals, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The awarding was done in the presence of Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery.

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

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) awarded tools and equipment to the Las Piñas Manpower Training Center (LPCMTC) to boost the skills and livelihood training programs being offered to Las Piñeros.

According to Vice-Mayor April Aguilar, the awarding ceremony of tools and equipment was held on May 10 at the LPCMTC quadrangle located in Barangay Talon Dos.

DOLE distributed equipment for various livelihood programs of the training center such as cookery, bread and pastry production, hairdressing, automotive, and air conditioning servicing.

Aguilar thanked DOLE headed by Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma,  for the equipment which will help boost the city government’s effort to promote sustainable livelihood and address the high unemployment rate in the country.

She said the manpower training center being managed by the local government has been offering various technical and vocational courses to residents of the city.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the quality of skills and livelihood training in the city will improve significantly now that the LPCMTC has new equipment?

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 Mayor and DSWD sign MOA on sustainable livelihood programs

Las Piñas City Mayor and DSWD sign MOA on sustainable livelihood programs

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Recently in Las Piñas City, Mayor Imelda Aguilar and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) formally signed a key agreement related to sustainable livelihood programs, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. The signing was witnessed by Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery and other officials.

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

Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) signed on Tuesday, April, 18, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on sustainable livelihood programs.

The signing of MOA on specific implementation and data sharing agreements on sustainable livelihood programs was held at the Mayor’s Office.

Aguilar represented the city government while Atty. Michael Joseph Lorico acted for the DSWD-National Capital Region during the signing of MOA.

Aguilar and Lorico were also joined by Vice Mayor April Aguilar and City Social Welfare Development officer-in-charge Lowefe Romulo.

According to Aguilar, the sustainable livelihood programs are social protection programs that aim to enhance the socio-economic status of target beneficiaries through the provision of livelihood projects in the city.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this new development? Do you think the signed MOA will create positive results within the city? Do you know anyone who could somehow benefit from the MOA?

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 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 Biazon declares city steadily bouncing back

Muntinlupa Mayor Biazon declares city steadily bouncing back

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Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon stated that the city is steadily bouncing back from the downturn of COVID-19 as he delivered his State of the City Address during the 28th cityhood celebration, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The mayor also shared updates about the city government’s programs.

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

Mayor Ruffy Biazon delivered his first State of the City Address on Muntinlupa’s 28th cityhood anniversary on March 1 and said the city is bouncing back from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic has been a true test of our strength, even of our faith. It has been—and for some, still is—a difficult time, but the good news is that we are steadily bouncing back. We are steadily recovering from the effects of the crisis caused by the pandemic,” he said.

One indicator, he said, is that the number of registered businesses in Muntinlupa increased to 12,232 as of Jan. 31 this year, up by 59 percent from 7,651 in January 2022.

Muntinlupa became a highly urbanized city on March 1, 1995 when then President Fidel Ramos signed Republic Act 7926 or the Charter of the City of Muntinlupa.

According to Biazon, in 2022, the Muntinlupa City government collected P6.03 billion in total revenues, exceeding the target income for the year with 101.09 collection efficiency.

“This means we have enough collections to fund our pandemic recovery programs and projects,” he said.

Under his administration, he focused on reviving the local economy and in strengthening health services and education.

“It is important to mention that Congressman Jimmy Fresnedi’s leadership paved the way for the progressive and developed Muntinlupa that it is today,” he said.

He added, “Our cityhood journey, and now our road to pandemic recovery, underscores the importance of working together, and shows what we can do when we are focused towards a more livable and more responsive city for Muntinlupeños.”

Biazon ran and won as mayor in the May 2022 elections, and launched his 7K Agenda containing the blueprint of his administration.

HEALTH – In 2022, he said, the city government continued its immunization program against Covid-19. The city achieved 136 percent vaccination rate of the eligible target population, or 580,614 individuals, while 80 percent have received their booster shots. In addition, 80 percent of the target population got immunized under the Chikiting Bakunation Program.

The Putatan Health Center was transformed into a Super Health Center that expanded medical and diagnostic services, and operating hours up to 10 p.m. The health center provides basic consultation, minor surgery, laboratory and radiology services, ultrasound for pregnant women and medicine.

The Biazon administration also launched the Womb to Work Program aiming to provide programs for children.

Services at the city-run Ospital ng Muntinlupa were improved including the construction of a new annex building that increased the facility’s bed capacity from 200 to 250.

“I’m also glad to share with you all that we can look forward to the Ospital ng Muntinlupa being an accredited Malasakit Center in the near future. This program, in partnership with the national government, will serve as a one-stop hub for requesting assistance for medical services and for providing indigent patients access to free medicines and quality health care and medical intervention,” said Biazon.

EDUCATION – Biazon thanked the Schools Division Office for preparing for the return of nearly 89,000 students to face-to-face classes. He turned over hygiene kits to the office as part of the full implementation of face-to-face classes in public schools.

The city government also launched programs such as the Muntinlupa Reading Book Club to encourage reading among the youth.

Under the city’s scholarship program, 82,000 students have received financial assistance. Of the P450 million budget for scholarship programs, 85 percent of it is for elementary and high schools students. The city also has about 3,000 college and university scholars.

The Doctor of Medicine Program of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa and Ospital ng Muntinlupa was also launched.

LIVELIHOOD – Biazon said Muntinlupa was recognized as the fifth most competitive economy among 33 highly urbanized cities in the Philippines by the Department of Trade and Industry  Competitiveness Bureau.

Under the Dagdag Puhunan, or zero-interest loan program of the city government, more than P20 million was provided to 7,533 entrepreneurs

This year, he said, the city government will launch the SIKAP loan or startup capital loan for those who want to start their own business.

He also thanked business owners who have complied with City Ordinance 96-80 that mandates that at least 70 percent of their total workforce should be from Muntinlupa. He is requesting for the amendment of the ordinance to give incentives to businesses that have 100 percent Muntinlupa resident employees.

The mayor also thanked the Department of Agriculture, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for holding the Kadiwa program in Muntinlupa.

To find more details from the mayor’s speech, click https://mb.com.ph/2023/03/02/biazons-soca-muntinlupa-steadily-bouncing-back/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Did the mayor deliver all the relevant details in his speech? What do you think the City Government should do to strengthen the local economy to pre-pandemic levels?

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

Landmark ordinance of Muntinlupa City signed into law by Mayor Biazon

Landmark ordinance of Muntinlupa City signed into law by Mayor Biazon

carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed into a law a landmark ordinance that deals with poverty in varied ways, 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…

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed a landmark ordinance on Jan. 5 that will address poverty by providing wide-ranging services to pregnant women and their children including nutrition, childcare and scholarship programs.

Ordinance No. 2022-035, or the Womb to Work Program Ordinance, was signed by Biazon after the Muntinlupa City Council passed it.

“The Womb to Work Program is a program that aims to provide a solution to poverty in our city. The program is designed to take care of a pregnant woman until she gives birth. We will help from schooling until employment to become a productive Muntinlupeño. This is part of our 7K Agenda,” said Biazon after signing the ordinance.

The ordinance states that the Muntinlupa City government is aligned with the 3rd National Plan of Action for Children, which aims to have children with “better quality and improved way of life; that children are well nourished, have healthy lives and are active learners with good quality education; that children are safe and free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation; (and) that children are actively participating in decision-making processes affecting their lives according to their evolving capacities.”

In implementing the ordinance, the city government will have the following goals:

– Reduction of maternal mortality, new born deaths and under five deaths reduction of morbidities by ensuring maternal and child health care, including new born care, with time tested and proven interventions and ensuring adequate essential supplies, drugs, access to health care and medical facilities;

– End children’s hunger and achieve food security and improved nutrition by drawing on broader and multi-sector nutrition sensitive programs that address the underlying effects of malnutrition and nutrition specific programs that address the immediate causes of malnutrition focusing on the first 1,000 days of a child’s life through infant and young child feeding, complementary and supplementary feeding;

– Combatting water-borne and communicable diseases;

– Prevention and treatment of substance abuse;

– Reduction of childhood disabilities, deaths and injuries from accidents and road crashes;

– Universal access of adolescents to reproductive health care services;

– Access to quality early child care and development with the expansion an accreditation of day care services and child development centers and mandatory kindergarten to make young children ready for school;

– Inclusive and quality basic education, alternative delivery modes, flexible learning options and alternative learning systems

The qualified pregnant or lactating women residing in Muntinlupa under the ordinance are those who are registered in the Womb to Work Program; live in informal settlements; with total household income below minimum wage; lack access to health and nutrition services; solo parents; with debilitating sickness; nutritionally at risk; belong to indigenous groups, farmers and fisherfolks; and other similar or analogous cases.

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 newly signed ordinance is indeed a landmark ordinance?

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