news – Page 106 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Three major Japanese investors plan to expand operations in PEZA ecozones

March 15, 2024March 11, 2024carlocarrasco

With all the uncertainty and economic challenges going on, the economy of the Philippines could get a much-needed boost as the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) revealed that three major Japanese investors are planning to expand their existing operations in the country, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) disclosed that three major Japanese investors are planning to expand their operations in the Philippines.

PEZA Director General Tereso Panga, who was guest speaker during an Economic Seminar in Tokyo recently, reported that he held talks with long-time PEZA investors Tsuneishi, electronics manufacturing firm SIIX Co., and automobile manufacturer FCC Co., Ltd. The seminar hosted by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. was attended by 140 Japanese firms.

According to PEZA, Tsuneishi is preparing for its fifth phase of expansion, including projects to manufacture the world’s first methanol-fueled TEU container carriers and establishing a wood pelletizing business.

Since 1994, the Japanese shipbuilder has already expanded its Philippine operations four times. Its first project was its shipbuilding business in Balamban, Cebu which grew to a 170-hectare facility from 25 hectares.

It also employs around 10,000 direct and subcontracted employees, a long way from the mere 300 workers it had when it began operations.

In Panga’s meeting with SIIX Co.,Ltd, its President Koji Yanase said they see their Philippine operations “playing a crucial role as they expand their core business and enter new territories.”

SIIX Co. has been engaging with the Philippines since 1957 as with the establishment of the first offshore operations for their ink production in the country.

The company said that it will manufacture its patented conductive ink in the Philippines, according to Panga.

Meanwhile, Yoshitaka Saito’s FCC Co. said they expect their Philippine operations to grow in the coming years as they ramp up “manufacturing of the clutch for Honda Click 125 motorcycle, production of paper ceramics for other electronics component manufacturers, and investment in new advanced technology businesses that will involve the assembly line for scooters, lining molding line, and weight line.”

FCC is also eyeing involvement in the country’s circular economy through using solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) for water filtration and production of solid biomass fuel.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think that the planned expansion of the three Japanese firms will help the national economy a lot in the long-term?

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

National triathlete Kim Mangrobang an awardee of the Women in Sports Awards, event scheduled for March 20, 2024

March 15, 2024March 13, 2024carlocarrasco

Elite triathlete and back-to-back Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) medalist Kim Mangrobang has officially been confirmed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) as an awardee of the Women in Sports Awards which will happen on March 20, 2024 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

In a March 8, 2024 official letter addressed to Mangrobang, PSC Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo wrote:

It is with immense pleasure and that we extend our warmest congratulations to You.

You have been distinguished as an awardee at the upcoming Women in Sports Awards, scheduled for 20 March 2024, at the prestigious Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

This distinguished event, the first of its kind in our nation, serves to recognize exemplary women athletes who have demonstrated outstanding prowess or given significant contributions into their respective fields in sports.

The Women in Sports Awards aim to highlight the extraordinary accomplishments of female athletes, offering them the recognition they truly deserve. This accolade not only celebrates their successes but also aims to inspire future generations of athletes to pursue excellence and foster a robust culture of sportsmanship and vitality within our community.

For the newcomers reading this, Kim Mangrobang (full name: Marion Kim Mangrobang) is one of the finest triathletes of the Philippines. She won several gold medals for the country in the SEA Games over the past years, including victories in the sport of duathlon (run-bike-run). To see some of her many achievements, watch the YouTube videos below…

If you want to know more of Mangrobang, check out my exclusive 2020 interview and feature article of her by clicking https://carlocarrasco.com/2020/02/01/meet-southeast-asias-reigning-triathlon-queen-kim-mangrobang/

For Philippine triathlon updates, click https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil

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Supreme Court tells Metro Manila LGUs to follow MMDA’s ticketing system

March 14, 2024March 6, 2024carlocarrasco

Motorists who travel around the Metro Manila regularly should be aware that the Supreme Court recently officially invalidated local government units (LGUs) of the National Capital Region (NCR) from issuing traffic violation tickets and seizing drivers’ licenses and ordered them to follow the ticketing system of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Supreme Court (SC) has invalidated provisions of ordinances by local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila allowing their respective traffic enforcers to issue violation receipts and confiscate driver’s licenses.

“A permanent injunction is hereby issued to enjoin respondent local government units from further issuing ordinance violation receipts; and confiscating licenses through their own traffic enforcers, unless they are deputized by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA),” the court said in its 42-page decision uploaded March 4 and penned by Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.

This stemmed from a suit filed by 11 transport groups before the Court of Appeals in 2006, claiming that different citations from the MMDA and the LGUs are confusing as some bodies do not recognize tickets by other LGUs or the MMDA.

While the case was pending in 2012, a resolution by the MMDA Metro Manila Council (MMC) then adopted a uniform ticketing system and established a system of interconnectivity among the LGUs involved in transport and traffic management in Metro Manila.

In December of that year, the appellate court dismissed the suit, prompting the petitioners to elevate the case to the high tribunal.

The tribunal, in its ruling, said traffic management in the LGUs is covered by the MMDA Law.

“(T)he Court thus declares as invalid the common provision in the said traffic codes or ordinances of the LGUs in Metro Manila empowering each of them to issue OVR (ordinance violation receipts) to erring drivers and motorists,” the SC said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think this new order by the Supreme Court will turn out helpful in the years to come?

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

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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

Online seller and two others apprehended in Parañaque City for selling illegal substance

March 14, 2024March 6, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, a successful buy-bust operation by the local police resulted in the arrests of an online seller and two others for selling shabu, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspects were apprehended within Barangay San Dionisio.

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

A woman online seller and two others were arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) for selling shabu during a buy-bust operation conducted on Tuesday, March 5.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspects as alias Weng, 30, an online seller; alias Jerico, 27; and alias Erwin, 40.

The SPD said the suspects were arrested at around 6:15 a.m. along Draga St., Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.

The police said alias Weng and alias Jerico were tagged by the Parañaque city police as high value individuals (HVI) while alias Erwin was placed under Street Level Individual (SLI).

Recovered from the arrested suspects were 125 grams of shabu worth P850,000 and the P1,000 buy-bust money. The police said the recovered evidence from the suspect was turned over to the Southern Police District Forensic Unit (SPDFU) for analysis.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there are still many smugglers or pushers of illegal drugs operating secretly within your local community?

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’s PESO recognized by DOLE

March 13, 2024March 5, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that its Public Employment and Services Office (PESO) was recognized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for its efficient and effective conduct and monitoring of job fairs, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-National Capital Region (NCR) recognized the Las Piñas Public Employment and Services Office (PESO) for its efficient and effective conduct and monitoring of job fairs that contributed to the increase of employment in the region.

Vice-Mayor April Aguilar said the department was awarded by the DOLE-NCR as best performing PESO in job placement for 2023.

The recognition was given to PESO during the regular flag raising ceremony on Monday, March 4.

Aguilar expressed her pride for the recognition as she reiterated the city government’s commitment to increasing the employment opportunities for Las Piñas residents.

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 PESO office deserves the recognition from DOLE? Did anyone in your local community got employed through the services of the PESO over the past twelve months?

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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The potential danger behind the promotion of the Philippines as an LGBTQIA+ tourist destination

March 12, 2024March 12, 2024carlocarrasco

As many of you my readers should know by now, I blogged a lot about tourism in the Philippines, what the Department of Tourism (DOT) has been doing and what the nation has achieved with regards to attracting foreign tourists.

While DOT has been working very hard to make the nation a more competitive tourism destination in Asia in accordance to the master plan, I am concerned about the department’s involvement with promoting the Philippines as an LGBTQIA+ destination. In fact, I can say it is a big turn-off as it can lead to new incidents and criminal activities that will affect local societies which the stakeholders cannot anticipate.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article of September 28, 2023. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippine government on Thursday vowed to promote inclusive travel in its bid to position the country as an LGBTQI+-friendly destination in the region.

During the first Tourism Pride Summit in Makati City, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the Philippines plans to implement programs and initiate government interventions to address the unique challenges that the community faces when traveling.

The summit, she said, is one intervention to spark conversation and give members of the LGBTQIA+ a platform where they can share experiences and suggestions on how the government can make travel enjoyable and safe for them.

“Under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., he seeks a tourism industry that is inclusive, where no destination and no stakeholder is left behind in the development of our country,” Frasco said.

“That is why in our effort to reach our hand of collaboration to the farthest reaches of our country, we reach out our hand of collaboration as well to the many sectors that are involved in tourism, especially and including the LGBTQIA+ community,” she added.

Frasco noted that LGBTQIA+ tourism presents vast opportunities for growing the Philippine tourism industry portfolio.

Citing data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Frasco said there are an estimated 36 million LGBTQIA+ travelers around the world.

“We recognize the strength of capitalizing on LGBTQIA+ tourism considering that it is a USD200 billion industry that’s only slated to grow at half a trillion dollar industry by 2030,” she said.

Obviously the DOT is determined to attract as many LGBTQIA+ foreign tourists as possible as well as their money so that it could help them reach their financial goals and add to the momentum to make the Philippines a major tourist destination by the year 2028.

If ever a huge influx of foreign tourists who identify themselves as homosexuals/transgender/bisexual/transsexual/intersex/non-binary arrive in the Philippines, there is the potential rise of criminal activities involving the acts of the LGBTQIA+ people in the country. Can they behave themselves? Already there is one local LGBT crime that resulted one death. Can you imagine the possibility of more crime happening as more LGBTQIA+ tourists arrived? Can these people really behave themselves?

I am not just talking about sex tourism but also potential violations such as rape, sexual harassment, sexual assault, theft, scams, molestation, kidnapping, murder and other incidents that LGBTQIA+ tourists could commit here in the Philippines as they know they are favored by the DOT. If these specific foreign tourists could add to crime while touring the country, then the “Love the Philippines” slogan of the DOT could end up having a very dirty reputation plus additional embarrassment for the entire nation.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about the DOT’s drive to make the Philippines a more attractive destination for LGBTQIA+ tourists? Do you think the DOT continues to ignore the potential danger that LGBTQIA+ tourists could unleash on Filipinos while they tour the country? Did you encounter a homosexual foreign tourist who committed a crime or victimized a member of your local community? Does the majority of the youth in your local community express themselves as LGBT-friendly or even as LGBT rights activists?

Do you think that the Democrats in America, the Islamo-Leftists and woke activists could be funding LGBTQIA+ people to come to the Philippines for vacationing as well as executing secretive efforts to establish new activists among Filipinos who will blindly fight for LGBT rights in the country?

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

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Over 300 senior citizens vaccinated for pneumonia in Barangay Pamplona Uno, Las Piñas City

March 12, 2024March 5, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced through social media that their health office vaccinated more than three hundred senior citizens during the pneumonia vaccination drive held in Barangay Pamplona Uno.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post dated March 4, 2024. Some parts in boldface…

The City Health Office of Las Piñas conducted another pneumonia vaccination drive for over 300 senior citizens at the Balagtas Covered Court in Barangay Pamplona Uno on Tuesday, February 27.

The event, which saw the participation of Vice Mayor April Aguilar, underscores the Las Piñas City Government’s dedication to the health and safety of its senior residents. This targeted initiative is part of the city’s proactive measures to protect its elderly population from pneumonia, a condition that poses significant health risks to them.

Healthcare professionals were on hand to administer the vaccinations and offer advice on preventive health practices. The organization of the event was carefully planned to accommodate a large turnout, ensuring a smooth and orderly process for all attendees.

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 that the City Government’s health office should conduct more pneumonia vaccination activities before the summer heat really gets intense in the city? Are there many senior citizens in your local community who need pneumonia vaccines 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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PNP tells public to avoid scammers and transact only with legitimate companies when booking for travel

March 11, 2024March 2, 2024carlocarrasco

In recent times, the Philippine National Police (PNP) advised people to avoid scammers, protect their personal information and only transact with legitimate companies with regards to making arrangements for travel as the summer season approaches, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) noticed that scammers have been using digital methods and social media to deceive customers and take their money.

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

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday advised the public to ensure that they are transacting with legitimate companies to avoid falling victims to scams ahead of the summer travel season.

The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) issued the warning due to the upward trend in vacation or travel accommodation scams last year.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo, citing ACG data, said from 39 cases in 2021 and 91 cases in 2022, the police recorded 313 cases in 2023. This year, the police has so far recorded 35 cases.

Criminals utilize social media and digital technology to impersonate legitimate establishments, offering online accommodation services at much lower rates than usual.

However, upon arrival, victims discover that their reservations do not exist in the establishment’s system.

“We would like to take this opportunity to warn and remind our public na mag ingat (to be wary). Katulad ng sinasabi natin (As we have been saying), this is not only limited sa mga (to) vacation scam. Pati nga ‘yung mga nagbebenta ng mga murang services, nagbebenta ng mga ano-anong produkto, mag-ingat tayo especially kung ang kapalit agad nun is magpapadala kayo ng pera without you not knowing kung sino ang mga iyon (This includes those offering cheap services, selling different kinds of products, let’s be wary especially if the scheme means you have to send money without you knowing who are these),” she added.

ACG director Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia Director urged netizens to exercise utmost caution and refrain from providing personal or financial details online without verifying the legitimacy of the recipient.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think the scammers have been victimizing a lot of local travelers lately? Have you seen lots of enticing travel promos on social media that promised huge discounts? If you have been traveling lately, do you do your bookings online or over the counter with a travel agency?

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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New Life Community Care Foundation International, Inc. (NLCOM) feeds families affected by fire incident in Brgy. San Isidro, Parañaque

March 10, 2024March 25, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, a fire razed several homes in Barangay San Isidro which affected three hundred families.

In response, New Life Community Care Foundation International, Inc. (NLCOM) – the compassion arm of New Life Philippines located inside Alabang Hills Village in Muntinlupa City – sent a team to the location and prepared hot meals for the affected families.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the March 6 2024 social media post of NLCOM. Some parts in boldface…

Another fire incident swept a residential area in Barangay San Isidro, Parañaque last Tuesday evening, February 27, 2024. The approximately 300 families (around 900 individuals) displaced are temporarily housed in San Dionisio Gym.

Our NLCOM team, being always #CommunityReady, was able to serve families with hot cooked meals last Saturday afternoon. While the devastation in the fire victims could not be denied, what stood out more was the hope gleaming in the eyes of every individual the team was able to engage with.

Their smiles and heartfelt “thank you’s” showed their remarkable resilience in this time of adversity. Their unity and cooperation as they patiently lined up truly showed the spirit of “Bayanihan.”

For the newcomers reading this, I previously blogged about NLCOM back in 2020 which you can read by clicking here and my most recent blog can viewed by clicking here and here. As mentioned earlier, NLCOM has a history of providing relief to disaster victims and helping them rebuild their lives and communities as they recover.

NLCOM is committed to organizing activities from disaster preparedness trainings, relief goods distribution, mobile kitchen feeding operations, Psychological First Aid to kids and adults traumatized by a disaster, and rebuilding of damaged houses. To get to know NLCOM better, I recommend you watch their official YouTube video below…

If you have decided to help potential disaster victims through NLCOM, be aware that New Life’s compassion arm is accepting donations. You may send your monetary donations to:

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY CARE FOUNDATION INT’L. INC.

PESO CHECKING ACCOUNT:

Unionbank (Richville Branch)

00-133000543-3

US DOLLAR ACCOUNT:

Unionbank (Richville Branch)

13-133000530-7

Swift Code: ubpphphmm

Via PAYPAL:

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nlcomPH

For more information about NLCOM, visit https://nlcom.org.ph/ or visit their office at 2 Don Manolo Boulevard, Alabang Hills Village, Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Contact them at landline 88091542 extension 426.

In ending post, let me share with you a few holy scriptures that should remind you that God is our source, our provider and the blessedness of giving is absolutely true.

And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity].

Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, and [your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God.

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (AMPC)

Those who live to bless others will have blessings heaped upon them, and the one who pours out his life to pour out blessings will be saturated with favor.

Proverbs 11:25 (TPT)

He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and that which he has given He will repay to him.

Proverbs 19:17 (AMPC)

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Dutch bank predicts Philippine economy will grow 5.4% this year

March 8, 2024February 28, 2024carlocarrasco

ING, a bank and financial services firm based in the Netherlands, published its forecast that the economy of the Philippines will grow by 5.4% this year, 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…

Dutch bank ING is projecting a moderate 5.4 percent growth for the Philippines this year, saying the impact of the central bank’s rate hikes could have propelled robust growth but it is handicapped by “soft” capital formation.

The 5.4 percent growth estimate is considerably lower than the government target of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent this year. It is also lower than 2023’s full-year 5.6 percent growth, which was also below the government’s goal of six percent to seven percent.

ING senior economist Nicholas Mapa, in an ING Manila’s economic briefing on Monday, Feb. 19, said domestic growth seems strong this year but “below par as handicaps persist.”

He said one of these handicaps is the lack in capital formation as an impact of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) cumulative rate hikes since May 2022, for a combined 450 basis points to bring the target reverse repurchase rate or the policy rate to 6.5 percent.

Because of this, Mapa said the “missing link” for a within-target growth is private investment and a National Government spending spree not hampered by a “soft” capital formation.

Capital formation is an integral part of GDP growth. However, capital formation and growth prospects were soft in 2023 due to rate hikes and it could persist this year.

For 2024, ING also forecasts inflation of three percent versus an actual six percent in 2023. The forecast is within the BSP’s target of two percent to four percent. It is also lower compared to the risk-adjusted forecast of the BSP of 3.9 percent for 2024.

Mapa also predict the exchange rate will end with a stronger peso this year at P54.90 since he also expects the BSP’s Monetary Board will cut the policy rate by 50 basis points (bps) from 6.5 percent to six percent, thereby boosting the peso performance.

Based on his presentation during the briefing, Mapa expects the first quarter GDP will perform better at six percent compared to the fourth quarter 2023 GDP of 5.6 percent. By the second quarter, he thinks the economy will grow by 6.3 percent but then will drop to 4.7 percent by the third quarter and further down to 4.5 percent in fourth quarter this year.

He said the rate hikes impact bank lending as well as GDP growth, and that the “elevated rates (has kept) capital formation subdued after years of underinvestment.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think ING’s prediction will turn out correct by the end of this year? Do you think that the economy of the Philippines can somehow grow by at least 6% 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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