news – Page 134 – Author Carlo Carrasco

2023 Waterlily Festival in Las Piñas City emphasizes care for the environment, competition winners announced

July 28, 2023July 26, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the 16^th edition of the Waterlily Festival took place which continues to emphasize to local residents the commitment of taking care of the environment, according to a press release published through Senate.gov.ph. The said festival had a slew of activities and competitions that symbolically emphasized environmental care.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the press release. Some parts in boldface…

This year’s celebration of the Las Piñas Waterlily Festival reinforced the commitment of Las Piñas residents to value and protect the environment.

Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, who started the festival in 2005, said the yearly event is not only a celebration or a venue for the city’s most talented performers but also a recognition of the importance of environmental protection.

“Today, the waterlily is no longer a menace or a pest but a symbol of ingenuity, resilience, and community cooperation. It stands as a testament to our collective commitment to preserve our environment,” Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, said.

Villar lauded the shared efforts of Las Piñeros in the rehabilitation of the Las Piñas and Zapote River through the Sagip Ilog Program, an initiative she started when she was Las Piñas Representative. Water hyacinths or what is commonly known as water lilies were considered as aquatic pests clogging the Las Piñas and Zapote River, which caused massive flooding in the city.

One of the most awaited activities of the festival is the Ms. Waterlily Pageant 2023. It is participated in by female candidates fielded by each of the 20 barangays in Las Piñas City. The candidates will be judged according to beauty, intelligence, and the over-all creativity of their respective gowns made of waterlilies.

Candidates are required to create their attire using 100% waterlily. Prizes at stake include Php 30,000 cash, flowers, trophy and crown for the Ms. Las Piñas Waterlily 2023, Php 20,000 cash, trophy and flowers for the First Runner-up, and Php 10,000 cash, trophy and flowers for the Second Runner-up.

This year’s winners are: Francine Anne T. De Castro of Talon Tres, Ms Waterlily 2023; Christine Maico Bautista of Brgy. Talon 5; 1st Runner-up Loiuse Zapanta of Brgy.Pamplona Tres, 2nd Runner-up; Princess Romana De Guzman of Brgy.Almanza Dos as Ms. Photogenic and Ayessa Emille Estrellado of Brgy.Pulang-Lupa Uno as Ms Congeniality. Likewise, designer Nash Leeho of Talon Singko won the best designer award

Also, part of the festivities is the Sayaw Kabataan (SK) Para Sa Kalikasan” Dance Video Contest. This activity requires each barangay to field 10 to 15 youth dancers, who will be dancing to an upbeat song that they have to demonstrate in a 3 to 5-minute dance presentation. The incorporation of waterlilies as a prop, costume, or background, is a requirement for this contest.

Winners of the SK Para sa Kalikasan competition was judged based on their creativity, content, and messaging; choreography, presentation, and originality; and video presentation. The following prizes are up for grabs: Champion Php 30,000 and trophy, First Runner-up: Php 20,000 and trophy, Second Runner-up: Php 10,000 and trophy.

This year’s SK para sa Kalikasan this year are; Remake Family of Brgy. BF International-CAA, Grand Champion; Talon Youth for Progress Organization Dance Company of Brgy.Talon Uno, First Runner-up; Fusion Flames of Brgy.Talon Singko, second runner-up and People’s Choice; and Ry Ultra of Brgy Ilaya, Best in Costume.

To get a glimpse of what the 2023 Waterlily Festival looked like, watch this related Manila Bulletin video clip below…

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? Were you able to attend in person the Waterlily Festival this year?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below 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

Bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 now available in Las Piñas City for qualified patients

July 28, 2023July 26, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government officially launched the administering of bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 specifically starting with the health workers, the senior citizens and other qualified patients, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. As of this writing, there are three sites in the city where qualified patients can visit to avail of the bivalent vaccines.

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

The Las Piñas City government has started administering bivalent vaccines against Covid-19 to health workers and senior citizens in the city on Wednesday, July 26.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said, based on the advisory of the City Health Office (CHO), that all frontline health workers including their immediate family members aged 18 years-old and above can now receive the bivalent vaccine.

Aguilar said overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) bound for deployment within the next four months, along with senior citizens can also avail of the vaccine.

Individuals belonging to these groups can get vaccinated in any of the three vaccination sites designated by the city government — Robinsons Mall, SM Center, and Villages Square.

The above article ended stating that the administering of bivalent vaccines (for the 3^rd booster shot) is scheduled from 8AM to 4PM.

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? If you are interested to avail of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine, have you checked already if you are qualified? Do you think bivalent vaccines are still needed as COVID-19 infections have been minimal in recent times? Have you kept all your COVID-19 records?

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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Maldives lawmakers in Muntinlupa City

July 27, 2023July 25, 2023carlocarrasco

In the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the City Government hosted a delegation of lawmakers from Maldives who were on an official visit, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Mayor Rufino Biazon led the local officials in hosting them.

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

Lawmakers from Maldives, a country located in the Indian Ocean, visited Muntinlupa and met with officials led by Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

The delegation from Baa Atoll in the Maldives, led by council chief Ahmed Afrah, arrived in Muntinlupa for a working visit and study tour.

“We warmly welcome our friends from The Maldives delegation and we are privileged to share with them what we know about local governance in Muntinlupa,” Mayor Ruffy Biazon said.

He added, “They have come a long way to explore and learn more about the local government’s practices and gain more insights. We hope our visitors took away valuable lessons from us.”

After meeting Biazon, the Maldives officials attended the weekly session of the Muntinlupa City Council to learn about the city’s legislative procedures.

Atoll chief Ahmed Afrah also gave a privilege speech during the session, saying, “We are grateful for the very warm welcome and accommodation given us by the City Government, and we have learned a lot from the orderly way that the (Muntinlupa) council holds its regular session.“

The Maldives has a total population of 515,132 as of 2022, according to the Maldives Bureau of Statistics.

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 wish to see more foreign lawmakers to visit Muntinlupa and learn from the local officials?

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

High-priority infrastructure projects to be financed by Maharlika Investment Fund

July 27, 2023July 25, 2023carlocarrasco

Just days after signing into law the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., stressed during his 2^nd State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the new law will finance the high-priority infrastructure projects of the Philippines, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said the newly established Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) would be used to fund high-priority projects.

“For strategic financing, some of the nation’s high-priority projects can now look to the newly established Maharlika Investment Fund, without the added debt burden,” Marcos said in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The MIF is the Philippines’ first-ever sovereign wealth fund designed to catalyze economic development by mobilizing government financial assets.

“In pooling a small fraction of the considerable but underutilized government funds, the Maharlika Fund shall be used to make high-impact and profitable investments, such as the ‘Build Better More’ program,” Marcos said.

He said the gains from the Fund shall be reinvested into the country’s economic well-being.

To ensure sound financial management, Marcos assured that a group of internationally recognized economic managers shall oversee the operations of the Fund, guided by principles of transparency and accountability.

“This guarantees that investment decisions will be based on financial considerations alone, absent any political influence,” Marcos said.

“The funds for the social security and public health insurance of our people shall remain intact and separate.”

The Department of Finance (DOF) earlier said the Fund can look into big-ticket infrastructure such as in green and blue projects, countryside development, and other employment-generating projects.

For the newcomers reading this, if you want to understand what a sovereign wealth fund is and how it would work with the Philippines in mind, watch the video below…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you able to watch President Marcos’ 2^nd SONA?

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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Marcos emphasizes digitalization and online payment systems

July 26, 2023July 24, 2023carlocarrasco

During his 2^nd State of the Nation Address (SONA) this past Monday, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., emphasized the focus on digitalization and online payment systems for efficiency, achieving public service, easing the processes of doing business and cutting graft and corruption, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report.

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

During his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said digitalization helps in frontline services, back-end functions, as well as supports the government in “data-driven and science-based planning and decision-making.”

“Digitalization is the call of today; not of the future –but of the present. It is here. It is needed, and it is needed today,” Marcos said.

He said government streamlining efforts through digitalization has so far “significantly boosted efficiency” such as in government payments, company and business registration, issuance of permits and licenses, loan applications, and revenue collections.

“All our digitalization efforts will be linked to our payment systems, whose digital transformation has been accelerating at a remarkable rate,” he added.

In 2022 alone, Marcos said digital payments accounted for 42 percent of total retail payments for businesses, individuals, and by the government.

“Its high trajectory is now well-positioned to achieve Bangko Sentral’s target of 50 percent of total retail payments by this year,” he said.

Digital payments – Marcos cited the rise in the share of retail digital payments to 42 percent of the total in 2022, almost near the 50 percent share target of the Bangko Sentral ng ng Pilipinas (BSP) by this year.

Based on the BSP’s 2022 Status of Digital Payments report released last June, digital payments were only 1 percent of the total in 2013.

It rose to 10 percent in 2018, 14 percent in 2019, 20.1 percent in 2020, and 30.3 percent in 2021.

Retail payment transactions grew by 611.7 million in terms of volume in 2022 relative to the previous year, BSP data show.

In 2022 alone, payments made by persons accounted for 68.6 percent of the total, and were followed by the payments made by businesses, 30.3 percent; and payments made by the government, 1.1 percent.

Of the total, 90.6 percent of digital payments volume were accounted for by person-to-business (P2B) payments, 73.7 percent; person-to-person (P2P) and business-to-person (B2P), 14.7 percent; and salaries and wage payments, 2.2 percent.

Authorities have attributed the big rise in digital payments to the impact of the pandemic, which prevented most people from going out, thus the need to do online transactions for most of their purchases.

Marcos said the country’s financial system, which he describes as “the nerve center of our economy”, “remains strong and stable.”

He said banks, the monetary policy’s transmission arms, “have strong capital and liquidity positions.”

With the easing of restrictions put in place during the pandemic, Marcos said, “transactions once again flourished—alongside the booming e-commerce that was undeterred by the pandemic.”

“In 2022, the digital economy contributed PHP2 trillion, equivalent to 9.4 percent of our GDP (gross domestic product). The economy is revived and rejuvenated, backstopped by a favorable enabling environment and the strong rule of law,” he said.

eGov PH app – To eliminate redundancy and further ensure ease of use, Marcos showcased the eGov PH mobile app that aims to integrate all key government services for the convenience of its users.

“The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has been directed to consolidate all these digitalized government services into the eGov PH app to establish the National Government Portal and the Philippine Business Databank, and to improve the internet speed in our country,” he said.

On the other hand, Marcos said the National ID System will serve as the core of a “digitally transformed network of government services.”

To date, he said the National ID System reported around 87 percent total registration.

“We are now closer to establishing a complete, accurate, and reliable digital database of our entire population. This has already been integrated into the eGov PH app, and can be accessed by our citizens,” he added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Have you been using digital or online methods to settle your dues with government units?

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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COVID-19 Crisis: Marcos officially lifts COVID-19 state of public health emergency

July 25, 2023July 23, 2023carlocarrasco

In case you missed the biggest update related to COVID-19 in the Philippines, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., officially lifted the state of public health emergency related to novel coronavirus, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. Take note that the said state of emergency pertaining to public health had lasted more than three years and the nation has clearly recovered from the negative effects of the pandemic. Many millions of Filipinos got vaccinated for COVID-19 while a growing number of businesses have been reporting the best financial results since the pre-pandemic age.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has formally lifted the state of public health emergency declared due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Malacañang announced on Saturday.

Marcos on Friday issued Proclamation 297, lifting the nationwide declaration of a public health emergency due to Covid-19, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement.

“All prior orders, memoranda, and issuances that are effective only during the State of Public Health Emergency shall be deemed withdrawn, revoked or canceled and shall no longer be in effect,” according to the proclamation.

Under Proclamation 297, all government agencies are enjoined to ensure that their policies, rules, and regulations will take into consideration the lifting of the state of public health emergency.

Government agencies are also instructed to amend existing or promulgate new issuances, as may be appropriate.

Garafil said all emergency use authorization (EUA) issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under Executive Order (EO) 121 issued in 2020 would remain valid for one year from the date of issuance of Proclamation 297 “for the sole purposes of exhausting the remaining vaccines.”

EO 131 authorizes the FDA to issue EUAs for Covid-19 vaccines, which shall be valid only within the duration of the declared public health emergency.

“The proclamation also states that although Covid-19 remains to be a serious concern for certain subpopulation and requires continued public health response, the country has maintained sufficient health care system capacity and low hospital bed utilization rates even after the liberalization of Covid-19 health protocols,” Garafil said.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation 922 on March 8, 2020, declaring a state of public health emergency after the first Covid-19 transmission reported by the Department of Health (DOH).

On May 4 this year, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) noted the decreasing trend in Covid-related deaths, the decline in hospitalizations and intensive care unit admission, and the high levels of population immunity to SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2).

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on May 5 concurred with the committee’s advice and determined that Covid-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. Ghebreyesus advised the transition to long-term management of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In May, Marcos said the country is already “on normal footing” after the WHO lifted the global state of public health emergency.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the lifting of the COVID-19 state of public health emergency will impact local societies around 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 3 million foreign tourist arrivals counted by the Philippines (January 1 to July 19)

July 24, 2023July 19, 2023carlocarrasco

Even as the Department of Tourism (DOT) is still recovering from the huge embarrassment about a certain tourism video connected with their Love The Philippines slogan, the nation’s tourism sector is undeniably rising strongly as over 3 million foreign tourist arrivals this year as of July 19, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. Take note that the official target for the entire 2023 is 4.8 million foreign tourists and the nation attracted a total of 2.65 million foreign tourists in 2022.

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

The Philippines has recorded more than three million international visitor arrivals seven months into the year, closing in on its target 4.8 million tourists in 2023.

The latest data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) recorded a total of 3,000,079 international visitor arrivals from Jan. 1 to July 19 this year.

The country’s inbound tourism receipts from Jan. 1 to June 30 also climbed to PHP212.4 billion or 502.02 percent higher than the PHP35.6 billion generated from the same period last year.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, who is currently on leave, said these post-pandemic figures reflect the sector’s “robust recovery” and the gains of the Marcos administration toward tourism resurgence.

“Tourism provides employment and livelihood to millions of Filipinos. We are grateful for the renewed interest worldwide in the Philippines, which offers a multitude of reasons to love travel across our islands,” she said. “We thank as well our fellow Filipinos who continue to travel domestically, supporting our local communities and families who are all part of the tourism value chain.”

Of the arrivals, 91.36 percent, or 2,740,802 are foreign tourists and the rest are returning overseas Filipinos.

South Korea ranked the highest in the number of arrivals with 741,658 (24.72 percent) followed by the United States with 550,569 (18.35 percent); Australia with 146,062 (4.87 percent); Japan with 143,227 (4.77 percent); and Canada with 132,018 (4.4 percent).

Other top source markets are China with 129,077 visitors (4.3 percent); Taiwan with 104,211 (3.47 percent); United Kingdom with 85,847 (2.86 percent); Singapore with 81,656 (2.72 percent); and Malaysia with 54,411 (1.81 percent).

The DOT earlier said it sought to reach 4.8 million in foreign visitors by the end of 2023.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines could possibly attract 6 million foreign tourist arrivals by the end this year considering the latest numbers achieved?

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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Raided Las Piñas City firm files complaint against PNP

July 24, 2023July 21, 2023carlocarrasco

The firm in Las Piñas City that got raided responded by filing an ejectment case against the Philippine National Police (PNP), according to a news report by GMA Network. Take note that this is the same firm that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) ordered to be shut down and there were foreign fugitives among those found during the raid (click here and here).

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

A firm that was involved in a police raid in Las Piñas City filed an ejectment case against the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday over their alleged continued stay at the compound.

“We filed the case because PNP had been continuously occupying the compound which is a private property, even after the expiration of the search warrants on July 7, 2023,” Christian Vargas, the legal counsel of the Xinchuang Network Technology, told GMA News Online.

Vargas said this is a “dangerous practice” and is a violation of the company’s constitutional right as it is being deprived of its property without due process.

“The duty of the PNP is to uphold and enforce the law and not take the law into its own hands. Nakakatakot ito kasi maari itong maging precedent in taking possession of a private property by our authorities by virtue of a search warrant,” he said.

(The duty of the PNP is to uphold and enforce the law and not take the law into its own hands. This is scary because this may set the precedent in taking possession of private property by our authorities by virtue of a search warrant.)

According to Vargas, Xinchuang sent several demand letters to police authorities asking them to vacate the premises, but they refused.

“They refused to leave the premises and instead made use of the same as their detention and holding facility for the foreigners still detained inside,” he said.

Vargas said the case was filed before a Las Piñas metropolitan trial court and will be raffled off.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the PNP but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.

On June 27, authorities implemented a search warrant over an alleged human trafficking situation in the compound. Police reported that 1,534 Filipinos and 1,190 foreigners were rescued.

Vargas has denied allegations of human trafficking or illegal activities taking place at Xhinchuang. He said that the business of the company is legitimate.

Court grants writ of habeas corpus

Meanwhile, the Las Piñas regional trial court granted the petition of the suspects arrested during the raid to be removed from state custody, according to a “24 Oras” report by Saleema Refran.

“Ang sinabi ng korte sa kanyang order is that their detention, continued detention inside the compound is illegal and the police as well as all the other agencies which are there have no reason for them to be detained inside,” Vergara said.

(The court said in their order that their detention, their continued detention inside the compound is illegal, and the police as well as all the other agencies which are there have no reason for them to be detained inside.)

According to the lawyer, the foreign nationals will remain in the country to face their charges. The hearings for the writ of habeas corpus they filed are scheduled for next week.

The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) respects the court decision but said the “granting of the habeas corpus doesn’t necessarily follow that the case we have against these suspects is dismissed”.

“We respect the court’s decision. The granting of the habeas corpus doesn’t necessarily follow that the case we have against these suspects is dismissed. We will continue to fight until justice is served,” PNP-ACG Spokesperson Police Captain Michelle Sabino.

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 PNP is at fault with regards to occupying the premises of the raided business? Do you think human trafficking really happened?

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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Pamplona Hospital and Medical Center officially accredited for Las Piñas City Green Card program

July 21, 2023July 19, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, the Pamplona Hospital and Medical Center has been accredited officially by the City Government for inclusion in the local Green Card program, 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…

Patients of the Pamplona Hospital and Medical Center can now avail of the benefits included in Las Pinas City’s green card program after the hospital received its accreditation from the local government.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the city government added Pamplona Hospital and Medical Center to the growing list of accredited facilities for the green card program, citing it as a significant step towards enhancing health accessibility for its residents.

The green card program provides free hospitalization worth P30,000 to its residents, Aguilar said.

The inclusion of the hospital is set to further widen its reach and ensure better medical care for the city’s population, the mayor added.

The other hospitals in the city that are accredited to use the green card are Perpetual Help Medical Center-Las Piñas; Las Piñas Doctor’s Hospital, San Juan de Dios Hospital, Philippine General Hospital, and Las Piñas City Medical Center.

The mayor said the City Health Office (CHO) has outlined a smooth transition plan to integrate private hospitals into the green card program.

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 there many Green Card holders 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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Philippines crime rate falls down by more than 10% in first half of 2023

July 20, 2023July 17, 2023carlocarrasco

Based on the statistics released by the Philippine National Police (PNP), the national crime rate fell down by over 10% during the period of January-June 2023, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. Take note that the statistics do not even country cyber crime.

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

The country’s crime rate has dropped by 10.14 percent in the first six months this year as compared to the same period in 2022, Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said there is continuing decline in peace and order indicators, particularly in index crime, from 20,765 in January to June 2022 down to 18,660 for the same period this year.

The eight focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, robbery, theft, vehicle theft, motorcycle theft and rape.

Index crimes are serious crimes such as murder, homicide, physical injury, robbery, rape, theft and carjacking, while non-index crimes are violations of local ordinances and laws and vehicular accidents.

Citing collated data across the country, Fajardo said carnapping of vehicles registered the highest decline with 28.90 percent or from 173 from January to June in 2022 to 123 this year.

This was followed by physical injury with 20.01 percent, or from 2,893 to 2,314; and rape with 18.19 percent, or from 5,025 to 4,111.

Theft also went down by 9.33 percent, or from 6,506 to 5,899; caranapping of motorcycles with 8.82 percent decline, or from 998 to 910; and, murder with 1.89 percent, or from 2,177 to 2,077.

Robbery, however, went up by 6.86 percent, or from 2,434 to 2,601; while homicide with 2.75 percent increase, or from 511 to 525.

The figures, however, do not include cybercrimes which were earlier reported to have increased by around 192 percent nationwide, and 152 percent in Metro Manila.

“We are now conducting a study to determine if these cybercrime-related activities could be included in our index crimes,” Fajardo told reporters in a press briefing held at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Based on the data released by the PNP-AntiCybercrime Group, a total of 4,104 SIM card-aided crimes were reported from January to June this year, compared to only 1,415 in the same period in 2022.

SIM card-aided crimes, according to PNP-ACG, include GCash-related transactions, text scams, bank frauds and fake news.

The PNP-ACG, however, noted that it solved almost all of the reported incidents.

Fajardo said a technical working group (TWG) was created to look into suggestions that cybercrime-related incidents must be included since they are both crimes against property and persons.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you feel safer knowing that the national crime rate fell down by over 10% during the first half of this year?

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

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