Muntinlupa City’s Top 10 taxpayers lauded

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the Top 10 taxpayers of the city were lauded for their tremendous economic contributions which played a key role in local recovery from the downturn of the COVID-19 crisis, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. They were commended by Mayor Ruffy Biazon during the 28th cityhood anniversary celebrations on March 1.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon commended the top 10 taxpayers and the business community for helping in reviving the local economy especially after the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the 28th Muntinlupa cityhood anniversary on March 1, the top 10 taxpayers were recognized.

They were Filinvest Alabang, Inc.; Ford Group Philippines, Inc.; Filinvest Land Inc. – Festival Supermall; Ayala Land Inc.; Filinvest Reit Corporation; Meralco Business Center; Amkor Technology Philippines; Capital One Philippines Support Services Corporation; GenPact Services LLC Philippines, Inc.; and Insular Life Assurance Company Ltd.

In his State of the City Address, Biazon said Muntinlupa is “steadily bouncing back” from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, which crippled the economy and resulted in people losing their jobs.

“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 liveable and more responsive city for Muntinlupeños,” Biazon said.

Taxpayers, including business establishments, have fueled the city’s economic recovery from the pandemic, posting P6.033 billion in total revenues with 101.09 percent collection efficiency.

In addition, the city government recorded 12,232 registered businesses as of January 2023, up 59 percent from 7,651 registered businesses in the same period last year.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Are you thankful to the mentioned companies that made the Top 10 list of taxpayers? Are you confident with the City Government’s role with the local economy?

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

Showing proof of vaccination and wearing of masks no longer required in Philippine tourism enterprises

Having been to Israel recently where locals and tourists are no longer burdened by COVID-19 related restrictions and requirements, I noticed that the Philippines is behind in terms of freedom (from COVID-19 restrictions) on the part of people, businesses and tourists. In short, the Philippines still has yet to fully move on to post-pandemic life.

As the Philippines really needs to attract more tourists from overseas this year and fully revive the tourist industry as a whole, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced recently the scrapping of mask wearing and proof of vaccination as requirements in tourism enterprises around the country, the Manila Bulletin reported. In other words, tourists and tourism-related business joints will have lesser COVID-19 hassles to deal with.

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

As the country’s tourist destinations become more open for travelers, showing proof of vaccination and wearing masks are no longer required in tourism enterprises, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Monday, March 6.

Supporting the “national government’s liberalization of the COVID-19 restrictions in the country”, the DOT released the Memorandum Circular (MC) 2023-0002 to further ease health and safety guidelines governing the operations of tourism establishments. According to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, the MC is a follow-through of the efforts they started last year to assist the economic hardships of tourism stakeholders by issuing regulations pushing for the opening of the country to tourism.

“This latest issuance on the relaxed health and safety guidelines for tourism establishments reinforces the Department of Tourism’s commitment towards addressing the economic hardships of the tourism industry brought about by the lockdowns and restrictions of the pandemic,” she noted.

Our country is open for tourism, and that we are keeping up with global practices on tourism operations that have already opened up worldwide,” she went on.

The tourism department already made similar issuances last year through its Office of Tourism Standards and Regulation (OTSR) and regional offices following the signing of Executive Order No. 7, which mandated the voluntary wearing of mask in indoor and outdoor settings.

It can be recalled that the OTSR issued Memorandum 2022-509 in November 2022 reiterating the voluntary wearing of face masks and the waning requirement on the presentation of proof of full vaccination in tourism enterprises.

Last month, on the other hand, the Department of Trade and Industry Safety Seal Secretariat announced the discontinuance of the Safety Seal Certification Program, the voluntary certification scheme affirming that an establishment is compliant with the minimum public health standards set by the government and uses or integrates its contact tracing with staysafe.ph.

Through DOT MC 2023-0002, the DOT ordered the lifting of the previous administration’s earlier requirement for tourism establishments to install plastic, acrylic barriers, and dividers in designated areas, and likewise ordered the removal of signages, visual cues, and other installations on mandatory protocols, which have since been liberalized by the national government.

“In adherence to the country’s policy shifts on minimum public health standards, the DOT also announced that it shall no longer issue the PH Safety Seal and WTTC Safe Travels Stamp to tourism enterprises found compliant to guidelines set in accordance with Joint Memorandum Circular No. 21-01 issued by the DOT and other national government agencies on the Safety Seal Certification Program, and Memorandum Circular 2022-003, respectively,” it was disclosed.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Do you think the latest moves by the DOT will make the Philippines a more convenient and friendlier place for both local and foreign tourists? Do you think that the Department of Health (DOH) should stay away from the tourism industry and let the DOT handle all the COVID-19 related matters? If you are managing a business trying to attract tourists, what is the one thing about COVID-19 rules that harms your business the most?

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

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

Muntinlupa City’s Raul Corro elected as Philippine Councilors League (PCL) national chairman

The highly progressive city of Muntinlupa is in the spotlight once more as incumbent City Councilor Raul Corro got elected as the national chairman of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. It should be noted that Corro, who has an established record of public service in Muntinlupa, was endorsed for the leadership post.

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

Muntinlupa Councilor Raul Corro was elected national chairman of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL), the association of municipal and city councilors.

Corro was endorsed to the position by leaders such as outgoing president Jose Nelson Tata Sala, former national chairman Alan Zulueta, former president Luis Chavit Singson, and various other groups and regional leagues.

We join the Sangguniang Panlungsod and the rest of the City in offering our warmest congratulations to Atty. Corro, a true-blue Muntinlupeño who is a model of public service. We are truly proud of you,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

Corro is credited by the PCL National Board for the approval of the law granting professional eligibility to Sanggunian members who are college students and who have completed three elected terms in office but have not yet taken the Civil Service examinations.

He is also recognized as responsible for the granting of salary step increments to elected officials. This benefit was previously limited to appointed officials in government service. 

Prior to his unopposed election as national chairman, Corro served the 17,000-member PCL as chairman of the Advocacy Committee and regional chairman for the National Capital Region (NCR)

In the last five local elections, Corro has consistently been ranked the top councilor in Muntinlupa, where he is currently the majority floor leader

The above report ended stating that the City Council of Muntinlupa approved unanimously a resolution recognizing Corro.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted to learn about Corro’s election as national chairman of the PCL? What do you hope to see from the PCL under Corro’s leadership?

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

MMDA to hold dry run for single ticketing system in first or second week of April 2023

The proposed single ticketing system for Metro Manila will be executed in the form of a dry run by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) during the first or second week of April 2023, according to a news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to hold a dry run for the implementation of the single ticketing system in the first or second week of April.

MMDA acting chair Don Artes said Thursday seven local government units in Metro Manila have expressed their readiness for the dry run. These are the cities of San Juan, Muntinlupa, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Parañaque, Manila, and Caloocan.

The single ticketing system across Metro Manila is nearing full implementation. There is a need to conduct a dry run to increase public awareness,” Artes said during the Metro Manila Council (MMC) meeting at the MMDA’s new head office in Pasig City.

To recall, Metro Manila local chief executives adopted the single ticketing system through the approval of the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, which provides for a system of interconnectivity among government instrumentalities involved in the transport and traffic management in the metropolis with harmonized fines and penalties.

Artes added that the Land Transportation Office drafted a memorandum of agreement (MOA) regarding interconnectivity with LGUs and data privacy agreement.

“LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Jay Art Tugade has committed to submit the MOA tomorrow,” he added.

MMC president and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora emphasized the importance of a single ticketing system.

The implementation of the single ticketing system will highly benefit our motorists because they have the option to pay through online channels for their violations,” Zamora said.

Under the single ticketing system, it will be easier for traffic violators in the National Capital Region to settle their penalties through Bayad Centers all over the country or through mobile apps.

Present during the meeting were Mayors Vico Sotto of Pasig, Ruffy Biazon of Muntinlupa, Weslie Gatchalian of Valenzuela, Emi Calixto-Rubiano of Pasay, Jeannie Sandoval of Malabon, and Miguel Ponce III of Pateros.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Do you think the single ticketing system will prove to be effective and helpful? If you were apprehended for a traffic violation and get slapped with a penalty, do you prefer to settle the penalty by paying through mobile apps and Bayad Centers?

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

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

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

President Marcos says special powers not needed to curb inflation

In recent times, inflation has been strong in the Philippines and no less than the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) confirmed this as it made its February 2023 inflation forecast. In relation to the high inflation, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos stressed that special powers are not needed to combat inflation, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

There is no need to ask for special powers to ease inflation, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Wednesday, noting that several interventions are already in place to manage the prices of basic commodities.

Marcos made the remark a day after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that the country’s headline inflation could surpass the 9 percent level in February because of high prices of cooking gas and key food items.

I do not think that it is necessary to ask for special powers,” he said in a chance interview on the sidelines of an event at the Rizal Park, when asked if he is considering asking Congress to grant him special powers to curb inflation.

I already have the power to declare an emergency and to control the prices of commodities. So, I don’t think there’s any need for more than that. That is efficient,” he added.

On Tuesday, the BSP said the inflation rate in February may fall within the range of 8.5 to 9.3 percent, citing the upside risks from higher prices of cooking gas and food items such as pork, fish, egg, and sugar.

Despite the BSP’s latest forecast, Marcos remained bullish that consumer prices would go down, saying his administration is exhausting all efforts to boost the supply of agricultural products.

“The other elements of inflation hindi natin masyado ma-control, kaya meron tayong ginagawang ganito para makabawi naman doon sa pagtaas ng presyo (We could not control the other elements of inflation, that’s why we are making a way to address the rise in prices of basic commodities),” he said.

Several lawmakers, including House Speaker Martin Romualdez, have expressed openness to granting Marcos special powers to curtail inflation.

In January, inflation accelerated further to 8.7 percent from 8.1 percent posted in December 2022.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you confident that the national authorities have what it takes to ease inflation without granting the President special powers? Do you see the current inflation as a temporary problem or as a longer lasting problem?

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Biazon declares city steadily bouncing back

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

2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) set July 3 to 7, campaign period set October 19 to 28

Recently, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) for this year’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will start on July 3 until July 7, 2023, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report. The BSKE itself will happen on October 30, 2023.

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

Filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) for the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will begin July 3.

In Resolution No. 10899, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) set the filing period from July 3 to 7.

Campaign activities are prohibited from July 8 to Oct. 18 while the campaign period will be on Oct. 19 to 28.

It will be illegal to remove or deface lawful propaganda materials; use or post illegal campaign materials; use armored land, water or air crafts; deploy police officers as bodyguards; release public funds; and construct village-funded roads and bridges during the campaign period.

During the election period from July 3 to Nov. 14, it is forbidden to bear or carry firearms; use security personnel; buy and sell votes; transfer civil service employees; and suspend local elective officials.

On the eve of election day, campaigning shall be banned as well as selling, buying, serving, and taking intoxicating liquor.

Voting will start 7 a.m. and end 3 p.m.

The counting and canvassing of votes as well as the proclamation of winning candidates shall take place immediately after the close of voting.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? If you are indeed eligible to vote this year, are you willing to participate in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) this October? Did you notice signs of premature campaigning 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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

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 City Government commended by Anti-Red Tape agency for simplifying business permit and licensing procedures

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the City Government of Muntinlupa was commended by Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) over the simplifying of business permits and licensing procedures, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.  

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

The Muntinlupa City government received a commendation from a national government agency for simplifying business permit and license procedures.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon received the commendation for the city government’s Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS) initiative from the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) under the Office of the President.

In a letter addressed to Biazon, ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez said “we would like to convey our appreciation and commendation to the City Government of Muntinlupa as one of the LGUs that simplified business permit application, addressed systemic issues in the local permits and licenses, and introduced reforms and technology-enabled applications and systems that paved way to a seamless and efficient process.

The eBOSS is one of the centerpiece initiatives of the City Government, bringing together all the necessary permits and licensing offices in one location, and since the pandemic, now can be done online. Aspiring and existing entrepreneurs can now apply for a business license without having to visit the city hall.

The BOSS program has been considered one of Muntinlupa’s best practices, with local government units visiting the City to learn first-hand about it. The pandemic, with physical-distancing a necessity, eventually paved the way for the original BOSS program to go digital.

We applaud the City Government for setting the standards among the cities and municipalities. It is our hope that the City Government will continue what it has started and even exceed what was previously accomplished for the continuous realization of the ease of doing business in the Philippines. Again, congratulations on your significant contribution in the country!” Perez told Biazon.

After monitoring eBOSS, Perez said the Muntinlupa City government “has successfully implemented all functionalities in setting-up the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS) required by the law and as further stated in ARTA-DTI-DILG-DICT Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1, series of 2021 or the ‘Guidelines for Processing Business Permits, Related Clearances and Licenses in All Cities and Municipalities.’”

The said implementation of all functionalities initiated by the [Muntinlupa] City Government, backed up with significant results set the LGU as a model city where various cities and municipalities have been using as benchmark in their own business permit system,” he added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? If you are a local business owner or manager, how would you describe your experience of getting your business license in the city? Does ARTA’s commendation to Muntinlupa make you feel more confident about the local business permit and licensing procedures?

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

AIA Philippines’ investment management arm expresses optimism of robust growth of the Philippine economy

Recently, the investment management arm of AIA Philippines expressed confidence that the Philippine economy will continue to have robust growth in connection with what they claim to be an expanding manufacturing sector, according to news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

An official of the investment management arm of AIA Philippines is optimistic on the robust growth of the domestic economy as the manufacturing sector continues to expand.

In a briefing on Thursday, AIA Investment Management and Trust Corporation Philippines (AIAIM Philippines) chief executive officer Angie Pacis said the country’s manufacturing sector is expected to continue posting expansion following the seven-month high manufacturing index in January 2023.

“Notwithstanding the slight weakening of the business confidence and consumer confidence, businesses will still be on a growth track,” she said.

The S&P Global Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) hit 53.5 in the first month this year. An index of 50 and above indicate expansion while those below 50 indicate contraction.

Pacis said forecasts point to continued 50-level index in the coming months.

Pacis also identified demographic dividends as among the factors that will help boost domestic growth this year given the large number of young people who are part of the workforce.

It’s a young population, it’s a big population with a growing middle class that is actually becoming stronger. Because of that, we will continue to attract investments notwithstanding some of the structural problems,” she added.

These factors are seen to boost one-year-old AIAIM Philippine business, which currently offers three unit investment trust funds (UITFS) namely AIA Peso Adventurous Fund, AIA Peso Balanced Fund and AIA Peso Conservative Fund.

Pacis said the products they are offering are exclusively available for AIA Philippines policy holders for now, while the assets amounting to PHP155 billion they currently have will be handled purely without catering to outside investors.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Were you able to understand the explanations from AIA Philippines investment management arm?

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

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

Back-to-back fire incidents in Muntinlupa cause Mayor to advise residents to be careful

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon advised locals to be careful as the city had back-to-back incidents of fire which left many families homeless, 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 advised residents to be careful in light of the successive fire incidents in the city that left more than 100 families homeless.

“From January up until this past week, we have seen more fire incidents even before we have reached March, which is Fire Prevention Month. “We want to remind all Muntinlupeños to be extra vigilant in practicing fire prevention because it is really hard to lose everything in a fire,” he said.

He told the public to “be careful and never leave open flames in the house, like stoves or candles. Let’s work together so we don’t have any more fires like this.

In just nine days, three fires broke out in residential areas, affecting 112 families in Muntinlupa.

On Feb. 11, a fire engulfed six houses at Hacienda Rosario in Purok 2, Barangay Sucat, affecting 17 families or 53 individuals, according to a report by the Muntinlupa Social Services Department (SSD).

In Barangay Poblacion, a fire hit a residential area on Quezon Street on Feb. 17, razing 19 structures and leaving 49 families, or 181 individuals, homeless.

On Feb. 19, another fire razed 27 structures on Concepcion Road, Barangay Buli, affecting 26 families or 130 individuals.

Biazon called on all households and sectors, including the barangay councils, to work together to prevent or at least reduce the incidence of fire in the city

The mayor voiced his concern to Muntinlupeños during his visit on Feb. 20 to the 46 families affected by the February 19 fire on Concepcion Road in Barangay Buli.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? As a local resident, do you think it is time for the local authorities to initiate information campaigns that can educate local residents to prevent fire from happening?

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