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Deals Worth $4.2 Million Signed To Expand Nuclear Cooperation

February 24, 2026February 18, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently the effort to integrate nuclear power into the energy mix of the Philippines moved a few steps forward as deals with American companies worth $4.2 million were formally signed, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE PHILIPPINES is gaining more support from the United States in its goal of integrating nuclear power into the national energy mix in the next six years as it sealed $4.2 million worth of deals with US companies.

Government agencies and private companies from the Philippines and the US on Monday entered into memoranda of understanding which are aimed at exploring deployment of nuclear technology and supporting nuclear workforce development in the country.

“The Philippine Energy Plan sets clear direction for an energy future — 1,200 megawatts (MW)by 2032. And that is not moving until somebody tells us that it’s impossible,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said in her speech during the signing ceremony in Makati City on Monday.

“These targets demand preparation, anchored in discipline, safety, and capacity. As we pursue energy security and a responsible transition, we must invest in our people as deliberately as we invest in infrastructure,” she added.

Under the Philippine Energy Plan, the country aims to integrate nuclear energy into the power mix with at least 1,200 MW of capacity by 2032, rising to 2,400 MW by 2045 and to 4,800 MW by 2050.

“We want to work together to get the Philippines to the finish line on nuclear energy,” Ann K. Ganzer, principal deputy assistant secretary at the US Department of State’s Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation, said.

“Beyond acquiring the technology and establishing robust regulations, to achieve that 2032 goal, the most vital elements will be assessing sites for commercial reactor and developing the skilled workforce needed to design, construct, operate, regulate and sustain advanced nuclear plants for generations to come,” she added.

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s largest private electric distribution utility, secured a $2.7-million grant from the United States Trade and Development Agency to help the company assess and deploy US-designed small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Philippines.

Meralco will pursue a feasibility study which involves an evaluation of leading US technologies, identification of viable sites, and delivery of a high-level implementation roadmap.

SMRs, each capable of generating up to 300 MW, can be constructed more quickly than traditional nuclear power plants.

Meralco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Manuel V. Pangilinan described the grant as “the beginning of a long but necessary journey.”

“Meralco is also looking actually at not only SMRs. It depends on the horizon by which we are able to deploy, but also, perhaps a bit sooner, conventional nuclear plants for this country,” Mr. Pangilinan said.

“It simply is right for the country and for Meralco to take nuclear, and we are prepared to act as thought leaders in this regard,” he added.

The US State Department’s Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Reactor Technology Program involves the installation of a $1.5-million nuclear reactor control room simulator at a technical institution within the planned Luzon Economic Corridor.

The simulator will provide hands-on realistic training for future reactor operators, which is aimed at positioning the Philippines as an SMR regional training hub.

Meanwhile, several private companies and government agencies also contributed $2.5 million to bring US nuclear experts to the Philippines to develop specialized vocational and higher education curricula focused on the civil nuclear industry.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines still has a lot of work to do and many challenges to resolve before it could convince foreign investors to come in? Do you think the national government is doing good enough to make the country attractive to foreign investors again?

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

18-Year-Old Man Arrested In Parañaque City Over Rape Charge

February 22, 2026February 17, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers armed with a warrant of arrest apprehended an 18-year-old man at his residence for the charge of statutory rape, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Authorities arrested an 18-year-old senior high school graduate for statutory rape at his residence in Parañaque City on Feb. 11.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspect as Renato. He was arrested at his home in Sampaloc Site 2, BF Homes, Parañaque City.

Police said members of the SPD Special Operations Unit (SOU), together with the District Intelligence Division and the Intelligence Section of the District Mobile Force Battalion, coordinated with the Parañaque City Police to carry out the arrest.

Operatives served the warrant of arrest issued by Judge Ma. Christina De Pio Lim, presiding judge of the Parañaque Regional Trial Court, National Capital Judicial Region, Branch 260. The warrant was issued on Feb. 4, with no bail recommended.

The suspect was brought to the District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) office for documentation and proper legal proceedings.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you glad the local police officers succeeded in arresting the suspect? Are you concerned there could be more rapists out there who have yet to arrested by the police?

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

I Love Israel: Direct Flights Between Israel And Vietnam To Launch This Year

February 22, 2026February 18, 2026carlocarrasco

In connection with the expansion plans of Israel’s EL AL Airlines, direct flights between the Jewish state and Vietnam will commence this year, according to a news report by VnExpress. Already the national carrier of Israel confirmed it will launch direct flights with the Philippines in the near future.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from news report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface.

Israel’s national carrier El Al Israel Airlines has announced plans to launch a direct route to Hanoi capital of Vietnam as part of a broader expansion of its global network.

The airline said it is entering a new growth phase after nearly three years of focusing on key destinations in Europe, North America and Asia following the outbreak of conflict in October 2023.

Under its upcoming development strategy, El Al plans to introduce nine new routes.

From October 2026, the carrier will operate a long-haul direct service linking Tel Aviv and Hanoi. The route is expected to run three round-trip flights per week.

It should be recalled that the ties between Israel and Vietnam are indeed strong and really cooperative. That said, it makes perfect sense for the two nations to have direct flights with each other. Israelis looking for new destinations for holiday or business can visit Vietnam which is now a major tourist destination of Southeast Asia. The Vietnamese, meanwhile, can discover the Holy Land in Israel and possibly engage in business with the booming Israeli tech sector. There is a lot that Israel and Vietnam can achieve together.

To those in Vietnam reading this, I encourage you all to read my feature articles about the Pool of Siloam, the Southern Steps in Jerusalem, Nazareth Village, the grave of Oskar Schindler, the Dead Sea Beach, and some nice commercial joints (click here, here, here and here).

To all my readers, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!

I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel, to love and bless the Jewish people, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful, you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel and love the Jewish people no matter what. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus!

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Department of Education And Local Government Units To Expedite Construction Of Classrooms

February 21, 2026February 16, 2026carlocarrasco

In what could be the most serious attempt to solve the nation’s constant lack of classrooms, the Department of Education (DepEd) formally partnered with the local government units (LGUs) to expedite the construction of classrooms, according to a news article of the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday partnered with local government units (LGUs) to expedite classroom construction.

The memorandum of agreement (MOA), backed by 90 percent of provinces nationwide, formalized a nationwide framework to accelerate the delivery of school infrastructure, marking a decisive shift toward coordinated action to address the classroom backlog.

The signatories include representatives of local government leagues, including the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), as well as the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP).

“These signatures mark the end of working in silos. They mark the beginning of shared responsibility,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement.

The education chief said the partnership with LGUs will hasten direct actions to address the classroom shortage in the country, in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The country has a backlog of 165,000 classrooms to date.

“Ang kasunduang ito ang malinaw naming pangako na wala nang classroom na maaantala dahil sa pag-aalinlangan, at wala nang edukasyong mapuputol dahil sa kakulangan ng ugnayan (This partnership is our clear promise that no more classroom construction will be delayed due to uncertainty, and no education will be hampered due to the lack of coordination),” Angara added.

Under the MOA, LGUs are tasked to lead the construction, replacement, rehabilitation, and improvement of classrooms within their jurisdictions, including the conduct of procurement, supervision of contractors, and day-to-day project implementation, in accordance with national procurement and building regulations.

For its part, the DepEd will identify priority schools, provide standard classroom designs and technical specifications, and exercise oversight by reviewing plans, validating completed works, and ensuring that projects meet national safety, accessibility, and quality standards.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the partnership between the DepEd and LGUs will effectively solve the nation’s constant lack of classrooms? If the partnership succeeds, do you think the quality of education as well as the comfort of the students will improve over time? Do you think LGUs are capable of doing its part on the construction of new classrooms?

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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Man Dies In Parañaque City Trying To Steal Electric Cables

February 20, 2026February 16, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a man who attempted to steal electric cables high above ground got electrocuted and died and barangay officials confirmed the victim had records related to theft, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

A 39-year-old man died after being electrocuted while allegedly attempting to steal electric cables in Barangay San Isidro, Parañaque City, early Sunday.

According to a report by Darlene Cay on “24 Oras Weekend,” authorities found the man already on fire atop an electrical post.

“May tumawag po sa amin na mayroon daw sumabog diyan sa may Lopez Footbridge around mga 1:50 a.m. So pagpunta namin doon, may mga kapulisan na rin po. Nakita nga po na may nasusunog na tao,” barangay desk officer Ryan Fernandez said.

(Someone called us saying something exploded near the Lopez Footbridge around 1:50 a.m. When we arrived, police were already there, and we saw a person on fire.)

Personnel from the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) later retrieved the body from the post.

Initial investigation showed the man had been cutting electrical cables when he was electrocuted. The incident caused a circuit trip that disrupted power supply to several households in the area.

Barangay officials said it was not the first time the man had climbed an electrical post and noted he had prior blotter records related to theft.

“Mayroon siyang mga record, mga blotter na ano siya sa nakawan,” Fernandez said.

(He has records and police blotters related to theft.)

The victim’s family lit candles beneath the electrical post and appealed to the public not to judge him hastily.

“Panawagan ko sa publiko, hindi naman nila nakita yung totoo,” the man’s brother said.

(My plea to the public is that they did not see the whole truth.)

For its part, Meralco warned that stealing, selling, or buying electrical cables is prohibited by law and poses serious safety risks.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, did your household lose electricity during the day the incident? Why do you think people would attempt to

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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Philippine Peso Could Land At P59.70 To The US Dollar By End Of 2026

February 19, 2026February 12, 2026carlocarrasco

With its own analysis of varied economic factors, Metrobank stated that the Philippine Peso could end up at a rate of P59.70 to the US Dollar by the end of this year, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE PESO may settle at P59.70 against the dollar by end-2026 on expectations of an economic rebound driven by improved investor confidence, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) said.

In a commentary dated Feb. 10, Metrobank trimmed its peso forecast for end-2026 to P59.70 a dollar from P60.80 previously. It likewise projects the peso to end 2027 at P58.50 versus the greenback, from its earlier estimate of P58.90.

“(A)n anticipated economic growth rebound and improved investor confidence, thanks to better government spending, could support the peso,” it said.

If the bank’s 2026 forecast holds true, the local unit would end the year weaker than its P58.79 finish against the dollar on the last trading day of 2025.

The lingering effects of the flood control corruption scandal and uncertainties in the global market pushed the peso to test new lows at the start of the year.

On Jan. 15, it closed at P59.46 per dollar, breaking the previous all-time low of P59.44 recorded just the day prior.

However, it has recently strengthened amid a weak dollar. On Wednesday, the local unit hit a near four-month high after closing at P58.29 versus the greenback, up 24 centavos from its P58.53 finish on Tuesday, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed.

Meanwhile, Metrobank noted that the peso could struggle to regain further strength as the country’s current account is projected to remain at a shortfall this year.

“Still, the projected current account deficit this year — although narrower than last year’s — would cap the peso’s strength,” it said.

Based on the latest central bank data, the current account balance stood at a $12.5-billion deficit by the end of the third quarter. This was equivalent to -3.6% of gross domestic product (GDP).

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Peso could perform better against the US Dollar and end up better than what Metrobank estimated? Do you think a weaker Peso would be very helpful to the exporters?

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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2025 Foreign Investments Fall Down 50.1%

February 19, 2026February 13, 2026carlocarrasco

With the final economic numbers of 2025 counted, it has been confirmed that approved foreign investments in the Philippines fell down by more than 50%, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

APPROVED foreign investments in the Philippines plunged by 50.1% year on year to P272.38 billion in 2025, its sharpest fall in five years, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Thursday.

Preliminary data from the PSA showed that the value of foreign commitments approved by the country’s investment promotion agencies (IPA) in 2025 was lower than P546.19 billion in 2024.

This was the steepest drop in foreign investments since the 71.3% drop recorded during the pandemic in 2020. By value, this was the lowest amount of approved foreign investments since the P241.89 billion recorded in 2022.

Singapore was the top source of investment pledges for 2025 after committing P92.78 billion, or 34.1% of the total. It was followed by the Netherlands with P35.98 billion (13.2% share) and Japan with P34.03 billion (12.5%).

Analysts attributed the sharp drop in foreign investment pledges to the sluggish investor confidence in the Philippines arising from global trade uncertainties, natural disasters and the flood control corruption scandal.

“In a nutshell, the decline in approved foreign investment pledges in 2025 was driven by a mix of weaker investor confidence due to governance and corruption issues, global economic uncertainties, cautious corporate behavior, and an unusually high base of comparison from the previous year,” said Ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes, director of the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development.

Marco Antonio C. Agonia, an economist at the University of Asia and the Pacific, said uncertainty over the US tariffs may have also dissuaded foreign investors from setting up operations in the Philippines.

The United States imposed a 19% tariff on most Philippine goods beginning Aug. 7, 2025.

“Similarly, weaker growth prospects from repeated natural disasters and the flood control scandal may have encouraged foreign companies to scrap or defer their investment plans in the country,” Mr. Agonia said in an e-mail.

The Board of Investments (BoI) approved P150.34 billion worth of investment pledges in 2025, accounting for 55.2% of the total. It was followed by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) with investment pledges worth P107.06 billion (39.3% share), and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) with P7.01 billion (2.6%).

For 2025, about 45% or P122.48 billion of the total approved foreign investments will go to the energy sector, followed by manufacturing with P81.41 billion (29.9% share) and real-estate activities with P26.31 billion (9.7%).

In 2025, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) cornered around P100.43 billion worth of these investment pledges. Central Luzon will get P70.74 billion while the Bicol Region got P50.76 billion.

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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Indian Restaurant In Alabang Hit By Fire

February 18, 2026February 17, 2026carlocarrasco

The Royal Indian Curry House, an in Indian restaurant located in Filinvest City, was hit by a fire in the early morning of February 16 and the estimated amount of damage is at P16 million, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The said restaurant is just steps away from Wildflour and South Supermarket in Alabang.

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

Fire damaged an Indian curry restaurant in Alabang, Muntinlupa, shortly before 5 a.m. on Feb. 16.

The Muntinlupa City Fire Station reported that the fire hit the Royal Indian Curry House in Filinvest Alabang at 4:48 a.m. The first alarm was raised at 4:53 a.m. before the blaze was put out by firefighters at 6:08 a.m.

The fire destroyed the second floor of the establishment, damaging P16 million worth of properties. The origin and cause of the fire are under investigation.

*Visible damage of the 2nd floor of the restaurant.*

*The other side of Royal Indian Curry House of Alabang with visible damage at the 2nd floor.*

*The restaurant in Filinvest City, Alabang.*

For the location of Royal Indian Curry House in Filinvest City, Alabang, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZzYMnP2y1xo6wmZs6

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, have you dined at Royal Indian Curry House already? What do you think caused the fire?

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

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Muntinlupa City Government Teams Up With UP NOAH Center For City Drainage Strategy

February 17, 2026February 11, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government formally teamed up with the University of the Philippines’ (UP) NOAH Center to develop the master plan for the city drainage, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has tapped the University of the Philippines’ NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) Center to develop a drainage master plan.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon endorsed a proposed memorandum of agreement with UP NOAH Center to the Muntinlupa City Council for review and approval.

Biazon said partnering with UP NOAH Center is an important step to have a science-based and long-term solution to flooding in Muntinlupa.

The UP NOAH Center is a research and development center of UP specializing in disaster risk reduction and climate science.

It provides advanced hazard mapping, flood modeling, and risk assessment using scientific research and cutting-edge technology, and works closely with local governments to develop data-driven solutions that strengthen resilience against natural hazards.

The project covers the formulation of a comprehensive drainage master plan that will guide future infrastructure development and improve stormwater management in Muntinlupa.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think the City Government made a wise move to have UP NOAH Center as its partner on developing the city drainage master plan? Do you hope there will be big improvements 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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Wanted Painter Arrested In Las Piñas City For Attempted Murder

February 16, 2026February 10, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a wanted painter was apprehended by the local police over the charge of attempted murder, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Las Piñas police arrested a painter, listed as the station’s No. 3 Most Wanted Person, for attempted murder during a manhunt operation on Feb. 5.

Col. Wilson Delos Santos, Las Piñas City Police chief, said the suspect, Reynard, 34, was nabbed by members of the Warrant and Subpoena Section at his residence in San Jose Street, Barangay Ilaya, Las Piñas City.

The police served the warrant of arrest issued by Judge Ma. Ludmila de Pio Lim of the Las Piñas City Regional Trial Court, Branch 253, on July 8, 2025, for attempted murder with a recommended bail of P120,000

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 you thankful to the local police for apprehending the suspect? Are you concerned that there could be some other people out there who are wanted for attempted murder but have yet to be arrested?

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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