Tag: Philippines blog

I Love Israel: Missile boats from Israel will boost Philippine Navy’s defense of littoral zones

I Love Israel: Missile boats from Israel will boost Philippine Navy’s defense of littoral zones

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The Philippines’ defense of its littoral zones will be strengthened thanks to the newly acquired fast-attack interdiction craft-missiles (FAIC-Ms) from Israel for the Philippine Navy’s use, according to an announcement published through the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Be aware that this is not the first time that military hardware made by Israelites will be used to enhance the defense operations of the Philippines.

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

The newly-acquired fast-attack interdiction craft-missiles (FAIC-Ms) will boost the Philippine Navy’s (PN) capability to protect the country’s littoral zones.

The littoral or nearshore is the part of a sea, lake, or river that is close to the shore.

“These ships could be deployed to patrol and protect our littorals from any possible threats,” PN spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency Tuesday.

Other possible missions of these ships will be determined by the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), he added.

The BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901) and BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902), which were formally christened in rites at the PN headquarters in Manila on Tuesday, are the first two out of the nine FAICS-Ms acquired by the Philippines from Israel Shipyards Limited for PHP10 billion.

These vessels are named after two Philippine Marine Corps heroes and Medal of Valor recipients — the late Private First Class Nestor Acero and the late 1st Lt. Lolinato To-Ong.

“This acquisition aims to strengthen the country’s naval capability in terms of enhancing littoral defense and maritime interdiction operations as it will complement the previously acquired 12 MPAC (multi-purpose attack craft) of the PN,” Negranza said.

These two FAIC-Ms were sponsored by Soledad B. Bacarro, the wife of AFP chief-of-staff Lt.Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro.

The two vessels were loaded aboard a cargo ship and departed Haifa, Israel in late August. These vessels were formally launched last June 26.

Three more vessels are scheduled to be delivered starting this year while the remaining four units will be constructed at the PN shipyard in Naval Station Pascual Ledesma in Cavite City.

These 32-meter high-speed vessels are equipped with quick intercept ability, remote stabilized weapons, and short-range missiles that are capable to deliver precision strikes against larger hostiles and high-value targets on land and sea.

Four of the FAIC-Ms will be armed with non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missiles with pinpoint accuracy and a range of 25 kilometers while the other four will be armed with machine guns and light automatic cannons.

The acquisition of eight FAIC-M units is among the 2019 projects approved by former President Rodrigo Duterte under the Horizon 2 List of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

The notice of award for the FAIC-M project, worth around PHP10 billion, was issued on January 5 last year.

These are expected to replace the force of patrol killer medium (PKM) or medium-sized patrol craft.

Be thankful to the Lord as Israel-Philippines ties continue to grow stronger through military and defense-related matters. The Philippines has a lot of work to do to enhance national defense and that means we must pray to our Lord for the national defense goals to be fulfilled. The newly acquired FAIC-M units from Israel are the newest blessings for the Philippines. Keep on praying to Him to have the two nations rise high strongly and stand out among all nations of this very divided world we live in. Pray to Him that no enemy will ever succeed on opposing Israel and the Philippines. The evil ones will be exposed and will fall down in due time.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful (not religious), you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel, love the Jewish people and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. 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! Always stand in support of Israel!

In ending this I Love Israel piece, posted below are Israel-related videos plus Philippine news videos for your viewing pleasure and enlightenment.

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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

COVID-19 Crisis: Cebu City Government sets voluntary face mask policy on trial period until December 2022

COVID-19 Crisis: Cebu City Government sets voluntary face mask policy on trial period until December 2022

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In recent times here in the Philippines, Cebu City has been getting a lot of attention with regards to the COVID-19 crisis we are all living with. This was because the City Government decided to loosen the face mask mandate within the city’s jurisdiction and the Department of Health (DOH) claimed that they were “never consulted” about it. Just yesterday, GMA Network reported that the City Government of Cebu announced that the voluntary face mask policy will be set on a trial period until the end of 2022. In case a COVID-19 surge, the said policy will be lifted automatically. Already, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has its attention on Cebu City.

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

The Cebu City government on Monday announced that its voluntary face mask policy will be on trial period until December 2022, and will be automatically lifted should there be a surge in COVID-19 infections in the city.

In reading the Executive Order (EO) No. 6, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s spokesperson Karla Henry-Ammann said that the trial period of the EO 5 which lifted the mandatory face mask use in the city, was set from September 1 to December 31, 2022.

“The same period is hereby referred to as the trial and observation period,” she added.

Further, Ammann said the EO will be automatically lifted and the wearing of face masks in the city will be mandatory anew if there will be a surge of COVID-19 cases in Cebu City, as verified by the government.

Rama signed the EO on Monday during the city government’s flag ceremony.

Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge (OIC) Maria Rosario Vergeire on Wednesday said they were not consulted regarding the lifting of the mandatory face mask policy in Cebu City.

Vergeire stressed there will be a higher risk of infections in an area if the safeguards against COVID-19 are not in place.

The above article ended by stating that Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said they respect the mandate of the local government units (LGUs) over their respective jurisdictions.

Meanwhile, the Manila Times published an article regarding Cebu City’s move on loosening the face mask policy and the need for health experts to update the face mask policy. Posted below is an excerpt. Some parts in boldface…

CEBU City’s attempt to relax the rules on the wearing of face masks draws attention to an attribute needed in policymaking. That is, the crafting and tweaking of policies should keep pace with how quickly situations change. We remain firm in the belief that science, or more specifically medical expertise, should take the lead in devising the policies concerning Covid-19. But people struggle to understand why they take so long to adjust to developments.

Perhaps officials in Cebu have grown impatient with the national government, more specifically the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases. Last week, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama issued an executive order making the wearing of face masks in open spaces optional. But he later delayed the implementation of the order after talking to Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. of the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Abalos promised the mayor that he would bring up the need to review the health protocols with the task force.

Mr. Abalos sounded inclined to allow Mayor Rama’s executive order. The secretary said in a statement: “In fact, I am going to even further suggest to make Cebu City the pilot implementer of this measure since the city has always been first in espousing non-masking policies outdoors for the ease and benefit of its people amid the pandemic.”

The point in delaying the new order in Cebu seems to be about “harmonizing existing laws and policies” regarding the lingering pandemic. The problem is that the situation is not uniform across the country. Also, the Philippines has opened up its borders to tourists and foreign travelers, including those who come from countries where wearing face masks are no longer required. And doing so has not caused a spike in new or imported Covid-19 cases.

Indeed, a review of health protocols seems overdue. Earlier in June, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia clashed with national health authorities when she issued an executive order that allowed people not to wear face masks in open areas, like beaches and mountain trails. Her decision seemed sensible then, and so does the similar order issued by Cebu City.

Perhaps, the national government should listen more to local officials. They should consider giving them more discretion in setting health guidelines for their respective areas of concern.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction this latest series of developments? Do you think Cebu City’s approach on loosening the face mask policy within their jurisdiction makes sense? Do you believe that the national authorities – including the DOH itself – should listen more to the local government and provincial government leaders on how to deal with COVID-19 and implement health protocols? Do you think that the remaining restrictions are outdated and don’t make sense anymore? Do you think Cebu City’s move on loosening the face mask policy will succeed and inspire other LGUs – especially in Metro Manila – to follow suit? Do you think that the anti-vaccine fanatics and other anti-authoritarian activists will make moves to ruin the authorities’ moves on dealing with COVID-19?

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

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

Urban Green Space and Recreational Park in Muntinlupa City inaugurated

Urban Green Space and Recreational Park in Muntinlupa City inaugurated

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In the progressive city of Muntinlupa, a special project referred to as the Urban Green Space and Recreational Park located at the Bayanan Baywalk was jointly inaugurated today by Mayor Ruffy Biazon and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Usec. Carlo Dimayuga III and witnessed by several guests and stakeholders, according to the City Government’s announcement.

A joint inauguration by the City Government of Muntinlupa and the MMDA symbolically led by Mayor Ruffy Biazon and Chairman Usec. Carlo Dimayuga III. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The project was from both the City Government and the MMDA done in accordance to the “I ♡ Metro Manila (MM)” advocacy where the agency is in contact with various local government units in the National Capital Region for the Adopt -a-Park Project.

Also in accordance to the Urban Re-Greening and Renewal Program of the agency, the new project is the initiative to raise environmental awareness and encourage inclusive and participatory planning among stakeholders to address urban decay through the creation of green public parks and Metro revitalization Manila ecosystem against rapid urbanization.

Mayor Biazon announced that the establishment of the park is part of the 7K Agenda central to his administration. The said agenda consists of Kabuhayan (livelihood), Kalusugan (health), Karunungan (knowledge or education), Kaunlaran (progress), Kapayapaan/Kaayusan (peace and order), Katarungan (justice) and Kalikasan (environment).

The new park is now accessible to the public. There, visitors will find newly planted grass, bollard lights, seats, ramps for persons with disabilities (PWDs), exercise areas, and a colorful playground for children to enjoy.

A very modern looking playground. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Present during the inauguration ceremony were Councilor Jedi Presnedi, City Engr. Dynadelle Aranda, EnP. Alvin Veron, Acting Head of the City Planning & Development Office, Arch. Don Causapin, head of the City Architect’s Office, Mr. Lorna Misa, head of the Environmental Sanitation Center, Mr. Herminio Dela Cruz, head of the Lake Management Office, Barangay Captain Ador San Pedro of Bayanan and barangay members Kagawad Johnson San Pedro, Kagawad Jojo Solema, Kagawad Ronnie Viconia, and Kagawad Buboy Soliveres. Also present at the was Barangay Administrator Engr. Vic Orellana and Barangay Treasurer Engr. Athan Gutierrez.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? Do you find this special project very helpful to the city? Do you plan to visit the Urban Green Space and Recreational Park soon?

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