Tag: Philippines blog

I Love Israel: Israeli agricultural center and DILG sign memorandum of understanding (MOU) on food security solutions

I Love Israel: Israeli agricultural center and DILG sign memorandum of understanding (MOU) on food security solutions

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As some of you are already aware, I fully stand with Israel which is directly connected with my uncompromising faith in the Lord. I keep on praying to Him for Israel to overwhelm its enemies, rescue the hostages and recover from the effects of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks committed by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. I can assure all of you that nobody from the evil Islamo-Leftist mob, nobody from the pro-Palestine zealots and nobody from any evil society would stop me from supporting and loving Israel.

Now, on with the news…

Recently here in the Philippines, memorandum of understanding (MOU) on food security solutions was signed by an Israeli agricultural center and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), according to an official announcement. The MOU signing was witnessed by Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the announcement published through the DILG’s website. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with an Israeli agricultural center aimed at providing intensive training and education to selected local agriculture students on modern food security solutions.

The MOU was signed by DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos and AgroStudies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Yaron Tamir at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

In his speech, Abalos thanked the Israel Embassy and the AgroStudies for their friendship and partnership, as the agreement will significantly boost the attainment of Pres. Marcos Jr.’s vision of ensuring food security under the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance.

Agrostudies is an international training center which provides a program for agricultural education to interns from developing countries around the world.

“We thank our partners for this continuous partnership of you transferring the technology and best practices to our Filipino farmers,” he said.

Abalos also thanked the partner national government agencies including the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Agriculture, National Security Council, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for their equal commitment to pushing forth the said program.

The DILG Chief also cited the DILG’s Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay (HAPAG) Program, which complements the national government’s food security measures, and the KADIWA ng Pangulo program, which provides access to quality and safe food items at affordable prices.

Based on the MOU, the DILG will collaborate with LGUs in the selection of eligible students to participate in the 11-month AgroStudies program in Israel, focusing on various aspects of agriculture, including crop cultivation, livestock management, and agricultural technology.

Meanwhile, Tamir explained that the Philippines was the first partner country of Israel over the last 20 years, with some 8,000 Filipinos as scholars in this program, the largest among 15 partner -countries in the AgroStudies internship program.

“Our purpose is for the students and farmers to learn modern technologies in Israel and engage in businesses in the Philippines. I promise that as long as I am the CEO, the Philippines will have the highest quota,” Tamir said.

Posted below is a related news video…

The MOU signed is crucial because food security is a priority under the current government. We Filipinos should be very thankful that Israel – which is an established world leader on agriculture, farming, water and food development – was willing to be a strategic partner as there are over one hundred million people around the Philippines who need to be fed in the long term. Along the way, the Philippines has to keep working hard on boosting agricultural production, expanding the number of government-backed food stores, stabilizing prices of food and cracking down on those who smuggle and hoard agricultural goods.

We should also be thankful to the Lord that even as Israel remains busy fighting the terrorists not only in Gaza but also across the border with Lebanon (Hezbollah), the Jewish state and Israeli companies still value the Philippines as a key partner on economics and social development issues.

To my fellow Filipinos reading this, 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!

We live in a very divided world. Around the world, Leftist forces have been supporting evil forces like the current regime of Iran which is known for supplying and arming the Palestinian terrorists and other terrorist groups around the Middle East. Leftist forces have been supporting the Palestinian Authority and other enemies of Israel. The Leftists and terrorists always go together and their anti-Semitism is clearly obvious. Hamas is purely evil and they are being protected by not only their fellow terrorists but also by mainstream news media outlets who are linked with Leftist forces and people who hate Israel and the Jewish people. Beware of the evil union of the Islamo-Left which is wicked deep within.

With all that said, I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel and believe that He will guide the Israeli forces to another victory which means finishing off Hamas, crushing Hezbollah and forcing Iran and its terror proxies to give up. Read Joshua 11:1-20 in the Holy Bible for relevance and truth.

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! Always stand in support of Israel and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

In ending this I Love Israel piece, posted below are Israel-related videos for your 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

Civilian arrested in Parañaque City for unauthorized wearing of PNP uniform

Civilian arrested in Parañaque City for unauthorized wearing of PNP uniform

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Recently in the City of Parañaque, another case of the usurpation of authority happened as a civilian was arrested by police officers at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) for the unauthorized wearing of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) athletic uniform, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Police officers apprehended a civilian clad in the athletic uniform of the Philippine National Police (PNP) while taking selfies in Parañaque City.

In a report Tuesday, Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Tupil of the Southern Police District (SPD) said he was aboard a bus when he saw the 38-year-old suspect, identified as alias “Jefferson,” along Coastal Road on Monday.

Tupas said the suspect was wearing the shirt of the PNP athletic uniform, jogging pants, and slippers and appeared to be taking selfies.

Upon reaching the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), Tupil approached the suspect and requested him to present his PNP identification card, which the suspect failed to show.

Tupil promptly contacted Sub-Station 2 of the Parañaque City Police, which immediately sent officers who apprehended the suspect and took him to the station for documentation and proper disposition.

“Unauthorized wearing of PNP uniforms is strictly prohibited and anyone caught will be criminally held liable for Usurpation of Authority under RPC (Revised Penal Code) Art. 177 (Usurpation of Authority of Official Function) and Art. 179 (Illegal Use of Uniforms and Insignias),” the SPD said in a statement.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more civilians who somehow acquired uniforms from authorities which they could use to fool and intimidate others? Are many people in your local community aware that the usurpation of authority is a serious crime?

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

DBCC revises Philippine economic growth targets for 2024 and 2025

DBCC revises Philippine economic growth targets for 2024 and 2025

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As far as the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) is concerned, current domestic and global developments justified their recent revision of economic growth targets for the Philippines in 2024 and 2025, 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…

The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) has adjusted its economic growth targets for 2024 and 2025 due to current domestic and global developments.

The DBCC revised downward its gross domestic product (GDP) outlook for 2024 to 6 to 7 percent from the previous range of 6.5 to 7.5 percent, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a Palace press briefing on Thursday.

For 2025, the DBCC narrowed the GDP target to 6.5 to 7.5 percent from the previous 6.5 to 8 percent. Balisacan said the growth projection of 6.5 to 8 percent for 2026 to 2028 was retained.

The revised targets growth targets were initially discussed during the DBCC’s 187th meeting on March 22.

The DBCC took into consideration the latest trade outlook of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) amid global trade disruptions and geopolitical tensions.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved the latest GDP outlook when he presided over the 16th full Cabinet meeting at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Wednesday.

Balisacan said the Marcos administration remains steadfast in its commitment to sustaining the robust growth trajectory of the Philippine economy.

“Robust macroeconomic fundamentals will support this growth trajectory. These growth targets will sustain the country’s position as one of the fastest-growing emerging economies in the Asia Pacific region,” Balisacan said.

“The government’s dedication transcends meeting statistical targets or numerical benchmarks. We direct our efforts toward realizing a strategic and compelling vision for our nation’s prosperity even as we navigate a global economic landscape marked by various challenges within and without,” he added.

Balisacan also assured the public that the government is still on track to achieving the upper middle income status by 2025.

Opportunities and risks – Balisacan said the country’s economic team discussed the possible opportunities and risk to growth outlook, adding that it identified several domestic and external challenges that are “on the horizon.”

These include climate change and extreme natural disasters such as El Niño that would “continue to pose risks to food security and the stability of food prices,” he said.

“Additionally, risks related to inflation, such as potential adjustments in transport fares, wages, and service utility fees higher than expected, could dampen household consumption,” he said.

Balisacan also cited that global economic slowdown may weaken external demand, while increasing geopolitical and trade tensions could disrupt supply chains.

He added that general elections in major economies could lead to political shifts that may disrupt trade and investment.

“Despite the anticipated risks, we remain optimistic about the country’s sustained growth momentum as we strive for better development outcomes. We aspire to position the Philippines as a frontrunner within our region and beyond—a beacon of inclusive progress and resilience,” Balisacan said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines will end up growing at a lower-than-expected pace?    

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 City raises monthly allowance of Class A athletes

Muntinlupa City raises monthly allowance of Class A athletes

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Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government formally raise the monthly allowance of its athletes under Class A who represented the city in competitions locally and overseas, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The raise was done by means of legislation.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has increased the monthly allowance of its Class A athletes who represent the city in local and international competitions.

Ordinance 2024-164, passed by the Muntinlupa City Council, was signed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon on April 11.

Under the ordinance, a Class A athlete is someone who has shown excellence in sports and is representing Muntinlupa in regional, national, international and invitational competitions including the Olympics, Asian Games, SEA Games, world championships, Philippine National Games, national finals, Philippine Youth Games, and Palarong Pambansa.

For 2024, Class A athletes from the years 2022 to 2023 will receive a monthly allowance of P1,000 while additional athletes will start from P500 per month.

For 2025, Class A athletes of 2023 will get P1,500 per month; P2,000 per month in 2026; P2,500 per month in 2027; and P3,000 per month in 2028.

The allowance can be used by athletes to buy food and medicine, transportation, equipment for training, playing uniform and other expenses for their studies, the ordinance stated.

The criteria for the selection of Class A athletes are: should be a resident of Muntinlupa for at least one year during the time of his training or joining a competition; recommended by the coach; and those who represent Muntinlupa who win gold, silver and bronze medals in international, national, regional and invitational competitions certified by the Philippine Sports Commission, National Sports Association, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Education and International Sports Federation.

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, are you confident that the raise of allowance for the local Class A athletes will boost their moral and encourage more locals to excel in sports?

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

HSBC remains committed to investing in the Philippines and supporting the government’s economic agenda

HSBC remains committed to investing in the Philippines and supporting the government’s economic agenda

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Recently the huge international financial firm The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) confirmed its commitment to investing in the Philippines and supporting the government’s economic agenda which President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., welcomed, 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 Thursday welcomed the commitment of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) to support the government’s economic agenda and continue to invest in the Philippines.

HSBC Holdings Group officials, led by its Chairman Mark Tucker, paid a courtesy visit to the President at the Malacañan Palace and expressed its intention to continue expanding in the country.

“Today, we are left as one of the few international banks. But our commitment to the Philippines, and continuing to invest, continuing to work here remains absolutely intact,” Tucker told Marcos.

He added that HSBC, which has been operating in the Philippines for almost 150 years, is interested in expanding its investment in the Philippines, particularly on foreign direct investment (FDI), saying it “supports FDI by a number of different ways.”

For his part, the chief executive acknowledged the significant contributions of HSBC to the Philippine economy, pointing out the “interconnections” it has made in the country.

“Thank you again for HSBC’s continued interest. We continue to encourage (foreign investments). The economy, actually, we’ve tried to open it up, we put very, we put much (importance)… on the fact that private partnerships are necessary,” Marcos said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think HSBC’s commitment will encourage other international financial firms and foreign investors to support the national 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 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

Woman arrested for theft in Las Piñas City

Woman arrested for theft in Las Piñas City

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Recently in the City of Las Piñas, police officers arrested a woman who has been wanted for theft, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect, who has since been detained, was one of the Top 10 most wanted persons.

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

A 21-year-old woman wanted for theft was arrested by operatives of Las Piñas Police Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS) and Station Intelligence Section (SIS) on Friday, April 5.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said Las Piñas police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla reported the arrest of alias Chin-Chin tagged as Top 10 most wanted person.

Tafalla said the police apprehended the suspect at around 3:30 p.m. in Barangay Pulunglua Unot, Las Piñas City by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Teodoro S. Carbonera of Las Piñas City Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC) Branch 121 on January 31, 2024 for the service of sentence.

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 concerned that some members of your local community could be wanted by the police for crimes previously committed?

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

Prohibition on e-bikes and e-trikes on major Metro Manila roads takes effect today

Prohibition on e-bikes and e-trikes on major Metro Manila roads takes effect today

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Be mindful that effective today, electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) are officially prohibited from traveling along major roads of Metro Manila in accordance to the Metro Manila Council’s approved resolution.

To be very clear, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) declared the following thoroughfares as off-limits to e-bikes and e-trikes: C1: Recto Avenue; C2: Pres. Quirino Avenue; C3: Araneta Avenue; C4: EDSA; C5: Katipunan/CP Garcia; C6: Southeast Metro Manila Expressway; R1: Roxas Boulevard; R2: Taft Avenue; R3: Osmeña Highway (South Superhighway); R4: Shaw Boulevard; R5: Ortigas Avenue; R6: Magsaysay Blvd./Aurora Blvd; R7: Quezon Ave./Commonwealth Ave; R8: A. Bonifacio Ave.; R9: Rizal Ave.; R10: Del Pan/Marcos Highway/McArthur Highway; Elliptical Road; Mindanao Avenue; and Marcos Highway.

As mentioned previously, it is up to the Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) to add more roads to the above list by means of approving local ordinances. Going back to the ban on e-trikes and e-bikes on Metro Manila’s major roads, Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon publicly emphasized the aspect of safety.

“It is about time we rationalize the use of these vehicles which are increasingly getting involved in accidents, cause traffic and endanger their users,” Mayor Biazon said in Manila Bulletin’s February 28, 2024 news report.

I should also state that there have been a lot of videos of e-trikes and e-bikes that caused problems on public roads and posted below for your viewing are YouTube videos I found. Do not be surprised to see how reckless or careless some e-bike/e-trike drivers turned out as caught on video.

It’s one thing for a person to drive an e-bike or e-trike, it is completely another for him or her to be fully oriented with traffic rules and safety oriented driving. In my view, all e-bike and e-trike units should be registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and each driver of electric vehicles should be required to get licensed to drive (which includes attending seminars and passing the tests). This is all about the greater good, the need to be orderly and ensuring road safety in general.

An electric tricycle (e-trike) spotted traveling along Alabang-Zapote Road in Muntinlupa City. Do you think e-bikes and e-trikes should be banned on that major road someday?
An electric tricycle spotted moving slowly on the leftmost lane along Dr. A. Santos Avenue (DASA) in Parañaque City. Should a ban on e-bikes and e-trikes along this road be implemented someday?

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you wish to see the ban on e-bikes and e-trikes be expanded to even more major roads of Metro Manila? Do you think it is high time that all e-bike/e-trike drivers should be required to attend road safety seminars and pass tests in order to be licensed to drive? Are there many e-bike/e-trike drivers in your local community who often drive carelessly or recklessly? Is every e-bike/e-trike driver in your city fully aware of the traffic rules and the basics of safety oriented driving?

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

Moody’s Ratings sees the Philippines becoming the 2nd fastest growing Southeast Asian economy this year and in 2025

Moody’s Ratings sees the Philippines becoming the 2nd fastest growing Southeast Asian economy this year and in 2025

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For this year and 2025, Moody’s Ratings projects the Philippines will end up as the 2nd fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE PHILIPPINES is projected to be the second-fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia this year and in 2025 as domestic demand is expected to remain resilient, according to Moody’s Ratings.

“We have kept unchanged our 2024 and 2025 forecasts for the Philippines and Malaysia and also expect sequentially higher growth in both countries. Domestic demand remains the primary economic growth engine for the Philippines,” it said in a report.

Moody’s Ratings kept its forecast for gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the Philippines at 5.9% this year and 6% in 2025.

However, these projections fall short of the government’s growth targets of 6.5-7.5% for this year and 6.5-8% for next year.

At 5.9%, the Philippines has the second-fastest projected growth in Southeast Asia for 2024, after Vietnam (6%). It is ahead of Indonesia (5%), Malaysia (4.5%) and Thailand (2.8%).

For 2025, the Philippines is again expected to post the second-fastest growth behind Vietnam (6.5%) but ahead of Indonesia (5%), Malaysia (4.8%), and Thailand (3%).

Moody’s Ratings said that growth in domestic demand-driven countries like the Philippines is “increasing more than we previously expected.”

The economy grew by a weaker-than-expected 5.6% in 2023, slower than the 7.6% expansion in 2022 and short of the 6-7% government goal.

Household consumption typically accounts for three-fourths of the Philippine economy. Last year, household spending expanded by 5.6%, much slower than 8.3% in 2022.

Meanwhile, Moody’s Ratings sees inflation averaging 3.8% this year, higher than the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 3.6% full-year forecast but within the 2-4% target.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that strong household consumption alone can help the Philippine economy grow stronger than what Moody’s Ratings projected for 2024 and 2025?

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

Delivery rider arrested for extorting money from motorist while posing as a traffic enforcer

Delivery rider arrested for extorting money from motorist while posing as a traffic enforcer

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Recently in the City of Manila, a delivery rider who disguised himself as a traffic enforcer flagged down a motorist and extorted money which eventually led to his arrest, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect has been charged for robbery extortion and the usurpation of authority.

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

A delivery rider posing as a traffic enforcer was arrested after he flagged down a motorist to extort money.

The Manila Police District (MPD) identified the suspect as Lloyd Tolentino, 27, resident of Barangay Kaunlaran, Navotas City.

According to the police report, the 43-year-old victim Reagan Ramos was traveling along Pedro Bukaneg Street corner Roxas Boulevard in Malate, Manila on Sunday night, March 31.

He said he was flagged down by the suspect, who was wearing a Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau uniform, and introduced himself as a traffic enforcer.

The suspect asked for the victim’s driver’s license for a traffic violation (swerving), but the victim contested.

The victim became suspicious when the suspect demanded P200 in exchange for not being issued a traffic violation ticket.  Police said the victim immediately reported the incident to authorities that led in the arrest of the suspect.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that there could be more abusive delivery riders around Metro Manila who could be committing the usurpation of authority and extort money from motorists?

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

Philippine exports of goods and services surpassed $100 billion in 2023

Philippine exports of goods and services surpassed $100 billion in 2023

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For the year 2023, Philippine exports of good and services reached over $100 billion based on the balance of payments (BOP) from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA). By comparison, less than $100 billion was achieved in 2022.

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

Despite global trade challenges, Philippine exports surpassed the USD100-billion mark in 2023, an all-time high revenue for the country’s outbound trade.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a statement Monday that based on the balance of payments (BOP) from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), exports of goods and services reached USD103.6 billion. This is higher by 4.8 percent from the total exports of USD98.8 billion in 2022.

DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said this is the first time the Philippines breached the USD100-billion mark in export revenues.

Pascual said the strong exports last year was driven by services, especially the information technology and business process management (ITBPM) and tourism services.

Services exports rose 17.4 percent in 2023 to USD48.29 billion from USD41.12 billion in 2022.

According to the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines, ITBPM revenues last year stood at USD35.5 billion, while government data showed that travel services reached USD9.1 billion last year.

On the other hand, exports of goods last year declined by 4.1 percent to USD55.32 billion from USD57.71 billion in 2022.

The country’s top goods export alone, electronics, decreased by 3.4 percent or USD955 million in 2023 compared to its previous year.

“This decline highlights the importance of diversifying export portfolios and enhancing competitiveness in key sectors,” the DTI said.

“The path to global excellence and export growth requires shared ambition, where the government and the private sector must intensify and sustain collaborations. Our guideline is the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2023-2028, which aims to address constraints to production, diversify and improve access to markets, and develop a strong and innovative export ecosystem,” Pascual said.

However, export revenues last year were USD23.2 billion away from the PEDP target of USD126.8 billion for 2023.

“We recognize the ongoing challenges in both the domestic and global trading environments and hope to address the binding constraints to Philippine export competitiveness as we continue to implement the PEDP for 2023 to 2028,” the DTI chief added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines can achieve at least $100 billion worth of export revenue 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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