Philippines – Page 11 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Filipina Worker In Israel Killed By Iranian Missile

March 4, 2026March 3, 2026carlocarrasco

As the Islamic terrorist state of Iran – which lost its demonic Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – kept on firing missiles and drones at several locations in the Middle East in retaliation to the joint US-Israel military operations, a Filipina worker in Israel got killed by an Iranian missile and already the embassies of both the Philippines and Israel expressed their condolences to the victim’s family, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Israel’s embassy in the Philippines has expressed its condolences to the family of the Filipina caregiver who was killed during an Iranian missile attack on Tel Aviv amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Mary Ann Velasquez de Vera, 32, from Basista, Pangasinan, lost her life when a missile struck her apartment on March 1, according (to) the Israel Embassy in Manila. Before this, she was still assisting her patient to safety while she, herself, was already injured.

“Mary Ann, like so many overseas Filipino workers in Israel, exemplified resilience, compassion, and quiet strength,” the Israeli Embassy in Manila said.

“She was identified by her husband, who is also an overseas Filipino worker in Israel, and their family,” it added.

“Israel joins in the profound sorrow of her family and the Filipino community. We mourn together and honor Mary Ann’s memory with dignity and respect. May her soul rest in peace,” it also said.

The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv also conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family through a phone call made by Ambassador Aileen Mendiola to her husband. Mendilola assured him of the Philippine government’s full assistance.

In a separate news report by GMA News, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh confirmed that the Jewish state has committed to providing lifetime support to the family of the victim. Under under Israeli law, the families of individuals injured or killed during a conflict — whether Israeli citizens or foreign nationals — are entitled to lifetime benefits.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines should suspend diplomatic ties with the Islamic terrorist state of Iran? Do you think the terrorist regime of Iran should be held accountable for attacking civilians with missiles and drones so indiscriminately? How long do you think the conflict in the Middle East will last? Are you hoping that Trump’s America, Israel and all the affected nations of the Middle East will band together to end the Islamic terrorist government of Iran? Did you notice any Islamist in your local community expressing support for Iran and Islamic terrorists?

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

Wanted Virtual Assistant Arrested In Parañaque City For Qualified Theft

March 3, 2026February 26, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a wanted virtual assistant was apprehended by the local police for four counts of qualified theft, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. The police officers were armed with a warrant of arrest.

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

A female virtual assistant facing four counts of qualified theft through falsification of private documents was arrested during an operation in Parañaque City on Feb. 24.

The suspect was identified as “Maria,” 28, a resident of Barangay San Dionisio, and was listed as the No. 6 most wanted person. She was arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police–San Dionisio Substation along Dr. A. Santos Avenue.

Maria was arrested after police served a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Regina Paz Ramos-Chavez of the Parañaque City Regional Trial Court, Branch 274. The court recommended bail of P130,000.

The suspect is now detained at the Parañaque City Police custodial facility pending the return of the warrant to the issuing court.

Southern Police District (SPD) Director Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo said the arrest is a clear message that no one can hide from the law.

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 concerned that there could be more people who worked as virtual assistants who could have committed theft? When doing transactions, do you do it over-the-counter or online?

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

Pakistani Men Arrested In Parañaque City For Selling Fake Medicine

March 2, 2026February 25, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, three men from Pakistan were arrested by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for selling fake medicine, according to a news report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI).

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

Three Pakistani men were arrested at a Parañaque City subdivision for allegedly selling counterfeit medicine, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Monday.

The foreigners were tracked to a subdivision in Barangay Sun Valley on Sunday afternoon, the PDEA said in a statement.

The agency identified the arrested suspects as “Waseem,” 60; “Mohy,” 54; and “Salman,” 25.

“Seized evidence included 24 packages of Midazolam Injection IP, thousands of tablets and vials of Valium, Nalbin, NLB Injection, Bional Plus and Rivotril,” the agency detailed.

Authorities also confiscated “various counterfeit drugs such as Ibuprofen Medicol Advance, Rabies Vaccine (Human IP), Buscogast, Tuseran Forte, Testosterone Enanthate, Evitek-OCE and Provera Tablets among others,” PDEA added.

It estimated that the allegedly counterfeit medicines seized were worth an initial P120,000, but it noted that an inventory of the total quantity and value of other suspected drugs in the suspects’ possession was still ongoing.

“Non-drug items recovered included cash, accounting records, mobile phones, identification cards, passports, a barcode scanner, and machinery allegedly used in handling counterfeit drugs,” PDEA further said.

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 concerned that the city is getting infiltrated by foreign nationals who planned to commit criminal activities? Are there many Pakistani nationals staying within your local community right now? What do you think makes Parañaque an ideal city for illegal aliens and related criminal activities?

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 Exporters Feeling Uneasy Over Trump’s New 15% Global Tariff

March 1, 2026February 26, 2026carlocarrasco

The new 15% tariff on imports announced by US President Donald Trump after reacting to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decision is already troubling exporters of the Philippines, according to a report by BusinessWorld.

There is concern that the new tariff may dampen the export recovery of the Philippines. It should be recalled that the American tariff on Philippine-made goods was set at 19% following the meeting between President Trump and Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. last year.

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

THE United States government’s plan to impose a new 15% tariff on imports may dampen the Philippines’ export recovery and disrupt supply chains, according to analysts.

“Under a 15% tariff, there might be a disruption in the supply chain, because other countries might negotiate or diverge [to other markets],” Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr. said in a phone call.

“Unfortunately, our competitors here in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) are supported by their governments, but we aren’t,” he added.

Mr. Ortiz-Luis said the Philippine government must resume negotiations with its US counterparts to ensure exports remain competitive.

Philippine Institute for Development Studies Senior Research Fellow John Paolo R. Rivera said the new tariffs could dampen export recovery, especially for electronics, garments, and agricultural sectors.

“The renewed threat of a 15% global tariff signals that protectionist risks remain and could dampen export recovery if implemented, especially for semiconductors and intermediate goods integrated into US supply chains,” he said in a Viber message.

US President Donald J. Trump said he wants to impose a new 15% duty on US imports from all countries, starting Tuesday, Reuters reported. (Read related story “Asian economies weigh impact of fresh Trump tariff, uncertainties” on S1/11).

This after the US Supreme Court struck down his previous tariff program, ruling that Mr. Trump had exceeded his authority when he imposed higher tariffs under an economic emergency law.

Government officials emphasized that the US remains an important trading and investment partner.

“We will continue to engage with (the US). A stable and predictable arrangement with the US will be very beneficial to our stakeholders,” Trade Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty said in a Viber message.

Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go earlier said that the majority of the country’s exports — like semiconductors and key agricultural goods — were already exempted before the US Supreme Court’s ruling.

The US has long been the Philippines’ biggest export market. From January to December 2025, the value of Philippine exports to the US stood at $13.44 billion.

“We don’t know under what authority he (Mr. Trump) will impose those tariffs, and if these will last. We will have to wait until the dust settles to properly assess the impact of his new universal tariffs,” Foundation for Economic Freedom President Calixto V. Chikiamco said in a Viber message.

Reuters reported the new US tariffs are grounded in a separate but untested law, known as Section 122, that allows tariffs up to 15% but requires congressional approval to extend them after 150 days.

Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines President Robert M. Young said its members have been resuming talks with its US buyers.

“We have survived, for the last eight months, the US’ 19% tariff. So, I think we have to just go on with what we are doing, and we’ll try our best to just lower our price to be competitive with other ASEAN nations,” he said via telephone.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Filipino exporters will do better with the new 15% tariff instead of the previous one set at 19%? If you are managing a company that makes products for export mainly to the United States, do you have any backup plans when dealing with new tariffs?

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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Cerberus’ P5.31 Billion Unsolicited Proposal For Subic Bay International Airport Development Under SBMA’s Review

February 28, 2026February 25, 2026carlocarrasco

When was the last time you visited the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA)? In recent times, the US-based company Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments, LLC (Cerberus) proposed to manage, operate and rehabilitate the said airport for P5.31 billion and it has been endorsed by the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center. The unsolicited proposal is officially being reviewed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), 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…

THE P5.31-billion unsolicited proposal of US-based investment company Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments, LLC (Cerberus) to manage, operate, and upgrade Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) is now being reviewed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) after the go signal from the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center.

“This unsolicited project was endorsed by the (PPP) Center to the IA (implementing agency) after being determined complete… The Subic Bay International Airport PPP is currently undergoing the approval process of SBMA,” the PPP Center told BusinessWorld on Tuesday.

According to the PPP Center, the SBMA will be the approving body for the project. If approved, the airport project will be under an operate-add-transfer contract arrangement.

Once the SBMA approves the project, it will begin negotiations with the project proponent. The government will then formalize the Original Proponent Status and initiate the Swiss Challenge process.

The Swiss Challenge is a process where other companies can submit better offers, but the original proponent has the right to match them.

Cerberus Capital Management is an investment firm managing approximately $65 billion in assets. Its global network of affiliates includes Cerberus Asia Pacific, which focuses on investments in logistics, infrastructure, technology, and energy.

Cerberus already operates part of a 310-hectare lot of a former South Korean-owned shipyard located west of the airport for which it had submitted an unsolicited bid.

“In theory, competitive bidding is king. In the reality of the SBIA, Cerberus is the catalyst we need. It is time to choose strategic results over procedural delays,” Rene S. Santiago, former president of the Transportation Science Society of the Philippines, said in a Viber message.

Nigel Paul C. Villarete, a senior adviser on public-private partnerships at the technical advisory group Libra Konsult, said that solicited bidding would be more feasible and faster, as it enables the government to define the contract’s parameters and coverage.

“Many of our public facilities should be operated by the private sector to attain a lot of the efficiencies that they can do, which are often difficult to attain within the government realm,” Mr. Villarete said.

For Mr. Villarete, a government-led solicited procurement process will always be preferable.

However, since an unsolicited proposal has already been submitted, the government’s role is to enter into negotiations, introduce the necessary changes and amendments, and only then present the proposal to the public for challenge, he said.

“There should be a negotiation period for the two parties to discuss any amendments required by the government before this is published for challenge,” he said.

Cerberus’ proposal covers the rehabilitation of SBIA assets and the development of new facilities to expand capacity and attract new tenants.

The company has also committed to invest “considerable financial resources” and utilize its real estate management capabilities in developing the airport.

In its proposal the company said that it will maintain the existing leases but only for the “early years” of its concession period.

“Cerberus plans to maintain the status quo of existing operations by honoring existing leases and retaining incumbent employees. In parallel, Cerberus will invest significant capital expenditure to improve SBIA’s infrastructure and operations, whilst building new hangars and storage facilities to reestablish SBIA as a major hub for commercial cargo operations and to expand SBIA’s government logistics operations,” it said.

The company added that it will monitor and evaluate airport fees to optimize SBMA’s returns under the revenue-sharing agreement, while supporting efforts to attract and manage both existing and new airport tenants.

This revenue-sharing scheme would be the determining factor if the proposed 25-year concession agreement were extended, PPP Center said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What is your opinion about the current state of the international airport inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone? Do you think so much more can be achieved with the Subic Bay International Airport in terms of expanding flight connectivity, attracting more tourists from overseas and paving way for more foreign commerce to enter the freeport?

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

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Philippines To Use ASEAN Influence To Lead Southeast Asian Front Against Trump’s New Global Tariff On Imports

February 27, 2026February 26, 2026carlocarrasco

Months ago, it was announced that the Philippines will temporarily lead the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as its Chair for 2026. In light of US President Donald Trump’s implementation of a new tariff on imports as a result of the United States Supreme Court’s decision, the Philippines – through its Trade Secretary – announced that it will lead the Southeast Asian front against the said tariff, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Manila is preparing to lead a unified Southeast Asian push for a preferential trade agreement with the United States (US) following Washington’s decision to impose a 15 percent global tariff on imports.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the government intends to leverage its 2026 chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to safeguard the region’s export competitiveness and navigate the sudden shift in American trade policy.

Roque added that the government will also raise this matter during the upcoming ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat in the coming month.

“Definitely that will be one of the topics that we will be talking about,” she told reporters on the sidelines of the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum.

She, however, said the government has yet to formally discuss the region’s position, given that the US’ new sweeping tariffs were just announced over the weekend.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go, on the other hand, said this is an issue that all ASEAN members “love to talk about when we’re together.”

“What it made clear to us is that we have to open new markets,” said Go.

The US Supreme Court ruled on Feb. 20 that President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unconstitutional.

In the aftermath of the ruling, Trump immediately slapped a 10 percent surcharge on imports to the US, later raising it to 15 percent.

The new global tariff brings another wave of uncertainty that may undermine the exports of ASEAN members and ultimately their respective economic growth.

The Philippines is taking an active role in calling for deeper regional integration to accelerate investment flows and future-proof the region.

As ASEAN chair, Roque said a major priority is to oversee the passage and entry into force of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).

DEFA aims to set the region’s common rules on e-commerce, digital trade, cybersecurity, digital payments, emerging technologies, and cross-border data flows.

The agreement is seen doubling the value of ASEAN’s digital economy, which is already on track to reach about $1 trillion by 2030.

“We recognize the complexity of today’s global environment—geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, supply chain shifts, and climate risks. Yet we remain confident in ASEAN’s collective strength. ASEAN bonded together is a force that cannot be ignored,” said Roque.

For the year, Roque said priorities of the ASEAN chairship also include cross-border mobility of digital talent and industrial development of semiconductors and critical minerals.

By observing the attitude of the current administration and its diplomats, the Philippines is acting as if it is a major player on international affairs and world economics. Its chairmanship of the ASEAN is the latest example of this. Clearly the Philippines is afraid of the new global tariff implemented by Trump. Filipino exporters have endured the previous 19% tariff by America. When it comes to economic growth, the Philippines has weakened achieving only 4.4% growth in 2025 and the fallout of the flood control corruption scandal is still being felt socially and economically.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the Philippines will be a very effective leader of the ASEAN this year? Do you think the Philippines is truly standing up for the economic interests of each and every Southeast Asian nation when dealing with Trump tariffs? Is the Philippines leading ASEAN to a potential embarrassment on international affairs and economics?

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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Chinese National Arrested In Parañaque City For Identity Theft And Overstaying

February 26, 2026February 25, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, a Chinese national was arrested by elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the local police for identity theft, illegal activities and overstaying in the country, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Saturday reported the arrest of a Chinese national for alleged identity theft and overstaying during a raid on a condominium unit in Parañaque City.

Operatives from the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), in coordination with the Parañaque City Police Intelligence Section and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), carried out the enforcement operation on 16 February at a residential unit in Barangay Tambo.

Authorities arrested Fang Li, 36, a Chinese national, following intelligence reports that she had been engaging in illicit activities and was allegedly using the identity of another Chinese citizen.

Immigration records showed that Fang last entered the Philippines in 2022 as a temporary visitor but failed to apply for any visa extension or conversion. She has since been classified as an overstaying alien.

During the operation, agents also encountered two other Chinese nationals identified as Chen Youliang, 38, and Xu Yuxiang, 39.

febXu, meanwhile, was found to be overstaying, as her last recorded visa extension expired in 2020.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized that the bureau will not tolerate attempts by foreign nationals to evade immigration laws by using false identities.

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 concerned that there could be a lot more Chinese nationals committing criminal acts while hiding in the city? What do you think makes Parañaque a hot spot of criminal activities involving Chinese nationals.

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 Affected By Daily Water Service Interruptions Of Maynilad

February 26, 2026February 25, 2026carlocarrasco

As the month of February is about to end, Maynilad’s daily water service interruptions continue to affect Muntinlupa City, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Recently, Maynilad was asked by the City Government to explain why the interruptions keep on happening.

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

The daily water service interruptions being implemented by Maynilad Water Services have continued in Muntinlupa.

“Some areas of Las Pinas City and Muntinlupa City may experience low to no water supply starting February 24, 2026 at 12:00 pm until 7:00 pm due to variable raw water quality during the Amihan season, caused by strong winds over Laguna Lake. We are managing limited supply and will restore service as soon as conditions improve,” Maynilad announced on Feb. 24.

In a recent live broadcast on Facebook held by Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Maynilad representatives admitted that the company is having difficulty supplying water 24/7 to households in the city mainly because of problems that hound its treatment plants that draw raw water from the Laguna Lake.

“We need to distribute or allocate hours. We have to distribute the water because of the number of customers that we have to serve,” said Greg Antonio, speaking in Filipino, head of Maynilad’s Water Production South.

He admitted that Maynilad was currently rationing water to many areas in Muntinlupa with eight hours each in the morning, afternoon and evening. When there is no water, Maynilad said it is delivering water using tankers.

Alfred John Gallego, head of Maynilad’s Muntinlupa-Las Pinas Business Area, said the company’s treatment plant handling water from Laguna Lake was unable to cope with strong winds that generate powerful waves in the lake surface.

“We can see that wind conditions have not been favorable to us though we know it’s seasonal,” he said..“We need to protect our plant to prevent a surge of water that is not according to design.”

He said Maynilad reduces the volume of water that the treatment plant processes to avoid compromising water quality.

Gallego said that the concessionaire also gets help from other water sources, like La Mesa Dam. He did not discuss, however, whether the company is also looking at other water sources.

He also said existing pipelines of Maynilad are no longer sufficient to carry additional water volume. He added that their main source of water, Angat, is always prone to the effects of El Nino, or prolonged dry spell.

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, how was your experience with the water service of Maynilad? Do you think Maynilad told the truth behind the water service interruptions? Do you want to the City Government to keep on pressing Maynilad for answers and solutions? Do you think Maynilad should do refunds?

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 Continues Support Of Over 110,000 Local Students

February 25, 2026February 20, 2026carlocarrasco

In a serious effort to support the education of over one hundred ten thousand students of Muntinlupa City, the City Government continues to make scholarships and school supplies accessible to them through the established programs, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Amid the rising cost of living, the Muntinlupa City government is supporting the education of more than 110,000 students through scholarships and free school supplies.

One of them is Jaspher Nherie Elviña, a beneficiary under the city government’s Muntinlupa Scholarship Program. For him, it was never just about the allowance but staying in school.

Now a cum laude graduate of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Colegio de Muntinlupa, Jasper recalled being a city scholar.

“Nagsimula ako maging iskolar ng Muntinlupa… simula pa noong 1st year high school, noong nagkaroon ng scholarship program ang Muntinlupa o MSP. Ang allowance na nakukuha ko sa Muntinlupa ay malaki ang naitutulong para sa pandagdag baon at gastusin sa araw-araw na pagpasok at requirements sa iba’t ibang subject ko dati (I started being a Muntinlupa scholar… since my 1st year of high school, when the Muntinlupa or MSP scholarship program was established. The allowance I get from Muntinlupa is a great help for supplementing my pocket money and expenses for daily attendance and requirements for my various subjects),” he said.

The cost of education is not just about tuition fees. There are daily transportation expenses, project materials, printing fees, laboratory contributions, and the small but constant costs of staying enrolled.

Elviña said the allowance he received from the Muntinlupa City government was a symbol of reassurance that allowed him to focus on his studies instead of worrying about daily expenses.

Elviña said the allowance he received from the Muntinlupa City government was a symbol of reassurance that allowed him to focus on his studies instead of worrying about daily expenses.

He is one of the more than 110,000 scholars supported by the Muntinlupa City government in 2025, a scholarship system that started from about 5,000 beneficiaries during its early years.

Today, it has become one of the most expansive local government-funded education programs in Metro Manila.

In 2025, the city government spent P587.8 million in educational assistance or about seven percent of its P8.8-billion annual budget.

In proportional terms, officials said this placed Muntinlupa among the highest in the National Capital Region when it comes to allocating funds for scholarships, even compared with cities that operate on larger overall budgets.

The scholarship program started in 1989 when a scholarship trust fund was established to assist financially struggling students. At the time, only around 5,000 scholars were covered. Under former mayor Jimmy Fresnedi, now Muntinlupa representative, the system was institutionalized and expanded across educational levels.

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 approve of the way the City Government is supporting local students?

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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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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