Maynilad explains why water service interruptions happened in Muntinlupa City

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, customers of Maynilad experienced the lack of access to water which reflects the ongoing water service interruptions that also affected others in different cities served by the water concessionaire. As such, Maynilad officials joined Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon in an online talk via Facebook to explain why the water service interruptions have been happening, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Maynilad Water Services Inc. explained that the ongoing water service interruptions (WSI) affecting its customers in Muntinlupa and other areas are due to facility maintenance at the Putatan Water Treatment Plants.

The company has been the target of criticism from irate customers in Muntinlupa for its poor water service.

Recently, Maynilad announced that its “customers in portions of Bacoor City, Cavite City, Imus City, Las Piñas City, Muntinlupa City, Parañaque City, Noveleta, Cavite and Rosario, Cavite will have water service interruption daily starting March 24, 2023 until April 1, 2023.

Maynilad will be conducting intensified cleaning of the plants’ filters following the prolonged entry of highly turbid water. This activity will allow the plants to return to normal operations now that turbidity is expected to go down with the end of Amihan season,” it said.

To discuss the problem, the Muntinlupa City government’s Public Information Office invited Maynilad representatives to an online talk on Facebook on March 30.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon and PIO chief Mimi Gonzales invited Maynilad’s Greg Antonio, head of the Water Production Department, and Harold Lopez, head of the Muntinlupa-Las Pinas Business Area.

On the daily water service interruptions, Antonio said this is due to the Amihan season that is causing high water turbidity

“Same pa rin po yung reason natin. Yung sinasabi nating turbidity or paglabo ng tubig (We still have the same reason. This is due to turbidity or water getting cloudy),” said Antonio.

He said Maynilad has installed silt barriers and membranes at the Putatan Water Treatment Plant.

But he said the turbidity this year is “one for the books.” He said the turbidity in Laguna Lake, the water source for Maynilad’s Putatan plant, is 28 days longer this year compared to previous years.

He said Maynilad has seen that turbidity in Laguna Lake has reached 40 sq. km., which was the maximum area reached by its sampling boat.

However, Antonio said Maynilad has no concrete explanation about the high water turbidity in Laguna Lake.

“Sa ngayon wala pa po kaming concrete basis dun sa cause ng paglabo pero yung evidence lang po nung visual. Yun lang po ang nakikita namin (At present we have no concrete basis on what is causing the water to get cloudy but we only have the visual evidence. That is what we are seeing),” he said.

Maynilad is currently constructing its third water treatment plant in Muntinlupa in Barangay Poblacion.

Antonio said by November this year, the Poblacion plant will operate one-third of its capacity or 50 million liters per day. He said the two water treatment plants in Barangay Putatan are “just enough” to meet the water demand of Maynilad customers.

He said the two Putatan Water Treatment Plants can produce 280 million liters of water per day.

The Poblacion plant, which will have a full capacity of 150 million liters of water per day,  will provide water if Maynilad does maintenance work at the Putatan Water Treatment Plants.

Antonio said with the operation of the Poblacion plant by November, there will be no water service interruptions.

“Eto po yung kinakailangan natin to ensure 24 hours provision ng supply po (This is what we need to ensure 24 hours provision of supply),” he said.

Some customers in Muntinlupa have complained why Maynilad has set the supply of water at midnight.

Lopez said that at present, Maynilad’s water production is limited, prompting the company to allocate water supply. He said the allocation depends on the elevation of the area, distance, and demand.

He said the Southville 3 housing project in Barangay Poblacion is the highest and farthest water service area of Maynilad in Muntinlupa.

On the different hours being implemented by Maynilad for its water service interruptions, Lopez said it depends on the water production.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Were you satisfied with the explanations of Maynilad?

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

Maynilad announces strategy to augment summer water supply

Are you having any problems with your water supply from Maynilad? The water concessionaire announced new moves to augment water supply for the summer season, according to a BusinessWorld news article.

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

MAYNILAD Water Services, Inc. has started to implement supply augmentation measures to meet the expected surge in demand this summer, a company official said.

The water level at Angat Dam is still at a healthy level but given the expected El Niño by the latter half of 2023, Maynilad is concerned that there will be less rainfall to replenish the Angat and Ipo dams,” Maynilad Spokesperson Jennifer C. Rufo told BusinessWorld in a Viber message on Sunday.

Maynilad’s supply augmentation measures include the reactivation of deep wells and the commissioning of modular treatment plants. But these measures are only expected to mitigate the impact of a supply shortage if the dams’ water level continues to decline.

The latest available data from the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) showed that Angat dam is currently at 204.96 meters, higher than the normal operating level of 192 meters, but lower than 212 meters, which is considered the ideal level to provide an adequate safety margin for supply during dry months.

Angat Dam is the main source of water for Metro Manila, accounting for about 90% of the capital’s potable water.

The west-zone water concessionaire said that it is building a new treatment plant that would bring additional supply starting this year, addressing the possible water supply deficit as population growth continues amid a lack of new water sources.

Maynilad is now building a new water treatment plant in Muntinlupa, which will yield an additional supply of 150 million liters per day (MLD),” Ms. Rufo said, adding that the facility will produce an initial 50 MLD by year-end. She was referring to the Poblacion water treatment plant in Muntinlupa City.

For the next five years, we plan to build five new water treatment plants, including some that will source raw water from our sewage treatment plants,” she said.

Ms. Rufo said these new water treatment plants will source supply either from new water or used water that will be treated and made potable again. Maynilad is also planning to source raw water from Kaliwa Dam, which is currently being facilitated by the MWSS.

As of February, MWSS said that the construction of Kaliwa Dam, a crucial dam project that will augment water supply in Metro Manila, is 22% complete. The dam is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with water supply expected starting in 2027.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think Maynilad’s moves will improve the situation this summer season?

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

Chinese national arrested for P100,000 bribe attempt inside PNP substation

Were there any unusual crime incidents that happened in your city lately? There was one in Taguig City and it was about a male Chinese national who entered a police substation where he offered police officers there a bribe of P100,000 to have his apprehended friend released only to be arrested on the spot, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A Chinese man was arrested by the Taguig police for allegedly bribing police officers with P100,000 for the release of his friend.

The Taguig police identified the suspect as Bin Li, 40, sales manager. Confiscated from him were 100 pieces of P1,000 bills totaling P100,000 and one Alien Employment Permit (AEP) ID.

According to the police, the bribing incident happened on March 26 at the Taguig police’s Substation 1 at 40th Street corner 9th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City in Barangay Fort Bonifacio.

The police said Bin Li went to the police station and asked for his friend, Deng Jiliang, 33, Chinese national, IT staff at Huawei, who was arrested for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).

Bin Li allegedly approached the arresting officers and offered them the P100,000 in exchange for the release of Deng Jiliang.

The above report ended stating that the suspect has been charged for violating Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act). This incident somewhat reminds me of what happened inside the police station in Parañaque City in early 2022 when a foreigner and his local partner arrived pretending to be court process servers (with fake documents) trying to free detained foreign nationals. Those were arrested for the falsification of public documents and usurpation of authority.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Has there been any crime incidents involving Chinese nationals that happened in your local community during the past few months?

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

26th cityhood anniversary and 116th founding anniversary of Las Piñas City celebrated

Recently in the city of Las Piñas, the City Government organized the dual celebrations of the 26th cityhood anniversary as well as the 116th founding anniversary, according to news report by the Manila Bulletin. The celebrations started this past Sunday (March 26) and there will be related activities days after.

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

The Las Piñas City government celebrated its 26th cityhood and 116th founding anniversary on Sunday, March 26.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the activities for the cityhood and founding anniversary commenced on March 27 from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

The City Health Office (CHO) conducted health and wellness programs at the Verdant covered court. They included free laboratory tests on FBS (fasting blood sugar), cholesterol and blood typing, HIV screening, and nutrition education.

Dental services such as oral examination, prophylaxis, and oral health kit were also provided.

The CHO also offered immunization for children, pneumonia vaccines for senior citizens, and a family planning caravan.

Free chest x-ray services were given at the CHO located at the City Hall grounds from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

Aside from health and wellness, a cityhood mega job fair will also be held at the ground floor atrium of Robinsons Place for the city’s jobseekers.

The mayor said the city government will likewise accept applications and renewal of the green card.

The celebrations will continue on March 28 through a free vaccines and deworming drive for cats and dogs, as well as the distribution of free seedlings and fertilizers at the Verdant covered court from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon only.

Another free chest x-ray rollout will be conducted on March 30 at the Aguilar Sport Complex in Pilar Village from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Couples who want to get (married) may join the “Kasalanag Bayan” (mass wedding) to be hosted by the city government on March 31.

The city government will also offer a cultural show organized by the Las Pinas Tourism and Cultural Office (TCO).

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? Were you able to avail of any of the above mentioned free medical services?

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

COMELEC reschedules filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) for 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections; new filing period set for August 28-September 2, 2023

Recently the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that the period of filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) related to the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) has been rescheduled to August 28 to September 2, 2023, according to a GMA Network news report. Previously, the COCs filing period was July 3 to 7, 2023.

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

The filing of certificates of candidacy for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections has been rescheduled from July to August, Commission on Elections chairman George Garcia has announced.

In an online forum, Garcia said the filing for the BSKE elections had been moved from July 3 to 7 to August 28 to September 2.

“We approved just this morning, during our en banc session, the change of the date of the filing of the COC,” said Garcia during a webinar of the UP Alumni Association and the Vinzons Policy Center (VPC) on enhancing the country’s readiness for clean and honest future elections.

This is to ensure the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the PNP (Philippine National Police) will be most prepared, especially because of the violence we have right now dito sa ating mga local officials,” he added.

The development came a day after Senator Francis Tolentino said he asked the poll body to delay the COC filing as conducting it in July would only “burden the local government units (LGUs)” due to election-related restrictions under the Omnibus Election Code.

Tolentino said it was “only just and fair” to adjust the filing period given the BSKE would be held during the last week of October 2023 and that the law prescribed a 10-day campaign period.

Unlike the national elections, Garcia said those who file their COCs during the prescribed period would be considered candidates and are subject to the Omnibus Election Code.

“Dito sa BSKE, we saw an opportunity. We told them ‘let them go to the courts’ because we will consider them, upon the filing of their candidacies, already as candidates. Therefore, they will be liable under Section 18 of the Omnibus Election Code for premature campaigning….We will disqualify them, we will file election offenses against these candidates,” he added.

Tolentino lauded the rescheduling of the filing period, saying it would help the LGU perform well and would ease election-related violence since “it will lessen early politicking.”

“The poll body’s decision will allow our local government units to perform their respective functions without any compromise or restrictions—construction ban, etc.,” he said. 

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the rescheduling of COCs filing makes sense? Are you looking forward to participating in the BSKE 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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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 to receive over P86 million from DOTr

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, it was announced that the City Government will receive over P86 million from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) specifically for the implementation of an active transport bike system as well as safe pathways, the Manila Bulletin reported. The City Council approved a resolution related to it.

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

The Muntinlupa City government will receive P86.1 million from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to implement an active transport bike system and safe pathways program.

Councilors approved Resolution No. 2023-208 authorizing Mayor Ruffy Biazon to sign, on behalf of the city government, an agreement with DOTr for the transfer of the fund for the program.

The resolution cited that during the pandemic, “due to the restrictions imposed by the national and local government on the movement of people and goods. active transport such as biking, and walking were promoted.”

A joint administrative order of the DOTr, Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) listed the “Guidelines on the Proper Use and Promotion of Active Transport During and After the Covid-19” in which local government units (LGUs) were encouraged “to provide infrastructure for active transport and walking paths. Ensure availability of right of way for the construction of bicycle lanes and walking paths within their jurisdiction. and maintain the bicycle lanes and walking paths located in their jurisdiction.”

A national budget was allotted under the General Act of 2022 for the Active Transport Bike Share System and Safe Pathways Program in Metro Manila for “the construction of bike lanes, procurement of bike racks, improved end-of-trip cycling infrastructures, construction of safe and accessible pedestrian walkways, and upgrading of existing pop-up bike lanes into permanent bike lanes.”

It also aimed “to establish proper public transport stops and ensure that all road and bridge projects to be designed and implemented, in so far as practicable, shall allocate at least 50% of the road space for public transport, pedestrians and bicycles/light mobility vehicle.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think this will improve local transportation and safety within the city?

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

Chinese national arrested in Parañaque for estafa and unjust vexation

Recently in Parañaque City, a foreigner from China got arrested by local police officers at Barangay Tambo over charges of estafa and unjust vexation, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A Chinese was arrested by members of the Parañaque police Tambo substation after complaints of estafa and unjust vexation were filed against him by a fellow Chinese on Sunday, March 19.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect, identified as Haoyi Li, 24, was arrested around 11:30 a.m. at Solaire Resort and Casino located along Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Barangay Tambo.

The SPD said the victim was identified as Xianglong Zeng, 32, also a Chinese.

The police said the suspect borrowed P600,000 from the victim and promised to pay him through online fund transfer or via Alipay app for the amount of 75,000 RMB.

The victim told the police that when he made a follow up for the payment,  Li reportedly got angry and shouted at the victim.

The victim added that he was pushed several times by the suspect while shouting unsavory words at him that caught the attention of the security personnel who called up the police for assistance.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a Parañaque City resident, are you concerned about Chinese nationals causing trouble in your local community?

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, 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

Muntinlupa Mayor Biazon celebrates birthday by organizing feeding program in local communities

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon celebrated his birthday by being generous as he led a huge feeding program on the many local communities, the Manila Bulletin reported. He expressed gratitude to the Lord.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon celebrated his 54th birthday with a simultaneous community feeding program in 44 communities in the city.

We are grateful to the Lord for another year of life, but we are especially thankful because this means more opportunities to serve our people, all Muntinlupeños,” said Biazon.

The feeding program was held in different barangays in Muntinlupa, particularly targeting those who were vulnerable to malnutrition.

Biazon was born on March 20, 1969 and served as Muntinlupa’s congressman and commissioner of the Bureau of Customs. He was elected to his first term as mayor in the May 2022 elections.

Jumping for joy at 54! Thank you very very much sa mga bumati! (Thank you to all those who greeted),” he posted on Facebook.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? How do you plan to celebrate your own birthday 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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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

Two ladies and a man arrested for shoplifting in Alabang

What would you do if you had so many containers of sunblock lotion? I had to ask that question because the Manila Bulletin reported a recent incident that happened in Alabang, Muntinlupa City in which three people got arrested for shoplifting inside a popular retailer. They were caught carrying over fifty units of expensive sunblock lotion and had no proof of purchase with them as they attempted to leave.

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

Three persons were arrested by the police for allegedly shoplifting 55 sunblock lotions at a popular membership-only warehouse club in Muntinlupa.

The Muntinlupa police identified the suspects as Zamuel Campo, 50; Riza Cuatro, 46; and Fatima Cuatro, 39.

According to the police, the shoplifting incident happened at the S&R Membership Shopping branch at Westgate Alabang on March 19.

The three allegedly posed as customers and put 55 pieces of Beach Hut sunblock lotions in a bag and immediately walked out of the store. Each sunblock lotion cost P492 for a total of P27,060.

At the S&R exit, they were searched by the guards and when they failed to show a receipt for the sunblock lotions, they were prevented from leaving.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the arrested suspects could be working together or could they be working for a crime syndicate?

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

Department of Tourism (DOT) unveils ambitious plan to establish Philippines as a major tourism player in Asia within five years

Tourism in the Philippines looks bright right now. Recently, the MUEG Bank Ltd. Of Japan expressed that the tourism sector of the Philippines could double this year with the return of Chinese tourists as the factor. For its part, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced the scrapping of mask wearing and proof of vaccination as requirements in the nation’s tourism enterprises.

Recently, the DOT announced its ambitious plan to transform the nation into a major player in international tourism (specifically within Asia) in the next five years, 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 Philippines targets to become a tourism powerhouse in Asia in the next five years, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said Wednesday.

At the unveiling of the 2023-2028 National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) during a tourism stakeholders’ summit in Manila, the Department of Tourism (DOT) vowed to “establish a Philippine tourism industry anchored on Filipino culture, heritage and identity, which aims to be sustainable, resilient and competitive in order to transform the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia.”

The roadmap identified seven measures to achieve this goal, with improving tourism infrastructure and accessibility as one of the priorities.

The overall target is the transformation of the tourism industry of the Philippines, which is why we have embarked on the objective of not just focusing on the promotion of tourism but more importantly on the development of industry from the ground up focusing not just on our key destinations, but also on our emerging and lesser known destinations,” Frasco said.

“We can only truly transform the Philippine tourism industry if we address the prevailing challenges that we face continually across our regions,” she added.

On connectivity, Frasco said DOT is working with the Department of Transportation to negotiate more routes for air and sea travel.

Under the NTDP, Frasco said DOT would focus on digitalization; enhancement of the overall tourist experience by incentivizing sustainable travel and improving safety and security in destinations, among others.

The agency would also tap local government units in developing more tourist sites and linking emerging ones to key destinations.

She said the government will increase investments in creating “high-value” tourism experiences and announced the May 2023 launch of the Philippine Experience.

The program, which aims to highlight heritage and culture unique to every region in the country, will be piloted in Davao, Ilocos Region, Bicol and Calabarzon.

The program, she said, would include a three to five-day tour packages allowing tourists to experience both well-known and lesser-known destinations in said regions.

Frasco presented the salient points of the NTDP before the country’s top tourism players. The roadmap was first previewed during the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) meeting convened in February and would be submitted to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for approval within the month.

“This NTDP will serve as a blueprint for the strategies on how the Department of Tourism intends to continue and to grow the impact of tourism upon our economy in the next few years. This will be the guidebook of the industry where we put in place mechanisms for sustainability for many many years to come,” Frasco said.

‘Rosy prospects’ – Frasco noted that, even prior to the finalization of NTDP, the DOT has closely collaborated with tourism stakeholders in carrying out the President’s vision through its various plans and programs, citing the most recent awards and nominations received by the Philippines and its tourism destinations.

The DOT has yet to reveal arrival targets for the next five years but earlier said it seeks to reach 4.8 million in foreign visitors by end of 2023.

This follows the positive momentum set in 2022, which successfully closed with 2.65 million visitors that translates to PHP214 billion or roughly USD4 billion in estimated revenues.

The momentum for recovery and growth has begun. We’ve eased restrictions. We’ve continued to aggressively promote our destinations through the DOT’s constant and unyielding presence in various exhibits in the Philippines and all over the world. And people are traveling now, and are traveling with a vengeance,” Frasco said.

“By promoting the Philippines through the biggest international tourism and trade fairs across Asia and Europe, we are re-introducing the Philippines to the world, and bringing no less than the best of the best of the country and the Filipino people,” she added

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the DOT and all the strategic partners will be able to fulfill all the adjustments needed to transform the Philippines into a major tourist destination? What would you suggest to the DOT to make the tourism experience in the country more efficient and more interesting? Do you think it is time for the DOT to start recognizing local conventions or special events (examples: ToyCon, Trans Sport Show) and start encouraging foreign tourists to attend them?

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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