Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Vice Mayor April Aguilar and some local officials took time out to visit evacuation sites which served as temporary places of relief for locals whose lives were disrupted by Typhoon Carina, the City Government revealed through social media.
While the typhoon has since left the country, many people who suffered from flooding, strong winds and excessive rain are still struggling to regain normalcy in their lives.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post. Some parts in boldface…
City Vice Mayor April Aguilar, along with Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) head Alejandro Dela Merced, conducted visits to flood evacuation sites on Wednesday, July 24 in Barangays Manuyo Dos, Pulanglupa Dos, and Elias Aldana, following severe flooding caused by Typhoon Carina and the intensified southwest monsoon.
Vice Mayor Aguilar assessed the conditions and immediate needs of the elderly and families at the evacuation centers, ensuring they received necessary assistance. The city government has prioritized the safety and well-being of its residents, deploying resources promptly to address the impacts of the flooding.
The local government’s efforts include providing shelter, food, and medical assistance to those affected by the floods.
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 there lots of people in your local community who got impacted by flooding, excessive rain and strong winds caused by Typhoon Carina?
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
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than two hundred pregnant women attended the “Buntis Congress” in Barangay Almanza Uno which is part of the local efforts to promote maternal and child health, according to the City Government’s social media post.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s social media post. Some parts in boldface…
The City Health Office, led by OIC Dr. Juliana Gonzalez, successfully conducted the “Buntis Congress” on Thursday, July 11, at the Almanza Uno Covered Court. The event saw the participation of more than 200 pregnant women who were eager to learn about various health and wellness topics critical for their journey to motherhood.
The event featured several educational lectures, including sessions on safe motherhood, responsible parenthood and family planning, health for mother and child through good diet and supplementation, and maintaining oral health during pregnancy and for the child. These sessions aimed to equip the attendees with valuable (knowledge) to ensure the well-being of both mother and child.
In addition to the informative lectures, the event also included a raffle and numerous giveaways, generously sponsored by Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar, further emphasizing the city’s commitment to supporting its residents’ health and welfare.
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? Do you think there should be more “Buntis Congress” or similar activities for the benefit of pregnant women in other parts of the city?
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
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Mayor Imelda Aguilar met with the he members of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) and confirmed her full support for the development projects of the barangays, 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…
Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar vowed her full support for the projects of the barangays in the city that will lead to more development and livelihood for city residents.
In a talk with the members of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) held on Tuesday, July 16, at the Office of the Mayor, Aguilar said the ABC, led by Mori Riguerra, discussed the progress of various projects that are being implemented in each barangay in the city.
The mayor highlighted the city’s administration’s dedication to the continued development and improvement of Las Piñas.
Vice-Mayor April Aguilar also expressed her full support to the ABC and assured its members that the needs and initiatives of the barangays will be given priority in the city’s agenda.
The mayor said the meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts between city officials and barangay leaders for the welfare of the community.
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 looking forward to the mayor’s support for the development projects in your barangay?
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
Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government formally started the distribution of free school supplies for the benefit of roughly one hundred thousand public school students, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The school supplies include bags, notebooks, crayon sets, pencils, pens, and paper to name some.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government started the distribution of free school supplies to public school students on July 23 to support education and ease the financial burden of families.
Around 98,000 public school students in Muntinlupa will each receive a Balik Eskwela Package from the city government.
Each package consists of a school bag, notebooks, a set of crayons, pencils or pens, pad paper, and “MUNwalk” sneakers for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students. The sneakers will be given to the students in August.
For daycare students, the package includes a school bag, notebooks, jumbo pencils, pad paper, a box of crayons, and a water tumbler.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon visited public schools to lead the distribution of the free school supplies. .
“This distribution is more than just providing school supplies; it’s about showing our students and their families that we are here to support their educational journey every step of the way. We believe that every child deserves the tools they need to succeed, and we are committed to making that a reality,” said Biazon during the distribution at Tunasan National High School..
Parent Mylene Gratil, whose children were among the first batch to receive their free Balik Eskwela packages, expressed gratitude to the program:
“Malaking tulong po ang Balik Eskwela package para sa aking tatlong anak. Lahat po sila makatatanggap ng school supplies at sapatos (The Balik Eskwela package is a big help for my three children. They will all receive school supplies and shoes),” she said.
Biazon emphasized that education is a priority of his administration under the 7K Agenda. Besides the free school supplies, the city provides assistance through scholarships, with more than 80,000 students regularly receiving financial and educational aid.
“Lagi nating paalala sa kabataan, ‘wag sayangin ang pagkakataong ito. Sa Muntinlupa, prayoridad ang edukasyon. Naniniwala tayo na ang magandang edukasyon ay susi sa kinabukasan (We should always remind the youth not to waste this chance. In Muntinlupa, education is a priority. We believe that good education is key to the future),” the mayor said.
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 City Government’s distribution of free school supplies for the public school students?
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
During his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., declared a nationwide ban on all Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. Marcos pointed out the negative effects POGOs had on the country such as money laundering, scamming, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, and murder to name some.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has heeded snowballing calls to ban Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in the country, an industry marred by controversies and illegal activities.
During his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, Marcos acknowledged that POGOs have already “ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, even murder.”
“The grave abuse and disrespect of our system must stop. Kailangan nang itigil ang panggugulo nito sa ating lipunan at paglalapastangan sa ating bansa (It is now imperative to stop this chaos that is wreaking havoc to our society and desecrating our country). Effective today, all POGOs are banned,” Marcos exclaimed prompting the crowd at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City to break into cheers.
The President also ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to cease operations of POGOs by the end of the year, as well as the Department of Labor and Employment to help workers who will be displaced.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, key figures of the administration’s economic team, have supported the calls to ban POGOs, which mostly cater to clients from mainland China and employ a large number of Chinese-speaking foreign workers.
Several lawmakers and business groups have also urged the President to impose a total ban on POGOs.
Aside from money laundering activities, crimes attributed to the POGOs have expanded over the past years and now include human trafficking, abduction, homicide, illegal detention, kidnap-for-ransom, theft, robbery-extortion, serious physical injuries, swindling, grave coercion, investment scam, cryptocurrency scam, and love scam.
For added insight, watch this GMA Network news video of President Marcos making the declaration.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the newly declared nationwide ban on POGOs will reduce the connected criminal acts? Are there many POGO-connected foreigners living in your local community? Do you think the ban on POGOs will result in lesser Chinese nationals coming into the country? Do you think the closures of POGOs will affect a lot of small businesses that sold products or services to them?
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers arrested a man who staged a robbery hold-up at a convenient store in Barangay Talon Singko, 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 call center agent was arrested by members of the Las Piñas City police Talon Substation for robbing a convenience store on Monday, July 15.
Col. Sandro Tafalla, Las Piñas police chief, reported to the Southern Police District (SPD) the arrest of the suspect identified as alias Allan, 48.
Tafalla said alias Allan staged a robbery hold- up at a convenience store along Rainbow Village, San Antonio Street, Marcos Alvarez, Talon Singko, Las Piñas City at around 2:30 a.m.
According to the victim, identified as alias Daryl, 20, the suspect entered the store and pretended to be a customer.
The victim told the police that the suspect was requested to remove his helmet upon entering the store and instead of heeding the request, alias Allan drew out his firearm, a .9mm pistol, and declared the holdup. The cashier, at that time, was about to transfer the money inside their vault amounting to P67,314.
The suspect reportedly told the cashier “bilisan mo” (faster) during the heist and immediately left store. The suspect boarded his motorcycle going to the direction of Alabang-Zapote Road.
Tafalla said the quick response of members of the Talon Substation led to the arrest of the suspect at around 5:00 a.m. and the recovery of a sling bag where the .9mm pistol was placed loaded with nine ammunitions, 30 live ammunitions, one black holster and the stolen cash.
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 more similar robberies will happen in the stores in your local community?
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
With the extension of the deadline over, the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) withholding tax on online sellers who conduct business on electronic marketplaces (example: Lazada) came into effect recently, according to a Manila Bulletin business new report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has started implementing the withholding tax requirement for online sellers who conduct business on electronic marketplaces like Lazada and Shopee.
In a statement, BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. said there will be no further extensions for online merchants to comply with the new withholding tax system outlined in Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 16-2023.
Under the BIR regulations, e-marketplace operators are mandated to withhold one percent creditable tax on half of the total payments sent to sellers or merchants for products or services sold through their platform.
“Electronic Marketplace Operators will begin imposing Withholding Tax against their sellers/merchants starting July 15, 2024. We have already extended this by 90 days. No further extensions will be given,” Lumagui said.
Last April, the BIR extended the RR No. 16-2023 deadline until July 14, 2024.
“No more extensions will be given after the previous 90-day extension under [Revenue Memorandum Circular] RMC No. 55-2024,” the BIR noted.
The previous extension was given to allow e-marketplace operators to comply with the requirements of the BIR and adjust to the provisions of RR 16-2023 before the withholding tax is imposed.
Lumagui also clarified that withholding tax is not a new tax, noting it is a system where taxes are collected in advance and later offset against the seller’s total income tax liability.
“The BIR aims to level the playing field between brick-and-mortar stores, which are regularly complying with their tax obligations, and online marketplaces,” Lumagui said.
“Whether their business is operated online or through physical stores, sellers and merchants have to pay their taxes,” he added.
Meanwhile, the BIR has given digital financial services providers more time to switch to the new withholding tax system.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you have been selling through the electronic marketplaces, do you think the 1% withholding tax will be a big challenge in the long-term? Have you prepared your business for the withholding tax?
Recently in the city of Parañaque, two individuals who engaged in selling online were arrested by the local police for qualified theft, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. It turns out that the suspects were found selling hair growth serum which were stolen from someone.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Two online sellers were arrested by members of the Parañaque City police for theft after they were found selling stolen hair growth serum on Tiktok last July 9.
Parañaque City police chief Col. Melvin Montante reported to the Southern Police District (SPD) the arrest of alias Zerimar, 29, manager and a resident of 8th Avenue, Caloocan City; and Raymark, 21, packer and a stay-in employee at Hosuku Inc. at a condominium located in Roxas Boulevard, Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City.
Montante said the owner of Hosuku hair growth serum, alias Yuji, 29, a businessman and a resident of Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City, discovered that his hair growth serum product was being sold at a Tiktok account called “Parktikal” for a cheaper price and was registered under the name of alias Jerick, reportedly the common-law husband of Zerimar.
He said the victim inspected his warehouse located at Lot 5A Street, Agueda Queensway, Pascor Drive, Barangay Santo Nino, Parañaque City at around 5:35 p.m. and discovered one box of his product containing 300 pieces of 30ml bottles of the hair growth serum worth P105,000 at the locker of Zerimar.
The victim told the police that prior to the inspection of his warehouse, he also saw Raymark bring the box of stolen items inside the locker of Zerimar who was her cousin.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think there could be thieves selling stolen products online while secretly residing in your local community?
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
As some of you are already aware, I fully stand with Israel which is very 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 radicals and nobody from any evil society would stop me from supporting and loving Israel.
Now, on with the news…
Recently, the Israeli organization ORT announced that it is eager to collaborate with the Philippines and share with local students sci-tech focused education models, 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…
Israeli organization ORT is eager to partner with the Philippines to help prepare Filipino students become part of a “technology-driven workforce”.
An ORT Israel delegation is in Manila to introduce the organization’s various science and technology-focused teaching and learning methodologies to Filipino private and public education stakeholders.
At a roundtable in Taguig City on Friday, Alona Kletsel, ORT head of International Business Development & Marketing, said her group can provide unique expertise and support in crafting an innovative curricula to keep students apace with the rapidly changing technology once they graduate.
“There was a lot of interest and there’s really a pain point here with regard to closing the gap between the industry needs and academy or vocational education institutions,” Kletsel said.
“We at ORT have a very practical approach towards this situation — to work closely with the industry to tailor education in line with the needs and provide practical experience through collaborative projects with the industry,” she said.
ORT is the largest education network operating in Israel and is funded by the Israel Ministry of Education, supporting 30 vocational colleges, 220 secondary schools, and more than 100,000 students, annually.
In its network of schools, it champions the use of artificial intelligence to reduce the workload of teachers.
It also uses virtual reality both for teaching and as an asset for learners — either to develop virtual reality atmospheres in their software lessons or to sharpen their English and presentation skills.
Following this visit, Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said the Israeli Embassy is willing to facilitate cooperation between the organization and the education stakeholders in the country.
“Yes we are still at war, we are living in a very challenging time but we are still committed to build partnership with the Philippines,” he said.
During her visit to Manila, Kletsel met with officials from the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education Skills and Development Authority, local government units, and Philippine universities.
It is indeed a blessing to see Israel-Philippines ties grow stronger through this education and innovation development with ORT Israel. I honestly believe that the potential collaboration will benefit Filipinos as education is essential in Philippine society and there is a need to help our nation’s workforce keep up with the rest of the world using technology and varied innovations. That being said, I want to see collaborations between ORT Israel and Filipino partners happen soon with long-term development in mind..
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, Hezbollah and other terrorist groups around the Middle East. The Leftists and terrorists always go together and their anti-Semitism is clearly obvious. Hamas, which has long been supported by terrorist state Iran, 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. Iran even has Hezbollah in Lebanon doing their evil works for them. 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 fall down. Read Joshua 11:1-20 in the Holy Bible for relevance and truth. Pray to the Lord to support Israel, its government officials, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the citizens and other stakeholders.
During the recent presentation of newly designated police officers in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded them to follow the values of ACT (Accountability, Confidence and Trust) as they perform their duties, 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…
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon reminded the police to follow the values of ACT or Accountability, Confidence, and Trust, in doing their duties as law enforcers.
Biazon made the reminder during the presentation of the newly designated police officers by Muntinlupa Police chief Col. Robert Domingo.
The new officers in the Muntinlupa Police are:
⬪Major Allan Rainier Cabral – chief of the Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS)
⬪Capt. Reynaldo Par – chief of the Custodial and Detention Facility Unit (CDFU)
⬪Capt. Fernando Niefes – chief of the Station Tactical Operations Center (STOC) and concurrent assistant chief of the Patrol Operations Section (POS)
⬪Capt. Rolando Ty – commander of the Tunasan Police Substation (SS1)
⬪Capt. Alemar Cabanit – commander of the Putatan Police Substation (SS2)
⬪Capt. Roderick Tubon – commander of the Sucat Police Substation (SS4)
⬪Capt. Rizalyn Soledad – commander of the Ayala Alabang Police Substation (SS5)
⬪Capt. Marlo Abella – commander of the Poblacion Police Substation (SS6)
Biazon congratulated the newly designated police officers and told them about the expectations from the public.
“And, of course, our expectations from the newly designated. Remember the word ACT. The expectation is not only from you but from the whole Muntinlupa Police Station. The rank and file,” he said.
He added, “One is your accountability to your duty. We will expect that you will take action in fighting crime. Definitely, the public is expecting that. That is why you are in the police because you are our hope in addressing problems of drugs, criminality and, of course, the safety of our citizens. You have assumed that accountability.”
“Letter C, you have our confidence. As what Col. Domingo said earlier, we approved the designation by putting confidence in you. So don’t fail us on that,” he said.
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 looking forward to observing how the new city police officers will do their duty?
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
Author Carlo Carrasco 