Tag: PNA.gov.ph

COMELEC declares no delays related to October 2023 Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE)

COMELEC declares no delays related to October 2023 Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE)

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As far as the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is concerned, there will be no delays related to the anticipated Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) set for October 30, 2023 and the related final list of voters will be released this August, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

There will be no delays in the release of the final list of voters in August and the holding of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) by October, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday assured.

During the Laging Handa public briefing, Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said the poll body targets to provide a clean list of registered voters by the first week of August.

“Tuloy na tuloy na po iyan… ginagarantiya natin na maayos at malinis na po iyan. Kahit po iyong mga sinasabing namatay na, iyan po ay pinapatanggal din natin sa ating election registration board (It [will certainly] be pushed through… We are guaranteeing an organized and clean [list]. Even those who have already died, we are also asking the election registration board to remove them),” he said.

Any political party or citizen’s arm may secure access to the clean list from local Comelec offices once finalized.

Based on Comelec’s automated fingerprint and identification system, around 21,000 double and multiple registrants were found.

The poll body also assured the BSKE on Oct. 30 will also push through following the recent ruling of the Supreme Court on the unconstitutionality of the postponement of the December 2022 BSKE.

“Bagama’t unconstitutional nga po ang sabi ng ating Korte Suprema doon sa batas na ipagpaliban ang halalan, wala po itong epekto sa atin pong ginagawang paghahanda para sa October 30. Tuloy na tuloy po ang ating October 30 Barangay and SK Elections (Although it’s unconstitutional to postpone the elections as per the law cited by the Supreme Court, it has no effect on our preparation for October 30. The October 30 BSKE will push through),” Garcia added.

However, around 1.3 million ballots are still left for printing, particularly for those registered from Dec. 12, 2022 up to Jan. 31 this year.

Garcia said the printing of ballots for the said batch will be launched in July once the clearing of double and multiple registrants is finalized. To date, the Comelec has already printed 91 million ballots needed for the upcoming BSKE.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you intend to vote in the BSKE this October 30? Do you think the COMELEC has done enough to ensure election integrity?

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

“Love the Philippines” launched as the nation’s new tourism slogan

“Love the Philippines” launched as the nation’s new tourism slogan

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As part of its campaign to become a tourism powerhouse in Asia in the years to the come, the Philippines officially launched their new slogan called “Love the Philippines”, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., approved of the ambitious tourism plan covering 2023-2028 and he reiterated his support for Philippine tourism.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday expressed optimism that the Philippines will become the “tourism powerhouse” of Asia in the next few years.

This, as Marcos witnessed the unveiling of the country’s new tourism slogan “Love the Philippines” during the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) 50th anniversary celebration at The Manila Hotel.

In a keynote speech, Marcos affirmed his commitment to advancing the tourism sector, hoping that the new campaign slogan would help stimulate economic activities and generate job opportunities in the country.

“What a better way to express that love than directly incorporating it into our country’s newest tourism campaign slogan, Love the Philippines. This is new branding which we unveiled today. It will serve as our guidepost for the Philippine Tourism Industry moving forward,” Marcos said.

“Allow me then to express my sincere appreciation to Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and for the DOT team because aside from the tourist destination, the campaign that you have conceptualized aims to enhance the overall experience of every traveler,” he added.

In May, Marcos approved the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 which will serve as his administration’s blueprint and development framework for the tourism industry.

Marcos said the NTDP 2023-2028 contains the government’s targets, which include the promotion of local products and the implementation of more infrastructure projects to ensure hassle-free travel.

“The five-year plan stemmed from this admin’s determination to implement programs that will positively transform our country towards being a tourism powerhouse in Asia in the coming years. Let us therefore strive to translate out golden vision into reality,” he said.

Marcos lauded the DOT for making the tourism industry as “a major driver of economic growth.”

He also welcomed the “improving” figures in tourism revenues, employment, international arrivals and domestic trips, saying these indicate the country’s recovery from the onslaught of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“All of these are encouraging signs that the tourism industry in our country as a whole is headed well towards full recovery. It also conveys a strong message to the world that we are ready and fully equipped to welcome tourists, travelers as well as investors,” Marcos said.

To realize his administration’s goal of transforming the Philippines as Asia’s tourism powerhouse, Marcos urged Filipinos to be the country’s tourism ambassadors.

“I enjoin you all to be our country’s promoters, advocates, and if I may borrow a coined term in this age of social media, be our country’s top influencers,” he said.

“Indeed, the Philippines will never run out of places to discover, meals to enjoy, adventures to experience, people to meet, talents to admire. Let us take pride and celebrate the love we have of our country and our people for it is the same love that gave meaning to the establishment of the DOT and the same love that will propel our tourism industry moving forward into the future,” Marcos added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you foresee a bright economic future with a reinvigorated national tourism industry? Does “Love the Philippines” sound attractive to you?

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

PNP insists Las Piñas City raid is legitimate as affected company’s lawyers demanded an investigation into alleged abuses committed by law enforcers

PNP insists Las Piñas City raid is legitimate as affected company’s lawyers demanded an investigation into alleged abuses committed by law enforcers

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Recently in the city of Las Piñas, the June 26 evening raid that resulted in the so-called rescue of more than 2,700 people got disputed as the affected company’s lawyers demanded an investigation over the alleged abuses committed by police officers, according to a Philippie News Agency (PNA) news article. The Philippine National Police (PNP) insists that the operation is legitimate.

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

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday maintained that its operation against a suspected illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in Las Piñas early this week is legitimate as it refuted claims of abuse and manhandling of workers rescued from the establishment.

In a statement, PNP Public Information Office chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the 2,714 workers earlier taken into custody during the operation would be released once they have completed their profiling works.

He also denied that human rights violations were committed by the police when the operation was carried out and assured that the police force would conduct a full and impartial investigation into the said operation.

The PNP’s statement came after the legal representatives of the firm Xinchuang Network Technology, Inc., demanded an investigation into alleged abuses committed by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) during the operation at Hong Tai Compound located at No. 501 Alabang-Zapote Road in Barangay Almanza Uno on Tuesday morning.

Vargas Law Office representative lawyer Ananias Christian Vargas has requested NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, PNP-Anti Cybercrime Group director Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia, PNP Directorate for Intelligence chief, Maj. Gen. Jon Arnaldo and Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco to investigate.

“As you may very well recall, in the late evening of 26 June 2023, 11:30 p.m. to be specific, the NCRPO Joint Police Task Force, led by Deputy Regional Director for Operations Brig. Gen Jack Wanky and Anti-Cybercrime Group Deputy for Operations Col. Villamor Tuliao implemented Search Warrant Nos. SW-LP23-007, SW-23-14 and SW-23-016, all dated 26 June 2023, issued by the Regional Trial Court of Las Piñas City, Office of the Executive Judge, which you conveniently couched as ‘Rescue Operation’ in Hong Tai Compound located at No. 501 Alabang-Zapote Road Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City, during which you and your Task Force control of the entire Hong Tai Compound, and even converted one of the structures as a command post,” Vargas said in the letter dated June 30.

He claimed the firm as well as its foreign and local workers were duly documented.

“The company and the legitimate workers all abide by the legal requirements,” Vargas said adding that all the documents covering the operations of the company had been in the vault seized during the raid.

Reports earlier said the PNP-ACG, backed up by several NCRPO uniformed personnel, conducted the operations. The company also questioned the conduct of the operation the police described as anti-human trafficking-related.

Vargas also claimed that as of this time, the NCRPO has not allowed the persons in the compound to leave despite its inability to file the necessary cases against these Filipino and foreign individuals.

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 the June 26 evening raid is legitimate?

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

Philippine triathletes all set for the 2023 Asia Triathlon U23 and Junior Championships in Japan

Philippine triathletes all set for the 2023 Asia Triathlon U23 and Junior Championships in Japan

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Welcome back my readers and sports fans! Eleven members of the Philippine triathlon team will be competing in the 2023 Asia Triathlon U23 and Junior Championships in Gamagori, Japan in a few days from now, according to a sports news release published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Among the members are those who won medals in the recent Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

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

The Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) will send 11 athletes to Japan for the 2023 Asia Triathlon U23 and Junior Championships that will be held in Gamagori on June 22 to 26.

The event distance in the U23/Junior (Sprint) will be 750m (swim), 20km (bike), and 5km (run) while in the U23/Junior Mixed Relay (Super Sprint), it will be 280m (swim), 7.2km (bike), and 2km (run).

Cebu City’s Andrew Kim Remolino and Faith Raven Alcoseba, Iñaki Emil Lorbes, Juan Francisco Baniqued, and Joshua Alexander Ramos will compete in the U-23 division while Erika Nicole Burgos, Gene Heart Quiambao, Kira Ellis, Lady Samantha Jhunace Corpuz, Dayshaun Karl Ramos, and Matthew Justine Hermosa, who is also from Cebu, are entered in the Junior division.

The athletes will be accompanied by coaches Ani de Leon-Brown, Louann Ramos, and Cebuano Roland Remolino, as well as TRAP secretary general Ramon Marchan, when they leave on June 21.

“We are sending our next-generation triathletes to the Asian Championships, as part of our long-term program to maximize exposure in world-class competitions and high-performance training camps for our high-potential triathletes. Their performances in these events will likewise be a basis for selection to the Asian Games in Hangzhou (China) in September plus the results of the recent SEA (Southeast) Games in Cambodia,” TRAP president Tom Carrasco said in an interview on Saturday.

Supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Philippine triathlon team is off to competing in more events overseas now that the 32nd SEA Games are over. Watch out for more Philippine multisport updates right here!

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

I Love Israel: Major agreements made between Israel and the Philippines; direct flights included

I Love Israel: Major agreements made between Israel and the Philippines; direct flights included

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This week has been very significant for Israel-Philippines relations. Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen arrived here on an official visit and he had a high-level meeting with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. in Malacañang Palace which resulted in very tremendous agreements that include direct flights between Israel and the Philippines, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., with Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. (photo source: Israel in the Philippines Facebook page)

The Philippines and Israel are pushing for the direct flights between the two countries and elevating their partnership in agriculture and water sectors, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

The plan to enhance cooperation between Manila and Tel Aviv was discussed when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Monday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement.

Cohen told Marcos that establishing direct flights between the Philippines and Israel would boost the two nations’ tourism and economic ties.

“There’s another thing that we, both of us, took for an action item. [It] is to have a direct flight… your external sea between Israel and the Philippines,” Cohen, as quoted by the PCO, said during the meeting, referring to his earlier meeting with Filipino officials.

“And I think that we agree that both ministries will work together to have the direct flight. And this is also to bring more business people to come to invest and reach the place between us. So this is also another important action item that we will do.”

The Philippine Airlines was supposed to launch its direct flights to Tel Aviv in 2022, but the plan has been stalled because of geopolitical concerns.

The Philippines has become one of the top tourist destinations for the Israelis in the last few years, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said in November 2022.

Cohen also told Marcos about Israel’s planned closer cooperation with the Philippines to ensure food security, suggesting that the two nations may open an agricultural hub.

“I think that we can work together on the segment of agriculture. I just let you know that our land, 60 percent of our land is desert. But although 60 percent of our land is desert, we were able to provide all our water needs,” Cohen said.

“And I think that we can work together and let’s say that less import, more export for the Philippines. And I think that we can work together,” he added.

Marcos said he was glad that Cohen raised Israel’s plan, as he expressed admiration for its advancement in agriculture.

He added that agricultural development is “very important” for the Philippines,

“Because when we look at the economy as hard to just test, we said how do we fix the economy. It always comes down to agriculture first, how to fix every policy, then everything else would be great. So that’s the position that we find ourselves in,” he said. “So, the offers that you make for assistance and partnership in those two areas are very, very welcome.”

Cohen said the Philippines and Israel can also collaborate on water management, noting Tel Aviv’s vast experience in this sector.

He said Israeli experts may visit the Philippines to provide advice, noting that Israel has been reusing a large portion of its water resources because of water scarcity and it can share its experience in water management with the Philippines.

Marcos said the Philippines is looking at Israel and Singapore for best practices that the country can imitate.

Indeed, these recent developments prove the Israel-Philippines ties are blossoming and truly essential. For the newcomers reading this, the 65th anniversary of friendship between Israel and the Philippines was commemorated. It was also this year when the 75th year of independence of the State of Israel was celebrated.  

The establishment of direct Israel-Philippines flights will enable more Filipinos to visit the Holy Land while potential more Israelis will visit more conveniently and boost not only Philippine tourism but also engage in business and investments. For those of you who want to visit Israel to deepen your faith in the Lord, read my Israel 2023 feature articles by clicking here, here, here, here, here and here.

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 by all. 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!

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful, you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel and love the Jewish people no matter what. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Always stand in support of Israel and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

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

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Illegal drugs worth P23.4 million yielded by suspect in Parañaque City

Illegal drugs worth P23.4 million yielded by suspect in Parañaque City

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Recently in the city of Parañaque, the police pulled off a successful buy-bust operation which resulted in the arrest of a fire volunteer and the seizure of illegal drugs worth more than P23 million, according to a news report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). The suspect has since been detained at the city’s police station.

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

Police arrested a 41-year-old fire volunteer after he yielded suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP23.4 million during a drug sting in Parañaque City at dawn Saturday.

Suspect Jonnie Romo was arrested during a buy-bust operation along Balimbing Street, Phase 3, Olivarez Compound, Barangay San Isidro, at 2:50 a.m., Southern Police District (SPD) Director, Brig. Gen. Kirby John Kraft, said.

Romo yielded eight plastic sachets containing white crystalline substances suspected to be shabu, two medium-sized plastic tea bags sealed with the label “Guar Yun Wang,” one medium-sized transparent plastic sachet, a genuine PHP1,000 bill on top of 139 pieces of buy-bust money, blue-green eco bag, a brown envelope, and a weighing scale.

The seized illegal drugs have an estimated combined weight of 3,450 grams, with the standard drug price amounting to PHP23,460,000.

The confiscated illegal drug items have been turned over to the SPD Forensic Unit for quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you think Parañaque City will still remain as a hot spot for illegal drugs?

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

NPA rebel wanted for murder arrested in Parañaque City

NPA rebel wanted for murder arrested in Parañaque City

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Recently in Parañaque City, police officers arrested an active member of the New People’s Army (NPA) who has been wanted for murder, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news report. The arrest took place at Barangay San Dionisio.

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

A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) facing murder charge was nabbed during a manhunt operation conducted by operatives of the Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO5) in Parañaque City on Tuesday, a police report said.

In an interview on Wednesday, Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, identified the suspect as Ferdinand Nolasco, 42, an active NPA member belonging to Platoon 3, Komite ng Probinsya 3 of the Albay Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC).

“He is being indicted with the crime of murder with no bail recommended issued by the court,” she said.

Calubaquib said Nolasco was tracked down after the conduct of surveillance and intelligence operations starting in April.

He was finally arrested around 5:20 p.m. in Barangay San Dionisio after the service of a warrant of arrest by joint personnel of the different units of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army (PA).

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 that there could be more Communists/socialists/Marxists who previously committed murder and could be living within your local community? Did you notice if your family members seem to be under the influence of the Satanic Left?

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

Over 2 million foreign tourist arrivals in the Philippines counted as of May 12, 2023

Over 2 million foreign tourist arrivals in the Philippines counted as of May 12, 2023

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Even though new cases of COVID-19 grew significantly nationwide over the past several weeks, that did not stop the forward momentum for Philippine tourism as the Department of Tourism (DOT) confirmed that foreign tourist arrivals in the country surpassed the 2,000,000 mark as of May 12, 2023, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. Take note that that total number of foreign tourist arrivals in the country for the year 2022 was at 2.65 million and it looks likely for the Philippines to exceed that figure before the year ends.

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

The Philippines breached the two million mark in international arrivals for the first five months of 2023, surpassing last year’s baseline target.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced the good news over the weekend, citing the latest data of 2,002,304 international visitor arrivals from January 1 to May 12 that exceeded the entire 2022 target of 1.7 million foreign visitors.

“Notwithstanding the challenges and difficulties that our country faced, a pandemic and the various calamities that come into our shores, the good news is that these have done nothing to break the Filipino spirit or to diminish the beauty of the Philippines,” DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said in a news release.

“We’re very optimistic for the prospects in out country in terms of being a tourism powerhouse in Asia, anchored on the strength of our Filipino culture as well as the values of sustainability, resilience and global competitiveness.”

South Koreans made up almost a quarter of the total number of visitors with 487,502 (24.35 percent); followed by Americans with 352,894 or 17.62 percent; Australians, 102,494 (5.12 percent); Canadians, 98,593 (4.92 percent); Japanese, 97,329 (4.86 percent); Chinese, 75,043; Taiwanese, 62,654; British, 62,291; Singaporeans, 53,359; and Malaysians, 36,789.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the Philippines will be able to attract the targeted 4.8 million foreign tourist arrivals by the end of 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

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

Philippine triathletes looking forward to contests beyond 2023 SEA Games

Philippine triathletes looking forward to contests beyond 2023 SEA Games

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Now that the 32nd Southeast Asian Games multisport contests in Cambodia are finally over (for references, click here, here, here and here), the Philippine triathletes have other contests to look forward to, according to a sports news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

In relation to this, the Philippine multisport team members arrived home victorious. Welcomed at the airport were Fer Casares the Men’s Triathlon gold medalist, Kim Mangrobang the Women’s Duathlon gold medalist and Women’s Triathlon Silver Medalist, Andrew Kim Remolino the Men’s Aquathlon silver medalist and Men’s Triathlon bronze medalist, and the members of the Mixed Aquathlon 4X Team Relay champions Erika Burgos, Iñaki Emil Lorbes and Matthew Justine Hermosa. Given the back-to-back SEA Games victories they each achieved, Casares is the reigning King of Triathlon in Southeast Asia while Mangrobang is the reigning Queen of Duathlon of the region.

Image of the Philippine multisport team who won medals at the 32nd SEA Games posted on social media by the Manila Bulletin. (photo credit: Manila Bulletin)

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

Fernando Casares is hoping for the best when he competes at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China from Sept. 23 to Oct. 8.

The Filipino-Spanish triathlete successfully defended his Southeast Asian Games title in Cambodia last Monday and while he is determined to make an impressive debut in China, getting a podium finish would be hard.

“The level is incredibly high, probably not,” said Casares in an interview Wednesday afternoon. “I would love to achieve Top 10 but I’m aware of the level.”

He clocked 58 minutes and 33.5 seconds to claim victory in Cambodia, beating Indonesian Rashif Yaqin (58:47) in the 750m swim-20km bike-5km run men’s event at the Kep Beach Resort.

Cebuano Andrew Kim Remolino placed third in 59:53 to settle for the bronze, his second medal following a silver finish in the men’s aquathlon on May 6.

“Obviously my main goal was to win the gold medal in triathlon since I already won in the last SEA Games in Vietnam, the issue was that this time, the distance was sprint, not standard, so the level was going to be more equal. Throughout the race, I wasn’t very sure if I was going to win because the gap between the lead pack and us (Kim Remolino and me) was considerably big after the swim, but we did an amazing job on the bike, closing the gap that much that we almost caught the lead pack before reaching T2 (20″ gap). As soon as I started running, I knew I was going to get a podium because I knew very well my rivals, however, I wasn’t sure if I could get the gold since Remolino and the guy from Indonesia were the fastest runners along with me,” said Casares, who was born in Madrid to a Spanish father and a Filipino mother.

“It took me 2.5km to overtake the leader and once I reached kilometer 3.75, I knew I would win because there was a considerable gap. But unfortunately, I started to feel dizzy because I was going all out, as if I was going to bonk, so it was quite stressing until the last 100m because I didn’t know if the Indonesian was going to sprint on the last part,” he added.

“Achieving this victory means everything to me, all the hard work I’ve been doing for months paid off, now I’ll be able to keep training as a full-time athlete, thanks to the salary I’ll keep receiving from the government, which is quite a relief,” he said.”But the best feeling about winning the gold medal is the supportive messages I receive from my kababayan (countrymen), it’s quite comforting to make everyone proud and to raise our flag to the top.”

Meanwhile, Casares will leave for Osaka, Japan next week with three-time SEA Games women’s champion Kim Mangrobang. They will compete in the Asia Cup set on May 26.

“It’ll be good to get some points for my international ranking. After Osaka, my plan is to go back to Spain to make the most of its weather, since it’ll be summer by then. There’s so many high-level national races that I can join, and even Europe Cups and World Cups. All these will be my preparation for the Asian Games,” said Casares, who joined two tournaments in New Zealand — Oceania Cup in Taupo, and World Cup in New Plymouth — as part of his training for the SEA Games.

Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) President Tom Carrasco had earlier predicted three gold medals.

Aside from Casares, the other gold medalists were Mangrobang (duathlon) and the mixed aquathlon relay team of Erika Burgos, Inaki Lorbes, Kira Ellis and Matthew Hermosa.

Mangrobang also got a silver medal in the triathlon, clocking (1:07:21) to finish second behind Cambodian naturalized entry Margot Garabedian (1:05.34). Singapore’s Louisa Marie Middleditch was third (1:07:24).

The Philippines leads the SEA Games all-time medal tally in triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon, with 35 medals — 15 golds, 12 silvers and 8 bronzes.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a triathlon enthusiast, are you looking forward to the next overseas campaigns of the Philippine team triathletes? What is your opinion about Cambodia’s move on having more competitive foreign athletes naturalized as part of their strategy to win events in the SEA Games that they themselves have been hosting?

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

In ending this post, posted below are a few 32nd SEA Games multisport event videos for your viewing pleasure…

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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

RCBC chief economist says that Philippine economic growth target likely to be hit this year

RCBC chief economist says that Philippine economic growth target likely to be hit this year

carlocarrasco

In light of the recent news that the Philippine economy grew by 6.4% in the first quarter of 2023, the chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) says that the nation’s economic target for this year (for references, click here and here) will likely be hit, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news report.

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

The government’s 6 to 7 percent economic growth target will likely be met this year despite possible effects of El Niño, an economist said on Friday.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation chief economist Michael Ricafort told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the 6 to 7 percent gross domestic product (GDP) expansion is possible amid easing year-on-year inflation that could help reduce the drag of higher prices on economic growth.

“Fed (US Federal Reserve) and local policy rates could also be reduced later this year and into 2024 amid easing inflation, and as the economy further reopens towards greater normalcy with no more lockdowns as a policy priority,” he said.

Inflation reached as high as 8.7 percent in January. It has however started to decelerate and settled at 6.6 percent in April.

Ricafort said the possible effects of El Niño later this year and up to 2024 could lead to reduced agricultural output and some pick up in prices, “but would not have a significant drag on GDP growth.” he said.

“[Philippine] economic growth [is] expected to be among the fastest-growing in the region and among major economies around the world amid favorable demographics of the country with more than 110 million Filipinos, majority of Filipinos already at working age, (and) young average age of less than 25 years old, all of which would support GDP growth of at least 6%-7% in the coming years,” he said.

He noted that other possible drivers of growth would be increased consumer spending due to lower individual income tax rates, high overseas Filipino workers’ remittances, further increase in government spending, the continued growth of business process outsourcing, and the resumption of foreign tourism.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will achieve 2023 economic growth between 6% to 7%?

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