public service – Page 37 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Almost 600 residents of Barangay Talon Dos avail of health services from Las Piñas City caravan

February 1, 2025January 25, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, almost six hundred residents of Barangay Talon Dos got served with health services by the Health and Wellness Caravan, the City Government announced via social media. Vice Mayor April Aguilar was present during the actvitiy.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan, led by the City Health Office, brought essential healthcare services to Talon Dos residents on Tuesday, January 21, at the Bambusetum Covered Court. Nearly 600 beneficiaries availed of the free services, showcasing the city’s dedication to ensuring accessible healthcare for its citizens.

The program offered free medical consultations, blood sugar and cholesterol screenings, chest X-rays, ECG tests, dental services, and pneumonia vaccinations for senior citizens. Additional support included free medicines, PhilHealth registration, Green Card program assistance, and mobile birth registration.

City Vice Mayor April Aguilar graced the event, accompanied by City Councilors Mark Anthony Santos and Henry Medina. City Health Office head Dr. Juliana Gonzalez was also present to ensure the smooth execution of the services, addressing the needs of the residents throughout the day.

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 Health and Wellness Caravan of the City Government will be able to cover all barangays before the May 2025 election campaign period begins?

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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BPI lead economist says Philippine economy will accelerate this year

January 30, 2025January 22, 2025carlocarrasco

For the lead economist of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), the economy of the Philippines will accelerate this year in connection to rising household consumption as well as other factors, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Growth of the Philippine economy is expected to accelerate this year, driven by the continued expansion of household consumption, an economist from the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) said.

“We expect the Philippine economy to expand by 6.3% in 2025, outpacing the previous year’s performance, with household consumption remaining its biggest driver,” BPI lead economist Jun Neri said in a commentary released late Wednesday.

Neri earlier forecast a 6.1 percent economic growth for 2024.

Neri said factors sustaining household consumption growth such as remittance inflows, remained in place despite the economic slowdown in major economies.

“With aging populations abroad driving the demand for labor, the impact of headwinds on remittances like trade barriers and anti-immigration sentiment will likely be limited. Remittances also have a strong track record of stability and growth even in times of crisis, as seen during the pandemic,” he said.

Neri said the country’s low unemployment rate is also expected to support consumption.

“This should continue to drive the growth of household income and the expansion of the middle class,” he said.

Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the unemployment rate further went down to 3.2 percent in November last year from 3.6 percent in November 2023.

Consumer spending, meanwhile, is expected to grow at a faster pace this year as inflation remains at a manageable level.

“This improvement will likely be most apparent in discretionary spending after a period of slower growth caused by high inflation, as consumers focused more on essentials,” said Neri.

Inflation will likely settle at 3.5 percent this year, well within the government’s 2 to 4 percent target, Neri said.

Meanwhile, he said the recent reduction in interest rates and banks’ reserve requirement ratio (RRR), will also help boost economic growth.

To recall, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reduced policy rates for a total of 75 basis points this year.

The BSP also reduced the RRR of universal and commercial banks and non-bank financial institutions with quasi-banking functions by 250 basis points.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you think the economy of the Philippines will be able to grow by at least 6.3% 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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Fire and flood victims of Las Piñas City receive DSWD aid

January 29, 2025January 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, over two hundred fifty victims of fire and flood received aid provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which partnered with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), according to the social media announcement of the City Government.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR), in partnership with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Las Piñas, distributed Livelihood Settlement Grants to fire and flood victims at the Las Piñas Multipurpose Hall, benefiting a total of 253 individuals affected by recent calamities.

Among the beneficiaries were 86 fire victims from Barangays Elias Aldana, Pilar, Talon Tres, and CAA, and 167 flood victims from Barangays Pamplona Tres, Talon Tres, and Elias Aldana. Each qualified beneficiary received financial assistance ranging from ₱10,000 to ₱15,000, depending on the validation results of DSWD-NCR.

The grant aimed to support individuals with small-scale businesses or livelihoods disrupted by the said disasters. The payout process, handled by CSWDO and DSWD-NCR personnel, ensured that aid was provided efficiently and directly to qualified recipients.

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 any fire or flooding victims in your local community who received DSWD aid?

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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IMF sees stronger economic growth for the Philippines in 2026 but warns about risks related to external developments

January 28, 2025January 25, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the International Monetary Fund (IMF) stated that it expects the economic growth of the Philippines to get stronger in 2026 but it issue a warning that external developments could prevent it from happening, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

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

THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY will continue to accelerate from this year to 2026 as domestic demand remains robust, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said, but warned risks are tilted to the downside due to possible external shocks.

At the same time, Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said that the Philippines likely failed to hit its 6-6.5% growth goal for 2024, amid typhoons.

“If it hits 6% in the fourth quarter, I’ll be happy with that. I don’t think it will hit 6% for 2024, but I think it will surpass 6% in 2025,” Mr. Recto told reporters on Jan. 16.

For the first nine months of 2024, Philippine growth averaged 5.8%, the same as the IMF’s projection for the full year. Preliminary fourth-quarter and full-year gross domestic product (GDP) data will be released on Jan. 30.

In its latest World Economic Outlook update, the IMF kept its GDP forecasts for the Philippines at 6.1% this year and 6.3% for 2026, the same as its projections in October.

These would fall within the government’s 6-8% GDP target for 2025 and 2026.

“Growth for 2025-2026 is projected to be primarily driven by domestic demand, namely consumption and investment,” an IMF spokesperson said in an e-mail.

“Consumption growth will be supported by lower food prices and gradual monetary policy easing,” it added.

Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed household consumption, which accounts for over three-fourths of the economy, jumped by 5.1% in the third quarter from 4.7% a quarter ago.

“Investment growth is expected to pick up on the back of a sustained public investment push, gradually declining borrowing costs and acceleration in the implementation of public-private partnership projects and foreign direct investments (FDI), following recent legislative reforms,” the IMF said.

Gross capital formation, the investment component of the economy, expanded by 13.1% in the third quarter, a turnaround from the 0.3% dip a year ago.

However, the IMF said that the balance of risks to the growth outlook is tilted to the downside, citing external risks.

“Some of the main downside risks include recurrent commodity price volatility, and new supply shocks, which may necessitate tighter monetary policy to anchor inflation expectations,” it said.

The IMF also cited shocks such as geopolitical tensions which could disrupt trade and other financial flows.

“Higher for longer policy rates in advanced economies (could cause) capital outflows, and tighter financial conditions,” it added.

The multilateral institution also cited climate shocks and extreme weather events which would lead to economic losses.

“There are also upside risks to the outlook, including from higher-than-expected growth in private investment through public-private partnerships, higher inward FDI following a faster-than-expected global recovery, or stronger reform momentum,” it added.

INFLATION – Meanwhile, the IMF said it expects inflation to remain within the central bank’s 2-4% target range in the near to medium term. It projects headline inflation to average 2.8% this year and 3% in 2026.

“However, risks are tilted to the upside, as rising geopolitical tensions, extreme climate events, and recurrent commodity price volatility continue to pose upside risks to inflation,” it said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the IMF is correct with its current analysis of the details and economic forecast for the Philippines? Do you think the national government should focus more on attracting new foreign investors and bringing inflation down to build up the economic momentum?

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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Did many undocumented Filipinos leave America before Donald Trump’s return as US President?

January 27, 2025January 26, 2025carlocarrasco

By the time you are reading this, it has been days since Donald Trump formally returned as President of the United States. That being said, it has been months since Filipinos staying illegally in America have been advised to not wait to be deported by Trump’s new administration which itself has made clear it new immigration policy. In fact, the search, apprehension and deporting of illegal immigrants in America are already in effect (click here and here). In a recent report by GMA Network, the Philippine embassy in the United States is not certain how many undocumented Filipins left America to avoid the mass deportation.

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

The Philippine Embassy in Washington has yet to determine if many undocumented Filipinos have already left the United States ahead of the anticipated mass deportation under the Trump administration, an envoy said on Monday.

“We are not sure whether many of those that are undocumented na ating mga kababayan have left,” Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez told Unang Balita in an interview.

Romualdez said the embassy has advised undocumented Filipinos to leave the US as deported individuals will not be allowed to come back.

“Yun nga ang advice namin sa kanila. Kung wala talaga silang legal path, it is better they go na muna para makabalik sila dito at some point in time. Kasi kapag ma-deport ka, talagang hindi ka na makakabalik,” he said.

(That’s our advice to them. If they really don’t have a legal path, it’s better they go already so they can come back here at some point in time. Because once you get deported, you really can’t come back.)

According to Romualdez, the US government said those who have criminal records as well as the 1.3 million immigrants who are already processed will be prioritized for deportation.

In November last year, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it would assist over 300,000 undocumented Filipinos in the US who could possibly be deported.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said that there are an estimated 370,000 undocumented Filipino immigrants in the US.

“The DMW is prepared to assist our OFWs, whether they are documented or undocumented OFWs. Under the directives of our President, a whole-of-government team is here to provide support to possible deportees,” Cacdac said.

During Trump’s first term in the White House from 2017 to 2020, over 3,500 Filipinos were deported with the highest being recorded in 2018 with 503.

In his victory speech, Trump reiterated that he would close borders in the United States and would impose stricter laws against illegal aliens.

“We gonna have to seal up those borders, we are gonna have to let people come into our country. We want people to come back in, but they have to come in legally… We are gonna start by putting America first,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think many illegal Filipinos have left the United States before Trump formally returned as US President? Have members in your local community turned too sympathetic to illegal immigrants and perceived them as refugees? Do you realize that there are violent criminals and terrorists among the many millions of foreigners who illegally entered the United States under the failed Biden-Harris administration?

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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Las Piñas City a recipient of multiple awards

January 26, 2025January 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government revealed during the flag ceremony that it has received multiple awards and one of them is from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the LGU revealed through social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The City of Las Piñas, led by Vice Mayor April Aguilar, held its weekly flag-raising ceremony on Monday morning, January 20 at the City Hall grounds, highlighting the city’s recent accomplishments.

During the ceremony, Las Piñas City was presented with multiple awards, including a Plaque of Appreciation from the National Youth Commission for the Outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan Federation and a Certificate of Recognition from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) as the Top 2 Best Performing Local Government Unit in Metro Manila for solid waste management in 2024. These recognitions underscore the city’s dedication to youth empowerment and environmental sustainability.

City officials and employees joined the ceremony to celebrate these achievements, reinforcing the local government’s commitment to providing excellent public service and implementing effective programs for its residents.

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 delighted with the latest awards the City Government received?

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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President Marcos congratulates Trump, looks forward closely to working with him

January 24, 2025January 22, 2025carlocarrasco

Through social media, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., congratulated US President Donald Trump (whose 2^nd term has started officially) and expressed that he is looking forward to working with him in relation to Philippines-America ties, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). It should be remembered that Marcos and Trump previously talked over the phone.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. extended his congratulations to newly inaugurated United States (US) President Donald Trump following his return to office, emphasizing the strength of the Philippine-American alliance and its role in regional security.

“Congratulations to POTUS @realdonaldtrump and to the American people on another peaceful transfer of power in their Nation’s nearly 250-year history. I look forward to working closely with you and your Administration,” Marcos said in a statement posted on social media Tuesday.

Marcos underscored the enduring alliance between the Philippines and the US, stressing that it would continue to be a cornerstone for regional stability.

“The strong and lasting PH-US alliance will continue to uphold our shared vision of prosperity and security in the region,” he said.

The Philippines and the United States have long been allies, engaging in numerous joint military, economic, and diplomatic initiatives that now face ongoing regional challenges, including tensions in the South China Sea and broader Indo-Pacific security concerns.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there will be breakthroughs with regards to the Philippines-America ties? Now that Rodrigo Duterte is no longer the President of the Philippines, do you think President Trump will be more motivated to have America collaborate more with Philippines economically and militarily? Do you think China will refrain from bullying Filipinos at sea once the Trump administration starts working closely with the Philippines?

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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Local authorities raid illegal operation inside Cavite resort, 29 foreigners arrested

January 22, 2025January 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently, a team of law enforcers raided an illegal operation inside a Cavite resort and arrested twenty-nine foreign nationals – most of them from China – according to a GMA Network news report. It has been confirmed that there are still several thousands of foreign POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) workers in the country and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned the public that harboring them is a crime and it will lead to prosecution under the Philippine Immigration Act.

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

Despite the nationwide ban of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), 29 foreigners, including the alleged Chinese boss, were arrested after authorities raided a guerilla operation inside a resort in Silang, Cavite.

According to John Consulta’s report in 24 Oras on Wednesday, the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) first discovered the illegal operation of the POGO and shared the information with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

“Mayroong confidential informant na nagpunta sa office, na sinabi niya na may kakaibang nangyayari na doon sa resort, may mga nagda-drop na mga Chinese,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel J Gatdula, CIDG Cavite chief.

(There was a confidential informant who went to the office and said that there’s something sketchy happening at the resort as there were Chinese people dropping by.)

While most of those who were arrested are Chinese, six others are citizens of Myanmar. A Chinese man who was alleged to be the boss denied the accusations.

“No, no boss,” he said.

CIDG Cavite said the POGO workers arrived at the resort last December. They were using laptops instead of desktop computers, with each person using a mobile WiFi instead of an internet router.

Authorities confiscated electronic equipment that were allegedly used for scamming activities.

“Ito yung sinasabi nating nagtatago sa mga resorts, sa mga apartments […] Sa harap pa lang makikita mo na mayroong mga transaction ng cryptocurrency scam,” said PAOCC Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz.

(This is what we have been saying that they could hide in resorts or in apartments […] You can even notice at the facade that they were cryptocurrency scam transactions happening.)

“Dapat wala na sila dito. Kung may mga passports ‘yan, dapat tourist passports lang sila,” he added.

(They should no longer be here. If they have passports, it should be tourist passports.)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you notice any suspicious activities happening within your local community? Do you think there could be a lot more POGO-related operations happening inside resorts around the country? How many Chinese nationals are living in your local community right now?

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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Men who robbed El Grande Avenue house in Las Piñas City arrested

January 21, 2025January 21, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers arrested three “Akyat Bahay” gang members who broke into a house along El Grande Avenue and robbed it of valuables, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The incident happened within the jurisdiction of Barangay BF International-CAA and the suspects were caught hiding in the house ceiling.

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

Three members of “Akyat Bahay” gang were caught by members of the Las Piñas City Police hiding in the ceiling of the house they robbed of valuable items on Jan. 7.

Las Piñas City Police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla identified the suspects as alias “Anthony,” 24; alias “Andrei,” 21; and alias “Paul,” 19, all residents of Parañaque City.

They were apprehended at around 3:00 p.m. at a house on El Grande Avenue in Barangay BF International/CAA Las Piñas City.

Tafalla said the victim, identified as alias “Ernesto,”67, visited his house and discovered that it was ransacked, prompting him to immediately report the incident to the police.

He said the suspects were found hiding in the ceiling of the house of the victim during the investigation by responding policemen, village security personnel and barangay officials.

The victim claimed that his 42-inch Sony flat-screen TV worth P60,000, a 43-inch Devant flat-screen TV worth P50,000, and a Mac computer valued at P100,000 were stolen and not recovered. Tafalla said an air conditioning unit worth P70,000 was recovered at the scene.

He said the suspects also damaged a circuit breaker worth P120,000.00, the ceiling worth P50,000, and floor tiles and sliding door each valued at P50,000.

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? Was there an Akyat Bahay incident that happened in your local community over the past six months? Do you own a home that got robbed?

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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Construction of Maynilad’s P4.84 billion sewage treatment facility in Las Piñas City progressing

January 21, 2025January 14, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently water concessionaire Maynilad announced that its P4.84 billion water reclamation facility (WRF) in Las Piñas City is progressing with its construction and should start operating in July 2026. The said facility is located in Barangay Almanza Uno.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the press release of Maynilad. Some parts in boldface…

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) is making progress on its Php4.84-billion Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) in Las Piñas City, a vital project aimed at expanding wastewater services and contributing to the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

Now 33% complete, the Las Piñas WRF is slated to begin operations by July 2026. Once operational, it will treat up to 88 million liters of wastewater per day, serving approximately 360,000 residents across 20 barangays in Las Piñas City. Treated wastewater from this facility will be safely discharged into the Zapote River, which flows into Manila Bay, helping to reduce pollution and improve water quality.

Strategically located in Barangay Pamplona Uno, the Las Piñas WRF will utilize advanced Anaerobic-Anoxic-Oxic (A2O) technology to effectively remove pollutants. The facility is designed to meet the Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016 (DAO 2016-08), as mandated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“Our construction timeline was unfortunately delayed by pandemic restrictions in 2020, but we resumed work in 2023 with renewed focus. This project reinforces our commitment to providing reliable wastewater services for our customers and easing the pollution burden on Manila Bay,” said Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez.

The Las Piñas WRF is part of Maynilad’s larger program to accelerate the rollout of sewerage and sanitation services in Metro Manila. The project is financed through a partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

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 water reclamation facility will be completed in time to start operations in July 2026?

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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