public service – Page 39 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Department of Agriculture (DA) recommends retaining 15% tariff on imported rice

June 3, 2025May 29, 2025carlocarrasco

In an attempt to mitigate the effects of inflation on domestic prices, the Department of Agriculture (DA) recommended keeping the 15% tariff on imported rice, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has recommended retaining the 15% tariff on imported rice to help mitigate the effects of inflation in local prices.

In a public briefing on Wednesday, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said that they aim on lowering the effects of inflation throughout the agricultural industry.

“Napakaimportante yan sa buong ekonomiya ng ating bansa, at masigurado din natin na maging tuloy-tuloy ang mga programa natin na mas mababang presyo ng bilihin di lamang ng bigas kundi iba pang agricultural commodities,” said de Mesa.

(It is very important to the economy of the entire country, and we should ensure that our programs to lower the prices of commodities will continue, not just rice but other agricultural commodities.)

He further said that the majority of every P100 that poor Filipino families spend were used to purchase rice.

“Mga 25% kasi ng bigas na kino-consume natin ay imported. So, kung mapapanatili natin na mababa ang taripa at 15%, mas masisigurado natin na yung pangkalahatang presyo ng bigas ay mas magiging matatag at hindi makakaapekto sa price spikes kung magkakaroon man. Yung inflation overall natin, mapapanatili nating mababa kung mananatiling mababa presyo ng bigas,” he added.

(About 25% of the rice we consume is imported. So, if we keep the tariff low at 15%, we can better ensure that the overall price of rice will remain stable and won’t affect any price spikes. We can keep or overall inflation lower if we keep the price of rice low.)

DA said that they consider the price of rice in international markets, exchange rates, logistics costs from the port of origin, and productivity in the country when considering rice tariffs.

“Napakaimportante lalo na sa panahon ng lean months, ay masigurado natin na yung imported na bigas ay maganda ang presyuhan para di maapektuhan din yung presyo ng local na supply natin. Yung timing is really important to make sure natin na mapapanatili natin na matatag ang presyuhan ng bigas,” he said.

(It is very important, especially in the lean months, that we ensure that the price of important rice will not affect the price of our local supply. The timing is really important to make sure that we keep rice pricing stable.)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think 15% tariff on imported rice is just right?

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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Reforms at Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) continue to be implemented by Mayor Biazon

June 1, 2025May 28, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon declared that he reforms at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) will continue to be implemented to meet the needs of patients and the health workers, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon continued to implement reforms at the city-run Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) in Alabang.

On May 27, he went to the hospital to inspect a new batch of medical supplies, including medicine and items for hemodialysis.

“Bahagi ito ng tuluy-tuloy na reporma sa OsMun para matugunan ang pangangailangan ng ating mga pasyente at health workers (This is part of the ongoing reform at OsMun to meet the needs of our patients and health workers),” he posted on Facebook.

He said the immediate purchase of the supplies became possible when the direct management of OsMun was reverted to the Muntinupa City government. The hospital previously operated as a Local Economic Enterprise (LEE).

The mayor said that when the change in management took effect and in March, he designated a new group of officers in order to further improve the operation and quality of service at the hospital.

A medical storage facility will be built at Pacwood in Barangay Tunasan that will house medicine and supplies not only for Osmun but also for all health centers in Muntinlupa.

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 satisfied with the news that reforms at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa are being implemented?

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

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City Government announces free medicine delivery service for elderly citizens and bedridden seniors

May 31, 2025October 31, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government has officially announced RIDE Med (Responsive Integrated Delivery of Essential Medicines), a new program focused on delivering for free maintenance medicine to the homes of bedridden senior citizens and the elderly citizens (aged 80 and above).

To view the video of the launch, click here and to learn about the details behind RIDE Med, read the Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government will launch a free delivery service to bring maintenance medicine to the homes of senior citizens.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon said it will be called RIDE Med or Responsive Integrated Delivery of Essential Medicines that is designed to ease the burden of senior citizens and their families, especially those who struggle with mobility. He added that it seeks to eliminate the barriers that prevent many seniors from getting the treatment they need.

The beneficiaries of the program are senior citizens aged 80 and above, and bedridden residents aged 60 and older.

“Hindi natin pwedeng hayaan na ang ating mga lolo at lola, lalo na yung mga hindi na makalakad, ay mapag-iwanan. Serbisyo na ang lalapit sa kanila. Sa RIDE Med, ihahatid na natin ang gamot diretso sa bahay ng senior citizen (We cannot let our grandfathers and grandmothers, especially those who can no longer walk, be left behind. The service will come to them. With RIDE Med, we will deliver medicine directly to the senior citizen’s home),” Biazon said.

Under the program, eligible seniors will receive monthly deliveries of prescribed maintenance medicines, including losartan, amlodipine, metformin, and atorvastatin.

These medicines address common conditions among the elderly such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Deliveries will be carried out by assigned RIDE Med riders, accompanied by a barangay health worker to ensure proper coordination and follow-up.

To qualify, a senior citizen must be a resident of Muntinlupa City. Registration can be done by the senior’s caregiver or relative at their respective barangay health center. Home registration is also available by calling the program’s dedicated hotlines.

Mayor Biazon said other senior citizens, even if not bedridden or over 80 years old, may still receive the same free maintenance medicines by registering with the existing “Love ko si Lolo, Love ko si Lola” Program, and claiming their medicines at the local health centers.

The city government said RIDE Med represents a new level of care for senior citizens, providing not just free medicines, but also dignity and peace of mind.

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 welcome the RIDE Med program? Are there lots of senior citizens in your local community who really need the RIDE Med program now? What is your local community’s reaction towards the launch of RIDE Med in the city yesterday?

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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Around 800 children fed by Las Piñas City Government at Barangay BF International-CAA

May 31, 2025May 28, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that around eight hundred children got fed when the community feeding program happened at Barangay BF International-CAA. Vice Mayor and Mayor-elect April Aguilar personally attended the event.

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

The Las Piñas City Nutrition Office held a community-based feeding program at the CAA Narra Covered Court in BF International / CAA on Wednesday, May 21, benefiting around 800 children from the area.

Children lined up for warm servings of arroz caldo with egg, which were personally distributed by city staff and volunteers. This program is part of the city’s continuing efforts to combat child malnutrition by ensuring access to nutritious meals in underserved communities.

Mayor-elect April Aguilar was also present during the event to assist in the distribution and engage with the children. Her participation highlights the administration’s support for nutrition and welfare initiatives targeting vulnerable sectors.

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 want the City Government to organize a feeding event for the children at your local community?

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

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DPWH employee arrested in Alabang for stabbing a man

May 29, 2025May 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, local police officers apprehended an employee of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the stabbing of a man in Alabang, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Police arrested an employee of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for allegedly stabbing a man outside a video bar in Barangay Alabang, Muntinlupa on May 24.

The Muntinlupa police identified the suspect as alias Negro, 41, who is accused of stabbing alias Geomar, 28, tricycle driver, using a foldable knife after they had a violent argument in front of the Rubie Touch Videoke Bar.

The witness, alias “Katrina,” immediately sought police assistance from the Alabang sub-station. The police arrested Negro. Geomar, who was injured, was brought to the Ospital ng Muntinlupa for treatment and is under medical observation.

The police turned over the suspect to the Investigation and Detective Management Section for documentation and filing of criminal charges.

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 think the DPWH should hold its employees accountable for causing trouble in public?

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 Government distributes unclaimed senior citizens’ financial aid

May 28, 2025May 25, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that it has organized an unclaimed payout event for senior citizens within the City Hall compound. The incoming City Mayor April Aguilar personally attended the event.

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

In its continued effort to support the welfare of the elderly, the Las Piñas Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), in collaboration with the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), held an unclaimed payout event on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the Las Piñas Café, City Hall Compound.

The program focused on disbursing financial assistance to octogenarians and nonagenarians who reached the milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95, specifically for the months of February and March 2025. A total of 39 senior citizens benefited from the payout, each receiving P10,000 in financial aid.

Mayor-elect April Aguilar graced the event, offering words of encouragement and expressing her gratitude to the senior citizens for their valuable contribution to the community. Also present were OSCA Head Dr. Esther Oliveros and representatives from the NCSC, who ensured a smooth and respectful distribution of funds to the elderly attendees.

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 City Government will continue serving the local senior citizens?

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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Free school supplies for incoming public school students of Muntinlupa City for school year 2025-2026 announced

May 27, 2025May 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the newly re-elected Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced that there will be free school supplies and shoes for the incoming public school students (early childhood education to senior high school level specifically) for school year 2025-2026 provided by the City Government, 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 announced that all incoming public school students from early childhood education to senior high school will again receive free school supplies and shoes.

He said the Muntinlupa City government will provide the free Balik Eskwela packages for public school students for school year 2025 to 2026.

Alam nating malaki ang gastos tuwing pasukan, kaya’t layunin nating matulungan ang mga magulang at tiyaking handa ang bawat batang Muntinlupeño sa pagbabalik-eskwela (We know that the expenses every start of schooling are big, so our goal is to help parents and ensure that every Muntinlupeño child is ready to return to school),” he said.

This is the third consecutive year that the Muntinlupa City government under the Biazon administration will give free school supplies to public school students.

Each Balik Eskwela package contains backpacks, notebooks, pad papers, pens and pencils, pencil case and black leather shoes. The packages have variations depending on the grade level.

The distribution schedule of the free Balik Eskwela packages will be announced later.

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 providing school supplies and shoes to public school students for the new school 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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Suspects arrested for stealing Alabang monument brass markers

May 26, 2025May 27, 2025carlocarrasco

This past weekend in the City of Muntinlupa, local police officers aided by barangay officials apprehended suspects who were responsible for the theft of brass markers of a city monument, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The brass markers of a monument honoring World War II guerillas in Barangay Alabang, Muntinlupa City were found stolen.

The suspects were arrested through the efforts of the police and barangay officials, and will face charges, according to a report by Mao dela Cruz on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon said he went to the Philippine National Police (PNP) station at Alabang Junction where the suspects were brought for investigation.

The suspects revealed that they sold the brass markers to a certain junk shop. The junk shop owner will also face charges for violation of the Anti-Fencing Law. Biazon however said the brass markers may have already been melted.

Earlier, the local government unit offered a P100,000 reward to anyone who can give information that would lead to the arrest of the suspects in the theft of the brass markers.

The monument is located at the plaza of Barangay Alabang. Every February 4, the city recognizes the sacrifice and heroism of the guerillas during World War II.

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 think the suspects should pay the penalty for stealing the brass markers of the monument?

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

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Philippines trade officials meet with Pan Pacific International Holdings Corporation (PPIH)

May 25, 2025May 21, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently officials of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) met with the executives of Pan Pacific International Holdings Corporation (PPIH) – the company behind the popular Don Quijote stores – and they discussed opportunities of trade expansion, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque has met with executives of Pan Pacific International Holdings Corporation (PPIH) to expand trade opportunities for Philippine products.

PPIH is the Japanese retail powerhouse behind Don Quijote and Don Don Donki store chains.

In a statement on Tuesday, DTI said the meeting, held on May 19 in Tokyo, centered on expanding the sourcing of Philippine products for inclusion in PPIH’s global store network, particularly in Japan, the United States, and other Asian markets.

The recent engagement with PPIH officials is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to deepen trade and investment ties with key global partners, with the representatives from both parties eyeing collaborative solutions to address regulatory and packaging requirements, facilitating smoother entry of Philippine products into foreign retail markets.

During the meeting, PPIH expressed strong interest in increasing the visibility of Filipino-made goods in their retail ecosystem, both as standalone Philippine-branded products and as ingredients or components for Japanese-packaged offerings tailored to local markets.

PPIH identified food and wellness items, natural and sustainable home goods, and unique lifestyle products as key areas of sourcing interest.

They also expressed interest to connect directly with more Philippine exporters and manufacturers, beyond current intermediaries, to gain better access to new and trending products.

“We welcome every opportunity to introduce Filipino products to the world — especially through partners who share our commitment to innovation, inclusion, and excellence. As we work toward a more dynamic and future-ready Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines), engagements like this underscore our dedication to creating new market avenues for Filipino enterprises,” Roque said.

DTI said that while PPIH noted that opening a Donki store in the Philippines remains a long-term consideration, executives acknowledged that a successful sourcing partnership with the Philippine government and exporters could play a significant role in including the Philippines in future regional expansion plans.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that PPIH will proceed with trade expansion opportunities with the Philippines this year? Do you think that a strategic partnership will be realized soon?

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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Nine foreigners who were caught with undeclared P441 million cash and foreign currency up for deportation

May 24, 2025May 20, 2025carlocarrasco

The nine foreigners – who had two Filipino companions – who were recently caught in the Cebu airport carrying undeclared amounts of cash of over P440 million and some foreign currency will be deported after their local cases get resolved, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Tuesday it is seeking to deport the nine foreigners arrested at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport for carrying undeclared bags of cash amounting to over P440 million.

According to Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval, the deportation proceedings are ongoing.

The nine foreigners and two Filipinos were arrested by the Philippine National Police Aviation Security as they were attempting to board a private plane to Manila at about 10:30 p.m.

The suspects—including six Chinese and individuals from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan—were found carrying seven bags instead of the declared three bags containing up to P441,922,542, USD$168,730 (around P9.342 Million), and HKD$1,000 (around P71,000).

The BI said that aside from deportation proceedings, the group may also face criminal and anti-money laundering charges before local courts.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be more foreigners in the country carrying with them huge amounts of undeclared cash?

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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