public service – Page 74 – Author Carlo Carrasco

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

July 3, 2023June 28, 2023carlocarrasco

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.

+++++

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

Muntinlupa City ranks #2 in the NCR in public financial management

June 30, 2023June 28, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, it was revealed that the city finished at 2^nd place among the local governments within the National Capital Region (NCR) on the assessment about public financial management, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government ranked second among local government units in the National Capital Region (NCR) in public financial management assessment done by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

“Muntinlupa ranks 2nd in PFMAT Compliance of the Department of Budget and Management,” according to Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

The ranking was a result of the Public Financial Management Assessment Tool (PFMAT) based on budgeting, accounting, auditing, cash management, management of public debt/procurement, revenue generation and public reporting on public sector financial operations, added Biazon.

“Public Financial Management (PFM) is a system of rules, procedures and practices for government to manage public finances. PFM seeks to address the key challenges of controlling government spending and making agencies operate efficiently and effectively,” according to previous guidelines issued by the DBM.

Biazon said Muntinlupa’s ranking is “proof to our commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management. We ensure that public funds are spent well and effective.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted with what the city government achieved?

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

+++++

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

COVID-19 Crisis: DOH Secretary says bivalent vaccines are effective against Omicron FE.1

June 26, 2023June 21, 2023carlocarrasco

As the issuance of bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 is going on nationwide, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa announced that the said vaccines are effective against the newest Omicron subvariant FE.1, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines remain to be an effective tool to protect people against the recently detected Omicron subvariant FE.1, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said Wednesday.

During the rollout of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccination in the Philippines, the newly appointed chief of the Department of Health (DOH) was asked if the bivalent jabs are also effective against the FE.1, which is a sublineage of the Omicron XBB subvariant.

“Yes. Generally, because this is still Omicron and nilagay na ‘yung Omicron doon sa bivalent vaccine, meron nang cross immunity ‘yan kasi ‘yung mga antigens pareho lang even if it’s a different subvariant. Hindi mahihinto ‘yan,” Herbosa said.

(Yes. Generally, because this FE.1 is still Omicron, and the Omicron has been put in the bivalent vaccine. There is already cross immunity because the antigens are the same even if it’s a different subvariant. It won’t stop.)

The first case of FE.1 or XBB.1.18.1.1 was found in the genome sequencing conducted on May 29 to June 12, 2023, based on DOH’s latest COVID-19 biosurveillance report.

The DOH said FE.1 was added to the list of variants under monitoring by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control on June 1, 2023, and was initially flagged “for its increasing global prevalence,” being detected in 35 countries so far.

The agency, however, stressed that currently available evidence for the subvariant does not suggest any differences in disease severity and/or clinical manifestations compared to the original Omicron variant.

While admitting that he is yet to familiarize with the characteristics of the FE.1, Herbosa said it may also exhibit the same symptoms as those with other Omicron subvariants.

“If you have upper respiratory symptoms [like] sipon, sore throat, ubo, ‘yan ang most common. Occasionally, kagaya sa Arcturus, meron sore eyes. Itong FE.1 I don’t know if ‘yun o pareho lang. Ma-identify dapat ng genetic studies,” he added.

(If you have upper respiratory symptoms like cold, sore throat, and cough, those are the most common symptoms. Occasionally, like Arcturus, there could be sore eyes. I don’t know if it’s the same with FE.1. It should be identified by genetic studies.)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did anyone from your local community avail of the bivalent vaccine? Does your local government have bivalent vaccines already?

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

+++++

Construction of new Muntinlupa City baseball field progressing

June 12, 2023June 8, 2023carlocarrasco

In the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the City Government recently announced through its official Facebook page that the construction of a new baseball field is gradually moving on. In fact, the local authorities announced that the said facility located in Barangay Tunasan is 80% completed.

*An image that the City Government shared on its official Facebook page. (photo source – City Government of Muntinlupa Facebook page)*

Take note that Muntinlupa already has a very modern aquatics center as well as a track-and-field oval under the City Government.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the City Government’s Facebook post dated June 7, 2023. The follow is content translated from Tagalog into English. Some parts in boldface…

The construction of the new baseball field at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex in Brgy. Tunasan.

According to City Engr. Dynadelle Aranda, the said baseball field is 80% completed.

This project is part of strengthening sports development in the city, as well as the health and wellness of the citizens.

Recently, the Bayanan Elementary School Main (Elementary Division) and PAREF Southridge School (High School Division) Baseball Teams, representing Muntinlupa, won the recently concluded NCR Palaro Regional Meet 2023 held in Marikina City from April 24-28.

Because of this win, Muntinlupa City will be the representative of NCR in the coming Pre-National Qualifying Meet before the 63rd Palarong Pambansa from July 29 to August 5, 2023.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Are you feeling excited about the city having a new baseball field?

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

+++++

Las Piñas City Vice Mayor approves requests for Green Cards

June 9, 2023June 8, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery approved several requests for the local Green Card with health and welfare in mind, according to a May 31, 2023 social media post by the City Government.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s Facebook post. Some parts in boldface…

In a move aimed at prioritizing the health and welfare of its constituents, Vice Mayor April Aguilar has recently approved multiple requests for the city’s Green Card Program on Tuesday, May 30th in City Hall.

The initiative provides substantial subsidies for hospital bills, easing the financial burden on residents seeking medical treatment. The Green Card program, introduced by the local government of Las Piñas City, has garnered significant attention for its innovative approach to supporting the healthcare needs of its citizens.

Since its inception, the program has provided crucial support to countless individuals and families facing medical emergencies or requiring prolonged treatment. With Vice Mayor Aguilar’s recent approval of several requests, more Las Piñas City residents will benefit from the program’s subsidies for hospital bills.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this new development? Were there many people in your local community who had been wanting to avail of the Green Cards from the City Government?

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

+++++

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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

COVID-19 Crisis: Active cases in Muntinlupa City fall down by 45.8%

June 8, 2023June 6, 2023carlocarrasco

In the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the City Government’s health office announced that the total active COVID-19 cases in the city fell down by 45.8%, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Muntinlupa City’s total active Covid-19 cases continued to decrease in the past two weeks, dipping below 100.

According to the City Health Office (CHO), as of June 5, Muntinlupa has 52 active Covid-19 cases, down by 44 cases or 45.8 percent, compared to 96 tallied as of May 29. The city had 114 active Covid-19 cases as of May 22.

Of the 52 active cases, 13 were recorded in Barangay Putatan, eight in Tunasan, seven each in Poblacion and Alabang, six in Ayala Alabang, four each in Cupang and Sucat, two in Bayanan and one in Buli.

In the past week, Muntinlupa tallied 105 new Covid-19 cases with the confirmed cases totaling 47,110 from 47,005. There were zero deaths in the past week while recoveries totaled 149 from 46,245 to 46,394. There are 13 probable cases in Muntinlupa as of June 5.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported on June 5 that there were 9,107 new Covid-19 cases nationwide from May 29 to June 4, down by 22 percent compared to the total from May 22 to 28.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you feel safer or more confident now that the number of active COVID-19 cases in the city went down sharply? Are there still lots of unvaccinated people 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.

+++++

Muntinlupa City Government honors local residents (athletes and coaches) for 2023 SEA Games achievements

June 6, 2023June 2, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently the City Government of Muntinlupa honored the local residents – specifically athletes and coaches – who made notable achievements in the 32^nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Cambodia and helped the Philippines do better than the previous edition of the games, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government honored athletes and coaches who brought honor to the country in the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games held on May 5-17 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The Muntinlupa City Council passed Resolution No. 2023-243 congratulating Muntinlupeño athletes and coaches in the SEA Games.

“Congratulations to our Muntinlupeño athletes and coaches who have shown their strength and excellence in the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia. You make your City truly proud,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon, who signed the resolution on May 29.

Out of the 840-strong Philippine delegation, eight Muntinlupeños won medals. Honored by the city government are Annie Ramirez (gold, Jiu-jitsu Women’s Newaza Nogi-57 kg category); Kaila Napolis (gold, Jiu-jitsu Women’s Newasa Gi-52 kg); Gretel De Paz (gold, Kickboxing Low Kick – 56 kg class); Shugen Nakano (silver, Men’s Judo-66 kg class); Daryl John Mercado (bronze, Men’s Judo 55 kg); Keisei Nakano (bronze, Judo Mixed Team); Jay-R Beterbo, silver, Floorball-Men’s Tournament); and Carlo Biado, bronze, Billiards-Men’s 9-Ball Pool Doubles.

The city also recognized coaches Jayson Senales and Kodo Nakano, who are also from Muntinlupa, for successfully leading the national judo team to a strong medal showing at the Games, accounting for a total of seven medals.

The recent campaign is hailed as one of the country’s strongest overseas performances, second only to the 59-gold medal haul in the 1987 Jakarta SEA Games which featured mainstays such as the late Lydia De Vega-Mercado, Paeng Nepomuceno, and Eric Buhain.

To see the pictures of those who were honored, click https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/2/muntinlupa-honors-2023-sea-games-medalists-coaches

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted over what the local athletes and coaches achieved for the country in the most recent SEA Games in Cambodia?

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

+++++

Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan bets warned about dealing with Communists

June 1, 2023May 29, 2023carlocarrasco

The highly anticipated Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will happen nationwide on October 30 and the Philippine National Police (PNP) issued a warning to candidates about engaging with Communist elements, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Philippine National Police (PNP) warned on Monday, May 29, those who aspire to run for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections to refrain from engaging with communist rebels, particularly in seeking assistance to ensure victory.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. said there are laws that could be used against those who would be found to be dealing with the local forces of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) such as the Republic Act No. 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

Acorda is particularly referring to the direct payment by candidates to the CPP-NPA, through the permit to campaign and permit to win for the barangay and SK elections scheduled in October this year.

“Let me caution candidates who will fall for this election racket of the CPP-NPA that any form of monetary or material support to the CPP-NPA, a terrorist organization, is tantamount to ‘terrorist financing’ that is punishable under Republic Act No. 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020,” said Acorda.

“And if the donor or giver is an incumbent Barangay or SK official, the crime is further aggravated by willful disloyalty to their Oath of Office,” he added.

The Chief PNP, however, said they do not foresee serious security problem for the barangay and SK elections.

The elections for sets of officials for the 42,022 barangay across the country will start with the 90-day election period on Aug. 28 until Nov. 29.

“This early, we do not foresee any serious peace and order concerns on a national scale in the barangay and SK elections. The actions of some remaining active guerilla fronts of the CPP-NPA are closely being monitored for possible conduct of atrocities,” said Acorda.

“Security measures are now being prepared regarding this,” he added.

For the newcomers reading this, the 2023 BSKE will take place on October 30 with voting hours set for 7AM to 3PM.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that the Communists, the Marxists, the socialists and other Leftists out there will negatively affect the BSKE by engaging with the candidates? Are you hoping for a free and honest BSKE election? Do you think it is possible for Democrats in America to be funding their Leftist partners here in 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.

+++++

New SBMA chief Tan emphasizes his priority on the ease of doing business and job creation

May 19, 2023May 16, 2023carlocarrasco

In recent times, Jonathan Tan became the new Chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and through his first public interview, he made clear to the people that he is prioritizing the ease of doing business and creating jobs in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Previously, Tan served as a mayor of Pandan in Antique.

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

Jonathan Tan, the newly appointed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator, said he is prioritizing further streamlining in the processing of business permits of investors to ensure ease of doing business and create more jobs at the freeport.

In his first public interview at the Laging Handa Public Briefing as SBMA chief, Tan said he will further streamline business processes at the freeport in compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to attract more foreign investors and create more jobs at the Subic Bay Freeport zone.

Tan, who served as mayor of Pandan, Antique from 2010 to 2019, reported that he highlighted ease of doing business when he met with Subic investors, locators, and stakeholders during his first Townhall meeting Wednesday since he assumed office last week.

“My priority is ease of doing business to ensure faster processes of business permits,” he said telling around 1,000 SBMA stakeholders. He also vowed to make the Townhall Meeting a regular event to thresh out issues and address them faster.

He also vowed of a participatory governance as SBMA chief, promising to consult all Subic Freeport stakeholders and to treat them as partners.

He also mentioned of efforts to improve existing facilities like port rehabilitation as well as tieups with Department of Tourism and stakeholders with resorts. At present, he said, there are several tourist-related activities in Subic, including, water sports, environmental, and ecotourism.

On smuggling, Tan said he has always emphasized to do his best to minimize if not eliminate smuggling in partnership with the Bureau of Customs.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you think that the new SBMA chief and his team will be able to make improvements on the business environment of the Freeport?

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

+++++

Muntinlupa City Government to provide free breast ultrasound and mammography tests

May 18, 2023May 18, 2023carlocarrasco

In the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the City Government will provide free breast ultrasound and mammography tests to specific and qualified patients, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government will provide free breast ultrasound and mammography tests to endorsed patients and beneficiaries of the Kalingang Munti Action Center (KMAC), a one-stop shop for the public in availing frontline services.

The Muntinlupa City Council approved Resolution 2023-238 authorizing Mayor Ruffy Biazon to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Medical Center Muntinlupa Inc., to provide free breast ultrasound and mammography tests.

“We definitely welcome this development as this enables the city government to address the problem of breast cancer head-on. By early detection, we hope to save many families from the heartbreak of losing mothers and women family members to an otherwise preventable disease,” said Biazon.

Under the agreement, the city government will shoulder the cost of the tests of patients and target beneficiaries identified by KMAC and verified by the Gender and Development (GAD) Office.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think this new development will somehow make a positive impact with local patients?

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

+++++

	Instapundit »… on America Tags BYD, Alibaba, Bai…
	Kent Nebergall on American AI Companies Targetin…
	Instapundit »… on American AI Companies Targetin…
	Instapundit »… on Japan Joins America’s Genesis…
	Jonathan Silber on Japan Approves Bills To Raise…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: