Tag: social media

Over 400 Las Piñas City Residents Avail of Free Medical Services in Barangay Daniel Fajardo

Over 400 Las Piñas City Residents Avail of Free Medical Services in Barangay Daniel Fajardo

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Recently in Las Piñas City, more than four hundred local residents availed of free varied medical services during the health and wellness caravan held in Barangay Daniel Fajardo, according to the social media announcement by the City Government. Mayor April Aguilar was present during the caravan.

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

More than 400 Las Piñero residents received free medical services at the Health and Wellness Caravan of the Las Piñas City Government held at Casimiro Townhomes Covered Court, in Barangay Daniel Fajardo.

More than 1,400 health and wellness services were provided to residents, including free medical and dental consultations, blood sugar and cholesterol testing, chest X-ray, ECG, nutrition counseling, NCD risk assessment, PhilHealth First Patient Encounter, Green Card assistance, and free medicines.

The caravan also brought free haircut and massage therapy.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, was there a health and wellness caravan held in your local community lately?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH 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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

ICC President Akane Calls Her Organization the “Last Bastion of the Rule of Law”

ICC President Akane Calls Her Organization the “Last Bastion of the Rule of Law”

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Tomoko Akane, the incumbent president of the International Criminal Court, called her organization in The Hague the “last bastion of the rule of law” as she labeled America’s sanctions against her illegal and unacceptable, according to a news article by Jiji Press.

This past August, the United States sanctioned Akane and ICC trial lawyer Abdoul Seye of Senegal which is a part of their campaign to dismantle the organization’s threat to American sovereignty. Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae called the sanctions against Akane (a Japanese citizen) “very unfortunate”. It remains to be seen how the ICC sanctions will impact the current state of US-Japan relations and cooperation.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire Jiji Press news article. Some parts in boldface…

International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane, under U.S. sanctions, on Sunday called The Hague-based organization the last bastion of the rule of law in the world.

Support from people around the world is necessary for the continuation of the ICC, she said in an event held by a nongovernmental organization in Tokyo.

Akane, who attended the event online, expressed her sincere gratitude for assistance from Japan, such as a signature campaign.

The U.S. sanctions are illegal and unacceptable, she said, calling them a move to suppress justice through external force.

Akane said she has been able to receive her salaries through a local bank while facing problems remitting money. Companies have rejected transactions with her due to the sanctions, she added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you find Akane’s words about the American sanctions on her rather twisted given the fact that the ICC itself threatened American sovereignty and even interfered Philippine sovereignty and justice system? Are you convinced that Akane is simply pretending to be a victim? Do you want to see the ICC come to an end 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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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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Japan Dominates 2026 NTT Asia Triathlon Para Championships in Subic Bay

Japan Dominates 2026 NTT Asia Triathlon Para Championships in Subic Bay

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JAPAN won six of nine gold medals at stake in the 2026 NTT Asia Triathlon Para Championships in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone yesterday.

The event was converted to duathlon (2.5km run-20km bike-5km run) after prolonged heavy rains made the water conditions in Subic Bay unsafe for athletes.

Keiichi Sato clocked 1:01:08 to prevail over compatriot Takumi Ando (1:03:56) and Uzbekistan’s Bakhtiyor Murtazayev (1:05:01) in the men’s PTS5 (mild impairment) category race that started and ended at Waterfront Road.

“My weak point is swimming. I like running and biking so this is advantage for me,” said the 47-year-old Sato, who hails from Nagoya which will host the 20th Asian Games.

“I plan to join more tournaments to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics, that is my goal,” added Sato, who placed 11th at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.

Group shot of all the medalists of the 2026 NTT Asia Triathlon Para Championships in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Japan won six of the 9 gold medals. (Photo source – Triathlon Philippines, photo credit – Pet Salvador)

Meanwhile, Filipino Alex Silverio delivered a bronze medal in the men’s PTS4 (moderate impairments). He clocked 1:08:36 behind Japan’s Hideki Uda (1:01:21) and Keiya Kaneko (1:06:41).

The other Japanese gold medalists in the tournament organized by Triathlon Philippines in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) were Yukako Hata (women’s PTS2), Masaki Fujita (men’s PTS3), Hideki Uda (men’s PTS4), Ryota Kashiki (men’s PT Visually Impaired) and Shiori Funamizu (women’s PT Wheelchair).

Uzbekistan’s Rustamjan Satiboldiyev (men’s PTS2) and Shokhsanam Sobirjonova (women’s PTS5) and Kyrgysztan’s Guinaz Zhuzbaeva (women’s PT Visually Impaired) also topped their respective categories in the competition sponsored by NTT, Philippine Sports Commission, Pinay in Action, Gatorade, Terrace Hotel, Western Guaranty Corp., Raceya, ENGINE 8 and CM Timing of Jay Cheng.

For more triathlon and multisport updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil.  

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Note: This is an official press release issued by Triathlon Philippines.

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines GDP Growth Unlikely To Reach 6% In Medium Term

Philippines GDP Growth Unlikely To Reach 6% In Medium Term

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Several economic factors and the continued vulnerability to climate-driven shocks make it unlikely for the Philippines to achieve gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6% in the medium term, according to a news report by BusinessWorld citing Moody’s Ratings.

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

MOODY’S RATINGS said the Philippines’ medium-term growth outlook seems bleak as its slow  investment recovery and vulnerability to climate-driven shocks may derail its economic rebound.

In a statement following its latest rating action on the Philippines, the debt watcher said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth is expected to hover below its pre-pandemic level of around 6% over the medium term.

“The Philippines’ medium-term growth will continue to be underpinned by favorable demographics, resilient remittances and service exports, and a gradual strengthening of investment as confidence recovers, with electronics and other goods exports providing a more marginal offset,” Moody’s Ratings said late on Monday.

“Even so, we expect medium-term potential to settle somewhat below the near-6% pace recorded before the pandemic, as investment recovers only gradually and the economy remains exposed to recurrent natural disasters and climate-related shocks,” it added.

Moody’s slashed its Philippine GDP growth forecast for this year to 3.6% from 5.5%. This falls near the bottom end of the government’s 3.5%-4.5% target for the year.

In the second quarter, GDP growth tumbled to a new post-pandemic low of 2.3%, bringing average growth to 2.6% in the first half.

The fourth consecutive quarter of slowing growth came as investments continued to reel from last year’s flood control corruption scandal, while rising prices amid the Middle East war squeezed household spending.

Moody’s Ratings noted that the Middle East war shocks and investment slump are “largely cyclical,” with an investment-driven recovery expected later this year.

“The recovery from the second half of 2026 should be led by a rebound in public investment as the government resumes stalled disbursements and normalizes spending execution,” it said.

Moody’s Ratings said that local investments should focus on public infrastructure and public-private partnerships, especially in renewable energy “as the country diversifies its energy mix in response to the recent shock.”

The government’s recent reforms should also eventually boost investment and productivity as their benefits are realized, the debt watcher said.

These include the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy Act, foreign investment liberalization, and allowing more private and foreign participation in sectors such as renewable energy.

By 2027, Moody’s Ratings expects GDP to expand by 5.3%, although still slower than its previous estimate of 5.6%.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that the economy of the Philippines really does not have enough strength to achieve 6% GDP growth anytime soon? Do you think the current economic managers know what they are doing? Do you think there will absolutely be no economic gains from the Philippines’ hosting of the 2026 ASEAN Summit?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Thailand’s 2026 Tourism Revenue Reaches $29.8 Billion as of August 22

Thailand’s 2026 Tourism Revenue Reaches $29.8 Billion as of August 22

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Thailand, one of the leaders of tourism in Southeast Asia, saw its 2026 tourism revenue reach almost $30 billion as of August 22 and it has also attracted over twenty million foreign tourists along the way, according to a report by VnExpress.

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

Thailand, Southeast Asia’s second-most visited country after Malaysia, recorded tourism revenue of 984.32 billion baht (US$29.8 billion) between Jan. 1 and Aug. 22, down 2.9% year-on-year, amid a slowdown in tourist arrivals.

The top five sources of tourists contributing to this revenue were China, Malaysia, India, Russia, and South Korea, Nation Thailand reported.

The tourism-dependent country welcomed 20.32 million international visitors during the period, down 2.96% from the same period last year.

Once a tourism powerhouse in Southeast Asia, Thailand has faced a slowdown in foreign arrivals since last year amid growing concerns over kidnapping and visitor safety.

Safety concerns have intensified following the deaths of two Russian tourists and three members of a Thai family in Chon Buri Province earlier this month, Bangkok Post reported.

The recent kidnapping of a Chinese tourist, who managed to escape before being taken across the border into Myanmar, has renewed concerns over the safety of foreign visitors.

The Thai government has cut its forecast for Chinese arrivals in 2026 from 9 million to 7 million.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Thailand’s tourism can somehow attract more foreign tourists and at least match their 2025 numbers? Do you consider Thailand a very safe place for foreigners? If you have visited Thailand before, did you get good value in return on your spending there?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Japan Loses Space Travel Pioneer

Japan Loses Space Travel Pioneer

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Toyohiro Akiyama, the first-ever Japanese person to go to space, has passed away at age 84, according to a news report by Kyodo News. Akiyama’s achievement of space travel happened on December 2, 1990, and he will always be remembered for it. He was also a journalist.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire news report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

Toyohiro Akiyama, the first Japanese to fly into space and a former journalist, has died, a relative said Tuesday. He was 84.

The Tokyo native became an astronaut through an internal screening process at Tokyo Broadcasting System Television Inc., staying at the Mir space station in December 1990 and becoming known for his first words in space, “Am I on air?”

After joining the broadcasting company in 1966, he covered politics and international affairs before serving as head of the company’s Washington bureau. He applied to become an astronaut after he became an editor at the international affairs department.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think of Japan a lot when it comes to space travel? Have you seen archive footage of Akiyama’s pioneering travel to space?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Rehabilitated Road and Drainage System in Barangay Almanza Uno Inaugurated

Rehabilitated Road and Drainage System in Barangay Almanza Uno Inaugurated

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Recently in Las Piñas City, the rehabilitated road and drainage system at a certain location within Barangay Almanza Uno was officially inaugurated with the presence of Mayor April Aguilar and Vice Mayor Imelda Aguilar, the City Government announced via social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire City Government announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The Las Piñas City Government, led by Mayor April Aguilar and Vice Mayor Mel Aguilar, formally inaugurated the rehabilitated road and drainage system at St. Joseph corner CRM Avenue, Barangay Almanza Uno.

Through the project, the previously pothole-ridden road, sidewalk curb, and gutter were repaired, while the drainage system was also strengthened in the area to provide a safer and more orderly passage for residents and motorists, as well as to prevent flooding during rainfall.

This is part of the programs and projects that directly contribute to the daily lives of Las Piñeros and improve the safety and quality of life in every barangay.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, do you wish to see more roads and drainage systems improved in more parts of the city? Were such rehabilitation projects done in 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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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 @CarloCarrascoPH 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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Full Lifting of Import Ban on US Fresh Potatoes Could Happen in Japan

Full Lifting of Import Ban on US Fresh Potatoes Could Happen in Japan

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The Ministry of Agriculture in Japan is advancing procedures that could lead to the full lifting of the import ban on fresh potatoes from the United States as a crucial briefing will happen this month, according to a news article by Jiji Press.

This is the latest development about US fresh potatoes following the authorities’ response to an official request from Washington. It has officially been documented that the production of fresh potatoes in Japan reached 2,236,458.75 metric tons in 2024 which pales in comparison with the 4.1 million metric tons achieved in 1986.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

Japan is advancing procedures that could lead to the full lifting of its ban on imports of fresh potatoes from the United States, even as concerns persist about quarantine issues and the impact on Japanese farmers’ livelihoods.

Last Friday, the agriculture ministry announced that it would hold a briefing this month on pests and diseases identified as possibly posing a threat to domestic agriculture if they arrive in the country on potatoes. It plans to then begin considering specific quarantine measures before making a final decision on whether to allow imports.

While lifting the import ban could take several years, many are wary about allowing potatoes from the United States, one of the world’s biggest producers.

“We will approach the discussions with resolve,” agriculture minister Norikazu Suzuki told a press conference Friday.

Japan in principle bans imports of fresh potatoes to prevent pest infestations. However, an exemption to the ban was granted in 2006 for U.S. potatoes used to make potato chips.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think chances are good that Japan will lift the ban on the importation of fresh potatoes from the United States? Do you think having more American fresh potatoes in the Japan market will seriously disrupt the livelihoods of Japanese farmers? Do you think Japan’s farmers have what it takes to significantly boost potato production by hundreds of thousands in metric tons per year in the short term?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Births in Japan Grow for the First Time in 11 Years

Births in Japan Grow for the First Time in 11 Years

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For the first time in eleven years, the number of children born in Japan grew at last with a 0.8 rise covering the first half of 2026, according to a news article by Kyodo News. 342,068 children were born in the January-June 2026 period and the figure includes births to foreign nationals.

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

The number of children born in Japan in the first six months of 2026 rose 0.8 percent from a year earlier to 342,068, marking the first increase for the January-June period in 11 years, health ministry data showed Friday.

The figure, which includes births to foreign nationals, marks an increase of 2,788 from the same period in 2025, according to data released by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Japan has seen births declining since 1973, when 2.09 million babies were born in the middle of the country’s second baby boom.

The recent rise in births comes as the number of marriages recovered in 2024 and 2025, a key factor influencing births.

The number of marriages in 2025, including those involving foreign nationals, rose 1.1 percent from the previous year to about 505,000, marking the second straight annual increase. In the first half of 2026, the number of couples tying the knot rose 0.2 percent from a year earlier to 238,979.

Still, some projections suggest births will remain on a long-term downward trend due to Japan’s shrinking population of people of childbearing age and an increase in those delaying or choosing not to marry.

Births increased in 26 prefectures, with Tokyo posting the largest increase of 2,278, followed by Aichi at 517 and Fukuoka at 438. Among the remaining 21 prefectures that saw declines, Ishikawa Prefecture recorded the largest decrease, at 360.

In the six-month period from January, the number of deaths fell 6.9 percent to 778,982, resulting in a natural population decline of 436,914.

The number of births in 2025 fell to 705,000, marking a record low for the 10th consecutive year, prompting calls to expand support for those who wish to marry and have children.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think there is still hope for another increase in the number of children born in Japan in the near future? Do you think the government and the private sector can work together on solving the population decline of Japan without depending on immigrants?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines 2026 Foreign Tourist Arrivals Reach 4.11 Million as of August, U.S. and South Korea Remain Top Markets

Philippines 2026 Foreign Tourist Arrivals Reach 4.11 Million as of August, U.S. and South Korea Remain Top Markets

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With the Peso performing terribly in the global currency market, weakening economic growth, high inflation and fears of an economic recession growing, 2026 has not been good for the Philippines. There is a bright spot in tourism, however, as the Philippines saw its 2026 foreign tourist arrivals reach 4.11 million in the January-August period and the United States and South Korea combined for more than 1.5 million tourist arrivals, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Philippines has recorded 4.11 million foreign arrivals from January to August, higher by 3.7 percent compared to the same period last year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Tuesday.

The United States posted the highest number of share at 818,318, followed by South Korea at 727,379, Japan at 350,191, China at 310,088, and Australia at 234,156.

Also making it in the top 10 source markets are Canada with 231,972, Taiwan with 154,957, the United Kingdom with 132,370, Singapore with 126,812, and India with 77,883.

Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the Philippines targets to surpass its 2025 arrival figures to reach between 6.4 million and 6.8 million, or at least 7 million, by the end of 2026.

To achieve this, she said the DOT is intensifying its branding and promotions to reach more tourists in its key source markets.

The DOT is also in active talks with airlines to open up and establish more chartered flights between the Philippines and secondary cities of Korea and China.

DOT Assistant Secretary Ren Sapitan said the agency is also set to sign a contract with a creative agency in November to broaden the country’s marketing efforts and make the Philippines more visible worldwide.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will be able to exceed the 2025 foreign tourist arrivals number by the end of this year? Do you think the DOT is doing a good job to strengthen the Philippines’ attraction of foreign tourists? Considering the Top 10 markets of foreign tourists the Philippines attracted so far, are you convinced that the nation’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit did not create any positive tourism results?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco