Tag: Southeast Asia

Philippines July 2026 Inflation Still Above Government Ceiling

Philippines July 2026 Inflation Still Above Government Ceiling

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Inflation here in the Philippines for the month of July 2026 landed at 6.2% which is clearly above the government’s comfortable ceiling of 2% to 4%, according to a business news report by GMA News.

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

The country’s inflation rate slowed down further for the third straight month in July 2026 amid improved fuel supply conditions during the period, when the Middle East conflict was waning.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, National Statistician and Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) chief Claire Dennis Mapa said inflation — the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services — slowed down 6.2% last month from 6.4% in June 2026.

July’s inflation print brought the year-to-date rate to 5%, still above the government’s comfortable ceiling of 2% to 4%.

Mapa said the main contributor to the downtrend was the slower increase in the Transport index at 11.9% from 12.8% month-on-month.

“Ito [Transport] ay may 57.4% share sa pagbaba ng pangkalahatang inflation sa bansa (It had a share of 57.4% to the overall deceleration of the country’s inflation),” the PSA chief said.

This as inflation for gasoline and other passenger transport by road slowed down to 34.1% from 39.2% and 5.3% from 5.4%, respectively.

Meanwhile, food inflation was steady at 5.3%, as lower meat prices and slower increases in vegetable prices offset sharper rice inflation.

“Every peso saved from slower price increases means more room for the family budget for food, transport, education and other essential needs,” Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a statement.

“While challenges remain, particularly in managing food price pressures, these results show that our interventions are making a difference in easing the impact on Filipino households,” Balisacan said.

The DEPDev chief the government’s UPLIFT Committee will continue implementing targeted interventions to protect vulnerable sectors from the effects of higher prices and other economic shocks.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the government is running out of new ideas on bringing down inflation? Do you think the high inflation is a sign that the economy of the Philippines will grow weaker going into 2027? Do you think inflation will end up above 5% by the end of this year?

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

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

500 Solo Parents Of Las Piñas City Receive Quarterly Aid

500 Solo Parents Of Las Piñas City Receive Quarterly Aid

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Recently in the City of Las Piñas, five hundred local solo parents received their quarterly aid amounting to P3,000 each, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. Mayor April Aguilar led the distribution.

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

Las Piñas City has given ₱3,000 in quarterly aid to 500 solo parents, part of its program to ease the financial strain of raising families alone.

Mayor April Aguilar led the distribution at the Aguilar Sports Complex, with each beneficiary receiving the subsidy equivalent to ₱1,000 per month, released every quarter.

Aguilar said the assistance is meant to help solo parents cover daily needs such as food, education, transportation, and household expenses.

She noted that single parents carry the full responsibility of raising children, making government support vital to improving their quality of life.

Beneficiaries thanked the city government, saying the quarterly aid will help them manage household costs and provide added support for their children.

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? How many members of your local community are solo parents who are qualified to receive quarterly 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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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

Swiss Challenge For Cerberus’ Subic Bay International Airport Proposal Launched

Swiss Challenge For Cerberus’ Subic Bay International Airport Proposal Launched

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The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has officially launched the Swiss challenge for the P7 billion proposal for the upgrading and management of the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) and this opened the field for entities to submit their proposals challenging the existing proposal of Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments LLC, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

For previous blog posts about the SBIA project, click here, here and here.

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

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has formally started the Swiss challenge for the ₱7-billion proposal to manage and upgrade the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA), as it issued a call to potential challengers to submit competing offers.

In a bid bulletin dated July 31, the SBMA invited firms to submit their comparative proposals for the project proposed by United States (US)-based Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments LLC.

SBMA said interested firms have until Oct. 29 to submit their proposals, with the bid opening scheduled to take place on the same day. A pre-bid conference to clarify the requirements and address queries from participating firms is set for Sept. 14.

Under a Swiss challenge, also known as a comparative challenge, the SBMA is allowing other companies to match the unsolicited proposal for the SBIA submitted by Cerberus, which was approved in April last year.

Cerberus has been granted original proponent (OP) status by the SBMA for its unsolicited proposal to upgrade, expand, operate, and maintain the SBIA. As the OP, Cerberus will have the right to match the best offer during the challenge process.

Cerberus is seeking to manage the SBIA under a 25-year operate-rehabilitate-add-transfer scheme to develop the gateway into a strategic cargo and logistics hub that would help ease congestion at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

“Currently underutilized, SBIA requires substantial investment and comprehensive operational improvements to realize its full potential over the concession period,” SBMA said.

Cerberus is planning to invest ₱7 billion to develop the project, nearly 13 percent higher than the initial project cost pegged at around ₱6.2 billion.

The investment will focus on upgrading existing airport facilities to align them with international benchmarks, alongside the development of new facilities to transform the airport into a higher-capacity logistics hub.

SBMA noted that the airport’s location and air-to-sea access pose a significant opportunity to develop it into a hub for commercial cargo and warehousing.

“This highlights a growing demand for air cargo services, driven by the need for industrial supplies and the transportation of finished products,” it said.

In addition, SBMA noted that the ongoing development of the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) further increases the need for improved air connectivity.

The LEC is an initiative led by the Philippines, the US, and Japan aimed at accelerating high-impact investments to enhance connectivity between Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.

“All these factors lead to the conclusion that the manufacturing industry in the Philippines, and particularly Central Luzon, is highly likely to significantly grow in the upcoming decade, both in terms of size of current facilities, and additional factories,” SBMA said.

“This leads to demand for air cargo in terms of industrial supplies, as well as output products, and attracts population growth and consumer wealth, leading to consumption increase and related air cargo demand,” it added.

By developing the SBIA, SBMA said it is ensuring that Clark International Airport will not be the only alternative once NAIA reaches its cargo capacity limit in the future.

The agency said an upgraded SBIA can ensure competitive pricing and provide additional options for airlines operating or planning to set up shop in Manila.

With this, Subic Bay is expected to help accommodate an additional 200,000 tons of cargo by 2035.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there will be a lot of corporations locally and overseas that will submit their Subic Bay International Airport proposals to the SBMA? When was the last time you arrived at the international airport in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone?

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

National Age Group Triathlon, Duathlon And Aquathlon Events In Camotes Island Set On October 24 And 25

National Age Group Triathlon, Duathlon And Aquathlon Events In Camotes Island Set On October 24 And 25

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A full weekend of multisport action in the scenic Camotes Island will happen on October 24 and 25 with the National Age Group Duathlon (NAGD), National Age Group Aquathlon (NAGA) and National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT). Already online registration is ongoing.

A special multisport project by Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) in partnership with the Province of Cebu, the Municipality of San Francisco, the Municipality of Tudel and the Municipality of Poro, and presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the National Age Group Duathlon (NAGD) will start at 6AM of October 24 at Tudela Central School while the National Age Group Aquathlon (NAGA) will take place at 3PM at Santiago White Beach on the same day. The National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) will start at 6AM on October 25 at Santiago White Beach.

Aerial view of Camotes Island (source: Triathlon Philippines Facebook page).

Race distances for each event are as follows:

National Age Group Duathlon (NAGD) is 10 Km run – 40 Km bike – 5 Km run for Elite and Age Group, 5 Km run – 20 Km bike – 2.5 Km run for Jr. Elite and Age Group, 3 Km run – 10 Km bike – 1.5 Km run for Under-15, 400 M run – 1 Km bike – 200 M run for 6-years-old and under, 800 M run – 2 Km bike – 400 M run for 7-8 years old, 1 Km run – 6 Km bike – 500 M run for 9-10 years old, and 2 Km run – 8 Km bike – 1 Km run for 11-12 years old.

National Age Group Aquathlon (NAGA) is 400 M swim – 2.5 Km run for Under-15, 50 M swim – 200 M run for 6-years-old and under, 100 M swim – 500 M run for 7-8 years old, 200 M swim – 1 Km run for 9-10 years old and 300 M swim – 1.5 Km run for 11-12 years old.

National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) is 1.5 Km swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run for Elite and Age Group, 750 M swim – 20 Km bike – 5 Km run for Jr. Elite and Age Group, 500 M swim – 10 Km bike – 2.5 Km run for Under-15, 50 M swim – 1 Km bike – 400 M run for 6-years and under, 100 M swim – 2 Km bike – 800 M run for 7-8 years old, 200 M swim – 6 Km bike – 1 Km run for 9-10 years old and 400 M swim – 8 Km bike – 2 Km run for 11-12 years old.

Registration online is happening right now for the three multisport events that will be hosted by Camotes Island.

For details regarding registration fees, race categories, race kit inclusions, Camotes Island accommodations and more, click https://register.raceya.fit/event/nag2026camotes

When it comes to race registration, be reminded that a RaceYa account is needed. First-timers can easily make their respective RaceYa accounts online. Deadline for registration is on September 20, 2026, or until the slots last.

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

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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

Filipino Housekeeping Services In Japan Gaining Popularity

Filipino Housekeeping Services In Japan Gaining Popularity

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In Japan, housekeeping services whose workforce involved Filipinos are gaining popularity and public trust as the nation has growing demand for such support, according to a news report by Kyodo News. The report mentioned the cheerful personalities and diligence of Filipino workers.

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

Housekeeping services employing Filipino staff have gained in popularity amid growing demand in Japan for such domestic support, with one provider seeing their workforce roughly double over the past decade.

Since the Japanese government began allowing foreign nationals to provide housekeeping services in national strategic special zones in 2016, workers from the Philippines have been a top choice due to their cheerful personalities, diligence as well as expertise.

In February, a Filipino housekeeping staff member listened carefully to her client’s instructions as she made her on-site debut around a month after arriving in Japan. She assiduously took notes as the client explained in a mix of English and Japanese how to use cleaning tools and the order of detergents.

“(Filipinos) are friendly and easy to talk to and they work seriously, so I can feel at ease,” the client said.

Before 2015, only certain households, such as those of foreign diplomats, had been allowed to employ foreign housekeepers. But a legal change that year, aimed at increasing women’s workforce participation and easing labor shortages in Japan’s housekeeping industry, paved the way for foreigners to work in designated areas.

Following the law revision, Tokyo-based Pinay International Co. launched a business especially employing Filipino housekeepers. It now operates in parts of Tokyo, neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture, Osaka Prefecture and Hyogo Prefecture with more than 200 Filipino staff working as full-time employees.

The company recruits workers in the Philippines and provides extensive training before and after their arrival in Japan, while also supporting their daily life in areas such as housing.

“Foreign talent playing an active role will likely lead to revitalizing Japan,” Pinay International CEO Tetsuya Moteki, 55, said.

According to a survey by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan’s housekeeping services market has been expanding as the number of dual-income households increases.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think more Japanese households will trust housekeeping service providers once they realize their workforce includes Filipinos? What do you think makes Filipino housekeeping workers more trustworthy compared with those from other nations of Southeast Asia?

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

LTO Says Local Government Units Have No Legal No Basis To Confiscate Drivers’ Licenses

LTO Says Local Government Units Have No Legal No Basis To Confiscate Drivers’ Licenses

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Did a local government unit (LGU) outside of Metro Manila confiscate your driver’s license because you committed a traffic violation within their jurisdiction? The Land Transportation Office (LTO) clarified publicly that all LGUs have no legal basis to confiscate the licenses of drivers who committed traffic violations, according to a news report by GMA News.

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

The Land Transportation Office on Thursday said local government units have no legal basis to confiscate the drivers’ licenses of traffic violators.

“The LTO wishes to clarify to the public that it is currently implementing Department of Transportation (DOTr) Memorandum Circular No. 001-2026, which sets the policy regarding the non-confiscation of driver’s licenses during apprehension,” the agency said in a statement on its official Facebook page.

“Bilang pagsunod sa kautusan, pansamantalang hindi kinukumpiska ng mga law enforcement officers na may deputasyon mula sa LTO ang driver’s license ng mga motoristang lumalabag sa batas-trapiko,” it added.

(In compliance with the directive, law enforcement officers deputized by the LTO are temporarily not confiscating the driver’s licenses of motorists who violate traffic laws.)

The LTO said it seeks to clarify that existing Supreme Court jurisprudence does not grant traffic enforcement officers the general authority to confiscate motorists’ driver’s licenses.

The agency issued the statement after the City of Bacoor in Cavite on Wednesday issued a, “Clarification on Traffic Enforcement in Bacoor,” on social media.

“The City Government of Bacoor reminds the public that, pursuant to City Ordinance No. 11‑2019, Section 23 of the Revised Traffic Code, our traffic enforcers are duly authorized to confiscate driver’s licenses of motorists who violate traffic laws within the city,” the city announced on Facebook.

The Bacoor LGU said that “the recent Supreme Court ruling applies only to Metro Manila LGUs under the MMDA. Bacoor, being outside Metro Manila, continues to exercise its authority under the Local Government Code and its duly enacted ordinances.”

To which the LTO countered: “Existing administrative issuances from the (Department of Transportation) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government—including Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01, Series of 2008, issued by the former DOTC and DILG—acknowledge that traffic enforcers from local government units (LGUs) may issue citation tickets but lack the legal basis to confiscate motorists’ driver’s licenses.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Is the clarification by the LTO clear and transparent enough? When was the last time a local government confiscated your license because you committed a traffic violation?

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

Muntinlupa City Government Extends Assistance To Fire-Hit Families Of Barangay Cupang

Muntinlupa City Government Extends Assistance To Fire-Hit Families Of Barangay Cupang

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Recently in the city of Muntinlupa, the City Government extended assistance to more than thirty families who were displaced by a fire that hit their local community within Barangay Cupang, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from The Daily Tribune news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Muntinlupa City government has extended financial assistance to 33 families displaced by a fire that hit a residential area in Barangay Cupang in July, Mayor Ruffy Biazon said.

In a statement, Biazon said the affected families received cash aid as part of the city’s continuing relief and recovery efforts following the fire that struck Purok 6 in Medina Compound on 17 July.

“Even before the cash assistance was released, we had already extended aid to the affected families while they were staying at the evacuation site,” Biazon said.

The mayor said the city government immediately responded by providing emergency assistance to the victims while they were temporarily sheltered at an evacuation center.

The assistance included food packs, personal care and family kits, sleeping kits, clothing, slippers and other household necessities.

According to the Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management, the 17 July fire affected 33 families, or about 110 individuals.

Authorities said the blaze started at around 6:39 a.m. in Medina Compound, Purok 6, Barangay Cupang. Firefighters raised the first alarm at 6:49 a.m. and brought the fire under control before extinguishing it at 8:24 a.m.

Following the incident, the city’s Social Services Department conducted area mapping, damage assessments and intake interviews to determine the needs of the affected families. Disaster cards were also issued to residents to facilitate the release of government assistance.

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 personally know anyone from Barangay Cupang who was affected by the fire?

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

Student Dies After Getting Stabbed By Classmate In Las Piñas City

Student Dies After Getting Stabbed By Classmate In Las Piñas City

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Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a Grade 9 student died after getting stabbed by a classmate (aged 14) following a verbal altercation between them, according to a news report by Malaya Business Insight.

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

A Grade 9 student at the Las Piñas National High School died after being stabbed by his 14-year-old classmate.

A report from the Southern Police District said the stabbing incident occurred on the fourth floor of the school following a verbal altercation between the victim and the suspect.

Las Pinas City Police Chief Col. Fermin Armendarez III said following the altercation, the suspect pulled put a knife and stabbed the victim.

The victim was brought to the Las Pinas District Hospital for treatment, but he was pronounced dead by attending physicians at 4:53pm.

Armendarez said the suspect was taken into custody after the custody while the investigation is continuing.

In a statement, the school expressed sadness over the incident and said it is fully cooperating with the police in the investigation.

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? Does this tragedy make you feel more concerned about the safety of students nowadays? How do you think the suspect brought a deadly weapon into school?

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

I Love Israel: Israel Seeks More Visitors From Southeast Asia

I Love Israel: Israel Seeks More Visitors From Southeast Asia

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In a serious attempt to attract more travelers from Southeast Asia, the tourism ministry of Israel enhanced the existing ties with travel agencies in the Philippines and Singapore, 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 the PNA. Some parts in boldface.

Israel’s Ministry of Tourism is seeking to attract more travelers from Southeast Asia by strengthening ties with travel agencies in the Philippines and Singapore, as it promotes the country’s destinations and assures visitors of safety.

The ministry recently hosted a seven-day familiarization tour for travel agents from both countries, showcasing Israel’s religious, historical, adventure and leisure attractions as part of its campaign to expand arrivals from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.

The itinerary included visits to Jerusalem, Dead Sea and Tel Aviv, as well as a jeep tour through the Judean Desert and a wine tour in the Golan Heights.

Hassan Madah, international director of the Israel Ministry of Tourism in Jerusalem, said the country remains open to international visitors.

“We welcome you all. Israel is open to everyone, and travelers can be assured that our country is safe to visit,” Madah said.

He said the ministry hopes to welcome more visitors from the Philippines and Singapore, citing the country’s religious sites, historic cities, deserts and beaches as key attractions.

The ministry identified the Philippines as one of its priority markets in Asia, alongside India, China and South Korea, with growth driven largely by faith-based travel.

Singapore, meanwhile, is considered a strategic market because of its position as a regional aviation and travel hub.

The tourism ministry said it has been strengthening partnerships with Southeast Asian travel industry stakeholders through regional events, including ITB Asia in Singapore.

Despite the lack of direct flights between the Philippines and Israel, Filipino arrivals have remained steady, according to the ministry.

The Department of Tourism and the Israel Ministry of Tourism have signed a joint declaration of intent to promote two-way tourism and are engaged in discussions with airlines on improving connectivity.

Israel Ministry of Tourism Philippines Marketing Manager Anna Oraiza Aban said visa-free travel access for Philippine and Singaporean passport holders makes visits to Israel more convenient.

To all my readers, I encourage you to thank the Lord for this breakthrough of cooperation between Israel and both the Philippines and Singapore as the Jewish state seeks more visitors from Southeast Asia.  

As such, I encourage you all to pray to the Lord for this breakthrough to lead to more breakthroughs in terms of improved travel, more connections between Israel and Southeast Asia, and more opportunities for Southeast Asian people to visit the Holy Land and realize the legacy of God, Lord Jesus and the Jewish people.

At the same time, I encourage you all to realize the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!

I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel, to love and bless the Jewish people, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

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

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus!

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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

DTI Sees More Jobs And Investments Rising In Metro Manila Following Removal Of Ecozone Ban

DTI Sees More Jobs And Investments Rising In Metro Manila Following Removal Of Ecozone Ban

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Following the lifting of the ban on information technology economic zones in Metro Manila, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expects the new investments to come in as well as new jobs to be generated, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expects the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector to generate more jobs and attract new investments after the lifting of the ban on IT economic zones in Metro Manila.

In a statement on Tuesday, July 28, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque welcomed the issuance of Administrative Order (AO) No. 45, which seeks to ease some of the restrictions under the broader prohibition on the processing and evaluation of applications for ecozones imposed during the previous administration.

“This major policy reform is a resounding victory for the IT-BPM sector and a decisive step forward in strengthening the Philippines’ position as a premier global destination for digital services,” the DTI chief said.

AO 45, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., excludes applications for the establishment of IT centers and IT parks from the ongoing moratorium on ecozone applications.

The order maintains the prohibition on all other ecozone applications in National Capital Region (NCR), as embodied in AO 18, issued by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2019. The policy was implemented to encourage development and spur investments in the provinces.

With the lifting of the ban, Roque said the government is addressing long-standing investor demand from IT-BPM firms looking to open or expand in NCR while also creating more opportunities for real estate development.

“As we open new avenues for growth in Metro Manila alongside our continuous push to develop regional IT hubs, we are positioning the IT-BPM sector to generate thousands of high-quality jobs, attract foreign direct investments, and ensure economic growth nationwide,” she said.

The DTI earlier endorsed the proposal of the investment promotion agency (IPA) Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) to lift the moratorium to provide more options for companies seeking to locate in key central business districts in the capital region.

PEZA Director General Tereso Panga earlier told reporters that the ban has essentially forced firms to operate in existing ecozones, restricting their expansion plans.

“We invite our global partners and prospective investors to take full advantage of this renewed momentum and build their future here in the Philippines,” Roque said.

IT-BPM firms operate in ecozones to avail themselves of the fiscal and nonfiscal incentives provided by the government.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you consider Metro Manila suitable for the establish of new economic zones as well as the expansion of existing economic zones? Do you believe that the demand by IT-BPM firms for expansion in Metro Manila is real?

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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