Tag: Southeast Asia

People who sold firecrackers online arrested by PNP

People who sold firecrackers online arrested by PNP

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During the past Christmas season, varied elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) staged different operations that resulted in the arrests of people who engaged in the online selling of firecrackers, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has arrested five online firecracker sellers since Dec. 19 in separate entrapment operations, a police official said on Thursday.

In a statement, Col. Jay Guillermo, chief of the PNP-Anti-Cybercrime Group’s (ACG) Cyber Response Unit, said the entrapment operation stemmed from the directive of the PNP leadership to intensify its drive against the illegal manufacture and sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials.

“My personal take on this is that these can be used by criminals. They can buy firecrackers with a huge amount of gunpowder and if you combine them all, they can turn into explosives. There is a need to regulate the sale of these firecrackers so that we can monitor who buys them,” he said.

Guillermo said ACG operatives contacted online sellers for the purchase of firecrackers during the conduct of regular cyber patrol.

He identified the suspects as Jaymar Sandoval, 22, and Eugene Macasaet, 23, who were arrested in an entrapment operation at Barangay San Ramon in Dinalupihan, Bataan on Thursday morning.

Seized during the operation were two bundles of kwitis (rocket), one sawa 1,800 rounds firecracker, one box piccolo firecracker, and three bundles of five colors with the total amount of PHP5,300

At around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Victoria So, a female seller, met with the ACG undercover agent that resulted in her arrest in her house in Tondo, Manila.

Seized during the operation were a cellular phone, the marked money and 10 rims of prohibited firecrackers.

Two persons were recently arrested by ACG operatives in Caloocan City for selling firecrackers online.

Sabino Medenilla, 19, was arrested on Dec. 19, and Rodel Constantino, 39, was collared on Dec. 21. The suspects negotiated with ACG operatives posing as buyers of firecrackers.

Guillermo said the arrested suspects will be charged with violation of Republic Act No. 7183, or the “Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Firecrackers and Pyrotechnic Devices” in relation to Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

For this year, Guillermo said there were four police operations conducted that resulted in the arrest of 11 persons and seized PHP40,700 worth of firecrackers.

He discouraged the public from buying firecrackers sold online as this may endanger their lives.

Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. called on local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce ordinances banning the use of illegal firecrackers to minimize, if not totally eliminate injuries for the New Year revelry.

Based on DILG data, Abalos said at least 1,210 LGUs already have ordinances banning the use of harmful firecrackers in their respective localities.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that it is indeed illegal to sell firecrackers online? Are you aware of your local government’s restrictions towards firecrackers?

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

A successful 2023 for tourism in the Philippines

A successful 2023 for tourism in the Philippines

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If you set aside all the politicking and hatred, you will realize that there is no denying that tourism in the Philippines (handled by the Department of Tourism under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.) turned out very successful over the previous year in terms of foreign tourist arrivals and tourism revenues based on the most recent statistics recorded as emphasized in the recent news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). The exact and final 2023 tourism statistics should be revealed very soon. 

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

As inbound and domestic travel gain momentum, tourism in the Philippines has seen a remarkable turnaround this 2023, breaching targets and continuing to generate employment to millions of Filipinos.

Based on the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) latest data, the industry already surpassed its target of 4.8 million foreign arrivals with over five million visitors recorded as of Dec. 12.

From January to November, the Philippines has hit PHP439.5 billion in foreign visitor receipts shooting past the 2022 figures of PHP208.96 billion.

This number also translates to a 95.85 percent recovery of the 2019 pre-pandemic international visitor receipts, when the country generated PHP458 billion for the same months.

As of Dec. 12, South Korea ranked first as the Philippines’ top source market with 1,341,029 arrivals, followed by the United States with 836,694; Japan with 285,655; China with 252,171; and Australia with 238,487.

Canada landed sixth place with 206,571, followed by Taiwan with 186,140, United Kingdom with 141,516, Singapore with 140,633, and Malaysia with 92,383.

“The performance of Philippine tourism this year has exceeded all expectations. And what these numbers would indicate is a robust economic growth,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said in her year-end assessment report.

Citing the country’s economic managers, Frasco said tourism this year has also emerged as one the “strongest pillars” of the economy, ranking second in terms of the source for growth.

“Notably, the number one source of economic growth is employment of which tourism also contributes in large number of over 5.35 million, in fact,” she said.

Roads, rest areas, flights – Since the beginning of the year, the DOT has been pushing for the construction of more rest areas and roads leading to tourist destinations across the country.


To date, the DOT and its infrastructure arm, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), have launched ten tourist rest areas, with plans to build 18 more in 2024.

DOT’s collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways has also yielded 158 kilometers of tourism roads and an investment of at least PHP16 billion in tourism roads for 2023.

Frasco said the country has likewise recovered nearly 80 percent of its pre-pandemic international incoming seat capacity.

As of November 2023, there are over 1.4 million international seats available, vis-a-vis the one million recorded last year, and the 1.7 million recorded in 2019.

Frasco had also been meeting with stakeholders to relay Manila’s support for direct flights, including with France, the United Kingdom, and Italy.

Consistently ‘leading’ – The Philippines once again showcased the unrivaled charm of its beaches and underwater destinations to tourists from across the globe after bagging the World’s Leading Dive Destination and the World’s Leading Beach Destination awards at the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) 2023.


The country also net the Global Tourism Resilience Award for demonstrating “global leadership, pioneering vision, and innovation to overcome critical challenges and adversity while Manila was named the World’s Leading City Destination.

The DOT this year also introduced its new tourism branding “Love the Philippines” to emphasize that the Philippines has a lot more to offer than fun from its natural assets and history to its rich culture.

Along with the new campaign, the DOT sought to increase travel activities in other regions by helping them develop lesser-known tourism destinations.

The DOT launched various tourism initiatives such as the Philippine Experience Programs: Culture, Heritage, and Arts Caravan, which emphasized the country’s diverse cultural heritage and has so far staged four in Davao, Calabarzon, Bicol, and Western Visayas.

Better than expected – Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) graded the industry’s performance as “better than expected,” saying the country’s focus on domestic travel also contributed to its resurgence in the face of “uncertainties” in key source markets such as China and Japan.


“Despite uncertainties in these external markets, the country’s focus on boosting internal tourism significantly bolstered the industry’s stability and growth,” it said.

For 2024, the DOT has set a modest target of 7.7 million foreign visitors, 500,000 less than the 8.2 million arrivals it generated before the pandemic

LPC Director for Hotel, Leisure, and Tourism Alfred Lay said South Korea has returned to about 72 percent arrivals while China only recovered 15 percent.

Lay said the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia were all in the “same boat” and have witnessed fairly low recovery rates from Chinese inbound guests but the country was still able to breach its 2023 target.

“Next year is going to be a pivotal year because where are we going to get those (2024) numbers? If the Chinese economic slowdown continues and the Japanese Yen stays where it is, maybe the Korean market will give us more but another two million more, I don’t think so,” he said.

“The 7.7 million is a very interesting target and I’m very interested to see what happens next year, to see if the Philippines has the ability to generate two million new arrivals,” he added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you think the 2024 target of 7.7 million foreign tourist arrivals is achievable even though there are uncertainties overseas that could affect the Philippines as a tourist destination? Do you think the DOT should focus more on encouraging locals to add to the tourism industry’s growth in 2024? When it comes to foreign visitor revenue, do you think the Philippines can attract P500 billion in 2024? Do you think the recent conflicts between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea could negatively affect the inflow of Chinese tourists into the country 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  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Departing Indonesian arrested at airport, gets charged for overstaying, working without a permit and cyber crime

Departing Indonesian arrested at airport, gets charged for overstaying, working without a permit and cyber crime

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Recently at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), an Indonesian man who previously worked for a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Las Piñas City was intercepted and arrested by law enforcement agents before he could leave the country, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The suspect has been charged for overstaying in the country, for working without a permit and for cyber crime.

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

An Indonesian national who worked for a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility that was raided by law enforcement agents mid this year was apprehended at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) last Dec. 21 before he could board his flight to Singapore.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) identified the arrested foreigner as Angga Pratama, 24, who used to work with Xinchuang Network Technology, Inc. (XNT) in Las Pinas City.

Angga has been charged with overstaying in the Philippines and working without a permit. He was also charged with cybercime while employed at XNT, BI said.

XNT was raided by agents of the Philippine National Police (PNP) last June 27 for alleged human trafficking and cybercrime.

The PNP rescued from the facility around 2,700 persons including Filipinos and foreigners who were believed (to) be human trafficking victims.

Following the raid, the PNP filed before the DOJ charges against five foreigners who were involved in the operations of the illegal POGO, namely, Li Jiacheng, Xiao Liu, Yan Jiayong, Duan Haozhuan and LP Hongkun.

 “The BI remains vigilant in its efforts to safeguard our borders against individuals involved in illegal activities,” Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement issued on Sunday, Dec. 24.

“We are committed to ensuring the security and integrity of our nation’s borders,” he said.

During inspection at the NAIA, Angga’s name was found included in a derogatory hitlist of the BI.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that there are still lots of foreigners who committed crime here in the Philippines who are trying to leave without getting caught? Do you think POGOs are hot spots of cyber crime and other illegal activities?

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  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://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 engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Use of firecrackers and open mufflers in Muntinlupa City prohibited

Use of firecrackers and open mufflers in Muntinlupa City prohibited

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Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government advised the public that using firecrackers and open mufflers within the city remains prohibited, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government warned the public that the use of firecrackers or any pyrotechnic devices, and open mufflers or pipes that emit loud noise is prohibited especially this Christmas season.

“Mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ang paggamit at pagbebenta ng paputok o anumang uri ng pyrotechnic device sa Lungsod ng Muntinlupa, alinsunod sa City Ordinance No. 14-092. Ito ay maaaring maging sanhi ng aksidente (The use and sale of firecrackers or any kind of pyrotechnic device is strictly prohibited in the City of Muntinlupa, in accordance with  City Ordinance No. 14-092. This can cause accidents),” the city government posted.

Ordinance No. 14–092, passed by the Muntinlupa City Council in 2014, prohibits “the manufacture, display, sale, distribution, possession or use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices and such other similar devices and the exploding of firecrackers or other similar explosives within the territorial jurisdiction of Muntinlupa City.”

Violators face fines and imprisonment. For the first offense, the penalties are a fine of P1,000 or imprisonment of not more than one month but not less than two days, or both depending on the discretion of the court.

For the second offense, violators will be fined P3,000 or imprisonment of not more than six  months but not less than three months, or both, at the discretion of the court. 

For the third offense, violators can face a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than six months but not less than three months, or both.

“lf the violation is committed by a business establishment, the President or General Manager or the Person acting in behalf of either the President or General Manager shall be held liable in the case of a corporation or partnership, or the owner or proprietor or the person acting in his behalf shall be held responsible in the case of a single proprietorship,” according to Section 5 of the ordinance.

Open mufflers/pipes – The Muntinlupa City government also warned that the use of open mufflers or pipes, sound boosters or any modifications in motorcycles or other vehicles that emit noise is banned based on Ordinance 04-022 or the Muntinlupa City Traffic Code.

Section 9 of the traffic code prohibits the use of gadgets on vehicles that “emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds.”

“No private person shall use or cause to be used sirens, bells, horns. whistles or similar gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds, including dome lights and emergency red flashing lights installed in either front or rear, and emergency red light blinkers and other similar signaling or flashing devices that actually impede and confuse traffic and which are inconsistent with sound traffic discipline and control on the roads,” according to the section of the ordinance.

Section 85 of the ordinance also states that “no person shall operate a motor vehicle on a street unless such motor vehicle is equipped, at all times, with a muffler or mufflers in constant operation and of sufficient capacity for the motor, and equipped with an exhaust system to prevent the escape of excessive fumes or smoke and unusual noise.”

Violators can face fines from P2,500 to P7,500.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think that firecrackers and open mufflers must remain prohibited? Do you consider both air pollution and noise pollution as the two most serious disturbances during the Christmas season as well as New Year’s celebration?

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

Top triathletes to join 2024 National Age Group Triathlon Subic Bay Freeport race

Top triathletes to join 2024 National Age Group Triathlon Subic Bay Freeport race

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With the 2024 National Age Group Triathlon – Subic Bay race scheduled to happen on January 27 and 28, 2024, the top-seeded triathletes of the nation will be joining in, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) sports news article.

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

The country’s cream of the crop will see action in the National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) on Jan. 27 and 28, 2024 at Subic Bay Freeport in Olongapo.

The competition features Super Sprint Distance (500m swim-10km bike-2.5km run), Sprint Distance (750km swim-20km bike-5km run), Standard Distance Individual and Team Relay (1.5km swim-40km bike-10km run) and Super Trikids events.

The categories are Super Trikids (6 and under, 7-8, 9-10, 11-2); Super Sprint (13-15 boys and girls); Sprint (Elite Men and Women, Jr. Elite Men and Women 16-19 years and Age Group Men and Women 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50 and above); and Standard (Men and Women 18-24, 25-29, 3034, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50 and above).

Registration deadline is on Dec. 31.

The tournament, organized by Triathlon Philippines headed by Ramon Marchan, will serve as qualifying race for the 2025 Thailand Southeast Asian Games.

The (NAGT) is also part of the triathlon association’s trials and talent identification for the Philippine team.

Last year’s sprint elite champions were Filipino-Spanish Fernando Jose Casares (men) and Cebu City’s Raven Faith Alcoseba (women), while the winners in the Junior Elite divisions were Benguet’s Dayshaun Ramos and Cebuana Kira Ellis.

The 2024 National Age Group Triathlon – Subic Bay event is a joint project of Triathlon Philippines, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and FUNtastic Subic Bay. The supporters of the event are the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Inc., Standard Insurance and Gatorade. Those who intend to join have a few days left to get registered online by clicking https://register.raceya.fit/event/nagt-2024

For future events and key updates from Triathlon Philippines 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  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Muntinlupa City Government sets scholars’ allowance to P500 million

Muntinlupa City Government sets scholars’ allowance to P500 million

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Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government raised the allowances of local scholars to P500 million, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The city has roughly 80,000 students listed as beneficiaries of the local scholarship program.

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

The Muntinlupa City government has increased the allowances of students who are under its scholarship program.

According to the Muntinlupa Scholarship Division (MSD), the annual budget for scholarship grants has been increased by P100 million from P400 million to P500 million.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2023-143, passed by the City Council, which increased allowances of different scholars.

There are nearly 80,000 students in Muntinlupa who are the current beneficiaries of the scholarship program of the city government.

Under the High School Students and Elementary Pupils Assistance Program (HELP), the annual financial grants have been increased from P4,000 to P5,000 for elementary pupils, from P5,000 to P6,000 for junior high school, from P6,000 to P7,000 for senior high school, and from P2,400 to P3,000 covering six months for those under the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

For scholars under the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Continuing Assistance for Reintegrating Students (CARES), the general weighted average (GWA) has been changed and the grants have been increased.

Under the new policy, those under Bracket A with GWA of 1 to 1.5, the scholarship grant per semester has been increased from P10,000 to P15,000; Bracket B with GWA of 1.51 to 2, from P7,500 to P10,000; and Bracket C with GWA of 2.01 to 2.5, the grant has been maintained at P5,000.

Those under the Education Development of Government Employees (EDGE), the grant per semester is P3,000 to P5,000 for 50 city government employees taking up undergraduate courses or bachelor’s degrees.

A total of 100 city public school teachers and 50 city government employees who are to pursue postgraduate degrees will get P10,000 per semester.

Students working on their theses or dissertations will get a research topic grant from P10,000 to P30,000.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think the City Government made the right move by raising the allowances of local scholars?

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

Muntinlupa City’s residents and achievements highlighted during 106th founding anniversary celebration

Muntinlupa City’s residents and achievements highlighted during 106th founding anniversary celebration

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Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the outstanding residents and the achievements of the city were highlighted by Mayor Ruffy Biazon during the celebration of the city’s 106th founding anniversary, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Mayor Ruffy Biazon paid tribute to outstanding residents, including most valuable player in basketball Karl Kevin Argana Quiambao, and cited the gains of the city government this year as Muntinlupa celebrated its 106th founding anniversary on Dec. 19.

“Today, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, proud inheritors of a legacy that stretches back over a century. In fact, it has been 38,690 days since Muntinlupa was established as an independent municipality by the stroke of a pen by an American Governor-General of the Philippines,” said Biazon in his address at the anniversary celebration.

It was on Dec. 19, 2017 when Governor-General Francis Burton Harrison signed Executive Order No. 108 that made Muntinlupa a municipality.

“Muntinlupa remains a beacon of strength and resilience. Our city has weathered storms, both literal and metaphorical, and emerged stronger each time. As we reflect on the past year, let us not only acknowledge the challenges we faced but also celebrate the victories, both big and small, that have shaped our community,” said Biazon.

Awards – Biazon cited the different awards the Muntinlupa City government received this year.

One of them was the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), which, he said, meant that the city government has been delivering excellent services to the public.

Muntinlupa also received eight awards at the Urban Governance Exemplar Awards of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

In city competitiveness, said Biazon, Muntinlupa garnered third place in resiliency and infrastructure pillars and fifth place overall most competitive local government unit among highly urbanized cities in the country.

Muntinlupa also received the Green Banner Seal of Compliance Award, “the highest recognition given to LGUs for its sustainable intervention programs to combat and completely eradicate malnutrition especially among children.”

“Each individual department and office of the City Government also has its own share of victories and triumphs. In the past year alone, we have welcomed and hosted several fellow local governments (cities and municipalities) both from Metro Manila and the provinces which conducted benchmarking activities and learning visits in the City,” said Biazon.

Outstanding residents – Biazon named residents who stood out in their respective fields this  year.


One of them is tricycle driver Dexter Pacquiao from Barangay Cupang who returned P413,000 in cash that was left by an overseas Filipino worker (OFW).

Quiambao, a resident of Barangay Bayanan, was also hailed by the mayor for being the MVP in basketball in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86.

Biazon also mentioned athletes who won medals for the country in different sports events including the 19th Asian Games.

Among them were Asian Games gold medalist Annie Ramirez of Barangay Cupang who won the feat in the Jiu-Jitsu Women’s 57KG category, and bronze medalist Kaila Napolis of Barangay Poblacion who bagged the award in the Jiu-Jitsu Women’s 52KG category.

He also cited brothers Shugen at Keisei Nakano who won silver and bronze medals, respectively, in judo in the 32nd SEA Games, and Daryl Mercado who won a bronze medal in the same sport.

The mayor also mentioned three students of Colegio de Muntinlupa who competed in the 2023 Vex Robotics World Championship. They were Arthur Simundac, Kenneth De Guzman, and Mark Lawrence Ragus.

“It has been 437 days since I assumed the post of Mayor of Muntinlupa City. It is not just the leaders who make reform and progress happen..it is often the hard work of those on the ground,” said Biazon.

He added, “We are here now celebrating this significant day because of all the men and women who showed up, who fought hard, whose battles were marred by defeat and victory, but showed up nonetheless in the arena.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa, are you delighted with what the city and the outstanding residents collectively achieved this year? Do you see a bright future for Muntinlupa City in 2024?

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

Chinese national arrested in Parañaque City for illegal possession of firearms

Chinese national arrested in Parañaque City for illegal possession of firearms

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Recently in the city of Parañaque, local police officers arrested a Chinese national for illegally possessing two guns and several pieces of ammunition, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The arrest took place in Barangay Don Galo.

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

A Chinese national was arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police Sto. Nino Substation after he was caught in possession of two .45-caliber pistols on Wednesday, Dec. 20.

Police said the suspect, identified as “Jung”, was nabbed at around 12:50 a.m. in front of a hotel on Macapagal Boulevard in Barangay Don Galo, Parañaque City.

A concerned citizen sought help from Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officers after seeing the suspect with a gun while on board a pickup truck. They then asked for assistance from the police to apprehend Jung.

The police said that upon their arrival in the area, the suspect immediately threw his gun into the back of his vehicle.

The suspect was arrested after police recovered from him two .45-caliber pistols with 13 live bullets.

He was immediately brought and detained at the Parañaque Police custodial facility.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more Chinese nationals moving around in your local community illegally carrying guns and bullets? Are you concerned that such foreigners could cause trouble locally?

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

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Department of Tourism (DOT) chief Frasco vows to build more tourist rest areas (TRAs) nationwide

Department of Tourism (DOT) chief Frasco vows to build more tourist rest areas (TRAs) nationwide

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As the Philippines succeeded in attracting a lot more foreign tourists this year compared to 2022, the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) chief Christina Frasco aims to strengthen the nation’s tourism industry by establishing more tourist rest areas (TRAs), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco vowed on Monday to open more tourist rest areas (TRA) across the country to further boost the industry.

Frasco made the statement as she led the inauguration of TRA in Cebu province’s wildlife adventure capital.

In her speech, Frasco said the TRA in Cebu’s northern town of Carmen is the fourth in Cebu and 10th in the country and pledged to build 18 more of these facilities “all the way from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi.”

The opening of these TRAs would be realized through the partnership with the local government units (LGU) and private stakeholders.

Frasco said more mayors in Cebu have requested her mother, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, to open the same facility in their respective areas, optimistic these would boost their local tourism efforts.

The Carmen TRA will be managed by the Cebu Zafari, a wildlife park that is home to over 1,000 animals of 120 species in a 170-hectare property.

“Gov. Gwen expanded the support beyond Cebu through her initiative to open TRAs in the sister province of Albay and Zamboanga-Sibugay,” she added.

Medellin, a sugarcane town also in Cebu north, is the first LGU in the Philippines to establish its own TRA. Other TRAs were inaugurated in Carcar City and Moalboal.

Like in three other facilities, the Carmen TRA offers various amenities, including a coffee shop, a pasalubong and souvenir store, a tourist information area, clean restrooms and free charging stations.

The souvenir shops not only sell local delicacies but also serve as a platform for Cebu’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their local products, providing them with additional livelihood opportunities and employment for the locals.

DOT-7 regional director Shahlimar Tamano said groundbreaking for TRAs in Bogo City, Dumanjug, Santander and Pinamungajan are in the pipeline.

“TRAs are precisely what we needed to promote tourism,” Garcia said in her remark during the inauguration ceremony at Carmen, citing complaints from local and foreign tourists that the Philippines lack restroom facilities for travelers.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it makes sense for the DOT to establish more TRAs around the country to help the tourism industry? Do you think having more TRAs will be helpful in comforting tourists?    

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

DILG Secretary Abalos eyes total ban on firecrackers nationwide

DILG Secretary Abalos eyes total ban on firecrackers nationwide

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As far as Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos is concerned, firecrackers should be banned nationwide through the many local government units (LGUs), according to a GMA Network news report.

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

Fire crackers should be banned in all local government units in the country, according to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos on Monday.

In an ambush interview, Abalos said some local government units have already imposed a total ban on firecrackers and just designated an area for fireworks display.

“Marami naman tayong mga lungsod at mga munisipyo na mayroong ganito. Sana lahatin na natin. Kaya ako ay nananawagan sana naman magkaroon na tayo ng ganitong ordinansa,” Abalos said.

(There are many cities and municipalities that passed an ordinance on banning firecrackers, I hope all cities and municipalities will do the same. That is why I am calling for them to pass an ordinance already.)

“Anyway, kaya naman i-celebrate ang Bagong Taon nang maayos. Magkaroon ng fireworks display na lamang sa mga munisipyo sa isang lugar at maiwasan natin iyong ganitong disgrasya,” he added.

(Anyway, we can celebrate the New Year orderly. We should have a fireworks display in the municipalities in one area and avoid accidents.)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you favor a total ban on firecrackers? Do you consider the purchase of firecrackers a waste of money? Is your local government willing to implement a ban on firecrackers?   

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