Southeast Asia – Page 106 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Las Piñas City’s indigent senior citizens benefit from social pension cash pay-out

November 30, 2023November 27, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, indigent senior citizens benefited from the cash pay-out organized by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the City Government announced via social media. The cash pay-out happened in Barangay Pilar Village and was attended by Vice Mayor April Aguilar.

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

In an event dedicated to the welfare of its elderly residents, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Las Piñas conducted another Social Pension Cash Pay-out for indigent senior citizens on Tuesday, November 21st. The event, held at the Aguilar Sports Complex in Barangay Pilar Village, was a part of the city’s ongoing commitment to support and honor its senior community.

The occasion was graced by City Vice Mayor April Aguilar, reflecting the local government’s dedication to the welfare of its elderly population. Vice Mayor Aguilar’s presence underscored the importance the city places on its senior citizens, acknowledging their contributions and ensuring their comfort in their later years.

The pay-out event was organized efficiently, ensuring that the process was smooth and respectful for the elderly beneficiaries. A significant number of senior citizens from various parts of Las Piñas attended the event, adhering to health and safety protocols.

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? Are you delighted with what the City Government and the CSWDO continued to support local senior citizens? Did any senior citizens in your local community benefited from the recent cash pay-out?

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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Where to deposit your excess Peso coins while you are in Alabang

November 29, 2023November 27, 2023carlocarrasco

If you are constantly present here in Alabang in Muntinlupa City, and if you have an excess number of Peso coins that you want to have deposited for safekeeping or for personal use, then you should visit the coin deposit machine (CoDM) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) located inside Festival Mall in Filinvest City.

To be more specific, the BSP CoDM inside the said shopping mall is located on ground floor very near the escalators which itself is in close proximity to the following ground floor businesses: SM Savemore grocery, Saibachi Japanese Restaurant and Café BLK & BRWN (this one is just steps away from the machine).

*This is the BSP coin deposit machine inside Festival Mall in Alabang.*

Before you join the line for depositing your coins at the BSP’s coin deposit machine, you must have a valid GCash account (to receive the value of the coins successfully deposited). If you don’t have a GCash account, you can still have the value of the deposited coins converted into SM shopping vouchers (accepted by The SM Store). There is also a Maya option available.

Still before joining the line, you must make sure that your Peso coins are not dented/damaged, and each coin is loose (meaning not taped together as a bundle). Obviously, foreign coins, tokens and demonetized Peso coins (Peso coins that are outdated) will be rejected. These tips are to ensure that the coins will be counted by the machine once deposited. To learn more, watch the video below and pay close attention to the details…

Once you join the line, you will need to be patient not simply because there could be several customers ahead of you but also because there will most likely be other customers ahead of you who brought at least one large container of coins with them for depositing which can take some minutes to be deposited into the CoDM (note: there is always a BSP assistant who will help and occasionally troubleshoot the machine whenever it malfunctions).

Do not be surprised to see other customers ahead of you who brought multiple plastic containers of coins to be deposited. Based on my personal experience depositing coins at the machine inside Festival Mall, I noticed that more families and local businesses are having their idle coins put into the CoDM. There was a time when one customer ahead of me deposited coins from four large containers and it took several minutes for the machine to count them all and this includes moments when the machine malfunctioned and the BSP assistant had to do some fixing on the spot.

Once you start your turn to deposit at the CoDM, let the BSP assistant guide you. There will be buttons on the machine for you to press before you start putting your coins into the receiving mechanism. From time to time as coins get counted, there will be a few coins that the machine will reject and will instead fall into the lower part where you can reach into and collect. You can try depositing the uncounted coins until it gets counted. As mentioned earlier, foreign coins, tokens and demonetized Peso coins will be rejected.

Once your deposit is successful, you can decide whether to have the counted value transferred into your active GCash account or into an SM shopping voucher. Receipts will be issued from the machine which you must always keep to yourself. Do not throw away the receipts.

*Another look at the BSO CoDM inside Festival Mall located near the escalators at the ground floor..*

I hope this post will be helpful to you and your effort to deposit excess Peso coins into the BSP DoCM inside Festival Mall. In my experience, the lines range from very short (1 or 2 customers ahead of me) to long (8 customers ahead of me). There will be customers who will be depositing a small amount and there are others who brought so much coins as the BSP coin deposit project has attracted a lot of attention locally. You will need to be patient and manage your time when you join the line for the CoDM. To learn more about the coin deposit project, click https://www.bsp.gov.ph/Pages/CoinsAndNotes/CDM.aspx

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, have you deposited your idle Peso coins into the BSP CoDM inside Festival Mall? If you were able successfully deposit your coins, how long did you wait before your turn happened?

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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Foreign tourist arrivals in the Philippines about to reach 2023 target

November 28, 2023November 26, 2023carlocarrasco

Philippine tourism is back in the spotlight once again as the Department of Tourism (DOT) headed by its secretary Cristina Frasco announced that the 2023 foreign tourist arrivals target of 4.8 million is about to reached and the tourism sector has contributed more than P400 billion to the national economy, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The tourism sector is the second highest driver for economic growth during the first half of the year, a result of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s focus on the industry.

Department of Tourism Secretary Cristina Frasco said on Saturday that tourism has so far contributed PHP404 billion to the economy and has reached 99 percent of its goal of 4.8 million international arrivals for 2023.

The improving employment rate is the top contributor to the economy while the increase in investment registration activities and students coming back to school follow tourism.

“I am also here to deliver the good news under the President’s focus of prioritizing tourism. Tourism has emerged as one of the strongest pillars of our economy. According to our national economic managers, tourism is the second top highest driver for economic growth in the first six months of this year,” Frasco said during the opening of the 2nd North Luzon Tourism Expo at Camp John Hay in Baguio City.

She said for Marcos, tourism is a priority “and for that very reason, we have seen the strides we have accomplished in a year.”

Among the government support for the tourism industry are at least 158 kilometers of roads rehabilitated and in 2024, there will be more improvements in airports, Frasco said.

“The flight portfolio of our major international gateways is gradually recovering and we have increased the tourism experience across the country by building tourist rest areas (TRA) across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” Frasco said.

She said the TRA is one of the ways the government wants to extend its welcome to tourists by giving them a special experience.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the DOT has done a good job making tourism a more vibrant and more economic sector this year? Has the increase of foreign tourist arrivals this year benefited your business? Do you think that the foreign tourist arrivals will reach 5,000,000 by the end of 2023?

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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Australia’s Mileham and Philippines’ Burgos win 2023 Asia Triathlon Duathlon Championship elite titles

November 28, 2023November 27, 2023carlocarrasco

This past weekend at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Pampanga, Samuel Mileham of Australia and Erika Burgos of the Philippines won the elite titles of the 2023 Asia Triathlon Duathlon Championship (also referred to as Asian Duathlon Championship), according to a sports news report published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

Australian Samuel Mileham topped the men’s elite category of the 2023 Asia Triathlon Duathlon Championships at New Clark City Sports Complex here Sunday.

The 25-year-old native of Perth finished the 10K (run)-40K (bike)-5K (run) race in 1 hour, 53 minutes and 7 seconds.

“I’m lucky to be given the opportunity to join this competition and I’m happy I won,” said the 6-foot-1 Mileham, who finished second behind Uzbekistan’s Ayan Beisenbayev during the 2022 edition of the tournament in Bahrain.

Bahrain’s Moussa Karich settled for the silver medal with a time of 1:54:49, improving on his fourth-place finish last year.

“This is my first tournament after my injury so I’m satisfied with my performance,” Karich said, referring to (his) previous back problem.

Mileham and Karich are setting their sights on the 2024 World Triathlon Multisport Championship scheduled Aug. 15 to 25 in Townsville, a coastal city in northeastern Queensland, Australia.

“Yes, it would be nice to win again,” Mileham, a duathlete for 13 years now, said.

Mileham’s teammate, Matt Smith, grabbed the bronze medal in 1:55:19.

Cambodian Mickael Chaumond (1:55:37) and Japanese Fumiya Tanaka (1:55:47), ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.

Philippine team members Raymund Torio and John Chicano also made it to the top 10 of the tournament organized by the Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) headed by Ramon Marchan.

Torio (1:56:05) placed sixth, while the two-time Southeast Asian Games champion Chicano (1:56:46) was 10th among 22 entries.

“I’m glad because God gave me the chance to be the No. 1 Filipino finisher in this race,” said the 35-year-old Torio, who was born and raised in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Seyed Mohammad Hosseini (Iran) clocked 1:56:30 for seventh place, Saud Alzaabi (United Arab Emirates) was eighth in 1:56:36, and Edward Langdon (Australia) ninth in 1:56:37.

Meanwhile, the Philippines had a 1-2 finish in the women’s elite category.

Erika Burgos bagged the gold medal in 2:17:48 while Merry Joy Trupa took the silver in 2:18:55.

Indonesians Maharani Azhri Wahyuningtyas (2:21:30), Zahra Bulan (2:23:28), and Eva Desiana (2:24:25) placed third, fourth, and fifth, respectively.

The 2023 Asia Triathlon Duathlon Championship was organized by Triathlon Philippines (formerly Triathlon Association of the Philippines) in cooperation with BCDA and NCC. Sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Asian Center for Insulation, Gatorade – our official hydration partner, Standard Insurance, Fitbar and Medical City Clark.

For future events and key updates from Triathlon Philippines visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil.

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3 Chinese nationals arrested in Parañaque City for causing trouble

November 27, 2023November 22, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, three Chinese nationals were arrested for causing trouble (note: alarm and scandal), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The incident happened in Barangay Tambo and someone alerted the local authorities.

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

Three Chinese nationals engaged in a fist fight and causing trouble were arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

The suspects were identified as alias Lin, 22; Mi, 30; and Li, 37.

The police said the suspects were arrested at around 3:17 a.m. in front of a KTV Bar located along Quirino Avenue, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

The police said a certain Denson chanced upon the suspects engaged in a fist fight and causing trouble in front of a KTV Bar.

Denson told the police that he tried to pacify the suspects but they continued with their unruly behavior that prompted him to call for assistance from barangay watchmen Percival Narag and Renato Mendoza.

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 lurking around your local community and just might cause trouble? How many Chinese nationals are living in your barangay right now?

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

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Fines and penalties for Maynilad over pipe repair project that caused damage on the National Road in Muntinlupa

November 27, 2023November 23, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, it was announced that water concessionaire Maynilad will be slapped with fines and penalties for their pipe repair project that caused damage on the National Road in the barangay of Tunasan, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government will impose fines and penalties on Maynilad Water Services over a pipe repair project that damaged the National Road in Barangay Tunasan.

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon summoned representatives of Maynilad over their pipe repair project that has caused severe traffic.

Biazon said on Nov. 21, a pipe valve of Maynilad along the National Road in Barangay Tunasan got disconnected that led to water spilling out and causing cracks on the road. The crack got so big that one lane of the road had to be closed to traffic. This resulted in heavy traffic in the area. The City Engineering Office and Maynilad immediately responded to the incident.

Maynilad is repairing the pipe and road damage. The crack will be cemented to restore it that will allow the national road to be fully opened again to motorists.

According to Maynilad, Biazon said, the restoration will be finished by Nov. 25 and the national road will be fully opened again. But the City Engineering Office recommended additional days to totally cure the cement.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa, were you stuck in heavy traffic along the National Road due to the reported damage? Do you think Maynilad has a lot to answer for in this case?

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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Outstanding employees and units awarded by Las Piñas City Government

November 24, 2023November 22, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government formally recognized and awarded several outstanding employees and units for the services they rendered, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Las Piñas City government awarded employees, officials, and operating units that demonstrated outstanding performance in the delivery of programs, projects, and activities of the city government and national agencies.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice-Mayor April Aguilar led the awarding of the “Las Piñas City Local Governance Exemplar Award (LPCLGEA)” on Monday, Nov. 20, during the regular flag-raising ceremony held at the Las Piñas City Hall quadrangle.

Aguilar said the LPCLGEA was created with the aim of establishing a mechanism for identifying, selecting, and providing rewards and incentives to deserving offices, officials, and employees and identifying outstanding accomplishments of offices and employees in upholding the principles of knowledge management, convergence, and multi-stakeholder partnership for the implementation of the programs, projects, activities, and initiatives of the city government.

She also said the LPCLGEA also aims to institutionalize reward and recognition periodically or as the need arises, which also provides incentives and interventions to motivate employees who have contributed ideas, suggestions, excellent accomplishments, significant career milestones, and personal development efforts.

The mayor said the awarding was witnessed by Atty. Odilon L. Pasaraba, Undersecretary for Project Development Management of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, DILG Assistant Regional Director-National Capital Region; Mary Anne B. Planas, City Director- DILG Las Piñas; Brig. Gen. Mark Danglait Pespes, Southern Police District (SPD) director; and Las Piñas City police chief Col. Jaime O. Santos.

Aguilar said the awards and recognition program consists of two categories — the city-level awards and the barangay-level awards.

She said that under the category of City Level Awards, there are: High Functionality on the Las Pinas City Peace and Order Council (LPCPOC); Safest City in Southern Metro Manila; High Functionality on the Las Pinas City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (LPCADAC); Ideal Function for both the Local Council for Protection of Children (LCPC) and the Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (LCAT-VAWC); Functional Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP); and Functional Fisheries Compliance Audit.

The mayor added that also included under the City Level Awards are the Regional Recognition on Manila Bay Clean-Up, Rehabilitation, and Preservation (MBCRP) Program; Regional Recognition on Halina’s Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay (HAPAG)-Kalinga Program; City Nutrition Awards; Best Garden Award; and the Seal of 4Ps-Grand Winner Pantawid Farmers ng Talon Kuatro-Livelihood Association.

For the Barangay Level category, the Safe Barangay, Drug Cleared Barangays, Best Barangay Nutrition Scholars, Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangays (SGLGB), and the Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa of the City of Las Piñas awards were given out.

Vice Mayor Aguilar thanked all the awardees for their unwavering commitment and innovative contributions to the city.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, are you delighted to see the many outstanding employees and teams who were awarded? Has the City Government and its units served you well?

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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Over P170 million deposited into BSP coin machines as of October 30, 2023

November 23, 2023November 22, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently, the Business Mirror published a news article revealing that more than P170 million worth of coins have been deposited in the many coin deposit machines (CODMs) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) nationwide as of October 30, 2023. Based on recent findings, more people and business representatives have been lining up at their local CODM to deposit their excess coins and turn it into added value into their GCash accounts or PayMaya accounts, or use the value for shopping vouchers (accepted by The SM Store). Previously the figure was revealed at P115 million and this major project by the BSP launched this past June.

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

THE coin deposit machines (CoDMs) have collected an average of a million pesos per day since June, according to the latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which rolled out the program four months ago to ease the coin shortage and cut government losses in minting coins.

As of October 30, the CoDM collections have reached P171.09 million since June 20. This means an average of P1.29 million worth of coins every day for a period of 133 days.

As of October 20, only 10 days prior, collections already reached P146.78 million. This means, in just 10 days, some P25.31 million or an addition of P2.53 million worth of coins were collected per day.

The data obtained by BusinessMirror also showed that a total of 59.8 million coins were deposited in CoDMs as of October 30.

This means an average of 449,607 coins were deposited into the 25 CoDMs located in various malls and groceries in Metro Manila. This translates to about 17,984 coins per machine everyday.

These coins include the P20, P10, P5, P1, 25 centavo, 10 centavo, 5 centavo, and 1 centavo. These are converted into e-wallets and shopping vouchers.

Based on the data, more than half of the coins deposited in CoDMs are P1 and 25 centavo coins. A total of 22.96 million P1 coins were deposited between June 20 and October 30 while 13.79 million 25 centavo coins were received by the machines during the period.

This was followed by the P5 coin with 12.89 million pieces; P10 coin, 3.02 million pieces; 5 centavo coin, 2.73 million pieces; P20 coin, 2.49 million pieces; and P10 centavo coin, 1.88 million pieces. The lowest was the 1 centavo coin with only 47,496 pieces.

In the data as of October 20, the largest sum ever deposited in a single transaction was P105,818. This was deposited on September 30 in an SM-owned location.

The highest volume of coins deposited during the period reached 33,794 pieces which was received in a CoDM in another SM-owned property last September 3.

The data as of October 20, also showed almost all or 97.63 percent of the amount of the coins collected by CoDMs were converted into GCash credits. The total amount converted into GCash reached P142.33 million as of October 20.

In terms of coin volume, GCash also converted the most into credits with 51.13 million coins or 97.63 percent of the total. This covered a total of 50,225 transactions or 97.04 percent of all CoDM transactions.

In June, BSP rolled out the CoDMs to alleviate the coin shortage in the country and cut the government’s losses in minting coins.

Former BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla said the Philippines currently has a problem with coins, given that its coins per capita have more than doubled in less than a decade.

There are 39 billion pieces of coins in circulation in the country. At 110 million Filipinos, this translates to around 355 coins per capita which is a 195 percent growth from the 120 coins per capita eight years ago.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Were you able to deposit your excess coins into a BSP cash deposit machine in your city? Was there a time when you had to wait long in the line at a BSP cash deposit machine because one of the customers ahead of you brought several jars full of coins with them for deposit? Do you think having one BSP CODM per shopping mall is sufficient to meet local customers’ need for coin depositing? When waiting for your turn at the BSP CODM takes too long, do you take your coins with you to the bank to deposit into your personal account?

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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America-Philippines nuclear deal opens opportunities for investments and energy

November 22, 2023November 20, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently a landmark deal about nuclear power for peaceful purposes was signed between the United States of America and the Philippines which opens up opportunities for investments and energy that the Filipino people can benefit from, according to separate news stories (click here and here) published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things into perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA story pertaining to investments. Some parts in boldface…

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday (Manila time) expressed elation over the signing of the much-awaited “123 Agreement” on nuclear cooperation between the governments of the Philippines and the United States.

This was after Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed the nuclear cooperation agreement that will facilitate the collaboration between the two countries on technical exchanges, scientific research, and initiatives to ensure the safe operation of nuclear power installations.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of Marcos’ participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco, California.

“I am most pleased to be here today to join you this afternoon to witness another milestone towards a more energy-secure and green Philippines,” Marcos said, noting that the move was in line with his plans to ensure an “affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy supply” for the Philippines.

Marcos expressed optimism that the signing of the nuclear deal would encourage more foreign investors to pursue nuclear power projects in the Philippines.

The nuclear power cooperation, he said, would enable the country to meet its growing energy demands and provide a “more investor- and consumer-friendly environment.”

“The signing of the Philippines – United States Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy or the 123 Agreement is the first major step in this major regard, taking our cooperation on capacity-building further and actually opening the doors for US companies to invest and participate in nuclear power projects in the country,” Marcos said.

The 123 Agreement will establish a legal framework that allows the export of nuclear fuel, reactors, equipment, and special nuclear material from the US to the Philippines.

The agreement will allow the Philippines to use US nuclear technology, not for war, but for energy security and climate goals.

The President noted that apart from the 123 nuclear deal, Meralco and Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. also signed a cooperation agreement to undertake a Pre-Feasibility Study on Micro-Modular Reactors (MMRs) to explore clean and sustainable energy options in the country.

Under the agreement, a feasibility study will be conducted for the potential deployment of MMRs to Meralco sites to enforce the sustainable energy agenda and provide affordable and dependable access to power, particularly to the underserved and off-grid areas for economic empowerment.

“I know our companies are eager to advance discussions on potential projects. Just yesterday, the MOU (memorandum of understanding) between Meralco and Ultra Safe Nuclear Cooperation was also presented to me. So, I believe congratulations are in order for the work of our respective negotiating teams, especially to the team from the United States,” Marcos said.

“I look forward to seeing this agreement in action in the years to come. Nuclear energy is one area where we can show that the Philippines-US alliance and partnership truly works, for our peoples, our economies, and the environment.”

For the PNA story pertaining to energy and modular reactors, below is the excerpt. Some parts in boldface…

The historic nuclear cooperation deal between the United States and Philippines would allow the Philippines to secure US-developed nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors.

Manila and Washington D.C. signed the civil nuclear cooperation deal, commonly known as a 123 Agreement, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco on Nov. 16 (US time).

The agreement will facilitate and enhance cooperation on clean energy security and strengthen the two nations’ alliance, the US State Department said.

“With access to US material and equipment, the US and the Philippines will be able to work together to deploy advanced new technologies, including small modular reactors, to support climate goals as well as critical energy security and baseload power needs within the Philippines,” it said.

The signing marks the successful culmination of the negotiation process launched by Vice President Kamala Harris during her trip to the Philippines in November 2022.

The deal, the State Department said, also spells out limitations on enriching, reprocessing, and transferring specific items without the other party’s consent.

“This agreement lays out a comprehensive framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation between the Philippines and United States based on a mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation and is required by US law to allow for the transfer of nuclear equipment and material for peaceful uses,” it said.

The name 123 Agreement is derived from Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act, which requires the US to have an agreement with a country before it can conduct nuclear export.

Section 123 establishes nine nonproliferation criteria that 123 Agreements must include and signatories must uphold.

Last May, US nuclear energy firm NuScale Power Corporation has expressed interest to invest in the Philippines and bared its plan to conduct a study to locate a site in the country.

Oregon-based NuScale is known for developing a small nuclear power system, described as safe, modular and scalable.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about these recent developments? Can you imagine what a nuclear-powered Philippines would be like in the years to come? Are there still people in your local community who are afraid of anything related to nuclear power? Do you admire the efforts of the Marcos administration when it comes to modernizing the Philippines with nuclear technology and power?

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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Giant Christmas tree at Muntinlupa City Hall lighted

November 22, 2023November 21, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the lights of the huge Christmas tree located at the quadrangle of City Hall were formally switched on by sevel local officials including the Mayor, the Congressional Representative, the Vice Mayor, members of the City Council and others, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The lighting ceremony reminded locals that the Christmas season has indeed arrived in the city.

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

It’s officially Christmas season in Muntinlupa.

The Muntinlupa City government ushered in the Yuletide season by holding the giant Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 17 at the Muntinlupa City hall quadrangle.

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Rep. Jaime Fresnedi, Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac, councilors and city officials led the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Biazon was joined by his wife, Trina, and their children at the ceremony.

*The Mayor, Vice Mayor, Congressman and other officials present during the lighting ceremony of the giant Christmas tree at the quadrangle of City Hall. (photo source – Muntinlupa PIO)*

According to the Muntinlupa Public Information Office (PIO), the giant Christmas tree is 34-foot tall plus the three-foot lantern topper for a total height of 37 feet.

The Christmas tree is adorned with 500 strings of pixel lights, 500 fairy lights, 200 globe bulbs, 50 strobe lights and 40 dozens of ornaments.

*This is what the giant Christmas tree looks like during the day.*

Simula na ito ng Paskong Nakakaproud sa Muntinlupa! We dedicate this celebration bilang pasasalamat sa lahat ng biyaya na natatanggap natin at sa buhay natin sa kasalukuyan (This is the start of Paskong Nakakaproud in Muntinlupa! We dedicate this celebration as thanks for all the blessings that we receive and our lives),” said Biaozn

Visitors can watch the Christmas Lights Show at the Muntinlupa City Hall starting Monday, Nov. 20, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa, were you able to see the giant Christmas tree at City Hall during your last visit there? If you have seen the Christmas tree in front of City Hall lighted during the evening, does it look impressive?

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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