Southeast Asia – Page 115 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Muntinlupa City Government sets scholars’ allowance to P500 million

December 27, 2023December 22, 2023carlocarrasco

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

December 26, 2023December 20, 2023carlocarrasco

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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Chinese national arrested in Parañaque City for illegal possession of firearms

December 26, 2023December 21, 2023carlocarrasco

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

December 22, 2023December 19, 2023carlocarrasco

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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DILG Secretary Abalos eyes total ban on firecrackers nationwide

December 21, 2023December 18, 2023carlocarrasco

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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Local achievers in education rewarded by Muntinlupa City Government

December 20, 2023December 16, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the newest batch of local achievers in the field of education were honored and rewarded by the City Government, 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 honored a board exam topnotcher and recipients of Latin honors recently.

This was through the city’s Muntinlupa Scholarship Division (MSD), which recognized 33 individuals who achieved impressive results.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon congratulated the honorees and lauded them for being an example to younger students.

One of them was Maureen Grace Usacdin who finished on top of the Real Estate Appraisers Licensure Examination last September. She received a cash incentive of P100,000 for her achievement.

The MSD also recognized 10 cum laude, 21 magna cum laude and one summa cum laude from different institutions in the city.

Each received a medal, certificate and cash incentives amounting to P30,000 for summa cum laude, P20,000 for magna cum laude, and P10,000 for cum laude.

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, are you delighted that the newest achievers in the field of education got recognized and rewarded by the City Government?

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

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Las Piñas City Government fully supports parol makers

December 19, 2023December 14, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a group composed of makers of the parol (traditional Filipino Christmas lanterns) received full support from the City Government, according to a social media post of the local government’s Facebook page dated December 13, 2023.

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

The Samahang Magpaparol ng Las Piñas, a group of traditional Filipino Christmas lantern makers, was warmly received by City Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar in City Hall on Tuesday, December 12th. This meeting underscored Las Piñas City’s reputation as the Parol Capital of Metro Manila, celebrating the city’s deep-rooted tradition in crafting these iconic symbols of Filipino Christmas.

*Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar with the parol makers group at City Hall. (photo source – Las Piñas City PIO)*

In a table discussion, Mayor Imelda Aguilar expressed her profound appreciation for the parol makers’ dedication to their craft and assured their group of the city government’s full support. This promise marks a crucial step in safeguarding the art of parol making and promoting its continued relevance in the city’s cultural landscape. The parol makers, in response, extended their heartfelt thanks to Mayor Aguilar, appreciating the recognition and support for their craft, which is integral to the city’s identity and festive celebrations.

This meeting between the city officials and the parol makers reaffirms Las Piñas City’s commitment to its cultural roots and its preservation.

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? Do you see the parol as the most important Christmas decoration ever? How many parols does your household have now? How much money did you spend on each parol you bought? Is ever parol in your household made in Las Piñas?

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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Bureau of Immigration (BI) prevents two foreign sex offenders from entering the country

December 19, 2023December 12, 2023carlocarrasco

Two foreign sex offenders who arrived from Taipei by airplane were prevented from entering the country by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) which has a database of undesirable aliens, 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…

Two Americans with criminal records for sexually abusing minors in the United States and the country were recently barred from entering the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City.

In a statement Tuesday, Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the passengers were identified as Keith Michael Lacek, 63, who was intercepted on Dec. 5, and Peter Maehler de Leon Guerrero, 54, who was turned away on Dec. 2.

Both foreigners arrived at the NAIA Terminal 1 aboard Air China and Eva Air flights from Taipei. They were immediately sent back to their country of origin.

“We had to remove them out immediately after they arrived at the airport. They are undesirable aliens who pose a very serious threat to our children,” Tansingco said in a statement. “Consequently, they are perpetually banned from re-entering the Philippines.”

He noted that Lacek was excluded after his name prompted a hit in the bureau’s derogatory base, indicating that he was banned from entering the country for his involvement in sex tourism.

The BI blacklisted Lacek in June 2020 after the bureau received information from the Office of Cybercrime of the Department of Justice that he was reportedly involved in the online enticement and sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism.

Lacek allegedly enticed a Filipina to produce and send indecent photographs of children and to engage in sexual activity with a minor in exchange for money.

On the other hand, Guerrero is a registered sex offender in the US due to his record of conviction as a child rapist.

For the newcomers reading this, the BI has been working hard to not only protect the nation from undesirable foreigners but also to prevent the potential rise of sex tourism in the entire Philippines.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that the BI will be able to detect and reject incoming sex offenders from overseas?

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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Las Piñas City Government honors its long-time employees

December 18, 2023December 12, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government honored its long-time employees in return for their endurance as well as their commitment on serving the locals, 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 Las Piñas City government honored its long-time employees for their dedication in serving the city government and its people for over 40 years.

The employees were recognized after the regular flag raising ceremony held at the Las Piñas City Hall quadrangle on Monday, Dec. 11.

Las Piñas Vice-Mayor April Aguilar led the awarding of employees with plaques of recognition and gifts for their many years of service.

Aguilar said the awardees have shown their great commitment and loyalty by working for the local government for over 40 years.

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 to see your City Government honor the long-time workers who dedicated themselves in the line of public service?

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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Philippines attracts 5 million foreign tourist arrivals, sets 2024 target at 7.7 million

December 18, 2023December 13, 2023carlocarrasco

With a few more weeks to go before 2023 finally comes to an end, the Department of Tourism (DOT) confirmed that the number of foreign tourist arrivals in the Philippines just surpassed the 5,000,000 mark and they raised the stakes even higher for 2024, according to a Malaya Business Insight news report.

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

After breaching 5 million in tourist arrivals as of December 12, the Philippines hopes to attract 7.7 million tourists in 2024.

Christina Frasco, secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in her accomplishment report yesterday, said the Philippines has exceeded its 4.8 million goal when it logged 5.06 million visitors as of yesterday.

These tourists contributed P440 billion in receipts to the economy or more than double than the P209 billion recorded last year.

“In 2024, we are more than optimistic that we will once again reach our targets as we have proven in the past two years. For next year, we’re targeting 7.7 million international arrivals. I understand that this is not yet pre-pandemic numbers of 2019 at over 8.2 million international arrivals, but what I can assure you is that we will push as hard as we can and fully activate our convergences with other government agencies to reach this target and bring us closer to pre- pandemic numbers even as we grapple with many forces beyond our control globally and locally,” Frasco said.

Frasco also disclosed the DOT has proposed P5 billion infusion for the construction of new tourism roads in addition to the construction of tourism roads for 2024.

Frasco said recovery rate on arrivals to pre-pandemic of Philippine tourism is at 65 percent as of November, faster than the 62 percent average rate in Asia-Pacific as of September.

She said in terms of international visitor receipts, Philippine recovery is at 95 percent of the P458 billion visitor receipts in 2019.

This is a 267 percent increase versus the same period last year with a little over 2.6 million visitor arrivals in 2022. Tourism created over 5.35 million jobs which means that for every 100 Filipinos, 11 are employed in tourism related jobs.

According to Frasco, the Philippines has already recovered nearly 80 percent of its pre-COVID international incoming seat capacity.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Now that the Philippines has recorded more than 5 million foreign tourist arrivals, do you think there is still a chance for the figure to reach 6 million by December 31, 2023? Do you think the 2024 target of 7.7 million foreign tourist arrivals is achievable?

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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