Southeast Asia – Page 21 – Author Carlo Carrasco

First Human Milk Bank in Muntinlupa City Inaugurated

August 18, 2025August 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the first human milk bank located inside the Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) was formally inaugurated just as the local celebration of National Breastfeeding Month went on, according to a news article by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). For the newcomers reading this, Ospital ng Muntinlupa is located in Filinvest City and is a short distance away from Asian Hospital and Medical Center.

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

In celebration of National Breastfeeding Month, Muntinlupa City, together with the Rotary Club of Muntinlupa, has opened the first human milk bank in the city, to save and improve the lives of newborns in need.

Located within the Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun), the facility, opened on August 4, is a crucial resource designed to ensure a safe and sufficient supply of donor human milk bank for babies in need, especially those who are premature, have medical conditions, or whose mothers are unable to breastfeed.

According to the National Nutrition Council (NNC), exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods until at least two years of age, is recommended for optimal growth and development.

Donated breast milk is a life-saving gift. A mother’s surplus milk, even in small amounts, can make a big difference in the life of another baby in need.

The human milk bank highlights the importance of breast milk, often called ‘liquid gold,’ in providing newborns with complete nutrition for their needs and strengthening immunity through a mother’s antibodies. Breastfed babies are less likely to get infections and have a lower risk of developing asthma, diabetes, and obesity. Breastfeeding also supports brain development and higher intelligence when they grow up.

The benefits of breastfeeding extend to the mother as well, by releasing hormones like oxytocin, fostering a deep emotional and psychological bond between the mother and child. Mothers who breastfeed also experience a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and postpartum depression.

Locals who are interested to donate breast milk are encouraged to call 0912-857-5398. The human milk bank is open from Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM.

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, are you delighted to know that a local human milk bank has been launched? Are there lots of people in your local community who are willing to donate breast milk to the human milk bank?

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

Festival Mall acquisition boosts FILRT growth and portfolio size

August 17, 2025August 8, 2025carlocarrasco

Remember when Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT) acquired Festival Mall for P6.26 billion months ago? Already the premier Alabang shopping mall has boosted the earnings and portfolio size of FILRT, according to a business news report by the Manila Bulletin.

For the newcomers reading this, read my previous posts about Festival Mall (which first opened in May 1998) and FILRT by clicking here, here and here. FILRT meanwhile is reputed for being one of the top taxpayers in Muntinlupa City.

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

Filinvest REIT Corp., the real estate investment trust of the Gotianun Group, declared ₱404 million in fresh dividends after reporting an 8.3 percent growth in net income to ₱651 million in the first six months of 2025 from ₱601 million in the same period last year.

The firm disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange that, for the first half of the year, it recorded revenues of ₱1.57 billion, higher by 13 percent from the same period in 2024, resulting from improvements in operations and the addition of Festival Main Mall to the portfolio.

Meanwhile, costs and expenses were contained at ₱613 million, higher by one percent, while other charges were lower by four percent to ₱187 million.

Festival Main Mall started accruing to the revenue stream of FILRT beginning May 29, 2025, equivalent to one month and three days’ revenue contribution.

The addition of Festival Main Mall is seen to improve FILRT’s earnings per share by 5.5 percent in 2025. With the additional asset, FILRT’s portfolio size increased by 37 percent in terms of GLA to 452,310 square meters.

“We are pleased to have infused a value-adding asset into our portfolio through Festival Main Mall. Having this momentum, we look forward to adding more assets and diversifying our tenant base to further the growth of the company,” said FILRT President and CEO Maricel Brion-Lirio.

The company’s portfolio of 17 office buildings, one mall, and one resort lot totaling 452,310 square meters had an occupancy of 86 percent at the end of the first half of 2025, an improvement of five percentage points from 81 percent in June last year.

The current overall tenant mix is comprised of 60 percent offices, 32 percent retail, and the balance for hospitality. Of the offices segment, 84 percent are multinational BPO companies while 16 percent are traditional.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think FILRT will somehow improve the quality of Festival Mall in terms of structure and tenants? Was it a surprise that Festival Mall boosted the earnings of FILRT this early?

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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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

Man arrested in Parañaque City for fraud and identity theft

August 16, 2025August 7, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local law enforcers arrested a 44-year-old man over the use of fake identification as well as using a credit card to purchase almost P390,000 worth of gift certificates, 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…

A 44-year-old man was arrested for using a fake identification card and a credit card to purchase gift certificates amounting to P387,000 from a supermarket in Parañaque City.

The suspect was identified as Fidel. He was arrested at around 7:40 p.m. at Puregold located along NAIA Avenue, Barangay Sto. Nino, Parañaque City.

The police said the suspect used a falsified ID and credit card under the name of Rodolfo Carreon Anastacio to purchase gift certificates amounting to P387,000 from Puregold Moonwalk in Parañaque and in FTI, Taguig City.

The police said the real person, Rodolfo, reported that his identity was being used by an unscrupulous person for fraud and that he does not own any credit card.

The suspect was immediately arrested and was detained at the Parañaque City Police custodial facility.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you consider identity theft a very serious crime? Do you know anyone in your local community who became a victim of identity theft or the illegal use of a credit card over the past six months? Do you think crime in the city is getting worse?

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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Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) officially moved to November 2026

August 16, 2025August 15, 2025carlocarrasco

In case you missed the news, the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) – originally scheduled for this year – has officially been moved to November 2026 as Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., signed into law a measure passed by Congress, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Notably, the BSKE will be held every four years staring in 2026.

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

President Marcos has signed into law a measure extending the term of office for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to four years as he postponed the December 2025 BSK elections to November next year.

Republic Act No. 12232, signed by the President on Wednesday, Aug. 13, amends the current three-year term and limits barangay officials to a maximum of three consecutive terms in the same position. SK officials, meanwhile, are limited to one term.

Under the law, the next barangay and SK elections will be held on the first Monday of November 2026 and every four years thereafter. Winners will assume office on the first day of December following their election.

All incumbent barangay and SK officials will remain in their posts until their successors have been elected and qualified, unless they are removed or suspended for cause.

The measure bars incumbent barangay officials serving their third consecutive term from running for the same position in the 2026 polls. The same applies to SK officials who have already served their maximum term.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is mandated to issue implementing rules and regulations within 90 days from the law’s effectivity, which takes place immediately after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you surprised to see the BSKE elections postponed again? What do you think of the new rules regarding the terms of service for barangay and SK officials?

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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Responsible waste management, illegal dumping and other topics discussed in Las Piñas City seminar

August 15, 2025August 7, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the topics of environmental compliance, responsible waste management and others were discussed in detail in a seminar conducted by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), 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 Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) conducted an environmental compliance seminar aimed at raising awareness, instilling discipline, and reinforcing compliance with existing environmental laws and local ordinances.

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar said the seminar was held for individuals apprehended for illegal dumping and improper waste disposal within the city.

Topics discussed during the seminar included strict enforcement of waste segregation at the source, proper disposal and handling of solid waste, individual accountability in maintaining clean surroundings, and adherence to environmental regulations under R.A. 9003.

Aguilar emphasized that the city has existing ordinances and programs focused on proper waste management, particularly on waste segregation and disposal.

She noted that the city actively enforces Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, and holds environmental seminars for violators.

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 think the City Government has been doing enough to keep the city clean and engage local communities to do their part on environmental compliance?

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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Jobless Filipinos reach almost 2 million in June 2025

August 14, 2025August 6, 2025carlocarrasco

The number of jobless Filipinos swelled largely to almost two million this past June when compared to a year prior, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Among the factors were the job losses in the gambling and betting sector, the construction sector and in 3 other sectors.

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

Coupled with an increase in unpaid workers, the number of jobless Filipinos swelled by more than 300,000 to 1.95 million in June from 1.62 million a year ago, with the online gambling sector partly contributing to the pool of unemployed.

Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that job losses in June translated to a higher unemployment rate of 3.7 percent from 3.1 percent in the same month last year.

“Gambling and betting activities contributed to the drop in arts, entertainment, and recreation, along with other amusement and recreation activities,” Deputy National Statistician and PSA Assistant Secretary Divina Gracia L. Del Prado said during a press briefing on Wednesday, Aug. 6.

Del Prado reported that the gambling and betting subsector shed nearly 210,000 workers, stressing that this had the largest share in the decrease of employees in arts, entertainment, and recreation.

Other than arts, entertainment, and recreation, the four other sectors that were major contributors to June’s job losses were construction (-692,000), agriculture and forestry (-580,000), manufacturing (-424,000), and mining and quarrying (-96,000).

Conversely, the employment rate dropped to 96.3 percent in June from 96.9 percent from June last year. In terms of numbers, employed Filipinos stood at 50.47 million, nearly 200,000 individuals higher than 50.28 million a year ago.

Data from the PSA showed that the services sector accounted for the largest share of jobs during the month at 61.4 percent, followed by agriculture with 20.9 percent, and industry with 17.7 percent.

Fishing and aquaculture posted the highest gains in June, with an additional 512,000 employed. Wholesale and retail trade, and vehicle repair recorded the second largest gain of 375,000.

Completing the subsectors with largest increases were financial and insurance activities (327,000), transport and storage (211,000), and health and social work (179,000).

“What we’re seeing now isn’t very encouraging. If you look at the increase by class of worker, a large portion came from unpaid workers—actually, 296,000. Employers increased by 80,000, and self-employed by 75,000,” Del Prado said.

“But the more [impacted] group is the unpaid workers, since that’s where the increase happened—and that’s not the kind of growth we want. The rise should have been in wage and salary earners, so this isn’t a very good result,” Del Prado further said.

Del Prado noted that wholesale and retail trade saw a significant increase, with unpaid workers in this sector bloated by nearly 150,000. Fishing and aquaculture also added 102,000 unpaid jobs.

“Employment in both sectors increased, but a large part of that growth was in unpaid work. This suggests we still need to improve the quality of jobs. And if you also notice the trend in underemployment, it has barely dropped to single digits—only once so far.”

“So we still need to improve job quality. While our employment rate has been rising over time, I think we need to focus more on improving the quality of work, because the underemployment rate shows that it hasn’t improved yet,” she urged.

According to Del Prado, underemployment last fell to single digits in May 2024 at 9.9 percent but has remained in double digits since then. Underemployment in June lowered to 11.4 percent from 12.1 percent a year ago.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What do you think needs to be done in order to improve job quality? Are a lot of people in your local community considered unemployed or underemployed? Do you think the current growth of the national economy will create a significant number of new jobs before the year ends?

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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Parañaque Congressman Yamsuan seeks passage of Equal Maternity Protection Act

August 14, 2025August 6, 2025carlocarrasco

Following the 4^th State of the Nation Address (SONA) of Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Parañaque’s 2^nd District Representative Brian Yamsuan seeks passage of House Bill No. 224 (Equal Maternity Protection Act) which is one of his more notable proposals in the House of Representatives, 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…

Parañaque City 2nd Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan has highlighted the significance of one of his pet bills in the 20th Congress following President Marcos’ his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) earlier this week.

In a statement Wednesday, July 30, Yamsuan sought the passage of House Bill (HB) No.2240, or the Equal Maternity Protection Act. It aims to provide maternity cash benefits for women workers in the informal sector.

Specifically, the measure seeks “a one-time direct maternity cash benefit per delivery” to informal sector female workers “equivalent to the prevailing minimum wage rate in their region of residence multiplied by 22 days”.

Once the bill becomes law, a female worker in the informal economy who lives in Metro Manila where the prevailing minimum wage rate is P695 will receive P15,290 from the DSWD after giving birth.

Yamsuan’s proposal covers women workers in the informal economy who are not members of the Social Security System (SSS), whether on a regular or voluntary basis. These include freelancers, own-account workers, home-based workers and workers in unrecognized or unregulated employment relationships.

In his SONA last Monday, July 30, President Marcos expressed a renewed commitment to expand opportunities for low-income Filipinos to set up small businesses. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said that among the expected beneficiaries of this SONA commitment are women.

“Malaking bahagi ng ating mga informal workers na kasama sa pagpapasigla ng ating ekonomiya ay mga kababaihan at karamihan sa kanila ay walang benefits na natatanggap mula sa gobyerno. Ang ating panukalang batas ay layuning mabago ang ganitong di-patas na pagtrato sa kanila,” Yamsuan said.

(A big chunk of our informal workers who contribute to energizing our economy are women and many of them do not receive any benefits from the government. Our bill aims to change this unfair treatment of them.).

HB No.2240 intends to amend certain provisions of Republic Act (RA) No.11210, or the Expanded Maternity Leave Law in which eligibility is limited only to women who are SSS members and contributors.

Yamsuan said that in his district alone where he has helped provide jobs and livelihood opportunities through his Bigay Negosyo and Dagdag Pangkabuhayan programs, the majority of the beneficiaries were women.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you find the details of Congressman Yamsuan’s proposal clear and concise? Do you think the proposal will be able to help a lot of women in the informal sector once it becomes a law? If you are a 2^nd district voter of Parañaque, do you like what Congressman Yamsuan is doing?

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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Four Chinese nationals arrested in Parañaque City over kidnapping

August 13, 2025August 4, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, local law enforcers arrested four Chinese nationals over the kidnap of a fellow Chinese national, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The suspects previously operated as money changers targeting those who exchanged large amount of money.

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

Four Chinese nationals were arrested over the weekend for allegedly kidnapping a fellow Chinese citizen, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III announced on Monday.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Torre said the four suspects were arrested on Saturday by members of the PNP’s Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) at a resort-casino in Parañaque City.

He said the group operated as money changers who would target individuals exchanging large amounts of money.

“Matagal na kasi established itong apat, kilala na ito na mga money changer (These four have been established for a long time and are known as money changers),” he added.

AKG director Brig. Gen. Glicerio Cansilao said the 30-year-old male victim, while in captivity, managed to a discreetly call a friend through a borrowed mobile phone. The friend then called law enforcement authorities via 911.

Upon arrival at the hotel room, AKG operatives found six individuals —the four suspects, the victim, and a female Chinese national who also turned out to be a victim.

It was also learned that the male victim was physically harmed and forced to transfer an approximate amount of US$50,000 from his cryptocurrency wallet as part of ransom for his freedom.

The suspects are temporarily detained at Camp Crame and have already undergone inquest proceedings for charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Let me end this post 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 still be a lot of criminal activities committed by Chinese nationals? Do you consider Parañaque a hot spot of criminal activities involving Chinese nationals?

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 Deploys Over 1,000 “Habagat” Victims for 10-day Community Work

August 12, 2025August 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government deployed over one thousand “habagat” victims to do community work for a 10-day period in accordance to the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, 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 city government of Las Piñas deployed around 1,200 victims of the southwest monsoon or “habagat” to do community work for 10 days under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar said that under “Alagang April,” the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) helped the 1,200 residents to earn and recover from the recent “habagat” and typhoons that hit the country.

Aguilar said the beneficiaries belong to the vulnerable sector and will conduct community work for 10 days around the city by sweeping around their barangays, helping in the drainage of canals, and maintaining cleanliness in their areas.

She said the TUPAD beneficiaries attended an orientation on their community work and will receive P6,950 each.

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 under the detail of the TUPAD program with regards to providing temporary employment opportunities for the disadvantaged people? How many people in your local community got deployed 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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Philippines inflation rate falls below 1% in July 2025

August 12, 2025August 5, 2025carlocarrasco

After the slight rise recorded in June 2025, the inflation rate of the Philippines fell below 1% this past July, according to news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The country’s inflation or the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services reversed its path in July 2025 after decelerating to 0.9 from month-ago’s 1.4 percent, driven primarily by the slower upticks in electricity rates and prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The latest inflation figure, the lowest since October 2019’s 0.6 percent, brought the average in the first seven months this year to 1.7 percent, still below the government’s 2 to 4 percent target.

National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa, in a briefing Tuesday, said food and non-alcoholic beverages also contributed to the lower inflation rate last July due to lower price increases of several items like rice, vegetables, tubers and cooking bananas; and fuel prices.

He said a continued drop in rice prices is seen to result in slower uptick for this particular item for the rest of the year, despite the proposal to stop rice importation and increase tariff to protect local farmers.

The government increased rice importation and lowered rice tariff from 35 percent to 15 percent for a period, starting in the second half of 2024 until 2028 to address rice price hikes.

This resulted in lower rice inflation, from 14.7 percent in August 2024 to 0.8 percent in December last year. Mapa forecast rice inflation to remain in negative territory for the next four months.

“The expectation is negative average rice inflation for the whole year,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English.

In terms of the impact of recent typhoons, Mapa said prices of vegetables have inched up in the second half of July, which is normal during typhoon season.

While inflation is seen to remain low, he pointed out that there are threats such as the higher prices of pork products, due to the impact of African swine fever; higher demand for chicken meat, as an alternative to pork, and rising prices of fish.

Deflation in low-income households – With the government is offering cheaper rice to the vulnerable sector, inflation rate for the bottom 30 percent income group as of July slipped to -0.8 percent from the year-ago’s 5.8 percent, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) noted.

Aside from rice, other contributors to the lower inflation rate for the bottom 30 percent income group are slower upticks in the prices of corn and vegetables and tubers, it said.

“The sustained drop in rice prices and the easing of inflation for low-income households are clear signs that our interventions are working. This not only helps Filipinos preserve the value of their peso but also builds confidence for businesses and consumers to plan ahead,” DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

“While we expect the overall inflation for 2025 to remain favorable and supportive of domestic demand, we remain vigilant against external risks, including global policy shifts and geopolitical tensions,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there is a chance that the inflation rate of the Philippines will remain below 1% for the rest of 2025? Do you think the deflation of rice will continue going into 2026?

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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