Southeast Asia – Page 31 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Las Piñas City Recognized for HRM Excellence, Receives Bronze Award

July 23, 2025July 15, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City was awarded by the Civil Service Commission’s Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) for excellence on its management of human resources and Mayor April Aguilar formally received the Bronze Award, the City Government announced via social media.

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

The City of Las Piñas was formally presented with the Bronze Award under the Civil Service Commission’s Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) during the city’s weekly flag raising ceremony held on Monday morning, July 14, at the City Hall Quadrangle.

Mayor April Aguilar personally received the recognition, which was granted through CSC Resolution No. 2400438. The award highlights the city’s effective implementation of documented human resource systems and its achievement of process-defined status across four core areas of HRM.

During the ceremony, Mayor Aguilar expressed her appreciation to the city government employees and the Human Resource Management Office for their sustained efforts in professionalizing systems and meeting institutional standards required by the Civil Service Commission.

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 winning a new award?

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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Government pushing direct international access to Philippine tourist hubs

July 22, 2025July 14, 2025carlocarrasco

In what is clearly an attempt to help the Philippines attract more foreign tourists, the government is pushing to open regional tourism and business hubs to international flights which should enable foreigners to have better access to other parts of the country, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

For context, it has been reported already that the Philippines is failing on attracting foreign tourists when compared to the other Southeast Asian nations. In 2024, the Philippines attracted less than 6 million foreign tourists and the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) declared target for the year was 7.7 million foreign tourists.

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

President Marcos has underscored the government’s push to open regional tourism and business hubs to international flights, saying these would allow foreign travelers to skip Metro Manila and head straight to their chosen destinations.

Marcos said this as he led the groundbreaking of the Caticlan Passenger Terminal Building in Aklan on Monday, July 18.

In his speech, the President said regional airports such as Caticlan are key to welcoming foreign travelers directly to Philippine destinations, bypassing Metro Manila and stimulating regional economies.

“We are slowly putting together the building blocks of our policy of opening up our tourist areas… to international travelers without having to go through the Manila Airport,” he said.

Marcos added that the new passenger terminal, which will serve as the main airport gateway to Boracay and other destinations in Western Visayas, would help ease travel to the region and boost economic activity.

“It is not just Aklan who is involved in this; it is the entire region that will be assisted by the construction of this terminal building,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the national authorities will be able to establish new ways for foreign tourists to skip Metro Manila and move on to their chosen destinations located in other parts of the country? On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the current state of tourism in the Philippines?

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 Sidewalk Vendors Meet With Mayor

July 22, 2025July 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, several local vendors from specific locations met with Mayor Ruffy Biazon at City Hall and discussed relevant issues, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon held a dialogue with Muslim vendors operating on sidewalks in Alabang.

Biazon said the vendors operate in the Alabang viaduct, Alabang junction, Montillano Street, Petron gas station, and Liana’s, all located in Alabang.

He recently ordered the Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau and cooperatives to conduct an inspection of sidewalks of the Alabang viaduct area and Alabang public market.

“Dahil nandito ang transportation hubs, I see Alabang Viaduct as the gateway of Muntinlupa. At bilang gateway, gusto natin na kapag nadaanan ito ng mga tao, ang unang impression nila: maayos, malinis, at disiplinado ang Muntinlupa (Because the transportation hubs are here, I see Alabang Viaduct as the gateway of Muntinlupa. And as a gateway, what we want is when people pass through it, their first impression is: Muntinlupa is neat, clean, and disciplined).”

He said what the city government wants is for the sidewalks to be walkable and the goods, trash and obstruction do not hinder pedestrians. On the other hand, Biazon said he recognizes that sidewalks offer income opportunities for some of the residents.

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 vendors should be allowed to occupy space on sidewalks to be able to do business? Do you think that obstruction on sidewalks add to the possibility of accidents happening? Do you think that vendors who are not certified residents of Muntinlupa City should not be allowed to sell in the city?

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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Satellite Voter Registration in Las Piñas City Set for August 1 to 10

July 21, 2025July 14, 2025carlocarrasco

In relation with the Commission on Election’s (COMELEC) announcement of a nationwide voter registration process, the COMELEC office in Las Piñas City announced that satellite voter registration processes will happen in several parts of the city from August 1 to 10, 2025, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Las Piñas Commission on Elections (Comelec) scheduled a satellite voter’s registration in nine areas in the city on August 1 to 10.

According to the Las Piñas Public Information Office (PIO), the satellite voter registration conducted by the Comelec will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The registration will be conducted from Mondays to Fridays, including Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, except when declared by the Comelec.

The Comelec will hold voter registration in the following areas: Metals Road, Camella 4 Subdivision in Barangay Pamplona Tres; Villar Gymnasium function room located at Barangay Talon Dos; Bernabe compound in Barangay Pulanglupa Uno; Gatchalian Subdivision in Barangay Manuyo Dos; Colours Town Marcos Alvarez; San Antonio Valley 17 in Barangay Talon Kuatro; Carmencita Village in Barangay Talon Tres; Almanza Dos Barangay Hall; and at Robinsons Mall ground floor located along Alabang-Zapote Road.

The Comelec advised residents to check their FB page on the dates when the mentioned areas will hold the voter satellite registration.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? How many people in your local community need to get registered with the local COMELEC office?

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 office leasing market rebounds strongly despite POGO ban

July 20, 2025July 13, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the real estate advisory firm Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) announced that the office leasing market of the Philippines rebounded strongly in the first half of 2025 even though there were many Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) that closed down due to the government ban on them, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. It should be noted that the POGO ban resulted in weaker demand for office spaces in 2024.

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

The office leasing market sustained a strong momentum in the first half of 2025, with demand reaching 67 percent of full-year 2024, despite the withdrawal of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), real estate advisory firm Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) said Thursday.

“Demand has been strong for the first half of the year. We believe it will continue. We never know what will happen, but we are optimistic about it,” Mikko Barranda, LPC director for Commercial Leasing, said during the presentation of the LPC Q2 2025 Philippine Property Market Report in Makati City.

The Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) took up 50 percent of the total leasing activity, or 365,000 square meters, in the first half of 2025.

Traditional industries, on the other hand, accounted for 48 percent, or 354,000 sqm, of the demand, while government offices took the rest of the share at 21,000 sqm.

At least 79 percent, or 581,000 sqm, of the overall demand came from Metro Manila, with Bonifacio Global City representing 146,000 sqm, while provincial demand was at 21 percent to 159,000 sqm, with Cebu covering 81,000 sqm.

Barranda reported that the net demand has breached more than 50 percent to 271,000 sqm of the firm’s projection for the year.

“Contractions are tapering off and net take-up in terms of what we have projected back in Q1, which we feel will be at 490,000 sqm levels, were already touching 55 percent,” he said.

In the absence of POGOs, LPC Chief Executive Officer David Leechiu said this surge is already the highest since 2017.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? How far do you think the current surge of office leasing market will go by the end of the year? Do you think there are a lot more companies out there actively searching for office spaces to rent?

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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Prominent Muntinlupa Hotels Recognized by City Government for Exceptional Resilience

July 19, 2025July 12, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, prominent hotels The Bellevue Manila, Crimson Hotel and Somerset Alabang Manila were recognized by the City Government for resilience during times of crisis, according to a news report by the Daily Tribune.

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

The local government of Muntinlupa announced that three prominent hotels were recognized for their exceptional resilience in navigating various crises, from the recent pandemic to natural calamities.

In a statement, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon said that the awards highlight not just business success but also the steadfastness of these enterprises in the face of adversity.

Crimson Hotel secured the first prize for the Most Resilient Business Enterprise, followed by The Bellevue Manila in second place and Somerset Alabang in third.

“This isn’t just an award for business success, but for resilience amidst crisis,” Biazon said. “From the pandemic to various calamities, they have continuously remained open, provided assistance, and served as a pillar for our city.”

He also stressed that true success is measured not only by how high one reaches but by one’s fortitude during challenges.

“I salute businesses that not only recovered but also became part of the solution,” Biazon said, acknowledging the crucial role these establishments played.

“Muntinlupa’s hospitality industry, particularly its hotels, often finds itself on the front lines during disasters. These establishments frequently serve as evacuation sites and partners in emergency response efforts,” he added.

The mayor also said that resilience is not accidental as it requires deliberate planning, preparation, and effort, encompassing robust business continuity planning, comprehensive staff training, and close coordination with local government units.

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 the prominent hotels played key roles in dealing with crisis?

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 Captains of Las Piñas City Welcomed by Mayor April Aguilar

July 18, 2025July 13, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, Mayor April Aguilar welcomed several barangay captains at City Hall and met them, the City Government confirmed via social media. Former Mayor and current Vice Mayor Imelda Aguilar was present.

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

Mayor April Aguilar and Vice Mayor Mel Aguilar warmly welcomed the Barangay Captains of Las Piñas during a courtesy visit held at the Las Piñas City Hall.

The delegation, led by Las Piñas Liga ng mga Barangay President, Councilor Jose Mauricio Riguera, visited Mayor April Aguilar and Vice Mayor Mel Aguilar to extend their congratulations on their recent electoral victory and to express their collective commitment to working closely with the city government in pursuit of good governance, grassroots development, and responsive public service.

During the visit, the barangay leaders recognized Mayor Aguilar’s ability to connect with communities and shared their intention to work closely with her office to help ensure continued development and effective delivery of public services in every barangay.

Mayor Aguilar expressed her appreciation for their show of support and committed to maintaining strong coordination with all 20 barangays of Las Piñas.

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? Was your barangay captain among those who met with Mayor Aguilar at City Hall? What do you hope to see from the City Government that would benefit your local community? Do you think there will be closer relationships between the City Government and the barangays of the city over the next three years?

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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Two ex-POGO workers arrested in Las Piñas City for selling fake money online

July 17, 2025July 10, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers apprehended two persons (both previously worked for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGOs) for selling fake money online, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

Two former Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers were arrested for allegedly selling fake money online in Las Piñas City, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) said on Friday.

In a press conference held at Camp Crame in Quezon City, PNP ACG Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said suspects alias “Usa,” 18, a resident of Cotabato City; and “Agila,” 30, of Zamboanga Del Sur were arrested by the Northern District Anti-Cybercrime Team, in coordination with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), in an entrapment operation in Barangay Manuyo Dos on Wednesday.

“’Yung dalawang nahuli natin, we can confirm that they are former employees of POGO. Ito ay mga driver ng ating POGO companies. They started selling these fake money nung nag-stop na sila sa POGO (These two we caught, we can confirm that they are former POGO employees … They were drivers of POGO companies. They started selling this fake money when POGOs were shut down),” Yang said.

He said the suspects mainly operated in Metro Manila, according to reports.

In November last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order 74, ordering the immediate ban of the Philippine offshore gaming, internet gaming and other offshore gaming operations.

The entrapment operation stemmed from a report by the BSP regarding the rampant online sale of fake currency.

In response, the Northern District Anti-Cybercrime Team intensified its cyber patrolling efforts until they came across a social media post by one of the suspects offering a counterfeit PHP1,000 bill for sale at PHP150.

A total of 150 counterfeit thousand-peso bills were confiscated from the suspects, who sold them for PHP22,500 during the operation.

“May online group talaga na nagbebenta. Several groups ito. So, sinumbong namin ito sa ACG (There really are online groups where they sell these. There are several groups. So, we reported this to the ACG),” BPS Payments and Currency Investigation Group officer Mark Fajardo said at the press conference.

“Hindi maganda. Medyo apurahan ang pagkakagawa kasi hindi sila sanay (It’s not good. How it was done seems sloppy because they were not experienced),” Fajardo told reporters when asked about the quality of the counterfeit money confiscated

He said they are able to tell the fake banknotes apart because the watermark on them was more apparent and the security thread was only printed.

When asked whether the police have already determined who had supplied the fake banknotes, Yang said they are looking into a bigger figure.

The suspects are detained at the ACG custodial facility and will be facing charges for violation of Article 168 (Illegal Possession and Use of False Treasury or Bank Notes and Other Instruments of Credit) in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Yang said the operation aligns with the directive of PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III to intensify cyber patrolling and implement immediate action to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting social media platforms.

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 concerned that the selling of fake money could grow into a serious problem within the city?

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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Suspects behind murder and robbery of TNVS driver in Parañaque City surrender to authorities in another city

July 17, 2025July 11, 2025carlocarrasco

The three individuals who were involved in the murder and robbery of a TNVS driver in Parañaque City came out and surrendered to authorities in the City of Manila, according to a GMA Network news report. The body of the victim was eventually found.

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

The three suspects behind the murder and robbery of a TNVS driver in Parañaque City last May have surrendered to authorities on Monday.

According to Jaime Santos’ report in “Saksi”, the families of the suspects coordinated with their barangay chairperson and councilor to surrender before Manila Mayor Isko Moreno. The mayor, on the other hand, coordinated with the Manila Police District and the Northern Police District.

The families of the suspects feared for their safety after their identities were reported, the report added.

“Humingi sila ng tulong kung paano sila susuko sa alagad ng batas, through some assistance from the Northern Police District and the Manila Police District, nandito sila kanina. Gusto ko rin ipaalam sa inyo na ang pamilya ng mga suspects ay nandito rin. Kinausap ko sila kanina,” said Moreno.

(They asked for help on how they can surrender to the authorities, through some assistance from the Northern Police District and the Manila Police District, who were also here earlier. I also want to inform you that the family of the suspects are also present here. I talked with them earlier.)

“Now I’m happy that the case is na-resolba. Nakikiramay kami…sa pamilya ng biktima. In our own little way, kami ay maging tulay man lamang na makapagbigay ng hustisya sa pamilya ng biktima.”

(I’m happy that the case is now resolved. We extend our sympathies to the family of the victim. In our own little way, we hope we can become a tool in giving justice to the victim’s family.)

Meanwhile, the suspects have yet to declare where they disposed the victim’s body.

“Disgrasya lang po talaga ang lahat…Hindi ko na po masasagot…Sa NBI ko na lang po ipapaliwanag ang lahat po,” one of the suspects said.

(Everything was just an accident…I cannot answer anymore….I will just explain everything to the NBI.)

Moreno said that it will be up to the National Bureau of Investigation to take the next steps on the case. The suspects are now in NBI custody.

The suspects were picked up by the victim in Parañaque last May 18. The car didn’t reach its destination in Molino, Cavite and instead was driven around the province.

Audio from the car’s dashcam indicated that the victim, Raymond Cabrera, was no longer driving the car. It can also be heard from the audio that he was being stabbed.

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 think that murder and violent forms of crime in the city will keep getting worse over the next six months?

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 Unveils Proposal Supporting Seniors and PWDs’ Search for Better Job Opportunities

July 16, 2025July 9, 2025carlocarrasco

Parañaque City’s 2^nd District Representative Brian Yamsuan has a new proposal to create public offices at the local government level to assist senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in their search for better job opportunities, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Parañaque 2nd district Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan is batting for the creation of public offices at the local government level that will help persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens land jobs.

Such offices–to be known as Local Centers for Inclusive Employment (LCIEs)–will partner with the private sector to assist PWDs and seniors for this purpose. According to Yamsuan’s proposal, they will also provide access to upskilling opportunities.

“Disabled persons and seniors who are fit to work can become productive members of our economy if given the chance. However, many PWDs and elderly citizens remain poor because they find it difficult to get hired for jobs that suit them,” Yamsuan said iin a statement Tuesday, July 8.

“Sayang ang kanilang galing, dedikasyon at sipag na madadala sa kanilang trabaho kung sila ay mananatiling jobless. Sa halip na kaawaan o hindi bigyang pansin, dapat ay kinikilala natin ang kanilang mga kakayahang makapag-ambag sa paglago ng ating ekonomiya,” added Yamsuan.

(Their talent, dedication and diligence that they will bring to the workplace will go to waste if they remain jobless. Instead of pitying or ignoring them, we should recognize their capabilities to contribute to our economic growth.)

Yamsuan said he will soon re-file in the 20th Congress a bill which aims to mandate the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to set up, operate and maintain job facilitation offices called LCIEs for PWDs and seniors.

These LCIEs will be established upon the request of the LGUs in capital towns, key cities and other strategic areas.

The proposed legislation was filed earlier by Yamsuan in the previous 19th Congress following extensive consultations conducted with seniors and PWDs in his home city of Parañaque.

Among the complaints aired by PWDs and senior citizens during these meetings were the perceived lack of government support in helping them find jobs that match their skills and qualifications.

Yamsuan said that despite the enactment of laws that aim to encourage the hiring of PWDs and seniors, government data show low labor participation rates in these sectors.

Figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reveal that only 353,000 PWDs were gainfully employed out of the 1.9 million who were within working age in 2022.

In the same year, the elderly sector faced a similar predicament where only 38.2 percent or about 965,200 of 2.54 million qualified senior citizens were employed.

A study made by the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) found that most PWDs were unaware that they can seek assistance in finding jobs through existing Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) in LGUs.

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 think Congressman Yamsuan’s proposal makes a lot of sense and has the potential to help senior citizens and PWDs find better job opportunities someday? Do you think the City Government of Parañaque has been neglectful towards senior citizens and PWDs on job opportunities?

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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