Southeast Asia – Page 48 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Cybercrime complaints tripled in 2024, victims lost almost P200 million

February 11, 2025February 2, 2025carlocarrasco

Was there anyone in your local community who got scammed many times last year? Based on the findings of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), cybercrime complaints more than tripled in 2024 and victims lost almost P200 million as well, according to a 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 Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) on Friday said there were a total of 10,004 cybercrime complaints filed with their office in 2024, more than three times the 3,317 complaints in 2023.

In a statement Friday, CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Alexander Ramos said the total amount lost by cybercrime victims reached almost PHP198 million last year alone.

He attributed the exponential increase in the number of complaints to the growing awareness of the public on cybercrimes and their willingness to report.

“In previous years, people were not aware that they were being scammed and many were not also aware of where to file their complaints,” Ramos said.

Of the total, around 3,534 complaints, or 35 percent were consumer fraud, these include non-delivery of goods or services and fake advertisements.

On the other hand, there were 3,242 online fraud complaints, or 32 percent of the total. This includes financial fraud, impersonation, job scams, investment scams, and love scams.

Other types of complaints were unsolicited communication, illegal access, identity theft, sexual cybercrimes, phishing, and cyberlibel.

He added that GCash was the top wallet used by victims of consumer fraud, online fraud, and phishing, with a total loss of PHP76.49 million to its users.

Other financial platforms used by victims were BPI with PHP28.47 million losses, GoTyme with PHP15.38 million, and PayMaya with PHP13.99 million.

He called on victims of scams to call the government’s toll-free hotline at 1326.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you scammed in 2024? Do you think that banks and e-wallet companies should enhance security of their respective apps to protect their users from the cyber criminals and scammers? Do you personally know anyone who lost a lot of money because he or she got scammed while using GCash?

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

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Wanted woman apprehended in Muntinlupa City over drug case

February 11, 2025February 2, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, police officers armed with a warrant arrested a wanted woman for a drug case, 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…

A fugitive woman, tagged as the No. 10 most wanted person by the police, was arrested in Muntinlupa on Feb. 1.

The Muntinlupa Police Warrant and Subpoena Unit arrested the suspect, identified as alias Evelyn, 55, a vendor, in Barangay Alabang for a drug case. Evelyn was listed as the No. 10 most wanted person at station level for the first quarter of 2025.

The warrant of arrest for service of sentence was issued by Acting Presiding Judge Desiree Gertrude Orquiola-Moldez of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206 on Jan. 24.

Evelyn was arrested for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) under Section 13 (possession of dangerous drugs during parties, social gatherings, or meetings), and Section 14 (possession of equipment, instruments, apparatus, and other paraphernalia for dangerous drugs during parties, social gatherings, or meetings).

She is under the custody of the Muntinlupa Police pending the issuance of a commitment order from the court.

Brig. Gen. Manuel Abrugena, district director of the Southern Police District, commended the Muntinlupa Police

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 concerned that there could be persons wanted by the police living within your local community?

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

+++++

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

There is a USAID project in Parañaque City

February 11, 2025February 10, 2025carlocarrasco

Now that the global scandal of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been exposed, there is a list of connected projects here in the Philippines (more than 30 projects according to a recent Philippine Star news report) and the disturbance is only growing. The administration of US President Donald Trump has been examining the spending and projects of USAID, and the Democrats have been outraged which is not surprising because a lot of USAID projects are based on their Leftist and woke agenda.

This past December, the Manila Bulletin reported a project involving USAID (specifically the United States Agency for International Development – Clean Cities, Blue Ocean or USAID-CCBO for short) and the City Government of Parañaque (through its City Environment and Natural Resources Office called CENRO for short) in the form of a mural painting emphasizing “environmental stewardship and youth empowerment through community-based initiatives.”

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the December 12, 2024 Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The city government of Parañaque, through its City Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO), together with the United States Agency for International Development – Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (USAID CCBO), conducted a mural painting event on Dec. 11 promoting environmental stewardship and youth empowerment through community-based initiatives.

Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez said the event, with the theme “Raising Awareness on Solid Waste Management and Marine Litter Pollution,” was held at the City Material Recovery Facility in Barangay La Huerta and was participated by students from Parañaque National High School – Main

They were accompanied by their principal, Gerry Lumaban, and teacher Winnie Freda Cabero.

The students’ artistic talents were showcased during the activity under the guidance of AG Sanio, a renowned Filipino muralist, conservationist, photographer, landscape architect, and environmental advocate.

Within the context of the Manila Bulletin news report, it’s hard to see if there is anything wrong or questionable about the Parañaque City project involving USAID. It is also not yet clear how much American taxpayer’s money was spent by USAID on the project (a mural painting). Perhaps in due time, the Trump administration will find all the details about it.

The December 2024 project is not the first time that Parañaque’s CENRO was involved with USAID which you can see by clicking here. This past January, the USAID – CCBO team visited Parañaque to “conduct a dry run of the Waste Sorting Line.”

For the foreigners reading this blog post, Parañaque is one of the least competitive highly urbanized cities (HUCs) of the Philippines based on the 2024 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI). The city also failed to qualify for the 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) based on the findings of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). It remains to be seen how USAID will help Parañaque City improve in the short term.

For the newcomers reading this, if you want to learn about USAID and what the scandal is all about, watch and learn from the YouTube videos below. The scandal is only growing.

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 aware of the project in your city involving the scandalous USAID? If you have seen the project, do you find it questionable or acceptable? Do you think the project in Barangay La Huerta benefits the citizens of Parañaque at all? Do you think projects that emphasize climate change or environmentalist propaganda are needed in Parañaque City at all? Can you speculate how much in American taxpayer Dollars were spent by USAID in Parañaque City? If you are an American, how do you feel about your tax Dollars being spent in several USAID projects in the Philippines and around the world?

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

+++++

More than 400 Barangay Pamplona Dos residents avail of health services from Las Piñas City caravan

February 10, 2025January 31, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, over four hundred residents of Barangay Pamplona Dos got served with health services by the Health and Wellness Caravan, the City Government announced via social media.

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

The Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan was held at the Sterling Life Homes Covered Court in Pamplona Dos on Thursday, January 23, bringing essential health services to nearly 400 residents. The initiative, spearheaded by the City Health Office, continues to emphasize accessible healthcare and community well-being.

Attendees availed of free medical consultations, dental services, cholesterol and blood sugar screenings, chest X-rays, ECG tests, and pneumonia vaccinations for senior citizens. Other services included the distribution of free medicines, assistance with PhilHealth registration, and the Green Card program. Nutrition counseling and non-communicable disease risk assessments were also offered, ensuring comprehensive healthcare support.

City Health Office head Dr. Juliana Gonzalez underscored the importance of preventive care, highlighting how early detection and proactive health measures can significantly improve the quality of life for residents. Her guidance emphasized the value of these caravans in promoting healthier communities across 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? Do you know when will the Health and Wellness Caravan arrive in your local community this year?

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

+++++

Warrantless arrest of vote-buyers and sellers included in new COMELEC resolution for 2025 elections

February 8, 2025February 4, 2025carlocarrasco

Anyone who gets caught selling or buying votes in connection with the National and Local elections this year will get into trouble as the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) recently issued a resolution monitoring such activities and warrantless arrests will be allowed, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has issued a resolution allowing law enforcement to arrest vote buyers and sellers without a warrant if they are caught in the act.

According to Sandra Aguinaldo’s report on “24 Oras,” Resolution No. 11104 will expand the authority of the poll body’s Committee on Kontra-Bigay” to monitor vote buying and selling in Eleksyon 2025.

The resolution allows a law enforcer to make a warrantless arrest if he or she witnessed an act or attempt to commit election offenses.

“Any law enforcement officer may, without a warrant, arrest a person when, in his or her presence, the person to be arrested has committed, is actually committing, or is attempting to commit the election offense of vote-buying and vote-selling or act constituting ASR (abuse of state resources),” the resolution read.

The arrested individual will be brought to the nearest police station.

Meanwhile, the materials used in vote buying or selling will be under the custody of the police.

“The money or any other goods of value, sample ballots and any other campaign materials used for vote-buying and vote-selling, and ASR, shall be immediately seized and taken into custody by the apprehending law enforcement officer,” the resolution added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the newest resolution by the COMELEC will be effective in preserving the integrity of the national and local elections scheduled for May 2025? Do you think the inclusion of warrantless arrests will deter the buyers and sellers of votes?

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

+++++

I Love Israel: US President Trump’s ambitious plan for Gaza

February 8, 2025February 7, 2025carlocarrasco

As some of you are already aware, I fully stand with Israel which is very connected with my uncompromising faith in the Lord. I keep on praying to Him for Israel to overwhelm its enemies, rescue the hostages and recover from the effects of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks committed by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas which is sponsored by terrorist state Iran. I can assure all of you that nobody from the evil Islamo-Leftist mob, nobody from the pro-Palestine radicals, nobody from the political correctness extremists, and nobody from evil societies would stop me from supporting and loving Israel.

Now, on with the news…

During the joint conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House, US President Donald Trump unveiled the ambitious plan of America taking over the Gaza Strip to redevelop it, according to a CBN News report. For insight, watch the YouTube videos below.

For the newcomers reading this, the Gaza Strip is coastal land that is physically part of Israel and shares a border with Egypt at the southwest. A lot of Palestinians (note: Arabs who identified themselves as Palestinians specifically) live there and in their presence, terrorists multiplied and the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas made it their headquarters long before they attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.

Gaza today has been ruined tremendously as a result of the subsequent war that started in late-2023. The massive destruction will take so much resources, time and effort to be realized, the Palestinians themselves are clearly uncapable of rebuilding Gaza themselves. Not even their terrorist sponsors Iran and Qatar could afford to cover the costs of reconstruction. That being said, America under Trump is capable of redeveloping Gaza and the takeover should happen after Israel concludes the war against the terrorists.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the CBN News report.. Some parts in boldface…

On a historic day at the White House, President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the United States would take over the Gaza Strip. The impact of the presidential announcement is already changing the face of the Middle East.

Trump greeted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House during a stunning day of changes for Israel and the region. At a joint conference with the prime minister, Trump dropped the bombshell:

“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it, too. We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site. Level the site and get rid of the destroyed buildings, level it out – create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area. Do a real job. Do something different. Just can’t go back. If you go back, it’s going to end up the same way it has for 100 years,” he declared.

A Hamas spokesman slammed the “American racist stance,” saying its aim is “displacing our people and eliminating our cause.”

However, one Israeli leader called the idea a “miracle,” and opposition leader Benny Gantz called Trump’s initiative creative and original thinking.

The president claimed the situation presents a rare moment for action.

“We have an opportunity to do something that could be phenomenal,” he said, “and I don’t want to be cute. I don’t want to be a wise guy. But the Riviera of the Middle East – this could be something that could be so be so magnificent. But more importantly than that is (that) the people that have been absolutely destroyed that live there now can live in peace in a much better situation because they are living in hell. And those people will now be able to live in peace. We’ll make sure that it’s done world-class. It’ll be wonderful for the people, Palestinians – Palestinians, mostly, we’re talking about.”

Netanyahu maintained that Israel’s war goals remain the same.

“As we discussed, Mr. President, to secure our future and bring peace to our region, we have to finish the job. In Gaza, Israel has three goals: destroying Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, secure the release of all of our hostages, and ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.”

Trump also says he’ll announce his stand on a potential Israeli annexation of Judea and Samaria, known by some as the West Bank, in four weeks. Declaring sovereignty over Israel’s biblical heartland is a move many Israelis would welcome.

In their talks, the U.S. and Israeli leaders discussed a normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia. The Saudis put out a statement saying there would be no normalizations without a Palestinian state.

The announced plan from President Trump is already changing public perception about not only the Gaza Strip but the entire Middle East as a whole. Make no mistake about it – the Palestinians, Hamas, Iran and Qatar cannot really join forces nor put their resources together to redevelop Gaza on their own. All the diplomatic decisions made through the previous decades never improved the standard of living in the Gaza Strip and the 2005 physical pullout of Israeli presence only led to Gaza becoming a hot spot for terrorists who not only heavily armed themselves to launch many attacks against Israel but also profited from the humanitarian donations they received. Hamas is not just a violent group of Palestinian terrorists…they are also greedy and covetous.

With Trump leading America, it is clear its partnership with Israel will grow stronger tremendously. With the right moves and the right timing, America and Israel can change the Middle East as we know it and that includes bringing down the evil forces starting with terrorist state Iran. The Palestinian terrorists can keep causing trouble but they can only delay their ultimate defeat and the loss of lives on their end.

That being said, I urge you all to pray to the Lord in support of Israel and in support of the reinvigorated US-Israel alliance with President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu as leaders to execute the plans and achieve the goals to change the Middle East for the better. Pray also that the terrorists, the Islamists, radicalized Islamo-Leftist mobs will stop being evil and submit to Lord Jesus for repentance. Pray to the Lord for the American takeover of the Gaza Strip and is redevelopment to happen.

I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!

+++++

Economy of the Philippines grew by 5.6% in 2024

February 7, 2025January 31, 2025carlocarrasco

The economic growth of the Philippines for the year 2024 has officially been declared by national authorities at 5.6%, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article (which itself emphasized 2024 4^th quarter economic growth of 5.2%). By comparison, the national economy grew by 7.6% in 2022 and 5.6% in 2023.

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

The Philippines was the third highest-growing economy in the region in the fourth quarter of last year despite the impacts of geopolitical tensions and the series of typhoons that hit the country.

Philippine economic growth settled at 5.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024, bringing the full-year economic growth to 5.6 percent.

“While this falls short of our target of 6.0 to 6.5 percent, we are positioned as the third fastest-growing economy in the region, trailing Vietnam (7.5 percent) and China (5.4 percent) but outpacing Malaysia (4.8 percent),” National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said in a briefing Thursday.

Edillon said the country faced numerous setbacks like extreme weather events, geopolitical tensions, and subdued global demand.

“While some challenges affect the entire economy, others exert pressure on specific sectors. Consequently, our economic performance in 2024 hinged on the impact of these factors on various sectors and whether we can mitigate the negative effects or enable a swift recovery,” said Edillon.

Last year, economic growth was mainly driven by the industry and services sectors.

National Statistician Dennis Mapa said that among the major economic sectors, industry and services grew by 5.6 percent and 6.7 percent, respectively, last year.

Growth in the manufacturing sector, however, was hampered by subdued global due to geopolitical tensions and the slow recovery of advanced economies. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing declined by 1.6 percent.

Edillon said the six typhoons that hit the country in the fourth quarter, caused disruptions in crop production, livestock, and fisheries. On the demand side, household final consumption expenditure expanded by 4.8 percent.

“During the fourth quarter, we had a succession of typhoons again in October until mid-November and this dampened the growth momentum and travel plans. Although we did see that there was increased spending on travel, transport, recreation and culture but still it was not enough to counter the slowdown in other expenditure items,” said Edillon.

Government final consumption expenditure, meanwhile, grew by 7.2 percent, while gross capital formation rose by 7.5 percent. Exports of goods and services went up by 3.4 percent, while imports of goods and services increased by 4.3 percent.

Building resilience – Edillon noted that the key to economic growth is to build resilience and ensure adaptability to changing preferences.

“To achieve resilient economic growth, we need to diversify our sources of growth,” she said.

Edillon cited the need to encourage more investments in sectors that require workers with higher-level skills.

To keep food inflation low and stable, Edillon said the government must anticipate potential shocks and continue to employ multi-pronged approaches.

“Looking ahead to 2025, we want to regain our growth momentum driven by strategic investments and initiatives designed to strengthen resilience and lay the foundation for long-term inclusive growth,” she said.

Edillon said the government will also ramp up efforts to further develop the country’s infrastructure and boost economic competitiveness by streamlining business processes.

According to Edillon, the government will also expand new free-trade agreements.

To support the recovery in the agriculture sector, Edillon said the government through the Department of Agriculture, will fast-track the implementation of the National Rice Program, invest in irrigation facilities, and fully utilize the increased provision for the Rice Competitiveess Enhancement Fund to improve farm productivity.

Edillon said tourism will also help boost economic growth.

“The government will explore easing visa requirements and actively participate in initiatives such as the proposed ASEAN common visa policy to enhance visitor inflows,” she said.

Edillon said the government will also strengthen the country’s talent pipeline through reskilling and upskilling programs to boost growth in the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you surprised that the 2024 economic growth of the Philippines ended below 6%? What do you think will help the national economy grow by at least 6% this year?

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

+++++

I Love Israel: Israel-DAR strategic partnership on agricultural development discussed

February 6, 2025January 28, 2025carlocarrasco

Now, on with the news…

A few weeks ago, Israel and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) started a strategic partnership that will benefit the Philippines by means of agricultural development, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

For the newcomers reading this, the Jewish state is one of the world’s leaders in agriculture and the Philippines can really use Israeli expertise to make tremendous improvements.

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

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has entered into a strategic partnership with Israel to advance agricultural development and innovation in the Philippines.

In a news release on Thursday, DAR said Secretary Conrado Estrella III and Israel Ambassador Ilan Fluss have discussed the possibility of a strong collaboration on cutting-edge farming technologies, rural development, and sustainable agricultural practices.

During their meeting, Estrella recognized the longstanding relationship between the Philippines and Israel and highlighted the successful implementation of the Philippines’ agrarian reform program under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

He also noted the positive impact of DAR programs on the lives of agrarian reform beneficiaries while emphasizing the need for further growth in rural areas.

Fluss, meanwhile, acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by Israel due to the ongoing war in the Middle East and shared the resilience of their agricultural sector. He also noted the importance of international partnerships from allies such as the United States in securing food and medical aid for its citizens.

Meanwhile, a key focus of the meeting between Estella and Fluss was the adoption of Israeli agricultural technologies, particularly in irrigation methods and Precision Agriculture (PA).

Israel’s expertise in water-efficient irrigation systems, particularly suited for arid regions, was identified as a critical solution for Filipino farmers facing water crisis concerns.

Both officials expressed enthusiasm about the potential of PA, which uses data and technology to optimize crop yields, water use, and resource management, while Fluss affirmed Israel’s willingness to share expertise in this area.

As part of knowledge exchange initiatives, Fluss also invited DAR officials to visit Israel for training by experts on farming, rural development, and climate change adaptation.

This newest development shows the continuing growth of Israel-Philippines ties through agriculture as well as the opportunities for Filipinos to innovate on agriculture, improve farming methods and ensuring food security for the entire nation. Watch and learn from the videos below…

To my fellow Filipinos reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!

I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel, to love and bless the Jewish people, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray to Him so that Israel-Philippines ties and cooperation will keep growing stronger in the many years ahead.

If you truly believe in Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Heavenly Father wholeheartedly and you continue to be faithful, you should be aware that Christians are meant to stand united with Israel and love the Jewish people no matter what. You can do your part supporting Israel by donating to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Do not forget to read the Holy Bible, then pray in tongues to the Lord in the privacy of your room with the door shut.

Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Always stand in support of Israel and its ties with the Philippines!

+++++

San Miguel Corporation’s “Better Rivers PH” initiative removes 93,000 tons of silt and waste from Parañaque rivers

February 6, 2025January 29, 2025carlocarrasco

Parañaque City benefited from the “Better Rivers PH” initiative of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) as ninety-three thousand tons of silt and waste was removed from the rivers of the city and other improvements were also done, according to a Business Mirror news report.

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

San Miguel Corp.’s (SMC) “Better Rivers PH” initiative has removed 93,000 tons of silt and waste from Parañaque rivers as of January 23.

The company said this effort aims to improve water flow and address perennial flooding at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) and surrounding areas.

The cleanup covers 1.9 kilometers of river channels, including the Parañaque River, Don Galo River, and their junctions with the San Dionisio and Villanueva creeks.

In addition to river cleanups, SMC has also de-clogged storm drain lines along Domestic Road and NAIA Terminal 4. This included reopening 54 manholes and constructing 10 new ones for better access and maintenance. These upgrades are seen to sustain flood prevention efforts around the airport complex.

SMC’s efforts, carried out at no cost to the government or taxpayers, are part of a broader mission to restore waterways and reduce flooding in urban areas.

Bathymetric surveys in Parañaque identified bottlenecks in river systems that restricted water flow to Manila Bay, prompting targeted cleanup and desilting operations in critical areas. The project benefits from the active involvement of key government agencies such as the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the local government of Parañaque.

“Flooding has been a long-standing issue for Parañaque and NAIA, particularly during typhoon season,” said SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang. “Through Better Rivers PH and with support from government agencies, we were able to implement sustainable solutions that we hope will deliver lasting benefits to residents, businesses, and travelers.”

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 delighted over SMC’s special assistance that cost you nothing? Do you want to see SMC’s initiative to last long to make Parañaque cleaner, better and safer as a 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.

+++++

Muntinlupa City Government will implement reforms at Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun)

February 5, 2025January 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, it was announced that reforms at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) will be implemented by the City Government, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The said hospital is located in Filinvest City.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon said the city government will implement reforms at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) in Alabang.

Biazon held a dialogue with doctors of the hospital about concerns.

The supervision of OsMun was returned to the Muntinlupa City government based on an ordinance passed last year. In 2019, the OsMun was designated as a Local Economic Enterprise (LEE) aimed at generating its own revenue.

“Ngunit sa ilang taon ng operations, lumalabas na hindi niya kaya makamit ang nasabing revenue na nagdulot ng kakulangan sa naihahatid na serbisyo (But after several years of operations, it turned out that it was unable to achieve the said revenue, which caused a shortage in the service delivered),” Biazon posted on Facebook.

During the meeting, Biazon explained to the OsMun doctors the changes that will be implemented and listened to their complaints and suggestions.

He said the return of OsMun under the city government was meant to give the hospital the capability to provide the right service.

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 feel confident that reforms at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa will result in improvements?

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

+++++

	Instapundit »… on US State Department Imposes Te…
	Instapundit »… on I Love Israel: Israel And Japa…
	Instapundit »… on Venezuela To Turn Over 30 Mill…
	Instapundit »… on Venezuela’s Dictator Maduro Ca…
	Instapundit »… on Japanese Prime Minister Takaic…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: