Southeast Asia – Page 51 – Author Carlo Carrasco

I Love Israel: MASHAV head and Israeli Ambassador meet with DILG Secretary Remulla

March 7, 2025February 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently Israeli aid agency MASHAV head Eynat Shlein and Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss met with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla and discussed strategies for local development, innovation and sustainable growth, according to the social media post of Israel in the Philippines.

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

The meeting between H.E. Eynat Shlein, H.E. Ilan Fluss, and Secretary Jonvic Remulla, discussed the training opportunities offered by MASHAV for Filipinos in the field of disaster management, agriculture, innovation, food security, health, municipality management, and more.

The Filipino alumni of these programs return with invaluable firsthand knowledge of Israel’s best practices, which they apply to their roles, driving positive change in the Philippine economy. The discussion also explored ways to further leverage these learnings to benefit society at large, expanding the impact across the nation.

The Head of MASHAV, H.E. Eynat Shlein, together with head of Internship in Agriculture Administration, Ms. Tamar Yarden, visited the Philipppines from February 18 to February 20.

This newest development shows the continuing growth of Israel-Philippines ties through aid from MASHAV and the cooperation that comes with it. For the newcomers reading this, MASHAV is the Jewish State’s Agency for International Development Cooperation at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was established in 1958 following the vision of then Foreign Minister Golda Meir and Prime Minister David Ben Gurion to assist fellow nations overcome development challenges by sharing knowhow and technologies, which provided the basis of Israel’s own development.

MASHAV is responsible for the design, coordination and implementation of the Sate of Israel’s development cooperation programs and humanitarian assistance efforts. By placing people at the heart of development, the agency focus its development activities on human capacity building and on the ‘training of trainers’ approach, sharing with other countries Israel’s own development experience and expertise as well as innovative technologies and tested methodologies. That being said, MASHAV is a very valuable and strategic partner for the Philippines.

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 years to come.

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!

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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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

COMELEC declares that candidates are not required to attend election debates

March 6, 2025February 26, 2025carlocarrasco

As the May 2025 National and Local Elections slowly get closer, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) declared that candidates are not required to attend debates, 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 Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday said participation of the national and local candidates in election debates is not mandatory.

“Requiring candidates to attend debates is not yet provided in the guidelines as we are still studying its constitutionality,” Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said in an interview. He said Comelec will not organize debates for the May 12 mid-term elections.

“The Comelec is not conducting these debates, but other groups and organizations. That is really up to them,” he said.

The poll body, however, said organizers must make sure that all candidates are invited to participate in the election debates.

“Not even one candidate should be excluded. Everyone must be invited,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the COMELEC is right declaring that election candidates are not required to attend debates? Do you want to see the COMELEC itself organize debates for the candidates running for seats in the Philippine Senate? Do you prefer private entities such as business groups or homeowners associations to organize debates in relation to local elections?

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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Suspect arrested in Parañaque City for robbing a woman in another city

March 6, 2025February 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, law enforcers apprehended a man at his home in Barangay Baclaran for committing robbery in Caloocan City, according to a Philippine Daily Inquirer news report.

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

A male robbery suspect was arrested in his Parañaque City home after supposedly stealing P2,820 from a 24-year-old female victim in Caloocan City, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) announced.

In a report on Tuesday evening, the NCRPO said the suspect held up the victim and her companion by brandishing a firearm and blocking their path along Santo Cristo Street in Barangay 187, Caloocan City at 5:30 a.m. on Feb. 24.

The victim reported the incident to the Caloocan City Police Station, providing a detailed description of the suspect and positively identifying the suspect upon presentation of a scanned photo of the latter.

The suspect had previous cases across Caloocan City, Quezon City and Bulacan province, the NCRPO said.

A follow-up operation by a cyber patrol unit tracker team led to his arrest at 7:20 p.m. also on Feb. 24 in his residence in Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City, where authorities also discovered a hand grenade.

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 someone in your local community could have committed a serious crime in another 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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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

UBS Investment Bank Global Research economist sees Philippine economy growing by 5.9% this year

March 5, 2025February 26, 2025carlocarrasco

A senior economist of the UBS Investment Bank Global Research stated that the economy of the Philippines will grow better this year by 5.9%, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. In 2024, the economy grew by 5.6%.

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

Philippine economic growth is expected to accelerate this year on the back of higher investments and consumption, an economist of UBS Investment Bank Global Research said.

In a virtual briefing on Wednesday, UBS Investment Bank Global Research Senior ASEAN and Asia Economist Grace Lim said the Philippine economy is projected to grow by 5.9 percent this year from 5.6 percent in 2024.

“We see an improving growth outlook for the Philippines,” Lim said. “The underlying positive growth delta is driven by domestic demand as both investment and consumption accelerate in 2025.“

She said private investments would recover gradually as financial conditions become less restrictive and consumer sentiment gradually picks up. Solid labor income growth and the easing of food inflation will also help boost consumption growth.

“Consumption, as well, is likely to be positive amidst the improving fundamentals and the resilient labor market, which, I should add, is one of the most significant support for Philippines demand,” she said.

Lim said government spending and the continued growth in services exports would also support economic growth.

“What is also often underappreciated is the bright spot of services exports, especially in the BPO sector,” she said.

Lim said she expects the country’s BPO sector to remain resilient this year.

Higher tariffs – Asked about the impact of tariff trade escalation on the Philippine economy, Lim said the Philippines is in a “rather defensive market in the event of potential trade tariff escalation.”

“That’s because the Philippines is primarily domestic-oriented with investment as a percentage of GDP 23 percent, consumption over 70 percent. So not very trade-exposed,” she said.

She pointed out that in the case of trade tariff escalation, the Philippine peso could also be a relative outperformer in the region.

“That said, we do think that if tariffs are universal, then obviously there could be weaker prospects for currencies in general, but even in that scenario, it would not be a very big depreciation,” she said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippine economy has what it takes to grow by at least 5.9% this year? Do you think that the national economy can withstand the effects of new tariffs?

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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Malacañang declares March 27 a special non-working day in Las Piñas City in celebration of Founding and Cityhood anniversaries

March 4, 2025March 3, 2025carlocarrasco

Very recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced via social media that the date of March 27, 2025, has been officially declared by Malacañang Palace a special non-working day in the city in in celebration of the Founding Anniversary as well as the Cityhood Anniversary.

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

Malacañang has officially declared March 27, 2025, as a Special Non-Working Day, to give way for the celebration of the 118th Founding Anniversary and 28th Cityhood Anniversary of Las Piñas.

An opportunity to revisit the richness of our culture and history.

Posted below for your reference is the digital copy of the declaration from Malacañang.

*A digital copy of the document from Malacañang Palace shared online by the City Government of Las Piñas through its social media page.*

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 happy that March 27 this year has been declared a special non-working day? How often do you remember the Founding Anniversary as well as the Cityhood Anniversary of Las Piñas? Do you believe that Las Piñas City will become an even more progressive and more competitive highly urbanized city (HUC) in the years to come?

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

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Over 700 residents of Barangay Pulang Lupa Uno served by Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan

March 4, 2025February 26, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, more than seven hundred residents of Barangay Pulang Lupa Uno availed of varied services for free when the Health and Wellness Caravan happened in their local community, 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, through the City Health Office, continued its commitment to accessible healthcare by holding another Health and Wellness Caravan on Tuesday, February 18, at the Bernabe Covered Court in Pulanglupa Uno. Over 700 residents availed themselves of the free health services provided during the event.

The caravan offered a comprehensive range of services, including medical consultations, FBS/RBS screening, cholesterol examinations, chest X-rays, ECG, dental services, and nutrition counseling. In addition, residents benefited from risk assessments for non-communicable diseases, pneumococcal vaccinations for senior citizens, mobile birth registration, and assistance with Green Card and PhilHealth registration.

The event was made possible through the efforts of the City Health Office, under the leadership of Dr. Juliana Gonzalez, who emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare and the city’s proactive approach in addressing community health concerns. She highlighted that bringing healthcare services directly to the barangays ensures that more residents can access essential medical care and health education.

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 now possess a the green card from the City Government? When was the last time the Health and Wellness Caravan happened in 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.

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NBI arrests 20 foreigners in Parañaque City for illegal POGO operation

March 4, 2025March 1, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested twenty foreigners who were caught operating a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) at an Aseana City building, 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…

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday announced the arrest of 20 foreign nationals operating an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Parañaque City.

In a statement on Friday, the NBI said the suspects were arrested in an operation on Feb. 25 at Aseana 3, West Tower, 8912 Avenue, following a complaint of the wife of a Chinese national working for a POGO company operating under the trade name “LWE.”

She alleged that her husband, who worked as a customer service representative, was being held against his will by his employers.

During the operation, agents of the NBI Special Task Force uncovered a fully operational online scam hub.

The arrested foreigners have been charged before the city prosecutor’s office for violating Section 4(b)(1) (Social Engineering Schemes) of Republic Act (RA) 12010, or the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) in relation to RA 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

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 be a lot more POGOs and scam hubs operating secretly at the Aseana City buildings? What do you think makes Parañaque an attractive spot for scam operations and POGOs involving foreigners?

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 declared as smart, sustainable and strong

March 4, 2025March 2, 2025carlocarrasco

This past weekend, the 30^th anniversary of the cityhood of Muntinlupa was celebrated with special activities. On the afternoon of March 1, Mayor Ruffy Biazon delivered his State of the City Address declaring Muntinlupa as a smart, sustainable and strong city, according to the Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Mayor Ruffy Biazon said Muntinlupa has become a smart, sustainable and strong city with the use of technology and innovation, and solutions that maximize resources.

“Today we celebrate the 30th year since our home town became a city. Today we can say that Muntinlupa has transformed into a city that is Smart, Sustainable, and Strong,” said Biazon in his State of the City Address during the 30th Muntinlupa cityhood anniversary celebration on March 1.

He said, “Smart because we are utilizing technology and innovation to make the government more efficient in the use of resources, faster in the delivery of services, more streamlined in its processes and make decisions based on data gathered through its systems.”

The mayor said Muntinlupa is “sustainable because we adopt solutions that help us maximize our use of resources but still remain mindful of the needs of future generations. Strong because we remain resilient in the face of calamities, crisis, and challenges that put to the test our determination to survive and succeed.”

Muntinlupa became a highly-urbanized city with the signing of Republic Act 7926 on March 1, 1995.

In his speech, he mentioned what the city government has done since he assumed office in 2022 and the plans that will be implemented under his 7K Agenda.

“While we have come a long way from what was described as a sleepy town to a bustling, modern, highly urbanized city that it is now, the character of its people remains rooted in the traditional values of caring for the community, goodwill towards each other, and earning your keep through hard work,” he said.

He added, “Coming at the heels of the successes of those who laid the city’s foundation, we ask ourselves: what else can we do to achieve greater accomplishments? We ask this not to just simply outdo those we followed, but more to push ourselves to break new ground, find new paths and create through innovation.”

Kaunlaran (Development) – Under his “Kaunlaran” agenda, the mayor envisions Muntinlupa to be a “Model Smart Urban Village” of the region.

“We crafted our vision to visualize a future that we want for our people. But as I quote during my previous addresses – ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it,’” he said.

This year, he said, the city government is updating the Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance, which “will provide a framework for the City’s physical development, and the smart and efficient allocation of land and water resources for various uses.”

The city government will implement key e-governance projects, including the Citizens’ Database and Muntizen ID, “a city-wide database and unified ID Card System to record and monitor the city’s population and migration information, as well as the provision and availment of City Government’s social, educational and medical benefits to our citizens.”

The city will also have the Centralized Geographic Information System (CGIS), “a software to map and digitalize geographic data of the City.”

Improving the MUNCONNECT, Muntinlupa’s public wi-fi system located in schools, business establishments and government facilities, is also being planned.

Biazon said the city government’s efforts were recognized through various awards including the Seal of Good Local Governance for the third consecutive year and ranking fourth among all highly-urbanized cities in the country in the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index.

He thanked the business sector as the city government surpassed its business tax collection target in 2024, reaching P2.4 billion.

“Through our programs on business permit registrations complimented by ‘Ease of Doing Business’ strategies, we made sure that Muntinlupa is a City that remains Business-Friendly and attractive for new and thriving investment opportunities,” he said.

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 with what the City Government achieved and how it rendered public service? Do you feel confident that Muntinlupa will keep on progressing and become even more competitive with other cities of the nation over the next ten to fifteen 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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PAOCC files cases against many foreign nationals involved in Parañaque City scam hub

March 3, 2025February 25, 2025carlocarrasco

In relation with the big raid on an office build in Parañaque City that resulted in the apprehension of hundreds of suspects, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) announced that it has filed charges against several foreign nationals who were among the many suspects arrested, 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…

Charges of qualified human trafficking were filed by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) against 20 foreign nationals apprehended in the Feb. 20 raid of a scam hub in Parañaque City.

PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz said the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub at the ATI building, in front of the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), ran investment and love scams using foreign nationals.

A total of 435 POGO workers, including 148 foreign nationals, were arrested at the Chinese-run hub.

“We conducted the inquest for the foreign nationals operating the POGO hub here at PITX and we have filed charges against 20 of them,” Cruz said in an interview.

“Qualified trafficking, because you can clearly see that they facilitated the employment of individuals in this POGO hub to work here for a long time.”

Cruz said the scam hub also had several other violations, including the lack of the necessary permits to operate.

Among the complainants were three Vietnamese women.

“These Vietnamese women were the models they used to attract investors and then after you fall in love, that’s it, they will invite you to invest in cryptocurrency,” Cruz said.

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 the presence of illegal POGOs having hundreds of employees – both locals and foreigners – make the city look bad? Do you consider Parañaque City a hot spot of criminal activities involving Chinese nationals and other foreigners? Do you think that a lot of bad money – money sourced from scams and illegal means – made its way into Parañaque’s local economy?

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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2025 National Age Group Aquathlon and National Age Group Duathlon highlights at Vermosa Sports Hub

March 3, 2025March 2, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back, multisports athletes and sports enthusiasts! The highlights of the 2025 National Age Group Aquathlon and 2025 National Age Group Duathlon held this past weekend at the Vermosa Sports Hub are revealed below.

*Official image of the two events hosted by Vermosa Sports Hub. (photo source – TriPhil)*

Alaina Bouffaut displayed her best form to dominate the girls Under-15 category in the National Age Group Aquathlon and Duathlon at the Ayala-Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite.

The 12-year-old Filipino-French finished the 400m swim-2.5km run aquathlon competition in 18 minutes and 17 seconds to beat Christy Ann Perez (18:35) and Naomi Rozeboom (18:45) last Saturday.

On Sunday, she claimed victory in duathlon (3km run-10km bike-1.5km run) with a time of 41:48, prevailing over Kaia Christiana Gica (42:32) and Naomi Rozeboom (42:44).

“I feel good,” said Bouffaut, whose mother is from Cagayan Valley.

“It’s nice to win, this is my first time competing in the U15 category,” added the Grade 7 student who dominated the 11-12 category for two years.

Bouffaut’s schoolmate, Johan Joey Marcelo won the gold medal in duathlon with a time of 35:30.

“I felt that I’m going to get a podium, but not the gold,” said the 14-year-old Marcelo, a member of Sante Barley Nextstep Tri Team.

“I was not feeling well since Wednesday, I just took a rest. I’m happy that I won,” added Marcelo, who bagged a silver medal in the Ironkids Subic and a bronze in Ironkids Duathlon in Davao last year.

Meanwhile, Ruan Azriel Santos and Jan Christel Culanag also pocketed two gold medals in the 6 and under category of the tournament which is part of Triathlon Philippines’ grassroots and talent identification program.

Santos (4:31) beat Ivo Gadiel Kanlas (4:49) in aquathlon (50m swim-200m run). He clocked 14:01 in duathlon (400m run-1km bike-200m run).

Culanag (4:49) beat Rafaela Tifany Marie Culala (12:12) in aquathlon and clocked 14:01 to win the gold medal in duathlon over Lucia Ysabel Sarmenta (20:02) in the girls division.

Other Super Tri Kids duathlon winners were Thomas Miguel Edangal and Naomi Dimayuga in the 11-12 category (2km-8km-1km); Enrique Jose Dela Rosa and Pia Gienne Meiko Gito in the 9-10 category (1km-6km-500m); and Zavier Caeden Prequenza and Stacey Ailia Aisha Escala in the 7-8 category (800m-2km-400m).

Other champions in aquathlon were Pele Matteo Latonio and Elise Salas in the 11-12 category (300m-1.5km); Jairus Achilles Bongotan and Athena Masadao in the 9-10 category (200m-1km); and Eli Julian Dela Cruz and Stacey Ailia Aisha Escala in the 7-8 category (100m-500m).

In the sprint elite category in duathlon (5km-20km-2.5km), Franklin Yee and Merry Joy Trupa ruled their respective divisions.

Yee won the gold medal in 57:13 over Irienold Reig Jr. (57:16) and Patrick Ciron (57:26) in the men’s division.

Trupa clocked 1:05:41 to beat Katrina Salazar (1:05:56) and Rachel Sarah Wei Ying (1:06:57) in the women’s division.

The National Age Group Aquathlon and Duathlon tournaments were supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Milo, Asian Centre for Insulation, Gatorade, Fitbar and RaceYa.

For local triathlon updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil.

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Note: The above contest was sourced from the official press release of Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) covering the highlights of the 2-day National Age Group Aquathlon and National Age Group Duathlon hosted by Vermosa Sports Hub on March 1 and 2, 2025. Some parts were edited for this website.

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

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