Southeast Asia – Page 84 – Author Carlo Carrasco

John Chicano wins Powerman Malaysia 2024 elite male duathlon gold medal, teammates win medals for Philippines

June 10, 2024June 11, 2024carlocarrasco

UPDATED June 11, 2024 – Actual race distance clarified to me by John Chicano and verified with Powerman Malaysia’s website. The official distance of the Elite Male contest is 10 Km run – 60 Km bike – 10 Km run. The Manila Bulletin got the race distance wrong.

Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) multi-medalist John Chicano led the Philippines to the top of the Powerman Malaysia 2024 by winning the gold medal of the Elite Male contest yesterday which was an improvement over last year’s race, according to a Manila Bulletin sports news report. Chicano also has teammates who won medals as well. The official results can be viewed by clicking here.

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

John Chicano avenged his runner-up finish last year by capturing the gold medal in the 2024 Powerman Malaysia duathlon race in Dataran Putrajaya over the weekend.

Chicano, a double gold medalist at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, navigated the 10-kilometer run, 40km bike, 5km run endurance race with a time of 2 hours, 41 minutes and 48 seconds to beat teammate John Patrick Ciron and dethrone last year’s champion Moysan Malo of France.

Ciron settled for the silver medal with a time of 2:47:15, while Malo crossed the finish line a few seconds later with 2:47:34 to settle for the bronze medal.

After checking in the same time with Ciron in the first run leg, Chicano slowly pulled away in the bike leg and led by five minutes heading into the final run leg. He maintained his pace to finish two minutes faster than his previous time last year.

In the distaff side, Merry Joy Trupa bagged the bronze medal after clocking 3:19:17 behind gold medalist Rendy Williams of the United States, who timed 3:09:34, and hometown bet Esther Joy Hong Li Chen, who finished with 3:13:35 for the silver medal.

For the newcomers reading this, John Chicano is one of the nation’s finest multisports athletes as he won multiple medals in SEA Games contests (including the gold medal in men’s triathlon in the 2019 SEA Games) before as well as local contests (click here and here). To get to know Chicano better, read my feature article of him by clicking here.

For Philippine triathlon updates, click https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil

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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

Muntinlupa City Government 2023 revenues reach P4.63 billion

June 10, 2024June 1, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the Bureau of Local Government Finance under the Department of Finance (DOF) revealed that the revenues of the City Government reached P4.63 billion for the year 2023, 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 Muntinlupa City government earned P4.63 in revenues in 2023 to rank ninth among local government units in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The Bureau of Local Government Finance under the Department of Finance released the revenue data for NCR.

Muntinlupa generated P4.63 billion in revenue last year, marking a 13 percent increase in its Annual Revenue Income (ARI) from 2022.

“We are in a crucial period of pandemic recovery. The significant growth in our revenue is a positive sign that our economy is on the right track. This growth enables us to enhance public services and better support our community,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

He added, “We assure our constituents that every centavo is judiciously used to enhance social services and improve the quality of life for all Muntinlupeños.”

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 find the 2023 revenue surprising? Do you think the City Government is doing a good job financially?

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

COMELEC-led plebiscite in Las Piñas City set for June 29, 2024

June 9, 2024June 9, 2024carlocarrasco

Residents of the City of Las Piñas will be voting in a plebiscite – to be conducted by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) – to approve or reject an ordinance that will set the territorial boundaries of all barangays on June 29, 2024, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Voting hours will be from 7AM to 3PM.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will conduct a plebiscite to allow Las Piñas City residents to vote for or against an ordinance that sets the territorial boundaries of the 20 barangays in the city on June 29.

City Ordinance No. 1941-23 Series of 2023 delineates the territorial boundaries of the 20 barangays in the city in accordance with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) cadastral survey that was completed in March 2015.

The ordinance states that since the creation of the barangays in 1978, “the territorial metes and bounds of the said barangays have not been properly identified such that there are barangays whose land areas are not contiguous and/or overlapping with another barangay.”

“Moreover, confusion in the territorial boundaries of the barangays is being encountered which could cause disputes, or be subject of disputes, especially since the cadastral mapping in 1980 for the barangays conflicted with the boundaries as set forth in the Presidential Decrees,” the ordinance states.

The local government offices in Las Piñas and several national government agencies such the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and Management, Philippine Statistics Authority, and the Comelec will be given three years from the ordinance’s ratification to make appropriate changes in their respective records to conform with the new boundaries and jurisdictions of the barangays.

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? Were you able to check if your name was included in the official list of voters for the plebiscite? Will you be voting on June 29?

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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Man who pretended to be a police officer arrested in Las Piñas City

June 7, 2024May 30, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, an armed man who pretended to be a police officer got arrested after he threatened a jail officer, 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 man who pretended to be a police officer and threatened a jail officer was arrested early Thursday morning in Las Piñas, May 30.

Las Piñas police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla reported to the Southern Police District (SPD) the arrest of alias Jerome, 45, at around 1:30 a.m. along P. Diego Cera Avenue, Barangay E. Aldana, Las Piñas

Report showed that the suspect blocked the path of a jail officer and identified himself as a police officer.

The victim reportedly demanded for the identification card of the suspect and when he failed to show any, tried to flee on board his motorcycle.

Tafalla said the victim was able to arrest the suspect and call for police assistance. Members of the Zapote police substation immediately responded.

He said members of the Zapote police substation found in the possession of the suspect one .45 caliber pistol and two magazines with 15 live (ammunition).

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 there could be more troublemakers who will commit the usurpation of authority to threaten or harm others? Does it bother you that some people would go as far as pretending to be police officers and disturb others?

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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New Health Center in Barangay BF International-CAA inaugurated

June 6, 2024May 29, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a new health center in Barangay BF International-CAA was formally inaugurated with Vice Mayor April Aguilar present as the special guest, the City Government announced on social media. This development was described as a significant step in addressing the health needs of the local residents and the broader Las Piñas community.

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

On Thursday, May 23rd, City Vice Mayor April Aguilar led the inauguration of the new CAA-C Health Center in Barangay BF International CAA, a significant development aimed at enhancing healthcare services in the area. City Health Office OIC Dr. Juliana Gonzalez was also present, highlighting the city’s commitment to accessible healthcare.

*The brand new health center of Barangay BF International-CAA. (photo source – Las Piñas PIO)*

The new health center offers a comprehensive range of free services, including infant and child immunization, medical consultations, and dental services such as tooth extractions, fluoride treatments, and free dentures. Additionally, it provides pre-natal and post-partum care, tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment, and adolescent mental health and teenage pregnancy counseling.

Other services include STI/HIV screening, management of lifestyle-related diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer, cervical screening, and nutrition assessment and counseling. The center also serves as an initial point of care for Green Card or Las Piñas City Health Program (LPCHP) holders and provides referrals for diagnostic laboratory services.

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? Is there a new health center being constructed within your local community right now?

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 Government adds several new ambulances and motorcycles to its fleet

June 6, 2024May 30, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government added several new ambulances and motorcycles to its fleet with the intention of enhancing public service, 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 Muntinlupa City government distributed 10 new ambulances and 34 motorcycles to barangays and various departments to enhance public service.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the distribution of the 10 ambulances to all nine barangays in the city and to the Muntinlupa Department of Disaster Reduction and Management to enhance medical and emergency response services.

The ambulances, which feature high-visibility Battenburg designs, are fully equipped with basic life support supplies and equipment, blinkers, and sirens.

“These ambulances will significantly enhance medical response services for our residents,” said Biazon during the turnover ceremony.

He said the Battenburg design is for high visibility, easier identification, and safety.

In addition, the city government also distributed 34 Honda Click 125 motorcycles to various departments, including the Business Permits and Licensing Office, Community Affairs and Development Office, and Colegio de Muntinlupa. The motorcycles are part of an ongoing effort to improve mobility and efficiency in public services.

“These motorcycles will help our offices fulfill their mandates more effectively. Let’s use them properly to better serve our community,” the mayor added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think the new vehicles distributed by the City Government will improve public service and response time?

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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COMELEC eyes prohibition on the use of AI and deepfake technology during 2025 election campaign period

June 5, 2024May 29, 2024carlocarrasco

With the next local and national elections set for May 2025, local authorities will have to work harder to preserve election integrity and Philippine democracy itself as more people and even companies are using artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology on their projects. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is eyeing a ban on AI and deepfake technology, 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 Commission on Elections (Comelec) is looking into prohibiting the use of deepfake technology and artificial Intelligence (AI) during the campaign period for the May 2025 midterm polls.

In an interview Wednesday, Comelec chairman George Garcia said the measure is timely as these technologies might create confusion among voters.

“Maganda mapag-usapan na kung dapat ipagbawal ang paggamit ng AI or deepfakes sa kampanya. Dapat ‘yung makatotohanan na kampanya. Kukumbinsihin ko ang ating Commission en banc na ipagbawal namin sa campaign ang paggamit ng deepfakes at Al sapagkat madami po ang nalilito, misrepresentation, madaming hindi makatotohanan na nangyayari kapag ginagamit po ‘yan (It would be good if we can tackle the ban on the use of AI or deepfakes in election campaign. Campaign should be realistic. I would convince our Commission en bacn to ban the use of deepfakes and AI in election campaign because many are being confused and it can cause misrepresentation. We are veering away from reality if we use these),” he said.

Deepfakes are an advanced form of digital content manipulation through generative AI, where a person in an image or video is swapped with another person’s likeness.

Garcia said personal interactions between poll bets and the electorate is much better than communicating using new techonologies.

“Alam po natin ang (We are aware of) modern technology. Bakit ba hindi? Subalit dapat po, kapag kampanya, ikaw mismo ang nakikita ng sambayanan. Ikaw mismo ang nanliligaw sa kanila. (Why not? But during campaign period, you the candidate should be visible to the people. You should court them personally),” he said.

Garcia, however, said he is open to the ideas of other members of the en banc who would like to allow AI use during campaign.

”Kaya lang sa ating palagay, masyado itong threat sa ating demokrasya, sa tunay na dapat ginagawa kapag halalan at may kampanya (But in my view, this is a big threat to our democracy, to the reality of what should be done during elections and campaign),” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you concerned that AI and deepfake technology will be abused by people who have cruel intentions to ruin Philippine democracy as we know it? Do you think antagonistic forces like China (which has been in conflict with the Philippines on the sea west of our country) will use AI and deepfake technology to mess with future elections in our country? Are you aware that AI has no soul? Would you vote for candidates who use deepfake technology during the election campaign period?

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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Japan wins NTT Asia Triathlon ParaTriathlon Asian Championships 2024 gold medals at Subic Bay

June 4, 2024carlocarrasco

Japan won several gold medals across different contests during the NTT Asia Triathlon ParaTriathlon Asian Championships 2024 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone this past weekend.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the official release of Triathlon Philippines. Some parts in boldface…

Japan bagged six gold medals in the 2024 NTT Asia Triathlon Para Championships at the Waterfront and Boardwalk inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone on June 2.

Tsutomo Nagata ruled the men’s PTS5 category in 1:08:31, while compatriots Takumi Nagata (1:13:25) and Tetsuki Kaji (1:14:59) settled for second and third places, respectively.

Satoru Yoneoka claimed victory in the men’s PTVI, clocking 1:03:53 to beat compatriots Yosuke Yamada (1:04:49) and Junpei Hoshi (1:05:29).

In the women’s PTS2 category, Yukako Hata (1:24:46) defeated fellow Japanese Asumi Yasuda (1:33:58) for the gold medal.

The other gold medalists were Kimura Jumpei (men’s PTWC), Mami Tani (women’s PTS4) and Riyo Kogama (women’s PTS5).

Meanwhile, four-time Paralympian Jiachao Wang of China ruled the men’s PTS4 category in 1:06:39.

Japanese Keiya Kaneko (1:12:30) placed second followed by Filipino Alex Silverio (1:15:55) in the 750m swim (one lap), 20km bike (2 laps) and 5km run (2 laps) competition organized by Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and sanctioned by the Asia Triathlon and World Triathlon.

The 32-year-old Wang from Kunming, Yunnan province finished the race trouble-free. His left arm was amputated after an accident when he was five.

“I’m happy to win. This is my first time to compete here, the weather is hot and humid,” said Wang, who won medals in the pool in three Paralympic Games before shifting to triathlon nine years ago.

After making his debut in Athens (2004), he scooped one silver (200m individual medley) and one bronze (400m freestyle) medals in Beijing (2008).

Wang captured the gold medal in the men’s 4x100m medley relay and got two silvers (4x100m individual medley and 4x100m freestyle relay) at the 2012 London Paralympics.

Wang, who placed fourth at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, has completed the World Triathlon Level 2 coach certification course in South Korea last May 23.

Despite his bronze medal performance, Silverio was satisfied.

“I did not expect a podium finish because there are many good athletes in my category,” said the 34-year-old native of Compostela town in Cebu. He continued to train right after winning the gold medal at the Subic Bay International Triathlon last month.

“I am so happy that I was able to get a medal now,” said Silverio, who also joined the 2018 edition of the Asia Triathlon Para Championships in Legazpi City, Albay.

Silverio, a gold medalist at the National Age Group Triathlon last February, is a member of the Talisay Luigi Triathlon Group (TLTG) Go For Gold Philippines team.

In the men’s PTS2 category, Filipino Edison Badilla (1:35:36) defeated compatriot Jake Lacaba (1:41:18).

South Korea’s Kim Hwang Tae (1:27:13) beat Filipino Raul Angoluan (1:31:31) in the men’s PTS3), while Kyrgysztan’s Aitunuk Zhoomart Kyzy (1:21:38) prevailed over compatriot Gulnaz Zhuzbaeva (1:23:25) in the women’s PTVI category of the event sponsored by Philippine Sports Commission, Pinay in Action, Asian Center for Insulation, Gatorade (official hydration), Standard Insurance and Western Guaranty Inc., and partners Subic Bay Travelers Hotel, CM Timing of Jay Cheng and Stat Med ambulance service.

For Philippine triathlon updates, click https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil

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Very strong possibility that the Philippines and Japan will seal defense deal this July

June 4, 2024May 25, 2024carlocarrasco

As the respective foreign and defense ministers of Japan and the Philippines will formally meet this July, the signing of a defense deal will most likely happen, according to a Kyodo News report.

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

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Thursday that there is a “very strong possibility” for his country and Japan to sign an agreement allowing their defense forces to train in each other’s territories during a meeting involving the two nations’ foreign and defense ministers in July.

In an interview with Kyodo News, Teodoro stated that negotiations on a reciprocal access agreement were nearing conclusion, with no remaining contentious issues. These negotiations commenced in late November, following an agreement earlier that month between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to initiate talks aimed at enhancing security ties.

“It will allow your maritime forces…land (forces) and your air forces to train with us in a different environment (from what) you are used to,” Teodoro said, referring to possible cooperation between Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine military.

It will be Japan’s first RAA with a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the third following pacts with Australia and Britain, which took effect last year.

Once both countries ratify the RAA, it will enable Japanese forces to participate in the annual large-scale Balikatan military exercise conducted by the Philippines and the United States, he said.

Teodoro, his Japanese counterpart, Minoru Kihara, Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa will attend the bilateral security meeting scheduled for July in Manila.

Teodoro said the Philippines and Japan would eventually consider holding talks about a military intelligence-sharing accord called the General Security of Military Information Agreement, which Manila is currently negotiating with Washington.

Japan and the Philippines, both U.S. allies, have been strengthening bilateral defense ties in recent years in response to China’s intensifying provocative activities and territorial claims in the East and South China seas.

The Philippines is deepening its security ties with other like-minded countries such as Australia. In April, the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and the United States conducted a joint maritime exercise in the South China Sea, of which China claims almost the entire area as its territory.

In order to “demonstrate to the world freedom of navigation,” Teodoro said his country hopes to conduct naval activities with the three allies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone “as often as possible.”

Beijing’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea were invalidated by a 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the anticipated defense deal between Japan and the Philippines will somehow deter China’s aggression on the sea?

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 Government receives donation of bike racks from private entities

June 4, 2024May 28, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government received a donation of bike racks from the Makati Business Club (MBC) and Dow Chemical Philippines, 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 Muntinlupa City government received 25 bike racks from the Makati Business Club (MBC) and Dow Chemical Philippines.

The bike racks, produced by Envirotech Waste Recycling, are completely made from upcycled materials such as styrofoam, bubble wrap and sando bags, and non-recyclable and multi-layer packaging like sachets, candy wrappers, and foil packaging.

About 1,770 kg of plastic waste was recycled to manufacture 55 bike racks with Las Pinas as the other recipient.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon thanked the Makati Business Club and Dow Chemical Philippines for the donation, saying Muntinlupa is also advocating the use of bicycles to lessen carbon emissions as its contribution to the protection of the environment.

“MBC and Dow Chemical collaborated to turn plastic waste into bike racks because of our mutual advocacy for sustainable transport and circular economy,” said MBC chairman Edgar Chua.

“Apart from reducing plastic waste, installing secure bike parking can reduce traffic congestion and help employees bike to work, and those for whom biking is work.”

According to Dow Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand marketing manager Arnold Benitez, “This project reflects Dow’s commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. By transforming potential pollutants into community benefits, we are significantly reducing waste and promoting a healthier environment.”

He added, “Celebrating Dow Philippines’ 60th anniversary, our ‘Together Towards Tomorrow’ theme emphasizes our dedication to a sustainable future through collaboration and innovation. This milestone highlights our enduring commitment to the Philippines and the importance of working together to achieve our shared goals.”

The Muntinlupa City government turned over 50 kg of plastic waste to support the production of upcycled bike racks, an advocacy that was highlighted by Mayor Biazon.

“Bahagi ito ng pagsulong natin sa circular economy kung saan ang ating waste materials ay nagagamit pa rin natin for other purposes, at nababawasan ang ating pollution sa environment (This is part of our advocacy for circular economy wherein our waste materials can still be used for other purposes and it lessens pollution of the environment),” said Biazon.

The bike racks will be installed at Cupang Health Center, Poblacion Health Center, Schools Division Office, Muntinlupa Business High School, and Victoria Homes Elementary School, benefiting at least 50 cyclists at a time.

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 FLiRT variants of COVID-19 could be detected in the city soon?

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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