Southies – Page 78 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Department of Tourism (DOT) hopes to surpass P1.5 trillion in domestic tourism revenue this year

January 23, 2024January 15, 2024carlocarrasco

While 2023 turned out successful for Philippine tourism in terms of foreign tourist statistics, the Department of Tourism (DOT) recently started focusing on domestic tourists hoping to attract a massive amount of revenue coming from them this year, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

Due to the performance of various tourism sectors last year, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco is confident of the Philippines prospects for 2024, as shared in an interview over Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday.

‘“Yung sa international visitor receipt, lumagpas tayo sa ‘P482.5 billion pesos na napunta sa ating ekonomiya because of our foreign visitors… We hope to be able to surpass the P1.5 trillion pesos domestic visitors receipt na napunta sa ating ekonomiya noong 2022”, Franco said.

Tourism-related employment created 5 million jobs nationwide, Frasco said.

For the new year, the tourism secretary said her marching orders from President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. is the enhancement of overall tourist experience.

“Gusto natin na masaya ang mga turista. Maramdaman nila ang love, warmth of the Filipino people at tsaka ‘yung convenience sa pag-travel,” said the secretary who hails from Cebu, a major travel destination.

Based on feedback, one concrete step is the construction of 18 tourist rest areas that will provide clean public restrooms.

The DOT head’s confidence is buoyed by the combination of numbers resulting from both international and domestic tourists.

“‘Yung domestic tourism natin has been massively successful especially in our regions, provinces, cities and municipalities across the country”, she said.

In 2023, the DOT announced that 5.45 million international tourists visited the country, exceeding its targets.

For preferred tourist destinations, Frasco said Cebu has always been a favorite as well as Palawan, Boracay, Siargao Metro Manila and Batangas.

On top of the tourism staples, the DOT chief said her agency will also work to promote and develop emerging and lesser known destinations to provide opportunities under the Philippine Experience Program. The approach would be to highlight an area’s heritage, culture and arts as well as the discovery of delicacies, festivals and communities.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the DOT will be able to motivate people around the country to engage in domestic tourism and spend a good amount of money on accommodations, travel, restaurants, gifts and the like? Do you think the DOT should cooperate more with local government units (LGUs) as well as provincial governments to emphasize local tourism?

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 turns over several motorcycles to local traffic enforcers

January 22, 2024January 18, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government formally turned over several motorcycles that the local traffic enforcers will use in the line of duty, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government turned over 16 motorcycles to traffic enforcers to beef up their capabilities.

“To those who regularly disobey road rules and regulations, you have been warned; sorry if our enforcers catch up to you,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon during the blessing and turnover of the motorcycles to the Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau (MTMB).

Biazon said that the new motorcycles are a significant upgrade to the current fleet of the MTMB.

“These units now have a displacement of 400cc which makes them eligible to enter the (South Luzon) expressway; this will enable them to chase and apprehend violators,” he said.

Biazon reminded the traffic enforcers to be good stewards of the new patrol bikes by using them appropriately, and to implement the law correctly.

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 about the local traffic enforcers receiving new motorcycles that should help them do their jobs better? Do you think abusive motorists will become hesitant to commit traffic violations knowing that the local traffic enforcers can use the new motorcycles to catch up with them?

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

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Las Piñas City Government receives multiple awards for excellence on public service and more

January 22, 2024January 16, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government received several awards from different entities (including government departments) related to excellence on public service rendered and more, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Las Piñas City government received various recognitions for its commitment to excellence in public service and community development.

Vice-Mayor April Aguilar, who led the regular flag raising ceremony on Monday, Jan. 15 held at the City Hall grounds, thanked the national bodies for the recognition given to the city government.

Aguilar said the city was honored with a Plaque of Recognition for its active role in the 2023 Parañaque KALIPI Summit, emphasizing its contributions to women’s empowerment and nation-building.

She said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) awarded the city for its exemplary implementation of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps), highlighting its timely submission of monitoring tools and effective program execution.

The DSWD also recognized the city for its effective management of social welfare programs like the KADIWA and supplementary feeding programs.

The vice-mayor also said the chief of Public Information Office, Paul Ahljay San Miguel, received a Certificate of Recognition from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and the Most Outstanding Tourism Officers Club/Association award from the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines, Inc.

Aguilar said the recognition from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation underscored the city’s dedication to health care and tourism development.

She said the National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) also recognized the city government for its support to the press community.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted with the many awards achieved by the City Government? Does this development deepen your trust in the City Government and the current officials?

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

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Muntinlupa City Government to designate nutrition scholars in each barangay

January 20, 2024January 18, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that it will be designating nutrition scholars in nine barangays which is the result of an ordinance signed into law, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government will designate barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) in each of the nine barangays to strengthen its health program.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2023-140, passed by the Muntinlupa City Council, “strengthening the barangay nutrition program by designating at least one (1) barangay nutrition scholar (BNS) per barangay appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes.”

The ordinance is based on Presidential Decree No. 1569, which provides the designation of a BNS in every barangay.

According to the ordinance, “the BNS Program is one of the Philippine Plan Of Action for Nutrition’s human resource development strategies.”

“In order to further strengthen the BNS Program In the City, it is appropriate and timely to promulgate a comprehensive local policy through legislation beneficial to Barangay Nutrition Scholars in order to motivate them to sustain and, if necessary, improve their valuable performances and services in implementing the Muntinlupa City Nutrition Action Plan.”

A barangay nutrition scholar is “a barangay based volunteer worker responsible for delivering nutrition services and other related activities such as community health, backyard food production, environmental sanitation, culture, mental feeding, and family planning to the barangay.”

The qualifications of a BNS are: “Bona fide resident of the barangay for at least four (4) years; b. Possess leadership potential and the initiative and willingness to serve the barangay for at least one (1) year; willingness to learn, and to teach what he/she has learned to the people of the barangay; at least high school graduate; physically and mentally fit; at least eighteen (18) but not more than 65 years old; and willing to report to the health center for the agreed number of hours.”

The appointment of a BNS will be co-terminus with the barangay chairman unless there is a reappointment with the concurrence of the Sangguniang Barangay.

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 consider this latest development necessary with regards to community and health matters? Do you think nutrition scholars will make an impact on 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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Better than Streaming: Las Piñas City senior citizens can now avail of free movies every Monday and Tuesday

January 20, 2024January 17, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced that local senior citizens can avail of free movies every Monday and Tuesday under a program that was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The said program has been revived.

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

The Las Piñas city government announced that senior citizens in the city can now avail of free movies every Monday and Tuesday under the “Libreng Sine kay Lolo at Lola” program.

Aguilar said the city government stopped offering free ticket passes to senior citizens during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure that their health would not be at risk.

According to Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar, the resumption of free movies for senior citizens is under City Ordinance 1427-17 and the Senior Citizens Act of 1995.

She said the senior citizens can avail of the free movies at three participating cinemas: SM Southmall, Robinsons Place, and Vista Mall.

The mayor encourages all senior citizens to visit the Senior Citizens Affairs Office to avail of the free movie pass.

Aguilar reminded the senior citizens that they must present their senior citizen identification card and certificate of residency.

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 there many senior citizens in your local community who want to avail of the free movie pass?

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

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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Southern Police District (SPD) officers arrest leader of gunrunning group at Festival Mall

January 16, 2024January 10, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the Southern Police District (SPD) conducted an entrapment operation at a part of Festival Mall that resulted in the arrest of the leader of a gunrunning group for the alleged illegal sale of firearms and ammunition, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A suspected leader of a gunrunning group was arrested by the Southern Police District (SPD) at a popular mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa on Jan. 9.

The SPD Special Operation Unit carried out the operation against the illegal sale of firearms and ammunition.

SPD Director Brig. Gen. Mark Pespes identified the arrested suspect as alias Ivan, 51, alleged leader of the Sgt. Ivan Gun Running Group. The driver of the van with the alias Alvin, 41, is being investigated.

A member of the group, alias Daryl, 40, was arrested in another operation in Sampaloc, Manila.

The arrest was made at about 8 a.m. in front of a Korean grill restaurant in Festival Mall in Alabang.

A subsequent operation at 11:15 a.m. on the same day in Sampaloc, Manila led to the arrest of Daryl, the second target of the operation.

The SPD said the operation stemmed from intelligence provided by a confidential informant, allegedly detailing the involvement of the Sgt Ivan Group in gunrunning activities.

The group is allegedly composed of reservists or former uniformed personnel and believed to be operating in the southern part and nearby cities of the National Capital Region (NCR).

SPD said the entrapment operation, jointly conducted with the Station Intelligence Section of the Muntinlupa Police, the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Quezon City District Field Unit and Manila Police District Substation 4.

At Festival Mall, Ivan, the No. 1 target of the operation, sold two ammunition boxes of 5.56mm containing an estimated 2,000 rounds after receiving marked buy-bust money. Subsequently another operation was launched involving three high-caliber firearms.

The transaction started in Muntinlupa City and extended to D. Tuazon, Quezon City. Target No. 2, Daryl, aware of the situation, swiftly changed the location to Bataan Street, Barangay 55, Sampaloc, near the boundary of Quezon City and Manila. Despite attempts to evade arrest, Daryl was swiftly apprehended by the team.

Recovered by the police from Ivan were P1,000 genuine bill marked money, two ammunition boxes containing an estimated 2,000 rounds of green tip 5.56 ammunition, one Intelligence Service Identification Card under the name of suspect alias Ivan.

Meanwhile, recovered from Daryl, the SPD said, were P1,000 genuine bill, one unit of Imbel Brasil .45 caliber pistol, one magazine for .45 caliber pistol, 15 live ammunition for .45 caliber pistol, black inside holster for .45 caliber pistol, one Bentley shotgun, 35 shotgun shells, red sling bag intended as pouch for shotgun ammunition, one US carbine with foldable butt and sling, 82 live ammunition for carbine, black pouch intended for carbine ammunition, brown sling bag. An Armscor .45 caliber pistol recovered from Daryl is under verification.

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 surprised that the buy-bust operation and arrest happened within the area of Festival Mall?

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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Ten early bird taxpayers of Muntinlupa City for 2024 recognized

January 15, 2024January 9, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government formally recognized the first ten early bird taxpayers who settled their dues when they had their respective business permits renewed this year (2024), according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government recognized 10 early bird taxpayers who renewed their business permits for this year.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the recognition on Jan. 8 of the business owners who were first in line at the Business Permit Renewal Hub located at the Muntinlupa Sports Center in Barangay Tunasan under the supervision of the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), applauding them for avoiding the rush and the possibility of late penalties.

The first 10 early bird taxpayers are Mama Nene Store, Mini-Mini Store, Beecube Inc., Bob Garon & Vandervoort Consultancy Inc., Chaulameir Enterprises, Erchie Appliance Parts, Oost & Voort Inc., Russel Ramos T-shirt Services; People’s Choice Apartment, and Aurelio Alquiros Tailoring Shop.

Each of them received a certificate of recognition from the BPLO and a basket of groceries.

Business permit renewal in Muntinlupa is ongoing from Monday to Friday until Jan. 20 at the Muntinlupa Sports Center.

BPLO offers free daily shuttle service to and from the venue for business owners, with pickup and drop off at the Muntinlupa City hall.

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 who also manages a local business, do you find the business permit renewal process fast and efficient?

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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Maynilad to increase water-storage capacity by constructing new reservoirs

January 9, 2024January 4, 2024carlocarrasco

For those who are relying on Maynilad for water, be aware that the water concessionaire will increase its water-storage capacity by a few hundred million liters (ML) by constructing new reservoirs but it will take a few years to be completed, according to the official announcement.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the company’s announcement online. Some parts in boldface…

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. will add 211 million liters (ML) to its water-storage capacity by 2026 with its construction of four new reservoirs in different locations to improve supply availability and pressure for customers in elevated areas.

With this increased storage capacity, Maynilad will essentially have an additional 211 ML of potable water supply that is accessible at the distribution system level, ready for release during hours of peak demand.

“Households in elevated areas are typically affected by low water pressure whenever the demand goes up. Having more reservoirs will help to maintain supply availability despite strong water withdrawals from households in low-lying areas, so we’re building more of these storage facilities in strategic locations,” said Maynilad Chief Operating Officer Randolph T. Estrellado.

The four new reservoirs—to rise in Quezon City, Valenzuela and Muntinlupa—will entail an estimated investment cost of Php2.8 billion, which forms part of Maynilad’s Php220-billion service enhancement program for the period 2023 to 2027.

Maynilad currently has 37 operational reservoirs that can store 751 ML of treated water supply—up from only 10 reservoirs with 400 ML storage capacity after it rehabilitated 13 old reservoirs and constructed 14 new ones since 2007. With the construction of four new reservoirs until 2026, the company’s total combined water-storage capacity will reach 962 ML.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a Maynilad customer, were you able to get a consistent supply of water over the past three months?

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

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Four barangay watchmen in Las Piñas City to be investigated for alleged salvaging of a person, several other suspects still at large

January 8, 2024January 3, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, four watchmen of Barangay Manuyo (note: the newspaper did not specify which Barangay Manuyo it is) were released from jail temporarily but they still will be investigated over the alleged salvaging of man, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Four barangay watchmen accused of alleged “salvaging” of a man in Las Piñas are facing investigation despite their temporary release from jail.

The Prosecutor’s Office ordered the temporary release of Jason Santos, Joseph Clarion, Romeo Natividad and barangay ex-officio Jaime Forteo, all watchmen of Barangay Manuyo, for lack of evidence.

According to P/Master Sgt. Marsito Torreon, Las Piñas police investigator, the arrested suspects were released by the Las Piñas Prosecutor’s Office pending further investigation.

Torreon said the Prosecutor’s Office had set the preliminary investigation on the alleged salvaging of Gerico Rocabo, 24, on January 8.

Torreon said they were able to submit the CCTV footage showing the arrest and mauling of Rocabo by the suspects last Dec. 26.

The police investigator said Barangay Manuyo officials refused to provide the police a copy of the CCTV footage on the incident claiming the camera was not working during the arrest despite the coordination made by city police chief, Col. Jaime Santos, with Barangay chairman Boboy dela Cuz.

Torreon said Santos coordinated with Dela Cruz for the surrender of the remaining suspects and submit a copy of the CCTV footage for investigation.

He said they were able to get a copy of the CCTV footage on the incident after learning that Generika drug store in front of Barangay Mauyo Hall was able to capture the incident.

Torreon said there are still nine suspects that remain at large and two of them were identified as Barangay Kagawad Ongie dela Cruz and Eleno Rongavilla Jr.

Torreon said the arrest of the four suspects was made by his team composed of Master Sgt. Glen Acaba, Staff Sgt. Lary Reparejo, and Cpl. Mark Edwin Orongan.

He said the body of Rocabo was discovered at around 10:00 a..m. on Dec. 26 in a creek in Barangay Manuyo and was reported to the police at around 11:00 a.m.

The police investigator said the victim died due to strangulation and his body was badly beaten.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that the salvaging of a victim could spread fear in your local community? Are the barangay watchmen in your local community disciplined and always implement the laws with regards to safety and security?

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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2024 business permit renewal processing in Muntinlupa City ongoing

January 4, 2024January 20, 2024carlocarrasco

UPDATE: Muntinlupa City officially extended the deadline to January 31, 2024 according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that it has formally launched on January 2, 2024, the annual processing of applications for business permits – both new and renewals) at the Muntinlupa Sports Center in Barangay Tunasan, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. As of this writing, the entire process will last until January 20, 2024, but an extension of the deadline might be declared as with prior years.

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

According to the city government, the renewal of business permits will be held from Jan. 2 to 20 at the Muntinlupa Sports Center.

Business owners can also apply business permits online through the Business E-Payment System (BESt).

According to the Muntinlupa Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), the requirements for the renewal of business permits this year are:

1 BIR Monthly/Quarterly Payments for 2023 (photocopy and original)

– Form No. 2550Q/2551Q/2550M

– Form No. 1701Q/1702Q

2. Audited financial statements duly filed before the SEC/BIR (for the period covering two years prior) / Annual Income Tax Return

3. Previous Mayor’s Permit

4. Declaration of gross sales:

a. Notarized Certificate of Gross Sales for 2023

b. If financial documents are consolidated”

– Notarized certificate of breakdown of gross sales per branch for 2023

– 2023 Business Permits/Assessment from other LGUs

– Official Receipts/Sales Invoices/Journals/ POS Reports, etc. (if applicable)

c. Certificate of gross sales for 2023 from the mall admin (if business is located in the mall)

5. Others

a. Copy of 2024 cedula from head office (If business is a branch only)

b. Certification from market administrator (If business is located in Alabang Central Market)

c. Authorization letter and valid ID for representatives

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 who plans to start a business locally, do you find the list of requirements intimidating? Do you think it is inevitable for the City Government to announce a deadline extension?

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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