students – Author Carlo Carrasco

Truancy Goes Up In Japan Again

November 24, 2025November 12, 2025carlocarrasco

Truancy – the action of staying away from school without good reason – went up again in Japan as confirmed by a government survey, according to a news article by Nippon.com. This problem has been going on for more than a decade now and it should spark discussions about what it would take to keep more students attend their classes with the future in mind.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from Nippon.com article. Some parts in boldface…

Ongoing Rise in Nonattendance – A survey on problematic behavior and nonattendance of schoolchildren by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology found that a record 353,970 students refused to attend school for 30 days or more during the 2024 school year. This was an increase of 7,488, or 2.2%, from the previous year and marked the twelfth consecutive annual rise. Compared to a decade earlier, nonattendance has risen 5.5-fold for elementary school students and 2.2-fold for junior high school students.

Looking at nonattendance by education level, there were 137,704 elementary school students (up 5.6% from the previous year) and 216,266 junior high school students (up 0.1%), which accounted for 3.9% of enrolled students.

The most common causes schools found for nonattendance were “lack of motivation,” at 30.1%, followed by “breakdown in routines” (25.0%), “anxiety or depression” (24.3%), “poor academic performance and regular failure to submit homework” (15.6%), and “friendship issues other than bullying” (13.2%).

The disruption to routines during the COVID-19 pandemic is thought to have lowered the barrier to nonattendance, while parents and guardians have also become more open to it as a necessary form of recuperation.

The Nippon.com article includes graphs for visual references. I encourage you to visit the article by clicking https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h02594/

This development reminds me of a particular quote by the late Ray Walston as teacher Mr. Hand in the 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The words were as follows:

What is this fascination with truancy? What is it that gets inside your heads? There are some teachers in this school who look the other way at truants. It’s a little game that you both play. They pretend they don’t see you. You pretend you don’t ditch! Now, who pays the price later? You!

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Is truancy/absenteeism a huge problem in your local community or in your city right now? If you are a parent who plans to migrate to Japan soon, do you intend to have your child enrolled in schools there? Do you think the long-term trend of absenteeism in Japan will be reversed in the near future?

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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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

New Learning Spaces Unveiled by Southville International School and Colleges

November 23, 2025November 21, 2025carlocarrasco

As it celebrates its 35^th year of delivering quality international education this year, Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) officially launched its newest learning spaces this past Friday at its campus in BF International, Las Piñas City.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony were (from L to R) Dr. Jocelyn P. Tizon (SISC President), Dr. Melva Diamante (SISFU Chairman), Dr. Ma. Felma C. Tria (Government Academe Industry Network Director), Dr. Gloria Baken Wong-Siy (Founding President and President Emeritus of the Association of Administrators in Hotel and Restaurant Management Education Institutions) and Dr. Genevieve Ledesma-Laurel (Chief Executive Mentor and Founder of the Southville Global Education Network).

*The Southville executives, department heads, educators and guests engage in a prayer to the Lord at the ground floor.*

After the first ribbon cutting and prayer at the ground floor, SISC executives, department heads, educators, corporate partners and others guests proceeded to the brand new learning facilities of the Premier Psychology and Mental Wellness Hub at the 5^th floor which include a SPED Laboratory, an Accreditation Center and other modern rooms.

*Inside the SPED Laboratory of the Premier Psychology and Mental Wellness Hub at the 5th floor*.

*Group photo at the Premier Psychology and Mental Wellness Hub*.

At the lower ground floor was the brand new Digilab which is a modern digital workspace equipped with industry-grade tools for programming, data analytics and tech innovation. The Digilab was designed to empower students to bring digital ideas to life and it will be SISC’s place of developing computer engineers and tech developers in the years to come.

*Inside the band new and high-tech Digilab which will be the place of training for the next generation of tech developers and computer engineers.*

At the building of Southville International School affiliated with Foreign Universities (SISFU) is the Monarchs Hub which is a dynamic multi-functional space that integrates nursing, simulation labs, research areas, and collaborative learning zones. The Monarchs Hub also function well as a theater-type venue for special presentations, speaking events and seminars. It was designed to serve also as a training ground for future healthcare professionals, offering hands-on experience through high-fidelity mannequins and clinical equipment.

*A view of the Monarchs Hub which has many comfortable seats and high-tech equipment ideal for presentations and training.*

A special program and presentation was held at the Monarchs Hub were the SISC executives, department heads, educators, students, corporate partners and guests gathered. Through the speeches delivered and videos shown to the audience, SISC emphasized its legacy of high quality education with a global concept and its long-term mission to innovate, to develop globally competitive students and create the next generation of leaders.

*Chairperson for Psychology Diane Imperio delivered her remarks during the presentation at the Monarchs Hubs.*

The new learning spaces at Southville reflect the institution’s drive for modernizing learning and developing skills with a progressive future in mind. Each visit to the new facilities had its own ribbon cutting and blessing done by a priest.

To learn more about Southville International School and Colleges, visit https://www.southville.edu.ph/ or contact them at landline numbers 8825-6374, and 8820-8702 to 03. To visit the institution, go to 1281 Tropical Ave. corner Luxembourg St., BF Homes International, Las Pinas City.

About SISC

*The Southville executives, department heads and educators.*

Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) is officially recognized as an educational institution of international character by Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9493, and the only international school in the Philippines offering a complete array of educational programs. Propelled by its main thrust of providing the highest quality standards of education to learners, SISC keeps in constant pursuit of excellence in instructional-related matters, research, and community services. SISC delivers excellent grade school, high school, IB, and college education and is one of the leaders in the Philippines.

Among the many reasons why students choose to study in SISC besides its complete educational offerings are its internationally-benchmarked curricula and learner needs-responsive programs that facilitate the students’ adjustment to their new environment. In fact, students from non-English speaking countries in Asia choose to enroll in the International Baccalaureate Program of SISC not just because of the comparatively lower school fees but because it is managed by a team of competent educators who have been trained in various parts of the world to ensure that the culture of each person is kept in SISC’s community of cultural diversity while acquiring excellent academic education.

As one of the top international schools in Manila, SISC employs innovative and internationally-benchmarked curricular offerings in College taking into account crucial factors in the job market to prepare all types of learners of various nationalities and cultures for global competitiveness. The astute academic, and character-building programs at all levels including high school, grade school, and preschool make it facile for the students to successfully hurdle all school requirements including social and environmental adjustment anywhere in the world.

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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

Las Piñas City Gives School Supplies to 850 Students

July 14, 2025July 5, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, school supplies were released by the City Government (through its City Social Welfare Development Office the Local Youth Development Office) to eight hundred and fifty local students, the local government announced via social media. Mayor April Aguilar was present during the release.

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

The Las Piñas City Government, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and Local Youth Development Office (LYDO), distributed educational assistance to 850 beneficiaries during a school supplies awarding ceremony held on Friday, July 4, at the Mayor Nene Aguilar Aguilar DRRMO Building in Talon Dos.

Mayor April Aguilar led the distribution of school bags containing essential items for the new academic year, including five notebooks, a lunchbox, tumbler, scientific calculator, ruler set, scissors, and an umbrella. Joining her in personally handing out the supplies were Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Chairperson Rey Angelo Reyes and CSWDO head Lowefe Romulo.

This initiative aims to support Las Piñas students from low-income families by easing the financial burden of back-to-school expenses and promoting preparedness and motivation for the coming school year.

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 students in your local community who expressed their need for school supplies from the City Government?

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 releases school supplies to public school students

June 15, 2025June 12, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government officially started distributing free school supplies and shoes to public school students – early education to senior high school – in preparation for the new school year of 2025-2026, 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 has started the distribution of free Balik Eskwela packages to public school students.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon visited schools to distribute the free school supplies and shoes, which will benefit nearly 100,000 public school students from early education to senior high school.

Each Balik Eskwela package contains backpacks, notebooks, pad papers, pens and pencils, pencil case and black leather shoes.

This is the third year that the Biazon administration will give free school supplies to public school students in Muntinlupa.

“Ginagawa natin ang lahat para masuportahan ang kinabukasan ng kabataang Muntinlupeño. Kaya yearly din ang distribution natin ng Balik Eskwela packages bilang tulong sa mga gastusin ng mga pamilya at paghahanda ng mga estudyante sa panibagong school year (We are doing everything we can to support the future of Muntinlupeño youth. That is why we also distribute Balik Eskwela packages annually to help families with their expenses and prepare students for the new school year),” Biazon posted on Facebook.

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 City Government’s release of school supplies for public school students helpful to local society?

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

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Parañaque Congressman-elect Yamsuan eyes expansion of BAON program for poor-but-deserving students among constituents

June 2, 2025May 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Incoming Parañaque 2^nd District Representative Brian Yamsuan confirmed that he intends to expand the BAON (Bigay Ayuda at Oportunidad sa Nakababata) program to help the poor-but-deserving students among the constituents and he will do it once he takes office, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. In fact, there were already thousands of students in District 2 of Parañaque who benefited from the said program this year.

For context about the recent National and Local Elections, Yamsuan ran under the Team Pag-Asa banner and his successful teammates include Vice Mayor-elect Benjo Bernabe, and the re-elected City Councilors Tess de Asis, Binky Favis and Shannin Olivarez. Yamsuan won over 2^nd District Representative Gus Tambunting with a lead of almost ten thousand votes. The 2^nd District includes large communities such as Barangay BF Homes, BF Homes subdivision and Tahanan Village. To learn more about Yamsuan, check out his Facebook page by clicking https://www.facebook.com/congbrianyamsuan

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

Parañaque City 2nd district Representative-elect Brian Raymund Yamsuan is eyeing the expansion of his “ayuda” program for poor but deserving students among his constituents.

“Our BAON (Bigay Ayuda at Oportunidad sa Nakababata) program had huge impact on the youth in the second district. We will continue implementing and find ways to broaden its scope to benefit more Parañaqueños in the district,” Yamsuan said in a statement Tuesday, May 27.

“We will start on day one of my term,” he declared ahead of the 20th Congress.

Yamsuan, Bicol Saro Party-list’s lone nominee in the current 19th Congress, said education would be among his priorities as he endeavors to empower the youth and help them take charge of their future.

“Our goal is to make education affordable and easily accessible to give everyone an equal opportunity to succeed in overcoming life’s challenges and carving a stable and vibrant future,” he said.

“Edukasyon, sipag at determinasyon ang pinanghawakan ko noon para makaahon sa kahirapan kaya’t alam ko na kung mabibigyan lamang ng maayos na edukasyon ay may naghihintay na matatag na bukas para sa bawat masisipag na Parañaqueno ng second district,” added the former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) assistant secretary.

(Education, diligence and determination were what I held onto in the past to rise above poverty, which is why I know that a stable future awaits every hardworking Parañaquenõ in the second district if given the chance to have a proper education.)

BAON, which Yamsuan started implementing in the district last year, provides a one-time P5,000 educational assistance to each qualified student-beneficiary, and P10,000 each to Dean’s Listers or those With High Honors.

As of April 2025, BAON has benefited about 5,000 students in the elementary, high school and college levels who are residents of Parañaque’s 2nd district.

Yamsuan said that on top of continuing his BAON program, he is also in talks with fellow lawmakers to determine how to increase government funding for the Parañaque City campus of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) so that more underprivileged but deserving students from the second district would be able to study in this state educational institution.

Established through the efforts of the city’s former mayor, Florencio Bernabe Jr., PUP Parañaque offers academic programs leading to Bachelor of Science degrees in computer engineering, hospitality management, information technology, and office administration. It also offers a Diploma in Office Management Technology-Legal Office Management.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think that an expanded BAON program of incoming Congressman Yamsuan will generate positive results in the 2^nd district of the city in relation to education?

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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Free school supplies for incoming public school students of Muntinlupa City for school year 2025-2026 announced

May 27, 2025May 23, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, the newly re-elected Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced that there will be free school supplies and shoes for the incoming public school students (early childhood education to senior high school level specifically) for school year 2025-2026 provided by the City Government, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced that all incoming public school students from early childhood education to senior high school will again receive free school supplies and shoes.

He said the Muntinlupa City government will provide the free Balik Eskwela packages for public school students for school year 2025 to 2026.

Alam nating malaki ang gastos tuwing pasukan, kaya’t layunin nating matulungan ang mga magulang at tiyaking handa ang bawat batang Muntinlupeño sa pagbabalik-eskwela (We know that the expenses every start of schooling are big, so our goal is to help parents and ensure that every Muntinlupeño child is ready to return to school),” he said.

This is the third consecutive year that the Muntinlupa City government under the Biazon administration will give free school supplies to public school students.

Each Balik Eskwela package contains backpacks, notebooks, pad papers, pens and pencils, pencil case and black leather shoes. The packages have variations depending on the grade level.

The distribution schedule of the free Balik Eskwela packages will be announced later.

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 approve of the City Government providing school supplies and shoes to public school students for the new school 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.

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I Love Israel: Israel turns over new learning center to school in Taguig City

February 27, 2025February 20, 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…

In another move of generosity for the Philippines, Israeli aid agency MASHAV donated a new learning center for the benefit of the students of Urusan Elementary School (UES) in Taguig City, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. MASHAV Head Ambassador Eynat Shlein, Mayor Lani Cayetano and Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss were present during the turnover.

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

Israel’s aid agency MASHAV on Wednesday turned over a new learning center to the students of Ususan Elementary School (UES).

MASHAV Head Ambassador Eynat Shlein and Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss, who led the unveiling ceremony in Taguig City, said this center signals Tel Aviv’s interest to continue and increase its development cooperation with the country.

The Nir Oz Resource Learning Center, named after one of the Israeli kibbutz attacked by the Hamas in October 2023, is complete with reading materials and equipment procured by the MASHAV.

“The learning center is one of the building stones of the joint quest between Israel and the Philippines for sustainable development. And if we want to get to development, we need to start from the beginning,” Shlein said.

“The beginning are the seeds and the seeds of the future are the children —we need to look after them,” she added.

On top of inspiring students to read more books, Shlein also hoped this center would promote friendship, understanding, and open-mindedness among them.

“The fact that we helped establish this refuge for children from daily teachings where they could sit and think and reconnect, for us, that is a building block for sustainable education,” she said.

“Education is a core beacon in our work, and as we have worked already in 140 countries and trained hundreds of thousands of people, out of which many thousands are Filipinos, we are happy to continue on this joyful bilateral track.“

In a separate interview, Fluss said Israel is also planning to partner with more stakeholders to finance similar centers in other areas outside Metro Manila.

“It’s very humble but that’s the Israeli approach —we believe in the development of human resources, even in other programs, we always look at capacity building,” he said.

This newest development shows the continuing growth of Israel-Philippines ties through education. Israel can keep contributing to improve the standards of education and help elementary students learn better. Thank the Lord for this breakthrough as well as the continuing cooperation between Israel and 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 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!

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Young achiever congratulated by Muntinlupa City Mayor

January 17, 2025January 15, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, a young achiever who brought home a lot of honors from math and science competitions overseas was congratulated by Mayor Ruffy Biazon, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon congratulated a student from San Beda College Alabang for winning medals in international math and science competitions.

Antonio Pio Vivo, a Grade 6 student, visited Biazon to present the awards he received.

“Ngayong January, bumisita siya ulit (This January, he visited again) with an impressive collection of medals and trophies from international Mathematics and Science competitions—plus a taekwondo championship title!”

Vivo won in the following competitions:

Hong Kong International Olympiad Final Round (Singapore, June 13-17, 2024)

– Champion and merit award for Science Olympiad

– Merit award for Computing Olympiad

International Mathematics Wizard Challenge 2024 Final Round (Bogor, Indonesia, June 20-24, 2024)

– Silver medal

Siam International Math and Science Olympics (Bangkok, Thailand, August 9-12, 2024)

– Bronze medal for Science Olympics

– Bronze medal for Math Olympics

Philippine International Math and Science Olympics (Cebu, April 5-8, 2024)

– Bronze for Mathematics Category

– Bronze for Science Category

Asia International Mathematical Olympiad 2024 Final Round (South Korea, July 27-31, 2024)

– Merit award

In addition, he won a gold medal at the National Age Group Taekwondo Championship held last November at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted to see a new local achiever getting recognized by the Mayor?

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 releases free shoes to public school students

September 30, 2024September 27, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government distributed free shoes to public school students, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the distribution of the said shoes.

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 free shoes to students in public schools as part of its Balik Eskwela program.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon led the distribution of the MUNWalk sneakers to students in different schools including Muntinlupa Science High School, Muntinlupa Business High School, Lakeview Integrated High School, Muntinlupa Business High School Sucat Annex, Pedro E. Diaz High School, and Tunasan National High School and Senior High School.

“This is our assistance to students of the City of Muntinlupa,” said Biazon during the distribution at Muntinlupa Science High School.

The city government said a total of 90,000 students in Muntinlupa public schools will receive the free sneakers.

Last year, the city government gave free leather shoes to the students. This year, it decided to distribute rubber shoes.

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 the City Government’s release of free shoes to the public school students?

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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Educational assistance released to Las Piñas City students

August 5, 2024July 27, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, educational assistance in the form of school supplies was released to the local students during an activity that was attended by Vice Mayor April Aguilar, the City Government confirmed via social media.

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

The City Social Welfare and Development Office, in partnership with the Local Youth Development Office, hosted the awarding of educational assistance on Monday, July 15 at the Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar DRRMO Building in Barangay Talon Dos.

City Vice Mayor April Aguilar led the distribution, alongside City Social Welfare and Development Office OIC Lowefe Romulo. The event, attended by numerous parents, guardians, and students, emphasized the local government’s commitment to supporting the educational needs of its youth.

The distribution of school supplies, consisting of backpacks filled with essential educational materials, aimed to equip students for the upcoming school year. Vice Mayor Aguilar highlighted the importance of education in her short address, encouraging students to persevere in their studies and utilize the resources provided to them.

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 any students within your local community who received educational assistance from the local authorities?

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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