technology – Page 4 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Trump Launches America Prays Initiative As Nation’s 250th Anniversary Approaches

November 20, 2025November 19, 2025carlocarrasco

Let it be clear to all that without God, none of us would exist. We live in a world with so many twisted values, unholy acts and wrongful beliefs that cause many people to be separated from the Lord and live on with evil. Since the triumphant return of Donald Trump as President of the United States, the nation has been recovering from the unholiness and twisted changes that dominated the term of the failed predecessor Joe Biden. Apart from suppressing illegal immigration and ending anti-Christian practices in government, the Trump administration is moving America closer to God by launching the America Prays initiative, according to a news report by Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN).

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

As America nears the 250th anniversary of its founding, President Trump wants the nation to recognize its dependence on God. He’s launched “America Prays,” an initiative emphasizing the enduring role of faith in the country’s identity.

“America was founded on faith, as we know, and I’ve been saying it for a long time. And when faith gets weaker, our country seems to get weaker. When faith gets stronger, as it is right now, we’re having a very good period of time,” he said.

Throughout his second term, President Trump has made clear his belief that America needs God. In that spirit, he has established the White House Faith Office, Task Force on Anti-Christian Bias, and Religious Liberty Commission.

White House Cabinet meetings begin with prayer, and now the president is urging Americans to extend that practice nationwide.

“We’re dealing, as you know, with all of the, different and not just, evangelicals and Christians. We’ve we’re dealing with lots of different faiths, religions. And I’ve felt for a long time that, you know… if a country doesn’t have religion, doesn’t have faith, doesn’t have God, it’s going to be very hard to be a good country,” Trump said.

The White House is encouraging people to form prayer groups, pray daily over specific issues, and participate in online prayer communities.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Dr. Ben Carson, co-chair of the Religious Liberty Commission, support the President’s call.

“We all believe just that we’re called for a time such as this,” Secretary Rollins said. “We all believe that we’re fighting for the soul of America but also, fighting for what is good and right, and fighting for our God. And so this president’s next step of having prayer and services as a part of that, as we celebrate America at 250, I’m just so proud to be a part of this team every single day.”

The “America Prays” initiative involves a wide range of churches, ministries, and organizations, and it partners with digital platforms such as Pray.com.

“We are complex beings. We’re not just a physical aspect. There’s a mental aspect and a spiritual aspect. It makes us different from other creatures. And we need to recognize that in all of our policies,” Dr. Carson said. “And remember that America didn’t become great by accident. It was because of the policies, the Judeo-Christian values that we live by. And look what’s happened as we begin to throw those things away. Instead of ‘love your neighbor,’ it’s ‘cancel your neighbor.’ And those are not good things. So, it’s good to have a government that actually realizes that.”

President Trump describes America Prays as an invitation for all to unite in prayer for the nation’s strength, peace, and prosperity.

Now watch the related news video of CBN News below.

It is indeed a miracle that Trump returned as US President because America drifted away from God and moved towards evil during the four years of Biden who openly supported abortion, LGBTQ ideology, critical race theory and other beliefs of the Satanic Left. Wokeness infected US governance under Biden and his Democrat henchmen and witches.

With the America Prays initiative, the United States has the strong opportunity to return to the Lord and remember the Judeo-Christian values the nation was founded with. Atheists, secularists, political correctness zealots, the woke mob and other people who hate the Lord and Israel can shout all the want but America truly belongs to the Lord and without His guiding light, the nation and its families will deteriorate.

The light of Lord Jesus is shining right now and there is still time for the lost and unsaved people to stop living evil and submit themselves to Him wholeheartedly. Lord Jesus is the hope of ALL nations and through Him, people will truly become the children of God and become part of His Kingdom. America Prays is not a dictatorial move but an initiative that opens opportunities for people to move towards the Lord.

Let me ending this post by sharing the bible verses below. For your faith in the Lord and the opportunity to free yourselves from evil.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,

The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.

Psalm 33:12 (NKJV)

So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Genesis 1:27 (AMPC)

Again God said to him, Your name is Jacob [supplanter]; you shall not be called Jacob any longer, but Israel shall be your name. So He called him Israel [contender with God].

And God said to him, I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall come from you and kings shall be born of your stock;

The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and to your descendants after you I will give the land.

Genesis 35:10-12 (AMPC)

You shall have the same law for the sojourner among you as for one of your own nationality, for I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 24:22 (AMPC)

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows and proclaims His handiwork.

Psalm 19:1 (AMPC)

Jesus answered and said to him,

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 3:3 (NKJV)

Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]

John 14:27 (AMPC)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Have you decided to spend time on the America Prays initiative launched by the Trump administration?

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

Bear Attacks Causing Harm And Spreading Fear In Japan

November 19, 2025November 11, 2025carlocarrasco

In case you missed the news and videos spreading throughout social media, encounters with bears in Japan have been rising recently and already there were people who got injured and the affected local communities are not gripped with fear. Already a high-level government meeting (ministerial) was held focused on the bear attacks. Elements from the local communities and government units respectively responded to the attacks.

To get started, watch and learn from the selected YouTube videos from Nippon TV below.

In its news report, NHK referred to the unfortunate series of events a bear crisis and it emphasizes the fear that people in local communities are experiencing. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the NHK report. Some parts in boldface…

Bears are rarely out of the headlines in Japan these days because they keep straying into urban areas. Attacks are rising, and a record 13 people have died this fiscal year alone.

A traditional-style inn had an uninvited guest on Friday in the northeastern prefecture of Yamagata. The bear wreaked havoc, damaging the interior and forcing the family owners to flee.

Sasaki Kazuo says he saw the animal earlier in the week and decided to close for winter earlier than planned. He said, “Bears have probably roamed near the inn before, but they never entered the building.“

Local hunters shot the animal under an emergency order.

Communities across the region are worried. Some parents in Iwate Prefecture have asked school buses to drop their children off as close to home as possible.

Taxi and school bus operator Sugimoto Shutaro said, “Buses can’t use narrow roads, so keeping children safe is a challenge.”

The flurry of sightings and attacks has left many people wondering why. Experts say the bears are probably hungry, and leaving their natural habitat in search of something to eat.

Koike Shinsuke, a professor at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, said, “They could be roaming a wider area because acorns, which are their main food source in autumn, may be in short supply along with other nuts too.“

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you aware that even small bears are capable of chasing and attacking tall people in close encounters? Have you ever experienced facing an actual bear in person? Do you know that powerful attacks by a bear could cripple you or even end your life?

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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Meralco Preparing Bid For Nuclear Power License

November 18, 2025November 10, 2025carlocarrasco

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) announced recently that it is getting ready with its bid for a nuclear power license which is needed I order to operate power facilities with nuclear energy, according to a BusinessWorld news report. This development is a part of the collective effort to make nuclear Philippines a reality.

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

MANILA ELECTRIC CO. (Meralco) said it is preparing to apply for a license to operate nuclear power facilities in time for the opening up of the application process next year.

“We’ve been very aggressive on this, (but) we have to comply with the timeline set by the Department of Energy,” Meralco Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho told reporters late last month.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin has said that applications will be opened up for nuclear energy projects by 2026, overseen by the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM).

Under Republic Act No. 12305, or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, PhilATOM will have sole jurisdiction over the regulation of nuclear energy and radiation sources.

The Philippines is hoping to integrate nuclear energy into the power mix with at least 1,200 megawatts (MW) of capacity by 2032, increasing to 2,400 MW by 2045 and 4,800 MW by 2050.

Ms. Garin has said that several companies have expressed interest in submitting nuclear energy project proposals.

Meralco is looking at small modular reactors (SMRs) when it enters the market. SMRs, each capable of generating up to 300 MW, can be constructed more quickly than traditional nuclear power plants.

Mr. Aperocho said that Meralco is awaiting details of the incentives and the liability profile for proponents, which will influence funding available for nuclear.

The company is expecting a $2.7-million grant from the US Trade and Development Agency to fund a feasibility study on SMRs.

“Both sides have fulfilled the required conditions. It’s just a matter of formality now…we’re hoping it gets sorted out soon so the grant can start running,” Mr. Aperocho said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you aware that nuclear power plants can create abundant energy that solar and wind power cannot achieve?

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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Philippines October 2025 Inflation Settles At 1.7%

November 13, 2025November 5, 2025carlocarrasco

Inflation in the Philippines landed steady at 1.7% for the month of October, according to a Manila Bulletin business news report. By comparison, the inflation rate for September 2025 was at 1.7%.

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

The country’s inflation rate held steady at 1.7 percent in October, unchanged from the previous month and lower than the 2.3 percent recorded in October 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

Headline inflation averaged 1.7 percent during the first 10 months of 2025, below the government’s two- to four-percent target range of annual consumer price increases deemed manageable and conducive to economic growth.

PSA data showed that the main drivers of inflation last month were housing, electricity, gas, and other fuels, which contributed 34.6 percent or 0.6 percentage point (ppt) to the overall headline rate.

Other major contributors to the stable inflation rate were restaurants and accommodation services, with a 14.6-percent share or 0.2 ppt, and food and non-alcoholic beverages, with a 13-percent share or 0.2 ppt.

National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa noted that while rice and corn recorded faster negative inflation rates of 17 percent and 8.1 percent, respectively, challenges persist in other food groups. He said inflation for fish and other seafood rose to 8.2 percent in October from 7.9 percent in September.

The PSA also reported that inflation for oils and fats rose slightly to 9.4 percent in October from 9.3 percent in September, while fruits and nuts shifted from a positive inflation rate of 0.5 percent in September to a deflation of 1.4 percent in October.

“Rice is still going down in terms of month-on-month, but there are other items in the basket that are also increasing,” Mapa said.

Mapa reported that the average price of regular milled rice dropped to ₱40.09 per kilo in October from ₱50.22 in the same month last year, reflecting a 20.2-percent year-on-year decline. He added that prices also inched lower from ₱40.23 in September, indicating a continued month-on-month decrease of 0.3 percent.

For well-milled rice, Mapa said the average price fell to ₱46.49 per kilo in October from ₱55.28 in the same month last year, marking a 15.9-percent year-on-year decline. He added that the price was almost unchanged from ₱46.50 in September, indicating stable month-on-month movement.

For special rice, Mapa reported that the average price dropped to ₱56.39 per kilo in October from ₱63.97 in the same month last year, reflecting an 11.2-percent year-on-year decline.

“We can see, particularly the regular milled rice—it has a big year-on-year drop in terms of prices. This is about ₱10 per kilo, year-on -year, the average reduction in prices,” he added.

Mapa added that meat inflation declined from six percent to 5.2 percent, while vegetable price increases, though slowing down, remained elevated, easing from 19.4 percent to 16.6 percent. He also noted that, month-on-month, prices dropped more sharply in October compared to September.

PSA data also showed that inflation in October remained unchanged from the previous month for several sectors, including household operations, education services, and restaurants and accommodation.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think other types of food will get more expensive and possibly bring up the overall inflation rate higher by the end of the 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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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

I Am Replaying The Outer Worlds Again

November 12, 2025November 12, 2025carlocarrasco

Welcome back Xbox fans, geeks, retro gaming fans and other gamers!

As a long-time Xbox fan, I am disappointed with the way this current console generation turned out. Xbox gaming as a whole has changed for the worse this year and millions of Xbox fans got angered over the cancellation of Xbox projects (including Perfect Dark and Contraband), Xbox console price hikes and most recently the declared drastic changes on Xbox Game Pass – including the 50% price hike on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate service (watch Team Xbox’s pathetic and tone deaf announcement by clicking here).

I stopped subscribing to XGP since over a year ago, and I had planned to subscribe again mainly to play The Outer Worlds 2 which I had waited for years to come out because I enjoyed The Outer Worlds and its two DLCs (Peril on Gorgon and Murder on Eridanos).

But the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price hike of 50% ruined my plan to play The Outer Worlds 2 at launch entirely! I also noticed that none of the Team Xbox executives appeared in the pathetic October 1, 2025, video announcement of the drastic XGP changes.

*Imagine the crashing ship as Team Xbox falling down hard because Microsoft forced them to make decisions and implement changes that made lots of Xbox fans and other gamers frustrated this year.*

By looking at the collective feedback – both critics and gamers – about the newest sci-fi role-playing game from Obsidian, the bugs reported and the current prices, I have decided to pursue The Outer Worlds 2 later. It should be noted that the new game has two upcoming DLC episodes (story expansions) and there is no certainty as to when those will be released. As such, pursuing The Outer Worlds 2 later is the right thing for me to do because rushing for it now does not make sense at all.

What I did recently was I downloaded again my purchased digital copy of The Outer Worlds as well as the two DLC episodes on my Xbox Series X. Previously I played The Outer Worlds and the story expansions on my Xbox One, and replayed them on my Xbox Series X (enjoying the faster load times and improved frame rates) a few years ago.

So this year, I started from scratch again on a new single player campaign. I created a new character – her name is Vanilee – and customized the abilities with intelligence, science, engineering, lockpicking, persuasion, hacking and medicine in mind.

Having played The Outer Worlds a few times already since late 2019, I decided to try other scenarios, find new dialog options (in relation to how I customized my character) and explored the maps in and out again. I had no trouble adjusting myself into the controls and overall feel of the game when it comes to response and precision. Take note that The Outer Worlds was developed by Obsidian at a time when it was not yet acquired by Microsoft/Xbox and Private Division was their publisher.

After going through the quests and side-quests in Edgewater – I diverted power to Edgewater helping Reed Tobson, the locals and convincing the deserters to return home – I entered the Unreliable with Parvati and Vicar Max as my teammates and proceeded to the Groundbreaker in space for further quests, scenarios and more options to build up my team.

*Teammates Parvati and Nyoka in action against a monster in Monarch.*

*Vicar Max attacks an enemy with his shotgun.*

So I kept on replaying the game rediscovering places, interacting with more characters and making decisions. Along the way, I spotted new dialog options emerging in connection with how I customized Vanilee from the start and built up with additional points accumulated for each level achieved. I ultimately reached the maximum of level 36.

Since I first played The Outer Worlds, it was clear to me that Obsidian did not have a massive budget as the creative and technical limitations were visible (examples: some repetitive interior designs, structures that cannot be accessed at all, lack of polish on stealth gameplay, my teammates getting in my line of fire, sluggish reloading, etc.). Instead of massive open-world environments, Obsidian came up with large maps but they ensured that each new location had something new for players to discover. I also admired the effort the developers invested on the art direction as well as making each map look distinct from each other while maintaining an artistic connection with the planet.

*This is from the Murder on Eridanos DLC episode.*

While the gameplay remains good for an RPG and first-person shooter enthusiast like me, what I admired best about The Outer Worlds was how Obsidian came up with connections between scenarios, the characters, the dialog options, and the consequences caused by decisions I made. That being said, I enjoyed watching the visual presentation and narration executed right after concluding the game. The presentation shows the endings of not just the main game but also those of the side quests completed and even the main quests of the two DLC episodes. How my decisions impacted the different factions and scenarios were clearly emphasized. In fact, the endings of the side quests and the two DLC episodes are seamlessly connected with the main game’s conclusion. As such, Obsidian succeeded in making The Outer Worlds worth replaying again.

Having played Starfield already, I realized that replaying The Outer Worlds was somehow a more satisfying experience. In my view, Bethesda tried too hard to make Starfield grand with a more galactic scope only to fail when it comes to exploration and long-term engagement. The Outer Worlds had a much smaller scope but it delivered the depth of fun, exploration, interaction and decision-making that strongly impacted the game’s conclusion.

At the same time, I find my character’s companions in Obsidian’s 2019 RPG more interesting and more engaging than those in Bethesda’s 2023 sci-fi juggernaut because of the following factors – better personalities, more clever writing and better voice acting. I believe it is time for Bethesda to start learning from Obsidian on how to make engaging dialogue and characters.

Right now, I am having a lot satisfaction replaying The Outer Worlds even though it has some flaws as well as creative and technical limitations as Obsidian did not have a very big budget. I wish the game had space battles as well as opportunities for the Unreliable to chase and dock enemy space ships which will allow me and my team to infiltrate. The game lacked mini-games which could have added more variety and fun when exploring the different locations on-foot (examples: the tossball facility in Monarch could have used a sports betting mini-game while the bars could have used card-based mini-games).

On its own, the 2019 game is still a lot of fun to play and the role-playing element remains strong. The Outer World characters are memorable and the developers’ writers added humor to the dialog which prevented the game from becoming too dramatic or depressing. Indeed, The Outer Worlds is worth replaying and those who never played it should go for it!

If you are an Xbox gamer who is interested in The Outer Worlds 2, click https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/the-outer-worlds-2. If you have never played The Outer Worlds for some reason, click https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/the-outer-worlds/bvtkn6cq8w5f

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I Love Israel: Israeli NGO And Local Partner Support Communities In Northern Cebu

November 11, 2025November 3, 2025carlocarrasco

NATAN Worldwide Disaster Relief – the Israeli-based, all-volunteer, non-profit NGO dedicated to helping people worldwide rebuild their lives with dignity after natural and human-made disasters – provided much needed assistance to people living in northern Cebu in tandem with local partner Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, the Israeli Embassy announced on social media.

For the newcomers reading this, the entire island province of Cebu was struck hard by an earthquake on September 30, 2025, and the epicenter was off the coast (east) of northern Cebu. The massive earthquake was felt all over the Central Visayas region and in other parts of the Visayas as a whole. That being said, a lot of people living in the northern part of Cebu were affected the most as they were near the epicenter.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the content from the social media post of the Israeli Embassy. Some parts in boldface…

In the aftermath of a 6.9 earthquake that struck Northern Cebu, NATAN-Worldwide Disaster Relief deployed a volunteer team in partnership with Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, Inc. to support affected communities. The Embassy of Israel in Manila commends their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to humanitarian service.

Led by Head of Delegation Roni Diamant Avnon, alongside Ofira Ben Shlomo and other dedicated professionals, the team included two medical doctors and three social workers. They opened a free clinic, offering medical checkups and distributing Israeli medications to local residents.

The psychosocial team facilitated mental health support sessions, sharing practical techniques to help individuals and communities cope with trauma, stress, and emotional challenges. These sessions empowered local psychology students, teachers, and health workers to provide care and comfort amid ongoing aftershocks.

The Embassy of Israel in Manila is deeply moved by the resilience and solidarity of the people of Cebu. This mission reflects the enduring friendship between Israel and the Philippines, rooted in compassion, shared humanity, and mutual support.

This newest development shows the continuing growth of Israel-Philippines ties. Many times has Israel provided humanitarian aid and special assistance to victims of disasters here in the Philippines. If your local community badly needs assistance from NATAN, visit them online at https://natanrelief.org/

Long before I visited Israel in 2023, there was a time when I worked and lived in Cebu. While it has been thirteen years since that last time I set food in Cebu, I was disturbed by the news of the September 30 earthquake as I have lots of friends there. As such, to see Israelis (and its local partner) helping Cebuanos affected by the earthquake is deeply inspiring. As some of you already know, I love Israel and the Jewish people in accordance to my uncompromising faith in Lord Jesus.

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.

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!

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Man Arrested In Las Piñas City For Possessing Replica Gun And Ammunition

November 11, 2025November 4, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the local police arrested a man for possessing a replica gun and live 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 33-year-old man was arrested by members of the Las Piñas City Police CAA Substation for possession of a gun replica and live ammunition on Sunday, Nov. 2.

Col. Sandro Tafalla, Las Piñas Police chief, identified the suspect “Ethelbert.” He was arrested at around 5:55 a.m. along Chronicle Street in BF Homes, Las Piñas City.

Tafalla said a concerned citizen reported that the suspect was seen roaming along the road while carrying what looked like a gun.

Officers of the Las Piñas City Police CAA Substation immediately responded to the scene and found Ethelbert carrying a half-open black sling bag with the handle of his replica pistol extending from it.

The city police chief added that during verification, the responding policemen also found a magazine of .9mm pistol with one live ammunition from the suspect.

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? Did you notice any people carrying guns – replicas or actual – within your local community 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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US State Department Directs Embassies To Enforce Sweeping New Visa Screening Rules

November 10, 2025November 9, 2025carlocarrasco

A new crackdown on visas has officially been launched as the State Department of the United States recently directed American embassies around the world to implement new rules for visa screening under the revived “public charge” rule, according to a Fox News report. This developments follows the February 2025 presidential action titled Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders.

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

A State Department cable obtained by Fox News Digital directs U.S. embassies worldwide to enforce sweeping new visa screening rules under the so-called “public charge” provision of immigration law — a move that revives and expands a Trump-era standard officials say was relaxed under President Joe Biden.

The guidance instructs consular officers to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to rely on public benefits, weighing a wide range of factors including health, age, English proficiency, finances and even potential need for long-term medical care.

“Self-sufficiency has been a longstanding principle of U.S. immigration policy,” the cable that went out to U.S. posts across the globe on Wednesday states, “and the public charge ground of inadmissibility has been a part of our immigration law for more than 100 years.“

Any past use of government cash assistance or institutionalization could also be grounds for denial. “You must examine all aspects of the case,” the guidance reads, “including the petition, visa application, medical report, affidavit of support, and any information uncovered in the course of screening and vetting.”

Older visa applicants nearing retirement age are to face particular scrutiny, both for their job prospects and whether they can support themselves once they stop working. “Long-term institutionalization (e.g., at a nursing facility) can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per year and should be considered,” the memo notes.

The new guidance follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump titled “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders.” The cable says the order seeks to ensure “that no taxpayer-funded benefits go to unqualified aliens.“

“The public charge determination is ‘in the opinion of the consular officer,’” the cable reminds, placing the burden of proof entirely on the applicant. Officers are instructed to conduct a “comprehensive and thorough vetting” of each case and to assess “the totality of the applicant’s circumstances” before issuing any visa. “There is no ‘bright-line’ test,” the cable adds. “You must consider all aspects of the case and determine whether the applicant’s circumstances… suggest that he is more likely than not to become a public charge at any time.“

A State Department official told Fox News Digital, “For years, the American taxpayer was held hostage by the Biden administration’s disastrous open borders agenda… The Trump administration has brought an end to the era of mass immigration.“

The State Department is responsible for deciding who receives visas abroad, while the Department of Homeland Security determines who is ultimately admitted to the United States and who may adjust status once inside the country. Although both agencies apply the same immigration law, the State Department’s guidance governs consular officers overseas, giving them broad discretion to deny visas on public charge grounds.

Wow! This is a tremendous change implemented under US President Donald Trump who in turn fulfilled his promise of reforming immigration that includes securing borders, arresting and deporting illegal immigrants/aliens, and now changing rules on visa screening. This is a reform that is very welcome and far too long have there been foreigners – who kept secret their personal hatred towards America – who secured visas to enter the US and cause trouble. As ICE continues to search for illegal immigrants/aliens, the State Department and the many US embassies will do their part to prevent visas from being issued to the wrong people.

This is also a much-needed change from the radical immigration handling of the failed US President Joe Biden. The Democrats and the woke zealots are obviously very angry about this newest development because they really do not care about their fellow American citizens. Considering everything that happened over the past few decades, the Democrats are the one American political party who keep on backstabbing Americans in favor of illegal immigrants/aliens and hateful foreigners who want to trespass into the USA.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you support the State Department’s global visa crackdown?

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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AI Eyed For Integration Into Philippine Government Operations

November 9, 2025November 2, 2025carlocarrasco

During the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) recently held in South Korea, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., stated that his administration is pursuing artificial intelligence (AI) and integrate it across the agencies of the Philippine government sooner than later, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

President Marcos said his administration is determined to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) across government agencies “as much as we can, as soon as we can,” warning that waiting too long would mean missing out on opportunities for innovation and efficiency.

“You’re missing a chance if you wait,” Marcos told reporters here on Saturday evening, Nov. 1.

“AI is going to come. Parang alon ‘yan, eh. Kahit anong gawin mo, mababasa ka (AI is like a wave — no matter what you do, you’ll get wet),” he added.

The President said the Philippines must quickly learn how to use AI “in the best, secure, and benevolent way” to serve the public, warning that failure to adapt could leave the country behind.

“If you do not learn how to swim, if you do not learn how to use AI properly, may iwanan ka talaga (You’ll be left behind),” he said.

According to Marcos, AI’s rapid evolution makes it necessary for governments to study and apply the technology carefully.

“What AI can do one month ago is different from what AI will be able to do one month from now. That’s why people can’t quite understand it — it learns,” he said.

He described AI as “such a powerful tool” that could transform governance, public service, and economic competitiveness.

“You must take advantage of it as quickly as possible. You have to learn how to use it as quickly as possible,” the President said.

He added that other world leaders in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) share the same sense of urgency.

“That’s one of my big takeaways from APEC. All the other leaders as well — they recognize how quickly AI will overwhelm us if we do not learn how to handle it properly,” he said.

Not a one-size-fits-all approach – Asked whether he plans to issue a directive guiding agencies on AI adoption, Marcos said it was too early to impose a blanket policy.

“It’s not yet clear what AI you use for government,” he said.

“Each department has a slightly different AI. We have to learn — we’re still studying,” he added.

The President said the government intends to consult both local and international experts to identify which applications of AI are most useful and which areas require caution.

“We have to talk to the experts — the whole world — and find out what does it do well, what doesn’t it do well,” he said.

Still, Marcos emphasized that AI adoption must be people-centered, helping Filipinos rather than replacing them.

In my opinion, using AI for governance and public service still looks uncertain. Considering how powerful or sophisticated AI has gotten today, it can be prone to abuse by the government. Worse, there is no guarantee right now how to protect human users from getting overwhelmed in the event that AI becomes self-aware and turns rogue against humanity. Just two years ago, GMA Network came up with fake sportscasters (both generated by AI) which caused some controversy here in the Philippines and only reminded people that AI has no soul and no humanity. Apart from being harmful to human workers in the business world, lots of AI applications made errors that affected users in varying ways. AI is currently not so effective in Japan in relation to finding solutions to their rice production problems. Watch and learn from the videos below.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think AI will really be helpful with regards to governance and public service? Do you think Congress should first make a new law and a series of rules covering AI? What safety measures should be taken to protect people in case rogue AI happens? Do you think the AI move is a convenient strategy of the administration to keep people’s attention away from the flood control corruption scandals and the weakening economic growth of the country?

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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Philippines 3rd Quarter GDP Growth Lands At 4%

November 8, 2025November 8, 2025carlocarrasco

The official economic numbers have been unveiled at last by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the results are disappointing as the gross domestic product (GDP) growth of the Philippines for the 3^rd quarter of 2025 landed at a disappointing 4%, according to a Malaya Business Insight new report. The results could mean that the Philippine economy could fall short of the 5.5% to 6.5% GDP growth range by the end of this year.

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

The Philippine economy expanded by 4 percent in the third quarter of 2025, a sharp slowdown from the second quarter and the year earlier as public construction spending eased amid stricter validation measures for government projects.

The third-quarter growth rate in gross domestic product (GDP) marks a deceleration from a 5.49 percent rise in the second quarter.

Data released on Friday by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) also showed growth in the third quarter this year lost some momentum from 5.2 percent in the third quarter of 2024.

For the first nine months to September 2025, GDP grew by an average of 5 percent, easing from a rise of 5.8 percent in the year-earlier period.

Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said services and industry, on the supply side, posted weaker growth. He pointed out that Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) civil works went through stricter validation measures.

Q3 growth drivers – National Statistician and PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa said the main contributors to growth during the July-to-September period were wholesale and retail trade, including the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (up 5.0 percent); financial and insurance activities (5.5 percent); and professional and business services (6.2 percent).

“All major economic sectors — agriculture, forestry, and fishing; industry; and services — posted year-on-year growths in the third quarter,” Mapa said, citing respective increases of 2.8 percent, 0.7 percent, and 5.5 percent.

On the demand side, household final consumption expenditure grew by 4.1 percent year-on-year, while government spending rose 5.8 percent. Exports of goods and services climbed 7.0 percent, and imports expanded 2.6 percent. In contrast, gross capital formation — the measure of investment in fixed assets — fell 2.8 percent, reflecting caution among businesses and slower project rollouts.

Weaker services and industry – In a separate statement, DEPDev Secretary Balisacan, referring to the easing of the supply side, particularly in the services and industry performance in the nine-month period, cited “a sharp contraction in public construction due to stricter validation measures for DPWH civil works, as well as the implementation of new requirements that delayed billings and disbursements for government projects.”

Despite the slowdown, Balisacan pointed out that private construction “remained respectable,” though investment in durable equipment “was subdued.”

Indeed, the latest GDP growth statistics are disappointing. The national government plans to spend more than P1.3 trillion to boost the economy in the 4^th quarter and we will only find out the results of that in early January 2026.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines does not have enough momentum to achieve the national government’s GDP growth range for 2025? Do you think the ongoing flood control corruption scandal developments have turned away lots of foreign investors?

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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