#pinoy — Public Fediverse posts

Philippines GDP Growth Unlikely To Reach 6% In Medium Term

Several economic factors and the continued vulnerability to climate-driven shocks make it unlikely for the Philippines to achieve gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6% in the medium term, according to a news report by BusinessWorld citing Moody’s Ratings.

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

MOODY’S RATINGS said the Philippines’ medium-term growth outlook seems bleak as its slow  investment recovery and vulnerability to climate-driven shocks may derail its economic rebound.

In a statement following its latest rating action on the Philippines, the debt watcher said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth is expected to hover below its pre-pandemic level of around 6% over the medium term.

“The Philippines’ medium-term growth will continue to be underpinned by favorable demographics, resilient remittances and service exports, and a gradual strengthening of investment as confidence recovers, with electronics and other goods exports providing a more marginal offset,” Moody’s Ratings said late on Monday.

“Even so, we expect medium-term potential to settle somewhat below the near-6% pace recorded before the pandemic, as investment recovers only gradually and the economy remains exposed to recurrent natural disasters and climate-related shocks,” it added.

Moody’s slashed its Philippine GDP growth forecast for this year to 3.6% from 5.5%. This falls near the bottom end of the government’s 3.5%-4.5% target for the year.

In the second quarter, GDP growth tumbled to a new post-pandemic low of 2.3%, bringing average growth to 2.6% in the first half.

The fourth consecutive quarter of slowing growth came as investments continued to reel from last year’s flood control corruption scandal, while rising prices amid the Middle East war squeezed household spending.

Moody’s Ratings noted that the Middle East war shocks and investment slump are “largely cyclical,” with an investment-driven recovery expected later this year.

“The recovery from the second half of 2026 should be led by a rebound in public investment as the government resumes stalled disbursements and normalizes spending execution,” it said.

Moody’s Ratings said that local investments should focus on public infrastructure and public-private partnerships, especially in renewable energy “as the country diversifies its energy mix in response to the recent shock.”

The government’s recent reforms should also eventually boost investment and productivity as their benefits are realized, the debt watcher said.

These include the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy Act, foreign investment liberalization, and allowing more private and foreign participation in sectors such as renewable energy.

By 2027, Moody’s Ratings expects GDP to expand by 5.3%, although still slower than its previous estimate of 5.6%.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that the economy of the Philippines really does not have enough strength to achieve 6% GDP growth anytime soon? Do you think the current economic managers know what they are doing? Do you think there will absolutely be no economic gains from the Philippines’ hosting of the 2026 ASEAN Summit?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines GDP Growth Unlikely To Reach 6% In Medium Term

Several economic factors and the continued vulnerability to climate-driven shocks make it unlikely for the Philippines to achieve gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6% in the medium term, according to a news report by BusinessWorld citing Moody’s Ratings.

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

MOODY’S RATINGS said the Philippines’ medium-term growth outlook seems bleak as its slow  investment recovery and vulnerability to climate-driven shocks may derail its economic rebound.

In a statement following its latest rating action on the Philippines, the debt watcher said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth is expected to hover below its pre-pandemic level of around 6% over the medium term.

“The Philippines’ medium-term growth will continue to be underpinned by favorable demographics, resilient remittances and service exports, and a gradual strengthening of investment as confidence recovers, with electronics and other goods exports providing a more marginal offset,” Moody’s Ratings said late on Monday.

“Even so, we expect medium-term potential to settle somewhat below the near-6% pace recorded before the pandemic, as investment recovers only gradually and the economy remains exposed to recurrent natural disasters and climate-related shocks,” it added.

Moody’s slashed its Philippine GDP growth forecast for this year to 3.6% from 5.5%. This falls near the bottom end of the government’s 3.5%-4.5% target for the year.

In the second quarter, GDP growth tumbled to a new post-pandemic low of 2.3%, bringing average growth to 2.6% in the first half.

The fourth consecutive quarter of slowing growth came as investments continued to reel from last year’s flood control corruption scandal, while rising prices amid the Middle East war squeezed household spending.

Moody’s Ratings noted that the Middle East war shocks and investment slump are “largely cyclical,” with an investment-driven recovery expected later this year.

“The recovery from the second half of 2026 should be led by a rebound in public investment as the government resumes stalled disbursements and normalizes spending execution,” it said.

Moody’s Ratings said that local investments should focus on public infrastructure and public-private partnerships, especially in renewable energy “as the country diversifies its energy mix in response to the recent shock.”

The government’s recent reforms should also eventually boost investment and productivity as their benefits are realized, the debt watcher said.

These include the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy Act, foreign investment liberalization, and allowing more private and foreign participation in sectors such as renewable energy.

By 2027, Moody’s Ratings expects GDP to expand by 5.3%, although still slower than its previous estimate of 5.6%.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you convinced that the economy of the Philippines really does not have enough strength to achieve 6% GDP growth anytime soon? Do you think the current economic managers know what they are doing? Do you think there will absolutely be no economic gains from the Philippines’ hosting of the 2026 ASEAN Summit?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

How Alex Eala is inspiring Filipinos to embrace tennis and believe on the world stage

From basketball to tennis Tennis has not traditionally occupied the same space in Filipino sporting culture as basketball…
#Tennis #News #Filipinatennisplayer #Philippines #Pinoy #uae
https://www.europesays.com/tennis/63806/

Philippines 2026 Foreign Tourist Arrivals Reach 4.11 Million as of August, U.S. and South Korea Remain Top Markets

With the Peso performing terribly in the global currency market, weakening economic growth, high inflation and fears of an economic recession growing, 2026 has not been good for the Philippines. There is a bright spot in tourism, however, as the Philippines saw its 2026 foreign tourist arrivals reach 4.11 million in the January-August period and the United States and South Korea combined for more than 1.5 million tourist arrivals, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Philippines has recorded 4.11 million foreign arrivals from January to August, higher by 3.7 percent compared to the same period last year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Tuesday.

The United States posted the highest number of share at 818,318, followed by South Korea at 727,379, Japan at 350,191, China at 310,088, and Australia at 234,156.

Also making it in the top 10 source markets are Canada with 231,972, Taiwan with 154,957, the United Kingdom with 132,370, Singapore with 126,812, and India with 77,883.

Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the Philippines targets to surpass its 2025 arrival figures to reach between 6.4 million and 6.8 million, or at least 7 million, by the end of 2026.

To achieve this, she said the DOT is intensifying its branding and promotions to reach more tourists in its key source markets.

The DOT is also in active talks with airlines to open up and establish more chartered flights between the Philippines and secondary cities of Korea and China.

DOT Assistant Secretary Ren Sapitan said the agency is also set to sign a contract with a creative agency in November to broaden the country’s marketing efforts and make the Philippines more visible worldwide.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will be able to exceed the 2025 foreign tourist arrivals number by the end of this year? Do you think the DOT is doing a good job to strengthen the Philippines’ attraction of foreign tourists? Considering the Top 10 markets of foreign tourists the Philippines attracted so far, are you convinced that the nation’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit did not create any positive tourism results?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Moody’s Analytics Cuts Philippines 2026 GDP Growth Forecast to 3%

By citing key factors like weak consumption, Middle East oil shock and the collapse in private investment, Moody’s Analytics officially slashed its 2026 gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines to 3%, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

MOODY’S ANALYTICS slashed its 2026 growth forecast for the Philippines, amid weak consumption and a collapse in private investment.

In its latest Asia-Pacific Outlook report dated Aug. 24, the analytics firm said it now sees Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) expanding by 3% this year, slower than its 4% projection in June.

“We lowered our 2026 GDP growth forecast to 3% from 4% in the June vintage after incorporating the second-quarter GDP result, which was far weaker than expected,” Moody’s Analytics Assistant Director and Economist Sarah Tan said in an e-mailed reply to questions.

The Philippine economy slumped to its worst post-pandemic growth of 2.3% in the April-to-June period, as investments and public construction continued to reel from last year’s flood control corruption scandal. Rising prices from the Middle East war-driven oil shock also strained household spending.

“The economy expanded by just 2.3% year on year, with private consumption showing notable weakness and private investment collapsing,” Ms. Tan noted. “This points to softer underlying domestic demand than we had previously anticipated.”

As of the first half of 2026, the country’s GDP growth averaged 2.6%, well below the government’s 3.5%-4.5% full-year target.

If Moody’s Analytics’ forecast holds true, the government will miss its growth target for a fourth year in a row. The economy would also further soften from last year’s post-pandemic low growth of 4.4%.

Economists earlier said that reaching even the bottom end of the government’s target entails a steep climb, as it means the economy must grow by at least 4.4% in the second half.

Moody’s Analytics sees growth recovering over the next two years to 4.6% in 2027 and 5.1% in 2028. The government wants full-year expansion to be between 5% and 6% from 2027 to 2030.

Meanwhile, GlobalSource Partners Country Analyst Diwa C. Guinigundo noted that the Philippines could face a more complicated path toward fiscal consolidation if growth remains below potential.

“Slower growth would make fiscal consolidation and debt reduction more difficult,” he said in a Viber message. “The issue is not simply that government revenues would grow more slowly; a weaker economy also means a smaller denominator for the debt-to-GDP ratio.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think 2026 will end up as a very disappointing year of economic growth for the Philippines? Do you think the economy of the Philippines could still fall into a recession in 2027 or in the first half of 2028? Are you convinced that the Philippines has nothing to gain economically from hosting the ASEAN Summit?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Over 1,000 Communist Rebels and Supporters in the Philippines Neutralized As of August 13

Over a thousand rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA) and their supporters were neutralized as of August 13, according to a news article of the Philippine News Agency (PNA) citing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Neutralized refers to the surrender, capture, or killing of enemy troops.

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

The government’s campaign against communist insurgents is gaining momentum as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported neutralizing 1,045 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and their supporters during operations conducted from Jan. 1 to Aug. 13 this year.

Of the total, 935 surrendered, 38 were arrested, and 72 were killed in various military operations, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a media interview late Tuesday.

“A total of 661 firearms and 255 anti-personnel mines were either seized or surrendered, and 38 encampments were seized (in the same period),” she said.

Neutralized is a military term that refers to the surrender, capture, or killing of enemy troops.

“The numbers give us an indication of the operational situation, but we should look beyond the numbers. The more significant story is that 935 CTG (communist terrorist group) members and supporters chose to surrender,” Padilla pointed out.

In 2025, the military said it neutralized around 2,018 NPA members and their supporters. The bulk of whom were surrenderers, at 1,798, while 93 were arrested and 127 were killed.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you thankful to the AFP for neutralizing over a thousand Communist rebels and supporters as of mid-August? Are you convinced that there are still many millions of young Filipinos who took sides with the Leftist rebels? Do you think Democrats and/or the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) from the United States are secretly supporting Communist rebels here in the Philippines?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines Energy Department Identifying More Potential Nuclear Power Plant Sites

The Department of Energy (DOE) is identifying more potential sites in the Philippines for nuclear power facilities, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

THE DEPARTMENT of Energy (DoE) is identifying more potential sites for nuclear power facilities as the government targets 1.4 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2038.

Energy Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo said the government is studying seven areas as possible locations for future nuclear power plants.

“There are two sites in Bataan, two sites in Palawan, one in Masbate, Pangasinan, and Camarines Norte,” Mr. Bacordo told reporters on Tuesday.

These sites have undergone initial assessment, with technical assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to determine whether the areas can safely host nuclear facilities.

“Nuclear energy is not simply about deciding to build a power plant. We must build the institutions, the regulatory system, the technical capability, the financing framework, and the public confidence to support it,” Mr. Bacordo said.

These sites will set the foundation as the Philippines works toward its goal of developing 1,200 megawatts (MW) of nuclear power generation by 2032. Beyond this target, the country is also considering the entry of 1,400 MW of nuclear capacity by 2038.

The DoE said the country’s progress on nuclear development heeds to the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in his 2026 State of the Nation Address to revisit nuclear energy as part of efforts to strengthen energy security and bring down electricity costs.

The Philippines is positioning nuclear energy as part of efforts to diversify its energy mix, reduce emissions, and enhance energy security.

“Nuclear can add firm capacity and diversify the energy mix, but it does not replace the need for other technologies,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.

Amid concerns over the safety of nuclear power, the DoE said public acceptance has increased, citing a Social Weather Stations survey that showed public approval of nuclear energy rose to 82% in 2024 from 79% in 2019.

While laying down the groundwork for nuclear energy sites, the DoE said it also focuses on addressing the remaining work across the IAEA’s 19 nuclear infrastructure issues, with priority areas covering electrical grid readiness; safety, security and safeguards; legal and regulatory requirements; emergency preparedness; nuclear fuel cycle and waste management; stakeholder involvement; and nuclear workforce development.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you feel confident that nuclear energy will be realized in the Philippines in your lifetime? Did you encounter a lot of people living with nuclear fear?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines Attracts FDI Worth $210 Million in May 2026

The Philippines, which hosted the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other related conferences, failed once again on attracting significant foreign direct investment (FDI) as the May 2026 FDI net inflow was counted at $210 million only making it the lowest in eleven years, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

Foreign direct investment (FDI) net inflows into the Philippines plunged to $210 million in May, the lowest monthly total in more than 11 years as global economic volatility and geopolitical tensions prompted foreign companies to delay capital commitments.

According to the latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), released on Monday, Aug. 10, the May figure represents a 64.7 percent contraction from the level recorded in May 2025 and falls below the previous record low of $200.43 million seen in March 2015.

The sharp monthly drop dragged total net inflows for the first five months of 2026 to $2.18 billion, a 33.4 percent decline from the $3.27 billion recorded in the same period last year.

According to the BSP, the cumulative decline was “driven by lower foreign net investments in debt instruments and reinvestment of earnings, which more than offset the increase in net equity capital investments (other than reinvestment of earnings).”

The central bank added that this trend “reflected lower intercompany borrowings from foreign direct investors and reduced earnings retained for reinvestment during the period.”

Among its components, the primary driver of the May shrinkage was the sharp fall in net investments in debt instruments, which tumbled 92.1 percent to $35 million from $440 million a year earlier.

As of end-May, debt instruments—which “consist mainly of intercompany borrowing or lending between foreign direct investors and their subsidiaries or affiliates in the Philippines”—totaled $1.25 billion, dropping by nearly half from the $2.48 billion recorded in 2025.

This five-month performance follows a challenging 2025, during which annual net inflows plunged to $7.79 billion from $9.40 billion in 2024. The BSP forecasts inflows to clock in lower at $7 billion before rebounding to $8 billion in 2027.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think hosting the ASEAN Summit will lead the Philippines to economic miracles and stronger FDI 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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Palestinian Arrested In Quezon City For Stealing Money Bag

For some time now, I have been monitoring the criminal acts committed by people who are present in different countries as foreigners. Here in the Philippines, a Palestinian man was arrested in Quezon City for stealing a bag containing a lot of cash from the café of a hotel, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

As it turns out, the Palestinian already has a history of committing other forms of crime. Could it be possible that, apart from violence and terrorism, theft and an obsession of committing crime are parts of the Palestinian nature?

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

A 36-year-old Palestinian man was arrested after allegedly taking a money bag containing P5,020 and an empty cash box from a hotel café on Timog Avenue in Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City, at around 11:06 p.m. on Thursday, July 23.

The suspect, identified as “Ham,” was intercepted by hotel security personnel at the establishment’s exit after the incident was detected through the hotel’s CCTV monitoring system.

Initial investigation showed that the suspect entered the café and allegedly took the money bag and empty cash box without the knowledge or consent of the 24-year-old male cashier.

Recovered from the suspect were P5,020 in various peso bills and coins, the cash bag, the empty cash box, and a backpack.

Personnel of Kamuning Police Station (PS 10) later responded and took custody of the suspect from the hotel security personnel.

Further verification showed that the suspect had previous criminal records for estafa, unjust vexation, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, use of a fictitious name, and concealing his true name in October 2025, as well as theft in May 2026.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there a lot of Palestinians living in your local community right now? Are you aware of the fact that a lot of Palestinians follow Islamic terrorists as their leaders? How many Palestinians do you think are present all over the Philippines today? Did you notice an increase of the number of foreign Islamists in your local community over the past twelve months? Do you think the national government is secretly allowing Palestinians to enter the Philippines as high-priority refugees with immigration in mind?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines Supreme Court Upholds Law Granting VAT Refund To Foreign Tourists

Remember the law granting value-added tax refund (VAT refund) to foreign tourists signed a few years ago? That law was challenged and recently the Supreme Court of the Philippines upheld the constitutionality of Republic Act 12079 (the act creating a VAT refund mechanism for non-resident tourists), according to a news report by GMA News.

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

The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the constitutionality of a law that grants value-added tax (VAT) refunds on select local purchases by non-resident foreign tourists.

In a 30-page decision, the SC En Banc dismissed a petition challenging the validity of Republic Act 12079, or an act creating a VAT refund mechanism for non-resident tourists, adding Section 112-A to the National Internal Revenue Code.

“Granting VAT refund to foreign tourists was not arbitrarily done. It is a policy decision based on legitimate state interests, i.e. the need to remain competitive as a global tourist destination,” the SC said.

“In fine, foreign tourists may be granted privileges and benefits that are not extended to Filipino citizens, so as long as these distinctions are based on reasonable and justifiable classifications, as in here,” it added.

According to the SC, the VAT refund applies to goods brought from duly accredited stores and taken out of the country within 60 days from purchase. The goods must be priced at least P3,000 per transaction.

Meanwhile, the SC said Section 5 of the law’s implementing rules and regulations limit the refund to retail and tangible goods, including clothing, apparel, electronics, gadgets, jewelry, accessories, souvenirs, food or non-food consumables, and other items intended for personal use.

The petitioner, however, argued that the law violates the constitutional guarantee of equal protection as it excludes Filipino citizens.

For its part, the SC said equal protection does not require identical treatment for all persons.

It said the act also distinguishes foreign tourists from Filipino citizens.

According to the SC, the VAT refund system follows the basic rule of VAT that goods are taxed where they are consumed. If the goods are consumed in the Philippines, they remain subject to Philippine VAT.

Meanwhile, the SC added that VAT refund for foreign tourists is a well-established international practice.

“The Philippines is among the last few countries in Asia to adopt such a system. Our Asian neighbors, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Japan have long implemented this VAT refund mechanism for foreign tourists,” it said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the Supreme Court’s decision on the law about VAT refund for foreign tourists? Apart from the VAT refund for foreign tourists, what problems that plagued the Philippine tourism industry should the government solve this 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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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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

BPI Customers Can Withdraw And Deposit Cash At Grocery, Convenience Stores And Other Commercial Joints

Customers of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) are able to withdraw and deposit cash at grocery, convenience stores and other commercial joints thanks to the a newly launched campaign between the bank and over a thousand partner stores, according to a news report by GMA News.

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

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) on Wednesday launched its “Himala” campaign, allowing customers to withdraw and deposit cash at 1,369 partner stores, including grocery and convenience stores.

The service effectively turns participating outlets into “mini BPI branches,” enabling customers to complete cash transactions without visiting a physical bank branch.

The partner network includes Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI) stores such as Robinsons Easymart, Robinsons Supermarket, Shopwise, The Marketplace, Robinsons Department Store, Toys “R” Us, and Uncle John’s.

The service is also available at non-RRHI outlets, including Amesco, Fitmart GenSan, CVM Pawnshop, Falcor Marketing, Prince Retail, Prince Warehouse, Rodamel Drugstore, Savers Depot, Tacurong Fit Mart Inc., and Tambunting Pawnshop.

Customers can generate a barcode through the BPI app for cash deposits and withdrawals, then present it at any participating store for processing. They may also send the barcode to another person, who can use it to deposit or withdraw cash at a partner outlet.

Customers may deposit or withdraw a minimum of P100 through the partner network. Deposits are limited to P10,000 per barcode and P50,000 per day, while withdrawals are capped at P10,000.

Select services, including account opening and applications for BPI products, are also available through the bank’s network of 8,000 retail partners, which includes pharmacies and gas stations nationwide.

According to BPI Agency Banking head Rally Jereza, the Ayala-led lender is in talks to onboard more partner stores, with the goal of expanding the network to 10,000 outlets within the year.

“For now, I’m satisfied with 8,000 because we want to encourage people to use [the service]. But in terms of expanding, with existing BPI clients, corporate clients… it’s easy to expand. Right now, we just want to be able to maximize all of those footprints,” he said.

Jereza said the initiative also supports BPI’s “May BPI Dito” campaign, which aims to make the bank’s services available in as many locations as possible.

“What began in 2023 as product application points has evolved into a fully integrated banking ecosystem. Every phase—from enabling transactions on tablets to barcode withdrawals and now barcode deposits—was built to ensure safety, simplicity, and trust,” he said.

“This is not just expansion; it is a redefinition of what a bank can be in the digital age,” he added.

BPI said it has onboarded more than one million new-to-bank customers through its agency banking network and aims to increase the figure to 10 million.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a BPI customer, have you experience the convenience of doing important transactions at the grocery or at the convenience store lately?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

New Philippines Domestic Tourism Program Launched With Over 3,000 Travel Deals

In what is clearly a serious attempt by the Department of Tourism (DOT) to boost domestic tourism a lot, the new program Discover More To Love was recently launched with more than three thousand travel deals from varied hotels, tour operators and airlines, according to a news report by the Manila Standard.

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

The Department of Tourism (DOT) launched a new campaign offering more than 3,000 travel deals from hotels, tour operators, and airlines to boost domestic travel during off-peak months and support local businesses.

The campaign, named “Discover More to Love,” runs from July to November 2026 to stimulate year-round travel, sustain bookings, preserve jobs, and strengthen local economies during the industry’s traditional lean period.

The initiative serves as an extension of the country’s official tourism brand, “Love the Philippines,” rather than a replacement.

Travelers can access discounts of up to 70 percent from more than 70 hotels and resorts through the Hotels Sales and Marketing Association. The campaign also features more than 250 nationwide travel packages alongside discounted fares from carriers Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia Philippines, and Sunlight Air.

Online platforms AirAsia MOVE and Klook are providing exclusive deals, while Mastercard offers special payment privileges for cardholders. Travelers can access the promotional room packages, staycation deals, dining credits, and flexible booking options directly through the department’s enhanced website at http://www.tourism.gov.ph.

Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the agency wants to evolve the initiative through feedback from travelers and industry partners.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you support the DOT’s renewed focus on domestic 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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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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines At Risk Of Losing Ground In Global Supply Chain

If the Philippines fails to address the high costs of energy and the ongoing corruption connected with infrastructure projects, it could lose ground in global supply chains, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

THE PHILIPPINES risks losing ground in global supply chains unless it addresses high energy costs and unresolved corruption issues surrounding infrastructure projects, which continue to weigh on investor sentiment, according to UK-based risk intelligence firm Verisk Maplecroft.

“The Philippines’ biggest infrastructure challenge is its relatively high cost of energy, which has been exacerbated by the Hormuz crisis,” Laura Schwartz, a senior Asia analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, said in an e-mailed reply to BusinessWorld.

“Following the onset of the crisis, there was some movement in fast-tracking renewable energy projects, but more will be needed,” she added.

The Philippines, which sources at least 90% of its oil supply from the Middle East, has been one of the most affected by the global oil crisis.

Ms. Schwartz also said last year’s corruption scandal — which linked state officials and contractors in substandard or nonexistent flood control projects — may deter companies that are seeking to diversify their supply chains from investing in the Philippines.

“High-profile governance issues, particularly the widespread public works corruption allegations and political jockeying, are one of the top factors leading to investor hesitation in the near term,” she said.

In its 2026 Supply Chain Risk Outlook, Verisk Maplecroft identified the Philippines, Thailand, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay as “rising stars” in the global supply chain.

“Relative to the established hubs, these ‘rising stars’ offer different mixes of sector capability, market openness, regulatory strengths, and labor-risk trajectories for organizations looking to realign their supply chains,” it said in the report released on June 23.

“The businesses that move first — screening these markets now, building supplier relationships before demand spikes, and stress-testing entry strategies against external risk data — will find themselves better positioned to act when faced with disruptive geopolitical realignment, trade restrictions, or conflict outbreaks,” Verisk Maplecroft said.

A third of the world’s busiest ports and airports are vulnerable to disruption amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts, environmental challenges, and domestic security threats, the firm noted.

The closing of the Strait of Hormuz has created near-term headwinds for the Philippines and Thailand, Verisk Maplecroft said.

Despite this, “procurement teams willing to take a longer-term view will find these markets worth their attention,” the company added.

The report cited the Philippines’ strong potential in the global supply chain due to improvements in its market openness, its competitive labor costs, and its young, English-fluent workforce.

“The Philippines performs second-best across the Southeast Asian economies analyzed due to significant improvement in our market openness pillar,” it said.

“Despite lower infrastructure quality and governance challenges, including recent corruption scandals, the Philippines shows notable opportunities in sectors like electronics, auto parts, and food manufacturing,” Verisk Maplecroft said.

Other Southeast Asian economies assessed in the report were Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the government of the Philippines has the will to resolve high energy costs and the ongoing corruption on infrastructure projects? Do you think the Philippines could get more affordable oil from places other than the Middle East?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Better than Streaming: Free Movie Admission For Senior Citizens In Muntinlupa City Restored

Welcome back fellow geeks and film buffs!

In the progressive city of Muntinlupa in the Philippines, the City Government led by Mayor Ruffy Biazon formally signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with three cinema operators – Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall and SM Center Muntinlupa – granting free admission for senior citizens with limits starting July 6, 2026, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

This move effectively restored the movie benefit of senior citizens in the city. Regarding the limitations of the benefit, free movie admissions will happen once-a-week, either on Monday or Tuesday.

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

Senior citizens in Muntinlupa will once again be able to watch movies for free starting July 6, following the signing of an agreement between the city government and cinema operators.

On July 1, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed a memorandum of agreement with SM Center Muntinlupa, Festival Mall, and Alabang Town Center granting senior citizens free movie admission.

Biazon said bona fide residents of Muntinlupa can avail themselves of the free movie admission once a week, either on Monday or Tuesday.

In May, Biazon signed City Council Resolution No. 2026-333, which authorized him to enter into the agreement with cinema operators in the city.

The resolution stated: “Senior Citizens of Muntinlupa City are given preferential attention and priority to enjoy additional grants of incentives as an expression of gratitude for their invaluable contribution to the progress and prosperity of Muntinlupa City.”

This latest development will eventually attract more senior citizens to enter the specific commercial places that have cinemas. Festival Mall’s modern cinemas are located at the 4th floor (AKA 3rd level) while those at Alabang Town Center are on the ground floor. Watching movies on the big screen inside the cinema is more immersive and clearly better than streaming.

Streaming extremists who oppose cinema viewing cannot argue with the fact that almost all movies released from long ago were made for the big screen inside the theaters, not for smartphones, not for laptops and not for TV sets. I should state that senior citizens can enjoy spending time inside commercial joints socializing with friends after watching movies, and it definitely is not ideal for them to spend all their free time inside their homes. There is the human need for the temporary change of place and it is only the cinema that can provide them the immersive, big screen entertainment experience.

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, cinematic trends, Blu-ray releases and more relevant stuff, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

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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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

S&P Global Slashes Philippines GDP Growth Forecast

In its latest analysis and assessment, S&P Global predicts weaker gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the Philippines at 4.1% this year, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

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

The economic drag from the Middle East-war driven oil shocks and last year’s flood control mess fallout could slow the Philippines’ growth to 4.1% this year, S&P Global said.

In its latest economic outlook for Asia-Pacific, the debt watcher cut its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines to 4.1% for this year, from 5.8% previously.

S&P Global Asia-Pacific Chief Economist Louis Kuijs and Senior Economist Vishrut Rana noted that the Philippines emerged as a laggard in the region, which was largely resilient at the start of the year.

“Asia-Pacific economic growth largely held up in early 2026. In the first quarter, GDP growth met or exceeded expectations in most economies, with generally solid contributions from both exports and domestic demand,” Mr. Kujis and Mr. Rana said.

“However, growth significantly lagged expectations in the Philippines, where the energy shock combines with a sharp reduction in public infrastructure spending related to misutilization of funds,” they added.

In the first quarter, the economy unexpectedly grew by 2.8%, its weakest growth since the COVID-19 pandemic, due to spiraling oil prices and the lingering effects of last year’s corruption scandal.

The S&P economists noted that countries in the Asia-Pacific, including the Philippines, are heavily reliant on oil imports from the Middle East, which made them vulnerable to disruptions in the region’s key energy facilities and the Strait of Hormuz.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the government has any plans to stimulate economic growth? Do you see the GDP of the Philippines growing at a slower rate over the next several quarters? Do you think the economic managers of the current administration should be replaced?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

America Is Currently Top Market Of Foreign Visitors For The Philippines

It is not a secret that the Philippines has been having trouble attracting visitors from overseas. There was a tourism boom in Southeast Asia in 2025 and the Philippines fell way behind its neighbors (note: Vietnam attracted over 21 million visitors while Indonesia attracted over 15 million). When it comes to foreign tourists counted in 2025, the Philippines attracted 8,375 less compared to 2024.

In fairness, domestic tourism here in the Philippines is thriving as Filipinos and their families do have a strong appetite for local travel and holidays. On the aspect of foreign tourism with statistics counted as of June 16 this year, the United States has emerged as the top market for the country, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

The Philippines has welcomed 2.9 million foreign visitors from January 1 to June 16, 2026, led by those from the United States, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.

Preliminary figures released Thursday showed tourists from the U.S. reached 591,569 out of the country’s total inbound arrival of 2,955,014 during the period.

The DOT has yet to provide the full breakdown of top visitor arrivals, but said the U.S. “has now become our number one source market,” and it expects the figures to further grow.

At the general membership meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) on June 17, Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the DOT will intensify its push for more tourism and investment partnerships with the U.S.

“We no longer see tourism simply as promotion. We see it as a platform for long-term investment,” she said, citing as example the USD3.4 billion in investments, pipeline opportunities, and financial support the Philippines secured during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent state visit to Japan.

“This is the direction we are pursuing — tourism as a connector sector that brings together aviation, infrastructure, healthcare, and regional development.”

The DOT, she said, will also work closely with relevant government agencies to improve and expand air connectivity across the country.

“To make this more systematic, we will convene regular airline and airport connectivity discussions with carriers, airports, stakeholders, and government agencies. The goal is simple: solve bottlenecks together and turn plans into actual flights,” she added.

At the same time, Angara-Mathay said DOT would sustain efforts to develop the Philippines’ high-value tourism segments such as meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), gastronomy, wellness, education, and retirement tourism.

“Once people can get here more easily, the next question is what kind of experience we offer them. And that brings me to high-value tourism. Our goal is not simply to bring in more visitors, but to make every visit more meaningful, longer stays, higher spending, and deeper engagement with our destinations and communities,” she said.

To put things in perspective, 2,955,014 foreign visitors attracted in the first 167 days of 2026 is equivalent to an average of 17,694.69 per day. At that rate, the Philippines could attract more than 6.4 million this year and exceed the 2025 count. However, the DOT did not specify if the current count excludes Filipinos with foreign citizenship (or dual citizenship) based overseas.  

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Were you surprised that the United States overtook South Korea as the top market of foreign visitors to the Philippines? Under the new leadership of the DOT, do you feel confident that improvements on attracting foreign visitors will happen this year? What do you think the Philippines has when it comes to attracting American tourists?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Weak Infrastructure Safeguards In The Philippines Exposed

It has been several months since the flood control corruption scandal rocked the Philippines. As a result, the scandal exposed weak infrastructure safeguards, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has flagged corruption as a major risk to Philippine infrastructure delivery, warning that the multibillion-peso flood-control corruption scandal show that current accountability safeguards remain insufficient to prevent the misuse of public funds.

In its report titled “Accelerating Sustainable Infrastructure Investments: Assessing Policies for Planning, Delivery and Financing in Central and Southeast Asia” published on Friday, June 12, the Paris-based OECD said procurement weaknesses continue to undermine infrastructure development in the Philippines despite existing legal frameworks and reform initiatives.

“Corruption remains a major risk in infrastructure delivery” in the country, OECD said, citing persistent procurement vulnerabilities despite measures such as the Integrity Initiative and online blacklisting.

OECD said anti-corruption clauses should be embedded in public procurement and public-private partnership (PPP) contracts, while transparency mechanisms should be expanded to strengthen oversight over infrastructure projects.

It said recent high-profile scandals involving infrastructure rollout, particularly flood-control projects, showed that existing accountability mechanisms were not enough to prevent the improper use of public funds.

OECD devoted a section of its Philippines chapter to flood-control governance failures, citing reports in a University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP CIDS) policy brief on irregularities affecting projects worth more than ₱545 billion, or about $9.5 billion, since 2022.

According to OECD, UP CIDS reported that a significant share of contracts had been awarded to a small number of firms, while some projects were found to be non-existent or poorly executed.

The report also cited estimates that corruption in flood-control spending may have cost the government ₱42 billion to ₱118 billion, or $700 million to $2 billion, a year.

OECD said the case showed how corruption and mismanagement could weaken climate resilience while wasting scarce public funds in a country highly exposed to climate-related flooding.

To address these risks, OECD said the Philippines should strengthen procurement transparency, independent audits, competitive bidding, and project-level monitoring.

It also recommended publishing contract data and linking budget releases to verified project completion to help protect public resources as well as ensure that infrastructure investments deliver actual resilience and development outcomes.

OECD said public procurement, PPPs, and state-owned enterprises (SOEs), or locally known as government-owned and/or controlled -corporations (GOCCs), should “lead by example” in promoting responsible business conduct (RBC) in infrastructure.

While the Government Procurement Reform Act (GPRA) already includes RBC-related provisions, OECD said bidding documents still lack references to climate resilience and broader RBC risks.

The report also noted that the PPP Code mandates environmental and social safeguards, but gaps remain in standardized procedures as well as the capacity of local government units (LGUs) to implement them.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it will still be a few years before guilty ones behind the flood control corruption scandal will be brought to justice? Do you think infrastructure development will continue to be hampered by corruption over the next ten years?

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

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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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

America’s Ban On Importing Crab Meat From The Philippines Takes Effect

Due to the Philippines’ failure to comply with the US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the United States’ ban on importing Philippine crab meat officially took effect, according to a business news report by the Philippine Star. This latest development is another embarrassment for the Philippines as it is the only Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member nation that failed the US comparability assessment. It should be noted that the Philippines took pride in hosting the ASEAN Summit this year.

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

As the US import ban on Philippine crab meat takes effect today, the blue swimming crab industry is bracing for massive economic losses – estimated at P6 billion to P7 billion annually – and job displacements, an industry stakeholder said.

Former E.B. Magalona mayor and crab meat exporter Alfonso Gamboa said the country’s failure to comply with the US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) led to the loss of its largest export market.

About 90 percent of Philippine crab meat production is exported to the United States, Gamboa said.

The United States National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced on May 12 that imports of Philippine blue swimming crab products would be restricted due to inadequate documentation on mandatory marine mammal protection and bycatch monitoring programs.

Gamboa, president of Saravia Blue Crab Inc., a major blue crab processing company, said the Philippines is the only ASEAN country that failed the US comparability assessment, noting that Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam and even China were able to comply.

“We failed because of insufficient documentation and monitoring measures concerning marine mammal protection,” he said.

Gamboa said the industry had already been experiencing difficulties since September 2025 when Philippine exporters were initially denied access to the US market. An appeal filed in January 2026 was likewise unsuccessful.

“In other words, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) did not do its job,” he said.

Gamboa estimated that around 10,000 fishermen and an additional 4,000 to 5,000 crab meat pickers in Negros, Panay, Bicol, Samar, Leyte and parts of Mindanao could be affected by the loss of the US market.

Major production areas include the Visayan Sea, Guimaras Strait, San Miguel Bay, Masbate, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur.

The Philippines exports approximately 500,000 pounds of crab meat monthly to the US, with products sourced from processing facilities in Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, and other coastal communities.

Although alternative markets such as China, the European Union, Canada and Australia remain available, Gamboa said they are too small to absorb the volume previously purchased by US buyers.

“These markets cannot absorb the displaced workers or the volume we used to ship to the United States,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the government of the Philippines will be able to act quickly to gain access to the United States for its crab meat exports? Who in Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) should be held responsible for the failure to comply with the US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Patient Transport Vehicle From PAGCOR Received By SBMA

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced that it recently received from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) a patient transport vehicle which will boost the efficiency of medical service delivery in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

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

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) received a patient transport vehicle from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) during a turnover ceremony held at its head office in Pasay City on May 26, 2026.

PAGCOR President and Chief Operations Officer (COO) Atty. Wilma T. Eisma turned over the patient transport vehicle to SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) Medical Services Division OIC, Dr. Arlene Gravina-Cesa.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño expressed his gratitude to PAGCOR for the patient transport vehicle which will boost the efficiency of medical service delivery in Subic Bay Freeport.

“My heartfelt thanks to PAGCOR, especially to Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco, for providing the Freeport with a patient transport vehicle. This unit will certainly enhance the services of our Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) during the scheduled, non-emergency transfer of clinically stable patients,” he said.

“Kay Mam Amy (Eisma), marami pong salamat at hindi pa rin kayo nakakalimot sa iyong dating tahanan, ang SBMA,” he added.

Meanwhile, according to Tengco, the donation is part of the agency’s broader efforts to make basic healthcare more accessible, ensuring that communities and sectors in need, are able to receive urgent medical attention through these new patient transport vehicles.

“More than simply meeting targets, it reflects a clear commitment: to support healthier, more resilient communities by investing in essential services people rely on when it matters most,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the SBMA has enough patient transport vehicles to ensure efficient medical service deliveries within the Freeport?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Pickup Coffee Targets Around 800 Stores By The End Of 2026

Pickup Coffee, the popular homegrown coffee chain, is aiming to have around eight hundred stores by the end of 2026, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Pickup Coffee first opened in 2022 and it now has roughly five hundred branches. It continues to attract customers who love coffee.

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

Banking on Filipinos’ love for coffee along with more affordable offerings, an official of grab-and-go coffee chain Pickup Coffee expressed confidence for continued expansion amidst the current economic challenges.

To date, the brand has around 500 coffee kiosks around the country, mostly in Metro Manila, and about a hundred stores in Mexico City.

The goal is to have around 800 stores by end-2026, Diego Lorenzo, Pickup Coffee chief executive officer and cofounder said in an interview Tuesday night.

The company is now open to franchising, with an initial investment of PHP2 million for the coffee truck’s stock, equipment and construction.

Lorenzo said they plan to open as many as 200 more company-owned stores nationwide this year, with the focus on Northern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

He said they cater to people from all walks of life, from those who can afford high-end brands but are open to cheaper options with quality offerings, to those in the C and D levels.

“The more accessible you are, the faster you will grow,” he said.

The brand has received capital from venture capitalists and Lorenzo said this is a sign of the brand’s potential to post stronger growth going forward.

Rami Chahwan, president of Pickup Coffee, said franchising will complement the existing branches, citing lessons learned over the last 48 months.

He said they have piloted 10 franchise stores over the last three months to ensure they can efficiently cater to more units once this bid is in full bloom.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the quality of drinks and services of Pickup Coffee will be well maintained as the franchising of their business happens? Do you think Pickup Coffee will be able to grow even as the economy of the Philippines slows down? Do you think only a recession would stop Pickup Coffee’s growth? If you consumed coffee from Pickup Coffee, what can you say about the taste and quality of what was served to you?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

US Embassy Delegation Meets With SBMA For Luzon Economic Corridor

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced the United States Ambassador to the Philippines Heather Variava and her delegation composed of many representatives of the U.S. economic team recently visited the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and met with Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño for high-level discussions about the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).

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

The United States Embassy delegation for the Luzon Economic Corridor Steering Committee visited this premier Freeport on May 13, 2026, seeking to create more investment opportunities.

US Ambassador Heather Variava, Senior Advisor for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs, and Head of Delegation for the committee, together with several representatives of the US economic team, arrived here as part of the mission to work on US-Philippines growth through a series of coordination with government officials and business leaders.

The ambassador met with officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, to discuss economic growth efforts for the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).

The LEC is a multi-billion-dollar economic partnership designed to supercharge infrastructure, logistics, and supply-chain connectivity between four primary hubs in the Philippines: Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.

Chairman Aliño said that the trilateral initiative with the US, Japan, and the Philippines has now expanded to include Australia, Denmark, France, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

“This ambitious venture will strengthen infrastructure, supply chains, and green energy across Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas. It is most timely that Her Excellency Heather Variava and her delegation visit us now, as the Luzon Economic Corridor gains momentum through international partnerships and expanded economic engagement,” he added.

The SBMA top official said that with upcoming projects in railway connectivity, port modernization, clean energy, and semiconductor supply chains, “Subic Bay’s role as a premier logistics and manufacturing hub grows even stronger.”

Initially launched in April 2024 as a trilateral project between the Philippines, the United States, and Japan under the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), the initiative has rapidly scaled into a powerful 10-nation coalition.

The said visit is part of her travel to coordinate strategic infrastructure and investments alongside the Philippine government and business leaders, as the ambassador advocates for streamlining complex regulations to increase investor confidence.

In the official press release issued by U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, the Luzon Economic Corridor’s partners share a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and pledge to promote fair and transparent economic development. The partners will contribute through technical assistance, financing, and facilitation of private sector investments, while actively participating in working groups focused on transport, energy, and digital infrastructure.

“The expansion of the Luzon Economic Corridor partnership shows what we can accomplish when likeminded nations unite around strategic infrastructure and shared prosperity. This initiative is creating real opportunities for U.S. business, our Philippine partners, and investors across the Indo-Pacific while countering exploitative infrastructure practices with a better alternative,” said U.S. Senior Advisor for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs Ambassador Heather Variava.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you consider the US Embassy delegation’s Subic Bay visit a strong move to convince foreign investors to be part of the Luzon Economic Corridor? Do you expect to see more economic cooperation and meetings between America and the Philippines over the next twelve 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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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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Deal Signed For Vietnam To Supply Rice To The Philippines

On the sidelines of the recent summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a new agreement was signed for Vietnam to supply the Philippines with 1.5 million metric tons of rice which will last until April 2027, according to a news report by the Manila Standard.

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

The Philippines and Vietnam signed a new rice supply agreement on Thursday during high-level bilateral talks on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Cebu City, as Manila moves to secure stable imports amid rising global uncertainties.

Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the Philippines secured a one-year agreement for the supply of 1.5 million metric tons of rice from Vietnam, ensuring uninterrupted shipments through April 2027. The deal helps stabilize the domestic market against geopolitical risks and climate-related production threats.

“Securing import volumes until next April is crucial amid geopolitical uncertainties and climate risks,” Tiu Laurel said, noting that stable supply is essential to keeping rice prices manageable in the domestic market.

Both sides finalized pricing and logistics arrangements and agreed on a benchmark price of $450 per metric ton for the widely consumed DT8 rice variety. Vietnam remains the Philippines’ largest rice supplier and accounts for the bulk of the country’s imported grain requirements.

Tiu Laurel said Manila is prioritizing reliable supply channels as regional demand continues to rise, fueled partly by tensions in the Middle East and concerns over possible production disruptions from another El Niño episode. He added that Vietnam seeks a long-term trade framework covering rice and other agricultural commodities.

“Even the Vietnamese prime minister consistently highlighted this during the bilateral meeting,” Tiu Laurel said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vietnam Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng pushed the deal during the latter’s first ASEAN Summit appearance in Cebu. The two leaders also commemorated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the 2 countries while discussing expanded cooperation in trade, tourism, agriculture and investment.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the new rice supply agreement between the Philippines and Vietnam ensures food security for the Filipino people? Have you ever tasted rice imported from Vietnam? Do you think the Philippines should focus more on harvesting a lot more local rice grain and support more domestic rice farmers to ensure a better internal supply?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippine Economic Growth Slows Down To 2.8% In 1st Quarter Of 2026

While the Philippines is hosting the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the economy of the nation grew only 2.8% in the first quarter this year and it is the slowest growth in five years, according to a business news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The Philippine economy grew at its slowest pace in five years, expanding just 2.8 percent in the first quarter of 2026, as the country grapples with the persistent government spending slump and mounting inflation shocks.

The country’s economy, as measured by the gross domestic product (GDP), decelerated from the 3.0 percent expansion recorded in the final three months of 2025.

It also significantly missed the 3.4 percent median growth projected by economists in a survey, and marked the weakest quarterly output for the country since the first quarter of 2021, when the economy contracted 3.8 percent during pandemic-era lockdowns.

Growth was severely dragged down by a prolonged slump in public construction following a massive government flood-control scandal late last year, which has continued to stall state spending.

Moreover, the global energy shock triggered by the Middle East conflict in late February also sent domestic oil and input costs soaring, severely denting consumer and business confidence.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think heavy government spending will boost the economy somehow? Could it be possible that the Philippines could fall into a recession this year or next year? How do you rate the performance of the economic managers of the national 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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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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Four Suspects Arrested In Parañaque City For Stealing Telecom Cables

Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers arrested four suspects over the illegal cutting and the attempt to steal underground copper telecommunications cables, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.

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

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief P/Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin commended the swift coordination between security personnel and responding police officers, which resulted in the prompt arrest of four adult male suspects and the recovery of stolen telecommunications equipment.

The incident occurred at around 4:20 a.m. on Friday, 24 April, in front of a gasoline station along Doña Soledad Avenue corner West Service Road, Barangay Don Bosco.

While conducting routine area monitoring, arresting officers intercepted the suspects in the act of illegally cutting and taking underground copper telecommunications cables.

Initial reports showed that security personnel in the area immediately alerted authorities upon noticing the suspicious activity, prompting a coordinated swift police response that resulted in the on-site arrest of four individuals. However, nine of their cohorts managed to flee and are currently the subject of follow-up operations.

Recovered from the scene were several pieces of cut underground copper cable wires measuring approximately two meters in length, with an estimated amount of P262,006.63.

Seized were tools and equipment used in the illegal activity, including a bolt cutter, an improvised steel hook, a white closed van and a motorcycle believed to have been used in the operation.

The suspects are now under police custody and are facing charges for violation of Section 4(d) of Republic Act 10515, also known as the Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, did the cutting of the telecommunication cables affect your household somehow? Do you think Parañaque City is becoming a new hot spot for the stealing of telecommunication cables?

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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

Dimayuga and Tan Rule Under-15 Youth Titles of 2026 Subic Bay International Triathlon

DIEGO Jose Dimayuga of Get Coach’d Academy and Lauren Lee Tan dominated the Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) U15 Youth category held yesterday at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Dimayuga finished the super sprint race (375m swim, 10km bike and 2.5km run) in 35 minutes and 59 seconds. Teammate Pio Mishael Gabriel (36:31) placed second followed by Cebuano Joseph Ian Caluste of Be Tritans (36:58).

In the girls division, Tan clocked 38:25 to beat Naomi Dimayuga (39:10) and Alaina Bouffaut (40:15) in the event organized by Triathlon Philippines (TriPhil) and supported by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), NTT, Gatorade (official hydration partner), Western Guaranty Corporation, C-Vitt and Subic Bay Travelers Hotel (official race hotel).

“I was sick for two weeks, I only had a week to train for this tournament,” said the 15-year-old Dimayuga, who lives in Silang, Cavite.

Dimayuga, Latonio and Caluste duplicated their performances at the National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) last February.

Dimayuga, who made it to the national team at the start of the year, will join the Asian Youth Championships in Xuzhou, China next month.

“I’m excited to represent the country and my team (GCA). I’ll do my best to win,” said Dimayuga, a silver medalist at the Asia Triathlon Junior and U23 Championships in Hong Kong last March.

Meanwhile, Qatari Anes Khelili clocked 1:06:36 to prevail over Jarius Miguel Mejia of De La Salle Zobel Triathlon Team (1:06:38) and Lorenzo Claur of Baguio Benguet Triathlon (1:06:48) in the standard men 16-19 years old category of the event also backed by Milo, Ford, Sante Barley, Gatorade, Western Guaranty Inc., C-vitt, Lemon Square Bakery Treats, Gardenia, Fitbar, Ecotrans and RaceYa.

The Top 3 finishers in the girls division were Naomi Felicity Aytin of BYBS/GAS Coaching (1:23:33), Fynley Quiban (1:25:25) and Keirstein Ann Marie Tigullo (1:27:23).

Champions in the super tri-kids category were Marcus Jayden Balaquit and Danica Mireille Angodung (11-12), Rey Matthew Tundayag and Maiko Aleno (9-10),  Ethan Geronimo and Jan Christel Culanag (7-8), and Thirdy Geronimo and Lucia Ysabel Sarmenta (6-under).

The other gold medalists in standard age-group men’s division were Earl James Ting of Be Tritans (20-29), Samuel Ebuen Bada of Olongapo Junior Trackers Multisport (30-39), Raffy Dolor of Artemis-Victory (40-49), John Erich Taca of Team Megawide (50-59), and Diosdado Soriano of BOST (60-over) while in the women’s division were Jan Mikaela Caruncho of 2600 Tri Team (20-29), Sandra Inocillas-Pineda of Sante Barley Tri Team (30-39), Lady Ro Anne Alviar of UPLB Trantados (40-49) and Maria Beatriz Azcuna of Beer Racer Beer (50-over).

For more triathlon and multisport updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil.  

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Note: This post was sourced from the official press release of the event from Triathlon Philippines.

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Donnelly and Hayashi Rule NTT Asia Cup Subic Bay Elite Contests

Heavy favorites Canadian Liam Donnelly and Japanese Manami Hayashi dominated the Elite Men’s and Women’s divisions of the NTT Asia Triathlon Cup Subic Bay International Triathlon, respectively, yesterday.

Donnely, 26, whose latest conquest was 2025 Americas Triathlon Cup Manta, clocked 56 minutes and 16 seconds, 12 seconds clear of his closest pursuer Kazakh Daryn Konesbayov and 34 seconds ahead of dethroned titlist Japanese Takuto Oshima could only settle for the bronze medal.

Manami Hayashi, 22, successfully defended her throne convincingly with a margin of 11 seconds. No. 1 in the Asian standing and ranked No. 37 in the world, she timed 1:02: 29 to runner-up Ayame Hayashi’s 1:02:40.

Rounding out the top 5 positions included Austrian Philip Pertl (4th- 56:55) and Turk Gultigi Er (5th- 56:56) in the men’s side; and Turk Sinem Tous Servera (3rd- 1:02:53), Koreans Hye Rim Jeong (4th- 1:03:06) and Hye Rang (5th- 1:03:10 in the women’s contest.

Organized Triathlon Philippines in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the oldest and longest running triathlon event in Southeast Asia is sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), NTT, Gatorade (official hydration partner), Western Guaranty Corporation, C-Vitt and Subic Bay Travelers Hotel (official race hotel).

Over at the NTT Asia Junior Triathlon Cup, the top 5 finishers were: men- Kazak Ramazan Ainegov (1st-1:01:55), Aussie Cooper Smeulders (2nd- 1:02:56), Korean Taul Jun (3rd- 1:033:46), Aussie Rhys Cameron (4th- 1:04:14) and local Pete Sancho del Rosario (5th- 1:04:35) and;

In the women’s- Alua Nurmuhamet KAZ (1st- 1:11:12), Kaleruya Shneider KAZ (2nd- 1:1:18), Anisha Eunice Caluya PHI (3rd- 1:11:48), Charlotte Thurston UAE (4th- 1:12:51) and Yuki Yokoi JPN (5th – 1:15:54).

The third pillar of the 3-in-1 2026 SuBIT affair—the National Triathlon Championships—saw Inaki Lorbes (58:57) and Raven Alcoseba (1:04:58) emerge as champions. Completing the medalist were; silver – Andrew Remolino (1:00:01) &  Samantha Corpuz (1:11:21) and bronze- Dayshaun Ramos (1:01:35) & Mikele Katerina Jopson (1:114:37).

For more triathlon and multisport updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil.  

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Note: This post was sourced from the official press release of the event from Triathlon Philippines.

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Japanese Triathletes Defend SuBIT Crowns

Takuto Oshima and Manami Hayashi, both from Japan, take a crack at extending their hold on their respective titles in the NTT Asia Triathlon Cup Subic Bay, more commonly known as the Subic International Triathlon (SuBIT), at Subic Bay Freeport Zone on May 2 (Saturday).

SuBIT’s 33rd staging carries with it the NTT Asia Triathlon Junior Cup for first time and henceforth the official Philippine National Triathlon Championships and qualifier for National Training Pool.

While Oshima (ranked #88 male in the world) and Hayashi (#36 female) will enjoy strong support from their compatriots, Oshima will face the strongest challenge from Canadian Liam Donnelly who is ranked higher by 15 notches.

Hayashi on the other hand is top-ranked among the female entries and the closest to her who are non-Japanese are Turkey’s Sinem Servera (#87) and USA’s Michelle Magnani (#91).

Organized Triathlon Philippines in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, the oldest and longest running triathlon event in Southeast Asia is sponsored by Philippine Sports Commission, NTT, Gatorade (official hydration partner), Western Guaranty Corporation, C-Vitt and Subic Bay Travelers Hotel (official race hotel).

One of the more popular triathlons in Asia, this year’s SuBIT drew 92 elite triathletes and 31 elite juniors from 24 countries including Australia, Brazil, Bahrain, Canada, Cambodia, Guam, Hongkong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Qatar, Thailand, Taipei, Turkey, Ukraine, USA, Singapore, UAE, Bangladesh, Samoa and Philippines.

Looming as top bets from Southeast Asia include 2025 Southeast Asian Games champion Indonesian Rashif Amila Yaqin, also 2023 SEAG silver medalist, in the male division.

French Cambodian Margot Garabedian, 2023 SEAG gold medalist and runner-up in the 2026 Asian Beach Games aquathlon last April 24, lead the ASEAN campaign in the distaff side.        

The non-elite athletes in the field of nearly 500 will display their wares in the second day of action.

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Note: This post was sourced from the official press release of the event from Triathlon Philippines.

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 @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Nung lumabas yung 7.00 patch, nagjojoke pa tayo na Dota 3 na. So itong 7.36 mga Dota 4 na or at least Dota 3.5. 😅

#Dota #Innates #Facets #Dota2 #Dota3 #Dota4 #Pinoy #Tagalog

🦯 🦯 🦯 Advocating for Inclusivity: A Call to Action. Please boost for more reach.

A few days ago, I was commenting on a few posts from National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) calling out the lack of #AltText on photos they post on their social media accounts. I feel that they must be made aware as they are promoting inclusivity and yet, photos they are posting are not inclusive to blind people reading there post. to those of you who doesn’t know, Facebook lets users add alt text on the images they post on the platform.
Let’s break it down: Alt text (short for alternative text) is like a secret doorway to accessibility. When users add alt text to the images they post on Facebook or any other social media platform that allows it, they’re essentially providing a description of the image. This description is then read aloud by screen reading software, allowing blind individuals to understand what’s happening in the image.
Now, here’s the catch: alt text is invisible to sighted users. It doesn’t clutter up the visual experience for them, but it makes all the difference for those blind people like us relying on screen readers. Imagine being able to “see” a photo through words—vivid descriptions that paint a mental picture.

Anyways, enough of the explanation thing. I got a reply from them (please see the screenshot). I’m hopeful that they’ll follow through on their promise. And to all blind people who are following them or any other organization for persons with disability, most specially blindness organizations, let’s hold these organizations accountable. They are promoting inclusivity, so the small steps should be coming from them.

So, my message to the NCDA and to all my friends sharing images online, most specially blindness organizations promoting inclusivity (you know who you are), Let’s make our content truly inclusive! Adding alt text is a small but impactful step toward ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can fully engage with the content we put out there.

#Blind #Blindness #BlindLife #Inclusivity #Inclusion #accessibility #Bulag #AltText #AltTextAwareness #AltText4Me #NCDA #Philippines #Filipino #Pinoy

Requesting for boost

try lang ito. nakakahiya pero, push natin. 🤭
Please like, share and subscribe if may time kayo. 😝
PS. if you have Blind related questions, comment nyo po sa youtube video. i'll try to create a video and explain. this is for everyone's awareness so no wrong question. kapag na offend ako, PM ko nalang kayo. 🤣🤣🤣 joke lang.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjUqYV7HLzk

#Blind #Blindness #BlindLife #Awareness #ProudBlind #Filipino #Pinoy #Philippines #Pinas #PH #TootSEA

Just watched #Firefly today. Napakaganda nga. No wonder it won #BestPicture sa #MMFF

Tonton is one brave boy

@[email protected] @[email protected] @[email protected] @[email protected] #Philippines #FilipinoFilm #TootSEA #Pinoy #PHcinema

#MissedQuoteBoost of https://tilde.zone/@job/111708837934803733

If you must* #snack, which of the following would be the best (or least unhealthy):
- junk food like a big bag of chips like Lays or Ruffles 🥔
- sponge/chiffon #cake with icing 🍰
- #sansrival 🧈
- #Pinoy #rice-based snacks a.k.a. #kakanin (e.g. sapin-sapin, suman, bibingka) 🍚🥥

I'm guessing it's not the bag of chips. 🤪

Please do add some commentary.
#EducateMePlease #food #health