#public-service — Public Fediverse posts

Philippines Economic Growth May Fall Behind Southeast Asian Neighbors

In the latest economic analysis of Bank of America (BofA), the Philippines may end up behind its Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) neighbors in terms of economic growth, and it could also mark another year of failing to hits is growth target, according to a report by BusinessWorld.

This is not surprising as the Philippines did not benefit economically from hosting the ASEAN Summit while it endured high inflation, weak gross domestic product (GDP) growth and lower foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows this year.

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

THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY may be among the slowest growing in Southeast Asia this year, as weak domestic demand keeps growth below its potential, Bank of America (BofA) said.

In a report dated Sept. 8, BofA Global Research kept its gross domestic product (GDP) forecasts for the Philippines at 2.5% in 2026 and 3.5% in 2027.

For 2026, this projection puts the Philippines on par with Thailand as the slowest-growing economies among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members included in the report.

The two countries are expected to trail Vietnam (8.2%), Indonesia (5.3%), Malaysia (5.2%), and Singapore (5.1%) this year. If BofA’s forecasts hold, the Philippines will miss its growth target for five straight years. Economic managers are targeting 3.5%-4.5% GDP growth this year and 5%-6% in 2027-2030.

“In second half of 2026, we see GDP growing 2.5% with gentle gains in consumption and the bottoming of investment spending,” BofA China & Asia Economist Helen Qiao and Asia Economist Ting Him Ho said.

“Government spending may help mitigate the effects of the oil shock by aiming subsidies at consumer and transport groups most affected,” they added.

The Philippine economic growth slumped to a post-pandemic low of 2.3% in the second quarter, bringing first-half growth to 2.6%. Economic managers said that last year’s flood control corruption scandal continued to weigh on public construction and investments, while the Middle East war-driven energy shocks dampened household spending.

“Domestic demand grew only 0.9% in 2Q26 with net trade providing the lift to overall GDP,” the BofA economists also noted. “Within domestic demand, private consumption slowed, investments shrunk, and government spending was unable to fully cushion.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Philippines will continue to be the economic weakling of ASEAN this year? Has the weak economic growth of the Philippines affected you in many ways?

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

🎂 CM Samrat Choudhary Leads Modi Birthday Tribute at Patna BJP HQ — Blood Donation Camp Marks 25 Years of Public Service.

https://aliyesha.com/sub/articles/news/display/bh_pm_modi_birthday_books_celebrations

#ModiBirthday #SevaSankalpAbhiyan #SamratChoudhary #BiharBJP #Patna #NarendraModi #BloodDonation #AtalSabhagar #IndianPolitics #PublicService #25YearsOfLeadership #WelfareSchemes #BookExhibition #BJP #BJPLeaders #Bihar #Patna #News

Enjoy tracker free reading with us. #privacy #privacymatters

American Funding Aims to Turn Subic Bay Port into Gateway for planned AI Industrial Hub

In a serious bid to encourage more investments into the Philippines, the United States of America will be providing financial support for feasibility studies on the proposed expansion of the facilities at the port of Subic Bay as well as the establishment of public WiFi access points in key locations, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. These developments point to turning the Subic Bay port into a key gateway for the planned artificial intelligence (AI) industrial hub while improving WiFi access with the nation in mind.

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

The United States (US) is providing funding support for feasibility studies on the proposed expansion of port facilities at Subic Bay and the establishment of public WiFi access points in a bid to encourage more investments into the Philippines.

The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) said on Thursday, Sept. 10, that it will provide a grant to ship repair firm Subic Drydock Corp. (SDC) for a feasibility study to advance the expansion of a key port ship repair facility.

SDC will secure the services of a California-based engineering consulting firm to conduct the study, according to the USTDA.

The study is expected to support the technical and engineering design to expand SDC’s existing berth within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to accommodate larger vessels.

The expanded capacity will help meet the growing demand for ship repair and maintenance services, reinforcing Subic Bay’s strategic role in the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).

Subic Bay is one of four major economic hubs within the LEC that is set to play a critical role in the corridor’s economic development.

Established by the Philippines, US, and Japan, the LEC intends to enhance connectivity between Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas, which account for approximately 50 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Earlier, the Port of Subic Bay was designated as the “preferred maritime gateway” for the planned artificial intelligence (AI) industrial hub in New Clark City.

The port is expected to handle the import, export, handling, storage, and transport of the inputs necessary to support the advanced manufacturing operations in the industrial hub.

Meanwhile, the USTDA will also provide a funding grant to Uy-led ComClark Network and Technology Corp. for the proposed creation of a nationwide network of public WiFi access points.

ComClark has selected California-based advisory services firm Connectivity Capital LLC to conduct the feasibility study, the agency said.

The study covers the pilot implementation of AI-enhanced WiFi access points at six sites to determine market demand, technical requirements, commercial feasibility, and financial projections.

The USTDA said the findings of the study would help lay the groundwork for a potential deployment of the access points at nearly 8,000 locations by 2030, which is expected to widen access to reliable connectivity in the country.

USTDA Deputy Director Thomas Hardy said funding support for the two feasibility studies helps reinforce the US’ commitment to supporting the Philippine government’s and private sector’s infrastructure priorities.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you welcome the American funding for the Subic Bay port facility improvements as well as the enhancement of public WiFi access? What is your opinion about the economic potential of the Luzon Economic Corridor?

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

Where Europe spends its money: A look at public spending across the continent.

European governments allocate the largest share of their spending to social protection, while the second-largest category varies across countries.

Euronews Business takes a closer look at how governments spend public money on services.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260916-where-europe-spends-its-money-a-look-at-public-spending-across-the-continent?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#Europe #Government #PublicSector #PublicService #Welfare #PublicSpending #Politics #Healthcare #Education #Pensions

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Net Inflows Fall 18% in First Half of 2026

In what is clearly another sign that the Philippines is the economic weakling among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), foreign direct investment (FDI) net inflows into the country fell by 18% during the first half of this year, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Foreign direct investment (FDI) net inflows into the Philippines contracted 18 percent in the first half of the year to ₱211.3 billion from ₱257.5 billion recorded in the same period last year, weighed down by higher borrowing costs and geopolitical friction.

Data released on Thursday, Sept. 10, by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed that the cumulative six-month decline was driven by reduced intercompany borrowings and lower retained earnings, which undercut gains in net equity capital investments.

The central bank noted that FDI pulled back on intercompany lending to their domestic subsidiaries while retaining fewer earnings for local reinvestment.

Among individual components, net investments in debt instruments—which include intercompany borrowing between foreign investors and local affiliates—fell 26 percent in the first half to ₱128.8 billion from ₱173.8 billion a year earlier.

Reinvestment of earnings slipped 19 percent over the same period to ₱51.8 billion, compared with ₱64.4 billion in the previous year.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the cumulative decline in foreign inflows largely stemmed from the fallout of war in the Middle East.

Ricafort said the conflict fueled slower economic activity, sustained inflation, and elevated borrowing costs globally, ultimately raising the cost of direct investment.

Despite the broader downward momentum, net equity capital investments excluding reinvested earnings posted a sharp rebound, surging 59.4 percent to ₱30.6 billion from ₱19.2 billion a year ago. Total equity capital placements climbed to ₱45.3 billion, easily outpacing ₱14.8 billion in withdrawals.

Inflows during the first half originated mostly from Japan, the United States (US), and Singapore, with capital primarily directed toward manufacturing, financial and insurance activities, alongside real estate development.

On a monthly basis, FDI rebounded in June, expanding 35 percent year-on-year to ₱27.9 billion. Even with the bounce, June marked the second-lowest monthly total of the first semester.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What do you think the government’s economic managers should do to attract more FDI? Do you think the Philippines will fall into a recession in 2027 or in the first half of 2028? Are you convinced that hosting the ASEAN Summit will not lead the Philippines to any economic improvements?

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

DATE: September 14, 2026
SOURCE: SOCIALWORKER.COM

TITLE: Reflections on My 42-Year Career in Social Work

URL: https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/career-jobs/reflections-42-year-career-social%C2%A0work/

“You’re too sensitive” was my family’s response when I informed them that I wanted to become a social worker. I assured them that I could handle it, and I did for a span of 42 years. These are my reflections.

URL: https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/career-jobs/reflections-42-year-career-social%C2%A0work/

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Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org

Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot

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#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #SocialWork #CareerReflection #42Years #SocialWorkerLife #Reflections #HelpingProfession #MentalHealthAdvocate #PublicService #CompassionInAction #CareerJourney

I sketched my late friend Marian's rotating bookshelf while watching John Waters' "Female Trouble" in her parlor on Christmas Day, 1989. #femaletrouble #divine #johnwaters #avantegarde #avantegardemovies #avantegardemovie #dirty #hilarious #satire #gay #gayculture #camp #campfunny #camphumor #camphilarity #jp #justiceofthepeace #justice #juniatajustice #author #authoress #publicservant #publicservice #ink #penandink #penandpaper #sketch #sketches #sketching #sketcher #christmas #1980s

https://publicservices.international/resources/news/10000-public-service-workers-go-on-strike-in-new-zealand?id=16713&lang=en

#Aotearoa #labourmovement #publicservice #strikes

Online Sellers of Fake and Unregulated Products in the Philippines Targeted by Police

If you have been purchasing a lot of products online here in the Philippines, was there a time when a seller cheated you or scammed you over a transaction? A lot of online sellers have been involved in the distribution of fake and unregulated products, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) is actively searching for them, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

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

The Philippine National Police has strengthened its intelligence and enforcement efforts against online sellers and networks involved in the distribution of fake and unregulated products that may endanger consumers.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said they are now working with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and other partner agencies to identify those behind the illegal trade and build cases for prosecution.

“The PNP backs efforts to strengthen the crackdown against counterfeit goods online. We will continue to coordinate with our partner agencies to identify those behind the illegal trade and ensure that appropriate charges are filed,” Nartatez said.

Nartatez ‘statement was issued amid a call from consumer advocacy group Malayang Konsyumer for an immediate and sustained government crackdown on counterfeit products being sold through e-commerce platforms.

The group warned that fake medicines, vitamins, health supplements and beauty products may contain toxic chemicals, while counterfeit clothing, footwear, toys and perfumes as products that could expose consumers to hidden health risks.

It also raised concerns over substandard electronics that may cause fires or electrocution and fake household adhesives, sealants and building materials that may pose structural and health hazards.

“We will not allow online platforms to become a safe haven for counterfeiters. The PNP will strengthen intelligence gathering and enforcement operations against individuals and networks engaged in the sale and distribution of fake and unregulated products,” Nartatez said.

“Counterfeit goods are not only an intellectual property concern. They are also health and safety matters in most cases that need immediate and aggressive law enforcement response,” he added.

The PNP’s planned action will build on its existing campaign against smuggling and other economic crimes.

From January to June 2026, police conducted 8,986 anti-smuggling operations, resulting in the arrest of 2,560 individuals and the seizure of about P8.6 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes and equipment.

The campaign has also extended to other illegal goods as the PNP confiscated P628 million worth of smuggled goods, counterfeit products, and other illegal articles in nationwide operations in July.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Has any online seller released to you a counterfeit product? Do you believe that online shopping platforms like Shopee and Lazada have a lot of scammers and abusive online sellers?

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

Outrage from the Senate, and rightly so imo. An already over-secretive govt is bad enough but for it’s political appointees to close ranks in this fashion is indeed outrageous and counter to the idea of *public service*.

“Australia’s most senior bureaucrats have been put on notice by the Senate over a push to restrict how footage of public servants appearing before parliamentary committees can be used.

The Coalition, Greens and independent Senator David Pocock teamed up to pass a joint motion rejecting attempts by government departments and agencies to control how footage of public hearings can be edited and shared online.”
(Source: https://thepoint.com.au/new/260911-coalition-greens-and-david-pocock-unite-to-reject-bureaucrats-push-to-restrict-parliamentary-footage )

#AusPol #SenateInquiries #DemocraticRIghts #Accountability #Transparency #PublicService

A Champion for Fairness and Public Service ⚖️🌟

Roberta Jamieson is a distinguished lawyer and advocate with a remarkable career in public service. She made history as the first woman in Canada to be appointed Ombudsman of Ontario, where she championed fairness and accountability. Her leadership has consistently aimed to improve governance and ensure justice for all Canadians. #Canada #PublicService #Law #Justice

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/roberta-jamieson

[edited for clarity]

This is were it’s going. The public service making demands on what should be a fully transparent process of public scrutiny. Our appointed officials seek to minimize their responsibilites to the public and side-step accountability. why does this smell like #tRumpism ?

“On Friday, Defence deputy secretary Celia Perkins began her evidence before a senate inquiry into asset sales by the department and Australian military with an embarrassing manoeuvre.
'In closing, I would note for the record that the Defence witnesses appearing before the committee today are pleased to take your questions but do not consent to the reposting of our evidence to social media sites or the reproduction of our likenesses for purposes outside the framework of the parliament and the transparent public proceedings of this committee,' she said.
This is the parliamentary equivalent of copy-and-pasting one of those Facebook privacy 'disclaimers' that your least tech-savvy uncle posts as a prophylactic against all the rights he has already signed away by being on the platform in the first place.
Greens Senator David Shoebridge was incensed, as he should be, and immediately sought a ruling on the gormless demand.”

(Source: https://rick-morton.ghost.io/deliver-us-lord-from-ridicule/ )

#AusPol #PublicService #Accountability #SenateInquiry #DemocraticRights #HouseOfReview #Defence #Greens #DavidShoebridge #CeliaPerkins

This is very concerning and goes to the heart of #Democracy and what is meant by the term.
—-Quote
1 hour ago 11.58 AEST

Secrecy bid from some of the most powerful covert operatives in Australia – senior bureaucrats
Bill Browne

Earlier this year, an Australia Institute freedom of information (FOI) request revealed that the Attorney-General’s Department had been holding back information from the public.

Their apparent motive was to escape tricky questions at Senate Estimates, the rare opportunity that democratically elected representatives get to ask questions of government officials.

Now, the secretaries who head government departments are suggesting footage from Senate Estimates should not even make it online.

In a parliamentary submission, the Secretaries Board (departmental heads) have suggested either preventing the use of committee evidence on social media altogether, or requiring committee evidence to be published without editing or captions.

They complain that public servants have been accused of “‘hiding’ things, ‘covering up’ for the government, or ‘being a liar’.”

The problem, of course, is that senior public servants do sometimes hide things and cover up – not just for the government, but to serve their own interests as well. Departments spend time and money training public servants to dodge Estimates questions. And when they do so, ridicule (though never abuse) is an appropriate response.

Last year, then Australian Public Service Commissioner Gordon de Brouwer said public servants were writing their “genuine thoughts” on Post It notes so they could never become public knowledge. The Public Service Commissioner is supposed to be the “steward” of public service integrity, but it took senators to remind him that this was an illegal breach of the public service’s obligation to keep accurate records.

Public service delegations at Senate Estimates are generally fronted by deputy secretaries or secretaries. They are the elite 0.1% of the public service, in sought-after roles of significant power and influence. It is entirely appropriate that they are subjected to public scrutiny.

In other words, there is a power imbalance when a senator questions a secretary or deputy secretary – but it is the public servant who likely wields much more power than the senator and is invariably paid more.

Of course, parliamentary questioning is not always kind or constructive. There are politicians who could do better on social media. But Senate Estimates is a key accountability mechanism for these organisations and the executive government more generally. So long as public servants deliberately hide information, open questioning will remain a necessity so the public can find out what is being done in their name.”
https://live.thepoint.com.au/#8fe433f938

#AusPol #PublicService #Transparancy #Accountability #DemocraticInstitutions #LiveParliamentaryEnquiries #TheRightToKnow #ChecksAndBalances #WestminsterSystem
#Polliticians #PoliticalAppointees

Dear #government agencies, #NGOs, #publicservice institutions.

Public #announcements are critical to you and to us #citizens. Please don't force us to submit to the whims of #invasive & #exploitative private #walledgardens & #middlemen like #Twitter / #X, to just to read your messages for us!

A few alternatives are listed in the follow up toots.

Everybody else: Please share this message with the #authorities that matter to you.

#CC0 (public domain)
#privacy #softwarefreedom #sns

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

@ChrisMayLA6

When it comes to #outsourcing folks forget the fundamental principle of #capitalism , profit is derived from surplus labour.

#publicservice surplus labour goes to the department and taxpayer, not the crapitalist.

Outsourcing is destruction of common wealth.

- Departmental knowledge is destroyed

- Entire departments are destroyed and turned into hire labour scam

- Because you only measure KPI, what's not KPI does not happen. When I was a middle level systems manager, I acted as an IT consultant. After outsourcing, everything was billable (at premium) hours.

- Above and beyond does not happen, I spent many cold nights in the computer room, rebuilding servers (for TIL, not money)
We had a yank come over, and he was slapping table top like Chruschev at the UN screaming "EXISTING LEVELS OF SERVICE!!!"

-Outsourcing destroys unions and diminishes worker rights.

TLDR; Outsourcing is theft and destruction of national assets.

Pro-stadium opinion piece by public servant had input from Devils footy club
By Adam Holmes

When a 3,000-word opinion piece by a senior public servant appeared in a major daily newspaper, eyebrows were raised across Tasmania's political spectrum. Emails show the pro-stadium piece had extensive involvement by multiple groups with stakes in the project.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-03/tas-coordinator-general-stadium-opinion-piece-issues/107107118

#PublicService #AdamHolmes

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

Head of the Charles Regatta volunteer registration is open! Hams needed for both land stations and safety launches.

https://volunteer.regattacentral.com/

PIN is 0911

#hamradio #amateurradio #publicservice

@oatmeal

I would add that the public service Just Works in Finland... getting a passport or a driver's licence, public transport, or just paying your taxes on-line. Civil servants are obliged by law to proactively help citizens solve their issues with public service.

There's one very old video that I found that captures the idea.

#PublicService

Proposal for public walkway around waterside mansions survives vote
By Sophie Jaggers

A proposal for a waterfront walkway around Hobart's historic Battery Point suburb has been debated for decades. The plan has lived to see another day, despite the local council's CEO recommending it be abandoned.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-01/battery-point-walkway-hobart-council-vote/107099410

#LocalGovernment #Infrastructure #PublicService #PublicGardens #SophieJaggers

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

How National Service Would Close The Divide In America

“CBS NEWS” By Gen. Stanley McChrystal (Retired)

“Young Americans come together for a year or two and work in efforts as varied as healthcare, education, conservation, the military, or other community projects. They work alongside other serving fellow citizens, learning about each other – and themselves.”

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“Political divisions are tearing our nation apart. Perhaps not since the last decade before our Civil War have differing perspectives so threatened the very fabric of American society. Many of us have seen similar forces in places like Iraq and Afghanistan produce unspeakable pain and tragedy and know that something must be done. But what?

My military career taught me that young Americans, recruited from every corner of our nation, representing different races, religions, incomes, and accents can be brought together under a single flag, for a common purpose, and do great things. During the Depression they built roads, parks and other things that have contributed to every generation that followed. When World Wars I and II erupted, they united to protect not only America, but the world. They came together as diverse as our society, and built bridges, not just over rivers, but also to fellow citizens.

Their greatest contribution was not any physical structure; it was in shaping themselves into what Tom Brokaw so aptly described as the “Greatest Generation.” I might simply call them good citizens.

We can, and must, do that again, by harnessing the power of letting young Americans serve something bigger than themselves.

We can do it through what is often called national service. It is a simple concept: Young Americans come together for a year or two and work together in efforts as varied as healthcare, education, conservation, the military, or other community projects. For that period of their lives, before they go on to jobs, school, or family life, they work alongside other Young Americans serving fellow citizens and learning about each other – and themselves.

So, how could this work? First, it exists today in the many programs like AmeriCorps, City Year, and Vista, but needs to be expanded. A public/private partnership providing essential funding for stipends and other needs, creating programs and opportunities, and establishing a set of supporting policies – like educational grants and job placement for national service “veterans” – is needed. It costs money and takes effort, but the benefits of producing better citizens who are more connected to each other would be worth any amount.

And the time to get serious is now.”

How National Service Would Close The Divide In America

The Guardian: BBC chief proposes ‘public service algorithm’ with YouTube-style user-generated content. “The BBC director general has suggested opening up the BBC to YouTube-style user-generated content as he backed the idea of a ‘public service algorithm’ free from the interests of US tech companies.”

A quotation from Teddy Roosevelt

A man who stays long in our American political life, if he has in his soul the generous desire to do effective service for great causes, inevitably grows to regard himself merely as one of many instruments, all of which it may be necessary to use, one at one time, one at another, in achieving the triumph of those causes; and whenever the usefulness of any one has been exhausted, it is to be thrown aside. If such a man is wise, he will gladly do the thing that is next, when the time and the need come together, without asking what the future holds for him. Let the half-god play his part well and manfully, and then be content to draw aside when the god appears. Nor should he feel vain regrets that to another it is given to render greater services and reap a greater reward. Let it be enough for him that he too has served, and that by doing well he has prepared the way for the other man who can do better.

Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) American politician, statesman, conservationist, writer, US President (1901–1909)
Autobiography, ch. 3 “Practical Politics” (1913)

More about this quote: wist.info/roosevelt-theodore/8…

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SBMA Offers Exemptions and Incentives for P7 Billion Subic Bay International Airport Modernization

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center confirmed that the company that wins the bid for the P7 billion Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) project will receive exemptions and incentives that include exemptions from national and local taxes, 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 winning bidder for the ₱7-billion concession to transform Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) into a world-class logistics hub will receive a generous government incentives package, including national and local tax exemptions.

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center noted that the project’s implementing agency, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), will offer a competitive slate of incentives to support long-term private investment.

Under the Special Corporate Income Tax (SCIT) regime, the winning operator may qualify for a five percent corporate income tax rate for up to 16 years, with the possibility of an extension subject to eligibility requirements.

As long as it is registered as an export enterprise with the SBMA, the concessionaire will be exempt from all national and local taxes under the SCIT regime.

It may also enjoy exemptions from customs duties and value-added tax (VAT) on imports, along with zero-rated VAT on qualified local purchases.

Beyond fiscal incentives, the project also opens up commercial opportunities outside standard airport operations. The operator can generate additional revenue through cargo handling, warehousing, commercial leasing, logistics services, and other non-aeronautical ventures.

“The SBIA project offers a compelling opportunity for the private sector to partner with the government in developing one of the Philippines’ most strategic aviation and logistics gateways,” the PPP Center said in a statement.

The SBMA recently launched a comparative challenge for the airport’s modernization and expansion, which originated from an unsolicited proposal by United States-based Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments LLC.

Under this process, interested firms may submit competing offers against the original proposal. As the original proponent, Cerberus retains the right to match or beat the best offer.

Cerberus, which has assets across transportation, real estate, and other sectors, wants to manage the SBIA under a 25-year operate-rehabilitate-add-transfer (ORAT) scheme, with an investment cost of around ₱7 billion.

The concession aims to develop the gateway, located northwest of Manila, into a strategic cargo and logistics hub that would help ease congestion at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), especially as demand for air cargo continues to grow.

The project will focus on upgrading existing airport facilities to align them with international standards, alongside the development of new facilities to transform the airport into a higher-capacity logistics hub.

The SBIA is poised to support logistics and aviation growth through the development of the airport’s midway apron, which will consist of two warehouse buildings with a total floor area of 22,400 square meters (sqm) and a 32,000-sqm aircraft staging and parking area.

The north airport land development, meanwhile, covers an additional 88,000 sqm across four parcels of land for warehouse facilities, a hangar, a storage facility, and additional apron space.

To ensure proper development of the project, SBMA will assist the private partner in securing the necessary approvals for implementation and facilitating permits and regulatory coordination.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the Subic Bay International Airport project will attract a lot of bidders from overseas? Do you believe the modernization of SBIA will add a lot to the economy of the Philippines in the long-term?

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