013125 - San Diego Edition

H-1B workers’ babies will not get birthright citizenship under new Trump ban

BABIES born after February 20 to parents holding temporary work or student visas will not be eligible for birthright citizenship, under the provisions of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump.

The executive order applies to anyone who is not a lawful permanent resident, explained Aarti Kohli, executive director of the Asian Law Caucus, in an interview with Ethnic Media Services.

Media focus has largely been on undocumented residents. However, more than 1 million H-1B visa holders are in the green card queue, waiting to port their temporary visas into permanent status.

But per-country caps, which state that no country can receive more than 7% of the green cards available that year, means that the wait time for a green card could stretch as long as 8 decades.

More than 70% of H-1B visa holders are highly-skilled workers from India.

Stateless Children born in the U.S. to parents holding H-1B or H-4 visas would essentially be stateless, said Kohli. They would be unable to access public health and nutrition support programs. And while they are eligible to attend elementary

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Fil-Am attorney general addresses fears among undocumented immigrants

SAN DIEGO – California Attorney

General Rob Bonta has met with immigrant rights groups and elected officials in San Diego to discuss his office’s efforts to protect California’s immigrant communities.

The Jan. 24 meeting was the fifth and final regional meeting throughout the state where Bonta shared resources to let immigrants know their rights under the law.

“We’ve been preparing for this day for months — hearing concerns through these regional convenings and issuing guidance for immigrants, local law enforcement, prosecutors, school officials and public institutions, all in anticipation of the president attempting to see through his destructive immigration agenda,” Bonta said.

“I’m disappointed but not surprised by the president’s executive orders.”

“But I want to be clear that California will not waiver in its commitment to upholding the rights and protections of all of our residents, including the nearly 11 million immigrants who call this state home,” the Filipino American attorney general added.

“We hear your concerns, and we will continue to use the full force of the law and tools of this office to stand up for you.”

The wide-ranging protections include the right to emergency medical care, the right to apply for secure housing without sharing immigration status and the right to an attorney.

Local and state law enforcement cannot ask for individuals’ immigration status, share personal information or assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement with immigration enforcement, with very limited exceptions.

Additionally, Bonta’s office backed students’ rights, allowing anyone to receive an education regardless of immigration status.

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Marcos to meet with Trump over immigration, other key issues

by LUISA CABATO Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong”

R. Marcos Jr. said he will meet with United States President Donald Trump to discuss various areas of cooperation, including the latter’s stricter

immigration policies.

In an ambush interview in Cebu City on Thursday, January 30, Marcos was asked if he would visit Trump.

discuss between the U.S. and the Philippines in terms of trade, defense and security, and now the new policy on immigration,” he added. There are, however, no definite details yet on the said meeting.

“I think hundreds of Filipinos were already sent

Fil-Am community leaders react to Trump’s return as president

by AJPress

UNITED States President Donald Trump on Monday, January 20 entered his second presidency with a renewed mission to “make America great again,” prompting a range of reactions from Filipino American community leaders and members across the country.

Taking the oath of office at the Capitol Rotunda, Trump ushered in his return to power and the “Golden Age of America” by saying, “from this day forward, our country

will flourish and be respected again all over the world.”

Painting a contrast to the outgoing Biden administration, Trump described his ascent back to office as a “mandate” to “give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy and indeed their freedom. From this moment on, America’s decline is over.”

In his nearly 40-minute speech, the 78-year-old former businessman laid down his agenda, ranging from mass deportations of “criminal aliens” by declaring “a national

Presidential Awards, flagship projects, balikbayan travel: PH Consulate in NY highlights community engagement; launches 2025 VIP Tour

by MoMar G. Visaya AJPress

THE Philippine Consulate General in New York hosted the 11th Filipino Community General Assembly at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center, gathering representatives from 80 Filipino organizations across the U.S. Northeast. The event, a cornerstone of the Consulate’s community engagement, celebrated the collective achievements of 2024 while unveiling initiatives for 2025,

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the Philippines will remain unaffected by U.S. President Donald Trump’s broad freeze on foreign aid to most countries, according to Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega.

“No, it’s not part of that aid package. They will not suddenly abandon the Edca sites,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official clarified during a weekend news forum.

“In one sentence: They know the importance of Edca for the interest[s] of both the United States and the Philippines. Again, I repeat, they know the importance,” De Vega added.

The Edca, established in 2014, allows the United States to rotate troops through Philippine bases and preposition defense assets to enhance regional security.

The U.S. aid freeze order sent out in an internal memo by Secretary of State Marco Rubio last week

including the launch of the 2025 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour.

Consul General Senen T. Mangalile reported highlights of the consulate’s activities last year promoting Philippine culture, and supporting the Filipino community across the U.S. Northeast.

“As we embark on the new year, our consulate reaffirms its commitment to serving our kababayan in our jurisdiction with excellence and dedication,” Mangalile

MANILA — U.S. President Donald Trump’s mass deportation policy is now taking effect, with 24 Filipinos deported for alleged involvement in illegal activities in the United States, according to Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez.

“We have monitored around 24 Filipinos who have been deported from the United States due to their involvement in certain criminal activities, although these were not classified as very serious offenses,” Romualdez said in an interview with dzBB on Sunday, Jan. 26. The ambassador reassured the public regarding the situation of undocumented Filipino immigrants, noting that some employers are committed to retaining their Filipino workers and are assisting them in securing their legal status.

Jane Bautista Inquirer.net

by Jane Bautista Inquirer.net

Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez.

Photo by Gabriel P. Lalu/INQUIRER.net

24 Filipinos in US deported...

PAGE 1

Romualdez had previously said that the U.S. government would prioritize the deportation of individuals with criminal records, along with the 1.3 million immigrants who have already been processed.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, for its part, advised Filipino immigrants to “keep a low profile” and actively pursue regularizing their legal status in the United States.

Foreign Undersecretary

Eduardo de Vega, speaking at a news forum over the weekend, recalled Trump’s comments about working with Democrats on addressing illegal aliens who do not fall under the categories of those targeted for deportation, particularly “criminals and terrorists.”

“That means they will create legal avenues to encourage productive overstaying aliens to become fully legalized. So, take advantage of that,” De Vega said.

He also emphasized that immigrants who are targeted for deportation still have legal options to contest the decision and remain in the United States for at least several months.

“Let’s see how good [their] immigration lawyers [are] because they would argue that you are doing something productive in the United States, so you can stay. And sometimes, success can prevent your deportation,” he said.

De Vega further noted that the majority of Filipinos who entered the country did so with valid documentation, even if

their visas have since expired, which differs from individuals who entered without any papers.

“It is almost impossible,” De Vega said, “that the estimated 300,000 Filipinos without legal status in the United States will be deported by the end of the Trump administration.”

During Trump’s first term, De Vega said that the United States deported “only a few hundred or less” undocumented Filipinos each month, which was fewer than during the Obama administration.

“Let’s see, for example, if in six months, 20,000 or 10,000 get deported, then the number really increased. Let’s not conclude anything until we see the data in six to eight months to determine if the number of deportations rises,” he said. n

DFA: Edca, defense treaty...

1

paused virtually all foreign aid pending a review.

De Vega allayed fears that it would severely impact the Philippines, as the country had “many economic partners.”

“While the U.S. involvement in our economy as a trading partner is still very high, I think even with the freeze, it’s not like it’s going to severely affect us because the aid packages are really small at the moment,” De Vega said. n

Marcos to meet with Trump...

PAGE 1

back to the Philippines, so this is something that we have to work through and hopefully resolve, because the Filipinos in the U.S., especially, have really formed the very important part already of their workforce,” Marcos also said in Filipino and English.

Since Trump’s announcement, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez has said that 24 Filipinos were already deported due to alleged involvement in illegal activities.

“We have monitored around 24 Filipinos who have been deported from the United States due to their involvement in certain criminal activities, although these were not classified as very serious offenses,” Romualdez said in an interview with dzBB last January 26. Meanwhile, during the Saturday News Forum last

January 25, Foreign Affairs

Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega advised overstaying Filipinos in the U.S. to “keep a low profile” and legalize their stay. n

Presidential Awards, Flagship Projects...

PAGE 1

said. “We look forward to working with all of you as partners in promoting the Philippines in this part of the world. Filipinos have made good names for themselves here, and we, at the Consulate, are proud to be your safe space and advocates.”

The consul general proudly shared that four out of 13 awardees of the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas by the Commission on Filipino Overseas are from the consulate’s jurisdiction, encouraging the organizations to continue doing their projects to uplift the community.

“I hope that we continue this and more of our community leaders and advocates and organizations will be recognized for their contributions not only to the Philippines but also to the fabric of American society,” the consul general said. Mangalile likewise talked about the flagship projects of the consulate including Paaralan sa Konsulado every July, Philippine Graduation celebrating Filipino graduates from different colleges and universities, Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado, and Homecoming

sa Konsulado, among others.

The assembly featured a video presentation of the Consulate’s 2024 accomplishment, showcasing highlights such as the 2024 VIP Tour that brought a 240-strong delegation to Manila, Bacolod, and Northern Mindanao—the latter being a first in the tour’s history.

VIP Tour 2025 Launch

One of the event’s highlights was the official launch of the 2025 VIP Tour with Tourism Director Francisco M. Lardizabal, Rajah Tours Chairperson Atty. Alejandra Clemente, and Philippine Airlines Area Manager Syed Imran Shahid presenting the itinerary and exclusive packages.

Lardizabal talked about the significant contribution of the U.S. as the second-largest source market for Philippine tourism in 2024, with over 950,000 arrivals generating a record-breaking 482 billion pesos in tourism revenue.

During the event, the itinerary for the 2025 VIP Tour, scheduled from July 6 to 15, 2025, was unveiled. This year’s tour will take participants to Manila, Laoag, Vigan, and Puerto Princesa, offering a rich cultural and scenic experience.

“We would really like you to join us, the dollars you will spend will help the country,” Clemente said. “The VIP Tour has brought 2.2 billion pesos in economic activity since we started 20 years ago, in 2005, making tourism an industry that can help propel growth for the Philippine economy.”

The organizers also introduced VIP Tour Next Gen: Beyond the Islands, catering to younger generations with a vibrant itinerary featuring Manila, Siargao, and Puerto Princesa. Attendees were treated to a nostalgic throwback video of the 2024 VIP Tour’s Northern Mindanao leg—highlighting Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, and Iligan—courtesy of the Department of Tourism Region 10, followed by a testimonial from 2024 participant Mr. Vitaliano “Nonoy” Rafael. Adding a distinct cultural flavor to the event, Ilocano cuisine was served, including pancit with bagnet, Vigan longganisa skewers, and bicho-bicho by Kabisera, as well as golden bibingka courtesy of Barkada Tumulong

Information on the 2025 VIP Tour can be accessed on the official VIP Tour website. n

tools at a

and up to 30% on

Newly elected 47th US President Donald Trump (left) and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. Photo from Official Facebook pages of Donald Trump and Bongbong Marcos

Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez. Photo by Gabriel P. Lalu/INQUIRER.net

Atty. Alejandra “Dading” Clemente of Rajah Tours discussing the itinerary for the 2025 VIP Tour as Tourism Attachè Francisco Lardizabal looks on.

Consul General Senen T. Mangalile

Atty. Alejandra “Dading” Clemente of Rajah Tours discussing the itinerary for the 2025 VIP Tour. AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

Consul General Senen T. Mangalile with Vice Consul Paolo Mapula

What a US exit from the WHO means for global health

FOR decades, the United States has held considerable power in determining the direction of global health policies and programs.

President Donald Trump issued three executive orders on his first day in office that may signal the end of that era, health policy experts said.

Trump’s order to withdraw from the World Health Organization means the U.S. will probably not be at the table in February when the WHO executive board next convenes. The WHO is shaped by its members: 194 countries that set health priorities and make agreements about how to share critical data, treatments, and vaccines during international emergencies. With the U.S. missing, it would cede power to others.

“It’s just stupid,” said Kenneth Bernard, a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University who served as a top biodefense official during the George W. Bush administration.

“Withdrawing from the WHO leaves a gap in global health leadership that will be filled by China,” he said, “which is clearly not in America’s best interests.”

Executive orders to withdraw from the WHO and to reassess America’s approach to international assistance cite the WHO’s “mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic” and say that U.S. aid serves “to destabilize world peace.” In action, they echo priorities established in Project 2025’s “Mandate for Leadership,” a conservative policy blueprint from the Heritage Foundation.

The 922-page report says the U.S. “must be prepared” to withdraw from the WHO, citing its “manifest failure,” and advises an overhaul to international aid at the State Department. “The Biden Administration has deformed the agency by treating it as a global platform to pursue overseas a divisive political and cultural agenda that promotes abortion, climate extremism, gender radicalism, and interventions against perceived systemic racism,” it says.

As one of the world’s largest funders of global health — through both international and national agencies, such as the WHO and the U.S. Agency for International

Development — America’s step back may curtail efforts to provide lifesaving health care and combat deadly outbreaks, especially in lower-income countries without the means to do so alone.

“This not only makes Americans less safe, it makes the citizens of other nations less safe,” said Tom Bollyky, director of global health at the Council on Foreign Relations.

“The U.S. cannot wall itself off from transnational health threats,” he added, referring to policies that block travelers from countries with disease outbreaks. “Most of the evidence around travel bans indicates that they provide a false sense of security and distract nations from taking the actions they need to take domestically to ensure their safety.”

Less than 1%

Technically, countries cannot withdraw from the WHO until a year after official notice. But Trump’s executive order cites his termination notice from 2020. If Congress or the public pushes back, the administration can argue that more than a year has elapsed.

Trump suspended funds to the WHO in 2020, a measure that doesn’t require congressional approval. U.S. contributions to the agency hit a low of $163 million during that first year of covid, falling behind Germany and the Gates Foundation. Former President Joe Biden restored U.S. membership and payments. In 2023, the country gave the WHO $481 million.

As for 2024, Suerie Moon, a codirector of the global health center at the Geneva Graduate Institute, said the Biden administration paid biennium dues for 2024-25 early, which will cover some of this year’s payments.

“Unfairly onerous payments” are cited in the executive order as a reason for WHO withdrawal. Countries’ dues are a percentage of their gross domestic product, meaning that as the world’s richest nation, the United States has generally paid more than other countries.

Funds for the WHO represent about 4% of America’s budget for global health, which in turn is less than 0.1% of U.S. federal expenditures each year. At about $3.4 billion, the WHO’s entire budget is roughly a third of the budget for the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention, which got $9.3 billion in core funding in 2023.

The WHO’s funds support programs to prevent and treat polio, tuberculosis, HIV, malaria, measles, and other diseases, especially in countries that struggle to provide health care domestically. The organization also responds to health emergencies in conflict zones, including places where the U.S. government doesn’t operate — in parts of Gaza, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, among others.

In January 2020, the WHO alerted the world to the danger of the covid outbreak by sounding its highest alarm: a public health emergency of international concern. Over the next two years, it vetted diagnostic tests and potential drugs for covid, regularly updated the public, and advised countries on steps to keep citizens safe.

Experts have cited missteps at the agency, but numerous analyses show that internal problems account for the United States’ having one of the world’s highest rates of death due to covid. “All nations received the WHO’s alert of a public health emergency of international concern on Jan. 30,” Bollyky said. “South Korea, Taiwan, and others responded aggressively to that — the U.S. did not.”

‘It’s a red herring’

Nonetheless, Trump’s executive order accuses the WHO of “mishandling” the pandemic and failing “to adopt urgently needed reforms.” In fact, the WHO has made some changes through bureaucratic processes that involve input from the countries belonging to it. Last year, for example, the organization passed several amendments to its regulations on health emergencies. These include provisions on transparent reporting and coordinated financing.

“If the Trump administration tried to push for particular reforms for a year and then they were frustrated, I might find the reform line credible,” Moon said.

“But to me, it’s a red herring.”

“I don’t buy the explanations,” Bernard said. “This is not an issue of money,” he added. “There is no rationale to withdraw from the

Trump’s early health moves signal intent to erase Biden’s legacy. What’s next is unclear.

PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s early actions on health care signal his likely intention to wipe away some Biden-era programs to lower drug costs and expand coverage under public insurance programs.

The orders he issued soon after reentering the White House have policymakers, health care executives, and patient advocates trying to read the tea leaves to determine what’s to come. The directives, while less expansive than orders he issued at the beginning of his first term, provide a possible road map that health researchers say could increase the number of uninsured Americans and weaken safety-net protections for low-income people.

However, Trump’s initial orders will have little immediate impact. His administration will have to take further regulatory steps to fully reverse Biden’s policies, and the actions left unclear the direction the new president aims to steer the U.S. health care system.

“Everyone is looking for signals on what Trump might do on a host of health issues. On the early EOs, Trump doesn’t

show his cards,” said Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF, the health policy research, polling, and news organization that includes KFF Health News.

A flurry of executive orders and other actions Trump issued on his first day back in office included rescinding directives by his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, that had promoted lowering drug costs and expanding coverage under the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid.

Executive orders “as a general matter are nothing more than gussied up internal memoranda saying, ‘Hey, agency, could you do something?’” said Nicholas Bagley, a law professor at the University of Michigan. “There may be reason to be concerned, but it’s down the line.”

That’s because making changes to established law like the ACA or programs like Medicaid generally requires new rulemaking or congressional action, either of which could take months.

Trump has yet to win Senate confirmation for any of his picks to lead federal health agencies,

including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the anti-vaccine activist and former Democratic presidential candidate he has nominated the lead the Department of Health and Human Services. On Monday, he appointed Dorothy Fink, a physician who directs the HHS Office on Women’s Health, as acting secretary for the department.

“We’re getting rid of all of the cancer — I call it cancer — the cancer caused by the Biden administration,” Trump told reporters as he signed some of the executive orders in the Oval Office on Jan. 20. His order rescinding more than 70 Biden directives, including some of the former president’s health policies, said that “the previous administration has embedded deeply unpopular, inflationary, illegal, and radical practices within every office of the Federal Government.”

During Biden’s term, his administration did implement changes consistent with his health orders, including lengthening the enrollment period for the ACA, increasing funding for groups that help

by Julie appleBy and stephanie armour KFF Health Newa

early health moves signal intent...

people enroll, and supporting the Inflation Reduction Act, which boosted subsidies to help people buy coverage.

After falling during the Trump administration, enrollment in ACA plans soared under Biden, hitting record highs each year. More than 24 million people are enrolled in ACA plans for 2025.

The drug order Trump rescinded called on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to consider tests to lower drug costs. The agency came up with some ideas, such as setting a flat $2 copay for some generic drugs in Medicare, the health program for people 65 and older, and having states try to get better prices by banding together to buy certain expensive cell and gene therapies.

That Trump included the Biden drug order among his revocations may indicate he expects to do less on drug pricing this term or even roll back drug price negotiation in Medicare. Or it may have been slipped in as simply one more Biden order to erase.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

Biden’s experiments in lowering drug prices didn’t fully get off the ground, said Joseph Antos of the American Enterprise Institute, a rightleaning research group. Antos said he’s a bit puzzled by Trump’s executive order ending the pilot programs, given that he has backed the idea of tying drug costs in the U.S. to lower prices paid by other nations.

“As you know, Trump is a big fan of that,” Antos said. “Lowering drug prices is an easy thing for people to identify with.”

In other moves, Trump also rescinded Biden orders on racial and gender equity and issued an order asserting that there are only two sexes, male and female. HHS under the Biden administration supported gender-affirming health care for transgender people and provided guidance on civil rights protections for transgender youths. Trump’s missive on gender has intensified concerns within the LGBTQ+ community that he will seek to restrict such

care.

“The administration has forecast that it will fail to protect and will seek to discriminate against transgender people and anyone else it considers an ‘other,’” said Omar GonzalezPagan, senior counsel and health care strategist at Lambda Legal, a civil rights advocacy group. “We stand ready to respond to the administration’s discriminatory acts, as we have previously done to much success, and to defend the ability of transgender people to access the care that they need, including through Medicaid and Medicare.”

Trump also halted new regulations that were under development until they are reviewed by the new administration. He could abandon some proposals that were yet to be finalized by the Biden administration, including expanded coverage of antiobesity medications through Medicare and Medicaid and a rule that would limit nicotine levels in tobacco products, Katie Keith, a Georgetown University professor who was deputy director of the White House Gender Policy Council under Biden, wrote in an article for Health Affairs Forefront.

“Interestingly, he did not disturb President Biden’s three executive orders and a presidential memorandum on reproductive health care,” she wrote.

However, Trump instructed top brass in his administration to look for additional orders or memorandums to rescind. (He revoked the Biden order that created the Gender Policy Council.)

Democrats criticized Trump’s health actions. A spokesman for the Democratic National Committee, Alex Floyd, said in a statement that “Trump is again proving that he lied to the American people and doesn’t care about lowering costs — only what’s best for himself and his ultra-rich friends.”

Trump’s decision to end a Biden-era executive order aimed at improving the ACA and Medicaid probably portends coming cuts and changes to both programs, some policy experts say. His administration previously opened the door to

work requirements in Medicaid — the federal-state program for low-income adults, children, and people with disabilities — and previously issued guidance enabling states to cap federal Medicaid funding. Medicaid and the related Children’s Health Insurance Program cover more than 79 million people.

“Medicaid will be a focus because it’s become so sprawling,” said Chris Pope, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a conservative policy group. “It’s grown after the pandemic. Provisions have expanded, such as using social determinants of health.”

The administration may reevaluate steps taken by the Biden administration to allow Medicaid to pay for everyday expenses some states have argued affect its beneficiaries’ health, including air conditioners, meals, and housing.

One of Trump’s directives orders agencies to deliver emergency price relief and “eliminate unnecessary administrative expenses and rent-seeking practices that increase healthcare costs.”

(Rent-seeking is an economic concept describing efforts to exploit the political system for financial gain without creating other benefits for society.)

“It is not clear what this refers to, and it will be interesting to see how agencies respond,” Keith wrote in her Health Affairs article.

Policy experts like Edwin Park at Georgetown University have also noted that, separately, Republicans are working on budget proposals that could lead to large cuts in Medicaid funding, in part to pay for tax cuts.

Sarah Lueck, vice president for health policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning research group, also pointed to Congress: “On one hand, what we see coming from the executive orders by Trump is important because it shows us the direction they are going with policy changes. But the other track is that on the Hill, there are active conversations about what goes into budget legislation. They are considering some pretty huge cuts to Medicaid.” n

Fil-Am attorney general addresses fears among...

What a US exit from the WHO means...

WHO that makes sense, including our problems with China.”

Trump has accused the WHO of being complicit in China’s failure to openly investigate covid’s origin, which he alludes to in the executive order as “inappropriate political influence.”

“The World Health Organization disgracefully covered the tracks of the Chinese Communist Party every single step of the way,” Trump said in a video posted to social media in 2023.

On multiple occasions, the WHO has called for transparency from China. The agency doesn’t have the legal authority to force China, or any other country, to do what it says. This fact also repudiates Trump’s warnings that a pandemic treaty under negotiation at the WHO impinges on American sovereignty. Rather, the accord aims to lay out how countries can better cooperate in the next pandemic.

Trump’s executive order calls for the U.S. to “cease negotiations” on the pandemic agreement. This means the pharmaceutical industry may lose one of its staunchest defenders as discussions move forward.

In the negotiations so far, the U.S. and the European Union have sided with lobbying from the pharmaceutical industry to uphold strict patent rights on drugs and vaccines. They have opposed efforts from middleincome countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to include licensing agreements that would allow more companies to produce drugs and vaccines when supplies are short in a crisis. A study published in Nature Medicine estimated that more than a million lives would have been saved had COVID vaccines been available around the world in 2021.

“Once the U.S. is absent — for better and for worse — there will be less pressure on certain positions,” Moon said. “In the pan-

demic agreement negotiations, we may see weakening opposition towards more public-health-oriented approaches to intellectual property.”

“This is a moment of geopolitical shift because the U.S. is making itself less relevant,” said Ayoade Alakija, chair of the Africa Union’s Vaccine Delivery Alliance. Alakija said countries in Asia and Africa with emerging economies might now put more money into the WHO, change policies, and set agendas that were previously opposed by the U.S. and European countries that are grappling with the war in Ukraine. “Power is shifting hands,” Alakija said. “Maybe that will give us a more equitable and fairer world in the long term.”

Echoes of Project 2025

In the near term, however, the WHO is unlikely to recoup its losses entirely, Moon said. Funds from the U.S. typically account for about 15% of its budget.

Together with Trump’s executive order that pauses international aid for 90 days, a lack of money may keep many people from getting lifesaving treatments for HIV, malaria, and other diseases.

Another loss is the scientific collaboration that occurs via the WHO and at about 70 centers it hosts at U.S. institutions such as Columbia University and Johns Hopkins University. Through these networks, scientists share findings despite political feuds between countries.

A third executive order commands the secretary of state to ensure the department’s programs are “in line with an America First foreign policy.”

It follows on the order to pause international aid while reviewing it for “consistency with United States foreign policy.” That order says that U.S. aid has served “to destabilize world peace by promoting ideas in foreign countries that are directly inverse to harmonious and stable relations.”

These and executive orders on climate policies track with policy agendas expressed by Project 2025. Although Trump and his new administration have distanced themselves from the Heritage Foundation playbook, CBS News reviewed the work histories of the 38 named primary authors of Project 2025 and found that at least 28 of them worked in Trump’s first administration. One of Project 2025’s chief architects was Russell Vought, who served as director of the Office of Management and Budget during Trump’s first term and has been nominated for it again. Multiple contributors to Project 2025 are from the America First Legal Foundation, a group headed by Trump adviser Stephen Miller that’s filed complaints against “woke corporations.” Project 2025 recommends cutting international aid for programs and organizations focused on climate change and reproductive health care, and steering resources toward “strengthening the fundamentals of free markets,” lowering taxes, and deregulating businesses as a path to economic stability.

Several experts said the executive orders appear to be about ideological rather than strategic positioning.

The White House did not respond to questions about its executive orders on global health. Regarding the executive order saying U.S. aid serves “to destabilize world peace,” a spokesperson at USAID wrote in an email: “We refer you to the White House.” (Amy Maxmen/ KFF Health News) KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

Fil-Am community leaders react...

PAGE 1 emergency at our southern border” to the ambitious space race.

“We will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars by launching American astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars,” Trump said.

As one of the fastest-growing immigrant groups in the U.S., Filipino Americans hold diverse political views and priorities, which were evident in their responses — ranging from both optimism and apprehension — to Trump’s return to the White House.

Rudy Asercion, an active member of the San Francisco Republican Party, declared that “American exceptionalism is back!”

“With a focus on rebuilding our economy, improving foreign policy, achieving energy independence, and securing our southern border, I am confident that Trump’s administration will yield meaningful outcomes for the American people, and I eagerly anticipate the promising days ahead,” he told the Asian Journal

Cristina Osmeña, a community leader who was previously ran as the Republican nominee for California’s 14th Congressional District, said she “took a sigh of relief” after Biden left office.

because it was about bottomline issues.”

Ang, who is also a small business owner, praised Trump’s executive order pausing the law banning popular social media platform TikTok for 75 days. Ang asserted that a significant population of the 170 million Americans on TikTok are small business owners, including many Fil-Am-owned ventures ranging from lifestyle brands to food vendors, that use the platform to boost their businesses.

“[Trump] understood the impact of that and acted accordingly, while Congress — Republicans and Democrats — were willing to let that go dark and including former President Biden so that was one of the exciting things for me,” Ang said.

In his inauguration speech, Trump stated that “the entire nation is rapidly unifying behind our agenda with dramatic increases in support from virtually every element of our society,” including Asian Americans.

On January 15, a new AAPI Data/AP-NORC survey found that 31% of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults believe the country is heading in the right direction.

the U.S. Ramoso lamented the divisiveness that she believes will continue during Trump’s second term.

“It was evident a sense of trust was lost after the election, and we have to do everything in our power to gain that trust back from Americans,” she concluded, emphasizing the need for Democrats to reassess and reengage with the American people.

In Las Vegas, civic leader Gloria Caoile focused on the importance of resilience and optimism.

“We need to continue to live and character our principles. Good governance requires positive energy and pragmatism, and so we look forward to the next four years with hope and optimism,” Caoile said.

Neil Ferrer, the Philippine Consul General in San Francisco, struck a more diplomatic tone, focusing on the peaceful transfer of power as a hallmark of American democracy. While acknowledging potential impacts on Filipino nationals, he reaffirmed the Consulate’s commitment to supporting the community.

school, they may be ineligible to attend college or university, depending on the state they live in, she said.

“The executive order will be devastating because it will undermine one of the key principles in America. No matter where you come from, you can come here, and within a generation you belong. You are part of this society,” stated Kohli. “There are very few countries in the world which have that level of quick integration,” she said.

Immigrant underclass

“In so many ways it benefits our country, both culturally, socially, economically, to not have created an underclass of immigrants.”

The executive order would create administrative burdens for all parents, said Kohli, noting that everyone would have to prove citizenship or legal permanent residency when applying for benefits for their children, or getting their kids’ social security cards.

“If you need help applying for immigration relief, be careful who you hire,” a statement from Bonta’s office read.

“Watch out for immigration scams that can cost you thousands of dollars and/or harm your immigration status.”

Finally, the attorney general warned of several scams targeting immigrants, advising them not to give money or personal information to anyone calling, texting or emailing you, as “no federal or state agency, including USCIS, will ever ask for your personal information or payment over the phone, by email or text.”

Those who believe their rights have been violated may reach out to the California Department of Justice.

Those who believe their rights were subject to discrimination, harassment or retaliation may report their case to the California Civil Rights Department.

(Inquirer.net with CNS report)

It is unclear whether hospitals would be banned from issuing birth certificates to children of parents who are not lawful permanent residents, said Kohli. She noted that getting a birth certificate or citizenship from the parents’ home country could also be problematic. Lawsuits “For some people, they have no country to go back to. They’re stateless,” said Kohli. Several civil rights organizations and 22 states immediately filed lawsuits after Trump signed the order. On January 23, Federal District Court Judge John Coughenour issued an injunction, blocking implementation of the executive order for at least 14 days. The judge stated the executive order was unconstitutional. (Sunita Sohrabji/Ethnic Media Services)

“In the last four years, the world has seen two war fronts open up and an American ally fallen to terrorists. The United States flirted with an experiment in modern monetary theory, creating a surge in inflation no one could ignore. And our culture has become paralyzed by the epidemic of treating falsehoods as truths. That is all over. Common sense is making a comeback,” she wrote in an e-mail.

Marc Ang, a Southern Californiabased conservative community organizer and entrepreneur, likewise expressed eagerness and support for Trump’s second term, sharing that the president is more equipped with the inner workings of the government to push his agenda and follow the “smartest solution” on issues like immigration.

“All the fear that’s coming from the left is overblown. Just watch, he’s going to do what’s best for the people,” Ang told the Asian Journal, echoing Trump’s premise to “bring back competence and common sense. That’s the feeling that most Americans have, regardless of ideology.”

“I’m willing to put my ideologies aside just to see practical results come in that help more people than hurt more people,” he said, adding that the 2024 election outcome demonstrated that “a lot of minorities were affected by the downturn of the economy.”

“I have seen an evolution in many of my Filipino American community partners, as well as my Hispanic American community partners, who were formerly voting against [Trump] and came around and expanded that coalition for him this time around

Within the AAPI community, AAPI Data noted Trump had greater support among certain demographics, including Filipinos, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, men, and those aged 60 and older.

Filipino Americans had the highest levels of Trump favorability among Asian Americans, with 47% saying they were “very or somewhat favorable” of Trump, versus 45% who said “very/somewhat unfavorable.”

Some issues that Fil-Ams surveyed weighed in on included deportation of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., with 43% of Fil-Ams saying they strongly/ somewhat favor the action.

Hon. Melissa Ramoso, California Democratic Party State Chair Emerita for AAPI and Filipino American Caucuses, expressed deep concern about Trump’s immediate actions on his first day in office. Trump signed executive orders reversing several policies from the Biden administration, including measures addressing climate change, supporting local economies, and advocating for inclusivity.

“It was no surprise that President Trump started to carry out Executive Orders on day one to reverse all the hard work that President Biden’s Administration did to protect families, address climate change, advocate for service workers, assist local economies, advance science and health policies, be inclusive of LGBTQ rights, and so much more,” Ramoso told the Asian Journal

She criticized Trump’s decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris Climate Accords, saying these moves as a signal that such global issues are no longer a priority for

“In his inaugural address, President Trump outlined his priorities that may impact Filipino citizens in the United States. On changes in U.S. immigration policy, the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco is committed to extending appropriate assistance to Filipino nationals across its jurisdiction regardless of immigration status, while respecting U.S. laws as well as individual privacy,” Ferrer stated.

He also expressed hope for strengthened ties between the Philippines and the United States, noting the importance of recent diplomatic engagements, including Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez’s meeting with President Trump and a call between Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Washington issued an advisory that “Filipinos in the United States have rights, regardless of their immigration status,” including the right to speak to an attorney before answering any questions from immigration or law enforcement. The Embassy and Consulates General throughout the country have made their 24/7 hotlines available to ensure that “Filipinos are informed, safe and supported” in the event they need help.

There are currently over 300,000 undocumented Filipinos living in the United States. The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it would be ready to assist should they be deported back to their home country.

During Trump’s first term in the White House, over 3,500 Filipinos were deported between 2017 to 2020, according to the DMW, with the highest being recorded in 2018 with 503. n

Trump’s

California Attorney General Rob Bonta

Photo from Facebook/@RobBonta

Dateline PhiliPPines

Want good luck in 2025? Here are 10 traditions to welcome Chinese New Year

January 29 ushers in the Year of the Wood Snake

by mary Villegas Inquirer.net

JANUARY 29 marked the beginning of the Chinese New Year, ushering in the Year of the Wood Snake.

Also known as Lunar New Year, it is celebrated in many Asian countries, including the Philippines.

For many, it’s a time to set intentions for a prosperous year ahead.

This New Year celebration spans 15 days, lasting until the Lantern Festival on Feb.

12.  Chinese New Year traditions, passed down from generation to generation, are believed to attract prosperity and good fortune.

Here are 10 traditions to usher in a prosperous new year.

10 Chinese New Year traditions to attract good fortune

1. Cleaning the house

On days leading to the Chinese New Year, families thoroughly clean their homes to sweep away the old and welcome the new. Taking a bath also symbolizes renewal.

2. Decorating homes in red Homes and businesses across the globe are adorned with red lanterns, red paper cuttings and spring couplets to attract good fortune and ward off evil.

After cleaning the house to “sweep away bad luck,” families decorate their homes in vibrant red, the color of prosperity.

3. Family reunion dinner Bringing families together and fostering connection, this family reunion dinner is one of the celebration highlights on Chinese New Year’s Eve.

In the Philippines, families often serve traditional Chinese food like dumplings, fish, spring rolls and Tikoy — a sticky rice cake symbolizing prosperity and tight family bonds.

4. Lighting firecrackers or fireworks

Loud noise or explosions are believed to scare away evil spirits. The louder the noise, the more prosperous the year ahead will be, particularly for businesses.

5. Wearing new clothes and wishing others good luck

On New Year’s Day, wearing new clothes symbolizes a fresh start. Wearing red is believed to attract luck and prosperity. Greeting others “ gongxi ” or best wishes is thought to usher in an auspicious year.

The younger generations opt for modern greetings, including virtual messages and WeChat red envelopes.

6. Dragon and lion dances Chinese enclaves worldwide, including Binondo, come alive with dragon and lion dances that are believed to chase away evil spirits and bring blessings of wealth and luck for the new year.

Led by the “Pearl of Wisdom” — the dragon weaves through crowds and the lion’s movements are accompanied by pounding drums and clashing cymbals.

7. Red envelopes Known as “ ang pao ” in the

Philippines and “ hong bao ” in China, these red envelopes filled with money are handed to kids and unmarried family members, symbolizing blessings of health and longevity.

8. Offering gifts to ancestors Families honor their ancestors by offering wine, food and incense at gravesites or altars. This custom of showing respect ensures blessings for the new year.

9. Staying up late “ Shousui ,” which translates to “after the New Year’s Eve dinner,” is the Chinese New Year tradition of staying awake past midnight.

Also known as the New Year’s vigil, this tradition is believed to prolong the lives of parents and welcome a bountiful year.

10. Festival of lanterns

The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. This tradition aims to promote peace, reconciliation and forgiveness.

People decorate their homes with colorful lanterns and many carry paper lanterns around at night. n

Marcos grants clemency to ex-Iloilo City mayor

by

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has granted executive clemency to former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, seven years after his dismissal from service due to alleged ill-gotten wealth.

In a resolution dated Jan. 15 but made public only on Monday, January 27, the Office of the President, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, heeded Mabilog’s petition for executive clemency and the removal of all administrative penalties meted against him in 2017, the same year he fled the country after being targeted by the bloody war on drugs initiated by the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“In view of Mabilog’s longstanding commitment to good governance coupled with the awards and recognition

received by Iloilo City under his leadership, this Office finds the grant of his petition warranted,” Bersamin said.

Mabilog was ordered dismissed from service by the Ombudsman in October 2017 over graft charges filed against him for unexplained wealth and alleged conflict of interest, and he was also perpetually disqualified from running for public office.

His dismissal stemmed from a complaint filed in 2013 by Manuel Mejorada, the former provincial administrator of Iloilo who alleged that the former Iloilo City mayor committed acts of dishonesty and grave misconduct when he awarded a government contract to a towing services firm in which he and a former Iloilo City councilor had a vested interest.

According to Bersamin, the president found merit in Mabilog’s justification for why

he failed to put up a defense on the charges lodged against him.

“[It was] because he was forced by circumstances to go to another jurisdiction and to stay away from the Philippines for some time and we found justification in his declarations,” Bersamin said.

According to Bersamin, executive clemency covers all administrative liabilities that Mabilog sought to be expunged and restores his political rights.

“The terms of the order do not cover all [pending cases],” he said.

ICC probe

The grant of executive clemency for Mabilog came five months after his return to the country after more than seven years of hiding in the United States.

Upon his return to the country in September last year, Mabilog revealed at the House quad

allaine Kate leda, melVin gascon Inquirer.net

‘A deepening crisis’

THE official campaign period is set to start soon, first for Senate aspirants and then for candidates in the House of Representatives and local governments. Lawmakers will become busy with their campaigns and congressional probes will have to be wrapped up.

In the past months, various committees in both chambers of Congress have unearthed testimonies and information about wrongdoing including alleged misuse of public funds in certain agencies. The amounts involved could warrant indictments for plunder or at least multiple counts of graft and corruption.

As the congressional inquiries are wrapped up, government prosecutors must step in and pursue the probes. This is the call of over 500 education stakeholders, who have signed a statement sounding the alarm on the “deepening crisis” in the sector that they say has been aggravated by “widespread corruption and lessened prioritization” of the budget for the Department of Education.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara’s lament about the nearly P12 billion slashed from the 2025 budget of the department, which was meant for public schools’ computerization programs, triggered a closer scrutiny of this year’s General Appropriations Act. The resulting public uproar over what was uncovered has refused to die down. This year’s national outlay has been condemned as a GAA in aid of lawmakers’ election campaign.

UPON direct instructions

of the president, we arranged for Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who flew into Washington D.C., to meet with newly appointed National Security Advisor Michael Waltz at the White House. After our short meeting with the National Security Advisor, we proceeded to have an expanded meeting with Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Alex Wong as well as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Andrew Byers and National Security Council Senior Director for Asia Ivan Kanapathy at the West Wing of the White House. Both meetings were extremely productive, where we focused on serious security issues and the reaffirmation of the enduring alliance between the Philippines and the United States.

Secretary Teodoro emphasized both nations’ shared commitment to peace, stability and mutual security interests in the Indo-Pacific region, and the paramount

The signatories to the statement that has been released include administrators and faculty of top state-run and private universities, members of education workers’ unions and several education advocacy groups. Years before the pandemic, concerns were already being raised over the decline in the quality of Philippine education. The concerns were validated when the government decided to participate for the first time in the Program for International Student Assessment in 2018. The results were dismal, with the country’s 15-yearold students ranking at the bottom in mathematics, science and reading competencies.

In 2022, the country again participated in the PISA, which is administered by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The disappointing results were the same, although this was not surprising, considering that the assessment was undertaken as the country was emerging from two years of COVID-related school lockdowns.

Signatories to the statement lament that corruption in the education sector – as unearthed in the congressional hearings – and now

aggravated by the funding priorities of lawmakers have deepened the crisis in a sector that is critical to national competitiveness and development. The rot in the system must be excised. This requires not only improvements in the quality of education but also ensuring that funds for the

sector are properly allocated and not misused. Prosecutors must not waste the findings of the congressional inquiries. Public officials must be held accountable before impunity becomes entrenched and the education crisis deepens further. (Philstar.com)

On the move with the new Trump presidency

importance of strengthening the bilateral defense ties between the Philippines and the United States to address emerging geopolitical challenges.

These meetings took place two days after the inauguration of President Donald Trump, making the Philippines one of the first countries to engage with the new administration – a very significant step in further advancing our longtime alliance, with both sides expressing optimism in deepening defense and security cooperation in the years to come.

Additionally, there was also a telephone conversation between Foreign Affairs Secretary Ricky Manalo and State Secretary Marco Rubio in the morning (Washington D.C. time) on issues of mutual concern, among them the dangerous actions of China in the South China Sea that undermine regional peace and stability. They also exchanged views on advancing security cooperation and expanding economic ties for shared prosperity.

Secretary Rubio, who underscored the “ironclad” commitment of the U.S. to the Philippines under the

1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, certainly recognizes the importance of strengthening economic – not just defense or military – ties, for the bilateral relationship to be enduring.

“When your engagement with a country leads to economic development, whether it’s outbound U.S. investment in the Philippines or what have you, then that becomes enduring. Then it makes it difficult, no matter who’s in charge, to walk away from the alliance, because the alliance is more than just military and a military presence. It also involves jobs and businesses and investment and economic opportunity, and we need to look for ways to emphasize that. I think it would be a mistake to simply view it as a military or defense alliance,” Secretary Rubio stated during his confirmation hearing.

We are looking forward to working closely with Secretary Rubio’s team at the State Department in advancing shared priorities and strengthening U.S.-Philippines ties even further.

As I have emphasized on several occasions, we have strong support from both Republicans and Democrats,

and we will continue to work with them on issues that are mutually beneficial – because this relationship is a two-way street. I also know that the U.S. sees the Philippines as an important ally, especially at this time. This bipartisan support from members of the U.S. Congress was evident during my meeting last Thursday (January 23) at the U.S. Capitol with Democratic Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii, who is a member of the Senate foreign relations committee.

“Ambassador Romualdez and I had a constructive discussion about opportunities and challenges in the IndoPacific. We discussed how we can better coordinate and strengthen U.S. military and economic support to the Philippines and further elevate our alliance,” he shared in his website, adding, “We have a long, close relationship with the Philippines and the Filipino people, and our commitment to the U.S.-Philippine alliance remains ironclad.”

During the inauguration of President Trump and the social events that followed shortly thereafter, I also had the opportunity to engage with “old and new faces” who will be taking on important roles in

the Trump administration for the next four years to bring our relationship to even greater heights. We also hosted a reception at the Philippine embassy, bringing together representatives from the new government, the U.S. Congress and members of the media, among several other sectors.

In my interview with Karen Davila of ANC, I amply described how our relationship with the United States will be like under the new Trump administration. Naturally, an issue of great concern is the new immigration policy and its impact on the estimated 350,000 undocumented Filipinos in the United States.

Clear instructions have already been given to all consulates general in the United States on what we can do to help our kababayans regardless of their immigration status. Early this month, we met with members of a group called Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF) to discuss the challenges faced by undocumented Filipinos and shared insights on how those affected can have access to legal counsel and how they can have a legal path to stay in the U.S. FALDEF representatives

led by their president Jose Teodoro Mallonga are also offering pro bono legal services and partnering with other Filipino community organizations to strengthen the support network for vulnerable groups.

The embassy and our consulates general all over the U.S. are likewise continuing efforts to disseminate information about the rights of all Filipinos in the U.S., regardless of their immigration status, through our websites and social media platforms, providing information from the U.S. Department of Labor, migration offices of states, immigration centers and various sources.

As always, the Philippine embassy will do what we can in assisting all Filipinos regardless of status. But as I told Karen, the bottom line advice to our fellow Filipinos is to follow a legal path – if one wants to have peace of mind. (Philstar.com)

* * *

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*

* * Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com

Have the Dutertes turned the tide?

“THEY say that I was a terrible president of Cuba. That may be true. But I was the best president Cuba ever had,” remarked the exiled Cuban leader Carlos Manuel Prío Socarrás. In many ways, a similar narrative has undergirded the so-called “Duterte magic.” Time and again, former President Rodrigo Duterte has admitted to shortcomings, but just to claim that, at the very least, he did something about national crises no matter how incompetent or catastrophic. Whenever confronted with evidence of misdeed or misgovernance, Duterte supporters are quick to lean back their usual retort: “At least, he did something about drugs and criminality!” This ”cult of action,” the Italian philosopher Umberto Eco once argued, is central to both the ideology and appeal of authoritarian populist leaders. Drenched in the awesome power of the state, and crowned with a decisive electoral mandate and skyhigh approval ratings, Duterte seamlessly inspired admiration and fear among the majority of Filipinos throughout his six years in Malacañang. But the past two years have seen a steady diminution of the notorious dynasty’s political capital, even as the Dutertes held onto the country’s largest urban center in terms of land area as well as the second most powerful office in the land. The reason was simple: They overreached by directly attacking their chief ally, the Marcoses, who have shown little interest in squandering their second shot at Malacañang.

Marcos into submission and, accordingly, become the ”power behind the throne.” That foolhardy plan, however, has catastrophically backfired. The upshot was the concatenation of multiple forces, which threatened the very political survival of the Dutertes: A dramatic series of exposes of the Dutertes’ multifarious wrongdoings went hand in hand with the real and present threat of impeachment against the vice president.

allies ahead of the midterm elections. And here enters the significance of the split within the genuine opposition.

Blinded by hubris, the Dutertes thought that they could just bludgeon President

By the end of 2024, the once mighty dynasty was a cornered beast. And then, all of a sudden, the tide shifted in favor of the Dutertes. On one hand, it always helps to have a well-organized religious group behind you to muster a million-strong ”peace rally” to intimidate your opponents. More importantly, however, the Marcos administration seemingly failed to appreciate the perils of not reining in the greed of their legislative

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In theory, the disintegration of the “UniTeam” should have provided an unprecedented opening for a progressive ”third force.” But lacking a core leadership and characteristically fractious and ideologically incoherent, genuine opposition forces failed to congeal into an autonomous force. If anything, the administration chose to piggy-ride on the “Never Duterte” camp, which took up the cudgels to expose the notorious dynasty, while the Dutertes wasted no time to piggy-ride on the “Never Marcos” camp, which assiduously exposed alleged anomalies in the 2025 national budget.

The result is the fracturing of the national political discourse and, accordingly, a decisive halt to the antiDuterte momentum steadily

building up over the past year. And since the commander in chief happens to be a conflictavoidant individual, there is effectively no center of gravity in Philippine politics. Thus, it’s impossible to predict the outcome of the inter-dynastic conflict, which is steadily tearing the country asunder.

In this sense, the Philippines more exhibits Niccolo Machiavelli’s ”cyclical” conception of history in medieval societies than the characteristics of a modern democratic republic. When institutions are weak, and the rule of law is purely aspirational, political development gives way to indeterminate cycles of intra-oligarchic struggles, institutional decay, and, worse, a political vacuum. While undoubtedly entertaining, our Netflix-like politics is actually extremely dangerous, since it could ultimately produce a total crisis of legitimacy with dire

consequences. On one hand, more Filipinos could end up cynical and, accordingly, opt out of political mobilization altogether, thus dramatically diminishing chances of positive transformation for the foreseeable future. Worse, the emerging interregnum could strengthen the hands of more extreme forces, including proto-fascist advocates of a ”revolutionary government.”

Unless the genuine opposition crystalizes into a coherent force, one that is capable of providing an alternative bastion of hope and leadership, the Philippines’ political fate will remain hostage to Mr. Marcos’ whims and the political death drive of the Dutertes. (Inquirer.net)

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * * rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph

Maharlika open to buying Chinese stake in NGCP

by marlon ramos, melVin gascon Inquirer.net

THE country’s sovereign wealth fund is investing in the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) to allow the government to monitor the possible emergence of external threats, the head of Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) said on Tuesday.

MIC president and chief executive officer Rafael Consing Jr. said they would also be interested in buying the 40-percent NGCP stake owned by a Chinese state-owned company once the opportunity arises.

While he clarified that no threat exists now within NGCP, “we just want to basically say that [with] our presence there, at least we would be able to monitor if such threats indeed arise.”

Consing made the statement after he was asked to expound on his statement on Monday that the investment of MIC, which manages the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), would “safeguard the nation’s power supply from external threats and disruptions.”

NGCP is facing scrutiny at a House investigation over concerns about the composition of its board, mainly the presence of representatives of State Grid Corp. of China (SGCC), which owns 40 percent of the private firm operating the country’s lone power transmission network. Tycoons Henry Sy Jr. and Robert Coyiuto Jr. hold the remaining 60-percent stake.

“But at the moment, no such threat exists and nothing has been proven and, in fact, there are no allegations of such a threat existing,” Consing added.

On Monday, January 27, Consing signed an agreement that would give MIC a 20-percent stake in Synergy Grid and Development Philippines Inc. (SGP), which holds a 40-percent share in NGCP.

Asked about China’s 40-percent stake in NGCP, he said: “We only saw this opportunity at the SGP level—we’re not having any discussions with the State Grid of China at this point in time.”

Target Chinese stake

Senators on Tuesday, January 28, lauded the move of MIC, but Sen. JV Ejercito said it would have been better if the wealth fund bought out instead the 40-percent stake of SGCC.

Legislators have in recent years warned about potential security risks from a Chinese state firm’s involvement in the power grid.

“I was hoping that the 40-percent share owned by [SGCC] will also be reacquired by the government for national security reasons,” Ejercito told the Inquirer

“With the (country’s maritime) conflict with China in the West Philippine Sea, it should be prioritized,” he pointed out.

Sen. Joel Villanueva also welcomed the development, saying it was “a step toward the right direction” that would result in “greater government influence and participation, which could motivate NGCP to be more efficient.”

For Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, MIC’s purchase of SGP’s shares was a good investment, but more than just profitability, “the investment in NGCP is strategic in terms of defense and security.”

“The national government should be strategically involved in the control and management of such an important energy backbone of our country,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Senate President Francis Escudero, who had voted against the establishment of MIF, said MIC should be able to explain if its investment in NGCP would earn more than placing the funds in government securities, which would have yielded an annual income of 6 percent.

Access to information

“The supposed goal of this (investment) is for the government to have a bigger control in our transmission system. I don’t recall seeing that in the MIC law,” he said, asking: “According to the MIC law, MIC is not allowed to govern or run a business. So how will they be able to ensure profits if they are not allowed to run a business?”

Viewed by critics as the Philippine government’s attempt to wrest control over the country’s grid operator, Consing clarified that MIC’s entry into NGCP was not meant to take over the firm.

“The objective was not to take control, but rather just to be able to achieve some level of influence, and you achieve that by way of your board seats,” he explained.

The MIC official expressed optimism that buying into NGCP would allow the government to access information on the grid operator’s affairs and enable it to make “informed decisions.”

“We were looking over the shoulder of the shareholders but the reality is that we had absolutely no access to such information, and now we will have access to that information,” he noted.

According to Consing, MIC’s involvement in NCGP would not be about its operations but about governance.

“Hopefully we can be invited to some of the more important committees so that we can see aspects of the operations greater than just by [looking at] their financial statements—so, we look forward to that,” he said.

Consing said MIC’s 20-percent stake in NGCP guarantees a 6.5 percent dividend yield for the first three years of its venture into the energy industry, or about P1.28 billion.

He, however, declined to disclose the projected return on investments of MIC’s maiden business investment.

“We can’t talk about that in public because we’re dealing with a public company, so everything that we say, we will be [revealing] sensitive data and information,” he said.

Congressional oversight In the House of Representatives, Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas on Tuesday slammed the administration’s acquiring a stake in NGCP, claiming this was “crony capitalism in its worst form.”

The Gabriela women’s party representative called on her colleagues at the House to exercise oversight and scrutinize the deal.

The government “is gambling people’s money by investing in [SGP] while opening doors for other cronies to profit from NGCP,” Brosas claimed.

“Essentially, they’re raiding government-owned and -controlled corporations to fund the Maharlika Investment Fund, only to use it in questionable deals that benefit big business interests,” she alleged.

“Essentially, they’re raiding government-owned and -controlled corporations to fund the Maharlika Investment Fund, only to use it in questionable deals that benefit big business interests,” she alleged. — With Reports from Jeannette I. Andrade and Reuters

committee probing Duterte’s drug war that there was an alleged scheme to force him to link former Senators Mar Roxas and Franklin Drilon to the illegal drug trade.

Mabilog also expressed his willingness to be a witness before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the “war on drugs” and the extrajudicial killings allegedly carried out by the Duterte administration.

Officials of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency also told the House quad committee that Mabilog’s name was not on the initial list of police generals and government officials allegedly aiding drug lords and was included only in the list produced by Duterte.

Reward

In a statement, Salvador Panelo, Duterte’s former chief presidential legal counsel, branded Mabilog’s clemency as a “reward” for his adverse testimony against the former president.

“The pardon granted Mabilog on his administrative case, obviously, is a reward for attacking and besmirching the integrity and reputation of

former President Duterte, who is a critic of the administration,” he said.

But Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who had enforced Duterte’s antinarcotics campaign when he was named chief of the Philippine National Police in 2016, found nothing objectionable in President Marcos’ decision.

“His case is not drug-related, right? It’s an administrative case. So that’s OK with me,”

Dela Rosa told reporters on Monday after hearing of Mabilog’s pardon.

“I don’t have any complaints with that. In fact, as I’ve said, as to the allegations linking him to illegal drugs, I was then very much willing to help him clear his name before [then] President Duterte,” he added.

Dela Rosa also acknowledged Mabilog’s efforts to rid Iloilo of illegal drugs during his term as mayor.

“But as to whether he had a hand in the proliferation of illegal drugs, I’m not so sure,”

Dela Rosa said. In a press conference in Iloilo City on Monday, Mabilog said he applied for clemency in September last year.

Mabilog said he received the executive clemency only last Jan. 24 and immediately arranged for a Thanksgiving Mass at his residence on Monday morning.

Noncommittal

He recalled how emotional he was and how he held on to an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe when his wife Marivic opened the envelope containing the President’s decision.

“Subong ko ma lang na realize nga may purpose gale ang pagpauli ko diri (Now, I realized that coming home had a purpose),” he said.

Asked what his plans are after receiving clemency, he said he would first go to Manila to thank President Marcos and the people who made it possible.

He also plans to help the entire slate of Iloilo’s Team Sulong Gugma in its election campaign and then go back to his private life for the next three years.

Mabilog remains noncommittal about his political future.

Mabilog was elected mayor in 2010, reelected in 2013, and was supposed to serve his third and last term until 2019. — With Reports from Marlon Ramos and Inquirer Research

MEET AND GREET. Former Manila mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso (on stage, standing) meets with elderly citizens at

photo by Yancy Lim

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A mandatory pre-bid meeting visit is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on THURSDAY, February 6, 2025, in the large conference room of Strategic Sourcing & Contracts, 2351 Cardinal Lane, San Diego, CA 92123. All attendees must preregister with the District prior to attending the pre-bid meeting at sandiegounified.org/sitewalks. The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s online Planroom at sandiegousdplans.com. All bids must be received electronically via PlanetBids before 1:00 p.m. on FEBRUARY 21, 2025. Prime contractors interested in submitting a bid must go to tinyurl.com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CC25-0833-23-42-00-00 Furnish and Assemble Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E) at Kearny High School. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is $2,100,000 (including allowances). For more information related to project requirements see the Instructions to Bidders available for download in the District’s online planroom. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, George A. Harris III, Director, Fiscal Controls and Information Systems, Facilities Planning and Construction CC25-0833-42-00-00.

Advertisement for Bids

Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will electronically receive bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services for: CP25-0876-33-00-00 ROLLER SHADES AT 6 SITES

A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2025, outside the main office of School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA), 2425 Dusk Drive, San Diego, CA 92139. All attendees must preregister with the District prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified.org/sitewalks. The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s online Planroom at sandiegousdplans.com. All bids must be received electronically via PlanetBids before 1:00 p.m. on FEBRUARY 26, 2025. Prime contractors interested in submitting a bid must go to tinyurl.com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CP25-0876-33-00-00 Roller Shades at 6 Sites. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is between $170,000 and $200,000, inclusive of allowances. This is not a PSA project. However, this project does require the District’s under $1 million prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: C-61/D-52, or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, George A. Harris III, Director, Fiscal Controls and Information Systems, Facilities Planning and Construction CP25-087633-00-00

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9025555

CDM Marketplace located at 600 E. 8th St Ste 7, National City, CA 91960.

Registrant: Chan Dong Inc., 600 E. 8th St Ste 7, National City, CA 91960. This business is conducted by A Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 12/31/2024.

Signature: Linh Du. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 13/31/2024.

AJ 1595 01/10, 01/17, 01/24, and 01/31/2025. AJSD 1595

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9000270

Linda’s Cleaning Services located at 4019 Via del Brado, San Ysidro, CA 92173.

Registrant: Hermelinda Cortez M, 4019 Via del Brado, San Ysidro, CA 92173. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/07/2025.

Signature: Hermelinda Cortez M. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/07/2025. AJ 1598 01/10, 01/17, 01/24, and 01/31/2025. AJSD 1598

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9000540

The Construction Company of San Diego located at 6755 Mira Mesa Blvd Suite 123381, San Diego, CA 92121. Registrant: Construction Conveyors INC, 6755 Mira Mesa Blvd Suite 123-381, San Diego, CA 92121. This business is conducted by A Corporation.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9001469 KICKS TAEKWONDO CENTER located at 19251970 Avenida Escaya, Suite 113, Chula Vista, CA 91913. Registrant: Raffy De Jesus, 1925-1970 Avenida Escaya, Suite 113, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Raffy De Jesus. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/22/2025. AJ 1607 01/24, 01/31, 02/07, and 02/14/2025. AJSD 1607

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9000090

BF MACHINING located at 4166 43rd Street, San Diego, CA 92105.

Registrant: a. Thuy Thi Tran, 5036 Sterling Court, San Diego, CA 92105. b. Leon Ly, 4166 43rd Street, San Diego, CA 92105 This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Partnership.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/02/2025.

Signature: Leon Ly. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/03/2025. AJ 1596 01/10, 01/17, 01/24, and 01/31/2025. AJSD 1596

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9000300

L & M Residential located at 2840 Via Del Allazon, Bonita, CA 91902.

Registrant: Oscar Lara, 2840 Via Del Allazon, Bonita, CA 91902. This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/1999. Signature: Oscar Lara. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/07/2025. AJ 1599 01/10, 01/17, 01/24, and 01/31/2025. AJSD 1599

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9000780

Chrispy Auto Styling located at 1703 Hoover Ave Ste A, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Chrispy Services LLC, 521 Cochran Ave, San Diego, CA 92154. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/09/2025. Signature: Kenneth Paddock. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/09/2025. AJ 1601 01/17, 01/24, 01/31, and 02/07/2025. AJSD 1601

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9000947

Beauty House Care located at 635 C St Apt 307, San Diego, CA 92101. Registrant: Rosalinda Malfabon, P.O. BOX 533, Lemon Grove, CA 91946. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/17/1998. Signature: Rosalinda Malfabon.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/15/2025. AJ 1604 01/17, 01/24, 01/31, and 02/07/2025. AJSD 1604

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9000969

LVL UP DEVELOPMENT, LLC located at 8536 Blossom Ln, Lemon Grove, CA 91945. Registrant: LVL UP DEVELOPMENT, LLC, 8536 Blossom Ln, Lemon Grove, CA 91945. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/2025. Signature: Terrence M. Young. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/15/2025. AJ 1608 01/24, 01/31, 02/07, and 02/14/2025. AJSD 1608

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9000192 ASAP located at 2466 B Van Ness Ave, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Miguel Angel Lugo, 2466 B Van Ness Ave, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/06/2025. Signature: Miguel A Lugo. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/06/2025. AJ 1597 01/10, 01/17, 01/24, and 01/31/2025. AJSD 1597

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9000238

COZ Construction Handyman Services located at 1011 Beyer Way SPC #86, San Diego, CA 92154.

Registrant: a. William Coz, 1011 Beyer Way SPC #86, San Diego, CA 92154. b. Alondra Martinez, 1011 Beyer Way SPC #86, San Diego, CA 92154. This business is conducted by A Married Couple.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT

BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/06/2025. Signature: Alondra Martinez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/06/2025. AJ 1600 01/17, 01/24, 01/31, and 02/07/2025. AJSD 1600

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9000530

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Christopher Anthony Navarro. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/13/2025. AJ 1602 01/17, 01/24, 01/31, and 02/07/2025. AJSD 1602

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9000851

Christian Fabular Candles & Co located at 1746 Reichert Way, Chula Vista, CA 91913. Registrant: Christian Fabular, 1746 Reichert Way, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/13/2025. Signature: Christian Fabular. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/14/2025. AJ 1605 01/24, 01/31, 02/07, and 02/14/2025. AJSD 1605

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9001653 happy paper place located at 10031 Tamil Road, Lakeside , CA 92040. Registrant: Marie Frances Nowinski, 10031 Tamil Road, Lakeside , CA 92040. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/17/2025. Signature: Marie Nowinski. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/24/2025. AJ 1609 01/31, 02/07, 02/14, and 02/21/2025. AJSD 1609

Gluten Free Pop Up Market located at 2647 Ariane Dr, San Diego, CA 92117. Registrant: Maria Fernanda López Ortiz, 3432 Boundary St, San Diego, CA 92104. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/09/2025. Signature: Maria Fernanda López Ortiz. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/09/2025. AJ 1603 01/17, 01/24, 01/31, and 02/07/2025. AJSD 1603

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9024396

OC BATH AND BODY located at 750 Breeze Hill Rd #97, Vista, CA 92081. Registrant: Yoshiko Mecklenberg, 750 Breeze Hill Rd #97, Vista, CA 92081. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 11/01/2024. Signature: Yoshiko Mecklenberg. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/01/2024. AJ 1606 01/24, 01/31, 02/07, and 02/14/2025. AJSD 1606

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9001947 Cafe La Maze located at 1441 Highland Ave, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Cafe La Maze INC, 1573 Stargaze Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91915. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/28/2025. Signature: Walid Alraheb. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/28/2025. AJ 1610 01/31, 02/07, 02/14, and 02/21/2025. AJSD 1610

DIEGO

Philippines showcases tourism boom at New York Travel & Adventure Show

THE Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) made a strong impression at the 2025 Travel & Adventure Show, held on January 25-26 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, showcasing the country’s breathtaking destinations and diverse cultural experiences to thousands of travel enthusiasts and industry professionals. The event comes on the heels of a banner year for Philippine tourism. Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco recently announced that the sector reached an alltime high revenue of P760.5 billion in 2024, marking a 9.04% increase from 2023 and surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 26.75 percent. This milestone highlights tourism’s critical role as a key economic driver for the Philippines.

At the Philippine booth, visitors were immersed in the country’s stunning landscapes, from world-renowned beaches and dive sites to vibrant festivals and culinary delights. The exhibit highlighted why the Philippines continues to

captivate travelers worldwide, reinforcing its position as a must-visit destination in 2025 and beyond.

“We join the Travel & Adventure Shows to inspire more tourists to explore our islands and experience the hospitality and warmth of the Filipino people,” said Francisco Lardizabal, Tourism Attaché of the Philippine Department of Tourism in New York. “We value our continued participation in the different travel trade events like the USTOA Conference and Marketplace, Seatrade Cruise Global and DEMA Show but these initiatives should be complemented by directly engaging the U.S. travelers in consumer shows like the Travel and Adventure Show New York, considered the biggest travel show in the USA.”

According to the DOT, more tourists set foot in the Philippines from January 1 to December 31, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

Based on the agency’s data on visitor arrivals, a total of 5,949,350 international visitors

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décor The Lunar New Year festival symbolizes the fresh start of a new year, a renewal of everything. In celebration of the Year of the Snake, starting from mid-January for a month, Pechanga will decorate the entire property with traditional new year elements and designs for the Year of the Snake. Utilizing a wide array of bright lanterns, refined orientalstyle garden bridge, beautifully bloomed peach blossoms, and much more to boost the festive atmosphere. Throughout the floor, you will be able to find countless photo-op spots for your selfies or family portraits, while capturing the stunningly displayed of the decorations.

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by MOMar G. Visaya / AJPress

arrived in the country by the end of the year 2024. From the figure, 91.42 percent are predominantly foreigners which accounts for 5,438,967, while the remaining 8.58 percent or 510,383 were Filipinos living overseas.

The total in 2024 was higher by 9.15 percent when compared to data of visitor arrivals in 2023, recorded at 5,450,557 foreign guests.

At the luncheon in nearby Hudson Yards, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile shared that he has one Philippine destination that he wants to equally gatekeep but at the same time, he also wants the rest of the world to know.

“Batanes, the place is so beautiful,” the consul general said, recalling his early days working with the Philippine National Bank, where he got the opportunity to visit the country’s smallest and northernmost province.

He also acknowledged the DOT’s efforts in coming up with projects such as the Tourist Rest Areas that double as a pasalubong center, a mustvisit for every tourist visiting a destination. Last year’s VIP Tour brought the group to Northern Mindanao and they were able to visit a rest area in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. It was a welcome respite to the visiting balikbayans and they appreciated the clean restrooms in the rest area, alongside the pasalubong and souvenir store, which showcased the province’s numerous products.

The various rest areas scattered across the country are meant to cater to travelers who are on a road trip to tourist

destinations and would want to have a quick bathroom or coffee break.

DOT’s participation at the Travel & Adventure Show emphasizes its commitment to positioning the Philippines as a premier travel destination for the U.S. market, in line with the department’s goal of transforming the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia.

The U.S. remains a top source market for Philippine tourism with American travelers drawn mainly by the country’s pristine beaches, world-class hospitality, the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, and new experiences.

The United States ranked second after South Korea, with 1,076,663 visitors in 2024, increasing from 1,041,305 in 2023. American travelers continued to flock to the Philippines, drawn mainly by the country’s pristine beaches, world-class hospitality, the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, and new experiences.

DOT’s development of

authentic cultural attractions and indigenous tourism experiences under the Philippine Experience Program, the market development initiatives for cruising, culinary tourism, diving, wellness, and adventure travel, plus enhanced connectivity - including nonstop flights from San Francisco to Manila by

and

and “Much Has Been Said.” His role as a coach on The Voice Philippines has further cemented his status as a mentor to the next generation of Filipino artists. Together, these powerhouse performers promise an evening that spans genres from pop to rock, showcasing the best of Filipino musical talent. The concert features their individual hits as well as special collaborative performances that highlight their unique artistic chemistry.

Tickets for this one-of-a-kind show start at $135 and are currently on sale. Fans will want to purchase tickets early. Both of these entertainers have played to huge crowds and sold out shows.

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number of overseas Filipinos visiting the country surged from 72,436 in 2019 to 510,383 in 2024—a remarkable sevenfold increase or 704.60% growth, based on DOT estimates. n

For

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Royalty,” has dominated the entertainment industry for more than two decades. Since winning a television singing competition at age 14, Geronimo has released multiple platinum albums, starred in blockbuster films, and served as a coach on The Voice Philippines. Her powerful vocals and dynamic performances have earned her numerous awards, including multiple Awit Awards, the Philippines’ equivalent of the Grammy Awards. Joining her is rock icon Bamboo Mañalac, former frontman of Rivermaya. Bamboo has since established himself as one of the Philippines’ most influential musicians. Known for his distinctive voice and electrifying stage presence, Bamboo has crafted numerous hits including

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Francisco Lardizabal, Tourism Attaché of the Philippine Department of Tourism in New York (center) with (from left) Bettina Gorriceta and Kat Alcantara

Consul General Senen T. Mangalile

Francisco Lardizabal, Tourism Attaché of the Philippine Department of Tourism in New York (center) with (from left) Bettina Gorriceta and Kat Alcantara

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Multi-platinum artists Sarah Geronimo and Bamboo take centerstage at Pechanga Summit on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.

Rogelio Constantino Medina My P.E.P. (People, Events,Places)

THANKS to the nice and courteous service from Japan Airlines, I was well taken care of during my flight from Manila to Narita, Japan to San Francisco, California.

I met kind couple Viniel and Ren Diaz of Boston, Massachusetts as well as writer Hollis Cambodia and retired American military service officer Ambrosio Siaotong, both from California.

While on the plane I memorized by heart the 47 presidents of the United States from George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, James Knox Polk, Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Chester Alan Arthur, Stephen Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison, Stephen Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Thomas Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, John Calvin Coolidge Jr., Herbert Hoover, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, James Earl Carter, Ronald Reagan, George Herbert Walter Bush, William J. Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Joseph R. Biden Jr. to Donald Trump.

I was grateful to Justin Wilson, director of U.S. Senate Periodical Press Gallery, who assists bona fide correspondents working for a magazine, newsletter, non-daily newspaper or online publication and serves Members of Congress and Congressional staff with any periodical press related questions or issues, as well as from the Executive Committee of Periodical Correspondents (that decides which publications qualify for press credentials) and the Congressional Periodical

US Vice President JD Vance’s memoir ‘Hillbilly

Press Galleries (in charge of administering credentials). I was supposed to be assigned in the West Front seat of The Capitol for U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration, but due to extreme weather conditions the venue was changed. The oathtakings of President Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance were held inside the Capital Rotunda. Speaking of VP Vance, I was mesmerized by how caring he is toward his children. I could sense he might be the next president after Trump in the near future. VP Vance’s memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” (a 2016 memoir about the Appalachian values of his family from Kentucky and the socioeconomic problems of his hometown of Middletown, Ohio where his mother’s parents moved when they were young) was adapted into the 2020 film directed by Ron Howard and starring Glenn Close and Amy Adams. It is a story of rural sociology, poverty and family drama.

James David Vance (born James Donald Bowman, August 2, 1984) is an American author, attorney and Marine Corps veteran. A member of the Republican Party, he represented Ohio in the U.S. Senate.

* * *

Former U.S. Pres. Joe Biden spoke recently with His Holiness Pope Francis and named him as a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction. For decades, Pope Francis served the voiceless and vulnerable across Argentina. As a loving pastor, he joyfully answers children’s questions about God. And as a welcoming leader, he reaches out to “different faiths and commands us all to fight for peace and protect the planet.”

This is the only time that former President Biden has awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction.

* * *

On January 29, 2025, it will be Chinese New Year! I randomly asked three couples (the last batch) to answer two questions: (1) What are your plans/projects this year?

(2) Any insights/learnings on the past year?

Here are their honest replies:

Dr. Mark and Leane Bunag, a medical doctor and a nurse, respectively: (1) “Build our

savings, have more travel, invest in properties, and have more quality time with the family.”; (2) “We prioritized our time and our health.”

Patrick and Maricar Saburit of Kylledmed Philippines: (1) “In 2025, our focus is on growth and meaningful connections. We’re looking forward to pursuing projects that align with our passions and exploring ways to contribute to the community. This year, we’re also excited to create more memorable experiences with our children as we travel and work on new ventures together. Balance and progress are our key priorities for the year ahead.”; (2) “2024 was a year of lessons. It taught us the importance of patience and adaptability when navigating life’s challenges. We’ve also come to value the power of being present — celebrating small victories, cherishing time with loved ones, and embracing every moment as a chance to grow and connect. These insights are shaping our perspective as we step into 2025.”

Chris and Adelle Lim, Philstagers Foundation thespians: (1) “For 2025, we will still continue to perform in PSF as actors and marketing officers. We’ll save, invest and travel. We are planning to buy a retirement property outside Manila and we will be focusing in improving our fitness and health, to be young looking this year.”; (2) “The opportunities and experiences given were eye-opening. It taught us how contentment can bring a whole new scale of happiness. It taught us how invaluable people are – our conversations, their insight, their experiences, and so much more. Looking forward to the new things I am about to encounter and the new version of ourselves who we ought to become – a healthier, braver, tougher and wiser version of ourselves!”

*

* * The movie Mark Wahlberg’s “Flight Risk” is now showing in cinemas worldwide, including the Philippines.

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com

Have your say at County today and every day

JANUARY 28 is Global Community Engagement Day, a day when people across the world celebrate community efforts to work together in improving their communities.

The County of San Diego recognizes that collaboration and partnership with community are vital and we want to hear from you.

Your input on projects covering a wide range of priorities that may affect you, your neighborhood or the county at large, is important.

You can make a difference with your feedback. Public comments and survey results help shape decisions on how the County moves forward on some of the region’s most challenging issues.

Let’s make sure that every day is a community engagement day and make your voice heard.

Current input opportunities include:

• Ambulance Ordinance Survery (https://engage. sandiegocounty.gov/ambulance-ordinance) –Survey closes on Feb. 14

• Annual Strategic Research Plan Survey (https:// engage.sandiegocounty.gov/annual-strategicresearch-plan) – Survey closes on March 10

• Housing Authority of the County of San Diego Agency Plan (https://engage.sandiegocounty. gov/housing-authority-agency-plan) – Comments accepted through March 12

• Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health – Vaccine Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs (https://engage.sandiegocounty.gov/reach-vaccine) – Survey closes Sept. 30

• The County and Artificial Intelligence (https:// engage.sandiegocounty.gov/ai?tool=survey_ tool&tool_id=comment-form-2#tool_tab) –Comments accepted through early 2025. Community engagement is at the center of everything we do at the County. We actively seek opportunities to partner with community to ensure they are part of the processes that impact their lives.

(Tracy DeFore/County of San Diego Communications Office)

City of San Diego announces selection of new Poet Laureate

Poet Paola Capó-García set to energize literary arts across San Diego for next two years

SAN DIEGO – A resident of North Park, originally from Puerto Rico, has been selected as the City of San Diego’s new Poet Laureate. Paola Capó-García will take on the role of great civic significance as the city’s third Poet Laureate for a two-year term from 2025 to 2027.

Capó-García succeeds Jason Magabo Perez, who served from 2022 to 2024. The city’s Poet Laureate is an ambassador for poetry, spoken word and literary arts.

“Paola Capó-García’s talent and vision exemplifies the vibrant, diverse culture that makes San Diego so special,” said Department of Cultural Affairs Director Jonathon Glus.

“Her work as Poet Laureate will bring people together through the power of spoken word, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the communities, cultures and stories that make San Diego our home.”

During her term, Capó-García will create original, thoughtprovoking and inclusive works designed to engage San Diegans through poetry, inspire critical thinking and foster deeper community connections. She

will also lead a poetry project to enhance San Diego’s cultural vibrancy.

Capó-García is the author of “Clap for Me That’s Not Me,” which won Rescue Press’ 2017 Black Box Poetry Prize. Her work has been featured in The Volta, The Texas Review, Puerto Rico en mi corazón, Latino Book Review, jubilat, Poetry Society of America, poets.org and more. Raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, she has lived in San Diego for over a decade and resides in North Park with her partner and dogs.

“I’ve dedicated my life to poetry and poetry education, so serving San Diego, the city I love so much, as Poet Laureate is a dream come true,” said Capó-García. “As a high school educator, I’ve seen firsthand how poetry helps young people embrace their identities and draw this big world in a little closer. When we read and write poetry, we cultivate empathy, ambition, critical thinking and collaboration. I look forward to building on the work of past Poet Laureates and celebrating the transformative power of language.” Capó-García was selected

Chinese New Year 2025: Celebrities in the ‘Year of the Wood Snake’

by Armin P. AdinA Inquirer.net

A “WOOD” cycle in the lunar calendar started in 2024 with the “Year of the Dragon,” that brought with it some interesting twists and turns in showbizlandia. But what may our celebrities expect in the “Year of the Wood Snake” that started on January 29?

Renowned geomancer Marites Allen, dubbed by many as “Queen of Feng Shui,” gave a peek into what the new year may bring for the 12 animal signs in an intimate media gathering recently.

“Along with the Horse sign, the Monkey, Ox, and Rooster are the ‘superstars’ of 2025 who will enjoy exceptional fortune and opportunities,” Allen said.

But while those born in the Year of the Ox are in for a favorable year, financial and relationship challenges may still be in the horizon, Allen warns.

Judy Ann Santos, who was born in the Year of the Horse, had an early stroke of luck by rubbing elbows with famed international chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay, who also praised her cooking. Other Horse-born stars are Kim Chiu, and the now expectant mother Megan Young.

through a rigorous competitive process that began in October 2024. Applicants were evaluated on artistic excellence, literary achievements, educational contributions and community engagement in past poetry projects.

The Poet Laureate selection committee included:

• Anthony Blacksher, poet, San Diego Poetry Annual publisher and San Bernardino Valley College professor

• Karla Cordero, poet • Stephen Hill, resiliency and economic recovery senior advisor for the Office of Mayor Todd Gloria • Robt O’Sullivan, poet • Jason Magabo Perez, San Diego Poet Laureate (2022-2024).

The City of San Diego Department of Cultural Affairs advances and drives an equitable and inclusive creative economy and cultural ecosystem by investing in the work of artists and creatives and the institutions and systems that amplify creative work and experiences. To learn more, visit sandiego.gov/culturalaffairs.

(City of San Diego Release)

Heart Evangelista, Maris Racal, and Julia Barretto may be have been courting controversies in the past years, but as Ox-born ladies, they could look forward to an auspicious year ahead.

Kapuso leading man Alden Richards may also expect a streak in his luck after last year’s “Hello Love, Again” box-office success for he is born in the Year of the Monkey. His fellow Kapuso star Dennis Trillo, Kapamilya primetime king Coco Martin, and Nadine

Lustre, all born in the Year of the Rooster, are also forecast to enjoy exceptional fortune. Allen added that those born in the Years of the Rat and Dragon are also “stars” this the Year of the Wood Snake. Among those born in the Year of the Rat are boxoffice queen Kathryn Bernardo, and the now-award-winning actress Marian Rivera, while Vice Ganda, Gary Valenciano, and the controversial Anthony Jennings are Dragon-born. Those who may face challenges this year are people born in the Years of the Rabbit, Tiger, Sheep, Dog, and Boar, with troubles manifesting in

their “health, wealth, career, and relationships,” Allen cautioned. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray was born in the Year of the Dog, while “Queen of All Media” Kris Aquino, who has been battling a rare medical condition, was born in the Year of the Boar. Young star Donny Pangilinan, Kapamilya star Angelica Panganiban, and Kapuso actress Carla Abellana were born in the Year of the Tiger, while “Kapuso Ultimate Star” Jennylyn Mercado, Ian Veneracion, and Tom Rodriguez were born in the Year of the Rabbit. But what about those born in the year of the ruling animal sign for 2025? Allen forecasts great luck for them in different aspects of their lives, such as partnerships and career. Snakeborn stars are Miss Universe 2015 and global fashion influencer Pia Wurtzbach, Kapamilya leading man Piolo Pascual, and “Diamond Star” Maricel Soriano. But generally speaking, Allen said the new year will not be as “bold” as the previous one. “The Year of the Snake ushers in a more introspective and methodical energy, governed by the Yin Wood

Alen, who offers more

forecasts into each animal sign on her

Dr. Mark and Leane Bunag with their kids

Mark Wahlberg’s “Flight Risk” is now showing worldwide.

The text of the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded recently to Pope Francis.

AJ columnist Rogelio Medina on the way to Narita, Japan onboard Japan Airlines.

Patrick and Maricar Saburit with their kids Chris and Adelle Lim

Former U.S. President Joe Biden (2nd from left) recently awarded Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction. Photos courtesy of Rogelio C. Medina

U.S. 50th and current Vice President JD Vance, is also author of the memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” which was adapted to a film with the same name directed by Ron Howard.

From left: Rogelio Medina, and couple Ren and Viniel of Boston, Massachusetts

Marites Allen tells what the Chinese New Year has in store for Heart Evangelista, Alden Richards, and Marian Rivera.

Kathryn Bernardo, Dennis Trillo and Vice Ganda File photos

‘Queen of Feng Shui’ Marites Allen Inquirer.net photo

Manila International Film Festival sets new dates, March 4 to 7, and earmarks donations to LA fire aid

by ruben nePAles

THE second Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), originally scheduled to be held from January 30 to February 2 and postponed amid the Southern California wildfires, will now be held from March 4 to 7. However, with respect to the people impacted by the devastating wildfires, MIFF scaled back its plans. A portion of the proceeds from the MIFF events, including its screenings, will be donated to the Los Angeles fire relief efforts. All these events will have a fundraising aspect.

MIFF will still show entries plus special screening films at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood and hold a simple closing night event, “A Tribute to Our First Responders,” at the International Ballroom of The Beverly Hilton in Beverly

Hills. MIFF will offer free admission to the first responders and their immediate families at all the screenings. “A Tribute Dinner to Our First Responders,” the closing night ceremonies, will honor the men and women who heroically battled the wildfires.

The entries are Jun Robles Lana’s “And the Breadwinner Is….” Chito S. Roño’s Espantaho ,” Zig Dulay’s “Green Bones,” Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Hold Me Close,” Crisanto B. Aquino’s “My Future You,” Kerwin Go’s “Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Hospital Killer,” Michael Tuviera’s “The Kingdom,” Richard Somes’ “ Topakk ” and Dan Villegas’ “Uninvited.” Making its world premiere is “Song of the Fireflies,” a film from the team behind “ Ang Larawan ,” the acclaimed film adaptation of the stage musical based on “Portrait of the Artist

as Filipino” by Nick Joaquin, the Philippines’ National Artist for Literature.

MIFF’s other special screenings include Gene Cajayon’s “The Debut,” a landmark Filipino American film celebrating its 25th anniversary; FilAm Jonathan Eusebio’s feature directing debut, “Love Hurts”; Regina Aquino’s “Faith Healers”; Michele Josue’s “Nurse Unseen”; James Love’s “A Filipino in America”; and the return of Cathy GarciaSampana’s box office recordbreaking “Hello, Love, Again.”

Tickets to “A Tribute Dinner to Our First Responders” and screenings are now available. The revised screening schedule, closing night dinner and ticket information are available on the MIFF’s website: https:// manilainternationalfilmfest. com/.

City of San Diego welcomes 2025 Genesis Invitational Golf Tournament to Torrey Pines

PGA Tour signature event relocated to iconic golf course due to devastating wildfires in Los Angeles

SAN DIEGO – On Friday, January 24, the City of San Diego announced that the world-famous Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course will step forward to host the PGA TOUR’s 2025 Genesis Invitational golf tournament typically held at The Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. The move comes in response to the devastating wildfires that have caused significant damage and impacts to the Los Angeles area.

The PGA TOUR identified Torrey Pines as an ideal alternative venue to host The Genesis Invitational due to the course’s time-tested ability to host major golf tournaments, its reputation as a challenging golf course for the world’s best players and its proximity to The Riviera Country Club, located in Pacific Palisades.

The city’s Golf Division, part of the Parks and Recreation Department, agreed to host the event as a show of solidarity to the entire Los Angeles

community. Torrey Pines is currently hosting the 2025 Farmers Insurance Open® and will have only three weeks to prepare the golf course for another large-scale tournament.

“We are so fortunate to have a world-class PGA TOUR event in the Farmers Insurance Open, showcasing the beauty of Torrey Pines to players, fans and viewers around the world since 1968,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “It was an honor for the City of San Diego to raise our collective hand when given the opportunity to help our neighbors in Los Angeles as they recover from the ongoing devastating wildfires. We look forward to welcoming The Genesis Invitational in February and offer our full support to the PGA TOUR.”

The Genesis Invitational will take place on the South Course at Torrey Pines from Thursday, Feb. 13 to Sunday, Feb. 16 with a field of 72 of

the best players on the PGA TOUR. The event is hosted by TGR Live with the support of the Century Club of San Diego, and a portion of the proceeds will be used to aid the residents of Los Angeles. Tournament information, including ticket availability, can be found on GenesisInvitational.com.

Viewed by many as one of the finest municipal courses in the country, Torrey Pines Golf Course is the home to the annual Farmers Insurance Open® and hosted the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Open.

The City of San Diego Golf Division operates three golf complexes (Balboa Park, Mission Bay and Torrey Pines) and is dedicated to serving its patrons and players of all ages and abilities while enhancing their enjoyment of the game by providing a highquality golf experience. For more information, please visit sandiego.gov/golf. (City of San Diego Release)

City of San Diego expands wildlife conservation with new land acquisition at Mission Trails Regional Park

SAN DIEGO – The City of San Diego has acquired 15 additional acres of dedicated open space to be incorporated into Mission Trails Regional Park, furthering its commitment to protecting sensitive habitats and expanding public open spaces for future generations. Located north of State Route 52 and west of Interstate 15, the newly acquired land will be added into the city’s Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP). This acquisition bolsters the protection of threatened and endangered plants and animals and contributes to the region’s broader conservation goals.

“Preserving this land is another step toward safeguarding our region’s unique biodiversity,” said City Planning Director Heidi Vonblum. “Expanding protected areas in Mission Trails Regional Park reflects our ongoing commitment to preserving sensitive habitats while ensuring San Diegans have access to nature and open spaces that enhance their quality of life.”

The land, part of the East

Elliot Community Planning Area, was purchased from a private seller using funds from the city’s Habitat Acquisition Fund, which is designated for acquiring and protecting land identified for conservation. The two parcels will be preserved in their natural state and maintained in perpetuity as open space. This addition of conserved land follows on the heels of a 55-acre land donation from the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation in July 2024, which significantly contributed to ongoing preservation efforts. Additional land donations are anticipated in the near future. Mission Trails Regional Park was established in 1974 and spans more than 8,000 acres of natural and recreational areas, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States.

The park draws about 2 million visitors annually and features nearly 60 miles of trails, historic landmarks like the Old Mission Dam, and diverse ecosystems, providing a unique opportunity to explore San Diego’s rich

County and Sharp Chula Vista partner to expand Crisis Stabilization Unit network

THE County is expanding its Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) network by partnering with Sharp HealthCare to add six new specialized beds at the Chula Vista Medical Center.

Approved on Tuesday, January 28 by the Board of Supervisors, the new beds will serve Medi-Cal patients at the hospital. This will be the region’s seventh CSU with an eighth expected to open late this year in El Cajon.

The partnership comes as the rate of emergency department discharges for people diagnosed with a behavioral health disorder has climbed from 275 per 10,000 to 304 per 10,000 between 2020 and 2022 at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center.

“The need and impact of these units is clear. CSUs have been demonstrated to lead to up to 70 percent reductions in inpatient placements,” said Dr. Luke Bergmann, director of County Behavioral Health Services. “Instead, patients cared for in CSUs are more likely to be efficiently and effectively connected to ongoing care in communitybased, less restrictive settings, where they have the best chance to sustain long-term recovery.”

The new model of housing these services within a hospital is called Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment and Healing model, or EmPATH. This model creates a seamless transition to a setting specifically designed for crisis stabilization and eases the burden on emergency departments.

“Sharp recognizes the dire need for the community to be able to access mental health and substance use disorder treatment services across different levels of care, including crisis care,” said Nancy Greengold, MD, MBA, chief operating officer at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center.

“We are proud to partner with the County to provide crisis stabilization services at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center in our Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment and Healing (EmPATH) unit.”

natural and cultural heritage. The park’s ongoing preservation efforts are closely tied to the city’s participation in the MSCP. This regional initiative spans 900 square miles across southwestern San Diego County and unites multiple jurisdictions with the shared goal of protecting sensitive habitats. Since adopting the MSCP Subarea Plan in 1997, the city has identified 52,727 acres of land as vital for long-term biodiversity conservation.

With this latest acquisition, the city has conserved approximately 98% of the targeted land, protecting the 85 plant and animal species covered under the MSCP. The city remains committed to identifying and acquiring additional land to achieve its habitat conservation goals and further support the region’s biodiversity.

For more information about the MSCP, please visit the city’s Biodiverse SD webpage at https://www.sandiego.gov/ planning/work/biodiversity. (City of San Diego Release)

The second Manila International Film Festival in Hollywood sets new dates – March 4 to 7. A portion of the proceeds from the MIFF events, including a tribute dinner to the first responders and the screenings, will be donated to the LA fire relief efforts. All

(Cassie N. Saunders/County