070524 - San Diego Edition

Groundbreaking cancer study focuses on Asian Americans

Fil-Ams can participate in the

FILIPINO women in the United States have been reported by the National Institutes of Health to present more advanced breast cancer compared to White women, and Filipino immigrants also show a higher annual percentage increase in incidence across all subtypes of thyroid cancer.

Despite these increasing incidences, a national longitudinal study on cancer in Asian Americans has never been conducted—until now.

The National Cancer Institute has recently launched a groundbreaking $12.45 million initiative for the first national longterm study aimed at understanding cancer in Asian Americans, as well as investigating health disparities and risk factors.

Leading this landmark study are researchers from UC San Francisco and UC Irvine. They are focusing on various cancer types prevalent in Asian American

Fil-Am breakdancer earns a spot in the Paris Olympics

Breakdancing is set to debut as an official sport at the 2024 Olympics in Paris

ANOTHER Filipino American is set to make waves at this year’s Paris Olympics, but not in a traditional sport like tennis, track and field or ball sports – this time, it’s breakdancing.

Logan Edra, widely known as “Logistx,” has secured her name in history by earning a spot on the United States’ breakdancing team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

USA Dance Inc.’s breaking division celebrated Edra’s achievement in an Instagram post, proclaiming, “Congratulations again to @logistx_ugf for making history!! She earned her ticket to Paris and will officially represent @teamusa at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. See you in PARIS!!”

u PAGE 3

Critics warn foreign policy direction risky to PH

by Russel loReto, tina G. santos Inquirer.net

MANILA — Some critics on Monday, July 1 cited the country’s foreign policy under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the reason for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attention to the United States’ military deployment in the Philippines.

Putin, in a televised address on Friday, June 28 called for the resumption of his country’s missile production and raised the possibility of the deployment of these weapons after noting that the United States had brought missiles to Denmark and the Philippines.

“Today, it is known that the United States not only

produces these missile systems, but has already brought them to Europe for exercises, to Denmark. Quite recently, it was announced that they are in the Philippines,” said the Russian leader. His remarks were also reported by the Voice of America (VOA), the state-owned news network and international radio broadcaster of the United States.

Former lawmaker Carlos Isagani Zarate of the party list Bayan Muna said the government’s “U.S. satellite-like foreign policy” under Mr. Marcos “has contributed to bringing the world to the brink of a renewed nuclear arms race.”

“We demand that the Marcos… administration abide by the constitutional edicts of pursuing an independent foreign policy and making the

PH Senator Risa Hontiveros takes on a ‘role of a lifetime’

Angara gets DepEd post; choice widely welcomed

by Julie M. auRelio MaRlon RaMos Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, July 2 named Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara the new education secretary, a day after the lawmaker indicated his willingness to accept the post if offered to him.

In a statement issued shortly after his appointment was announced, Angara said he was “deeply honored and grateful to the president… for the trust he has placed in me.”

He also told reporters in an interview that he would seek “advice on how to do my job well” from the Cabinet, his colleagues in the Senate, “experts in education and my predecessors.”

The appointment of Angara, whose second term as senator ends next year, comes exactly two weeks after Vice President Sara Duterte resigned as education chief, a move seen to have confirmed

IN her teenage years, Risa Hontiveros captured the fancy and following of the Filipino audience as a budding theatre performer, and later as a broadcast journalist. “That was before I got happily hijacked by activism,” she quipped.

In many ways, her foray into public service is but a performance, one that demands not only for her to show up and deliver the lines but also to translate everything into action and results that would truly benefit the

Duterte tells VP Sara: Don’t seek presidency

by edith

DAVAO CITY — If there is one advice former president Rodrigo Duterte would give his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte, it is to forget any plan for the presidency in the 2028 elections.

“They worry about Inday (Sara)? Inday don’t seek the presidency. If you are hearing this, avoid it. Give it to ambitious ones, instead,” Duterte said during a press conference on Sunday, June 30 in Tacloban City. And even if Sara ignores his call and eventually becomes president, it would still not guarantee that the country would be better, he said.

Philippines free of nuclear arms and foreign troops,” he said in a statement.

Bayan Muna warned that Marcos’ current foreign policy direction could make the Philippines a potential target for nuclear attacks from countries that are not necessarily enemies of the Filipino people.

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III said the country should never allow the deployment of missile systems by foreign military forces.

“The launch buttons for these foreign-owned and -controlled missile systems are not within our control; hence, these foreigners decide when they want to turn the Philippines into a battlefield. It will

Marcos seeks coalition based on ‘ideology’

by

AS part of his quest to forge a strong coalition for the 2025 midterm elections, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday, June 29 led the signing of an alliance between his political party, the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), and the National Unity Party (NUP), the fourth political group to join the “Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas (Alliance for a New Philippines).” Marcos, PFP chairman, witnessed the signing of a partnership that was “more than a political maneuver for the 2025 elections.”

In his speech during the event in Makati City, the president said the alliance between the PFP and NUP was “not a marriage of convenience” with the single-minded goal of dominating next year’s polls but an “ideology.”

“As the party alliances, especially on an individual basis, can be seen as merely marriages of convenience. And, once again, since we are bringing u PAGE 2

PH-China meeting tackles concerns over Pogos

MANILA — Following weeks of pointed exchanges in the diplomatic and military spheres, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian met on Monday, July 1 in Malacañang to discuss “mutual concerns,” particularly transnational crimes.

The meeting, which came days after the June 17 attack by China Coast Guard (CCG) personnel of Filipino troops en route to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, was held to explore ways to strengthen bilateral efforts against transnational criminal

activities, including countering illegal offshore gambling operations, according to the presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), which is chaired by Bersamin. “China expressed its appreciation for the recent actions taken by Philippine law enforcement authorities to counter illegal offshore gambling and to rescue several Chinese nationals,” the PAOCC said in a statement on Tuesday. Clear message Officials from the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, according to the

CatheRine Valente and Red Mendoza ManilaTimes.net

DIALOGUE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, July 2 welcomed

Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations Archbishop Paul Gallagher in Malacañang Palace. The Vatican official was accompanied by Archbishop Charles J. Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Monsignor Giuseppe Trentadue, Counsellor of the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila and Monsignor Giuseppe Siviero, Secretariat of the State of the Holy See. Pope Francis sent his greetings on Tuesday to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Filipinos to reconnect with the Philippines more than nine years after his visit to the country in 2015. Malacañang photo

ReGalado Philstar.com

by dennis heRuela AJPress

by JaCob lazaRo nestoR CoRRales Inquirer.net

Sen. Risa Hontiveros Photo from Facebook/@hontiverosrisa

Critics warn foreign policy direction risky...

PAGE 1 be the Philippines which will be the battleground, not their own country/countries,” Pimentel, the Senate minority leader, said in a Viber message.

He said the fate of the Filipino people “should not be left to the hands of foreigners who may even be pursuing a capitalistbusiness, money-making agenda at the expense of the Filipino nation.”

‘Our own capacity’

Senate President Francis Escudero said the missiles Putin was referring to could probably be just part of the Philippines’

military exercises and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) with the United States.

“I don’t know about that, maybe it was just based on their own intel… Maybe these were just part of Edca or military exercises being held, and these would be taken or removed someday,” he told reporters.

“Russia should not have anything to do with our country having its own military capability, including a missile system. That is ours and other countries should not meddle,” he added.

“It’s a different matter when other countries deploy war

equipment here. But if he (Putin) was referring to our own, other countries should not interfere because it is our right to have our own equipment to defend our country,” Escudero said further.

“If we would ask help from other nations, instead of them just being there ‘to the rescue,’ it would be better if they would help us build our own capacity and capability, not to engage in a war, but to be able to provide a deterrence against any attempt or threat that may be brewing in the region,” the Senate leader said. n

PH-China meeting tackles concerns...

PAGE 1 their Philippine counterparts on this issue.

“This mutual support demonstrates the commitment and determination of both countries to curb transnational organized crime effectively,” the PAOCC said.

The strengthened cooperation between China and the Philippines, according to the PAOCC, “sends a clear message to criminal syndicates operating across borders that their malicious activities will not be tolerated nor allowed to undermine the security and stability of these nations.”

It said the meeting also paved the way for “the exchange of

expertise, intelligence sharing, and collaborations, enabling the authorities on both sides to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks effectively.

In a separate statement issued by the Chinese Embassy, the two sides exchanged views on recent key cases of mutual concern and agreed “to strengthen China-Philippines law enforcement cooperation.”

The embassy did not specify which transnational crime was discussed, but the more controversial ones of late involved Chinese nationals arrested for links to illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos). Last month, the embassy

urged the government to ban Pogos for having engendered other serious crimes.

“Ample evidence shows that Pogo breeds serious crimes, such as kidnapping for ransom, human trafficking, and murder. Pogo is detrimental to both Philippine and Chinese interests and images, as well as China-Philippines relations,” the embassy said in a statement on June 14.

“The Chinese government is committed to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens. We appeal to the Philippines to ban Pogo at an early date so as to root out this social ill,” the statement added. n

Marcos seeks coalition based on...

all of disparate forces together — not so disparate, but separate forces together — we will again be seen and commented upon and said to be another marriage of convenience,” Marcos said.

“So, that is why I think that we are making a very important change in the thinking, in the politics of the Philippines. That is based not on political expediency but on ideology. And what is the ideology that we are espousing? We speak now of unity, we speak now of Bagong Pilipinas, bringing the country, transforming the country to another place to a better place than we had found it,” he said.

Marcos said that although there might be political forces that could impede the achievement of that goal, the alliance would serve as a mechanism to settle contradictions and differences and present a united front.

“Of course, there are political forces that get in the way, but that is the whole point of these alliances that we are making. That is the whole point because we now formalize and put together a mechanism,” he said.

The president said if there were contradictions or differences, there was a method for resolutions “without going to extreme, undertaking extreme measures, like moving away from the party, running as independent, both allies fighting against each other politically.”

He said that more than just supporting each other in the next election, the newly-formed alliance built a common purpose and consensus of making the Philippines a “better place.”

“We are uniting behind the dream of transforming the Philippines and that dream will be achieved by unity. So, congratulations on joining that ideology, for believing in that ideology. It is the only way that we will make our country the country that the Filipinos deserve,” Marcos said.

The NUP is the fourth major political party to sign an alliance with Marcos’ PFP.

Led by party Chairman Ronaldo Puno, the NUP was founded in 2010 by former members of LakasKampi CMD (Christian-Muslim Democrats).

Since 2016, the NUP has also been part of the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban)-led coalition in the House of Representatives, the so-called Coalition for Change supporting former President Rodrigo Duterte.

About a hundred members of PFP and NUP, composed of governors, vice governors, local government officials and lawmakers, attended and witnessed the event.

The PFP was represented by Special Assistant to the president Antonio Lagdameo Jr., Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, and PFP President South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr.

The NUP was represented by Puno, NUP President Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. and Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia.

The PFP in May signed an accord with LakasCMD, the biggest party in the House with 100 members, and the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).

Apart from the NUP, the Lakas-CMD and NPC, the Nacionalista Party also threw its hat into the

PFP ring.

During the 2022 national elections, the PFP joined forces with Lakas-CMD, Hugpong ng Pagbabago, a regional group headed by then Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, the Partido ng Masang Pilipino and guest candidates from different parties to form the UniTeam alliance. The coalition worked as it saw Marcos and his running mate, Duterte, win the polls by a landslide.

The latest addition to the PFP comes more than a week after Duterte, whose Hugpong ng Pagbabago was part of the “UniTeam” in the 2022 national elections, resigned as education secretary and vice chairman of the National Task Force to End Local Conflict (NTF-Elcac) — a move which analysts said ended the alliance that gave Marcos and Duterte the presidency and vice presidency.

‘Logical conclusion’

Meanwhile, Villafuerte said the PFP-NUP alliance was the “logical conclusion” of the party’s two-year working partnership with the administration. In a speech during the signing ceremony, Villafuerte, the president of NUP, said that the partnership served as a “splendid opportunity for both parties, along with other like-minded groups, to work together on advancing a Bagong Pilipinas that promises a robust and inclusive growth and development for all Filipinos.”

He also said that the alliance marked another “watershed” in the history of Philippine electoral politics and “best illustrates that trueblue members of different mainstream political parties, given the right motivation or inspiration, can transcend partisan politics or personal interests in pursuit of the long-aspired genuine transformation of our public governance, our economy, and our society.”

Villafuerte said the NUP “shared the president’s vision for a prosperous and peaceful Bagong Pilipinas where no Filipino is left behind.” He said that their commitment to the alliance was based on a conviction that “Bagong Pilipinas” was not just a mere slogan but a genuine agenda to transform the economy, governance and society.

“We are having a formal alliance with the PFP because the NUP is ready and willing to do the hard work that our president needs from all of us Filipinos for Bagong Pilipinas to become a reality. With this formal alliance, we in the NUP say: Onward Bagong Pilipinas, Onward with better lives for all Filipinos,” Villafuerte said. NUP Chairman and former local government secretary Ronaldo Puno said that the alliance reaffirmed their commitment to putting the interests of people above all else.

“This alliance is a testament to our collective dedication to serving the needs of every Filipino citizen. Together, we are stronger, the more resilient and better equipped to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.” Puno said.

Aside from Puno and Villafuerte, key NUP officials who attended the event were NUP Vice Chairmen Mandaluyong Rep. Neptali “Boyet” Gonzales 2nd, Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas. n

‘THEY ARE IN THE PHILIPPINES’ The U.S. Army’s Mid-Range Capability missile system makes its first deployment in the country on April 11. Russian President Vladimir Putin cited this development

Duterte tells VP...

The former president also rejected Sara’s earlier pronouncement that he, along with his sons Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and First District Rep. Paolo Duterte, would all run for the Senate in the 2025 elections.

Duterte said people should not believe everything his daughter says, as sometimes she has the tendency to make jokes.

“Do you believe her? My God. She’ll take you for a ride if you are not asking the correct questions,” he said.

To prove his point, Duterte cited his age, a diminished popularity and lack of funds.

“I won’t go back to politics. I am done. I am no longer popular. I do not have the funds, I have nothing. What is left is my cockiness (yabang na lang),” Duterte said.

“Besides, where could you find a father and his two sons running together for the Senate? What will we do in the Senate?” he added.

The former president also clarified that the group Hakbang ng Maisug is not calling for the ouster or resignation of President Marcos, pointing out that every administration has its own mistakes and that Maisug is just there to call out the mistakes of the Marcos administration.

“Marcos should not lose any sleep. I want him to work for six years. He was voted by the people to work for six years. You do your work there. Do not worry, nobody is interested in removing you. It is a waste of time,” Duterte said. “I am praying that he should live till the end of his term.” The Hakbang ng Maisug group has been going around the country, holding prayer rallies to protest against the people’s initiative signature campaign for Charter change.

And even if he is the face of the group, Duterte denied being behind the movement.

“Maisug is not me, and I am not Maisug. There are other people behind it, businessmen. I cannot say anything, but I hope that whenever there is a rally, it should be peaceful,” Duterte said

‘Find your peace’

On the recent tirades of former senator Leila de Lima, Duterte said “she should be at peace with her life now.”

“Even if she submits herself to crucifixion, whatever she would do now, she still shamed the entire generation after her. They will bear her name but the shame will be there,” Duterte said.

“Find your peace where you are now. Don’t look for trouble, you will only regret it. Why would you get back at me? I don’t do rock and roll,” he added, in apparent reference to a video showing De Lima dancing in a rock concert of a convicted drug lord inside the Bilibid prison. Duterte also warned the International Criminal Court (ICC) over an alleged impending service of a warrant of arrest against him.

“I don’t give a s**t whether they come in. For me, they have no jurisdiction. The Philippines already left ICC. We are not part of the ICC. If they would insist that there is a case there that would warrant my arrest, I will wait for them,” he said.

The former chief executive added that he does not want any official of the Philippine National Police or the National Bureau of Investigation to serve the warrant.

“I want the ICC representative to bring me that paper because the moment that person gives it to me, I will let you eat that paper or I will deliver you to hell,” Duterte said. – Diana Lhyd Suelto, Miriam Desacada n

Fil-Am breakdancer earns a spot in...

PAGE 1

After an outstanding performance at the Olympic Qualifier Series in Budapest, Hungary, Edra, alongside Jeffrey Louis, secured the final two spots on Team USA’s breakdancing squad. Their journey to the Olympics was cemented with a fifth-place finish in both the overall standings and their respective categories during the qualifiers.

Edra and Louis will join Sunny Choi and Victor Montalvo to complete the quartet representing the United States in breakdancing’s inaugural appearance at the Paris Olympics on Aug. 9 and 10. There will be a total of 32 breakers, featuring 16 male and 16 female dancers, who will demonstrate their skills in this arena. As written on the Olympics official

website, “Athletes will use a combination of power moves – including windmills, the 6-step, and freezes – as they adapt their style and improvise to the beat of the DJ’s tracks in a bid to secure the judges’ votes and take home the first Olympic breaking medals.”

After its first run at the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in 2018, breakdancing garnered significant acclaim. Building on its success in Argentina, breakdancing was subsequently included in the Paris 2024 Olympic program as a new sport.

The inclusion of breakdancing in the Olympics marks a milestone for the sport, highlighting its evolution from underground culture to a recognized Olympic discipline.

(by Hans Carbonilla/Inquirer.net) n

PH Senator Risa Hontiveros takes on...

Filipino people for generations to come.

“After formal politics, I’ll go back to theater and music. Whether nanay or lola roles, I’m open. I just want to go back to theatre.” She says it with that signature twinkle in her eyes and vibrance that exude star quality. But for now, she is tackling the biggest role of her life and from the eyes of those truly seeing her, being Risa Hontiveros – a Filipino senator carries with it a complex pursuit and a very busy one as well.

Being one of the 2 opposition senators in the current senate, she understands how tough it could be to face adversarial attacks especially foul and malicious ones. But Sen. Hontiveros is not to be derailed.

“I always remind myself to stay true to the path I chose in life. I go back to what inspires me, think of the people who love me and those who I love. I love being a Filipino, the unique arts and culture we have, and I have my faith to hold on to,” she says.

These may indeed have come very handy as she dutifully actualizes her mission in the senate. As she pushes for the Senate Bill 2443 or the proposed “Dissolution of Marriage Act,” challenges from all directions are expected. The “why” of advocating for a divorce option for the Filipino family is something she is clear about: “If the marriage reaches a situation where it isn’t supposed to be and in fact became the opposite of what marriage is like as it has ceased to become a relationship of love, commitment, and care

and instead stories of domestic violence, neglect, absence, and repeated adultery have taken place. Why should individuals and families in those situations be denied of a second chance in freedom, life, and love?”

Senator Hontiveros recognizes the role the church – especially the Catholic Church – may play in the conversation. And while supporters of the bill assert that divorce is a public issue and not a religious one, she wants the conversation to be open and inclusive. “We continuously engage the Catholic hierarchy in the discussions and lately, I have been feeling that the pushback has been less, and the position has changed for the better compared to years ago.”

In her recent visit in Los Angeles for a series of meetings with various Filipino American communities, Sen. Hontiveros solidified in her mind what Filipino Americans can do to help Filipinos back in their homeland.

“You can take the Filipino out of the Philippines, but you can’t take the Philippines out of the Filipino,” she happily declared. “Lately there has been a renewed interest in acquiring dual citizenship. This could result to benefits that include OFW absentee voting. This means participation in choosing the leaders. The Philippine Consulate has set up a program and information campaign that will help dual citizens register and vote in the forthcoming midterm elections next year and general elections in 2028.” Another interest expressed in the meetings would be “medical portability” where retirees can

move back to the Philippines but can still enjoy the same pension and healthcare benefits they receive here. “We already have a template on Medical Portability, the framework to make it a law has been drafted,” she revealed. She extolled the importance of making parallel efforts when it comes to organizing –whether politically or collaborating on solutions to issues that current Filipinos have felt strongly about: poverty, unemployment, inflation, and corruption which she named as those on top of the list.

“Regardless of political affiliation, every Filipino recognizes the pain of the issues and problems that affect our country. Perhaps this is an opportunity for us to see that even if we disagree politically, we can choose to find solutions to problems we all experience. We need to think of better ways to mobilize our resources and utilize traditional and social media in a way that informs and empower us to form communities and create genuine unity,” she stated.

Senator Hontiveros explained how economic reform and protecting ourselves from the effects of inflation are a concern for Filipinos all over the world. “In the Philippines, economic development should be the priority. While agriculture and manufacturing need to be developed, the necessary infrastructures, such as electrification should be in place. The BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) industry has been a top contributor to the Philippine economy and needs to be strengthened further

through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).” Amid her visions to implement economic agenda for the country, Sen. Hontiveros sees the overarching importance of better governance. “I oppose scandalous poverty and inequality. I oppose manipulation – using disunity and enmity for political ends. We need to reach out to the Filipinos who lost faith in democracy and help them rediscover it. Perhaps the people don’t see how they can participate in the democratic process and how they can protect it. We need a restart.”

Listening to Sen. Hontiveros talk about how the Philippines could soar to greater heights is an inspiring experience. It leaves one in awe at how a leader like her appear to be seemingly undaunted when she pursues causes and issues of national interest (read: sometimes risky). She knows in her heart what the people she serves would benefit from. Whether it’s tirelessly pushing for the SOGIE Bill (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression Bill) to become a law or being in the forefront of investigating POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) and look into alleged human trafficking and online scams being proliferated, you can count on her to move forward with character and courage. After all, behind that dulcet voice and calm demeanor is a woman and a leader who’s powerful enough to say: “Natatakot din ako. Pero okay lang matakot basta huwag lang tayong maduduwag (I also get afraid. But it’s okay to feel afraid as long we don’t become cowards).” n

Fiesta Island named Best Dog Park by USA Today reader’s poll

Fiesta Island provides 90-acres of space

for visitors to enjoy with their four-legged friends

SAN DIEGO – San Diegans

love their furry friends and on Wednesday, July 3 a City of San Diego dog park has been named the best in the nation. USA Today’s 10 Best announced that Fiesta Island received their 2024 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Dog Park. Fiesta Island is one of just two beach areas in the City of San Diego where dogs are welcome at all times, and along with a dedicated fenced off-leash area, dogs are welcome on all parts of the peninsula. San Diegans have enjoyed bringing their dogs to Fiesta Island for decades to give their canine companions the opportunity to play in the open

space and water. According to USA Today, nominees in the Reader’s Choice category were first vetted by a panel of experts who then put forward dozens of dog parks around the country for readers to vote on, and Fiesta Island came out on top.

“The Parks and Recreation Department is proud to manage several off-leash dog areas throughout the City of San Diego, including Fiesta Island,” said Karen Dennison, Assistant Director for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. “We know that San Diegans love their furry friends and it’s important that we provide spaces for dogs

and their owners to get outside year-round.”

Visitors can access Fiesta Island between the hours of 4 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily and should always remember to clean up after their pets.

The Parks and Recreation Department maintains several popular off-leash dog parks in neighborhoods throughout the city as well as Dog Beach in Ocean Beach. A list of locations and map of off-leash dog parks, including open hours and rules can be found at https:// www.sandiego.gov/parkand-recreation/parks/dogs/ leashfree.

(City of San Diego Release) n

County drug disposal pilot program reaches milestone

THE county’s Drug Disposal Pilot Program has reached a milestone by distributing more than 1,200 drug deactivating pouches.

The county teamed up with physicians, dentists, and pharmacists to provide the bags to patients in Central and East County who are prescribed opioids after a medical or dental procedure.

Patients were instructed to put any expired or leftover medications in the pouch, add warm water, then seal and shake the pouch. The warm water causes a chemical reaction that inactivates the medications, making them safe to throw away in the trash.

“These pouches keep children safe and drugs out of the hands of anyone who could misuse and suffer from ingesting them,” said Caroline Smith, interim deputy chief administrative officer for the county’s Health and Human Services Agency.

In 2022, 857 people died from an opioid overdose in San Diego County, which is about a 115% increase from 2016.

The pilot program was approved by the county’s Board of Supervisors in October

2023 and allotted $500,000 from a one-time Opioid Settlement Fund.

(https://

www.sandiegocounty.gov/ content/sdc/hhsa/programs/ mcsd/Resources-for-HealthProfessionals.html). (Cassie N. Saunders/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

Miramar Reservoir reopens for water recreation following Pure Water pipeline construction project

SAN DIEGO – On-water activities will be available again at the City of San Diego’s Miramar Reservoir beginning Saturday, July 6, following the successful installation of a new underwater pipeline as part of the Pure Water Program.

On-water recreational activities at Miramar Reservoir were suspended beginning in September 2023 to allow for the installation of a 1-mile-long branched pipeline to be installed on the bottom of the reservoir.

Following the completion of this significant project, boats, canoes, kayaks and float tubes are welcome once again.

“We thank San Diegans for their patience during this important construction project for our local water supply,” said Juan Guerreiro, Director of the city’s Public Utilities Department. “We are happy to welcome back

residents and visitors for all recreational activities at the reservoir.”

Purified water produced at the North City Pure Water Facility will flow through 8 miles of underground pipeline before reaching the subaqueous branched pipeline that will distribute the water throughout the reservoir. Pure Water San Diego is the city’s phased, multiyear program that will provide nearly half of our water supply locally by 2035. Pure Water will use proven purification technology to clean recycled water and produce safe, highquality drinking water. The program offers a cost-effective investment for San Diego’s water needs and will provide a reliable, sustainable water supply.

The largest integrated infrastructure project in the city’s history, construction on

Pure Water Phase 1 is just over 55% complete with 10 major construction projects underway across the city. When complete, Phase 1 will produce an annual average of 30 million gallons per day of purified water. Phase 2, now in the planning stages, will produce an additional 53 million

joined Congress in 2004.

her soured relations with the president. Her resignation takes effect on July 19.

News of Angara’s selection was welcomed by most stakeholders in the education sector, including activist groups that were Red-tagged or linked to the communist insurgency by the outgoing DepEd head.

A statement by the presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Marcos made his choice known at Tuesday morning’s Cabinet meeting. “Sonny has agreed to take on the brief of the Department of Education (DepEd),” the PCO quoted him as saying.

The Palace media office also said Malacañang “anticipates a smooth transition” at DepEd once Duterte’s resignation takes effect.

“Upon the guidance of the president, we will soon begin the transition process with the office of Vice President Sara Duterte,’’ Angara said. “I eagerly look forward to building [on] the gains made during her stint at the department.”

“Together, with the dedication of all stakeholders, we will strive to create a brighter future for our nation through education.”

A lawyer by profession, Angara was among several choices recommended for the education portfolio by leading groups in the sector, namely the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations, the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities, and the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd).

Other candidates recommended by these groups included Social Welfare

Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Negros Occidental Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez, and former Finance Undersecretary Milwida Guevara.

The PCO cited Angara’s “extensive legislative history” for championing “significant educational reforms” since he

Among these accomplishments are Angara’s authorship of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (Republic Act No. 10931), which mandated free tuition in state and local universities and colleges; the Enhanced Basic Education Act (RA 10533), which mandated the K-to-12 curriculum; the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo (Teaching Supplies) Act (RA 11997); the Open Distance Learning Act (RA 10650); the Universal Kindergarten Act (RA 10157); and the Anti-Bullying Act (RA 10627).

He was first elected Aurora representative in 2004. By 2010, during his last term in the House of Representatives, he had headed the panel on higher and technical education.

The son of the late Senate President and former University of the Philippines president Edgardo Angara and ex-Cultural Center of the Philippines chair Gloria Manalang, Angara earned his law degree at the University of the Philippines, Master of Laws degree at Harvard University and economics degree at the London School of Economics.

Impending appointment Angara said he only received confirmation of his appointment moments before Marcos’ announcement.

On Monday, he told reporters he was “open” to being appointed to DepEd “if given the trust [by the president].”

On Tuesday, he told reporters that he had met Marcos. “I told him what I would do if I were the [education] secretary. But I wasn’t sure that I would be appointed after the meeting,” he said.

His colleagues in the Senate already hinted at his impending appointment right before it was announced.

“Congratulations, Sen. Sonny Angara, on your Deped post! So well deserved. We are here to support you!” Sen. Loren Legarda said on X just shortly after the PCO’s confirmation.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, in a statement, called Angara “one of the most qualified and acceptable DepEd Secretaries among education reform advocates.”

“Sen. Sonny will have a lot on his plate as Education Secretary. Besides the crisis in education, he has to strengthen the education system and demonstrate compassion and concern for our education workers and learners,” she said.

‘Political savvy’ In a statement, PBEd said Angara’s “wealth of experience” and even “political savvy” will serve him well in his new post.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), the teachers’ union that Angara’s predecessor had Red-tagged, said they know him to be “open” to dialogue with teachers’ groups and for his “consistent” stand on improving their welfare.

“ACT hopes that Senator Angara will remain to be amicable, different from his Red-tagger predecessor,” ACT chair Vladimer Quetua said in a separate statement.

Lawyer and human rights advocate Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno also welcomed Angara’s appointment, saying that he “has his work cut out for him as our students and teachers continue to grapple with the learning crisis.”

“He has to buckle down to work immediately and address the pressing challenges and needs of the education sector that have been overlooked by the previous leadership,” Diokno said.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition said “For now, we welcome the Senator to the Department and request a meeting with him at his earliest convenience.”

The group said Angara should readily engage with teachers’ groups to help him tackle the challenges in the education system. —with reports from Dempsey Reyes, Alden Monzon and Inquirer Research n

Miramar Reservoir is owned, operated and maintained by the City of San Diego. Located in the Scripps Ranch community, the dam and reservoir were completed in 1960 as part of the second San Diego Aqueduct project.

LANDMARK. The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway in Cebu province is captured in all its glory on Wednesday, July 3. The 8.9-kilometer bridge crosses the Mactan Channel and links mainland Cebu through the South Road Properties in Cebu City to Mactan Island in Cordova town. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

Dateline PhiliPPines

Mayor Guo urged: Expose main players of illegal POGOs

by Helen Flores Philstar.com

MANILA — Suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor

Alice Guo, or Guo Hua Ping, should cooperate with authorities and reveal crucial information about the activities and key players of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said on Tuesday, July 2.

“Guo can play a crucial role in exposing the truth and ensuring that those involved are held accountable,” said Gatchalian.

“I urge Alice Guo to come forward and cooperate with authorities and expose the main players of illegal and criminal offshore gaming operations,” Gatchalian added.

“To reduce her culpability, she can reveal everything she knows about the operations of both the Bamban POGO and the Porac POGO, as the two are interconnected.”

Guo, along with others, has been charged with non-bailable qualified human trafficking by the presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

The Office of the Solicitor General is looking at filing a quo warranto case while the Commission on Elections is mulling an election offense case.

At the House of Representatives, Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez vowed to thoroughly probe alleged anomalies within

POGOs, where former and current government officials may have been involved.

“The government does not need this form of gambling as a revenue source. They breed criminal activities like human trafficking, kidnapping, protection and extortion. The social cost outweighs the financial benefit,” Rodriguez emphasized. Rodriguez also called on the House committees on games and amusements and good government and public accountability to conduct a joint inquiry and look into the alleged lobbying and protection for POGOs by officials, appointed and elected.

He was reacting to the revelation of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco that a former Cabinet member had lobbied for the grant of franchises to illegal POGOs that authorities recently raided in Bamban, Tarlac and in Porac, Pampanga.

“We are also ready to reveal the roles of other controversial individuals behind these criminal POGO enterprises,” Tengco said. He also referred to the role of former officials and conduits in granting licenses to POGO applicants with doubtful backgrounds.

Rodriguez said his proposed House inquiry would provide Tengco the proper forum to make his revelations and support them with evidence. n

PH, China hold dialogue, commit to de-escalate tensions

MANILA

– The Philippines and China have reaffirmed their commitment to de-escalating tensions in the South China Sea during their first formal dialogue since the violent skirmish between the Chinese Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines near Ayungin Shoal on June 17.

The two states convened the 9th Meeting of their Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM) in Manila on July 2.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary

Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong led the Philippine and Chinese delegations, respectively, and had a “frank and constructive discussions” on the situation.

In her comments, Lazaro told her counterpart that the

Philippines would be “relentless in protecting its interests and upholding its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.”

“Noting recent incidents in the South China Sea, both sides recognized that there is a need to restore trust, rebuild confidence, and create conditions conducive to productive dialogue and interaction,” the DFA said in a statement.

“The two sides discussed their respective positions on Ayungin Shoal and affirmed their commitment to de-escalate tensions without prejudice to their respective positions,” it added.

The DFA said there was a “substantial progress” on developing measures to manage the situation at sea, but said “significant differences remain.”

The DFA has yet to provide details when asked what kind of measures the Philippines is pushing and what progress has been reached.

Meanwhile, both sides agreed to continue discussions to find a “mutually acceptable resolution” to the issues.

Communication mechanisms According to the DFA, the two sides signed the Arrangement on Improving PhilippinesChina Maritime Communication Mechanisms and agreed to discuss further how to operationalize this mechanism. They also agreed to continue discussions on maritime cooperation between their coast guard authorities, including the possible resumption of the Joint Coast Guard Committee. The two sides likewise

PH can deter hostile attacks due to stronger AFP modernization

MANILA – The ongoing modernization of the Philippine military has gone far in terms of ramping up the country’s capability to thwart attacks or invasion attempts by hostile forces.

During the pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) Special Resibo ng Serbisyo ng Pangulo” interview over state-run PTV, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military’s modernization dates back to 1995 when their assets began to deteriorate after the closure of American military bases in the country.

“Hindi po natin pwedeng sabihin iyan para hindi alam ng ating mga competitors kung nasaan na tayo. But suffice to say, na kung mayroon pong gustong sumakop, mag-invade sa atin ay talagang lalaban po tayo at siguradong masusugatan sila (We cannot say that as we do not want our competitors to know where our program is exactly at. But suffice it to say, if anyone wants to invade us, we will fight and they will surely get hurt in the process),” the AFP chief said when asked about the exact progress of the AFP Modernization Program on Tuesday, July 2.

He said some of the fruits of the ongoing AFP Modernization

Program are the FA-50PH light jet fighters and the various missile systems that were recently delivered and are now in service in the military, along with the various state-of-the-art naval vessels being used to patrol the West Philippine Sea.

Last month, Brawner also joined Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. at the launch of the BRP Miguel Malvar (FF06), one of the Philippines’ two guided missile corvettes built in South Korea.

The AFP Modernization Program is subdivided into three “horizons” aimed at acquiring weapons systems and platforms for external defense missions.

Horizon 1 was from 2013 to 2017; Horizon 2 from 2018 to 2022; and Horizon 3 from 2023 to 2028.

“Unang-una, kailangan nating i-modernize ang mga radar systems natin, mga surveillance systems, pati na rin mga sensors natin. And then pag na-develop ito, kailangan i-develop ‘yung mga barko at mga aircraft natin na sasalubong. Let’s say nagkaroon ng invasion, na-detect ng radar systems, kailangan salubungin ng defense natin (First, we have to modernize our radar and surveillance systems, also our sensors. Once these are developed, we must develop the ships and the aircraft. Let’s say

there is an invasion attempt and this was detected by our radar systems, our defense needs to intercept it). We have missile systems, pwede natin gamitin yan (we can use them),” Brawner said.

Without giving details, he said the AFP is looking to acquire more modern jet fighters to strengthen its defensive capabilities.

Brawner also cited the need to train personnel tasked to handle newly acquired assets to ensure their proper usage and maintenance.

He thanked the House of Representatives and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for their strong support for the AFP Modernization Program, considering that this initiative is capital-intensive.

He also lauded them for seeing the importance of a modern AFP, considering the Philippines’ strategic location, which makes it a prime target for those interested in taking control of its waters.

“We really have to be able to present a deterrent factor. Kailangan po natin na ipakita na kayang-kaya natin depensahan iyong ating territory, iyong ating sovereignty and iyong sovereign rights natin (We need to show that we can defend our territory, sovereignty, and sovereign rights),” Brawner said. (PNA) n

Groundbreaking cancer study...

communities, including breast cancer among young Asian American women, nasopharyngeal cancer in Chinese Americans, liver cancer in Southeast Asian Americans, gastric cancer in Korean and Japanese Americans and thyroid cancer in Filipino Americans.

How to participate?

The study aims to enroll 20,000 participants this year, with plans to expand to 50,000 in the future. Participants will provide saliva samples and respond to lifestyle inquiries, ensuring comprehensive data collection. But take note: participation in the study involves being studied over many years, not just for a day or so.

Iona Chen, another principal investigator at UC San Francisco, explains that the study will monitor participants over several years to track

cancer development, including types such as lung, breast, gastric and liver cancers.

Eligible participants are adults aged 40 to 75 without a cancer diagnosis. There will also be remote interviews, eliminating the need for participants to travel to study sites and thereby enhancing convenience and accessibility. This approach enables researchers to gather extensive and detailed information from a diverse group of participants across various regions, contributing to a deeper understanding of cancer risk factors in Asian American communities.

If you’re from Southern California, LAist listed the contact information: Cedars-Sinai is enrolling people in LA County at CSCCommunityOutreach@ cshs.org, while UC Irvine is enrolling Orange County participants at tanjasir@hs.uci.edu. (Hans Carbonilla/Inquirer.net) n

Features OpiniOn

Propaganda campaign?

AT the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipinos shunned vaccines made in China not because of any propaganda campaign by the West, but because it was a fact that Beijing would not come clean on the origins of the new virus, and refused to submit its vaccines to assessment by an internationally recognized stringent regulatory authority or SRA.

These details are useful to remember before the facts become muddled enough to fit Beijing’s narrative on COVID, whose origins to this day have yet to be officially established, thanks to Chinese stonewalling. In December 2019, ophthalmologist Li Wenliang posted on social media an alert about a new virus that was sickening and killing people in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province in central China. Beijing had Li arrested along with seven other COVID whistle-blowers ostensibly for rumormongering. In February 2020, Li died of COVID. Over in Manila, as reports spread about an emerging pandemic, the administration of Rodrigo Duterte refused to impose travel restrictions on visitors from China. The Philippines’ COVID Patients 1 and 2 were a pair of tourists from Wuhan, recorded as early as Jan. 30, 2020. One became the first confirmed COVID death recorded in the Philippines, on Feb. 1, and the first outside China.

Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. aptly put it during his remarks at the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command in Palawan last Sunday, June 30 that “we are not in the business [of instigating] wars – our ambition is to provide a peaceful and prosperous life for every Filipino.”

Maintaining that the Philippines is a responsible state that will continue to exercise its freedoms and rights in accordance with international law, the president emphasized that “in defending the nation, we stay true to our Filipino nature that would like to settle all these issues peacefully.”

The pride in his voice was unmistakable when he told the troops at WESCOM – the unit tasked to secure the West Philippine Sea: “You demonstrated to the world that the Filipino spirit is one that is brave, determined and yet is compassionate.”

The greatest proof of what kind of people we are is in the over 10 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) deployed in more than 200 countries worldwide that include Saudi Arabia, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. Everywhere they go,

Even then, Duterte downplayed the threat, saying the virus would “die a natural death.” When the World Health Organization finally declared the existence of a pandemic, Duterte imposed one of the most stringent lockdowns in the world. At the same time, his administration busied itself with the multibillion-peso sweetheart deal awarded to Pharmally Pharmaceuticals.

Reinforcing reports that the COVID virus sprung from Wuhan, China became the first to produce vaccines. Without SRA approval, however, people outside China preferred to wait for a peer-vetted vaccine. In December 2020, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and German firm BioNTech produced such a vaccine for emergency use.

The country would later find out that the Trump administration, working with Philippine diplomats, had pushed for Pfizer to give priority to the Philippines, with 10 million doses of its prized vaccine ready for delivery as early as January 2021. But Teodoro Locsin Jr., at the time the foreign

secretary, said “someone dropped the ball” and the Duterte administration held off on signing a confidential disclosure agreement sought by Pfizer.

The suspicion was that the Duterte administration wanted to first unload the China-donated jabs before allowing the entry of the Pfizer shots. No

propaganda machine is needed to tell you that those 10 million Pfizer doses could have drastically cut down the death toll in the lethal Alpha COVID wave in the summer of 2021, when vaccination was just starting in the country and hospitals overflowed with patients. (Philstar.com)

We are not in the business of instigating wars

OFWs are much appreciated for being hardworking, kind and caring.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, admiration and appreciation for OFWs, particularly nurses and health care professionals, poured in from people like British media personality Piers Morgan, who described them as “unsung heroes.”

“Amazing number of Filipinos working in National Health Service are unsung heroes… Thank you to all the Filipinos who are here, doing all this… These are the immigrants currently saving people’s lives, coming here and actually enriching our country and doing an amazing job. So thank you to all the Filipinos who are here doing all these amazing work…” Morgan said.

When former British prime minister Boris Johnson was hospitalized and needed intensive care after contracting COVID-19, he wore a shirt with the word “Philippines” across the chest in what was seen as his subtle way of honoring Filipino nurses and medical professionals who saved his life.

When Hamas militants attacked Jewish communities near the Gaza Strip, OFWs like nurse Angeline Aguirre displayed unbelievable courage and dedication – refusing to abandon her elderly patient, with both perishing in the process. Carer Camille Jesalva

also refused to leave her 95-year-old employer. When Hamas militants broke into the residence, she calmly and bravely faced them, offering all the money she saved for a trip to the Philippines. Camille said she could not have forgiven herself if her employer had died because she abandoned her.

Every visitor who comes to the Philippines says Filipinos are warm, friendly and hospitable. We are a good people – and we are also proud to be regarded as kind, imbued with humanitarian compassion for those who are in need of help.

In 1934, during the time of President Manuel L. Quezon, we opened our doors to Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi purge and made the Philippines a safe haven for them at a time when many other countries turned their backs and closed their doors to a persecuted race. Despite the criticism he received, President Quezon issued Proclamation 173 that has come to be known as the “open door policy” that allowed at least 1,300 European Jews into the Philippines.

Thousands of Vietnamese refugees known as “boat people” who fled during the Vietnam War were also granted asylum to the Philippines on the basis of humanitarian grounds, with the Philippine government during the time of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. upholding the principle of non-refoulement – meaning

no refugee was turned away or repatriated back to Vietnam.

We Filipinos are known for being extremely hospitable, good people – always ready to extend a helping hand and respond to a call for help, sometimes even shedding blood in the process. But when push comes to shove, we step up to the plate, like in the Battle of Yultong in 1951 during the Korean War when the 10th Battalion Combat Team that was part of the 7,500-strong Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea sent by President Elpidio Quirino fiercely resisted the 44th Division of the Chinese Army.

During the battle, 900 Filipinos surrounded by thousands of Chinese soldiers lost all contact with the outside world but bravely resisted enemy offensives in two days of fierce fighting – enabling the 65th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. 3rd Infantry to withdraw.

When the dust finally settled, 24 Filipinos died but several thousands of the enemy were also killed before reinforcements arrived. The bravery of the “Fighting Filipinos” was such that General Douglas MacArthur was reported to have said, “Give me 10,000 Filipino soldiers and I shall conquer the world!” Filipinos are unassuming and patient, but it is also in our blood to push back when we are shoved. Whatever freedom we are enjoying today – we fought

hard for. We were under Spanish rule for over 300 years when our forefathers waged a war for independence. In the early 1900s, we fought the Americans during the Philippine-American War to gain independence, only to suffer during the Japanese occupation. We fought with the Americans against the Japanese invaders during World War 2 until we gained full independence in 1946. Today, we have extremely good relations with Spain as well as the United States and Japan who are our staunch allies – proving once again that we are a peace-loving nation.

President Marcos said “…We will not resort to the use of force or intimidation, or deliberately inflict injury or harm to anyone. But at the same time, we stand firm. Our calm and peaceful disposition should not be mistaken for acquiescence” –because that is precisely the kind of people that Filipinos are. (Philstar.com)

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

Developing our emotional intelligence

AFTER several box office

letdowns in 2023, Disney can finally breathe a sigh of relief with the recent commercial success of Pixar’s “Inside Out 2.”

Emotional intelligence is defined as the ability to understand and monitor one’s feelings and emotions and use the information gathered to guide one’s thinking and actions. The term was first coined in 1990 but it was psychologist and writer Daniel Goleman who brought it to general awareness in 1995. He christened it with its famous shorthand, EQ, and published a book highlighting it as a significant predictor of success. His insights were a stark contrast to the prevailing belief at the time, which solely put a premium on a person’s IQ

This sequel to the 2015 animated hit explores the inner workings of a girl’s emotions by following 11-year-old Riley and the various emotions running a command control center inside her head. In the sequel, the original five—Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger, and Fear—are joined by new characters as Riley goes through puberty: Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui. The movie brilliantly illustrates how emotions influence our decision-making. In the past decade, scientists have understood more precisely how emotions aid rational thinking by helping us assess which relevant information to consider, including potential threats and opportunities. To guide our thought process, different emotions highlight specific details, memories, and beliefs while downplaying others. For example, the feeling of disgust helps us avoid certain situations that might harm us. Imagine discovering a foul-smelling three-week-old milk in your fridge. Disgust kicks in, and you are absolutely sure that you don’t need to taste it before throwing it away.

levels. Fast-forward to 2024 and skills related to emotional intelligence have become sought-after qualities in leaders and employees. According to the 2023 World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2023 report, organizations are placing increasing importance on socio-emotional attitudes like self-awareness, resilience, curiosity, and flexibility. In a working landscape anticipating massive disruptions due to automation and artificial intelligence, companies seek to build a workforce with high EQ: reflective, adaptive, selfmotivated, and committed to lifelong learning. As a licensed Social Emotional Learning (SEL) trainer for the past seven years, I have noticed that many young people face a significant challenge: they grew up hearing that their feelings are valid, but they were not necessarily taught how to properly assess and manage them, often hindering them from being able to choose to

respond appropriately. This gap in understanding often results in individuals who constantly let heightened emotions dictate their decisions, using unprocessed feelings to justify inappropriate, unproductive, and destructive behavior.

Emotional intelligence transcends mere awareness of one’s emotions. It encompasses the ability to comprehend the nature of these emotions as well as the proficiency to manage them effectively. The five core SEL competencies are selfawareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. These involve recognizing and regulating emotions, understanding others, building healthy relationships, and making constructive choices. Possessing a high EQ means not only recognizing what you are feeling but also understanding that you wield control over your emotions rather than being controlled by them.

Children need to be taught

that: Yes, we should name and acknowledge our emotions. BUT it is equally important to understand that our strong feelings can cloud judgment. Our initial emotions often overlook and obscure considerations that a rational mind would take into account, such as our longterm goals, the values we stand for, and the relationships we care about. For example, when someone has road rage, they are so focused on their anger that they fail to weigh whether the traffic inconvenience they were reacting to is enough to justify harming others.

People need to learn how to pause when dealing with heightened emotions and to practice doing activities that will help them calm their emotional mind so that they can also “hear” their rational mind. This way, they can react and decide with greater intention. For parents and teachers who want to learn how to explicitly teach SEL skills to their children and students. I recommend looking into a host of free online resources developed

by Unesco and CASEL for practical tips and free modules that one could easily integrate into the classroom or at home. While there is an old saying that “Those who can’t, teach,” emotional intelligence is not something one can easily impart unless one makes an active commitment to developing and embodying these skills. Teaching social-emotional attitudes begins with a personal practice: Being more reflective about how we are feeling and being more mindful and deliberate with the way we respond. It is through our continuous growth in this area that we can hope to effectively guide the younger generation toward a more resilient and emotionally intelligent future amid a world increasingly shaped by automation. This skill will serve them (and us) well. (Inquirer.net)

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

ManilaTimes.net

Maintaining that the Philippines is a responsible state that will continue to exercise its freedoms and rights in accordance with international law, president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized that “in defending the nation, we stay true to our Filipino nature that would like to settle all these issues peacefully.”

Malacañang file photo

PH tops global rankings in investor relations, debt transparency

by Ian LaquI Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines

ranked first in investor relations country scores coming from third place in 2023 based on an assessment from Washingtonbased think tank Institute of International Finance (IIF).

In the IIF Investor Relations and Debt Transparency Report released July 4, the Philippines garnered a score of 48.8 of 50, an improvement from last year’s score of 47.8 and the highest among the 50 countries sampled.

Following the Philippines, countries receiving the highest scores were Indonesia with 48.7; Türkiye with 48.3; Brazil with 47.5 and Hungary with 47.2.

The Philippines jumped from 12th place in 2022 to 3rd place in 2023 out of 41 emerging

markets and developing countries assessed.

The scores were weighted based on 23 criteria that investors value as important, such as practices of regular self-assessment, dissemination of macroeconomic data and policy information, the quality of investor relations website and the availability of feedback and communication channels.

According to the think tank, the countries that achieved the high IR scores showcase “robust practice and effective engagement with international creditors.”

Debt transparency score

Subsets of the Investor Relations score are on debt transparency and on environmental, social and governance data and policy dissemination.

The Philippines also achieved

the highest score in debt transparency posting a 12.5 score tying with Indonesia. It is followed by Türkiye with 12.3, Uruguay with 12.0 and Brazil with 11.8.

This is based on evaluation of how well a country or organization discloses and manages debt-relation information, with a maximum score of 13. It also measures countries’ adherence to the International Monetary Fund’s standards on how data is disclosed and distributed as well as the accessibility of macroeconomic and ESG data.

“Countries with strong investor relations and debt transparency practices are realizing the benefits, seeing higher sovereign credit ratings and improved capital flows,” the IIF authors said. n

Duterte knows where Quiboloy is, but won’t tell

by DIana LhyD SueLto Philstar.com

MANILA — Former President Rodrigo Duterte said he knows where his friend Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy is hiding, but would not say where.

“If the question is, ‘Where is pastor?’ I know where, but it’s a secret,” Duterte told reporters on Saturday, June 29 in Tacloban city.

Duterte, administrator of KOJC properties, said Quiboloy, who has standing arrest warrants for sexual and child abuse and human trafficking cases, does not want to surrender.

“He does not want to surrender. So, don’t surrender,” he added.

The police searched the KOJC compound several times in an attempt to serve the arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his co-accused but failed to find him. KOJC members have condemned the latest attempt to serve the warrants, claiming that the police have used excessive force in entering their compounds.

Duterte, however, refused to comment on this allegation.

“I have a feeling for the military and police. I am pro-police, pro-military,” the former president added. n

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PH oldest political prisoner released

MANILA — The country’s oldest political prisoner has been released from detention on Sunday, June 30 prisoner rights group Kapatid said.

In a press release on Monday, July 1, the group said that Gerardo Dela Peña, 85, was released from the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City on the evening of June 30.

“We are very happy that Tatay Gerry can finally return home to his family and reunite with his wife Pilar in their twilight years. His release is a milestone for human rights campaigns, but also serves as a stark reminder of the obstacles that impede the release of political prisoners,” Fides Lim, Kapatid spokesperson said in a statement.

Tatay Gerry’s journey to freedom was very difficult because of systemic challenges and bureaucratic delays. It’s concerning why the Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP) could not immediately implement its own Board Resolution No. OT-

08-02-2023 allowing executive clemency for prisoners who have reached 70 years old and served ten years of their sentence,” he added.

Dela Peña was arrested on March 21, 2013 at the age of 75 in Vinzons, Camarines Norte. He was convicted of murder after he allegedly killed his nephew which he denied.

The New People’s Army admitted to the killing. However, Dela Peña was still convicted and was sentenced to face 12year imprisonment.

According to Kapatid, the Bureau of Pardons and Parole recommended on March 8 that Dela Peña’s sentence be commuted to 12 years, in addition to the good conduct time allowance he has earned.

“The fact is, Tatay Gerry had already overserved his commuted sentence, serving exactly 12 years and two months as of June 12, aside from the good conduct time allowance (GCTA) he accrued. Every

additional minute behind bars is a gross injustice for an innocent man,” Lim said.

“The release of political prisoner Gerardo Dela Peña is a testament to the power of perseverance, vigilance and community in overcoming challenges. We extend our heartfelt thanks in particular to Justice Secretary Boying Remulla for facilitating his release, the Commission on Human Rights for its unwavering support, and everyone here and abroad who helped in this collective effort,” he said.

During Dela Peña’s imprisonment, the Commission on Human Rights and other human rights groups advocated for his release due to his declining health with his losing eyesight and deteriorating hearing.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has yet to respond to Philstar.com’s request for a comment on Dela Peña’s release. n

PH, US vow to harness ties for regional peace, dev’t – DFA

MANILA – The Philippines and the United States are committed to strengthening ties for regional peace and development, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

At the U.S. Independence Day reception in Taguig City on July 2, DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro cited the “significant progress” the Philippines and the U.S. cooperation have achieved in the past two years.

“The increasing frequency and scope of our engagement signal our unwavering commitment to harnessing our partnership for peace and development, not only within our respective countries but also in the broader region,” she said.

Lazaro made the statement as

the two nations witness renewed vigor in their defense and economic ties under the Marcos and Biden administrations.

In her speech, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson reiterated that Washington, D.C. has an “ironclad commitment” to its alliance with Manila.

“Together with our partners, we remain unwavering in our commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight, and to the importance of respecting the sovereign rights of states within their exclusive economic zones consistent with international law,” she said.

“U.S.-Philippines commercial and economic ties are booming,” she added.

Over the past year alone, U.S.

President Joe Biden’s Trade and Investment Mission visited the Philippines and resulted in more than USD1 billion in investments and partnerships. On top of this, Manila has expanded its cooperation with the U.S. to include like-minded states, such as Japan.

In April, the three states held the historic trilateral leaders’ summit and launched the Luzon Economic Corridor, the latest economic initiative under the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment covering Subic, Manila, and Batangas ports.

In the coming months, the U.S. and the Philippines are also set to convene the 2+2 defense and foreign affairs ministerial meeting. (PNA) n

PH, China hold dialogue...

talked about the possibility of convening an academic forum among

technological cooperation.

“Both sides agreed that continued dialogue on the basis of mutual respect as two equal sovereign states facilitates peace and stability at sea, and committed to having the 10th BCM in China to sustain the positive momentum on discussions,” it said. (PNA) n

SD#0353

must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 08/14/2024 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. (THE) Asian Journal: JUL 02, 2024 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Maureen F. Hallahan Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1458 07/05, 07/12, 07/19, and 07/26/2024 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120). If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, drivers license, passport, and other identification, a certificate copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issues the legal document that need to be changed to determine if a certificate copy is required. A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC230) may be obtained form the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for information on obtaining certified copies. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9011686

Info Pioneer located at 5017 Reynolds Street, San Diego, CA 92113. Registrant: Miguel Tillis Jr, 5017 Reynolds Street, San Diego, CA 92113. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/2024.

Signature: Miguel Tillis Jr. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/04/2024.

AJ 1438 06/14, 06/21, 06/28, and 07/05/2024. AJSD 1438

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9011857

MICACIE Consulting located at 878 Camino Cantera, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

Registrant: MICACIE LLC, 878 Camino Cantera, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: David Patrick Hamey. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/05/2024. AJ 1442 06/14, 06/21, 06/28, and 07/05/2024. AJSD 1442

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9012341

Highland Builders Services located at 1559 Ravinia Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

Registrant: Pedro Jimenez, Jr., 1559 Ravinia Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/12/2024. Signature: Pedro Jimenez, Jr.. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/12/2024. AJ 1446 06/21, 06/28, 07/05, and 07/12/2024.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9012925

a. EVAMMA LLC located at 1286 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103.

b. EVAMMA Retail Store located at 1286 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103. Registrant: EVAMMA LLC, 6725 Paraside Ave, San Diego, CA 92139.

This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Amma Biaa Acquah. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/20/2024. AJ 1450 06/28, 07/05, 07/12, and 07/19/2024. AJSD 1450

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9012533

JMF Concrete LLC located at 522 Bayona Loop, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Registrant: JMF Concrete LLC, 522 Bayona Loop, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/15/2024.

Signature: Justin Fulton. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/14/2024. AJ 1455 06/28, 07/05, 07/12, and 07/19/2024. AJSD 1455

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9010117

Gina Clinical Counselor A Professional Clinical Counselor Corporation located at 8775 Aero Dr #240, San Diego, CA 92123. Registrant: Gina Clinical Counselor A Professional Clinical Counselor Corporation, P.O. Box 2281, La Mesa, CA 91943. This business is conducted by A Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Nahyune Lim. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/10/2024.

AJ 1439 06/14, 06/21, 06/28, and 07/05/2024. AJSD 1439

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9012177

Dija Mara located at 232 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054.

Registrant: Cafe Zenon, 251 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145. This business is conducted by A Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/20/2024.

Signature: Suzanne Nguyen.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/10/2024. AJ 1443 06/14, 06/21, 06/28, and 07/05/2024. AJSD 1443

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9011721

MM INC located at 6545 Via Barona, Carlsbad, CA 92009.

Registrant: MMI, 6545 Via Barona, Carlsbad, CA 92009.

This business is conducted by A Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Myles Massa. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/04/2024.

AJ 1447 06/21, 06/28, 07/05, and 07/12/2024. AJSD 1447

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9012535

22 Graphics located at 368 Anita Street SP 25, Chula Vista, CA 91911. Registrant: Leopoldo Barboza, 368 Anita Street SP 25, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Leopoldo Barboza III. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/14/2024. AJ 1451 06/28, 07/05, 07/12, and 07/19/2024. AJSD 1451

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9013587

World Micro Dramas Research Association located at 10785 Birch Bluff Ave, San Diego, CA 92131. Registrant: Maria Lixian Gee-Schweiger, 10785 Birch Bluff Ave, San Diego, CA 92131. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/28/2024. Signature: Maria Lixian Gee-Schweiger. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/28/2024. AJ 1456 07/05, 07/12, 07/19, and 07/26/2024. AJSD 1456

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9009673

Vinyl Sky located at 1238 Camino Carmelo, Chula Vista, CA 91913. Registrant: Armando Montiel, 1238 Camino Carmelo, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/15/2019. Signature: Armando Montiel. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/06/2024. AJ 1440 06/14, 06/21, 06/28, and 07/05/2024. AJSD 1440

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9012102

iiba located at 215 East Oxford St, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: Conner

Thomas Tano McKinney, 215 East Oxford St, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 006/07/2024.

Signature: Conner McKinney. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/07/2024. AJ 1444 06/21, 06/28, 07/05, and 07/12/2024. AJSD 1444

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9012951

All That Shabu located at 8105 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126. Registrant: All That Shabu SD, INC, 103 Tinker, Irvine, CA 92618. This business is conducted by A Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Kyeoung Shin Youn. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/20/2024. AJ 1448 06/28, 07/05, 07/12, and 07/19/2024.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9012004

Len’s Jewelry Shop located at 1430 E Plaza Blvd, Suite K-07, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Leny R. Nata, INC, 1430 E Plaza Blvd, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/07/2024. Signature: Leny Nata. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/07/2024. AJ 1452 06/28, 07/05, 07/12, and 07/19/2024. AJSD 1452

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9013598 a. STELLA MOVING & DELIVERY located at 1947 DARTMOOR DRIVE, LEMON GROVE, CA, 91945. b. MOVING WITH STELLA located at 1947 DARTMOOR DRIVE, LEMON GROVE, CA, 91945. Registrant: C&S LOGISTICS INC.,1947 DARTMOOR DRIVE, LEMON GROVE, CA, 91945. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/08/2023. Signature: Arslan Turganov. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/01/2024. AJ 1457 07/05, 07/12, 07/19, and 07/26/2024. AJSD 1457

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9011413

Leo’s Auto Detailing located at 679 Rivera St, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: Leonardo Eli Nuñez, 679 Rivera St, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/30/2024. Signature: Leonardo Eli Nuñez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/30/2024. AJ 1441 06/14, 06/21, 06/28, and 07/05/2024. AJSD 1441

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9010249

Horizon Sales located at 1441 Santa Lucia Rd #535, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

Registrant: Atisha Lnu, 1441 Santa Lucia Rd #535, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Atisha Lnu. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/13/2024. AJ 1445 06/21, 06/28, 07/05, and 07/12/2024 AJSD 1445

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9013074

Zakkout Real Estate Services located at 8078 Camino Montego, Carlsbad, CA 92009. Registrant: Aziz A Zakkout INC, 8078 Camino Montego, Carlsbad, CA 92009. This business is conducted by A Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Aziz A Zakkout. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/21/2024.

AJ 1449 06/28, 07/05, 07/12, and 07/19/2024.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9013128

Silver Streak Cafe located at 1050 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101. Registrant: Rashida Hirani, 1050 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/01/2018.

Signature: Rashida Hirani. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/24/2024. AJ 1453 06/28, 07/05, 07/12, and 07/19/2024. AJSD 1453

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9013666 SE7VENCUPS CAFE LLC located at 3400 E. 8th St. Suite 114, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: SE7VENCUPS CAFE LLC, 3400 E. 8th St. Suite 114, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability COmpany. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 07/01/2024. Signature: Ivy Macasinag. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/01/2024. AJ 1459 07/05, 07/12, 07/19, and 07/26/2024. AJSD 1459

T

SAN DIEGO

US O pen Fan Week gets bigger, better, and more fun for all ages

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

he US Open’s Fan Week is set to be bigger and better than ever this year, according to Nicole Kankam, Managing Director of Pro Tennis Marketing and Entertainment at the USTA. “We are so excited about Fan Week this year,” she told the Asian Journal. “It’s going to be bigger and better than ever. We’ve added a day after the tremendous popularity we saw with the event last year.”

Kicking off on Monday, August 19, Fan Week is a massive tennis and entertainment festival that offers free access to the grounds of the US Open. Attendees can watch the qualifying tournament, see top players practice, and enjoy a variety of entertainment and activities.

“There’ll be a stage set up with player appearances and other interactive games,” Kankam explained. “It’s for families, casual fans, and passionate tennis fans. There really is something for everyone.”

Kankam, who transitioned to sports marketing after a successful career in the music and entertainment industry, expressed her passion for tennis and the US Open.

“I love the US Open because it’s so much more than tennis. It is entertainment, it is sports, and it also showcases diversity and accessibility,” she said.

Fan Week’s expansion is part of the USTA’s efforts to make tennis more accessible.

“We wanted to create an environment where different audiences are seen and represented,” Kankam noted.

“We’re a three-week event now for the US Open, but ensuring that one of those weeks has opportunities for everyone to get involved and to build a pipeline for new and emerging events has been a big focus for us.” This includes celebrating HBCUs, embracing Open Pride, and curating events for

AAPI and Latin audiences. One highlight is the opening day lion dance by the Chinatown Young Lion Dance Group, symbolizing good luck and cultural diversity. The week also features the Legends of the Open, with appearances by former top players like James Blake and Tommy Haas, and a mixed doubles event with the following pairs in competition: Coco Gauff and Ben Shelton; Naomi Osaka and Nick Kygrios; Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paola Badosa, and Taylor Fritz and Aryna Sabalenka. “Tennis is unique where men and women compete at a high level on the same stage,” Kankam said. “That’s a way for us to showcase the new generation of tennis stars and competing on the stage together men and women, is what the US Open is all about.” The mixed doubles event offers a competitive atmosphere with nearly $500,000 in prize money. For those interested in culinary experiences, the Flavors of the Open presented by Dobel Tequila offers a food

County adopts new budget

COUNTY Supervisors unanimously adopted a new

$8.53 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 during a board meeting on Tuesday, June 25. The budget took effect on Monday, July 1.

The adopted budget shows an increase of $364.5 million or 4.5% from last year. The new budget also adds 84 employees for a total of 20,471.25 staff years.

Prior to the vote, Board Chairwoman Nora Vargas thanked newly appointed Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton, the directors and the finance staff for their hard work, and for listening to the community in producing the final version of the budget.

The chairwoman also thanked interim CAO Sarah Aghassi who presented the recommended budget and for her leadership as she led the county through a difficult time during the Jan. flood emergency.

Chairwoman Vargas said the new budget reflects our values as a county and serves the community and working families across the region.

“We really centered equity in this budget to provide projects, programs and services for everyone, including recovery from the stormwater emergency, addressing homelessness, building community infrastructure, promoting environmental equity and expanding behavioral health service programs,” said Chairwoman Vargas. “At the same time, we need to be prudent of the outlook so we can balance our current needs and plan for the years ahead.”

The $8.48 billion recommended budget was released May 2 and was designed to maintain and improve the quality of life in our region while also helping those who need it most.

The recommended budget addressed county budget priorities to help those experiencing homelessness and behavioral health and substance use disorders. It did more to help people and families with housing, nutrition, health, financial and other needs.

The county put additional funding into affordable housing, roads, justice reform, public safety and environmental sustainability. The budget retained funding for core services like fire protection, libraries and parks.

The Board of Supervisors built on the $8.48 billion recommended budget to include additional increases for infrastructure, justice reform, homelessness and housing, support services, public safety, and other priorities.

A revised budget posted on June 13 added $46.9 million or an increase of 0.6% percent to the May plan for the total of $8.53 billion. The revised budget also added another 12 positions.

The revised plan includes:

• $8.5 million to support the caseload in the District Attorney’s Office.

• $6 million for lease payments, programs and services to clients at the North and South County

Family Justice Centers.

• $13.1 million in one-time costs for the Migrant Transition Day Center to support onward travel for asylum seekers released from Department of Homeland Security custody.

• $7.5 million for increased construction costs for Calavo Park in Spring Valley.

• $2.2 million to the Sheriff’s Department to support Medi-Cal Transformation PATH, law enforcement services requested by the City of Encinitas, forensic testing equipment, off-highway vehicle training and equipment.

• $0.6 million for the Grantville Safe Parking site for those at risk or experiencing homelessness. The revised budget also specifies the use for enterprise costs to address capital, IT, emergency response or other efforts:

• $1.3 million for updates to the Battery Energy Storage System.

• $0.5 million to extend the regional ¡Mas Fresco! Plus food program.

• $0.25 million for enhanced drowning prevention efforts.

• $0.25 million to extend no-cost transportation services for seniors.

• $0.25 million for the Workplace Justice Fund.

• $0.15 million for a pilot archery project at a county park.

• $0.059 million to help the Lake Hodges, Lake Sutherland and El Capitan reservoirs remain open.

Overall, the adopted budget shows smaller budget increases than previous years, limits the growth of staffing and reduces spending on capital projects.

County staff prepared the budget using community input collected throughout the year, an equity assessment to evaluate potential impacts to vulnerable populations and additional data.

After the recommended budget’s release on May 2, departments gave budget presentations to the Board on May 14 and 16, the county held two community budget meetings on May 23 and 29, and two public hearings in early June.

Investment priorities in the adopted budget also include: Infrastructure: Roads, libraries, parks and other community enhancements

• $132.9 million total to provide new facilities and maintain existing ones to allow employees to continue providing excellent customer service.

• $480.8 million total for Public Works/Roads which builds and maintains roads and manages the region’s sanitation and flood control districts.

– $40.5 million increase for a total of $189 million for road safety including traffic signals, curb ramps, pedestrian crossings, guardrails and new sidewalks and bike lanes.

– $4.7 million to prevent storm flooding by keeping culverts, channels, levees and storm drains safe and u PAGE 10

festival with all-you-can-eat signature dishes from the US Open. Proceeds from this event and others like Stars of the Open will support the USTA Foundation, which brings tennis and education to underresourced communities.

“We really wanted to create something for everyone, so that we were curating different experiences that would attract new audiences, draw them into the sport, hopefully convert them into tennis fans,” she further explained.

Fan Week culminates with Arthur Ashe Kids Day on Saturday, August 24. Once the qualifying tournament is done, all of the courts are taken over with tennis activities. Kids and their families are strongly encouraged to come out and try out the sport and experience it.

As Fan Week approaches, Kankam’s enthusiasm is contagious, inviting everyone to partake in this vibrant celebration of tennis and community. “We just want fans to come out and enjoy it,” she said. With a week packed full of unique experiences, diverse cultural events, and opportunities to see both rising stars and legendary players, the US Open’s Fan Week promises to be an unforgettable experience for all. For detailed schedules and event information, visit [usopen.org](https://www. usopen.org). n

Nicole Kankam, Managing Director of Pro Tennis Marketing and Entertainment at the United States Tennis Association (USTA) provided the Asian Journal an in-depth look at the upcoming “Fan Week”

Six tips to preserve and protect the outdoors this summer

SUMMER is here, and many Californians are headed out to enjoy the warmer weather and wonders of the outdoors with friends and family. Before recreating outside, be sure to think about your impact and do your part to keep public lands clean to protect the natural ecosystems.

Caltrans, Clean California, and California State Parks recommend a few simple tips to help keep public spaces and communities safe and free from litter and debris:

• Pack it in, pack it out. Leave no trace by bringing a trash bag, especially if visiting a remote area. Put food waste, napkins, singleuse food wrappers, and other waste in the bags until it can be properly disposed of. For human waste, the use of waste alleviation gel (WAG) bags or other portable toilet options is recommended. WAG bags can be safely disposed of in regular trash receptacles.

• Choose reusable over single-use items. Reusable containers keep harmful toxins out of our water and community recreation areas and are more cost-efficient in the long run. If you do use cans or plastic bottles, be sure to properly recycle them to help mitigate their impact.

a local garbage site.

• Secure your load. Whether you live nearby or are traveling to reach your destination, be sure to properly tarp and tie down items in truck beds, trailers, and boats to ensure items make it to your destination and do not fly out during the trip.

County adopts...

clean.

– $4.5 million increase for a total of $65.5 million to maintain 2,000 miles of unincorporated roadways.

• $77.2 million total for Parks and Recreation to promote health and wellness, safe communities and civic pride through thousands of programs.

– $33.5 million total to operate 157 park facilities, 58,000 acres of parkland and 389 miles of trails.

institutionalization.

• $479 million for Child and Family Well Being to provide family strengthening and prevention services to keep families together, as well as child protection services.

– More than $158 million for families supporting foster and adopted children.

– $2 million increase for child abuse prevention.

– $20.2 million to conserve natural resources, protect habitat and species, and improve environmental conditions including in the Tijuana River Valley.

• $66.6 million total for County Library to offer a physical and virtual hub of education, entertainment and culture.

– $2 million increase to help youth leaving foster care with transitional housing.

– A new Prevention Hub to help families before they reach a point of crisis, with the ultimate goal of keeping families together.

• Pick up small, littered items to make a big impact. Keep an eye out for bottle caps, food wrappers, cigarette butts, and other small items and be sure to properly dispose of them.

• Properly dispose of large items, such as pop-up canopies, beach chairs, and coolers. Leaving these items on the beach or in a park or near a trash receptacle may be considered illegal dumping. Please haul back broken items and dispose of them properly at

• Prevent wildfires and toxic pollution. The hotter and drier climate in the summer makes for optimal conditions for wildfires. Litter adds to this problem, especially cigarette butts, as they can start and fuel the spread of wildfire. Litter, when burned, can also release toxins into the environment, harming wildlife and nearby communities. Do your part to properly dispose of all items. More tips are available online at CleanCA.com. Before heading outside, do a little research on your destination to scope out trails, reserve picnic areas and campsites, and pack belongings accordingly. To find a state park close to you, visit Parks.ca.gov. n

San Diego Regional Cyber Lab supports local businesses with cyber security needs

Free online resource uses artificial intelligence technology to help public and private organizations

SAN DIEGO – The City of San Diego’s Cyber Lab now offers a new web-based resource that employs artificial intelligence (AI) technology to help public and private organizations bolster their cyber security protection. Called “My eCISO” (CISO stands for Chief Information Security Officer), this AI-powered chatbot provides potential users, such as small business owners, a starting point to learn about and create a cyber security program to protect them from cyber-attacks and data breaches.

“Organizations and small businesses with limited resources need all the help they can get to protect themselves in this everevolving digital landscape,” said Jonathan Behnke, Chief Information Officer for the Department of IT. “The new My eCISO tool will assist people and organizations who need cyber security protection and don’t know where to start.”

Traditionally, an organization’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the security of an organization’s applications, databases, computers and websites. However, as the technological landscape rapidly evolves, organizations without a CISO on staff also need assistance

evaluating their existing cybersecurity infrastructure and installing the necessary safeguards to protect their customers and users from potentially devastating impacts of cyber-crime.

To address this need, the City of San Diego, through its regional Cyber Lab, has partnered with California Polytechnic State University and Amazon Web Services to create My eCISO. This generative AI-based application can assist public and private organizations with identifying areas of their cyber defenses that need the most immediate attention.

After signing up for an account, users of My eCISO can start a natural language interview with the program’s AI chatbot.

The chatbot will use a question-and-answer format to evaluate the organization’s current cyber security situation and advise on actionable steps for improvement. The user’s responses provide the chatbot with information to generate a PDF “report card” that grades the organization’s current cyber security measures and offers recommendations based on National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidance.

For security purposes, My eCISO allows

users to include only the level of detail they are comfortable sharing. The more details that are shared, the more sophisticated the reports. This helps users to shape a report that fits their organization’s needs.

Considering the highly sensitive nature of organizational cybersecurity data, security and trust were heavily prioritized in My eCISO’s design and implementation. Only the user who originally submitted their data can access it. Additionally, any user conversation is automatically removed after 30 days or may be removed at any time by the user.

My eCISO is part of San Diego’s Regional Cyber Lab program offerings. The Cyber Lab serves as a regional resource for small businesses, public agencies and educational institutions to receive specialized training with safe environments to simulate and defend against cyberattacks. The lab’s mission is to provide coordinated cybersecurity awareness for the greater San Diego region through collaborative access to the latest technology, intelligence and training tools.

To get started on using the My eCISO tool, visit https://myeciso.com/.

(City of San Diego Release) n

The heat is on, here’s how to protect yourself

SUMMER and even the fall months in San Diego County can bring extremely high temperatures that can be dangerous to people and pets. Excessive heat can spike body temperatures that can cause heatstroke, exhaustion, dizziness, nausea, confusion, headache and even death. Children and the elderly are particularly at risk. So, here are tips that can help keep you, your friends and loved ones safe.

• The county’s Cool Zones, including the County’s 33 branch libraries, community centers and other locations, offer people safe, air-conditioned sanctuaries from the heat. Here is a complete list and map of County Cool Zone sites, their hours and locations (https://www.sandiegocounty. gov/content/dam/sdc/hhsa/ programs/ais/documents/ Cool%20Zones%20Sites%20 Website%20Update.pdf).

People can also call 2-1-1 to find a location, and — if they cannot get to a Cool Zone site — ask for help with free transportation. Responding to signs of heatstroke or heat exhaustion

• First and foremost, if you find someone who is suffering from symptoms of heatstroke or heat exhaustion — dizziness, nausea, confusion, headache — call 9-1-

1 and start cooling them. But DO NOT give them fluids to drink. A person with heatstroke may not be able to swallow. Fluids could run down their tracheas into their lungs and make it hard for them to breathe.

• After calling 9-1-1, start cooling the person by moving them into the shade, spraying them with cool water and fanning. Place them in a cool shower if they are alert, monitor their body temperatures and continue cooling them. Tips to help people avoid heatrelated problems

• Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler.

Do not rely on electric fans for cooling if temperatures exceed 90 degrees.

• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.

• Drink plenty of water (avoid alcohol and sugary drinks) and don’t wait until you are thirsty.

• Take cool showers.

• Never leave a child, elderly person, or pet unattended in a car.

• Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities outside during the hottest part of the day.

• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and wear a wide-brim hat if you need to be in the sun.

• Avoid using the oven to cook.

Tips to keep your pets cool in hot weather

• Keep your pets indoors if the

temperature is lower inside.

• Exercise pets in early morning hours or early evening to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat. Avoid strenuous runs or hikes.

• Keep your pets’ water supply in a tip-proof container, always topped off, and be sure it stays cool (pets will not drink water that is too hot).

• Consider a misting system to keep the outdoor areas cooler.

• Be sure your pet has shade ALL DAY, if they are outside. Remember, the sun’s position changes during the day.

• Do not take your pets for car trips unless absolutely necessary. A car can heat up very quickly. On an 85-degree day, a car can reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes and soar upward even with the windows down an inch or two.

• Don’t take your dogs for walks on the hot pavement. If it is too hot for you to walk barefooted, then don’t make your dogs do it either.

• Consider adding a child’s wading pool for your dog. Many dogs will keep cool by “taking a dip.”

So, remember, the sun is beautiful, but it can be dangerous. Stay cool; be cool!

(Gig Conaughton/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

po ako nandito kasi may bago akong sorpresa sa inyo. I wouldn’t say there’s more pressure. I would say there’s

– $12.4 million to curate all library materials, digital and print.

– $569,000 increase to operate 33 branch libraries, 4 electric bookmobiles and 5 automated book kiosks.

• $22.8 million for a new Casa de Oro Library.

Behavioral health: Mental health and substance use support

• More than $1.1 billion in total investments for Behavioral Health Services.

– $28 million increase for substance use residential and outpatient services.

– $25 million to expand and support the public behavioral workforce which includes the development of a new training and tuition program.

– $15 million increase to implement Senate Bill 43 for Involuntary Behavioral Health treatment.

– More than $9 million to provide services in the new TriCity Psychiatric Health Facility in Oceanside.

– $4 million increase for a total of $11.1 million to address the opioid crisis.

– More than $4 million for youth suicide prevention.

Homelessness: Access to shelter, housing and other services to ensure people have a safe place to live

• $71 million total for homeless services within the Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities including:

– $15 million for the Regional Homeless Assistance Program.

– $7.8 million increase to help those experiencing homelessness in the San Diego and Sweetwater riverbeds.

– A second safe parking site is expected to open this summer, expanding emergency housing options for the unincorporated communities.

Housing: Housing opportunities to meet community needs

• $90.9 million total for Housing and Community Development Services to provide housing resources for vulnerable populations, develop affordable and supportive housing and help achieve self-sufficiency for families.

– $10.6 million in new funding for the Innovative Housing Trust Fund to help build affordable housing.

– $2.4 million increase to boost multifamily rental housing in the unincorporated area.

• $500-a-month rental subsidy continues for nearly 400 older adults who are at risk of homelessness, rent-burdened and in need of financial aid.

• $58 million total for Planning and Development Services to balance community, economic and environmental interests to ensure the highest quality of life for all in the region.

• $30.1 million to facilitate housing by creating affordable housing programs and removing barriers to housing through things like guaranteed plan review times for 100% affordable housing projects. Support services: Nutrition, health, financial and other programs to help vulnerable individuals and families

• $812.2 million for Eligibility/ Self-Sufficiency Services to help provide access to food, health care, housing and general relief for people with no other means of support.

• $2 million increase to expand food security through community gardens, nutritional education, meals, food pantries and acceptance of EBT benefits at 18 certified farmers markets.

• Over $200 million for In Home Supportive Services to provide inhome assistance for vulnerable adults.

• A location in National City will serve as the future site of the South County Family Justice Center and offer local crime victims access to trauma recovery services in one place.

• $145 million investment in medical and mental health for incarcerated adults.

• $9 million investment in medical and mental health for youth in institutions.

• $2.2 million increase to help veterans who need long-term support to avoid

• $11.3 million for Animal Services, including $1.3 million, three full-time employees and a mobile veterinary clinic for underserved areas in the unincorporated area.

Justice reform: Transforming the justice system to ensure equity and accountability

• More than $230 million total investment in Alternatives to Incarceration to reduce jail populations and maintain public safety through prevention, diversion and reentry planning.

– $3.6 million for Community Care Coordination Reentry Support connecting justiceinvolved people with significant needs with care-based services like housing, mental health and substance use treatment, medical care and employment and education.

– $3.3 million for the Public Defender’s Holistic Services Unit that brings together clinicians, substance abuse assessors and housing navigators to assist clients.

– $2 million for the District Attorney’s Juvenile Diversion Initiative which helps keep youth and teens under 18 years of age out of the juvenile justice system while addressing the root causes of harmful behavior.

– $7 million and 43 full time employees for the Youth Development Academy to house, care and rehabilitate youth in the justice system.

Public safety: Law enforcement and fire protection

• More than $2.7 billion in total investments for Public Safety.

– $87.1 million for fire, emergency medical and ambulance services, which includes a $16 million increase for services in the unincorporated area.

– $4 million for the Medical Examiner to address an increased caseload of deaths due to fentanyl overdoses.

– $5 million to start replacing the 50-year-old Ramona Sheriff Substation.

– $400,000 for Ramona Fire Station 80 remodel and fire training tower.

– $500,000 for the Gun Violence Prevention Program.

– 2 full-time employees added to the Economic Crimes Division at the District Attorney’s Office.

– $51 million to improve adult detention facilities.

– $6.3 million for East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility improvements. Public health and protection: Keeping communities healthy and preventing illness

• $291.8 million for Public Health Services to prevent epidemics and the spread of disease, encourage healthy behaviors, and assure access for all through Public Health Centers, home visit programs and pharmaceutical services.

– Funding and staff to deploy two new Live Well on Wheels vehicles.

• Continued funding in the capital budget to build a new $92 million state-of-the-art public health lab expected to open in 2025.

• $55.5 million for Environmental and Health Quality to protect environmental quality, promote environmental awareness and ensure compliance with local, state and federal environmental laws.

– $15.6 million total to inspect restaurants and other food facilities.

– $14.8 million total to regulate 14,000 hazardous material operations to prevent exposure to spills.

– $1.5 million total for testing and reporting beach and bay water quality.

Environmental sustainability: Protecting the natural environment to preserve it for future generations

• $18.2 million increase to protect the region’s watershed and for new green infrastructure projects.

• $16 million to preserve land to protect species as part of the Multiple Species Conservation Program.

• $2.5 million total to update the Climate Action Plan.

• $2 million to plant 4,000 new trees on county property to lower greenhouse gases.

• $1.8 million to install new electric vehicle charging stations for the public.

Photo provided by Caltrans/Clean California

Sharon Cuneta

ABS-CBN photo

E

Emmanuel Ilagan, 69

MMANUEL “Manny” Ilagan has navigated an exceptional and well-rounded journey. With divergent interests, he was a community leader, a travel writer, a choir member, a sportsman and with myriad hobbies and interests in biking, tennis, golfing, fishing, boating and target shooting. As a testament, Manny is a member of International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC). He also loves cooking and fancies classic cars.

He passed away on July 1, 2024 at 3:39 a.m. at Los Alamitos Medical Center in the City of Los Alamitos, California. He was 69. To his fraternity buddies in Alpha Phi Omega and Masonry, he is affectionately addressed as Brod or Brother Manny. He joined the Alpha Phi Omega International Collegiate Service Fraternity (Beta Sigma Chapter, San Beda College), Batch Calauan 9, 1973-C, also known as “The Triumvirate” composed of three chapters including Gamma Kappa Chapter (Ateneo de Manila University) and Gamma Epsilon Chapter (De La Salle University). On the other hand, he is a Master Mason, Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Mason of California since 2001.

Until his retirement, Manny worked as Officer-in-Charge then became the Tourism Director of the Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles, an adjunct of the Philippine Consulate General of Los Angeles. He also became the president of Philippine Association of Travel Agents in Los Angeles and suburbs.

California to help provide housing for homeless youth across 52 counties

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday, July 2 announced awards to 52 California counties to provide housing and supportive services to vulnerable young Californians transitioning into adulthood.

“These grants are critical for helping to connect some of the most vulnerable Californians with access to housing. Many of these young adults don’t have the support of friends or family that most of us take for granted,” Gov. Newsom said in a statement released by his office.

Brod Manny epitomized the three cardinal principles of his fraternity: Leadership, Friendship and Service.

As a community leader, he was an active member of the Filipino American community in Los Angeles and suburbs. In the last quarter of 2023, he founded the Philippine Global Media Group and served as Chairman of the Board until his passing. He was a writer the of Asian Journal group of publications with a beat in travel and tourism promoting the Philippines as a tourist destination, and he also became a member of Press Photographers Association of Los Angeles.

Brod Manny finished his secondary education at Saint Francis Seminary in Lipa, Batangas. Thereafter, he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree at San Beda College in Manila. and earned several MBA units at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA.

Brod Manny was born in Manila, Philippines on Dec. 24, 1954 as the third and only boy in a family of four to Dr. Rafael Lopez Ilagan and Corazon Vizconde Ilagan of Balayan, Batangas. His parents aptly named him “Emmanuel” meaning, “God is with us”. He is survived by his siblings Ma. Theresa Ilagan Martinez (married to Jimmy Martinez [deceased]), Ma. Clarita Ilagan Gabriel (married to Dante Gabriel) and Belinda Ilagan Maranan (married to Henry Maranan). Manny is also survived by his loving wife Margaret “Meg” Ilagan with children, Nicole Ilagan-Hanson (married to Tyus Hanson) and youngest, the 17-year-old and senior high schooler Raphelle Ilagan; and two children from first wife: Clayton Ilagan (married to Joy Ilagan) and Charisma Ilagan-See (married to Bryan See), and grandchildren Sophie Ilagan-See and Lorenzo Ilagan. A viewing is scheduled on Wednesday, July 17 at the Rose Hills Memorial Park Memorial Chapel (3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601) from 5 to 9 p.m. The funeral service is scheduled on Thursday, July 18 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the same chapel.

Emmanuel’s final resting place will be at Shoreline Lawn in Rose Hills Memorial Park. (Dan E. Niño) n

County adopts new...

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• $1 million for the Zero Carbon Portfolio Plan to reduce carbon emissions in county facilities by 90% by 2030. Additional highlights

• $9 million to advance broadband connectivity in the rural areas of the county.

• $4.9 million for the Office of Evaluation, Performance and Analytics to study county data to find patterns and trends that can help leaders improve programs, services and policies.

• $1.3 million for the Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement to work with communities and businesses to improve labor standards, ensure compliance and support for victims of wage theft.

• $500,000 to expand the Social Equity Program to address the disproportionate harm caused by the War on Drugs on communities of color by prioritizing access and equity in the cannabis industry.

• $500,000 to implement the Uplift Boys & Men of Color initiative to connect at-risk youth to wraparound services, trauma support systems and workforce development opportunities.

• $300,000 for community programs to strengthen language access in the region. Find out more information by visiting the County’s Open Budget page at https://www.sandiegocounty. gov/content/sdc/openbudget/en/home.html. (Tracy DeFore/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

The three Transitional Age Youth (TAY) programs administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) allocate funding to eligible county child welfare agencies to provide housing and services for young adults under 25, with priority given to those currently or formerly in the foster care or probation systems. Since its inception in 2020, TAY has provided stable housing and critical services to more than 5,700 young adults. The $56 million announced today is expected to bring the total of Californians served by TAY to 8,075.

“We know childhood experiences of homelessness can have a devastating impact on educational attainment, economic opportunity, and health throughout adulthood,” said Business Consumer Services and Housing Secretary Tomiquia Moss. “California’s youth deserve every opportunity to succeed. The Transitional Age Youth programs help make that possible by providing our most vulnerable young adults with the safe, stable spaces and tools to build a strong foundation for their futures. The TAY programs also show how when state and local government come together, we can make a brighter future possible for all our communities.”

“Housing stability is the most basic foundation every young person needs to be able to build a better future,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “The young adults assisted by HCD’s TAY programs—especially those aging out of the foster care system—too often have nowhere else to turn and face the very

real risk of becoming homeless. This tremendous partnership with our counties helps ensure these young people have the tools and support to allow them not just to survive, but to thrive.”

Based on county reporting data submitted to HCD, the youth served through TAY program funding have identified themselves as experiencing homelessness at program entry, currently in the state’s foster care or probation system, or identifying as LGBTQIA+. Services offered include housing support, wrap-around case management, financial literacy, education and employment

assistance, and financial assistance.

Additionally, in an ongoing effort to address homelessness experienced by families with young children, HCD announced the recipients of the second tranche of the Family Homelessness Challenge (FHC) Grant program. The program provides competitive grants and technical assistance to local jurisdictions with the goal of promoting rapid innovation, accelerating nascent programs, and expanding promising practices to create scalable solutions that can be shared across the state to address and ultimately end family homelessness.

More than $15 million has been awarded to the following eight communities:

• City of Livermore: $280,768

• City of Los Angeles: $3,850,000

• City of Oakland: $1,844,860 • City of Salinas: $2,838,211 • County of Mendocino: $1,196,558 • County of Santa Clara: $3,330,724 • Pasadena CoC: $789,473 • Sacramento City & County CoC: $869,403. For more information on Tuesday’s award, please visit hcd.ca.gov. (Gov. Newsom’s Office Release) n

Califoria Gov. Gavin Newsom

File photo/www.gov.ca.gov