Hawaii Filipino Chronicle - May 2, 2020

MAY 2, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  1

MAY 2, 2020

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

How to Receive Your $1,200 Stimulus Check

CANDID PERSPECTIVES

Trump Tops Xenophobia with Sheer Quackery

AS I SEE IT

Corona Forces Traditional Schools to Shift to Online Classes

LEGAL NOTES

Trump Suspends Entry of Immigrants

2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEMAY 2, 2020

EDITORIAL

Trump’s Latest Immigration Scare Is More Bluster Than Substance

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mid high disapproval ratings of President Donald Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, he has once again resorted to xenophobic scapegoating of immigrants – his favorite target to rally his core base of right-wing die-hards to remain loyal to him.

The president’s latest assault on immigrants was so ill-conceived, abrupt and confusing that it left everyone – immigration advocates, his anti-immigrant base, even his own administration and departments handling immigration – confused.

It’s as if he came up with the idea out of the blues, then scrambled to craft a policy that ultimately doesn’t change much.

The chain of events unfolded this way.

Monday, April 20, he pledged on Twitter to end immigration temporarily during the pandemic. He tweeted late that evening: “In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!”

The tweet set off an immediate firestorm as most immigrant advocates took it to mean all immigration. The business community also raised concern, particularly employers of the farming and tech industries that heavily rely on foreign workers. The food supply stream certainly should not be experiencing disruption of any kind during this critical time. The farm industry made that clear to the president immediately.

Tuesday, April 21, at the White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing, Trump said the immigration suspension would only apply to those seeking legal permanent residency, commonly known as “green cards.” He said the order would not apply to temporary work visas which would be taken up later, and reiterated the need to protect workers.

“By pausing immigration, we will help put unemployed Americans first in line for jobs as America reopens,” Trump said.

Wednesday, April 22, he signs a proclamation on immigration to restrict some people (new entrants who do not already have visas or other travel documents) from entering the country over the next 60 days, but not as he said on Monday or Tuesday.

The order doesn’t include stopping some applications for permanent residence. It exempts any children or spouses of U.S. citizens; any spouses of U.S. military; most temporary visitors and potential refugees and asylum seekers; does not change the status of immigrants already in the U.S., exempts temporary workers such as physicians and nurses, and other workers.

Immigrant advocates can take a temporary sigh of relief that the proclamation wasn’t as broad as originally expected.

Ultimately, the President backtracked because the country needs immigrants (farmers, physicians, nurses, tech-workers) to help with the fight against the coronavirus.

Americans should remember this fact after the COVID-19 pandemic is over – that immigrants played a vital role during this crisis.

On top of this, a proclamation was unnecessary to begin with because the State Department, which processes immigration applications outside of the country, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which processes applications inside the country – both have largely suspended their services due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Not to mention, the President’s excuse of protecting American workers as the reason for the proclamation, goes against numerous (continue on page 3)

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

mmigrant advocates and communities were surprised last week when President Donald Trump announced on his Twitter account that he would be signing a moratorium on immigration to the U.S. For our cover story this issue, associate editor Edwin Quinabo reports that the temporary immigration ban Trump signed two days after his Twitter bombshell is not as broad as expected, according to immigration experts. The main feature of his Executive Order is a suspension of issuing new green cards for 60-days. But there are exemptions to this, including those seeking permanent resident status who are children or spouses of U.S. citizens or any spouses of U.S. military. The temporary visa guest workers programs will continue, which will enable essential foreign workers such as farmers and health care professionals to come in and help keep the country going during the COVID-19 crisis. The President said he sought a temporary ban to protect American workers, insisting that American citizens should be the first to be hired, not foreigners, when the economy reopens. But economic and political experts say that logic is flawed as studies show typically immigrants and American-born workers do not compete for the same jobs. And employment-based immigration must past a labor market test, meaning that foreign workers are only allowed to compete for jobs where there is a shortage to fill. Immigrants, business and policy leaders give their opinions in the cover story on what they believe is happening with Trump’s new Executive Order.

Elaborating on the same subject, immigration attorney and HFC columnist Reuben Seguritan contributes “Trump Suspends Entry of Immigrants.” Seguritan goes over the Executive Order as well, but adds that even before Trump’s new order, no immigrant visa interviews have been conducted and in turn no green cards have been issued abroad, due to the coronavirus.

For our Ask A Doctor column, Darin J. Awaya, M.D., writes “Back Pain and Spine Health” and answers questions such as what causes low back pain, why is posture important, is spine surgery dangerous, and who are the different providers in the spine community.

Also in this issue we have a health feature written by HFC editorial assistant Jim Bea Sampaga on Workplace Wellness Programs that aims to keep employees healthier.

She interviews Terri Dietz, owner and founder of WYAO Hawaii, a company that provides wellness programs to their partner companies.

We have other interesting articles, including HFC columnist Emil Guillermo’s “Trump Tops Xenophobia with Sheer Quackery;” and HFC columnist Elpidio Estioko’s “Corona Forces Traditional Schools to Shift to Online Classrooms.”

Lastly, be sure to read our news sections that include articles on Sen. Brian Schatz new help guide to access federal coronavirus aid for independent contractors, freelancers and those self-employed and gig-economy workers; and Gov. David Ige’s proclamation on enhanced social distancing requirements such as wearing masks.

Thank you to our advertisers and readers for continuing to support us as we work hard to bring you critical information during this crisis. Please be safe and take care of each other. Until next issue, warmest Aloha and Mabuhay!

Publisher & Executive Editor Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D.

Publisher & Managing Editor

Chona A. Montesines-Sonido

Associate Editors

Edwin QuinaboDennis Galolo

Contributing Editor

Belinda Aquino, Ph.D.

Layout

Junggoi Peralta

Photography Tim Llena

Administrative Assistant Lilia Capalad Shalimar Pagulayan

Editorial Assistant Jim Bea Sampaga

Columnists

Carlota Hufana Ader Elpidio R. Estioko Emil Guillermo Melissa Martin, Ph.D. J.P. Orias Pacita Saludes Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. Charlie Sonido, M.D. Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq.

Contributing Writers

Clement Bautista Edna Bautista, Ed.D. Teresita Bernales, Ed.D. Sheryll Bonilla, Esq. Rose Churma Serafin Colmenares Jr., Ph.D. Linda Dela Cruz Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand Amelia Jacang, M.D. Caroline Julian Raymond Ll. Liongson, Ph.D. Federico Magdalena, Ph.D. Matthew Mettias Maita Milallos Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. Renelaine Bontol-Pfister Seneca Moraleda-Puguan Mark Lester Ranchez Jay Valdez, Psy.D. Glenn Wakai Amado Yoro

Philippine Correspondent: Greg Garcia

Neighbor Island Correspondents: Big Island (Hilo and Kona) Grace LarsonDitas Udani Kauai Millicent Wellington Maui Christine Sabado Big Island Distributors Grace LarsonDitas Udani Kauai Distributors Amylou Aguinaldo Nestor Aguinaldo Maui Distributors

Cecille PirosRey Piros Molokai Distributor Maria Watanabe Oahu Distributors Yoshimasa Kaneko Jonathan Pagulayan

Advertising / Marketing Director Chona A. Montesines-Sonido

Account Executives Carlota Hufana Ader JP Orias

MAY 2, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  3

EDITORIALS

Carrying Automatic Guns and Blocking Entrances to Hospitals Are Not Acceptable Forms of Protesting

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very American citizen has the right to protest as guaranteed by the Constitution, the right to assemble; and in the Bill of Rights which includes freedom of speech. Both of these – right to assemble and freedom of speech – are hallmarks of our Constitutional Democracy and enshrined to protect Americans wanting to express dissent on any subject or issue.

Historically, street protest has been one of the most effective tools in bringing about social justice, civil rights, or even pressuring our government to end wars. Protests run the gamut from being massive with over a million plus demonstrators as the historic Women’s Rights protests in D.C.; to being pivotal to shaping history as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous Selma Alabama march. Almost on a daily basis our nation’s Capital is host to protestors calling for action to climate change, stopping police brutality in the Black Lives Matter movement, increasing funding for education, protecting Medicare, and a motley of other issues.

Utah, Maryland, Arizona, Montana, Pennsylvania, Texas and other parts of the country was a shameful, threatening display of aggression.

Anti-lockdown protestors wanting the government to reopen the economy and lift stay-at-home orders, resorted to intimidating, possibly illegal actions. They stormed government buildings. Many of them carried deadly automatic weapons, and at times blocked entrances to hospitals causing delays for first responders to get to work where each second could have a life or death consequence.

All that firepower that protestors flaunted could have easily ended in bystanders or law enforcement being killed.

In some states, armed protestors forced their way in government buildings where weapons of any kind are prohibited, or even objects like umbrellas for fear of them Nationwide Protest to end being used as weapons. But COVID-19 Stay-at-home or- rules were ignored. No government building security in ders But the manner in which their right mind would dare protests are carried out matters. to stop bands of protestors – The recent waves of pro- more like militia – from entests in Michigan, Ohio, Ken- tering when they’re carrying tucky, North Carolina, Min- enough ammo to shoot down nesota, Virginia, Wisconsin, a mini-army.

(Trump’s Latest....from page 2)

studies that have concluded immigrants typically don’t compete with U.S.-born workers for jobs.

Many in his own administration and departments are still unclear what this new proclamation will do, nor have they been consulted prior to Monday, April 20th.

They were blindsided perhaps because Trump himself surprised himself and came up with the idea on a whim, one late Twitter night.

What was this whole roller coaster ride about? Rhetoric and political campaigning?

What did it cost us? Undue,

This isn’t the first time guns (but not of this caliber) have been used in protests. In the 1960s, the Black Panthers brandished rifles while protesting violence against Black communities. They were widely condemned for carrying rifles.

But in this latest anti-lockdown protest, mums was the word. Double standard? Are we now expected to accept that a new norm for protest could include armed-militia. President Donald Trump made no mention of the manner of which protests were conducted – goons with guns and blocking hospitals – except to offer words of understanding, largely because most of these protestors were pro-Trump groups.

During Trump’s daily coronavirus briefing, he defended anti-lockdown protestors in states.

“If people feel that way, you’re allowed to protest.

Some governors have gone too far, some of the things that happened are maybe not so appropriate.”

It is reasonable that some sectors of society would want to reopen business – this is debatable as to timing, but it is a

unnecessary anxiety for all immigrants and their families and supporters.

The danger is: just as Trump perhaps stumbled his way into creating this proclamation, he could suddenly one day create another proclamation that could be devastating as he originally suggested.

This is what life under Trump’s leadership has been like. Freewheeling. Disorderly. Impulsive.

He has already said, “It (his Executive Order) might be modified.

It could be modified next week, in two weeks. It could be modified in

legitimate concern, even justifiable to mount an organized protest.

But deadly, militia-type weapons should not be acceptable for such gatherings. And certainly blocking entrances to hospitals and causing traffic in areas where hospitals are, especially during this time, shouldn’t be allowed.

When looking at which groups participated in the protest – right-wing armed militia groups, known White Supremacist groups like the Proud Boys, gun-rights groups, anti-vaccination radicals, religious fundamentalists (who are claiming that they’re immune to catching the virus) – it’s also doubtful that simply reopening business as usual was their primary purpose. For at least armed militia groups, it was more like a show of force, fringe elements coming out of the shadows and brazenly armed to poke at law enforcement and government. The message they were sending – “We’re here. We’re armed. What are you going to do about?”

Why this protest is cause for alarm It’s hard not to think about regions in the Middle East where armed militia, armed citizens, came to power and destabilized their legitimate governments. In a time of vulnerability and uncertainty in the U.S. over COVID-19, the very thought of massive, coordinated,

two months,” Trump said.

His mentioning that it could be modified any time, again ad lib, “next week, in two weeks, in two months,” – is outright cruel and unfair. We’re talking about lives here, immigrants who have been waiting years for their papers to be settled.

This is not how a president should be making policy. It’s more like the work of a madman. And unfortunately, our immigrant population and their families must suffer from his madness and political opportunism.

armed citizens roaming the streets is cause for alarm.

If violence had erupted, what would be the course of action? Martial law? It’s the last thing our country would need, particularly with an authoritarian leader in the White House.

Organizers of this protest set an ugly precedent.

Not to mention that they’ve put many lives at risk for contracting COVID-19, not just protestors, but entire communities.

For example in Kentucky where protests were held, Gov. Andy Beshear reported that there were 293 new positive coronavirus cases in that state, the biggest daily increase just two days after the protests. It’s possible that the spike is related to exposure during the protests as many large gatherings have been found to spread the virus.

Protests are meant to be uncomfortable in nature.

Often times organizers resort to shocking displays to get their point across.

This is all fair game. But endangering lives and resorting to goonish tactics, which is what occurred in these recent protests, only diminished the organizers and participants’ message (which is arguably, a legitimate one). It also jeopardized national stability at a time when it’s so critical to have.

4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEMAY 2, 2020

COVER STORY

TRUMP PUTS A HOLD ON NEW GREEN CARDS IN EXECUTIVE ORDER

By Edwin Quinabo

T

he COVID-19 crisis is revealing irony in the popular saying, “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”

As President Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant supporters reach into their refrigerators, cook their favorite meals, and take a bite of whatever they’re eating – they should be aware that the hands, sweat, and hard labor of immigrants made this all possible.

The fact that they are eating – as well as all Americans -- during this pandemic is because of immigrants, many of whom are seasonable H-2b workers, who toil the fields, work at farms and meat processing centers throughout the United States.

Already a debt of gratitude owed to immigrant farmworkers is playing out in the oddest, most unlikely way.

On Monday, April 20, President Donald Trump made an alarming tweet saying that he would sign an Executive Order Reason for the immigration ban The President said the ban “will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens.”

He insists that American citizens who had lost their jobs in recent weeks should not have to compete with foreigners when the economy reopens. He said this would be “wrong” and “unjust.”

“We must first take care of the American worker,”

to temporarily suspend immigration to the U.S. Due to pressure from the farm industry that made it clear any disruption in the food-supply stream during this time could be devastating, the President (two days later on Wednesday, April 22), signed an Executive Order banning immigration as he said he would, but scaled back dramatically and made major exemptions to include farmers, health and other essential workers.

On face value, the ban was a tacit acknowledgement of immigrants’ vital role in American society, particularly while under COVID-19’s grasp. But bad poli-

said President Trump.

Critics say it’s more political posturing Critics of the Executive Order say it was a ruse from the start, a distraction to reignite support from his right-wing base amid falling popularity ratings over the President’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis.

Whenever his approval rating takes a dive, the go-to for the President has always been to scapegoat immigrants.

“I think this is a malevolent distraction,” said Neera Tanden, president of the Center for American Progress, a policy institute in Washington, D.C. Andrea Flores, a deputy policy director with the American Civil Liberties Union, which has sued over a number of Trump immigration policies, said Trump appeared “more interested in fanning anti-immigrant flames than in saving lives” with his latest proposal.

What is in the new immigration ban?

The ban went from being

a broad moratorium on immigration when Trump first tweeted; but two days later the final Executive Order contained limited changes. The highlights include: • Temporary visa guest workers programs will continue.

• New green cards (for those who have not already started filing paperwork) will not be issued for 60-days. But applications could be processed for permanent residents who are children or spouses of U.S. citizens or any spouses of U.S. military.

• The status doesn’t change for immigrants already with green cards.

Media fact-checkers say the issuance of new green cards was already put on hold before the Executive Order because the State Department and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, both responsible for processing applications, had suspended their services temporarily due to the coronavirus lockdown.

tics oftentimes follow illogical patterns; and the President already is threatening that his Executive Order could take on harder measures anytime soon.

Immigration advocates say while this new Executive Order appears to be more bluster than substance at the moment, it could all change as early as tomorrow with this President.

Immigration experts say the Executive Order amounts to a mere delay on the issuance of new green cards for a minority of immigrants.

But the president says the Executive Order could be amended or extended anytime to protect the interest of American workers. He also said a second executive order is also a possibility.

Is shutting down legal immigration good for the economy or workers?

Counter to Trump’s reason for the temporary ban, multiple independent studies have shown that typically immigrants do not compete with U.S. born workers for jobs.

Employment-based immigration must meet a labor test.

Workers are only allowed entry into the U.S. where there is a shortage in filling jobs such as in farming, tech- or health-related industries.

Sarah Pierce, a lawyer and policy analyst at the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute, said a labor market test is done in order to “guar-

antee that there’s no available U.S. national to take that position.”

Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said, “As a general matter we don’t have to close down legal immigration to reopen America, and that is what we are focused on: safely reopening and getting the economy going again.”

Jason Oxman, president of the Information Technology Industry Council, a trade group, said “the United States will not benefit from shutting down legal immigration.”

Rob Larew, the president of the National Farmers Union, said even talk of restrictions on immigrant farm workers was disruptive. “It just adds to an already stressed food system,” he said.

Executive Director of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO, Alvina Yeh said, “Trump is trying to pit vulnerable workers against immigrant workers as if they are mutually exclusive com(continue on page 5)

MAY 2, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  5

COVER STORY (from page 4)

munities. The labor movement knows this is a false dichotomy that seeks to distract us from his failures.

“Asian American and Pacific Islander communities are all too familiar with attempts by leadership to put blame for tough economic conditions onto the backs of immigrant workers. Trump’s administration is already separating millions of families every day that they fail to effectively address the COVID-19 pandemic: now they want to separate even more families across and at the border.

“We denounce Trump for inciting fear and hatred against immigrant communities. Trump wants to claim that he’s helping black and low-income workers with this Executive Order, but we know the truth. Black and brown workers are disproportionately dying of COVID-19 because of Trump’s racist policies and willful inaction on the crisis. We need a real plan for working people. This is not it,” said Yeh.

Local Reaction University of Hawaii at Manoa professor emeritus and political scientist Belinda Aquino, Ph.D., said the Executive Order “blatantly shows again Trump’s extreme prejudice against immigrants and people of color.

“The current pandemic crisis is a convenient excuse to push through his policies cutting off immigration from foreign countries. Immigrants are vital sources of labor and professional contributions to American society as a whole.

Without them, many of America’s industries would suffer tremendously. There would be labor shortages and losses in the long run. Besides, immigrants dutifully pay taxes which continuously benefits the whole economy.”

She adds, “It should be no surprise that Trump should be resorting to his usual practice to blame anything that stands on his way to other parties or people.

He has been obsessed with his anti-immigrant policies, which can be traced to his racist nature, that he will use

any reason to act with impunity as usual.”

On a possible extension of the immigration ban beyond 60 days, Dr. Aquino remarked, “Playing for time is another of Trump’s odious tactics. The thing with Trump is that, only he wins the game. He will find ways to outwit his opponents by lying and manipulating the facts. If he is caught lying, he doesn’t back off. He will tell yet another lie. He has shown his true colors over time and people should be alarmed, as I am, over this pattern of behavior on Trump’s part, which is detrimental and deleterious to the country, especially in times of grave crisis, which as what we are currently undergoing. His administration has led a conundrum of sorts that only he can manipulate to this advantage, of course.

“For a president of the supposedly most ‘democratic’ society in the world, he is an embarrassment to the international community for his unconscionable and racist behavior against people like aliens whom he does not like,” said Dr. Aquino.

Ayessa Ramirez of Waipahu, an immigrant, said she agrees with the ban to a certain extent but for a different reason apart from the President’s economic excuse. “It would make sense to halt the spread of the disease by stopping passengers from coming in.

“However, banning immigration based on the idea of protecting American jobs is unethical. The issue (of a temporary ban) should be on stopping the spread of the virus itself, not on the overtaking of American jobs.

“I think that the president is pushing through with the immigration ban because he uses the pandemic as a way to connect his agenda of not liking immigrants.”

Ramirez hopes the president doesn’t use the pandemic

as an excuse to extend the ban.

“It wouldn’t be fair beyond a few months.”

Like Ramirez, business owner and community leader Teodora “Dory” Villafuerte accepts the temporary ban for the reason of stopping the spread of COVID-19. “If we allow new immigrants to come in while we haven’t discovered a cure or vaccine, this would give added burden to our health system.”

She adds that more people allowed in would also worsen the current unemployment problem. “Unemployment is at an all-time high, so let’s not add more people who most likely could become unemployed after they are here.”

Villafuerte said, her opinion on the ban is only temporary. “After we conquer this virus, legal immigration should be allowed to continue.”

Social Distancing, Stay-atHome order The acceptance of a temporary ban on immigrants due to containing the spread of COVID-19 is a palatable public health reason like Ramirez and Villafuerte laid out.

As most Americans have had to suspend their daily routines by mandated stayat-home and social distancing orders, many could see a temporary ban not outside the norm in these extraordinary times.

Meanwhile, while a few states have opted to move closer to reopening businesses, Gov. David Ige and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell have extended the stay-at-home order until the end of May. Gabriel Ildefonso, a high school student and Waipahu resident agrees with the stayat-home order. “It gives the environment time to heal, even though the economy is failing without much business activity. When the crisis is over, there will be another cri-

“The current pandemic crisis is a convenient excuse to push through his policies cutting off immigration from foreign countries. Immigrants are vital sources of labor and professional contributions to American society as a whole. Without them, many of America’s industries would suffer tremendously. There would be labor shortages and losses in the long run. Besides, immigrants dutifully pay taxes which continuously benefits the whole economy.”

—Belinda Aquino, PH.D.

Professor Emeritus and Political Scientist, University of Hawaii at Manoa sis that revolves around how the government can rebuild the nation.”

He says mass testing of all individuals should be conducted before government decides to reopen businesses.

It’s been around a month since school closed. Gabriel said work is now done online through google classroom.

“To be honest, I don’t really mind staying at home because I prefer no contact with others.

I hope that the order lasts until maybe another month.

“To cope with staying at home I play video games on my computer and do class work that my teachers give me. I also work out from time to time to keep my body in shape,” he said.

Because the President

hasn’t mentioned public health as the primary reason for the new Executive Order, some legal analysts say it could possibly be overturned in the courts.

Hiroshi Motomura, an immigration law professor at UCLA School of Law, said “when the president is on the record as not mentioning national security in any traditional sense and not even really mentioning public health, but mentioning jobs, that goes beyond what Congress intended.”

He says this would likely make it more difficult to defend if the Executive Order is challenged in the courts.

Like so many of the President’s legal matters pending, it’s a waiting game for his latest controversial Executive Order.

6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEMAY 2, 2020

AS I SEE IT

Is It Time to Reopen the Beaches and Oceans?

By Melissa Martin, Ph.D.

H

umans are missing beaches.

No matter what country or what coastline, people love ocean waves and sunny days. What mysteries abound in salty waters? What induces the desire to stroll along in bare feet? What is that inner yearning about? The magical healing power of majesty. Nature’s playground without admission tickets. Beauty without borders. Connection to the mind, body, spirit.

The pleasure principle is definitely at work whilst we relax and rest under an umbrella with a frosty beverage. Emotions are engulfed in a beach bubble as stress melts away.

Leisure for our lungs. The beach is a balm to the body. The cold plunge into the ocean tingles the toes. And for a while, we feel satisfied. The mind is living in the moment. Hustle and bustle are put on hold.

The brain is wired for the beach. Inside the brain small electrical charges are generated as we see, smell, hear, touch, and taste. Senses sizzle via stimulation. Neurological functions such as attention, memo-

ry, language, and emotion are cooking in the cortex.

Why is the human-water relationship so profound? The story in Genesis tells us that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.”

And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.”

The pandemic has pushed the pause button for beach bliss. Local residents miss the surf and sand. Vacationers miss being refreshed by sun and sea.

“People came faster than a flock of seagulls chasing a french fry when Florida beaches began reopening Friday as the coronavirus pandemic raged on,” according to an article (April 19, 2020) in USA Today.

According to an article (Aril 19, 2020) in Myrtle Beach Online, South Carolina’s beaches are on the verge of reopening.“The public beaches will be reopened beginning next week, according to South Carolina state senator Stephen Goldfinch.”

“While North Carolina’s statewide stay-at-home order is still in place, some towns have decided to reopen their beaches with restrictions,” according to an article in News & Observer (April 19, 2020).

Is it safe to reopen some beaches with some restrictions?

USA Today did a recent fact check and reported that sunlight does not kill the new coronavirus.

“There is some evidence to suggest the spread of the virus may slow down as the weather gets warmer. That may lead some to incorrectly suggest sunlight as a tip to stay healthy,”

the article continued.

Does ocean salt water kill COVID-19?

“Scientists across the globe are scrambling to learn the basic characteristics of the virus, and so far, neither the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor local health agencies have warned that the virus can be spread by ocean spray or coastal breezes. However, they have warned that it can be spread by droplets from sneezes and coughs, and by coming into contact with it on surfaces,” environmental reporter Rosanna Xia reported

in an article in the Los Angeles Times (April 11, 2020).

Xia interviewed Charles Gerba, a professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona. Gerba studied the coronaviruses in wastewater since the SARS outbreak and reported that 90 percent of COVID-19 is removed from human sewage due to sensitivity to disinfectants before its released into waterways.

Many citizens are demanding the reopening of America.

One report says no—another report says yes. One expert says no—another expert says yes.

One side cries apocalypsedisaster—one side cries conspiracy theory. Is the truth somewhere in the middle? Or is the truth, yet to be determined?

What about tropical islands and other coastal countries?

The world awaits reopening.

So, nobody knows for certain about the results or outcomes of reopening the beaches and the oceans right now.

MELISSA MARTIN, Ph.D., is an author, columnist, educator, and therapist. She lives in Ohio. www. melissamartinchildrensauthor.com.

HEALTH FEATURE

Workplace Wellness Programs Gear Companies to Success

By Jim Bea Sampaga

F

or big companies such as Google and Microsoft, workplace wellness programs are a must. Google offers on-campus bikes, biking lanes, nap pods and free fitness classes for employees. While Microsoft prioritizes health with free health screening, counseling and healthy dining options for employees.

In the last decade, workplace wellness was seen as a trendy add-on for large companies. However, valuing employees’ health and wellness is now seen as a necessary factor for employment and overall company success.

Workplace wellness programs consist of workplace health promotion, activity

WYAO Hawaii founder Terri Dietz and her team of health experts and fitness coaches that partners with companies to provide comprehensive workplace wellness programs

or organizational policy that supports healthy behavior in the workplace which improves health outcomes of employees.

“Work-life balance now consists much more of worklife integration than ever before,” said Terri Dietz, owner and founder of WYAO Hawaii

that provides corporate wellness programs to their partner companies.

“The theory underpinning workplace wellness initiatives is simple: healthy [and] happy workers [result in] greater productivity, longevity and overall company success.” (continue on page 6)

MAY 2, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  7

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

How To Receive Your $1200 Stimulus Check

By Jim Bea Sampaga

O

n March 27, President Donald Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) into law.

The $2 trillion stimulus package will be used to support individuals, families, employees, employers, healthcare and education among others.

In the second week of April, individuals started receiving their $1,200 stimulus checks from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under the CARES Act. Although the relief checks

are sent out already, there is still time to apply and receive your check. Here’s how: There is no need to apply or sign up to receive a one-time stimulus check. You will automatically receive the $1,200 if you have a Social Security number, filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019, and an adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $75,000. If your AGI is between $75,000 and $99,000, you will receive a reduced payment. Additionally, parents will receive $500 per child under age 17.

If you filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019, expect the $1,200 direct deposit to the bank account you provided for your tax return. If you didn’t file yet, file your 2019 tax now. Make sure to provide your correct and updated bank information. They will also mail the paper check to your address if there’s no direct deposit set up.

Social Security recipients, railroad retirees, Supplemental Security Income and Veteran Affairs beneficiaries will also receive the $1,200 stimulus

MAINLAND NEWS

Schatz Wants Student Loan Payments Suspended During COVID-19 Crisis

S

en. Brian Schatz and 13 senators called on student loan companies to allow borrowers to suspend payments without penalty and take additional steps to aid borrowers affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Letters were sent to Wells Fargo, SLM Corporation (Sallie Mae), Navient, Citizens Financial Group, Discover Financial Services, the PNC Financial Services Group, Truist Financial Corporation, and other companies to provide immediate relief to private student loan borrowers.

“The outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in an unprecedented and widespread public health and

rowers. The letter urges economic crisis, significantcompanies to cancel or ly upending life for every discharge as many delinAmerican,” Schatz and the quent loans as possible lawmakers wrote. “For priduring this crisis, and esvate student loan borrowers, pecially the loans of borthese economic disruptions rowers who have filed for will be uniquely devastatbankruptcy or who are ing due to private student otherwise in clear finanloan borrowers’ lack of critcial distress that will inical protections, forgiveness hibit their ability to ever programs, and repayment fully repay their loans. options available to federal • Expand loan modification student loan borrowers.” and affordable repayment The Senators urged: options. The letter urges • Allow borrowers to suscompanies to permanentpend payments without ly provide additional, affees or consequence. fordable repayment and • Ensure that payment susloan modification options pension does not trigger for private student loan cosigner consequences. borrowers, including op• mmediately halt all involtions for borrowers who untary collection efforts. see long-term changes in • Cancel or discharge their income. loans of distressed bor-

(HEALTH FEATURE: Workplace....from page 6)

According to a 2014 report from Harvard Business School, American-based companies with workplace wellness initiatives saw a $3.27 decrease in medical expenses for every dollar spent on wellness programs. Additionally, employee absenteeism expenses fell by $2.73.

Workplace wellness programs also boost productivity, reduce stress and increase overall employee engagement and communication, accord-

ing to German psychologist Sabine Sonnentag.

These programs also go beyond health and physical fitness programs. Wellness programs can be educational workshops, cooking classes, rest pods, greater work flexibility, mentorship and even corporate housing.

“I’ve witnessed significant changes to company culture, employee satisfaction and overall company success due to leadership’s commitment to

greater workplace wellness,” Dietz said.

Workplace wellness programs create a win-win situation for both employers and employees. Employees feel more connected at work and learn to make healthier choices in their personal lives, leading to increased employee longevity, less sick days, and lower health insurance costs for the employer. In the long run, this results in a stronger and successful company.

check, either by direct deposit or paper check by mail.

For those who don’t receive federal benefits and don’t need to file taxes, provide your payment information to the IRS website so you can receive your money quickly. Prepare the following information when filling out the online form: • Full name, current mailing address and email address • Date of birth and valid Social Security Number • Bank account details

• Driver’s License or state-issued ID • If you have a qualifying child: name, Social Security number and their relationship to you To enter your information, go to irs.gov/coronavirus/ non-filers-enter-payment-infohere.

If you’re eligible and have done everything mentioned above but still haven’t received $1200 yet, check your stimulus payment status online by entering your social security number, date of birth and address at irs.gov/coronavirus/ get-my-payment.

2020 Census Responses Deadline Extended to October 31

By Jim Bea Sampaga

D

ue to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Census Bureau adjusted its 2020 Census operations by extending field data collection and responses deadline to October 31, 2020.

According to their official website, the Census Bureau temporarily suspended their field data collection activities in March with a plan to reactivate it on June 1, 2020.

Census takers will interview households in person if they failed to self-respond.

Self-responses through online, phone, and by mail will be accepted until the new deadline extension date.

Processing the apportionment counts is also rescheduled to October 31, 2020 and must be delivered to the President by April 30, 2021.

The apportionment counts enumerate each state’s population which determines the number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

To respond to the 2020 Census and check updates on their operations, visit 2020census.gov. 

8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEMAY 2, 2020

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

SSI Recipients With Dependents to Receive $500 Per Child Payment, Application Deadline by May 5

By Jim Bea Sampaga

S

upplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who don’t file tax returns will start receiving their automatic Economic Impact Payments directly from the US Department of Treasury in early May. According to a press release from the Social Security Administration (SSA), peo-

ple who receive SSI benefits and did not file 2018 or 2019 taxes, should immediately go to the IRS website to provide their bank information to receive the $1,200 individual stimulus check.

In addition to the stimulus check, they will also receive an additional $500 for each qualifying child under age 17.

They need to file by Tuesday, May 5, in order to receive ad-

ditional payments for their eligible children quickly.

To apply, they will enter their name, address, Social Security Number (SSN), bank information, driver’s license or state-issued ID, and their qualifying child’s name and SSN on the Non-Filers: Enter Your Information section on irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-your-payment-infohere.

“I urge SSI recipients with qualifying children and those who do not normally file taxes to take action now,” wrote Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul in a press release.

“So that you will receive the full amount of the Eco-

nomic Impact Payments you and your family are eligible for.”

The SSA are also advising the public to be aware of scams related to the Economic Impact Payments.

“There is no fee required to receive these payments.

Don’t be fooled,” said Saul.

To enter your information in order to receive the stimulus check, go to irs.gov/ coronavirus/non-filers-enteryour-payment-info-here. For important COVID-19 SSA information and updates, visit socialsecurity.gov/coronavirus. 

a special enrollment period so that more people can get coverage,” said Attorney General Connors. “Our state relies on the federal exchange and we join our fellow states in urging the Administration to reverse its position on this matter.”

In the letter, the attorneys general point out that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of individuals have lost their jobs—and with their jobs, their ability to pay for healthcare. Many people may be prevented from obtaining treatment because they lack healthcare coverage or face financial ruin if they seek care.

The federal government has the legal ability to call for a special enrollment period. 

Special Enrollment on HealthCare.gov Needed

H

awaii Attorney General Clare E. Connors and 22 attorneys general from other states asked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), to reconsider a special enroll-

ment period on HealthCare.

Gov during the current worldwide pandemic.

The attorneys general argue that the federal government should take action to make it possible for Americans – who are facing uncertainty as a result

of COVID-19 – to obtain the healthcare coverage they need during this critical time.

“At a time when health care is more important than ever, it makes no sense to refuse to hold

PHILIPPINE NEWS

DOH Gets DBM Nod to Hire 15,000 Health Workers

By Alexis Romero Wednesday, April 29, 2020

M

ANILA, Philippines — The government will hire more than 15,000 health workers to increase the number of frontliners in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

“To boost the number of healthcare frontliners, the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) has approved the request of the DOH (Department of Health) for the engagement of an additional 15,757 healthcare professionals under contract of service for a period of three months,” President Duterte said in a report submitted to Congress last Monday.

The DBM approved a P2.7-billion outlay for the hiring of additional health personnel. The DOH originally sought a budget of P5.2 billion to hire 17,757 personnel, according to the President’s report submitted to Congress last April 14.

The budget for the hiring will be

charged against available released allotment of the DOH under the 2020 budget.

Duterte said as of April 22, the DOH has received requests from seven hospitals for emergency hiring of healthcare personnel and has approved 701 slots for hiring in five hospitals.

The agency has redeployed a total of 639 nurses to its office and to local hospitals handling coronavirus cases. A total of 130 healthcare personnel have been trained to collect and encode case data, 14 of whom are now assigned to 12 hospitals in Metro Manila “This number is expected to increase as 97 HRH (human resources for health) were scheduled for deployment to 51 hospitals last 24 April 2020,” Duterte said in the report.

The President also reported that as of April 23, a total of 1,101 COVID-referral hospitals have been designated across the country, with every region having at least one hospital. The total number of dedicated beds for coronavi(continue on page 15)

MAY 2, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  9

10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEMAY 2, 2020

AS I SEE IT

Corona Forces Traditional Schools to Shift to Online Classrooms

By Elpidio R. Estioko

F

or public and private schools that employ the traditional way of instruction, they were forced by the COVID-19 pandemic to shift to distance learning via online classrooms. While this is not new for virtual institutions such as the University of Phoenix, this is new for traditional schools, that find it challenging to put up their own distance learning classrooms and how to navigate with technological features.

In order to avoid spreading the virus, public and private schools were ordered to close until further notice. This was perceived as the strongest antidote for students, teachers, and the educational community to stop the virus from spreading.

Under The Opening Up America Again, a three-step plan towards economic recovery unveiled by President Donald Trump, schools are expected to re-open in the second phase of the plan. This definitely impacted school administrators and teachers to be creative and innovative to be able to continue classroom instructions using the distance learning program. Students need not stop learning and must continue to go to class, so school administrators shifted the classroom to distance learning.

However, creating the virtual classroom is easier said

than done! It needs a lot of preparation from planning the content-syllabus, identifying and providing the resources, to finally implementing the program on the internet.

School administrators immediately formed their technology teams and set-up their operations center for distance learning to help teachers work from home. Teachers also need to make sure students have internet access and computers, so they can complete their assignments and participate in classroom activities. For those who don’t have access to computers, teachers need to send enhanced packets to the students by mail, so they can comply with the curriculum.

There was a need for administrators and teachers to partner with telephone companies, Zoom, Facebook, Skype and other online entities to ensure students have online access.

Honestly, I am having a hard time working on the program despite the fact that I used to teach 7-week college courses online for Axia College, University of Phoenix and Extreme Learning based in Morgan Hill as academic coach online for elementary and high school students. That’s different because all I need was to manage the classroom which was already in place compared to this time where I need to setup my own virtual classroom.

Aside from preparing the curriculum, I have to learn, just like my colleagues in San Jose Job Corps (SJJC), how

to manage the distance learning classroom. It’s really hard because things that would normally take a longer period of time to prepare and implement, we're trying to do it in a matter of weeks. We need to learn fast, be creative and innovative, then contact our students individually in the light of the corona pandemic.

Shifting from classroom lessons to e-learning has substantial challenges, so we need to cope through a variety of innovations to make distance learning possible.

In an article written by Stephen Beal in the National Catholic Register, he wrote: “Parochial schools are exploring new ways of teaching students remotely, while continuing to deliver a distinctively Catholic education, as the corona virus pandemic sweeps across the country. While the transition—or, in many cases, a sudden shift—to distance learning represented a dramatic change in life for schools, many also were prepared for it in different ways” Take note that in a regular classroom setting, students who need clarifications could raise their hands and get answers immediately… say, having difficulty in logging into the computer due to user name and/or password issues.

We can easily assist students and show them how to fix the problem. With distance learning, it might take a couple of back-and-forth emails or phone calls to solve the problem.

Most teachers use Google Apps for Education, which provides a whole array of programs, including a specialized browser suitable for students doing school research. Teachers create their Google classrooms and incorporate the lessons on a weekly basis giving the students daily assignments.

My colleagues have their Google classrooms set-up already, but I have yet to set-up my own, which may take a few days.

This time, we teachers need to use the video-conferencing service Zoom instead of a face-to- face lecture/discussion. The distance learning model is evolving as teachers explore new tools and encounter problems along the way.

A source reveals that “if students at home spend more time online, it might increase a problem that will hinder the distance learning program. It increases the chances that they will be exposed to harmful content like pornography, or inappropriate messages that may be harder to block with filtering software, not to mention monitoring of their internet usage becoming much more of a challenge for parents.” This is

one problem we need to safeguard.

For schools that switched to distance learning, the Arrupe Virtual Learning Institute is sharing its experience with others. When the schools were closed in the first week, according to the same source, “the institute hosted sharing sessions on Zoom for teachers to share insights and tips on e-learning and distance learning.”

Jeffrey Hausman, president of Arrupe said: “We’re just trying to help at this point…

We plan to hold two sessions a week, one for teachers and one for administrators.”

While there are many challenges in setting up the distance learning classroom at this time, there’s a need to do it and do it fast as the corona crisis will stay with no definite time frame when it will be over!

This is also a chance for us teachers to be innovative and creative! Thanks to COVID -19 for giving US a chance to hold our classes virtually under siege!

ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist here in the US. For feedbacks, comments… please email the author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com).

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

Sen. Schatz Releases Help Guide for Independent Contractors, Gig Workers Access Federal Coronavirus Aid

U

S. Senator Brian Schatz released a new help guide to access federal coronavirus aid for independent contractors, freelancers, those who are self-employed and gig-economy workers such as ride-sharing drivers.

The federal aid is under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. “These federal programs can help thousands of Hawai‘i workers who are struggling to get by,” said Sen. Schatz. “If you’re an independent contractor and need some help, please visit our website to learn more about what kind of federal support is available.”

Sen. Schatz’s guide includes information on eligibility requirements for unemployment insurance, direct cash payments, small business assistance and tax relief for individuals.

To view the guide, visit schatz.senate.gov/coronavirus/contract-workers.

MAY 2, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  11

CANDID PERSPECTIVES

Trump Tops Xenophobia with Sheer Quackery

By Emil Guillermo

I

t h o u g h t T r u m p ’ s COVID-19 xenophobia was pretty bad. But when he talked about his light and Lysol theory of fighting the virus last Thursday, it only confirmed what I’ve been saying.

Listen to the president and you’ll likely die.

Do not inject or ingest disinfectant solutions to treat COVID-19. Your body is your temple. Not your stainless-steel kitchen island.

Maybe the president thought the product was not Lys-ol, but “Lies All,” and named for him?

Aides tried to excuse the president’s quackery. But it was undercut by the president who said it was “sarcasm.”

The president ought to hang out at a few Maui gay bars to understand sarcasm.

On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being high, he barely registered on the sarcasm meter.

And all this while serious stuff is going on.

Nurse Gem Scorp For example, I’ve been following Filipino Nurse Gem Scorp, who is fighting the pandemic at the world’s hot spot, Elmhurst, Queens, New York.

The bad news is Scorp’s tested positive. But he’s feeling better and going back to work. He should be getting a thank you for his courage.

Instead, he’s getting a right-handed slap from the commander-in-chief.

Enabled by the virus, Trump’s move to “pause” legal immigration is a way to sneak a major policy issue onto the agenda when there’s so much more pressing matters he can’t seem to get right.

It’s his invisible enemy again. Trump’s been hacking at it since January like a golfer whose stomach is in the way.

Trump’s too slow to act. Too

fast to reopen. Too thick to understand. Too self-centered to care.

Trump’s favorite phrase always puts himself at the apex of any situation, “the likes we’ve never seen before.”

And so here we are in the U.S. with close to 900,000 cases of coronavirus and 50,000 deaths.

50,000? Think of the last time you sat in a sold-out football stadium. Then imagine yourself cheering, but all of the seats were filled with death.

But wait. There’s more.

Another 4 million unemployed, bringing the number to near 27 million jobless claims in the last month.

That’s the state of America now.

And all Trump can do is try to sneak in a vicious shot at the heart of American values.

He puts a hood on the Statue of Liberty and suspends for 60 days those seeking green cards for permanent residency.

To protect jobs?

That’s what American bigots have said throughout history. The virus provides great political cover.

Doesn’t matter that keeping immigrants out doesn’t save a single life in the current crisis. Maybe Trump needs to figure out how to make a lot more masks and face shields in America.

If anything, Trump’s immigration hold may be keeping out the people this country needs the most.

They are people who would selflessly put their own lives on the line in order to save others first.

That would aptly describe people like Scorp, who arrived here in 2006 on a green card.

It coincided with a U.S. nursing shortage back then.

That deficit continues today. The need is even more critical.

Hard to say what will happen now. Details on Trump’s immigration idea shifted from a broad halt to a pause to an executive order riddled with loophole exceptions.

At the last minute, this ex-

ecutive order has an exception for among other things, foreign investors, as well as physicians and nurses.

Considering Trump’s capriciousness and an inefficient, slow moving bureaucracy, one should look at any change as blocking more good people from entry, thus limiting the chances of someone like Scorp, who has become one of the most important but unsung heroes in America.

He’s not the nurse who would dial up CNN or MSNBC to complain.

He’s too busy working.

He’s one of the Filipino nurses on the front lines of the COVID-19 war, at the designated COVID-19 hospital in the hottest of hot spots in the world, Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, New York.

Scorp has stared down the invisible enemy—the one Donald Trump keeps talking about—right in the face.

If only he had enough PPE.

PPE? That’s not Pinoy Protective Equipment.

More masks, gowns, and face shields are urgently needed to fight this virus war. And there’s not enough of it where it’s needed most. Scorp told me when it all started that a hospital manager told him to “suck it up,” and do his job.

I first talked to Scorp two weeks ago. He was asymptomatic and still working at Elmhurst Hospital. But he was growing more concerned about his workplace conditions.

As a high-ranking radiology nurse who, in a pinch, floats between ICU and the ER, Scorp never complained. He

and the other Filipino nurses saved gear from other jobs at nursing homes and other hospitals, and traded gear amongst themselves. They even reused and shared old gowns.

They did it because they saw their job as their duty.

“Only the Filipino will take the risk, even do CPR,” said Scorp. “Other non-Filipinos? Forget about it. We take the risk to save lives.”

Foolhardy? “I have no choice,” he told me. “If nobody will do it, who will?”

After the first time I interviewed him, Scorp got tested.

Nurses usually are not able to get tested. No one wants to know. The assumption is they have it. Besides, they need to work. Or they just don’t want the stigma.

The hospital doesn’t really want to know either. There aren’t enough nurses.

So, ignorance is a bliss-but poor public health policy.

Still, for the sake of his wife and toddler, Scorp insisted on the test for himself. He had to fight and demand it.

“It should be mandatory,” Scorp told me. “All nurses should be tested. Like the country. How else can we know or fight the virus? I’m just surprised I have no symptoms.”

His test came back last week.

The Results Positive.

“When I first saw the word ‘positive,’ I went blank,” Scorp told me. “I see all my positive patients have died.

And then I think I’m going to die right now.”

But he came back to his senses. He tried to find the courage. As long as he was asymptomatic and wore a mask, he was following hospital orders to work until critically ill.

At work, he would try to joke.

“Hey! I got 14 days left to live,” he would say with a smile. “But it’s OK, I have a mask.”

His friends would laugh.

But Scorp was surprised that people whom he thought he was close to actually hid from him. Outright avoided him.

“You know who your friends are,” he said.

It’s the bad kind of social distancing. Scorp feels shunned.

And then when he turns to family, he can’t.

He’s been staying in a hotel designated for positive nurses, provided by the local nurses’ union.

And he’s been communicating with his family from afar.

His wife understands and prepares food for him to take to the hotel. His son doesn’t understand why Daddy must only be seen from the window.

“It’s bad, this separation,” he said. “I cannot live like this forever.”

Immigrant Spirit Undamaged After learning the test results, he battled back mild symptoms with a homemade concoction of onion, garlic, oregano, and lemon juice. Just this week, he felt well enough (continue on page 13)

12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEMAY 2, 2020

ASK A DOCTOR

Back Pain and Spine Health

By Darin J. Awaya, M.D.

B

ack pain is a very common health issue that most people will experience sometime in their lifetime, affecting about 80% of adults. It is the most common job-related disability leading to missed days of work.

Addressing and taking care of your spine health is important for everyday function.

What causes low back pain?

This is the most frequently asked question in a spine surgery practice. This question is asked on a daily and possibly an hourly basis in my office. If you suffer from low back pain, you are not alone. The answer to this question is complicated because there are many possible pain generators in the lower portion of your back. The three most common sources of pain are the nerves, the discs, and the soft tissue.

The most forgiving source of pain is the soft tissue. The soft tissue includes muscles and ligaments and is frequently injured in an “athletic” type activity or when performing an activity that is not a part of the daily routine. Patients often see this type of pain when starting a new exercise or hobby. Simple rest and at home stretching exercises should help with symptoms and this type of problem usually resolves spontaneously.

The discs are the shock absorbers in the spine. This type of pain is typically a dull ache in the lower back and upper buttocks. This pain is felt with some but not all normal activities of daily living. The discs that are the most likely to wear out are the “lumbar” or lower discs. By about age 50, most of us have some degree of degeneration, but usually this degeneration does not cause significant pain. If the discs continue to wear, they can become unstable. This instability will re-

sult in pain that is not consistent with life’s normal aches and pains and can be unpredictable.

Treatment for end stage disc degeneration is complex, therefore consult a physician for a treatment options.

The most important cause of lower back pain is due to irritation or compression of a nerve. This type of pain is more accurately called sciatica. This is a pain that radiates from the lower back down the one or both legs. The pain is described as shocking or radiating. This type of pain can result in nerve damage and should be investigated by a physician. Treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and as a last resort surgery.

This is the most common scenario in which your physician will request advanced imaging such as MRI. A majority of cases do not require surgery, but of all the listed causes of back pain, this is the one that is most likely to require surgical intervention.

Why is posture important?

In today’s technological and sedentary lifestyle, posture is becoming increasingly a concern. The spine has evolved to support upright posture. However, it is not in the final stage of evolution.

Things can still go wrong. Spinal balance is the principle key to all surgical interventions.

Imagine your spine as a telephone pole, and then imagine that the tension wires holding up the pole are your muscles.

When the pole is balanced, very little effort is needed to keep the pole upright. As soon as the pole starts leaning, the wires attached to the telephone pole or the muscles in your forearms start to become tense.

If the pole continues to lean it will eventually fall over despite the best effort. It doesn’t take much energy to hold up a balanced spine. If the spine starts to lean (bad posture), the muscles in your back become tense and eventually will start to hurt. If the balance cannot be self-corrected, conditions such as scoliosis will develop.

To help keep the spine bal-

anced, core strength and flexibility are the key. Strength and flexibility can be improved with activities such as swimming and yoga. The guidance of a physical therapist is also key to improving these functions. Remember strength or appearance is not the goal.

A balanced spine is all that is necessary to improve and prolong your spinal function.

Is spine surgery dangerous?

The answer to this question is ALL surgery can be dangerous. The popular notion is that paralysis is common. Spine surgery is risky, but not to the extent of this popular belief. During surgery we now have the capability of monitoring the spinal cord and nerves. Newer anesthetic tech-

niques also improve bleeding allowing much more complex surgeries to be done. Most importantly, experience has made most of spine surgery routine. The most common of surgeries are now being done weekly if not daily by most spine surgeons. Familiarity, repetition, and practice in any activity from playing guitar to surgery are the key to success.

Obviously, ability is an individual skill, but it is a good habit to ask if your surgeon is board certified. Board specialty examinations are rigorous and based on each surgeon’s OWN practice. Certification is a good screening tool for you when selecting a provider.

Who are the different providers in the Spine Community?

Probably the most confusing question related to spine care is which provider should I consult. There are three levels of providers.

Primary care physicians provide first line treatment for most spine related problems.

PCPs are also the most accessible and frequently have an already developed relationship with the patient. This re-

sults in timely care.

The second category of providers are those that deliver non-invasive but spine specific care. This category includes physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, as well as physicians such as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation providers, Anesthesiologists, and Rheumatologists. These providers will help patients with physical improvement and pain relief without the use of surgery.

Other options include medicine, injections, and bracing.

The safety net of spine care is the Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Spine Surgeon. In general, referrals to a surgeon are non-operative, however, if any there is any suspicion of surgery, a referral should be made. Conditions that are more likely to require surgery are tumors, infection, or trauma. That being said, a majority of surgery is done for problems like sciatica or degenerating discs that have failed non-operative management. DR. DARIN J AWAYA is a Board Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon and member of PMAH. He practices at Pali Momi Medical Center, Mary Savio Plaza, and Kuakini Medical Center..

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

Gov Ige’s Emergency Supplemental Proclamation: Wearing Masks, Business Operations Requirements and More

By Jim Bea Sampaga

O

n April 26, Governor David Ige announced the extension of Hawaii’s stay-at-home order through May 31, 2020.

Also extended through end of May is the mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for visitors and residents entering the islands and for inter-island travelers.

Social distancing and outside activities limitations will still apply and be effective until end of May. Additionally, Gov. Ige signed a fifth supplemental

proclamation on April 16 that encourages everyone to follow enhanced social distancing requirements such as wearing masks, limited outside activities and additional essential business operations requirements.

The proclamation also includes an eviction moratorium which prevents landlords from evicting their tenants because of the failure to pay rent.

Gov Ige’s proclamation encourages everyone to wear masks. Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed an emergency order on April 14 requiring Oahu residents to wear masks in public.

The April 16 emergency

supplemental proclamation includes limitations on outside activities such as: • Beach closures: Sitting, standing, lying down, lounging and sunbathing on any state beach are strictly prohibited. Only those who are walking through the beach to access the ocean for surfing, solo paddling and swimming are allowed as long as physical distancing requirements are maintained.

• Boating restrictions: No more than two persons are allowed in any boat on Hawai’i waters for recre-

MAY 2, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  13

LEGAL NOTES

Trump Suspends Entry of Immigrants

By Atty. Reuben S. Seguritan

E

ffective on April 23, 2020, President Trump suspended for 60 days the entry of any person seeking to enter as immigrant.

The executive proclamation stated that the suspension was necessary because the immigrants presented a risk to the US during the economic recovery following the 2019 novel Coronavirus outbreak.

The proclamation further stated that “in the administration of our Nation’s immigration system, we must be mindful of the impact of foreign workers on the US labor market, particularly in an environment of high domestic unemployment and depressed demand for labor... The US faces a potentially protracted economic recovery with persistently high unemployment if labor supply outpaces labor demand. Excess labor supply affects all workers and potential workers, but it is particularly harmful to workers at the margin between employ-

ment and unemployment.”

The proclamation noted that lawful permanent residents, once admitted are granted “open market” employment authorization documents, allowing them to compete for any job.

Those whose entry is suspended are those who: are outside the US on April 23, 2020; do not have an immigrant visa that is valid on the effective date; and do not have an official travel document other than a visa that is valid on April 23.

The following are exempted from the proclamation: lawful permanent residents; individuals entering as physician, nurse or other healthcare professional to perform research intended to combat the spread of Covid-19 or to perform work essential to combatting the effects of Covid 19; EB-5 immigrant investors; spouses and children under 21 of US citizens or who are prospective adoptees; those whose entry would help law enforcement ; members of the US armed forces and their spouses and children; special immigrants in the SI or SQ classification; and those whose entry would serve

(HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS: Gov. Ige’s Emergency....from page 12)

ational purposes unless they are all part of a single residential unit. All boats shall maintain a 20 feet distance from other boats.

• Hiking restrictions: No group of more than two persons is allowed to hike state trails unless all hikers in the group are a part of a single residential unit.

Those who are not part of a single residential unit shall keep a distance of 20 feet from other hikers.

• Fishing and gathering limitations: No group of two or more persons may engage in fishings and gatherings unless everyone in the group are part of a single residential unit.

food industry are required to: • Maintain the six-foot distances in their stores and enforce it on their customers waiting in lines or moving around their stores. Checkout operations will also follow the six-feet distance guideline.

• Limit their customer occupancy in their stores and facility to maintain the social-distancing guidelines • Have employees who directly interact with customers frequently utilize hand sanitizers and sanitizing products and regularly disinfect all hightouch surfaces • Have everyone in the establishment, employees and customers, wear a face Essential businesses who mask are currently open such as the

the national interest. Non immigrant visa holders are also exempted as are asylum seekers.

The suspension may be extended upon the recommendation of the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security after consultation with the Secretaries of State and Labor.

Some US government officials have said that the proclamation does not change what has already been happening since the lockdown orders in the US and countries abroad and bans on flights because of the covid-19 pandemic. Most employment-based and family-based visas were on hold since March because offices and embassies were closed.

For example, the US Embassy in Manila, Philippines has been closed since March 16, 2020 because the Philippine government issued an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) order. The ECQ prevented non-essential workers from leaving their homes to reduce the spread of covid-19. Hence, the US Embassy has had to suspend routine consular services, including all visa services in order to comply with the •

•

To work online and remotely by encouraging their customers to do business by phone or online and/or provide pick-up at store or delivery services Have signages at their facility entrance informing employees and customers to not enter the facility if they are feeling unwell; maintain a six-foot distance; sneeze and cough into their elbow; and not shake hands or engage in unnecessary physical contact

Additionally, Gov Ige signed another executive order that authorizes liquor licensees to sell unopened beer, wine or pre-packaged cocktails with food for pickup, delivery and take out. Liquor must be consumed off the licensed premises.

order of the Philippine government and to protect its own employees and officers from getting covid-19. This means that no immigrant visa interviews have been conducted and in turn no green cards have been issued by the US Embassy in Manila since March 16, 2020.

Critics of the executive order, including some Democrats, have said that this 60 days suspension of entry of immigrants is a ploy to distract the people from the failures of President Trump and his administration in addressing the covid-19 pandemic. The United States has the most number of covid-19 cases and deaths in the world.

Others have seen the executive order as a move to help

President Trump’s reelection in November. This new ban on foreigners plays directly to his base of Americans and his message of strict immigration policies.

Other critics have pointed out through research and data that the presence of immigrants in the US has stimulated economic growth and created jobs. It is not true, they argue, that immigrants threaten Americans by getting jobs meant for them. Hence, the 60 days suspension will not help protect American workers and jobs. REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has been practicing law for over 30 years. For further information, you may call him at (212) 695 5281 or log on to his website at www.seguritan.com

(CANDID PERSPECTIVES: Trump Tops Xenophobia....from page 11)

to go back to work.

“I was scared and worried,” he told me. He was back to asymptomatic, but likely still positive. Would he be stigmatized and shunned for just wanting to do his job?

He got all the PPE he needed at the beginning of his night shift, then was assured by his team leader that no one would shun him.

“I was excited,” he told me about going back fully garbed and reassured to his nursing post in radiology.

But then his first patient was a severe COVID-19 case, intubated.

“I just closed my eyes, inhaled, and told myself, “I’m a Filipino nurse. Work as it is.”

Another nurse from a distance asked him if he should be out for 14 days?

The protocol says if there’s no fever in 72 hours from testing, you’re clear to work. He was clear to work.

“Staffing is really bad,” Scorp told me. “So many nurses missing in action, and not even communicating to management. We don’t know if they left completely the hospital or are sick. That’s why I really came back last night. There was no night nurse last night. I can’t let my team down.”

Scorp was a green card immigrant who wanted to be an American. And now he’s on the front lines of the COVID-19 battle, sometimes without everything he needs.

He puts America first, even before family.

Trump could take a lesson from these Filipino nurses on empathy, responsibility, comfort, and care.

Just talking to Scorp helped restore for me a lost sense of dedication to unity and purpose. Sitting at home doesn’t feel like you’re actively fighting the virus.

Intubating a patient without all the PPE does.

America needs more people like them right now.

These are the people who have the values America too easily takes for granted, and then loses when the president fails to rally and lift us all up.

Like when he suggests Lysol might work.

In the end, it’s knowing the Gem Scorps of our world are fighting for us and not giving up. That revives us all and brings us back to life. EMIL​ GUILLERMO​ is a veteran journalist and commentator. He was a member of the Honolulu Advertiser editorial board. Listen to him on Apple Podcasts. Twitter @ emilamok.

14 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLEMAY 2, 2020

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

Coping with CORONA

By Seneca Moraleda-Puguan

T

he COVID-19 Pandemic has brought the world to its knees. It has thwarted plans, shattered economies, halted travel and tourism, and upset normalcy. Many government leaders have called for quarantine and social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus.

Everyone has been encouraged to stay home as much as possible or if not, limit social contact and avoid gatherings.

With the community quarantine in place and families forced to stay home, people everywhere have found ways to adjust and cope with everyday life while the coronavirus lurks around. Here are some of the things that people have been doing to beat the monotony and boredom that staying home for a long period brings.

Binge-watching.

This pandemic has given many people extra time to catch up on their favorite series in Netflix and YouTube. There are a lot of Facebook posts asking for recommendations on what

to watch on Netflix and what Korean dramas are good to indulge in.

Tiktok. It’s a social media app used to create short videos. People, of all ages and cultures, share their TikTok videos of short dances and lip sync comedies to bring joy and laughter to our anxiety and grief-stricken world.

Zoom Meetings. As social beings, it is in our nature to connect with other people and when circumstances don’t allow us, we make ways. Companies use apps like Zoom to hold meetings. Family and friends catch up with each other online. Churchmates meet online to pray and encourage one another. Thanks to technology, we can reach out to the world from the comfort of our homes.

Facebook Concerts. Just recently, our family had so

much fun watching and singing with Gary Valenciano, a famous Filipino singer, who held his anniversary concert on Facebook to raise funds for frontliners and affected communities. Several celebrities and famous personalities from all over the world have been doing online performances to entertain the quarantined world. Theater shows are also streaming for free.

Online Church Services.

In many parts of the world, churches are discouraged to hold church services in order to prevent transmission of coronavirus, but this didn’t stop congregations to listen and be encouraged by the Word of God. With the help of Facebook and other social networking apps, churches are still able to gather and worship together.

Homeschooling. Schools

around the world have also moved the opening of classes.

Parents have found ways and still finding ways for their children not just to laze around but still be able to learn and catch up with classes despite the closure of schools.

Pursuing New Skills.

Cooking new recipes, baking, creating ‘dalgona’ coffee, painting and drawing artworks are some of the skills that people now have all the time in the world to pursue.

Rest. COVID-19 has caused the world to slow down. With no train or bus ride to catch, no traffic to beat, many have been given the opportunity to simply rest and relax, catch up on sleep and laze around.

Quality Time with Family. This pandemic has giv-

en families the gift of time to spend with each other. Despite all the setbacks that this brutal virus has caused the world, this season has been and is still is a great time for families to catch up with each other, share stories, laugh with each, and pray together. This may not be the case for some, but for many families around the world, COVID-19 has caused relationships to be stronger.

COVID-19 may have forced everyone to be apart but it didn’t break the human spirit and ingenuity to still virtually come together and make the most of the circumstances.

With the help of technology, this pandemic has caused the world to even grow smaller.

As much as we love our families and want to enjoy every precious moment with them, we long to hug our

(Solution to Crossword No. 16 |April 4, 2020)

(continue on page 15)

MAY 2, 2020  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  15

COMMUNITY CALENDAR 28th ANNUAL FILIPINO FIESTA & 8th FLORES DE MAYO 2020 | Saturday, May 2, 2020 | 9AM - 5PM | The FilCom Center, Waipahu l For details, contact FilCom at 808-680-0451 MABUHI PACIFIC EXPO & SUMMIT | July 24-26, 2020 | Hawaii Convention Center l Panelists-presenters on various topics are being accepted for the Expo. For details,

contact Rose Cruz Chuma at rosechurma@mac.com LEA SALONGA LIVE | Friday-Saturday, October 23-24, 2020; 8-10PM | Blaisdell Concert Hall, Honolulu l Filipina singer and actress Lea Salonga to serenade the Hawaii crowd in a two-night spectacular concert. Tickets $35 and up. Visit blaisdellcenter.com for more information.

(PHILIPPINE NEWS: DOH Gets DBM Nod....from page 8)

rus cases is 7,732 while the total number of mechanical ventilators for both private and public hospitals is 1,381.

Duterte said the DBM has approved and issued a special allotment release order for P45.717 billion to cover the funding requirements for DOH’s COVID-19 response.

The order includes the allotment of P1.35 billion for the purchase of 1,500 units of mechanical ventilators to serve the needs of DOH hospitals, selected local government and military hospitals and the Philippine General Hospital.

In his public address last Monday, Duterte vowed to buy more protective equipment to ensure the safety of frontliners.

“We still lack (protective equipment), we are still in the process of buying several protective personal protection kits for our frontliners and medical people. I am informed that this will be completed in due time,” he said.

Outbreak response body Senators, meanwhile, are pressing

KROSWORD

for the immediate creation of an agency that would lead in the country’s preparations and response to disease outbreaks.

Sen. Grace Poe said investments to build and enhance the country’s expertise in disease prevention and control have become imperative as the COVID-19 has caught nations unprepared and scrambling for solution.

“We need to catalyze support for a proactive and efficient health system with increased capacities to prevent and control the spread of new or recurring infectious diseases,” Poe said.

COVID-19 has so far infected three million people across the globe, killing over 209,000. Not only health, but all sectors are left with no choice but to adapt to the new norm, implementing the necessary adjustments for survival, she said.

“We need to re-strategize, restructure and reinvent our systems if we are to stay afloat and cope with the scourge and disruption

brought about by COVID-19, including the threat of new diseases,” the senator said.

Poe has filed Senate Bill 1450 or the “Pandemic Preparedness and Response Act” that seeks to establish a Center for Disease Control (CDC) to strategize and lead in communicable disease control and prevention and fortify the country’s preparedness and response to public health crises.

Under the bill, the CDC shall spearhead the formulation of a national strategy to anticipate and address public health emergencies and provide proper direction on such health threats.

The center is also envisioned to provide consultation and assistance to other nations and international agencies to collaborate and partner in improving the effectiveness of disease prevention and control mechanisms.

Sen. Richard Gordon earlier pushed for the upgrading of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in creating the country’s CDC. (www.philstar.com) 

PAHALANG

1. Koponan 2. Amin 3. Muol 4. Mama 5. Bumaba 6. Bagwis 7. Madasalin 8. Praternal na piging, 9. Arkila 10. Animo 11. Kebranto 12. Agaw-aw 13. Bubungan ng silid

18. Abong 22. Ipugal 24. Lura 25. Isang uri ng punongkahoy 26. Metal na inilubog sa ginto o pilak 27. Isang uri ng pagkaing may hipon at isinasawsaw sa suka 29. Umano 31. Ama 34. Gamit sa beisbol 35. Lipat ng petsa

friends, hang out with our colleagues and classmates, and meet new people. We know that there is no place like home but our lungs long to breathe fresh air, our eyes crave to see new sights, and our feet desire to wander and explore new territories. I know that all of us can’t wait to get our lives back again. But while we wait and continue to hope, home is the best and safest place to be right now.

While our frontliners sacrifice their lives and time away from their families and those affected by the virus fight for their lives in isolation, the rest of the world who are called to stay home or work from home can continue to binge-watch, record and share TikTok videos, have meetings with friends and colleagues over Zoom, watch concerts on Facebook and YouTube, attend online church services, pursue new skills, and simply rest and enjoy time with loved ones. In this way, we are doing our part to hopefully flatten the curve and eventually etch COVID-19 in the annals of history, lingering like the flu but already beaten.

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(PERSONAL REFLECTIONS: Coping with....from page 14)

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MAY 2, 2020