Pilipino Express • Sep 16 2023

Belle Mariano

Filipino Canadians in Manitoba election

The campaign for the Manitoba provincial election is in full swing with a little more than two weeks before election day on October 3.

PC leader Heather Stefanson visited Lt. General Anita Neville on September 5, marking the dissolution of the House and the official beginning of the election period.

At dissolution, the governing Progressive Conservatives held 35 of the 57 seats in Manitoba’s Legislature. The NDP had 18, the Liberals held three and one seat was vacant.

Six Filipino Canadians have put their names in the hat. Two of

To dance with a purpose

by Lucille Nolasco-Garrido

Dancing can mean different things to different people. It can be a means to express someone’s creativity as an art. It can help

with uplifting your mood as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle. Dance can also be utilized to aid an important cause.

On September 23, dancing will take centre stage in

ZumbaYanihan 2023 – a Zumba dance masterclass featuring talented Zumba instructors from the community, in support of the Children’s Hospital Foundation

See ZUMBA p11

Jon Reyes PC Waverley

James Reid & Issa Pressman

Malaya Marcelino NDP Notre Dame

PARENTAL RIGHTS in school for you.

You raised them, nurtured them and watched them go off to school. So who better than you - as a parent - to know what is best for your child.

It’s been almost 30 years since parental rights were enshrined in the public schools act. But things have really changed so it’s time to enhance them.

Because we believe you have the right to be informed and the right to choose what is going on with your child in school. We’re the only party fighting for parental rights and for YOU.

Parents know best.

Authorized by the financial Officer, PC Party of Manitoba

Obby Khan PC Candidate

Authorized by the Financial Officer, PC Party of Manitoba

Health Canada approves updated Moderna COVID vaccine

Health Canada has fully approved Moderna’s new COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax, targeting the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant for everybody six months of age and older.

On Tuesday, September 12, a technical briefing was held by officials from Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization to discuss the updated vaccine that targets the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant.

Health Canada said people aged five and older should receive one dose, regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination history. Children from six months to four years old should receive

two doses if they have not been previously vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine, or one dose if they already had at least one dose.

Canada’s chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam said, “We will have enough supply of the updated COVID-19 vaccines to support immunization programs across Canada.” The deliveries to provinces of the updated vaccine are expected in early October.

The campaign for new COVID-19 shots comes as cases are expected to increase heading into the fall and winter. Dr. Tam said that last fall, Canada had an early start to the influenza season as well as high numbers of respiratory syncytial virus

(RSV) infections. She noted that COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations have been on the rise in the last several weeks.

“It is difficult to predict what will happen this fall and winter regarding the circulation of influenza, RSV and COVID-19, given that it is still early in the season,” she said. “But the good news is we can get prepared and protect ourselves in case simultaneous surges of respiratory viruses occur. This is why receiving a COVID-19 vaccine dose as well as a flu shot this fall is especially important.”

She also advised that it is safe to receive a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.

Dr. Tam urged all eligible Canadians to be vigilant and updated with their COVID-19 vaccinations. Anyone who has not been infected with COVID-19 or received a COVID-19 vaccination in the past six months is encouraged to get vaccinated with the latest version of a COVID-19 vaccine. This no longer contains the original strain of the virus.

Dr. Supriya Sharma, chief medical advisor with Health Canada, said, “I know we all wish COVID-19 no longer existed, but people are still getting infected, and vaccination continues to be one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves against serious outcomes.”

FILIPINO...

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them are running for re-election while the other four are looking to join provincial politics for the first time.

Let’s get to know our kababayan candidates.

Malaya Marcelino

NDP Notre Dame

Elected to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba in the 2019 Manitoba General Election, Malaya Marcelino represents the electoral district of Notre Dame. She is the NDP critic for Labour and Immigration and a fierce advocate for better healthcare and safer communities for inner-city families.

If re-elected, Malaya would like to complete the projects they started in the constituency, such as removing decommissioned railroad tracks in the Weston area to make way for a usable community pathway and making the community clean and safe for everyone.

Malaya emigrated from the Philippines as a child, with her family. She lives in Winnipeg’s West End with her husband and two young children.

Jon Reyes

PC Waverley

Jon Reyes was first elected in the 2016 provincial election as MLA for St. Norbert and was re-elected in 2019 as MLA for Waverley. He was appointed to different government departments since being elected; first as Special Envoy for Military Affairs (20162021) and currently as Minister of Labour and Immigration, since January 2023 in the Progressing Conservative government.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Jon served 10 years in the Canadian Armed Forces. He is married and has two children.

Kelly Legaspi

NDP Tyndall Park

A registered nurse by profession, Kelly Legaspi immigrated to Canada in 2000 as a nurse through the Provincial Nominee Program. She has been an active member in service of the community through the years, including as an officer and member of the Board of Directors of the Filipino Seniors Group of Winnipeg and as founding Vice President of the Philippine Nurses Association of Manitoba.

Kelly has a fourth-degree black belt in modern Sikaran and Arnis, and together with her family, heads the Winnipeg Sikaran-Arnis martial arts school for youth. She previously ran in the 2019 Manitoba Election as the NDP candidate for AgassizSouthern Manitoba. In this election Kelly is running for the NDP against incumbent Cindy Lamoureux of the Liberal Party in Tyndall Park.

Garry Alejo

MLP Burrows

Garry Alejo is from Ilocos province in the Philippines and immigrated to Canada in 2014 with his family.

He is currently working in the finance department of an airline company where he also served as a Union Board Member.

Garry organized the Northwest Bear Clan Patrol chapter with diverse active members from the community. He is also a Board Member of the organizations Caring for Our Environment Manitoba and the

Tyndall Park Community Centre. He said he decided to run this election because he wanted to see change in the Burrows area, particularly with regards to safety and crime prevention.

Garry is running for the Liberal Party against incumbent Diljeet Brar of the NDP and the PC’s Navraz Brar.

Christopher Santos

PC Tyndall Park

Motivated by his belief in inclusive, equitable governance, Chris Santos said he decided to enter politics to amplify the voice of marginalized communities. He has a strong background in the building designs industry and has been employed as a senior architectural technologist.

Chris is also a long-time community volunteer and has served as officer and member of the governing board of the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba and is currently the interim president of the Bulacan Association of Winnipeg, Inc.

Chris and his family have lived in Tyndall Park for 42 years and he said it would be an honour for him to serve for the betterment of the community. He is running against Liberal incumbent Cindy Lamoureux and fellow Filipino, Kelly Legaspi of the NDP.

Jelynn Dela Cruz

NDP Radisson

Jelynn is running as the NDP candidate for Radisson, in northeast Winnipeg. She is a longtime resident of Radisson and a proud first-generation Canadian. Jelynn works for L’Arche, a non-profit that creates homes and meaningful employment for people living with disabilities.

She is also a former board

member and senator of the University of Manitoba where she has served as president of the students’ union.

As part of the Manitoba NDP, Jelynn would work to

fix healthcare and make life affordable.

AirAsia warns: Be wary of travel scams

Philippines AirAsia recently warned the public against unscrupulous individuals or groups representing the airline, luring them to purchase cheap tickets, tour packages and other products.

Philippines AirAsia is a Philippine low-cost airline based at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay, Metro Manila. The airline is the Philippine affiliate of the Malaysian AirAsia.

The low-cost carrier is expecting stronger demand for travel with the start of the “Ber” months after guests booked various domestic and international destinations during the recent Philippine Travel Mart fair. The airline said the top domestic

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destinations booked by guests for travel within 90 days were Caticlan (Boracay), Tagbilaran, and Cebu, while the top three international destinations were Bangkok, Osaka, and Narita.

In an advisory, AirAsia said it received multiple reports that several groups and individuals are allegedly representing the airline for unofficial dealings on social media.

The airline added that some of the scammers are also involved in job offerings that led to phishing and other online scams.

“We want to educate and safeguard our guests from scams and other forms of online fraud, especially since transactions are at their fingertips,” AirAsia

Publisher: THE PILIPINO EXPRESS INC.

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spokesperson Steve Dailisan said.

The low-cost airline noted that the tickets, promos and other ancillary products (baggage allowance, choice of seats and travel insurance) should only be purchased via the app (airasia Superapp) and its website, as well as travel agency partners.

“We would like to remind our guests that personal information may be collected through airasia. com or airasia Superapp only. The moment a group or an individual allegedly representing our brand solicits your personal information or asks for money, drop the transaction immediately and report them to proper authorities,” Dailisan said.

In 2022, both AirAsia and the

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ETHEL CLEMENTE FERNANDEZ

BRO. GERRY GAMUROT

NORMAN ACERON GARCIA

LUCILLE NOLASCO GARRIDO

MICHELE MAJUL-IBARRA PERLA JAVATE JUDIANNE JAYME PASTOR JUNIE JOSUE

Philippine Airlines warned the public against online scams using fake websites and social media pages.

PAL said those bogus websites were requesting bank account details, which is not required when booking through official booking channels.

REGINA RAMOS URBANO

RON URBANO

KATHRYN WEBER

Youth Contributors

Aksyon Ng Ating Kabataan (ANAK)

AirAsia, on the other hand, cited fraudulent job offers from people who claim to be their employees. Legitimate job openings can be viewed through AirAsia’s website and other verified recruitment portals, it said.

– PNA

The Pilipino Express is a Winnipeg based news-magazine published twice a month. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion.

The Pilipino Express and Pilipino Sports Express are registered names. Reproduction of any content and/or ad design published in the Pilipino Express is not permitted without the publisher’s written consent. Materials submitted are subject to editorial discretion and the publication accepts no responsibility for the return or safety of unsolicited artwork, photos, or manuscripts. All rights reserved. Annual subscription rate within Canada: $65.00.

For advertising inquiries, call 204-956-7845, or e-mail: E-mail: info@pilipino-express.com.

Kelly Legaspi NDP Tyndall Park

Garry Alejo MLP Burrows

Christopher Santos PC Tyndall Park

Jelynn Dela Cruz NDP Radisson

Jelynn is running against PC incumbent James Teitsma and the Liberal’s Jean Luc Bouche. – Lucille Nolasco-Garrido

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has just announced an update to the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) for 2023. IRCC will accept up to 15,000 complete applications this year. This will be good news for some and disappointing for others. It is actually not open to new application submissions but from an existing inventory of potential sponsors. In a fashion similar to 2022, the invitations will be taken from the pool of existing sponsors that submitted expression of interest to sponsor back in 2020.

On October 10, 2023, IRCC will begin sending invitations to apply to 24,200 interested sponsors, aiming to receive up to 15,000 complete applications. The invitations will be sent to randomly selected potential sponsors from the existing 2020 pool and not open a new interest to sponsor option. If you submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 but did not receive an invitation to apply in 2021 or 2022, you are asked to check the e-mail account you provided on your 2020 interest to sponsor form. Potential sponsors were given a confirmation number with their e-mail confirmation, and you can use this number to find out if you were invited to

Sponsorship of parents and grandparents 2023

apply. If you are invited to apply as part of the 2023 intake, IRCC will use the Permanent Resident Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal to submit applications electronically.

Immigration levels

The sponsorship of parents and grandparents is part of IRCC annual Immigration Levels Plan. In 2022 the immigration authorities invited 23,100 potential sponsors to apply in order to meet their intended target of 15,000 completed applications. The differential between invitations and target numbers is set because some potential sponsors will have changed their minds or no longer meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) to sponsor their parents or grandparents. In terms of the immigration targets for the current year, Canada’s overall target is 465,000 newcomers and the goal is to welcome 28,500 parents and grandparents.

Super Visa option

If you are one of the lucky ones or a new potential sponsor, you can consider bringing your parents or grandparents into the country under the Super Visa, which continues to be a popular option for many. It is a temporary visa that allows sponsors to bring in parents or grandparents for up

to five consecutive years with a possible extension for two additional years. There is no lottery system for the Super Visa, which is available throughout the year. It is a good option for those who were not selected or not eligible for selection in 2023. Some parent and grandparents may be visa exempt if they have travelled to Canada in the last 10 years or have an American visitor visa but can still apply for the Super Visa. If immigration approves your application for a Super Visa, they will provide you with a letter to give to CBSA officers at the port of entry.

In order to be eligible for the Super Visa an applicant must:

• Be a parent or grandparent of

a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;

• Not be inadmissible to Canada on the basis of criminality, security or health;

• Prove that the sponsors meet or exceed the income requirements by family size on Low-Income Cut Off (LICO);

• Have a signed invitation letter from their child or grandchild inviting them to Canada and outlining their promise of financial support for the duration of the visit and list the number of people in their household;

• Provide proof of medical coverage for at least one year with a Canadian insurance company for at least $100,000 coverage.

In closing, I encourage

potential sponsors from 2020 to check their e-mail accounts, especially in the period following October 10, 2023, to see if they have been selected. Otherwise, they and new potential sponsor should consider the Super Visa or the Temporary Resident Visa options.

Michael Scott is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC, R525678) who has 30 years of experience with Immigration Canada and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. He currently works as a licensed consultant with Immigration Connexion International Ltd. Contact him at 204-691-1166 or 204-227-0292. E-mail: mscott.ici@gmail.com.

The Manitoba NDP will make life better for our communities

How do you do, I’m Wab Kinew. I’m running to be Premier and on October 3rd, I’m asking for your support to fix health care and make life more affordable.

Filipino Manitobans work hard and deserve a good life here in Manitoba. But for seven years, Heather Stefanson and the PCs have been making life harder for communities like yours.

In health care, they’ve made cuts that hurt patients and caused chaos for front line workers. Perhaps the single worst decision Heather Stefanson and Brian Pallister made was to close three emergency rooms in Winnipeg—at Seven Oaks Hospital, Concordia Hospital and Victoria Hospital. Manitoba’s ER wait times are some of the highest in Canada. At Health Sciences Centre, 1 in 3 patients leave the ER without ever being seen by a doctor. And in the pandemic, Manitoba suffered some of the worst outcomes in North America because of the Stefanson PC’s decision to close ER and cut ICU beds.

The Manitoba NDP believes every person should get quality emergency care when they need it. That’s why we announced a plan to build three new emergency rooms to replace the ones closed by the PCs. We will build a new emergency room at Victoria Hospital, Seven Oaks Hospital and Concordia Hospital so that no matter where your family lives in Winnipeg, you will be close to an

emergency room.

But we can’t reopen these emergency rooms without first fixing the staffing crisis that was created by Heather Stefanson and her government. It starts with showing front line health care worker’s respect. Then we will invest $500 million to recruit, train and keep staff in our health care system. That means more nurses, health care aides, maintenance staff, support staff and administrative staff. Plus, we’ll end mandatory overtime, improve work-life balance, reimburse homecare workers’ mileage, and pay better wages for staff at long-term care homes.

It’s time to take care of those who take care of us. It’s time to make working in public health care a rewarding career and a good job to support your family with once again.

The Manitoba NDP knows that new Canadians are a core part of our workforce, and we will always support them. We will make sure international workers can work in Manitoba by investing in settlement services to help new find work in the careers they were trained in with an emphasis on health care. And we will increase the number of people coming to Canada through the Manitoba Provincial Nomination Program (MPNP), with a priority on family reunification.

Whether you moved here this year or have lived here for generations, Manitoba is a great

place to live, work, and raise a family. But under Heather Stefanson, violent crime is getting worse, and she isn’t doing anything about it.

The Manitoba NDP is committed to being tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime. We will crack down on violent offenders and drug traffickers. And to help you feel safe in your home, we will give

you a $300 rebate for home security systems.

On top of all this, life is getting more expensive. Right now, it seems like the cost of everything is going up. And you deserve a break. A Manitoba NDP government will help you out. We will freeze your hydro rates and cut the 14 cents/L gas tax to save you money every month.

This October, you have a

choice. The PCs have made health care worse, communities less safe, and life more expensive in Manitoba, and they will only continue if they are elected again.

The Manitoba NDP has a better plan: fixing health care, safer communities, and a more affordable life. But we can’t do it without you. On October 3, vote NDP so we can make life better, together.

NDP leader Wab Kinew with NDP candidate in Radisson Jelynn Dela Cruz (left) and community members.

Itutuloy ni Heather Stefanson ang pagbawas sa health care.

Magbubukas kami ng

tatlong ERs sa Winnipeg.

Magsasanay at maghahire kami ng 300 nurse.

Sama-sama nating ayusin ang pangangalaga sa kalusugan.

Sama-sama nating ayusin ang pangangalaga sa kalusugan.

Authorized by the CFO, Manitoba NDP

DonBelle’s Can’t Buy Me Love to air in October

The new teleserye, Can’t Buy Me Love, starring the new love team of Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano – now popularly known as DonBelle – will air in October. This will mark the latest career milestone of Mariano and Pangilinan as a love team, after headlining Star Cinema’s romantic-comedy film An Inconvenient Love

The DonBelle loveteam became well-known in 2021, their breakout year, as a record-breaking pair with the iWantTFC limited series He’s Into Her and the digital release of their launching movie Love Is Color Blind

The stars joining Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano in Can’t Buy Me Love are Ruffa Gutierrez, Maris Racal, Albie Casiño, Kaila Estrada, Joao Constancia, Agot Isidro and Rowell Santiago.

Also joining them are Nova Villa, Celeste Legazpi, Karina Bautista, Vivoree and Darren.

Pangilinan will be playing the role of Bingo, a hardworking guy whose dream is to provide for his poor family while Mariano

James Reid on his relationship with Issa Pressman: ‘I’m very in love’

In March this year, James Reid and Issa Pressman took the Internet by storm when they hard launched their relationship after attending Harry Styles’ Love on Tour concert in Manila. After

months of staying low-key on social media, the two graced the recently concluded Preview Ball 2023 hand-in-hand.

The event marked the couple’s

plays the role of Caroline, a Chinese Filipino born to a rich and traditional family.

– ABS-CBN NEWS

Joshua Garcia, Emilienne Vigier together in Milan?

Dedicated fans of Joshua Garcia could not help but spot the resemblance between the actor’s recent social media post and that of French-Filipino athlete Emilienne Vigier, hinting at their potential presence together in Milan, Italy.

From a glance at their respective social media profiles, it appears that the two spent the day together and also visited the same church.

Although they do not appear together in a single photograph, their followers are strongly convinced that they are vacationing together in Milan.

Just recently Vigier posted on Instagram her selfie with Garcia. Across their photo, the caption “Jtmmmm” was inscribed, leading some to speculate that it might possibly mean “je t’aime,” which translates to “I love you” in French.

Both individuals consistently

See JOSHUA p11

Donny Pangilinan & Belle Mariano

See JAMES p11

James Reid & Issa Pressman

Joshua Garcia

Emilienne Vigier

Rocky Añonuevo’s 40th birthday

The birthday boy, Rocky Añonuevo

Rocky and his wife, Shari

Rocky’s family in Winnipeg and Vancouver

Rocky and his co-workers at New Flyer Industries

ZUMBA...

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of Manitoba.

ZumbaYanihan is from the words “Zumba” and “bayanihan” (a Filipino word derived from the word bayan, meaning town, nation, or community in general).

“Bayanihan” is used to refer to a spirit of communal unity and cooperation.

With the help of our friends and our families, I had the opportunity to organize the first ZumbaYanihan back in September 2017, with the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba as our charitable beneficiary. The successful event united Zumba instructors and dance enthusiasts from different parts of the city under one roof.

Our second ZumbaYanihan was held in May 2018 in support

JOSHUA...

From page 8

ignite dating rumours, yet neither has addressed the topic publicly.

Before this, Garcia was rumoured to be in a relationship with beauty vlogger Bella Racelis

Garcia, however, reiterated at that time that he is single amid persistent rumours romantically linking him with Racelis, with whom he has been seen several times on various occasions.

Garcia’s last public relationship was with actress Julia Barretto –ABS-CBN NEWS

JAMES...

From page 8 first interview together, where they were asked about their relationship and how they feel about each other.

of Diabetes Canada. Zumba instructors once again joined hands to dance for a good cause.

After a few years’ hiatus, ZumbaYanihan 2023, presented by Wpg ZINsistarz, is back to support a great cause – the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.

The one and a half hour Zumba masterclass will feature dance hits from the 80s, 90s and 2000s as well as beloved Zumba music! Raffle prizes, refreshments and surprises await the attendees.

And the best part? To dance and have fun with friends and family as a united community while knowing you are helping those in need, one sway at a time.

Zumba is a registered trademark of Zumba Fitness LLC.

ZIN is a trademark of the Zumba Instructor Network.

“There’s no better way to say it. I’m very in love. I’m very happy. The best part about tonight’s that I’m here with Issa,” says James.

“I like to describe Issa as sunshine. That’s how she feels [to me]. She lights up my day. She inspires me. She’s an incredibly inspiring person, she’s very strong, and I love her values in life in general. It’s something that I really look for in a partner.”

Issa also has the best things to say about her beau. “The best thing, like, the love that we have is we really support each other. He saves all of his time for his family and people he actually really cares about,” she reveals.

“He’s like a glue to everyone in the office, to his family, and the way that I hear him talk to each member [of Careless] is unbelievable. He has so much love.”

by Yssa Cardona/Cosmo.

Photos: Issa Pressman IG

Guimbanians in North America & Beyond 8th reunion

2023 ANCOP Walk 20th anniversary, Aug. 26

L-r: Paul Ong, Larry & Tova Vickar of Vickar Automotive Group and Tricia Magsino Barnabe

Rice crisis in the Philippines

An economist from the University of the Philippines believes that the implementation of a price ceiling will eventually lead to a shortage of rice in the country.

UP School of Economics assistant professor JC Punongbayan said Thursday, September 7, that this creates an imbalance as demand goes up, while supply comes down.

“Kapag mayroon talagang price ceiling, and the actual market price is higher than the price ceiling, we can expect shortages to occur,” Punongbayan said.

“It’s a recipe for disaster talaga kasi mahihirapan na rin tayo mag-produce domestically, mahihirapan din tayo magimport,” he added.

He also said price ceilings will affect not just traders, but also farmers.

“‘Pag mababa presyo,

mayroon ding pressure na baka baratin sila ng traders, millers, etc. at kapag nagpatuloy pa ito, mawawala incentives para sa producers na magbenta ng bigas,” he added.

Executive Order 39

On September 5, 2023, President Marcos signed an executive order (EO39) that mandates a price ceiling for regular milled rice at P41 per kilo and well-milled rice at P45 per kilo. Rice is the Philippines’ “most critical problem,” Marcos says.

EO 39 serves as the strongest weapon to date of the Marcos administration to protect consumers against hoarders, rice cartels, and illegal price manipulators. It mandates a coordinated effort among various agencies to ensure the strict implementation of the mandated price ceilings by intensifying the fight against hoarding and

KROSWORD NO. 425

Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

illegal importation of rice and taking measures against cartels to ensure fair market competition and uphold consumer welfare and protection.

Cash assistance to small rice retailers

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through Secretary Rex Gatchalian said it is ready to provide cash assistance to small rice retailers who may incur losses because of EO39, which sets a price ceiling on regular and well-milled rice. Qualified recipients will receive one-time financial aid amounting to a maximum of PHP15,000, he said.

He said the DSWD is just waiting for the list of qualified small rice retailers, which will be provided by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The Grain Retailers Confederation of the Philippines (GRECON) held an emergency meeting upon the effectivity of EO39 to air grievances to the DTI.

They said the P15,000 cash aid to be given by the DSWD is not enough to cover their losses.

“Hindi talaga natin kakayanin yung PHP15,000.

‘Yun naman, kung ganoon ang tulong, makakabawas na rin sa gastusin, kaso hindi aabot lalo na sa retailers na maliliit, two, three days lang po yon,” said Grecon spokesperson Orly Manuntag.

Department of Agriculture

Spokesperson Willie Ann Angsiy, meanwhile, said they have monitored high compliance with the measure.

“So far, nakita naman natin na 90 per cent compliance or at least partial compliance rate ang nakita natin. For us that’s really

good progress. Inaacknowledge naman na tatamaan sila dito, apektado ang kita nila,” she said.

In a statement, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) said the order would “never work.”

FFCCCII President Cecelio Pedro said the prices are based on supply and demand. “Pag mababa ang presyo, hindi magpoproduce. Kung nalulugi sila, hindi sila magbebenta ng rice. eh di lalong wala. Kung mataas naman, what’s the use of price control kung masyadong mataas ang price control?” said Pedro.

Sources: ABS-CBN News, PNA

Rice traders at the Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City are found to be compliant with the price cap imposed by the national government on the staple food. Photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.