4.25.24-5.1.24 by Philippine News Today

CHINA WAR SHIPS SWARM AT

BIGGEST US-PHL DRILLS HEAT

Extrajudicial killings continue in PH -- US State Department

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

MANILA -- The current president may be having serious issues with his predecessor, but the Marcos and Duterte regimes share one thing in common: extrajudicial killings (EJKs) continue, albeit in smaller numbers.

So says the US State Department, which said in a recent report that EJKs remain a “serious problem” in the Philippines.

The bulk of the continued killings of mostly young men from depressed areas are supposedly being committed by the Phil-

ippine National Police (PNP), said the report.

This, despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr stating at the beginning of his term that his administration would focus on “treatment and rehabilitation.”

The State Department report does not bode well for the Marcos administration, as it is part of the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices submitted every year to the US Congress.

As such, it is taken into consideration by American lawmakers when

Australia,

By ALFRED GABOT and CLAIRE MORALES TRUE Editor in Chief and Managing Editor

MANILA/WASHINGTON – As close to 17,000 troopers from the Philippines and the United States stage their biggest air, sea and land war games in years in West Philippine Sea, joined by 200 soldiers from France and Australia and observers from 12 nations, China ships swarmed in various areas within the Philippine territory and exclusive economic zone prompting participants to prepare for contingencies in case there will be unforeseen incidents or skirmishes.

First Lady Liza chides VP Sara, President tries to downplay rift

By Jennifer T. Santos

South San Francisco Mayor James Coleman (le�) presents AARS-Healthright360 San Mateo County program manager Junior commenda�on on the grand reopening of the nonproﬁt organiza�on.

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - This city, where nearly half of residents trace their heritage to the world’s largest continent, formally reopened the country’s pioneer organization dedicated to deterring substance use among Asian Americans and Paciﬁc Islanders. Music emanated from the balloon-festooned two-story building on 1115 Mission Road here on March 22 as San Francisco Bay Area service providers arrived to celebrate the consolidation of  Page 10

CITY - Around 200 residents of New York City’s Chinatown recently demonstrated outside Manhattan

District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s oﬃce to protest his prosecution of John and Maximillian Ong.

The Ong brothers had been charged with assault after they had fought back against ﬁve men who had attacked them. Their supporters claim it was a clear case of self defense and they had the CCTV footage to prove their point. Based on a

by Cherie M. Querol Moreno

By Gilda P. Balan, Correspondent

FL Liza Marcos VP Sara Duterte

Balikatan �ar drills: AFP, U.S. Military Forces Conduct Combined Amphibious Exercise

CA issues writ halting golden rice, Bt eggplant propagation, testing

MANILA – The Court of Appeals has stopped the propagation and testing of two biotechnically altered food itemsgolden rice and Bt eggplant.

The CA directed the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PRRI) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to cease and desist from commercially propagating, ﬁeld testing and conducting activities related to Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant, respectively, citing the constitutional right to health and maintaining environmental integrity.

The appellate court granted the privilege of the Writ of Kalikasan to the Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad Agrikultura (Masipag), Greenpeace Southeast Asia – Philippines and other petitioners, and revoked the biosafety permits for commercial propagation of Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant.

“Considering the unmistakable importance of the constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology, especially in these times, we remind the government of its eminent duty to assiduously protect said right,” stated the 143-page decision dated April 17.

The Writ of Kalikasan provides protection of one’s constitutional right to a healthy environment

Owing to the lack of “full scientiﬁc certainty” on the eﬀects – good or bad –of Bt Eggplant and Golden Rice, the precautionary principle calls for actions to be taken to “avoid or diminish the threats of serious and irreversible damage to the environment,” it said.

It directed the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Health (DOH) and the Bureau of

Plant Industry (BPI) to strengthen risk assessment procedures, and promulgate mechanisms for the monitoring of all activities conducted under the rules governing applications involving genetically modiﬁed organisms (GMOs).

The court added that all applications for contained use, ﬁeld testing, direct use as food or feed, or processing, commercial propagation, and importation of GMOs are enjoined until the government has addressed all issues mandated in accordance with the decision.

The CA also granted the Writ of Continuing Mandamus, which ordered the concerned respondents government agencies to submit to the CA the strengthened risk assessment procedures and concrete mechanisms to monitor all activities conducted under the Joint Department Circular Nos. 1-2016 and 1-2021.

Until the deﬁciencies noted in the decision are addressed by the concerned government agencies, “any application for contained use, ﬁeld testing, direct use as food or feed, or processing, commercial propagation, and importation of all GMOs are enjoined,” the CA said.

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red alert, power outages feared

QUEZON CITY – The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has placed the Mindanao grid under yellow alert, and the Luzon and Visayas grids under red and yellow alert. In its advisory, the NGCP said the Mindan-

ao grid is under yellow alert from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as nine power plants went oﬄine and ﬁve more plants are running on a derated capacity.

A total of 673.98 megawatts (MW) were unavailable to the grid, causing the declaration of a yellow alert in the southern part of the country.

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“A yellow alert is issued when the operating margin is insuﬃcient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement,” the NGCP said.

Peak demand in the Mindanao grid on Wednesday is projected at 2,761 MW, with available power capacity at 2,614 MW, leaving an operating margin of only 147 MW.

Yellow and red alerts were also declared in the Luzon and Visayas grids.

The Luzon grid is placed under yellow alert from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and under red alert from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

On the other hand, the Visayas grid has a longer red alert period from noon to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and yellow alert from 10 a.m. to noon, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“The reduced capacity exported by Mindanao to Visayas also aggravated the power situation in Visayas,” NGCP explained.

Under red alert, power interruptions may be experienced. PHL under yellow,

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19 vehicles catch ﬁre at NAIA Terminal 3 parking, probe on

PASAY CITY – At least 19 vehicles at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 parking extension caught ﬁre on Monday, April 22, prompting the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to launch an investigation.

“The spread of fire was fast. What was initially reported to us was one vehicle catches fire, but when the Fire Department arrived to respond, there were already several others that were affected,” MIAA Acting General Manager Eric Jose Ines said.

Ines said most of the cars were severely damaged.

Normal airport operations continued and no ﬂight was disrupted, he added.

Likewise, no one was reported hurt from the incident, according to MIAA.

The MIAA has ordered the concessionaire of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport parking area to dig up the

grass and cover it before they could operate again following a ﬁre that damaged 19 vehicles there.

MIAA head executive assistant Chris Bendijo said the Bureau of Fire Protection has yet to report to MIAA Acting General Manager Eric Jose Ines the cause of the ﬁre.

Ines earlier said a grassﬁre could be the likely reason for the blaze since the parking lot is surrounded by dried grass, causing rapid spread in the area.

“They were instructed by the general manager that they cannot operate until they remove the grass and cover the parking area with gravel,” Bendijo said.

“We also remind car owners not to leave ﬂammable materials in their vehicles, especially because of the high heat index the country has been experiencing,” he added.

Airport authorities received the report about the ﬁre at 1:28 p.m. and ﬁre out was

declared at 1:57 p.m.

Ines said they are looking into several causes, including extreme heat and grassﬁre.

Gov’t fortiﬁes EDSA ﬂyovers ahead of ‘big quake’

PASIG CITY - The government is fortifying several ﬂ yovers in Metro Manila in anticipation of a massive earthquake dubbed “The Big One.”

Philippine Institute of Volcanology seismologists earlier said the Marikina West Valley fault line from Bulacan to Laguna, one of the active faults in the country, is ripe for movement because it has not moved in 200 years.

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol warned a magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Metro Manila would leave at least 34,000 fatalities and 114,000 injured in case the so-called ‘’The Big One’’ occurs.

Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said retroﬁ tting of the EDSA-

Extrajudicial...

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an administration requests for aid or loans to foreign countries.

That report said there had been “no signiﬁcant changes” from the previous

Kamuning ﬂ yover and similar structures will start on April 25, adding it is necessary in case of a massive earthquake.

“We have to do it right away. Matagal na natin pinaplano ‘yan…Mas mabuti na ‘yung maagap na nagpe-prepare especially kapag pinag-uusapan yung ‘The Big One’ para structurally ﬁ t ‘yung mga ﬂ yovers along EDSA,” he said.

He added the DPWH is taking advantage of the “good construction weather” before the rainy season starts.

The southbound portion of the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) – Kamuning ﬂ yover will be partially closed beginning May 1 to make way

administration to the current one, although it did note that the numbers are down.

Although no ﬁnal ﬁgures are available, various human rights groups, both

for its rehabilitation.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) acting chairman Romando Artes said the retroﬁ tting of the ﬂ yover aims to strengthen the bridge and as a preventive measure against natural disasters like earthquakes.

“It is expected to fully open to vehicular traﬃ c on October 25,” Artes said.

The project, he said, will begin on April 25 and is part of the government’s eﬀ orts to rehabilitate structures in preparation for “The Big One”— a theoretical large earthquake that results from active faults that have not generated any historical surface-rupturing events.

He advised motorists to avoid the

local and foreign, had concluded that as many as 30,000 Filipinos had been EJK victims.

The government, however, only acknowledges that up to 5,000 had been killed as a result of the Duterte regime’s brutal war on drugs. Most of the victims supposedly “resisted arrest” in what was known as the “tokhang” operations of the PNP, then headed by now Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa.

The State Department report admitted that there had been a decrease in EJKs last year, the ﬁrst full year of the Marcos administration.

Some of the data that the US turned to in its report came from Dahas PH, a nongovernment organization. For the period January to August, 2023, a total of 209 killings were attributed to the government’s anti-drug operations.

The most serious of human rights violations was due to the administration’s “arbitrary or unlawful killings by police in connections with antidrug operations,” said the State Department.

Among the notable cases cited by the report was the killing of 17-year-old Jemboy Baltazar, who was shot dead by Navotas police in August, last year. The

area as re-decking works will occupy one and a half lanes, with the remaining open lane will be for the exclusive use of the EDSA busway.

“Although the southbound lane of the Kamuning ﬂ yover will not be entirely closed, we are advising the motorists, especially private vehicles, to use the Mabuhay Lanes as alternate routes to avoid heavy traﬃ c expected due to the re-decking works,” he said.

To avoid traﬃ c buildup in alternate routes, the MMDA will conduct clearing operations in coordination with the Department of Transportation, Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, Quezon City government, and barangay oﬃ cials.

police claimed it was a mistake killing, as they had been after a drug suspect who was believed to be in the vicinity where Baltazar was planning on going ﬁshing with friends.

The police involved in the killing were charged but received only light penalties, with one being acquitted.

In Davao City, the current mayor is Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte, a son of former president Duterte. Two weeks ago, he relaunched his father’s war on drugs, and seven men were immediately killed as a result of his declaration.

The young Duterte blames the Marcos administration for failing to contain the drug menace, according to Human Rights Watch.

Former president Duterte has accused President Ferdinand Marcos of being a drug user, although he himself admitted to taking the potent drug Fentanyl on a regular basis, ostensibly on “doctor’s orders.”

Meanwhile, former Marcos executive secretary Vic Rodriguez last week advised the president to take a “credible hair follicle drug test” to end the rumors of his alleged drug use once and for all.

Comelec disqualiﬁes Cagayan governor Mamba again

TUGUEGARAO CITY/MANILA – For the second time, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disqualiﬁed Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba in connection with the May 2022 general elections.

The ruling of the poll body’s First Division rendered the gubernatorial seat vacant and will be automatically ﬁlled by the vice governor following the law on succession, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said.

The ruling came after the Supreme Court remanded a disqualiﬁcation petition involving the Cagayan gubernatorial race.

There are two disqualiﬁcation cases ﬁled against Mamba, Garcia said.

In the ﬁrst case, the Comelec ruled to disqualify Mamba, but the Supreme Court recently reversed the decision.

In its latest decision, the Comelec First Division disqualiﬁed Mamba for violation of the Omnibus Election Code prohibition on the release and disbursement of public funds during the election period.

The Supreme Court earlier ruled that the Comelec acted in “grave abuse of discretion” for rejecting a petition for disqualiﬁcation ﬁled by Ma. Zarah Rose Lara against Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba before the 2022 elections.

The high court said that it had remanded the disqualiﬁcation case back to the Comelec en banc on April 16 for proper disposition.

The case reached the SC after the Comelec en banc reversed an earlier resolution by the Comelec Second Division, which disqualiﬁed Mamba after ﬁnding substantial evidence that the governor violated Section 261(v) of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits the unauthorized release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds during the campaign period.

Lara also ran for Cagayan governor.

On May 10, 2022 at 6:21 p.m. or more than 24 hours after the elections, Lara ﬁled through email a petition to disqualify Mamba on the grounds of massive votebuying and unlawful disbursement of public funds.

Gov’t questions P2.5-B Cavitex buyout plan, gird for takeover of expressway

BACOOR CITY, Cavite – The government is demanding a private tollway ﬁrm to turn over the 14-kilometer coastal highway called the Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) to the Public Estate Authority (PEA) over questionable terms that led to a takeover by the ﬁrm.

The PEA Tollways Corporation, a subsidiary of

PEA, demanded the turnover of the Cavitex from the Cavitex Infrastructure Corp. (CIC), a subsidiary of the. Metro Tollways Corp. led by Manny Pangilinan, which is currently operating the toll road, claiming that the expressway is government property and that its maintenance agreement with PEATC has expired.

The PEA also ﬁled a writ of mandamus before the Court of Appeals in February to seek help for the turnover of the expressway back to government.

The PEA claimed that P2.5-billion oﬀer to buy out the government’s share from the ManilaCavite Expressway (Cavitex) is “unfair” and detrimental to the state’s interests..

Aurora has new governor, to prioritize infra, health

BALER, Aurora – Aurora province has a new governor.

He is newly installed Governor Reynante Tolentino who said he will prioritize infrastructure and health programs to propel Aurora to new heights of development.

Tolentino said that his oﬃce is reviewing all the records of the provincial government, particularly on ﬁnances.

Tolentino assumed the top provincial post late Monday afternoon.

He replaced Christian Noveras after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) enforced the Ombudsman order dismissing the latter, along with his father, Vice Governor Gerardo Noveras, and Michael Tecuico, a casual capitol employee, for grave mis-

conduct, conduct prejudicial to the best Interest of the service and conduct unbecoming of public oﬃcials.

The dismissal stemmed from a complaint on the printing of election campaign materials of the Noveras father and son during the 2022 campaign.

The printing was led by Tecuico using government properties such as printers, toners and shredders inside the printing room at the Aurora Training Center, a government facility in Baler.

DILG Provincial Director Eno Cambronero delivered the dismissal order.

After an hour, Tolentino took his oath of oﬃce at the capitol before his brother, Dipaculao Mayor Danilo Tolentino.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Jennifer Araña is the new vice governor

ILOILO CITY – Iloilo City is again under a state of calamity due to water scarcity brought about by the El Niño phenomenon.

It was the second to be declared in almost a month.

The city was ﬁrst placed under a state of calamity on March 26 following the pertussis outbreak, PNA reported.

During a special session on Monday, the City Council acted favorably on the recommendation of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) and Mayor Jerry Treñas.

The declaration of a state of calamity will allow the city government to use the over PHP12.5 million fund from the quick response fund to buy and distribute water for three months to aﬀected households.

“The current condition in the barangays requires an urgent need to declare a state of calamity so that the city government can provide immediate assistance through the use of PHP12,544,200 for the procurement and delivery of water to all aﬀected barangays,” Treñas in his endorsement letter to the council.

The CDRRMC said 23,230 persons or 23.33 percent of their projected population in 25 villages based on the 2020 Census of Population and Housing are aﬀected.

The number surpassed the 15 percent aﬀected population in the criteria set by the national DRRMC to declare the state of calamity.

These 25 barangays are prioritized in the assessment since they are considered high and medium risk of drought.

“If we would be taking into account all the other barangays in the city, the total affected population will even double or triple,” Darwin Papa, CDRRM office operation officer, said .

Comelec to appeal SC ruling on Smartmatic, cites case vs ex-chief

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is looking to include the money laundering case ﬁ led against its former chief Andres Bautista before a United States court in its

Asian Americans...

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story that came out in AsAm News written by Ti-Hua Chang, the Ong brothers were assaulted by ﬁve “much larger Black and White men in their twenties.”

motion for reconsideration (MR) on the Supreme Court’s ruling, voiding the disqualiﬁ cation of service provider Smartmatic International from bidding in its projects.

After Max Ong had been rendered unconscious from the beating they received, John Ong got a sword to defend his brother.

The Ong brothers said the ﬁve men had hurled racist slurs against them repeatedly, but were never charged with a hate crime. To make matters worse, the ﬁve were not charged with assault either.

Bragg is the DA who has gained a measure of fame for ﬁling charges against former president Donald Trump. But he

“Defi nitely (we will include these) because this time it is out in the open. It is now public, offi cially admitted in court, we will defi nitely include that in the event that we fi le the motion for reconsideration,” Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said in a media forum in Manila.

had also become known statewide for being the leading voice for strengthening hate crime laws in New York State.

Don Lee, who organized the demonstration, said he was once a Bragg supporter, adding that he was the ﬁrst Asian American community leader to back the now Manhattan DA’s candidacy for his post.

The criminal justice system “completely failed” the Ong brothers, said Lee, who expressed his disappointment at Bragg.

The one-sided ﬁght between the ﬁve men in their twenties against the two middle aged Asian-Americans took place at the height of the pandemic.

The ﬁve men were reportedly urinating on the wall of the apartment building in Chinatown where the Ong brothers were staying with their mother. It was in the early morning hours of Oct. 10, 2020.

While arguing with the ﬁve men, one pushed John Ong spurring the melee. Max Ong was cornered by the group and beaten senseless, at which point John rushed home and grabbed a sword.

The ﬁve attackers were walking away, when two of them saw John and returned to confront him. The 37-year-old John Ong slashed one of the two men.

Police arrived shortly thereafter.

The demonstrators pointed out that John Ong is a mere ﬁve foot four inches tall and a frail 105 pounds, while some of his attackers were six footers.

The actions of DA Bragg’s oﬃce eventually angered the Chinatown community. Prosecutors charged the Ong brothers with use of deadly physical force when it was not warranted.

Garcia, however, refused to elaborate on the merits of the case.

A spokesman for the DA’s oﬃce defended the decision.

He said, “Maximillian Ong chose to plead guilty before a judge to assault in the second decree. His brother similarly pleaded guilty to assault in the second degree, with the understanding that he would receive a prison sentence. We ﬁle charges based on the evidence and the facts, and an experienced team of prosecutors conducted a thorough investigation into all aspects of this case.”

Bragg was also quoted as saying he had actually gone easy on the Ong brothers.

As John was on video using a deadly weapon, he could have been charged with second degree attempted murder. If found guilty, he could have been sentenced to 15 years in prison. Instead, John Ong was offered a plea deal which he accepted and is likely to serve just two and a half years in prison.

Prosecutors said the Ong brothers should have called the police instead of confronting the ﬁve men.

The Asian American community disagrees.

Lawyer Julia Kuan, who represents Max Ong, said: “The NYPD and Manhattan DA have video proof that this group of males committed a gang assault and Asian hate crime, yet they refuse to prosecute them. The message is clear: Asian Americans’ lives and bodies are not worth protecting.”

Don Lee said he will ﬁle a class action lawsuit against New York City on behalf of the Ong brothers and other Asian Americans who have been victimized by the different standard of the justice system for Asians.

Meanwhile, Max Ong said he has suﬀered permanent injuries to his spine, while the man who his brother slashed said he has permanent injuries to his arm.

John Ong is scheduled to be sentenced this week, while Max Ong received a plea deal of probation with no jail time.

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Paciﬁc Islander American Aﬀairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to https:// www.cavshate.org/.

No reason to replace VP Sara as DepEd chief – Marcos

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. does not see any reason to replace Vice President Sara Duterte as Education Secretary amid her reported rift with First Lady Liza Marcos.

In an interview in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Marcos said Cabinet mem-

bers will be replaced based solely on their performance.

“Any of the Cabinet secretaries will be replaced kapag hindi nila ginagawa yung trabaho nila (if they don’t do their jobs properly). All the other things are not part of the discussion,” Marcos told reporters.

“Kapag hindi na kaya, nagkasakit, sabihin mo lang, papalitan ka namin. Kapag hindi talaga marunong o kurap, tatanggalin ka talaga namin. Hindi naman ganun si Inday (When you can’t do it anymore, if you’re sick, just tell us and we’ll replace you. If you really can’t do the job or you’re corrupt, we will deﬁnitely ﬁre you. Inday is not like that),” he added.

Vice President Duterte expressed her gratitude to President Marcos Jr. for his continued trust and support in her function as education chief.

“Maraming salamat, Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., sa patuloy na pagtitiwala sa akin bilang Kalihim ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon (Thank you President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., for your unwavering trust in me as the

PNP intensiﬁes manhunt for Quiboloy

TACLOBAN CITY – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said they are doing their best to arrest fugitive pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

Speaking to reporters during his brief visit at the Police Regional Oﬃce 8 headquarters in Palo, Leyte, Marbil said they have been helping the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the lead agency in the manhunt, ﬁnd the location of Quiboloy.

“We have a strategy to locate him. We are closing in, and we are very diplomatic about it,” he said, discounting Senator Risa Hontiveros’ statement that the police are slow in implementing warrants of arrest against Quiboloy.

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nand Marcos Jr. immediately downplayed the rift before it widens further.

In a rare interview on April 19 with broadcaster Anthony Taberna, the First Lady, who is a lawyer, admitted that she was no longer on good terms with Duterte after the latter attended a rally in Davao City where her husband, the President, was heavily criticized and tagged as “bangag” or drug user. (See related story)

Saying Sara was “bad shot” to her, Araneta-Marcos also admitted snubbing the Vice President during the President’s departure ceremony to Vietnam in January. The incident was caught on video, which circulated on social media.

In an ambush interview in Occidental Mindoro, Marcos brushed aside suggestions to remove Duterte from his Cabinet.

“Any of the Cabinet secretaries will be replaced kapag hindi nila ginagawa ang trabaho nila. All the other things are not part of the discussion. Kapag hindi na kaya, nagkasakit, sabihin mo lang, papal-

Quiboloy is facing qualiﬁed human traﬃcking and child sexual abuse charges.

PRO-8 is the ﬁrst PNP regional headquarters visited by Marbil since his appointment as PNP chief on April 1, 2024.

Marbil was the PRO-8 regional director from 2022 to 2023, where he initiated the deployment of police oﬃcers to the region’s Maharlika Highway to prevent crimes.

“Our troops here really helped me to become one of the best,” he added.

During his visit, Marbil led the inauguration of some structures inside the regional oﬃce compound, which was started during his stint as regional chief here.

itan ka namin. Kapag hindi talaga marunong o korap, tatanggalin ka talaga namin. Hindi naman ganoon si Inday,” he said.

The interview with Taberna saw the First Lady lambast Sara for supposedly laughing when his father – former president Rodrigo Duterte – accused Marcos of being “bangag” or under the inﬂuence during a rally against charter change in Davao City in January.

It is unclear if Sara indeed laughed at the joke, Rappler reported, as video feeds of the event didn’t cut to her reaction during the controversial moment, but she came out with a video statement on Monday, April 23, saying that the First Lady’s “personal feelings have nothing to do with my mandate as a government oﬃcial.”

Marcos claimed there is no need to patch things up, believing that the country’s second-in-command understands where his wife is coming from.

Meanwhile, Senator Cynthia Villar said if she were in the First Lady’s shoes, she would do everything to ensure the

Secretary of the Department of Education),” Duterte said in a statement.

She pledged to continue upholding the welfare of learners in the country.

“Makakaasa po kayo na ang DepEd, na binubuo ng ating mga guro at nonteaching personnel, ay patuloy na maglilingkod nang tapat para sa kinabukasan ng bawat mag-aaral (You can count on the DepEd, together with our teachers and non-teaching personnel, to continuously serve faithfully for the future of each learner),” she added.

The President issued the statements in response to calls for Duterte’s resignation from the Cabinet following the First Lady’s recent admission that she was no longer on good terms with Duterte after the latter attended a rally in Davao City where the chief executive was heavily criticized.

Marcos said the First Lady was just being protective of him but he assured the public that his relationship with Duterte will not be aﬀected by the issue.

“My ﬁrst reaction is what a lucky hus-

band I am that I have a wife na very protective sa akin (that is very protective of me). Kapag may nakitang hindi magandang sinabi tungkol sa akin (when she heard other people speak ill of me), she gets very upset. We cannot blame her,” Marcos said.

“It will not aﬀect our working relationship with the Vice President (and) Secretary of Education. I think that she also understands, as a wife, how the First Lady feels when you have to sit there and listen to these attacks that are being made against your husband,” he added.

Nonetheless, Marcos said he will speak with Duterte about the issue.

“Mag-uusap kami ni VP Sara tungkol diyan. ‘Wag lang masyadong dibdibin dahil hindi naman siya yung nagsabi dun sa kung anu-anong (kritisismo at paratang). Kaya madali naman sigurong plantsahin lahat ng naging issue (The Vice President and I will talk about his. Just don’t take to heart because she wasn’t the one who say those criticisms. I think we can iron out all those issues),” he said.

success of the President, except to quarrel.

“Ako, kung ako ang asawa ng Presidente, I will do everything, para maging successful yung aking asawa. Hindi na ako makikipag-away,” Senator Villar said.

“Huwag na mag-away. Gumawa na lang ng mga projects na makakatulong sa tao para mahalin ng mga tao lalo yung ating Presidente (Let’s not ﬁght. Just work on projects that will help the people love the President more,” Villar said.

Sen. Francis Escudero, for his part, said he sympathize with the President who he said was in a delicate situation.

Marcos claimed there is no need to patch things up between the First Lady and the Vice President, believing that the country’s second-in-command understands where his wife is coming from.

“I think that she also understands how the First Lady feels, when you have to sit there and listen to these attacks that are being made against your husband,” Marcos said.

“But mag-uusap kami ni VP Sara tungkol diyan. Huwag niya masyadong dibdibin, hindi naman siya ang mga nagsabi tungkol sa kung anu-ano. Madali naman sigurong plantsahin lahat ng naging isyu (VP Sara and I will talk about that. She shouldn’t let it get to her, since she was not the one who said bad stuﬀ about me. All these issues can easily be ironed out.),” Marcos added.

Marcos also said he is a lucky husband for having a protective wife who always comes to his defense, but oﬀered an explanation on why Liza reacted that way.

“Ang First Lady, hindi sanay sa pulitika ‘yan e. Kami, manhid na kami diyan, sa insulto. Siya, hindi siya galing sa political family, kaya siguro she still has to learn, magpalagpas nang kaunti ng ibang masasakit at maaanghang na salita (The First Lady is not used to politics. We have been numb to insults, while she still has to learn to ignore the hurtful accusations because she did not come from a political family.),” Marcos said.

51ST WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. Re�red Philippine Na�onal Police (PNP) Gen. Nelson Lequin and wife Buena celebrate their 51st wedding anniversary in Surrey, Canada. Gen. Lequin was former chief of police of Lucena City while Mrs. Lequin was formerly barangay chairperson of Barangay Ibabang Dupay, Lucena City. The couple is enjoying their vaca�on in Surrey and Victoria, Canada. (Courtesy of Renato A. Avenido, founder of U.S. News Agency, Las Vegas, Nevada.)

CHINA...

(From page 1)

From April 16 to 22, the Philippine Navy said they spotted 124 Chinese vessels including three People’s Liberation Army Navy warships and 11 Chinese Coast Guard vessels in Bajo de Masinloc, Ayungin Shoal, Pagasa Island, Parola Island, Lawak Island, Panata Island, and Patag Island. Pag-asa Island, a town of Palawan, and Bajo de Masinloc had the biggest number of ships with 46 in Pag-asa that includes a China warship and 38 in Bajo de Masinloc, consisting of 7 Chinese Coast Guard ships and 31 Chinese militia vessels.

As this developed, the foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) came out in the open to support the Philippines against China’s aggression in the South China Sea (SCS), adding Beijing has no basis for its claims over almost the entire South China Sea. G7 is composed of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and the European Union.

The Department of Foreign Aﬀairs (DFA) immediately thanked the G7, which is composed of for their commitment to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Arbitral Award of 2016 won by the Philippines against China.

“We appreciate the G7’s support in rejecting China’s baseless and expansive claims, and their call for China to cease its illegal activities, particularly its use of coast guard and maritime militia in the SCS that engage in dangerous maneuvers and the use of water cannons against Philippine vessels,” the DFA stated.

“We duly note and appreciate the G7’s reaffirmation that the 2016 Arbitral Award is a significant milestone and a useful basis for the peaceful management and resolution of differences at sea,” it added.

The Philippine Navy did not sound the alarm for the swarming of China ships but said they are prepared for any contingencies.

“Our monitoring for the past two months for March and April has given us a fairly constant—from a low of 33 and a high of 69, and average of 60 various vessels of China,” Philippine Navy spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said.

“Only for this week that we have seen a surge of up to a total of 124. Three People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and (China) Coast Guard having 10. This coincides with Balikatan. This upsurge is out of the normal,” he added.

A day before the Balikatan was scheduled to begin, former US Air Force oﬃcial and ex-defense attaché Ray Powell said on X (formerly Twitter) that two maritime militia ships left China’s military base at Mischief Reef and loitered near Second Thomas Shoal for six hours.

The Chinese vessels moved within 30 nautical miles away from the coastline of Palawan.

“China’s militia ships have turned back in the direction of Mischief Reef after loitering just outside the Philippines’ 24 nautical miles contiguous zone,” Powell said.

“Very odd behavior. Perhaps intended to send a mes-

sage at the beginning of the PH-US Balikatan exercise?” he added.

Among the highlights of the exercises dubbed Balikatan 2024 are tTe navies of the Philippines, United States, and France sailing together in the West Philippine Sea, considered as one of many ﬁrsts which US Exercise Director Lt. General William Jurney described as the “most effective, most ambitious, and most complicated” version of the yearly war games started 38 years ago.

During the three-week drills, two Philippine Navy vessels, one US Navy ship, and a French Navy vessel will be executing diﬀerent drills – communications, cross deck landing, and a maritime search and rescue with man overboard exercise, among others beyond the Philippines’ territorial waters and into the West Philippine Sea, an area that includes the country’s exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.

the coast of Palawan, and Bajo de Masinloc oﬀ the coast of Zambales.

The Palawan drills will include the Philippines, US, and France jointly operating drills in the South China Sea, with the PCG as their security, it was reported.

On May 8, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US oﬃcials are expected to attend and witness one of the highlights of war games – a counter landing and shipsinking exercise oﬀ the seas of Ilocos Norte, home province of the President, with the staging ground at the La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag City.

The Philippine and US forces will sink the MT Lake Caliraya, a China-made oil tanker once commissioned by the Philippine Navy. The vessel will serve as the “enemy” ship during the drill.

Formerly called the MT Lapu-Lapu, MT Lake Caliraya was built in 2007 at the Zhejiang Zhongxing Shipyard in Taizhou in China, according to a 2015 GMA News Online report. It was originally owned by the Philippine National Oil Company and commissioned into the Navy in 2015, only to be decommissioned in December 2020 to “pave the way for the arrival of new platforms.”

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), a civilian and a frontliner in the Philippines’ eﬀorts to push its rights and claims in the West Philippine Sea, is also joining Balikatan for the ﬁrst time, said PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilio, adding the PCG will provide “perimeter security” as the three navies stage their joint drills.

Aside from Ilocos Norte, the exercises will cover Palawan, Zambales and Batanes, four Luzon provinces that are critical to regional security in the Indo-Paciﬁc and South China Sea. Batanes is the Philippines’ northernmost province near the Taiwan Strait while Palawan and Zambales face the West Philippine Sea and are just over 100 nautical miles away from Ayungin Shoal oﬀ

Former senator Rene Saguisag dies at 84

PASAY CITY – Senators paid tribute to former senator and human rights lawyer Rene V. Saguisag and expressed their condolences to his family.

Saguisag’s son, Rebo, announced the passing of his father on his Facebook page. Saguisag was 84.

“As we mourn his loss, we take solace in the enduring impact of his legacy. Rene Saguisag was a dedicated public servant, and his tireless endeavors as a human rights advocate, senator and writer stand as a testament to his unwaver-

commitment to

truth, and democracy,”

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said Saguisag, elected to the Senate in 1987, was a man of honor, dignity, and integrity who dedicated his life to pursuing justice and fairness for Filipinos.

“He may have just served one term in the Senate, but his entire life was devoted to pursuing justice and fairness for every Filipino, particularly through such initiatives as the Free Legal Assistance Group,” Zubiri said.

Saguisag co-authored laws such as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Oﬃcials and Employees and the Ombudsman Act of 1989.

Zubiri recalled that Saguisag also provided free legal services to the poor and needy, leaving a legacy of service and excellence.

Senate Pro Tempore Loren Legarda remembered Saguisag as “a voice for the voiceless” and “a defender of human rights,” while Senator Francis Escudero described the former senator’s love for the country.

In Batanes, the exercise will involve an “island-taking” drill for the Special Forces of the Philippines and the US, said Major General Marvin Licudine, adding none of the drill were “addressed to any aggressor” but merely to show Philippine-US interoperability and adherence to the rule of law.

All in all, fourteen countries, including those from Southeast Asia, are part of the Philippine-hosted international observer program: Brunei, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

In a communiqué on global challenges and partnership, the G7 expressed opposition to China’s dangerous actions in the SCS and pointed out that the country had no legal basis to claim the area.

“We oppose China’s militarization, coercive and intimidation activities in the South China Sea. We re-emphasize the universal and uniﬁed character of the UNCLOS,” the ministers said.

“We reiterate that the award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal on July 12, 2016, is a signiﬁcant milestone, which is legally binding upon the parties to those proceedings and a useful basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties,” it added.

Former senator and human rights lawyer Rene A.V. Saguisag

ing

justice,

according to the Saguisag family.

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The truth still matters in this age of social media

These are strange times indeed for mass media.

Print media is struggling, broadcast media is undergoing massive changes, online media is on the rise.

In fact, a growing number of the people now prefer to go online in order to keep informed on the things that matter to them most.

There is the usual political and business news, sports, lifestyle, and anything and everything else that comes to mind.

There is, however, one part of online news that isn’t news at all. We refer to the various social media sites that disseminate what appears to be news, but which are almost always fake, or one-sided at best.

Social media can manipulate today’s news and with its wide reach can inﬂuence the actions and thinking of the people.

Everyone is, of course, entitled to choose which news sites to turn to. They may know if a site is biased, but follow them just the same because they choose to believe the biased news.

But what of the past?

Can historical facts be twisted or rewritten to become the opposite of what actually happened?

We here at Philippine News are facing this grim possibility, and social media may be to blame.

We are proud of our own history as the oldest continuously running FilAm newspaper. Our proudest moments have to be the role we played in setting the stage for the removal of the ‘Marcos dictatorship several decades ago.

We feel that young Filipinos and FilAms should always be aware of their people’s history.

As the saying goes, those who forget the lessons of the past are doomed to repeat them.

For this reason, we have been posting as much of our old issues as we can over social media. The black and white editions of Philippine News reported the truths which other newspapers back then did not, or even tried to rewrite.

We were, until recently, posting our issues from the martial law era of our beloved homeland, the Republic of the Philippines. We say “until recently” because there has been an apparent successful attempt to erase our history, speciﬁcally on Facebook, which is arguably the biggest and most popular social media site.

As of this writing, none of our old issues are accessible to the public. Supposedly we have not been following acceptable standards.

How, we must ask, can reprinting historical data be seen as unacceptable standards?

We believe we know why. We believe that paid trolls are blocking old and current news about what martial law was really like.

We need not guess who is ﬁnancing the wide network of trolls, who can make or break sites with carefully worded praise or complaints over certain issues, past or present.

If nothing is done about this, the time will soon come when history will be completely rewritten and the lie that martial law in the Philippines was a “golden age” will be accepted as fact.

We do not know where the attempts to block the truth and rewrite history will end. But we remain resolute in our crusade to report what is happening in our homeland, objectively and completely.

Reporting the truth is our reason for being. This will never change.

(From page 1)

the San Mateo County programs of Asian American Recovery Services and the return of its in-person assistance.

Garbed in their traditional barong Tagalog, innovative terno and vibrant Samoan puletasi, the nonprofit agency management and staff welcomed partners, former coworkers and clients, county and city officials who praised the team’s groundbreaking work to “reduce the impact of substance use” in the focus population through culturally competent pathways. That means planning, implementing and evaluating programs with the ability to understand and respect the diverse belief and value systems across cultures.

“Coming here is like coming home, everyone’s always welcoming,” said guest speaker Allen Bustos, a Filipino American on track to earn his master’s degree after having overcome the habit with empathetic intervention at the agency.

Now simply called and instantly recognized by its acronym, AARS was established in 1985 in San Francisco by community advocates to address the rising rate of substance use in their community.

In 2013 AARS merged with Healthright360, provider of integrated care including primary medical, mental health, substance use disorder treatment and re-entry services in 11 counties.

Loyal to its cultural competence philosophy, its programs in San Mateo Countyhome of Daly City, Colma, South San Francisco, San Bruno and San Mateo - where FilAms comprise the most AAPI populations, are overseen by Junior Flores, who was born in the Philippines.

GROWING WITH THE PROGRAM

When Anastacio Flores Jr.’s parents brought him and his three older siblings to San Francisco in 1981, the 9-year-old quickly realized that life would not be the same as that they left behind in Lamo, Nueva Vizcaya.

“Junior” was the only Filipino in his 3rd grade class, and his ﬁrst friend was Korean. He spoke only Ilocano and his classmate only Kugo, but somehow they managed to get along, found ways to communicate and together learned English as well as how to outsmart each other at playing tag.

That openness, conﬁdence and resilience sprang from the nurturance he enjoyed from childhood onward.

“I was blessed growing up (because) aside from my parents and older siblings, I had teachers, coaches and counselors that encouraged and guided me. I assumed everyone had that,” Flores told Inquirer.netUSA. “I realized pretty quickly that wasn’t the case.”

He chose to study Psychology at San Francisco State to delve into behavioral health with the intent of helping those who did not have the tools to face adversity or had lost their way. Unlike himself.

“Always been in the straight and narrow,” he looked back, frankly grateful but not judgmental.

He was hired by AARS to work with Filipino youth in Daly City’s Jeﬀerson Union High School District (JUHSD) of whom many were on probation, he said. His hire date was Sept. 10, 2001. The day after shook the world with the ﬁrst terrorist attack on American soil, sending him to emergency mode, and testing his mettle.

“I learned that day how to treat your staﬀ and that is with compassion. (Then-JUHSD Trustee) Dave Mineta provided the space and support for everyone to process the horriﬁc events of that day,” he recalled, noting that out of the crisis (Continue on page 20)

Tomorrow, my second son, Bernardino Reyes III, nicknamed Birdie, turns a year older.

Like his brothers Sean and Jory, Birdie loves basketball, is good at it, and even coaches youngsters in the game.

Unlike them, but like me, Bridie cannot carry a tune.

Perhaps this is why, of all my 8 children, it was Birdie who took an interest in helping me with my “magniﬁcent obsession”: the Aliw Awards Foundation,Inc.. The onset of Cov id-19 probably contributed to it too.

In August, four months before the 2020 Aliw Awards Night, Birdie surprised me pleasantly by starting “aAliwin Kita”,. the FB Live Sunday show.

The weekly show on the internet aims to promote the 2020 Aliw Awards event and to showcase Filipino talents, led by Aliw awardees such as Pilita Corrales, lea Salonga, Kuh Ledesma , Gerphil Flores and Gerald Santos.

Birdie’s admiration for Filipino live entertainers knows no bounds. He is enthusiastic in his reaction to the performances of the Filipino talents, whether famous or aspiring ones. He is eager to let their talents shine before the whole world.

To achieve his goal, Birdie has spent time, eﬀort and money on “aAliwin Kita”.

In 2022, after the 35th Aliw Awards event, Birdie was elected 1st Vice-President of the foundation. The next year, he returned to the Philippines and actively participated in the 36th Aliw Awards Night.

Although we are miles apart, he in New Jersey and I in California, we keep in touch by text, email and phone call. Even so, I shall miss greeting him personally tomorrow.

Needless to say, I am ever so grateful for his support and I send this message across the United States to him:

Happy, happy birthday, my son! May God pour His abundant blessings on you, keep you out of harm’s way and give you peace, love , good health and prosperity!

SEE YOU SOON!

CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO

A father’s farewell to a daughter

“No parent should ever experience the pain of losing a child.”

How true. This is a message that I received from a friend this week. It is a message that I recall sending a relative or friend who had lost one of their children some years back.

In fact, it is happening now to tens of thousands of parents of Russian and Ukrainian soldiers and civilians killed in the course of Russia’s invasion of its neighbor. It is happening too in Gaza, after Hamas began a war by slaughtering hundreds of Israelis, mostly women, children, and seniors.

It could potentially happen should Chinese president Xi Jinping be dumb enough to try and invade Taiwan and/or the Philippines. Or if North Korea’s Kim Jong Un launches his missiles against his perceived enemies.

In times of war, parents lose their children involved in the ﬁghting. In times of peace, it should not happen, but it does.

Parents can lose their kids to illness or accidents. I have friends and acquaintances who lost their children to COVID-19.

We all have to live with the fact that death is life’s only certainty. Death and taxes, as one wag said.

In a normal world, we will eventually lose our parents. And grandparents, of course. In some sad cases, we will also lose our siblings, particularly those older than us.

Married couples will end up with one passing away ahead of the other. When that happens, it is not unusual for the partner left behind to wither away and want nothing more than to follow his or her loved one to the other side.

Many years ago, I worked in a company that sold memorial plans. Some grimly referred to it as death plans, because essentially buyers are asked to buy a package that takes care of a family’s needs when a loved one passes away.

The package includes the service of retrieving the recently deceased, and preparing them for burial. There are many documents to process and there is the usual wake where the remains of the deceased are viewed for friends and relatives to see and bid their ﬁnal goodbyes to.

Of late, cremation has become widely accepted in the Philippines, as this dispenses with the need for a memorial plot where the dead are buried. Or mausoleums if the family is well oﬀ.

But most still prefer the old way of having the remains interred in a cemetery or memorial park.

That last is excluded in the memorial plans that I helped sell in my younger days as regional manager of one of the pioneering memorial plan companies in the country, set up by the late taipan Alfonso Yuchengco.

(The company would then introduce education plans, which proved easier to sell than memorial plans.)

Long before I entered my senior years, I had already gotten used to death.

As far back as my grade school days, a friend and classmate died in a drowning accident during a school-sanctioned outing. The friend was one of those guys who liked to do everything. He was usually in the top 10 in terms of grades, and was active in various extra-curricular activities.

An award was later set up in his name.

A cousin was also lost to us in a similar drowning accident, except it happened on a beach in our home province of Batangas, and his body was not found until a couple of days after he had been pulled below the surface by an undertow.

I was a kid back then, and said that maybe one of those mini submarines that the Philippine Navy displayed during one Independence Day celebration could be tapped to ﬁnd him. Rescue him even, in my odd belief that maybe my cousin and childhood playmate was still alive and well somewhere.

Yes, I had a pretty vivid imagination back then.

I would also lose acquaintances and relatives at relatively young ages, mostly to accidents but sometimes to serious illnesses. In my teens, a slightly older distant cousin whom I used to see a lot of passed away after a short illness.

As the decades passed, people close to me likewise moved on to the great beyond. As I approached middle age, my precious mommy also fell ill, and soon died in a hospital, felled by a smoking habit that she could not kick.

And when me and my wife and kids moved to the US for a couple of years, my papa also passed away.

The older I got, the more friends and relatives I lost. But this was just the circle of life at play. Of my high school barkada, four have passed, mostly from illness.

A beloved sister-in-law, wife of my kuya, was stricken with cancer for a few years, until her body could no longer take it. She headed for heaven last year.

Teaching is not just what I do. It’s who I am – Dr. Jill Biden

Ireceived an email from long-time educator Dr. Jill Biden (you must have received one too) about her insights on what the classroom meant to her. I want to echo this to everybody, especially to my peers in education, who love teaching as a way of life… not for money.

In her email, she said: “I’ve always loved the sounds of a classroom. The quiet that sparks with possibility just before students shuﬄe in. The murmur of ideas bouncing back and forth as we explore the world together. The laughter and tiny moments of surprise you ﬁnd in materials you’ve taught a million times.”

Then, the email ended this way: “That’s because teaching is not just what I do. It’s who I am.”

I love it! I remember my late brother priest Rev. Fr. Leonardo R. Estioko, SVD, who have been an educator and author who told me – “I will die in the classroom!” He was a distinguished Philosophy professor of the congregation and even if he was already on a wheel chair (suﬀering from terminal lung cancer), he was still teaching. He only stopped when he was already in the hospital bed ridden and can no longer travel to the classroom. He eventually died in the hospital, not in the classroom though.

Just like my brother, Dr. Biden said “I always felt most at home in a classroom. There’s an optimism amid the worn books and clean white boards – a sense of possibility. As educators, classrooms are where we live out of a kind of faith: a belief that with patience and care, we can shape the next generation – help them build everything that’s come before us to keep our world better.”

As I See It, educators are some of the greatest changemakers in the world. They make miracles happen in their classrooms and change the world through each child. They are the backbone of our communities -- and we must keep investing in them and their work.

I chanced upon Engr. Khalaf Alenezi, Engineering Instructor, LinkedIn post today where he said: “Teaching is my passion. I teach because, for me, it’s the most effective and most enjoyable way to change the world. That’s the bottom line: We need to change this world, and this is the way I’m choosing to do it. Teaching allows me to work on hearts and minds, to guide people in becoming empowered, literate, engaged, creative, liberated human beings who want to join in this effort to change the world. I’ve seen it happen. I always believed that my students could transform and find themselves, in addition to becoming literate people and graduating from university, but now I’m witnessing it. Every student has the power do the impossible but they need time and help from us as teachers. I always knew they could do it, and now they’re doing it.”

Just like them (Dr. Biden and Engr. Alenezi), this is what keeps me going… doing what I am doing in the classrooms for more than 35 years now (Philippines and US teaching experience combined.) Actually, it’s a way of life as far as I am concerned. I’m happy to belong to this breed of professionals wanting to make a diﬀerence in the lives of the students. I am sure there are other educators, who, just like Dr. Biden and Engr. Elenezi, who are and what they are in education. Kudos to all of them!

In the Philippines, I taught at the University of the Philippines in Diliman (UP-Diliman) at the Institute of Mass Communications (IMC). I taught public relations and public information. Then at the Arellano University in Legarda, Manila as department chair (BSPR) of the Department of Public Relations, College of Commerce.

After setting up the new BSPR department for 5 years, I moved to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) as it’s Public Aﬀairs Director and in the evening taught at the College of Languages and Mass Communications (CLMC) with the rank of Assistant Professor 1V teaching journalism, PR and communications subjects.

Then I taught at the Graduate School, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) until my family and I immigrated to the US in 1997.

(Continue on page 20)

If you order only one bottle of SB-10, the cost is $30 plus shipping and handling ($5.95). For order of 4 bottles of SB-10, we’ll give you one bottle FREE at discounted price of only $120 (with FREE shipping and handling) a total savings of about $60. For every order of 4 bottles of SB-10, I’ll give

Yes, I believe in the Christian concept of a heaven and hell, but am not too sure about purgatory.

(Continue on page 20)

Some who went ahead were lucky, like a friend named Roland who had a sudden heart attack and died before reaching the hospital. Another, Joppy, however, had a massive

Here in the US, I retired from De Anza Community College in Cupertino, CA after teaching for 10 years as an adjunct faculty teaching Reading, ESL and English Writing (EWRT). I also taught at the Axia College, (Continue on page 20)

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Upsurge of US investments seen following PHL Dialogue

WASHINGTON/MANILA – An upsurge of American investments into the country is expected following the highly successful Philippine Dialogue in Washington, D.C..

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto showcased before American investors the visionary leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his administration’s sound ﬁscal and economic policies, along with a slew of pro-business reforms that eﬀectively rolled out the red carpet for both foreign and domestic investors.

“The Philippine Dialogue marked a significant milestone in our efforts to foster robust economic partnerships with the United States,” officials said.

“The enthusiastic response from American investors who recognize the immense potential and opportunities that the Philippines has to oﬀer is a strong

indication that our country is poised to attract substantial investments from US corporations seeking lucrative opportunities abroad,” t he oﬃcials added.

Oﬃcials, who attended the April 17 dialogue at The Ritz-Carlton, noted that several Americans with investments in the Philippines came forward to express their desire to expand their operations and gave support to the government’s plans to further improve the ease of doing business.

“The Philippines’ steadfast adherence to fiscal discipline and prudent debt management has garnered international acclaim, bolstering investor confidence, and positioning the nation as a beacon of stability and growth in the Asia-Pacific region,” the officials said.

The oﬃcials cited the comment of HSBC Public Sector Banking chairman of global banking and markets Michael Ellam who recognized the Philippines’ “comprehensive and decisive reform agenda” that has made the country “resilient despite global headwinds.”

Petition for Caregivers under Employment Based EB3

Petitioning caregivers is a long and complex process that you should be aware of. You need to know this to save time and money. This is a very challenging time for those Care Home Facility owners because of the shortage of Caregivers. Many caregivers can be petitioned by the facility owners whether they are coming from the Philippines or already in the United States. Our Law Firm can handle the process from start to ﬁnish. As of this writing the priority for caregivers is May 1, 2020. However, if you are inside the US you can ﬁle an adjustment of status based on approved I-140 petition if your priority date is June 1, 2020.

What are the requirements for EB-3 Green Card for Skilled Workers, Professionals, or Other Workers?

Answer: The EB-3 green card covers a wide range of applicants and has less stringent requirements compared to the two categories above. To qualify as a skilled worker, you must demonstrate that you have at least two years of job experience or training in the job you are applying through.

To qualify as a professional, you must have at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its foreign degree equivalent in the ﬁeld you are working in.

Other workers are usually unskilled workers who are able to demonstrate the ability to perform unskilled labor that is not seasonal or temporary in nature. Caregivers usually need only three months experience as a caregiver.

What is needed to start a caregiver petition?

Answer: An EB-3 applicant must have a job offer from a U.S. employer and fulfill the PERM Labor Certification requirements, which will likely mean a longer application timeline than other categories where the PERM can be waived.

Note that since some cases require additional paperwork to be ﬁled, it’s best to contact a qualiﬁed employment immigration attorney.

What is the processing time for employment based green card?

Answer: The employment-based green card timeline varies depending on the category you qualify for. Generally, however, here are the steps you need to take if you are working toward getting an employment-based green card:

1. Have a U.S. Employer

2. Complete PERM Labor Certiﬁcation Process: Average of Six to Nine Months

Once you have a qualifying job offer and an employer who is ready to sponsor your green card, the next step is to complete the Program for Electronic Review Management (PERM) Labor certification. This is a process that requires your employer to demonstrate that the foreign worker (you) is not taking a job position away from qualified U.S. workers.

What should an employer do to process PERM?

Answer: Your employer with the support of an immigration attorney will conduct a recruitment process to ensure that you are not displacing any qualiﬁed U.S. workers

The policies are further enhanced by the competitive advantage oﬀered by the country’s young, techsavvy and English-speaking workforce.

The Philippine Dialogue built on the progress made during the recent Philippines-US-Japan summit.

It was attended by around 90 executives from US-based funds and corporations, multilateral institutions, and the public sector.

Oﬃcials reiterated the strong commitment of the House of Representatives to support the realization of President Marcos’ vision for the Philippines to achieve upper middleincome economy status by 2025.

The PERM can take between six months and a year and a half to obtain depending on whether or not your employer is subjected to an audit. Here is the breakdown of the timeline for PERM Labor processing times:

• Prevailing Wage Request: twenty four weeks

• Recruitment Process: eight to nine weeks

• ETA-9089 Application: 24 weeks

After getting approved on the PERM Labor Certiﬁcation, what is the next step?

Answer: Your employer will need to file a Pettion for Alien Worker Form I-140. Once your Form I-140 is approved, and your priority date becomes current, you can file for an Adjustment of Status by submitting an I-485 form. The I-485 is the last stage along the employment-based green card timeline, but in most cases, it has the longest waiting period. However, you will be issued a work authorization document after submitting Form I-485 in about five months.

Note: This is not a legal advice and presented for educational purposes only. Our oﬃce successfully obtained green card for caregivers.

Bankruptcy Basics

We also process Bankruptcy cases.

1. Bankruptcy will actually improve your credit within one year because your unsecured debts are discharged. Although the bankruptcy will be in your records for 10 years, not ﬁling bankruptcy will make your credit even worse until most your debts are paid.

2. If you are being sued by your creditors, most money judgment can be eliminated in bankruptcy.

3. Collection actions continue and you can be sued if you are in debt settlement.

4. Chapter 7 will eliminate all unsecured debts. If you are near retirement age, you must eliminate most of your debts.

If you have immigration problems the Law Oﬃces of Crispin C. Lozano can help you ﬁnd a solution before your problem gets worse, which could lead to deportation and family separation.

Chris Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers. He has practiced immigration law, bankruptcy, personal injury and income tax representation since June 1999. His contact phone is 1-877-456-9266, email: info@CCLlaw.net Website: www.crispinlozanolaw.com/ with oﬃces in Hayward and Cerritos, CA.

Multiplying Aid: REACH Triple Match Provides Energy Bill Assistance to Larger Group of Income-Eligible PG&E Customers

Qualifying Customers Can Receive Up to $1,000 Bill Credit by Making a Payment

Oakland, Calif. — To help support more customers facing past-due energy bills, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is expanding the eligibility requirements and benefits offered by the Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) program. The REACH program helps qualifying customers pay their past-due energy bill to prevent service disconnections.

The REACH Triple Match program provides customers who make a payment with a bill credit to help further reduce their balance. The program broadens the eligible customers who can receive a 3 to 1 match. For example, a household of four with an income of $120,000 a year could qualify for assistance.

REACH Triple Match requires low-to moderate-income customers to make a payment before matching it threefold, providing up to a $1,000 bill credit. For example, if a customer makes a payment of $100, REACH will match that with a bill credit of $300, for a total

credit of $400.

Income guidelines and information on how to apply is online here.

PG&E recently contributed $55 million to support the nonproﬁt Dollar Energy Fund (DEF), marking an

expansion of the REACH program. This contribution is funded through PG&E and not customer rates.

More than $8.2 million in bill assistance has already been provided to qualifying PG&E customers this year. DEF operates separately from PG&E and is responsible for distributing funds to PG&E customers.

“PG&E is committed to providing tangible bill relief to more households,” said Vincent Davis, Senior Vice President, Customer Experience. “Through REACH Triple Match, we want to help ensure equitable access to essential energy services.”

REACH Triple Match Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must have an active PG&E residential account in their name

Have a minimum past due balance of $200

Must meet speciﬁc income guidelines

Have not received REACH funding within the past 12 months

Minimum payment of $50 required

Customer payment plus matching funds may not exceed customer’s outstanding balance

Dollar Energy Fund

The Dollar Energy Fund, a nonproﬁt entity, administers the funding for the REACH program, operating 170 oﬃces across Northern and Central California. PG&E customers, including those in need of in-language support or help with their applications, can contact an agency in their county or apply online at www.hardshiptools. org/MyApp. Applicants can also call 1-800-933-9677 for assistance.

Other PG&E Assistance Programs

PG&E has several other assistance programs to help customers who are behind on their energy bills. Billing assistance programs include:

Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA): provides a monthly discount of 18% on electricity for households of three or more people.

Arrearage Management Plan (AMP): a debt forgiveness plan for eligible residential customers who may have experienced pandemic-related hardship.

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): a federally funded assistance program overseen by the state that oﬀers a one-time payment up to $1,000 on past due bills to help low-income households pay for heating or cooling in their homes.

About PG&E

Paciﬁc Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than sixteen million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news

After radio return in July, ABS-CBN shows back on Channel 2 via Villar’s AMBS

ABS-CBN may yet be back on its strong feet and luster again as a premier television, radio and broadcast network.

This as the once mighty network which lost its congressional franchise during the Duterte administration after failing to renew it under the Aquino administration has forged partnership with the new owner of Channel 2, former Senate President Manny Villar’s AMBS.

Last July, ABS-CBN went back using 630 KHz on radio in partnership with Speaker Martin Romualdez broadcasting ﬁrm. Although it now airs programs, including Radyo Patrol, it is no longer known as Radio DZMM but Radio DWPM.

ABS-CBN Network’s demise would be exactly four years this June when the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued two cease and desist orders (CDOs) against the network and its subsidiary Sky Direct.

The Lopez-owned media company found its way back home to Channel 2 through ALLTV, a television channel owned by Advanced Media Broadcasting System (AMBS) under the control of the Villar family, according to the ﬁrms in an announcement through the media.

Although the partnership had been making rounds in social media, AMBS and ABS-CBN only formalized their content agreement deal this week.

Under the landmark partnership, ALLTV viewers can enjoy a selection of Kapamilya teleseryes from Jeepney TV at various times throughout the day, including primetime, starting 13 May.

Additionally, viewers can stay informed with the latest news provided by TV Patrol, ABS-CBN’s ﬂagship news program.

Manny Villar, Chairman of the Villar Group, was

FAMAS

By Jennifer T. Santos

present, along with his son, Senator Mark Villar at the contract signing ceremony.

Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc.’s President and CEO, Paolo Villar, and All Value Holdings Corp.’s President and CEO, Camille Villar, were also in attendance.

Representing AMBS were its president, Maribeth Tolentino, and its CFO, Cecille Bernardo.

ABS-CBN was represented by a delegation that included its chairman, Mark Lopez; president and CEO, Carlo Katigbak; chief operating oﬃcer, Cory Vidanes; Group CFO, Rick Tan; and chief partnership oﬃcer, Bobby Barreiro.

“The new partnership seeks to deliver enjoyable, enriching, and informative content to audiences via ALLTV available on Channel 2 on free TV, cable, and satellite TV nationwide,” the parties said in a joint statement.

After losing its legislative franchise in 2020, ABSCBN has transitioned into a content-producing company.

ALLTV is under Prime Assets Ventures Inc. led by businessman Manuel Paolo Villar.

It is available on Channel 2 on free-to-air TV and Planet Cable; Channel 16 on digital, Channel 35 on Cignal TV and Sky Cable; as well as local cable stations nationwide.

In September 2022, ALLTV partnered with the Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association, Inc. to expand its nationwide airing and “reach more homes, even the far-ﬂung areas in the country.”

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN sports news anchor Migs Bustos now hosts Share Ko Lang, a program on “inspiring and trending” stories from 1 pm to 2 pm on DWPM, according to Rappler in a July report.

Bustos recently joined TV Patrol anchor Karen Davila in the revived entrepreneurship show, My Puhunan: Kaya Mo!, on ABS-CBN platforms.

Del Prado used to host, Usapang de Campanilla, a nightly free legal advice show on DZMM TeleRadyo, from 2016 to 2020. He was also a volunteer lawyer of ABS-CBN’s Foundation’s child rescue program, Bantay Bata 163.

Radyo 630, with the call sign, DWPM, is a joint project between House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s Prime Media Holdings Incorporated and ABS-CBN Corporation that revives TeleRadyo on free radio. The Lopez-led company shut down TeleRadyo, which had only been on digital platforms and on cable television, on June 29, citing ﬁnancial losses. In Radyo 630, ABS-CBN provides the content while Prime Media is in charge of broadcasting.

Radyo 630 went on a soft launch for two weeks, from June 30 to July 16, with half-day programming from 6 am to 12:30 pm, and the hook-up of ABS-CBN’s ﬂagship news program, TV Patrol, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm on 630 kilohertz (kHz) on the AM band. It started its YouTube streaming on July 3, opting to start from scratch than build on DZMM TeleRadyo’s social media accounts. As of July 17, it had 19,000 followers on Facebook, which means an average of 1,000 plus additional followers daily.

Veteran broadcaster Noli de Castro leads the radio talents on the news channel comprised mostly of ABSCBN veteran reporters and news anchors.

Aside from free radio, Radyo 630, is also on cable television (SkyCable and other cable providers in the Philippines), YouTube, ABS-CBN’s international cable service The Filipino Channel, and its streaming service, iWantTFC.

According to GMA, DZBB 594 kHZ was the Philippines’ number one radio station in June 2023 with a share of 31.1%, followed by Manila Broadcasting Company’s DZRH 666 with 28.5%. In third place was Iglesia Ni Cristo’s DZEC Radyo Agila 1062 with a 13.5% share, followed by the Catholic Church’s radio station, Radyo Veritas 846, with a share of 7.5%. This is based on AGB Nielsen Philippines’ monthly Mega Manila Radio Audience Measurement.

Prior to the closure of TeleRadyo, the Reuters Institute’s Digital News Report 2023 had ABS-CBN’s TeleRadyo and GMA’s Radyo DZBB as the leading stations with a 13% share each in weekly use. Among the respondents in the study’s survey, 7% said they listened to TeleRadyo at least three days a week, the same as Radyo DZBB. Manila Broadcasting Company’s DZRH was third with a 10% share, and 5% listened to DZRH at least three days a week.

honor Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes for top grosser ‘Rewind’

Reel and real couple Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes will be given special honors at this year’s Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards.

The actors will both receive the FAMAS Bida sa Takilya Award, which are given to those who star in blockbuster movies — in DongYan’s case, it’s for their work in their comeback movie “Rewind.”

“Rewind” has become the highest-grossing Filipino ﬁ lm of all time in Philippine domestic sales closing in to nearly P1 billion, GMA News reported. The movie is currently available on Netﬂ ix.

The FAMAS Awards will be held on May 26 at the Fiesta Pavilion at the Manila Hotel.

Marian and Dingdong tied the knot in 2014 at the Immaculate Conception Cathe-

dral in Cubao, Quezon City. They welcomed Zia in 2015 and Sixto in 2019.

A new season of the couple’s comedy sitcom “Jose & Maria’s Bonggang Villa” is now airing on GMA-7.

Marian is also starring in her comeback series, “My Guardian Alien.” She is also set to star in the Cinemalaya 2024 ﬁ lm, “Balota.”

In January, the ﬁ lm became the Philippines’ highest-grossing ﬁ lm of all time. It also surpassed the previous record in domestic sales set by “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards.

The ﬁ lm was part of the recent Metro Manila Film Festival and Manila International Film Festival in California.

“Rewind” marks DongYan’s return to the big screen since 2010’s “You to Me Are Everything.”

Disney to invest $1.9 B in new theme park and lodging experiences in California

vote by the Anaheim City

Company’s $1.9 billion DisneylandForward plan, with the final vote set to take place on May 7th:

“Disney is making it clear that California is its home because we provide the welcoming and supportive environment where businesses want to expand and create more jobs. We look forward to cultivating more Disney magic and building opportunities for all as this investment drives billions of dollars in revenue for our state and local communities. ” Newsom said.

DisneylandForward is estimated to generate $1.9 Billion in economic output and create over 7,800 jobs over four years through new construction in California. Annually, the plan will generate $508 million and employ over 3,600 workers through operation.

Last year, Governor Newsom met with Bob Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company, celebrated Disneyland’s first-ever pride night, and received a briefing on the DisneylandForward plan and their investment in the region for decades to come.

In May 2023, Governor Newsom praised the Walt Disney Company’s decision to keep good-paying jobs in California instead of building a nearly $1 billion office complex in Florida.

California’s economy is the 5th largest economy in the world. California, which has the most equitable tax system in the entire country, is #1 in the nation for new business starts, #1 for access to venture capital funding, and #1 for tourism spending.

Modern Alternatives to Stated Income Loans for Fast Mortgage Approval

In 2024, the resurgence of stated income loans

offers hope for individuals lacking conventional income documentation required for mortgages. Despite the disappearance of true stated income loans post-2008 housing market crash, modern alternatives exist. These alternatives, falling under the umbrella of Non-QM (non-qualified mortgages), cater to various financial situations. Among the prevalent options are bank statement loans, asset depletion loans, and investor cash flow loans.

Bank Statement Loans: Ideal for self-employed individuals, small business owners, freelancers, or gig workers with ﬂuctuating income, bank statement loans consider 12 to 24 months of personal and/or business bank statements as proof of income. This option allows for down payments as low as 10%. However, borrowers should expect higher credit score requirements, typically around 680, and debt-to-income ratios ranging from 36% to 45%. A larger down payment is often necessary, with some borrowers needing upwards of 10%. Additionally, consistent income over two years is generally required.

Asset Depletion Loans: Also referred to as asset qualifier or asset-based mortgages, asset depletion loans offer an alternative to traditional income verification. These loans are not exclusive to the self-employed and are particularly popular among retired homebuyers. Borrowers qualify based on their verified liquid assets, including cash, retirement, and investment funds. The lender calculates a “monthly income” from these assets, typically using a formula of total liquid assets divided by 360. Assets must be sourced and seasoned, with seasoning requirements varying by lender. Down payment requirements are slightly higher, often at least 25%.

Investor Cash Flow Loans: Designed for individuals deriving income from real estate investment properties, investor cash flow loans utilize rental income to determine eligibility. This low-documentation loan program bypasses the need for employment information or personal income verification, simplifying the application process. Borrowers can provide a rental analysis to ascertain monthly cash flow, with a typical down payment requirement of 20%.

Comparative Analysis: While these alternatives offer ﬂexibility for borrowers with unconventional income

documentation, they come with trade-offs. Bank statement loans require higher credit scores and larger down payments, potentially resulting in higher interest rates. Asset depletion loans provide a solution for retirees or those with substantial assets but may necessitate extensive sourcing and seasoning requirements. Investor cash flow loans cater specifically to real estate investors, leveraging rental income for mortgage approval.

Conclusion: In a landscape where traditional income documentation may not suﬃce for mortgage approval,

modern alternatives provide pathways to homeownership. Bank statement loans, asset depletion loans, and investor cash flow loans offer flexibility and accessibility for individuals with diverse financial backgrounds. This option will apply to a first or Second mortgage or Line of Credit, so Call NOW.

Thanks for your inquiries, please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net. CABRE01021223 NMLS 238636

DISNEYLAND, California – Governor Gavin Newsom lauded the funanimous

Council in favor of the Walt Disney

Pinay rower Delgaco is latest Filipino qualifier to Paris Olympics

MANILA – Rower Joanie Delgaco became the ﬁrst female rower of the Philippines to qualify for the Olympics after clinching a Paris Games ticket at the World Rowing Asian and Oceania Olympic and Paralympic Qualiﬁcation Regatta and Asian Rowing Cup in Chungju, South Korea on April 21.

The 26-year-old ﬁnished fourth in the 2,000-meter women’s single sculls to join 10 other Filipinos who have already made it to the Paris Olympics slated July 26 to Aug. 11 this year.

“Sobrang saya. Nakita ko na lahat ng paghihirap ko. Di ko ine-expect ‘to (Very happy. This is the result of all my hard work. I didn’t expect this),” said Delgaco, a native of Iriga City, Camarines Sur.

Edgardo Maerina (1988 Seoul), Benjamin Tolentino Jr. (2000 Sydney), and Cris Nievarez (2022 Tokyo) were the other rowers who previously made it to the Olympics.

Earlier, Filipino-American gymnast LeVi Jung-Ruivivar also earned a trip to Paris after bagging the silver medal in the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Doha, Qatar.

She became the third gymnast to qualify after Carlos Yulo and Aleah Finnegan.

“Eleven, formally, and counting,” Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino posted. .

“Congratulations to our new qualiﬁed Olympians. Their dedication, perseverance and exceptional talent are an inspiration to us all.”

Weightlifter Rosegie Ramos is unoﬃcially the 12th Filipino to qualify, pending the International Weightlifting Federation’s oﬃcial announcement of the roster for the Games.

The country is also guaranteed three more qualiﬁer under the universality rule -- one in athletics and two in swimming.

“We expect more of our athletes to be in Paris as the qualiﬁers in various sports are still being conducted,” Tolentino, also president of the cycling association, said.

Hoping to qualify are Robyn Brown (athletics), Kurt Barbosa (taekwondo), Cris Nievarez (rowing), brothers Keisei and Shugen Nakano (judo), Yuta Watanabe (judo), Jericho Francisco (skateboarding), Patrick Coo (BMX cycling), Shagne Yaoyao (MTB cycling), Emma Malabuyo (gymnastics), golfer Bianca Pagdanganan, and boxers Carlo Paalam, Criz Laurente, Hergie Bacyadan and Rogen Ladon.

The other Paris-bound athletes are pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena; boxers Eumir Felix Marcial, Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas; and weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, Erleen Ann Ando and John Febuar Ceniza. (Jean Malanum/PNA)

Yulo

bags gold, Ruivivar books Paris trip

MANILA – The Philippines’ Carlos Yulo scored a gold over the weekend at the International Gymnastics Federation’s World Cup in Doha, Qatar.

The 24-year-old Yulo won in the men’s parallel bars ﬁnal with a score of 15.200, beating Chinese Taipei’s Hung Yuan-Hsi’s 14.966 and Brazilian Caio Souza’s 14.566.

Earlier, he settled for silver in the vault event with a score of 15.066, behind Armenian Artur Davtyan (15.166).

The tournament also gave the Philippines its 10th Paris Olympian and third gymnast in Levi Jung-Ruivivar.

The 17-year-old sealed her slot after a silver medal ﬁnish in the uneven bars to join Yulo and Aleah Finnegan to the July 26 to Aug. 11 Summer Games.

The international gymnastics federation said 318 gymnasts will compete for 54 medals in Paris -- 192 artistic, 94 rhythmic and 32 trampoline.

The seven other Filipino Olympians so far are Ernest John Obiena, athletics – pole vault; Eumir Marcial, Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio, boxing; and John Ceniza, Elreen Ann Ando and Vanessa Sarno, weightlifting.

Carlos Yulo

Joanie Delgaco

Alzheimer’s stigma woes hamper effective care giving for patients

Effective care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s has always been, in the longest time, been thwarted by the stigma of Alzheimer’s in many communities according to caregivers and health experts with one leading Asian American Pacific Islander veteran saying that the branding of Alzheimer’s diagnosis is tantamount to calling someone crazy.

As if being regarded as the secondleading cause of death in California is not enough, Alzheimer’s is becoming to be dreaded disease that many, if not most, will eventually suﬀer from and it is just of a matter of when it will strike us and no longer if is the question.

Because of this, the ethnic media services conducted a national brieﬁng Challenging the Stigma of Alzheimer’s in Ethnic Communities, in order that people on the front lines of Alzheimer’s — both medical researchers and on the ground level — shared what they’ve learned about addressing cultural taboos around Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia among older adults and people with disabilities, in communities ranging from Latino, Black, AAPI and LGBT+.

Those who shared their expertise on this subject were Dr. Lucía Abascal of California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Professor Emerita Dr. Dolores Gallagher Thompson of Dept. of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine, USC Professor of Social Work and Gerontology, and Executive Director of USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Dr. María Aranda, Manager of Training and Transformation of Openhouse SF Lunae Chrysanta and Alzheimer’s Los Angeles – Senior Manager, Education & Outreach at African American Community Petra Niles.

At the brieﬁng, CDPH, Alzheimer’s experts and community workers statewide shared what they’ve learned about addressing taboos around Alzheimer’s and related forms of dementia in communities including Latino, Black, AAPI and LGBT+.

To start oﬀ, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is launching Take on Alzheimer’s, a new campaign to reduce the stigma by teaching Californians how to spot the disease and what to do after a diagnosis.

Abascal reported that the disease “is the leading cause of death for adults 85 and older in California, the state with the largest concentration of older adults.”

“And as our population continues to

age, we expect these numbers to grow,” announce Abascal. “Even within such a widespread disease, “big disparities exist. Communities of color are more likely to develop it.”

A recent CDPH report found that by 2040, the number of California adults living with the disease will have increased by 127%, or nearly 1.6 million.

Dr. Lucía Abascal, CDPH, says that reducing the stigma surrounding an Alzheimer’s diagnosis leads to better outcomes for patients.

“Take on Alzheimer’s, the ﬁrst-ever statewide Alzheimer’s campaign, aims not only to raise awareness that this disease is a big problem and getting bigger, but also to shift misperceptions around it by working with community organizations statewide,” Abascal continued.

“The earlier this progressive disease is diagnosed, the more doors it opens to combat its impacts, but many fear the stigma a diagnosis comes with,” Abascal added. “Alzheimer’s is not a person’s fault and it’s not a normal part of getting old — it’s a disease and must be treated as such by linking people to care. We don’t want communities to wait 10 years to get the help they can get right now.”

Thompson noted that that there’s often much stress involved with care in Chinese and Vietnamese communities because caregivers, typically daughters aged 40 to 60, are sandwiched between caring for the parent as well as their own children.”

“A common feeling reported by Asian caregivers is depression, partly associated with filial piety,” continued Thompson, who has worked with Asian caregivers for over 30 years. “Younger and middleaged caregivers may not fully endorse this traditional concept, because it involves conflict in juggling multiple roles … to treat individuals with dementia, you need to treat the family as a unit, because the disease affects everyone.”

Thompson emphasized that “educating the family that dementia is a neurological condition, not a psychiatric condition, is key.”

“In traditional Chinese writing, the character for ‘dementia’ is the same as that for ‘crazy,’ and this attribution often escalates the stigma. To ﬁght it, we teach caregivers how to respond to problem behavior in ways less stressful for everyone involved, and how to include them in the family by focusing on what they can still do — if they can’t make rice alone, they can make it supervised or wash the dish-

es,” advised Thompson.

“Often unique to the experiences of Vietnamese communities is war-associated PTSD,” Thompson added. “This can make seeking and giving care even harder than it already is, and our programs for the Vietnamese community encourage them to share their experiences, how they’ve coped with them, and how it might impact their caregiving.”

Aranda conﬁrmed that the “stigma is alive and well” in the Latino community and “memory loss is typically a topic that does not make dinnertime conversation.”

“There’s societal stigma, where there’s a high price put on people’s intellect and ability to compete, alongside a personal fear that the person with the diagnosis will be treated diﬀerently,” rued Aranda who also explained that many families will hide an Alzheimer’s diagnoses out of fear and protectiveness but notes that this only worsens the illness and makes care more challenging.

“This stigma prompts a ‘cocoon experience’ where Latino families protect the individual against more stigma so much that they miss out on an early diagnosis of dementia, and getting the care they need,” mentioned Aranda.

“Due to less access to timely, accurate information to prevent and manage memory declines, especially among monolingual Spanish speakers, there’s a polarized spectrum where Alzheimer’s is seen as part of a severe psychiatric disorder like psychosis on the one hand, and as a part of normal aging on the other,” Aranda added. “While age is the biggest risk factor, it doesn’t mean everyone who reaches a certain age will have it.”

For his part, Chrysanta stated that out of an estimated 2.7 million LGBT people in the U.S. over the age of 50, 7.4% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual older adults have dementia “and that number is increasing.”

“The same elders who were pathologized for most of their life — from the Lavender Scare of the 50s, through the civil rights movements of the 60s and 70s, to the collective trauma of the HIV and AIDS pandemic in the 80s and 90s — may feel, as they age, like they’re losing the independence that they fought so hard for,” Chrysanta continued.

Alongside stigma around Alzheimer’s itself, “fear of discrimination stops many LGBT older adults from seeking the care that they need,” Chrysanta explained.

An estimated 40% of LGB and 46% of transgender older adults don’t disclose

their sexual orientation or gender identity to doctors because they fear it will aﬀect quality of care.

In a New York study of over 3,500 LGBT older adults, 8.3% reported neglect or abuse from their caregivers because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Because LGBTQ elders often ﬁnd chosen families after facing rejection from biological families, “family structures in the LGBT community often look diﬀerent than cisgender and heterosexual family units,” Chrysanta continued.

“Many of our elders are aging at the same time as their loved ones and ﬁnd themselves being caregivers while also needing that support themselves,” Chrysanta narrated. “For us, developing intergenerational mental health programs and 110 units of aﬀordable housing has been key to reducing barriers to support. Our elders with dementia shouldn’t feel like they need to hide their true selves again by going back into the closet.”

On the other hand, Niles imparted that “older Black Americans are twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia compared to older whites. Both stigma and the belief that memory loss is a natural part of aging prevents them from seeking the care they need.”

Although 65% of Black Americans say that they know somebody with Alzheimer’s or dementia, half report experiencing discrimination while seeking care for someone who has it; only 53% believe that a cure would be distributed fairly, without regard to race or ethnicity; and 55% think that signiﬁcant loss of cognitive abilities is a natural part of aging rather than a disease.

“It’s important for this community to have a good relationship with a physician they trust, who will respond to their concerns and not just say that dementia is a normal part of aging,” stressed Niles. “There are warning signs like memory loss, getting lost, issues with ﬁnances, repeating stories. You shouldn’t have to wait for these symptoms to worsen before getting help.”

“Alzheimer’s stigma not only prevents our community from getting help, but from sharing that diagnosis with friends who can help — and less help adds on stress for the caregiver,” Niles added. “We’re hearing about many who have died in the throes of caregiving. As long as we don’t stop the stigma, even trying to get help can endanger your health.”

Dr. Lucía Abascal

Dr. Dolores Gallagher Thompson

Dr. María Aranda Lunae Chrysanta

Petra Niles

Partnership in times of emergency and danger tops women’s role for state’s emergency preparedness

It has always been an ideal arrangement that both men and women not only be romantic partners but also be partners in all respect for longer-lasting stronger relationship empowering both encouraging that way to grow mentally, psychologically and emotionally to have more resilient families.

It is for this reason that Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media presented a statewide ethnic media briefing “Listas” Campaign Enlists Women — Backbone for State’s Emergency Preparedness that aimed at raising awareness about Listas California, a first-of-its kind effort by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to empower women with emergency resilience knowledge.

Listos California 2023 research identiﬁed key demographic groups that would beneﬁt from additional resources to help them prepare for disasters, with women being one of the leading groups primed for additional engagement. Acting on this research, Cal OES launched Listas California in March during Women’s History Month.

Since 2019, Listos California has succeeded in reaching millions of Californians who otherwise wouldn’t have access to lifesaving emergency preparedness information. For more information, visit: ListosCalifornia. org.

Those who were present to introduce Listas were Assistant Director of Crisis Communication & Public Aﬀairs at California Governor’s Oﬃce of Emergency Services (CalOES) Diana Crofts-Pelayo, Assemblymember of District 10 Stephanie Nguyen, a mother of two and a teacher Shayla Happi

Amenra-Warmsley.

Being launched by CalOES in a ﬁrst-of-its kind campaign, Listas empowers women with emergency resilience in the face of disasters ranging from extreme heat to winter storms to wildﬁres.

Pelayo noted that “the campaign, launched in March during Women’s History Month, builds off of research that identified two key groups of women who would most benefit from disaster preparation resources: “the head of the household and the messenger.”

“These heads are women who bear the weight of responsibility making ends meet while taking care of children or elderly parents, while the messengers are ﬁrst- or second-generation women helping support their families within the unit. We saw that women over the age of 18, mostly in Latino, AAPI and black communities, are the ones that would listen to our message, pass it on and actually use it during an emergency,” explained Pelayo who also mentioned that people often wait too long to evacuate and notes that part of the Listas campaign is helping people

recognize dangerous situations and when it’s time to go.

CalOES is providing Californians with videos and actionable disaster safety tips, as well as local county emergency alert signups, through over 73 community organization outreach grantees.

These organizations have worked alongside a larger statewide partnership network to make over 400,000 calls to California women since March asking them to sign up for alerts and sharing preparedness information.

Local phone, text and email alerts in multiple languages for disasters like ﬂooding, earthquakes and wildﬁres are available for Californians in each county through listoscalifornia.org/alerts.

“My grandma never learned English. My mom was born in Mexico, and she was always seen as the leader within our family here and back in Mexico,” imparted CroftsPelayo. “Women are the ones that push their families to do things. It’s not necessarily the man of the household anymore. At the end of the day, they’re the ones that are most likely

to be looking after elderly parents, or engaging with their community through schools and local associations.”

“What we want is for women to have that knowledge and talk about it with their partners, family, friends and children,” Pelayo continued. “Emergencies are not fun; it’s not if but when the next one happens. The more that a family can talk about it, the more you demystify responding to it.”

“The most important thing we saw in our research is that people need to see an emergency to truly believe it,” Crofts-Pelayo added. “We got anecdotes from people that said ‘I might not evacuate my home until I see the water rising on my street corner,’ or ‘unless I see the ﬂames down the street.’ There are still many communities that have never experienced a natural disaster, and our aim is showing people that this is real, this happens every day … All disasters are local, which is why community-based preparedness is so important.”

Nguyen discussed Listas campaign’s efforts to create a di-

(Continue on page 20)

Congratula�ons to all the brothers from different places of abode. A�ended the 1st Pinoy Masons E-Group ANCOM EB2EB in Clark, Pampanga. The organizers and the brothers made this an even�ul experienced and a memorable for each and everyone of them. Bro Delfin Lorenzana, who is also a fraternity brother, is the present chairman of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) and former Secretary of Department of Na�onal Defense in the Philippines, is the guest of honor for the event. In the picture- L-R: Sis Cecille and WB Reden Infante, WB Ferdinand Pacis, WB Gus Garcia, WB Joey Bertulfo, Bro Delfin Lorenzana and WB Loreto Lagrisola.

Diana Cro�s-Pelayo,

Assemblymember of District 10 Stephanie Nguyen Shayla Happi Amenra-Warmsley

Local Attractions, Park Programs and Cultural Diversity Top Students’ List of Why They Like Carson

CITY OF CARSON -- Twenty-one essays written by students from Carson stood out in describing their love for their city during the 2024 “Why I Like Carson” Essay-Writing Contest, which concluded with an awards ceremony on April 23, 2024 at the Carson Event Center.

The winners included 21 students from various schools in Carson who received gift cards ranging from $100-$200, medals, and certiﬁcates of recognition from the Carson City Council.

The contest was started in 1996 by the late Councilmember Mary Anne O’Neal in an eﬀort to foster community pride among Carson’s youth. The contest generates wide participation from the local schools with hundreds of essays received each year. In 2003, the contest opened to at-large participants to allow students who live in the city but are homeschooled or attend schools in other cities, to participate in the contest.

Students have diﬀerent reasons why they like Carson, as described in their essays, with local attractions – ranging from the world-class Dignity Health Sports Park to the variety of stores and restaurants in town -- being one of the top reasons. Another favorite on the students’ list is the city’s parks and the numerous activities such as after-school programs and sports activities that keep them busy year-round.

Page 11)

stroke and lingered for a few years before passing.

Two weeks ago, yet another of my friends from way, way back suddenly died. Vincho appeared to be in relatively good health, being an active golfer and regularly traveling locally and globally after retiring a couple of years ago.

All this is leading to my third child, a daughter who was my favorite in their youth.

Like my sis-in-law, she too had been stricken by cancer. She fought as long as she could, as she had a beautiful son who has become an overachiever, thanks to her upbringing.

The grandson of mine has won every academic award there is to win, and he has even ﬂown an ultra-light plane by himself before he turned 10. He also plays the guitar and engages in any and all activities that challenge him physically.

He is also kindness, personiﬁed.

A few days ago, my grandson Connor lost his mom, my daughter Noelle Marie, who turned 40 on December 25, last year.

We never had the opportunity to say good-bye to each other.

I know I may not have been the best father to my four kids, or husband to my only wife. If I have any regrets in life, it is that I did not spend as much time with them as I should have.

I will try to do better with my handful of grandkids.

Good-bye Noelle. Love, Dad.

As

11)

University of Phoenix (UoP) business writing and communications subjects as an adjunct online faculty for ﬁve years and a semester in San Jose State University (SJSU) teaching essay writing. I also had a brief stint with the Milpitas Uniﬁed School District (MUSD) Adult Education program teaching ESL. At present, I am still teaching in high school at the San Jose Job Corps Center (SJJC), a Department of Labor (DOL) program for marginalized youths ages 16 to 24, where I’m in my 24th year of teaching.

That’s what I do, that’s what who I am, to borrow the words of Dr. Jill Biden!

Page 11)

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Students also agree that the cultural diversity and friendly people in Carson are aspects that make them not only like their city, but actually make them proud citizens.

“Our parks are really special oﬀering activities for multiple generations. We are a city that recognizes and celebrates all cultures,” said fourth grader Mia Daisy Chavez. “Our city is unique and everyone is respectful and diverse,” said ﬁfth grader Rylie-Ann Quintero.

“One of the things I love most about Carson is its strong sense of history. The city has a number of historical landmarks and sites, including the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum, which oﬀers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s past,”

Partnership...

(From page 19)

verse and inclusive campaign, noting that when people see themselves reﬂected in media and messaging, they are more likely to feel the content is relevant to them.

“It’s the women who are taking care of parents, grandparents, children, doing the shopping, taking care of the house, preparing for tomorrow,” said District 10 Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen. “For emergency situations, it’s key that women not only hear these messages but deliver them.”

“When disaster comes, it aﬀects everybody across communities, and seeing diﬀerent women talk from their cultures about having go-bags ready, batteries charged, water for washing and drinking — women across communities can think, ‘If she’s doing this, I should be doing this in my home as well,’” Nguyen added.

Amenra-Warmsley believes that “thinking about the safety and wellbeing of my family and students, knowing that I have the knowledge and the tools to protect them, is always a top priority for me, and thinking about emergency preparedness goes hand in hand with that.

“I’ve started implementing these tools both in my personal family and within my classroom — from creating emergency

said seventh grader Jezebel Martinez.

Carson’s booming housing and economic development didn’t go unnoticed by the students. The students expressed delight in their essays over the number of new and modern houses being built and the rapid increase in commercial and retail businesses in the city.

So whether it is the local attractions, the parks and park activities, the cultural diversity, or the city’s booming economy, eighth grader Jillian Sagun summarizes her position: “that miracle was my parents being able to buy a beautiful, comfortable home. That home was in none other than the City of Carson.”

kits, to developing family communication plans and emergency contact systems, this campaign definitely helped bring many ‘what-ifs’ into the practical reality of what I would do in the case of an earthquake, fire, flood, or a power outage, which did happen to my home a month ago,” she continued, adding that Listas enabled her to respond to it.

Amenra-Warmsley reminded that “in times of crisis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless, especially for young people.”

“Having a plan just as important as practicing it, so a lot of what I do at home and with my students alongside teaching the tools we need to be prepared — like shelter-in-place plans, memorizing emergency phone contacts, planning evacuation routes and having snack bags — is teaching the tools we need for mental resilience, whether that’s morning yoga or emotional regulation exercises,” Amenra-Warmsley advised.

“There are changing elements to what it means to be prepared, it means being both ﬂexible and adaptable in the face of adversity,” she added. “As a teacher, I not only educate my students academically but also teach them lifelong skills of resiliency, emerging from any storm as a stronger version of themselves. Learning how to prepare for emergencies is at the heart of that.”

Upside...

grew trust and friendship he found with one of the agency’s earliest oﬃcers, whom he considers his role model. Flores worked with the youth sector for ﬁve years before moving on to Outpatient Drug & Alcohol Services for Adults (ODA-

For your 5 bottles of SB-10 plus FREE autographed copy of “LONGEVITY TIPS.” Just send $120 (in check or money order) to: ART G. MADLAING, 730 Madrid Street, San Francisco, CA 94112. Tel. (650) 438-3531 or (415) 584-7095 or email:artmadlaing@hotmail.com (ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE #00635976) in California since 1981. He is founder of MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR HUMANITY) and ACAPINOY. He is active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California USA)

County and City oﬃcials led by

The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco headed by Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer hosted a despedida for Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano. DCG Raquel was able to bid her farewell and thank those that helped her during her tenure. She was presented a Plaque of Recogni�on by Daly City Mayor and fellow FilAm Juslyn Manalo during the event.

Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano shows oﬀ her Plaque of Recogni�on from the newly established Global Maharlika Founda�on, Inc during the despedida ceremony in honor of DCG Raquel. Joining the picture from le� are BOD Yoliesil Pon�no, DCG Raquel, GMFI President Don Orozco and Consul General Neil Ferrer.

(From Page 10)

SSF Mayor Coleman and Colma Council Member Joanne del Rosario, area clinicians and resource providers, former clients, former and current staﬀ celebrate the consolidated programs at AARS/Healthright360 in South San Francisco. Photo by Cherie M. Querol Moreno

There he rose to supervisor to

Heart of Hope

I am writing this week’s column aboard the Icon of the Seas of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, the largest cruise ship, where food is massively abundant, and where the temptation to eat almost every two hours is great. Genuine medical information about food is sometimes lost and fake news and other mis-and disinformation abound in social media. What a waste of a wonderful valuable technological advance in communication! Today, we shall correct some of the erroneous data about food and diet.

1. Eating out is healthier

Unless you are a lousy cook or have poor choice of food items, home cooked food items could certainly be a lot healthier than restaurant food. The quality and quality of are under your total control.

2. Fasting is good

Occasional fasting, within reason, is fine, but eating small portioned quantity more than the usual 3 times a day, even up to 8 times a day, can be healthier as far as having a more even keel in blood glucose level (less fluctuation), so long as you eat within your normal total calories a day. Dividing the total calorie intake into several times a day is healthier than fasting or missing a meal or two a day. The less blood glucose fluctuation the better.

3. Eating healthy is costly

This is false. If one eats less red meat, which is healthier (it even lowers your risk of getting

Eating

cardiovascular disease and cancer), the grocery bills would be leaner. Some frozen food items are cheaper than fresh ones. Eating ﬁsh and vegetables, combined with regular physical exercise, could even make one look and feel younger, and improve longevity.

4. Fat-free and low-fat are healthy

Low-fat and fat-free diets were popular in the 80s and 90s, but fat protects our organs, absorb essential vitamins, support our cell membrane and promote growth and development. Not all fats are the same. Saturated and trans fats in fatty red meats and high-fat dairy products are unhealthy. Unsaturated fats from olive and canola oil, avocados, nuts, provide healthy fats.

5. All big fishes are safe to consume Big fishes, like albacore tuna, shark, orange roughie, southern bluefin tuna, ray, swordfish, barramundi, marlin, king mackerel, and gemfish have high mercury contents. Regular mackerel, salmon, canned yellowfin and regular small tuna, are safe. Unlike eating red meats that increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases and cancer, consuming fish 5 or more times a week, helps boost the immune system, improves brain health, prevents blood clots, and reduces the risk for heart attack, stroke and cancer.

6. Unreﬁned sugars are healthier

A popular myth is that unrefined sugar, like raw sugar, maple syrup, coconut sugar, honey, provides lesser calories. All sugars, except artificial sweeteners, are sugars, carbohydrates, with high calories and fattening. The calories from consuming unrefined sugars should be counted accordingly, especially among diabetics or those trying to lose weight.

7. Processed foods are safe

While it is commonplace to see people

all around us eat processed foods like hot dogs, bacon, ham, salami, sausages, processed veggies, etc., they increase the risk for the development of cancers, especially of the gastrointestinal tract, including pancreas and the colon. The risk is greater with meats grilled at high temperature, with burnt edges or surfaces. Eat fresh. They are healthier.

8. Detox pills are necessary

False! These pills or bowel cleaners (irrigation, enemas) could be dangerous to health. The best detox items are foods like vegetables, ﬁsh, nuts, fruits, which are all antioxidants and detoxifying agents via our liver, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys, our natural detoxifying organs, day in and day out, 24/7, cleansing our body of toxins and poisons. Eat a healthy diet, avoid processed foods and minimize fast food, drink a lot of water (not poisonous soft drinks) and exercise daily to rejuvenate yourself.

9. Drinking water after 8 PM is good

Not for seniors or anyone who do not want to wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Even those in their 80s and 90s could avoid or minimize getting up at 2 or 3 AM to empty their bladder if they refrain from drinking after 8 PM. During the daytime, it is a good idea to drink a lot of water, at least 8 glasses a day, to ﬂush our kidneys, keep these “ﬁlters” healthy, and get rid of toxic waste through urination.

10. Soft drinks are better than water

Although soft drinks may contain minerals, they are all (cola or uncola, diet or regular, caﬀeine-free or not) toxic to the body of adults, and more so to children. The phosphoric acid in them is only one scary chemical, which many use to clean car carburetors or ﬂush a blocked toilet or kitchen drain. All soft drinks increase

the risk for metabolic syndrome. They are indeed poison.

11. TV food ads are vetted

Not true. There is no government oversight that screens the ads on TV or other media. There are many claims about products that are not true. Unfortunately, manufacturers and vendors get away with them and ignorant consumers are the victims, and the perpetrators get richer in this trillion dollar food industry. Caveat emptor (buyers beware)!

12. All veggies are good

In general, yes, they are super-foods, but not for people with arthritis, who should stay away from nightshade vegetables (Solanaceae), which include eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, bell and cayenne peppers, paprika, etc. They contain toxic alkaloids that aggravate arthritis (neck, spine, hips, knees, etc.) Broccoli, kale, celery, asparagus, green beans, cauliﬂower, spinach, mushrooms, turnips, beets, bell peppers are the choice veggies for the general population. Evidence-based scientiﬁc data show that eating red meat more than once a week is associated with higher risk for cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and a shorter longevity.

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

San Jose City Mayor Ma� Mahan presented his Back-To-Basics Budget at the Filipino Community Center of Santa Clara County in the City of San Jose par�cipated in by several Filipino Community leaders with former Milpitas Mayor FilAm Jose Esteves.

Before Mayor Ma� Mahan’s Budget Town Hall, the FilCal Heritage Dancers together with Reuben Regucera provided a special dance presenta�on inside the compound of the FilCom Center.

A�er the Budget Town Hall mee�ng, the oﬃcers and the Board of Trustees of The Filipino Community of Santa Clara County presented a portrait to Mayor Ma� Mahan in apprecia�on of his ﬁrst visit and consulta�on. From le� are Ellie Caday, Don Orozco, Dr Arline Macaraeg, Romulo and Yolly Gaoiran, Dory Guevarra, Claudio Blanco, Zell Corpuz, Mars and Ale Soriano and Elene Bobier.

PHILIP S. CHUA

Recipe of the Week

Adobong Okra

Here is the recipe of my version of Adobong Okra.

Ingredients:

250 grams okra, trimmed, cut into half diagonally

1 cup pork belly, cut into strips

1/2 head garlic, peeled, crushed

1 small size onion, peeled, chopped

1/4 cup vinegar

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/2 tsp. peppercorns, crushed

2-3 pcs. bay leaf

cooking oil

salt

Samar sparks interest in 3 tourism sites, Northern Samar its ancient burial site

CATBALOGAN CITY – The Samar provincial government takes pride in its alluring tourism and historical sites.

Thus, it launched three circuits of its new tourism plan under the “Spark Samar” campaign.

Cooking procedure:

In a pan, place the pork and add 1 cup of water bring to a boil and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes or until pork are tender and all the liquid has evaporated and start to render fat. Add more water as necessary. Shift pork at one side and stirfry garlic and onion fragrant, stir in the pork. Pour 1/2 cup of water and add in bay leaf, peppercorn, soy sauce and vinegar. Bring to boil and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes without stirring. Add in okra and stir cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the okra are just cooked but ﬁrm. Correct saltiness if required. Serve hot with a lot of rice.

The programs are the Tandaya Trail Tourism Circuit, Mabaysay Cultural River Cruise and Secret Kitchens of Samar Gastronomy Tour.

“With three of its newest products, you’ll fall in love with the province’s rich natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights. We are excited to bring these oﬀ erings to the forefront, not just in Eastern Visayas but also beyond its borders,” Governor Sharee Ann Tan said during the launch in Basey town, PNA’s Sarwell Meniano reported.

Governor Tan said he believes that the path to progress in Samar lies in the captivating and inclusive nature of tourism.

The Tandaya Trail features the wonders of the breathtaking Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge and the centuriesold tradition of mat weaving in Basey town; picturesque farm landscapes and magniﬁ cent rock formations in Marabut town; and the sumptuous seafood dishes at San Juan by the Bay against the magical backdrop of San Juanico Bridge in Sta. Rita town.

Tandaya is the ancient name of the province and is being used by the local government in its tourism promotion.

The Mabaysay Cultural River Cruise is a cruise along the Cadac-an River, known as the Golden River, in Basey town. Along the way, guests will get to stop by diﬀ erent wharves.

The Secret Kitchens of Samar Gastronomy Tour includes cooking demonstrations, meeting with kitchen heroes, and savoring the ﬂ avors of authentic Samar cuisine passed down through generations.

“These oﬀ erings highlight the enormous potential that our destinations can have in providing meaningful, authentic, immersive, and sustainable Philippine experiences to local and national tourists and also signify the enormous importance of collaboration between the national government, local government, and our private tourism stakeholders,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said during the event.

Frasco said tourism is the second-top economic growth driver in the country, providing at least 5.3 million jobs.

During the launch, the Department of Labor and Employment provided P3.5 million in livelihood grants to seven tourism worker associations in support of their livelihood activities.

Meanwnile, an old burial ground is seen as a potential archeological site in Mapanas, Northern Samar, which calls for more eﬀ ort to preserve the province’s rich history, the local government said recently.

The provincial government said that years ago, locals saw human skeletons on a rocky cliﬀ across the Mayongpayong Rock Formations, reported to be an old burial ground wherein remains were piled at the top of the rocks.

“These bones, which looked broader and taller, were believed to be of our ancestors, which dated back during the pre-Spanish era,” Northern Samar provincial tourism oﬃ ce chief Maria Josette Doctor said.

Doctor said representatives from the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) visited the province last week to inspect human skeletons in Mapanas, one of the towns facing the Paciﬁ c Ocean.

“Presently, we don’t know the number of skeletons in the area since these are scattered. It needs further assessment. That is why, we touched base with NCCA and NMP, so we, together with the municipal local government, will be guided on what to do with the discovery years ago,” she said.

Doctor said the cooperation between the provincial government, NCCA, and NMP is a signiﬁ cant step towards unfolding history and discovering a richer cultural wealth in Northern Samar.

Located on the Paciﬁ c coast, Mapanas was once part of Palapag as one of its villages during the Spanish regime. The town is known not only for its stunning seaboard but also for its rock formations and mountain caverns, according to the local tourism oﬃ ce.

Mapanas is a 5th-class town in Northern Samar with a population of 14,234 people.

PICTURESQUE. The Golden River in Basey, Samar, site of the Mabaysay Cultural River Cruise.

HISTORICAL. The Mayongpayong Rock Forma�ons in Northern Samar where Spanish period human skeletons were found.

4.25.24-5.1.24

CHINA WAR SHIPS SWARM AT

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bags gold, Ruivivar books Paris trip

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Amenra-Warmsley.

Local Attractions, Park Programs and Cultural Diversity Top Students’ List of Why They Like Carson

As

Partnership...

Upside...

Heart of Hope

Eating

Recipe of the Week

Adobong Okra

Samar sparks interest in 3 tourism sites, Northern Samar its ancient burial site