Norcal 6/15/23

1 June 15-21, 2023

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION

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THE PREMIER FILIPINO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN THE U.S. SINCE 1961

Vol.62 No.44 June 15-21, 2023

NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST

MARCOS VOWS PHL WILL NEVER BOW DOWN TO FOREIGN POWERS Senior citizen beaten up by

By ALFRED GABOT, Editor in Chief racist neighbor MANILA – Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marin Las Vegas

Teodoro pushes defense buildup, says PHL ‘not a puppet of anyone

cos Jr. had a firm message of defiance as he led the By Gilda P. Balan, Correspondent commemoration of the 125th year Philippine indeLAS VEGAS - There are pendence on June 12 at the Quirino Grandstand at countless instances when the pothe Rizal Park and in ceremonies in Malacanang lice refuse to file appropriate hate attended by foreign ambassadors and other digni- crime raps against a suspect – a federal offense – and instead file taries. Page 9

Criminal raps filed vs. 2 generals, 48 cops in P6.7-B shabu haul in Manila

Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer of San Jose City Mayor Ma� Mahan Philippine Consulate in San Francisco

PHL flag raised in San Jose on 125th Independence Day

CAMP CRAME, Quezon City – Criminal cases have been filed against 50 police officers, including two generals, before the Office of the Ombudsman for their involvement in the alleged coverup in the P6.7-billion drug bust in October last year.

Department of the Interior and

Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said those charged included 12 police commissioned officers (PCO) and 38 police non-commissioned officers (PNCO).

The 12 commissioned officers charged with criminal cases included two generals, Page 8

lesser charges, resulting in an obvious miscarriage of justice.

This is one such case.

In Las Vegas last week, 75-year-old Amadeo Quindara was severely beaten by his neighbor, while hurling racial insults. The assault was Page 9

Desperate Filipinos turning to online loan sharks

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

Marcos, officials firm up 90-day SAN JOSE - As in previous pino Barongs and native Maria MANILA – It is not just hunyears before the COVID 19 pan- Clara and other Filipiñana attire plan for Mayon volcano eruptions dreds, but thousands, of lending

By Jun Nucum

demic, the Philippine flag was again raised at San Jose City Hall in Santa Clara County as has been the traditional joint efforts of the devoted members of the Filipino community together with top local officials in the city and county.

On the day itself of the 125th Philippine Independence from Spanish rule on June 12, more than a hundred guests, city and county officials, supporters and residents of the City of San Jose and beyond, many clad in Fili-

gathered around the City Hall main flagpole, sang the American and Philippine national anthems while they witnessed the American flag and Philippine flag raised one after the other.

Not minding the warm heat of the sun while enjoying the late afternoon breeze at the same time, participants also witnessed dancers in native costume display their terpsichorean skills dancing Bulaklakan and Paypayan de Manila before everyone were led inside the City Page 7

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda

LEGASPI CITY — As Mayon Volcano in Albay province continues acting up, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. flew to Legaspi City with his Cabinet members and other officials and conducted a briefing on the status of preparations for assistance to victims and related activities.

Marcos and the officials initially distributed relief goods and other assistance to those affected by the Mayon Volcano Page 8

IN ALBAY. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., together with Guinobatan Mayor Paul Chino Garcia, before a situa�onal briefing at Albay Astrodome with officials of local governments and na�onal government agencies. (Alfred Frias/PNA)

companies that have been victimizing hapless Filipino consumers, frequently seduced into borrowing what they believe are easy loans at friendly interest rates, only to turn out to be loan sharks charging usurious rates.

Senator Joel Villanueva said the government should take a good look at numerous online lending platforms that victimize borrowers via abusive collection practices.

He cited data from the Securities and Exchange Com- Page 8

Ex-Pres. Duterte wants cops in drugs shot dead PHL peso may breach P59 to a US dollar VIEWS & COMMENTS

SHOWBIZ

Did you enter the U.S. using a different name?

Vanessa Hudgens joins commemoration of PHL Independence Day

By A�y. Lozano

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SPORTS

EJ Obiena hurdles six meters pole, shatters Asian record Page 19

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 NATIONAL NEWS

June 15-21, 2023

2

Marcos vows to steer PHL toward progress at Independence Day rites

By Jennifer T. Santos

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on June 12 vowed to lead the nation in overcoming challenges toward a high-growth path as it recovers from the crippling effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Marcos led the country in celebrating the 125th anniversary of the proclamation of the Philippine independence at the Rizal Park in Manila with the theme, “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” It was his first time since his election as president to lead in the celebration.

At the Rizal Park rites, Marcos expressed solidarity with the Filipino people.

“This historic day confirmed what our forebears have religiously kept in their hearts: That we are the inheritors of the glorious heroism and nobility that our ancestors have demonstrated throughout our long and storied history,” he said.

Marcos also encouraged Filipinos to assert this freedom and strive for excellence and integrity in all aspects of life.

“Later, with new oppressors and challenges, our people remained defiant-

-affirming that it is our core to defend what is ours. And with all that, this occasion symbolizes and entails, we understand better now that liberty will not flourish on its own; freedom will not materialize unless it is declared boldly, believed sincerely, and demonstrated passionately,” said Marcos.

Marcos said in an age where battles remain, it is necessary to take the immeasurable courage and loss that came out of the country’s heroes.

“For this, I challenge each of us: On the 125th year since the declaration of our freedom, let us assert our liberty day by day. In everything we do, let us pursue excellence and integrity with the knowledge that we are living out the visions our predecessors held on to and the comfort they toiled for,” Marcos said.

In a separate event called the Vin d’honneur in Malacanang attended by the diplomatic corps and officials, Marcos said: “Today’s celebration has taken a whole new different meaning, as we mark this occasion with renewed hopes and spirited resolve to rise anew as a nation, not from political oppression but from economic scarring engendered by the crippling and lingering effect of the

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the na�onwide celebra�on of ‘Araw ng Kalayaan’ in commemora�on of the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Na�onhood with a flag raising ceremony at the Rizal Park Monument in the City of Manila on Monday June 12, 2023. (PNA Photos By Alfred Frias)

pandemic.”

“That is why, as a way to honor our forebears, it is my duty as President to keep this house in order, and steer the country to a high-growth path whose effect will be felt by each and every ordinary Juan dela Cruz,” he said.

The President expressed hope that this year’s celebration and commemoration would be a continuing reminder to Filipinos that it is only through unity and solidarity as a nation that they can safeguard the freedom won by their ancestors.

He encouraged Filipinos to look at history as they set their sights toward the horizon, where the promise of a brighter future awaits the nation.

“It is our shared responsibility to foster a society that upholds democracy, social justice, and inclusivity, so that every Filipino can flourish and contribute to our nation’s growth,” he said. “From where our country stands now, we recognize that challenges will continue to test our mettle as a nation, but with unity and solidarity of the Filipino people, we can endure even another 125 years with our heads held high.”

Marcos also hopes the country could continue strengthening its ties with the members of the diplomatic community, as he called for ways “to take our relations to new heights.”

The President invited colleagues in government and partners from the private sector to continue drawing inspiration from the courage and determination of our ancestors as they work to improve the living conditions of the Filipino people.

As he led the commemoration of the country’s Independence Day in Quirino

Grandstand, Marcos vowed to address the “un-freedoms” in society such as inequality, poverty, and inadequate economic opportunities.

In his speech, Marcos said that while the Philippines already evolved into a vibrant republic, the country still has a “long and daunting journey ahead to fulfill the dreams of our forefathers.”

“It is said that there are many unfreedoms prevailing in society that stand in the way of human development.

These are the corrosive political and social conditions that make the nation not as free as we would like to profess and to believe, such as poverty, inadequate economic opportunities, disabling rather than enabling conditions, inequality and apathy,” he said.

Marcos assured that the government will strive to remove these “un-freedoms”.

“We will aim to feed the hungry, free the bound, and banish poverty,” he said.

Marcos said the administration will implement policies that would foster a highly conducive and enabling environment that will allow the full development of Filipinos.

“We have laid down the Philippine Development Plan for the next six years.

We will implement such with vigor and with consistency. In this administration, the government will be responsible.I have said it before and I shall say it once more, I will be with you in that long and uphill road to achieve that dream of freedom-freedom from hunger, freedom from neglect, freedom from fear,” he added.

Marcos, however, said achieving these goals will also require the cooperation of all Filipinos.

3 June 15-21, 2023

 NATIONAL NEWS

Ex-Pres. Duterte wants drug-linked cops shot dead

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On television, Duterte said while the police helped him manage peace and order when he was in power, there are now several “hoodlums” and corrupt members within their organization.

“I love the police, but you know…

Maraming hoodlums nakapasok sa police, even ‘yung mga colonels ngayon, pati naging generals,” he said.

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the police, but you know…There are many hoodlums who have entered the police force, even the colonels now, and those who became generals. Don’t bring them anymore to court, son of a b****, just kill them. Shoot them dead.

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Duterte also said he believes some police officers’ drug links go beyond merely just protecting drug lords.

“Ang pulis mismo, napasukan na, sila na mismo ang sindikato,” the former president claimed.

Quezon City gets clean audit remark from COA anew

By Jennifer T. Santos

QUEZON CITY - For the third straight year, the Quezon City government, the richest in the country with over P35 billion in annual revenues, has received an “unqualified opinion” from the Commission on Audit (COA) for its 2022 annual audit report following an extensive assessment, Mayor Joy Belmonte announced.

Belmonte welcomed the “unqualified opinion” from the COA in connection with the local government’s financial statements for 2022. “ “Sa ikatlong sunod na taon, mapalad ang ating siyudad na mabiyayaan ng ganitong parangal. Ito’y patunay lang ng ating tuluy-tuloy na tapat na pamamahala, at pagiging masinop sa paggamit ng pondo

ng taumbayan (For the third straight year, we are fortunate to receive such kind of honor from COA. This is a testament to our honest governance and good housekeeping when it comes to public funds),” Belmonte said in Filipino during the commemoration of the country’s 125th Independence Day at City Hall.

The unqualified opinion is the highest audit opinion that COA can give to a government agency, including a local government unit.

“Hindi natin maaabot ang pagkilalang ito kung hindi dahil sa masisipag at tapat na mga tauhan ng ating siyudad. Para sa inyo ang parangal na ito,” she added.

Belmonte was informed of the award, the highest recognition given by COA to government agencies, during a courtesy visit by Joseph Perez, Supervising Auditor of COA-QC. Based on the independent auditor’s report, the QC government’s financial statements have met the “applicable financial reporting framework” following extensive scrutiny

by COA. Mayor Belmonte personally received the COA annual report from Perez, together with City Administrator Michael Alimurung, Secretary to the Mayor Ricardo Belmonte Jr., and Office of the City Mayor (OCM) Chief of Staff Rowena Macatao.

Perez said the city government’s financial statements have met the “applicable financial reporting framework” following extensive scrutiny by the audit body.

“We would not have achieved this remark if not for the hard work and honesty of our employees.

This recognition is for all of you,” Belmonte said.

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 METRO NEWS

June 15-21, 2023

4

Power outage hits Manila int’l airport anew; flights delayed

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda NINOY AQUINO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – Power outage hit the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminal 3 again, delaying some local and international flights and causing inconvenience to thousands of passengers.

The outage prompted officials like Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile to call for the resignation of officials of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) which manages the airport.

This as the MIAA officers apologized to the public for the power outage.

“Again, we would like to apologize to all the passengers and stakeholders here at Terminal 3 today that were inconvenienced because of this brief power interruption that affected the terminal,” MIAA officer in charge Bryan Co said.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) earlier shared that there was power outage at Terminal 3 from 12:52 p.m. to 1:28 p.m., and Co said power was restored at 1:29 p.m.

No flight was cancelled, but the power interruption resulted in the delay of seven

flights.

CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said the power outage has also caused long lines at the immigration counters.

The power generators “are only meant to energize the critical loads of NAIA Terminal 3,” said Co. According to MIAA, a personnel from Meralco subsidiary MServ inadvertently left a testing cable attached to one of the electric equipment which caused the fecting over 9,000 passengers last May 1. power interruption.

Last Jan. 1, authorities said a system MServ was tapped to lead the full electrical audit of Terminal 3, following glitch stalled hundreds of flights and afthe power outage in the same terminal, af- fected around 65,000 passengers.

Taguig-Makati turf war over Fort Bonifacio dev’t raised before SC anew MANILA – The City of Taguig has asked the Supreme Court to order the city government of Makati to explain Mayor Abby Binay’s “troubling” claims on the land row between the two cities involving the rich Fort Bonifacio Global City.

Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano filed before the high court an urgent manifestation and motion asking it to investigate the “disturbing claims” made by Binay on the land dispute, which was already resolved by the Supreme Court.

Binay, who is a lawyer, said last week that the fight is not yet over even though the SC decided with finality that jurisdiction over Fort Bonifacio Military Res-

ervation — he site of lifestyle hub and financial center Bonifacio Global City — belongs to Taguig. The decision also affected some of Makati’s barangays, known as “embos” or “enlisted men’s barrios.”

In a five-page manifestation and motion, Mayor Cayetano, asked the SC to “require (the) City of Makati and Mayor Abigail Binay to show cause why they (Binay) should not be sanctioned,” citing statements allegedly made by Binay that the high court has agreed to reopen the issue already decided on December 2021.

The SC affirmed the ruling with finality in April that the Fort Bonifacio Mili-

TURF WAR. Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano leads the filing of a mo�on before the Supreme Court in connec�on with a territorial dispute against neighbor Maka� City. The high court has ruled that the Fort Bonifacio Military Reserva�on, including Bonifacio Global City, belongs to Taguig.

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408.286.9360 408.286.9311

tary Reservation, where BGC is located, belongs to Taguig and enjoined the Makati City government to cease from “exercising jurisdiction over, making improvements on, or otherwise treating as part of its territory.”

“While such social media post could have been dismissed as nothing more than ‘fake news,’ an interview with Mayor Abigail Binay subsequently surfaced which echoed the same message that the fight is allegedly not yet over, and appeared to support and confirm the social media post on the supposed ‘reopening’ (of the case),” Taguig City’s petition read.

Makati City Administrator Claro Certeza issued a statement on behalf of Binay, who is in the United Kingdom to attend the London Tech Week and a garden reception at 10 Downing Street hosted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Certeza denied the Taguig statement over the weekend that Binay brought the dispute to Malacañang and said they have not heard of any petition “brought before the Supreme Court on the basis of social media posts with dubious authorship, accuracy and credibility.”

“These social media posts invoked

by Taguig have made outrageous and irresponsible allegations against the Presi-

dent, the First Lady and the Court itself.

They have been ignored by credible media outlets and for good reason. No rightthinking lawyer would petition the High Court on the basis of these posts. Yet, Taguig, displaying unfathomable wisdom, has chosen to do so. Regardless, if we are asked to comment by the Supreme Court, we will file our comment,” Certeza said.

Taguig based its claim over the BGC area on its existence for over 400 years initially as a pueblo (town) of the province of Manila, now Rizal.

In 1903, the municipality of Pateros absorbed Taguig and Muntinlupa but in 1905, the municipality of Pateros was changed to Taguig and reacquired its former area and absorbed territories of Pateros and Muntinlupa.

On Jan. 20, 1995, President Fidel V. Ramos issued Special Patent No. 3595 conveying the land in favor of the Bases Conversion Development Authority and Special Patent 3596 which conveyed parcels of land within Taguig in favor of the Fort Bonifacio Development Corp.

The Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 153 also ruled on July 8, 2011 that “Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation is confirmed to be part of the City of Taguig.”

5 June 15-21, 2023

 PROVINCIAL NEWS

Visayan bishops revive call for creation of new Samar Island Region BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar – After the proposal for an all-Negros island region, Visayan bishops are now calling for the creation of a new Samar Island Region separate from Eastern Visayas and they have found support from local officials like Governor Ben Evardone.

The proposed region will be composed of the provinces of Northern Samar, Western Samar, and Eastern Samar all in the Samar island.

“We need to appeal to our president, honorable Bongbong Marcos, through our DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., and to our legislators, to make

a law declaring one Island, one Region, and that island is no other than the Island of Samar,” Diocese of Borongan Bishop Crispin Varquez said.

Varquez was joined by Diocese of Calbayog Bishop Isabelo Abarquez, and Diocese of Catarman Bishop Emmanuel Trance who said the proposal for a separate Samar Island Region was made as early as in 2016, following the creation of the Negros Island Region (NIR) in 2015.

“We are the third largest island in the country so we deserve the undying service from our national government,” the bishop added.

Samar has an area of 13,429 square

kilometers and a population of 1,909,537, according to a 2020 census by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Vasquez proposed that government agencies and regional offices should be clustered in each of the three provinces, and that interconnected road networks should be established to ease transportation and jumpstart development in the proposed region.

Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone, the province’s former lone district representative, supported the bishop’s call to create a Samar Island Region.

“That is a good initiative, if only to stress the need to prioritize Samar Island in

terms of economic development,” he said.

“I welcome that proposal, and again I just want to reiterate our firm and unequitable support to all the initiatives of SIPPAD (Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development),” he added.

The Negros Island Region (NIR) was established on May 29, 2015 through Executive Order (EO) 183 signed by late President Benigno Aquino III. It was, however, abolished on Aug. 9, 2017, when former President Rodrigo Duterte revoked Aquino’s EO, citing the substantial funding needed to keep the region operational which competed with other government projects.

US builds, turns over fully equipped disaster relief shelter in Palawan PUERTO PRINCESA CITY – The United States formally turned over a fully equipped disaster relief shelter worth P17 million to Palawan, the US Embassy in Manila said Friday.

The multipurpose hall was constructed by US Naval Engineers, also known as Seabees, for the residents of Barangay Luzviminda in Puerto Princesa City as part of Washington DC’s efforts to strengthen alliance and cooperation with the Philippines.

The structure, which could also serve as a community center for elderly residents and persons with disabilities, was turned over to local officials led by Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron

and village chief Laddy Gemang at a ribbon-cutting ceremony last May 30.

The fully equipped facility is the barangay’s first designated disaster relief shelter and will enhance the community’s resilience to natural calamities.

“Our collaborative effort with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in constructing the disaster relief shelter has yielded substantial results. It has bolstered engineering capabilities, enhanced interoperability, and played a pivotal role in providing essential support during natural disasters,” US Navy Detachment Philippines Officer-in-Charge ENS Huy Duong said.

Philippine Navy Western Command

Plan to return to old name of Manila airport revived

(WESCOM) commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, for his part, said the shelter’s completion is a “significant milestone” in the two nations’ shared commitment to providing immediate and effective assistance to communities vulnerable to natural calamities and disasters.

“Disaster preparedness is a collective responsibility and we must work together across all sectors to serve the community, build resilience, and enhance our capacity to respond effectively to any future disaster that may come our way,” he said.

Bayron, meanwhile, extended his gratitude to the US and welcomed the

presence of the US Navy Seabees in Puerto Princesa.

“You (US Navy Seabees) are always welcome in Puerto Princesa. We look forward to your continued presence here,” he said.

Alongside the shelter, the US Navy also constructed a basketball court that the community can use for recreational activities.

The US Embassy said the US Navy Seabees will continue to collaborate with local government units on other infrastructure projects, including the construction of a classroom for the Carlos National High School in Brookes Point, Palawan.

 NATIONAL NATIONAL NEWS NEWS

June 15-21, 2023

6

Gov’t readies record P5.77 trillion budget for 2023 as higher revenues projected at P6.62T in 2028

By Jennifer T. Santos (DICT) for launching the eGov SuperApp at Malacañan Palace in Manila.

“This is what we are pushing for.

This is what e-governance is about -- to bring it all together, to make it simple and available and accessible,” he said in his speech.

“I am very, very happy that we are going in this direction. There is another part of this that is extremely important, that is sometimes we do not talk about, and that is the lessening of corruption,” Marcos added.

Marcos stressed the importance of digitalizing government services, saying it would be “useful, easy and convenient” for ordinary Filipino citizens.

He said maximizing the use of new technologies would also get rid of “fixers” who ask for money, in exchange for facilitating transactions with government agencies.

GOV’T REVENUES. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman “In that way, it simplifies the process especially for the citizens and there is MANILA – The eGov Super App, tion, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. no discretion being exercised by anythe country’s first one-stop-shop plat- said. one,” Marcos said. “We should not alform for national and local government Marcos made the remark as he con- low them to continue to suffer from services, will provide the public with a gratulated the Department of Informa- these antiquated, corrupt, inefficient hassle-free transaction and curb corrup- tion and Communications Technology system.”

Marcos said he is looking forward to the success of eGov Super App, emphasizing that the launching of the online platform is a “very good step” in attaining his administration’s full digital and economic transformation goals.

The eGov PH mobile application allows users to transact with government agencies, pay bills, and access essential information about government programs and services online.

National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan admitted that transacting even among government agencies is already a big challenge.

“By forcing us to have a common platform, then it will be easier for us to communicate among the different agencies better,” Balisacan said in a briefing.

“The public will have a better way of experiencing public service. So, if they can reduce their cost of transacting with the government because you have an efficient app platform for transacting with the government. You don’t have to travel if you are from Bulacan, you don’t have to go to Makati or to Pasig, just to transact with an agency.”

Ex-Senator, former AFP chief Rodolfo Biazon passes away, hailed as icon of patriotism, integrity

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda MUNTINLUPA CITY – Former Senator, Congressman and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Rodolfo Biazon has passed away at 88 after lingering illness.

The nation led by officials and officers of the Department of National Defense and the AFP extended their deepest sympathies to the family and friends as they mourned the passing of Biazon, who was born in Batac, Ilocos Norte.

His son, Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon, said his father succumbed to pneumonia at 8:30 a.m. on June 12.

“Sen. Biazon’s illustrious career spanned his active service in the military as an officer in the Philippine Marine Corps, and later entering public service as a member of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Throughout his decades-long service to the Filipino nation, Sen. Biazon embodied patriotism, integrity, and commitment to the protection of the country’s freedom and its democratic institutions,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

Biazon was diagnosed with lung cancer in July 2022. This year, he caught pneumonia twice, the second more serious than the first which had further weakened his lungs.

“He courageously fought his last battle like a Marine would, but it is the Lord’s will which prevails,” the younger

Biazon posted.

Biazon, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1961, was born on April 14, 1935, in Batac, Ilocos Norte.

Before being appointed as the 21st AFP chief from Jan. 24 to April 12, 1991 under the administration of the late President Corazon C. Aquino, Biazon served as AFP vice chief of staff from 1990 to 1991, Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) commandant from 1987 to 1989 and PMA superintendent from 1986 to 1987.

He was the first PMC member to be appointed as AFP chief.

Biazon also served as senator from June 30, 1992 to June 30, 1995 and from June 30, 1998 to June 30, 2010, and as Muntinlupa representative from June 30, 2010 to June 30, 2016.

“Sen. Biazon leaves a legacy worthy of emulation by current and future generations of Filipinos. May God grant him eternal rest,” Andolong said.

The AFP also paid tribute to its late chief.

“Gen. Biazon played a pivotal role in defending the country’s democracy and upholding the integrity of our armed forces. His commitment to public service extended into his political career, serving as a senator who championed key legislations that advocated for the welfare of our countrymen,” AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said in a statement.

He added that Biazon’s leadership and integrity will continue to inspire future

generations of servicemen and public servants.

“The AFP shall provide appropriate military honors to the late Gen. Biazon in recognition of his legacy and sacrifices as a soldier and head of the military,” Aguilar said.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said Biazon brought the same military discipline and commitment to the Senate and to every aspect of his life as a public servant.

“I am grateful for the time that we spent in the Senate together and I am glad we had one last chance to reconnect with him last November, when he attended the Senate reunion. He was as bright and astute as ever, and a fountain of guidance and wisdom for those of us currently in the Senate,” Zubiri said in a statement.

Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. extended his condolences to Biazon’s family, stressing that the latter was “the embodiment of a true officer and gentleman who devoted his entire life to serving the Philippines and the Filipino people.”

Former Sen. Franklin Drilon said: “A patriot has fallen. In his lifetime, Sen Pong Biazon always stood, and fought, for what is right for our country. He fought a good fight.”

Senator Rissa Hontiveros said Biazon “always answered the call of duty even when he was no longer in office” and was a steady source of strength for women and women’s advocates in the fight for the passage of the Reproductive Health

Law. “Regarded as macho due to his military background, he challenged stereotypes to stand not just for, but with women,” Hontiveros said in another statement.

Senator Mary Grace Poe Llamanzares said the country lost an exemplar soldier and solon.

“His valuable work in fortifying the military institution and in lawmaking will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in these trying times,” Poe stated.

7 June 15-21, 2023 PHL flag...

(From page 1)

Adopted Filipina Dominguez

Karina

South San Francisco City Mayor Flor Nicolas and husband Nenar

Evangeline Sanggalang and Michelle Amores

Hall premises to continue with the program where speakers from different groups and organizations were heard. Masters of ceremonies were Michelle Amores and Rose Flores.

Bayanihan FilAm Foundation’s (BFF) community leader Evangeline Sanggalang delivered the opening remarks and the context of the event pitching the BFF main purpose to be the mainstream, not the extreme, in serving a lot of Kababayan (fellowmen) being part of the diaspora among the biggest Filipino community.

“We are conducting this event here in San Jose mainly because we are holding true to one of our popular Filipino saying ‘ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan’,” Sanggalang reminded everyone.

San Jose City Mayor Matt Mahan also spoke during the program, together with District 4 Councilmember David Cohen, District 5 Councilmember Peter Ortiz and Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer of the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco.

“We are also here to celebrate the proud Filipino American community we have here in San Jose as we celebrate the hard-fought struggle for freedom represented by the Philippine Republic but also the struggle of Filipinos across our country embodied by our Filipino farmworkers (like Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz) beside Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta and others. We remember that last year, we unanimously voted for the naming of Delano Manongs Park as District 5’s memory of the contribution of the Delano Manongs’ to the fight for economic justice,” underscored Mahan on the importance of Filipinos in San Jose the comprise 6% of the city’s population or around 60,000 residents who are in the fields of business, armed forces, education, healthcare, among others.

Cohen of District 4 voiced out that the gathering was for special reasons to strengthen the community, promote cultural community and embrace extraordinary talents.

“I recently learned the meaning of Bayanihan to formulate program together to help individuals and communities achieve a common goal. Bayanihan is deeply ingrained in the Filipino culture that makes Filipino community in San Jose truly exceptional,” said Cohen. “Together we can overcome challenges and create a bright future for our community by abiding by the spirit of Bayanihan.”

District 5’s Ortiz

spoke of how San Jose has been blessed by the contribution the ever-growing Filipino community that is now 60,000-strong.

“Our country and region owe the Filipino American community a great debt of gratitude starting with the struggles of the like of Larry Itliong, Philip vera Cruz and the Delano manongs who played a vital pivotal role in the labor strikes and great boycotts among grape workers,” Ortiz recalled. “In short the Filipino community has provided this city great leaders in culture, labor, faith and business. And it is inspiring to see their contributions immortalized through the Delano Manongs Park.”

In expressing his gratitude to the officials of San Jose City, Santa Clara County and BFF for spearheading the event, ConGen Ferrer talked of 2023 as the kickoff on the commemoration for recalling significant events to pave the way for the establishment of Asia’s first constitutional and democratic republic.

“We also this day the culmination of 333 years of Spanish colonial rule and the day that the Philippine National Anthem was played and heard for the very first time. Next year 2024, we will commemorate 125 years since the promulgation of the first Philippine Constitution and the inauguration of the first Philippine Republic both of which were the first in Asia. The other pivotal moments in the history of the Philippines that we remember include the 125 anniversaries of the start the Philippine-American War February 4, 2024, the American capture of President Emilio Aguinaldo and end of the first Philippine Republic on March 23, 2026.”

Ferrer added that the watershed moments in Philippine history remind of the struggles Filipino people have endured and the sacrifices that Filipinos had to make in defense of freedom.

For the multi-year anniversary of mentioned events, Ferrer shared that the Philippine government has chosen the theme Kalayaan, Kasaysayan, Kinabukasan (Freedom, History, Future).

Other guests included

Bulaklakan na�ve dance Filipina South San Francisco Mayor Flor Nicolas who found the event a great opportunity and a wonderful occasion “wherein all our kababayans will be here to be acknowledged as one of the movers and shakers of the San Francisco Bay Area.”

“This event is very significant because us Filipinos are living in the U.S. we still acknowledge our Motherland the Philippines and makes us all proud to be Filipinos,” Nicolas stressed.

One of the many adopted Filipinas who was at the event, former Milpitas Vice Mayor and Council

City Council Members join organizers Bayanihan Fil Am Founda�on

Member Karina Dominguez, was glad to celebrate with Filipinos in the event.

‘I am very honored to be sharing space with ev-

eryone as I am also here to support the Filipino family and making sure that our history and culture continue,” Dominguez said.

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 NATIONAL NEWS Marcos...

(From page 1)

eruptions from at least 10 cities and towns.

At the briefing attended by many Cabinet members and local officials, a 90-day plan on how to handle Mayon Volcano’s eruption was firmed up as alert level was raised in the six-kilometer radius surrounding the volcano, forcing the evacuation of some 30,000 families.

The officials also firmed plans in case more destructive eruptions of the volcano occur even as Taal Volcano in Batangas and Kanlaon Volcano in Negros were also acting up.

At the briefing, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said up to 40,000 residents will have

Criminal...

(From page 1)

namely, Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr., former deputy chief for operations; and Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, former Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) chief, who said they were ready to answer the charges against them.

Other commissioned officers charged were Col. Julian Olonan, Lt. Col. Arnulfo Ibanez, Lt. Col. Glen Gonzales, Lt. Col. Dhefrey Punzalan, Maj. Michael Salmingo, Lt. Jonathan Sosongco, Lt. Jefrrey Padilla, Lt. Randolph Pinon, Lt. Silverio Bulleser II and Lt. Ashrap Amerol.

National Police Commission (Napolcom) vice chairman and executive officer Alberto Bernardo said the 38 non-commissioned officers charged include Senior Master Sgt. Jerrywin Rebosora, Master Sgt. Lorenzo Catarata, Senior Master Sgt. Roman Jimenez, Senior Master Sgt.

Desparate... (From page 1)

mission (SEC), which has revoked the licenses of 2,084 lending and financing companies for failure to secure Certificates of Authority (CA).

Another 39 firms had their CA cancelled for various reasons.

At worst, some of the lenders have been found to apply mafia-like tactics such as threatening those who fail to pay on time with injury or even death. Besides the threats, public shaming is also resorted to.

So said the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group, whose spokesperson Police Captain Michelle Sabino told local media that consumers are better off avoiding online lenders.

June 15-21, 2023

8

to be moved to safer ground if experts raise the alert level status of Mayon Volcano from 3 to 4 where areas within eight kilometer radius from the volcano will be evacuated.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in its Wednesday bulletin that Alert Level 3 remains over Mayon Volcano.

In the last 24 hours, it recorded seven volcanic quakes and 309 rockfall events. There was also “very slow effusion of lava” from Mayon’s summit crater.

National data showed that around 14,000 residents within the 6-kilometer danger zone have been evacuated so far.

Meanwhile, 35 residents evacuated in the wake of Mayon Volcano’s heightened unrest have reportedly shown respiratory problems, according to the Department of Health

(DOH).

The DOH said the number was reported as of June 13, noting that the respiratory issues include cough, colds, and sore throat.

The DOH earlier advised Albay residents to avoid exposure to volcanic ash, especially those already suffering from health problems such as bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma. It warned that exposure may cause nose and throat irritation, coughing, bronchitis-like illnesses, discomfort while breathing, eye irritation, and minor skin problems.

Albay Gov. Grex Lagman said that for 90 days, ₱196,711,000 would be needed to provide for those affected by Mayon’s unrest — covering food, water and sanitation, health emergency services, and temporary learning spaces, among others.

Marian Mananghaya, Master Sgt. Bryan Rodas, Staff Sgt. Clitton de Leon, Staff Sgt. Arnold Tibay, Staff Sgt. Ronnie Alonzo, Pat. Joe Marie Cristobal, Master Sgt. Carlo Bayeta, Pat. Dennis Carolino, Pat. Rommar Bugarin, Pat. Hassan Kalaw, Pat. Hustin Peter Gular, Chief Master Sgt. Emmanuele Docena, Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Barit, Master Sgt. Alejandro Flores, Cpl. Jose Joey Igana IV, Cpl. Joan Franceslynn Taradji and Cpl. Joshua Ivan Baltazar.

Also charged were Cpl. Jhon Roland Gelacio, Pat. Adrian Florie Sanchez, Pat. Nathaniel Gomez, Pat Windel de Ramos, Pat. Mario Atchuela Jr., Pat. Jayson Tomas, Pat. Rommel Fabian, Pat. Kyhke Ramilo, Pat Nemar Baylon, Pat. Maico Bien Baldeo, Pat. Mara Magaway, Pat. Ivan Jay Calcetas, Pat Abigail Tumanguil, Pat. Dhonna May Facton, Pat. Melvin Barbo, Pat. James Osalvo, Pat. Darious Camacho and Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr. Abalos said the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Napolcom filed the cases against the 50 policemen for

violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act; RA 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act as amended; Revised Penal Code, in particular, Article 171 on Falsification, Article 183 on Perjury, Article 184 on False Testimony and Article 217 for Malversation of Public Property; and Presidential Decree No. 1829 or Obstruction of Justice were filed against the police officers before the Office of the Ombudsman on June 9.

“Aside from the criminal charges filed against these police officers, the Napolcom is conducting administrative proceedings. The Napolcom has completed its pre-charge investigation against the 48 PNP officers and members that appeared in the video and expects to issue its resolution after about 15 days,” Abalos said.

Abalos explained that the filing of cases stemmed from the investigation by Napolcom and the PNP’s Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) on the 990-kg shabu haul worth P6.7 billion in Manila last year.

There is, however, one catch. posed to be deposited, he found out that he only received While banks are the better source of availing of loans at half that amount. He was charged the other half in “prorates regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), cessing fees and miscellaneous charges.” borrowers are often bogged down by documentary requireAlso, the 180 day paying period that he understood was ments. In almost all cases, borrowers also have to offer col- actually a mere seven days. lateral whose value is greater than the amount of the loan In that short span, the interest he was being charged was applied for. more than the amount he actually received.

Villanueva said borrowers should be “protected against The borrowers would then apply their threatening deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable acts and practices, tactics. In some cases, borrowers would be “exposed” as including abusive collection and debt recovery practices.” scammers to the contacts they had provided, for failing to The lawmaker said his office has been inundated with pay for the loans they availed of. “hundreds of complaints from people who were harassed, Last year, the SEC complied with a BSP directive placintimidated, and shamed by the collecting agents of these ing a cap on interest rates on loans made by lending and online lending platforms for being unable to pay their loans financing companies and their online lending apps. on time.”

For loans of PHP10,000 or less with a paying period Sabino said harassment by lenders in order collect past of up to four months, the maximum nominal interest rate due loans is illegal. She advised victims to report such was pegged at six percent, or about 0.2 percent a day. The threats to authorities, taking screen shots to support their effective interest rate is at 15 percent, or about 0.5 percent claims. per day.

She said that most instant cash loans appear to have Senator Villanueva said he has filed Senate Resolution minimal requirements and are processed entirely on a 641 to look into the usurers victimizing consumers. smart phone. The funds are usually released within the day.

For now, it appears that online lenders have replaced the Applying for loans involves filling out personal infor- old “five-six” lenders commonly targeting market vendors mation forms with a working cellphone number, submit- and small business owners. ting a valid ID, and taking a selfie. The final condition is for the borrower to agree to the terms and conditions, which includes access to one’s contacts. The last item is illegal, said Sabino, as a third party’s number may not be shared without his or her permission.

Borrowers are also not Notary Public & Real Estate Broker fully informed of the actual, effective interest rates as well as the true paying period – the proverbial small print. *Commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (BRE#00635976) in California Fees are also not exsince 1981. Author, Columnist, and Member, National Notary Association (NNA) plained until a loan has been availed of.

As an example, a borrower said he was approved for a PHP2,500 loan. When he checked his bank account where the proceeds were sup-

9 June 15-21, 2023 Marcos...

(From page 1)

Marcos message: The country will never bow down to any external force.

The President made the pledge amid challenges to Philippine sovereign rights in its maritime territory that includes the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) within 200 miles from Philippine coastline.

Earlier, his new defense secretary, Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., said the Philippines will continue its military buildup as he dared China to adhere to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to earn the Philippines’ trust.

“The heroes of our liberation would be proud to know that we have thrown off the ‘ominous yoke of domination’; never again to be subservient to any external force that directs or determines our destiny,” Marcos stressed in his Philippine Independence Day speech.

Marcos, at the same tim,e assured the Filipino people of his support to free the country from the corrosive political and social conditions that hold the nation captive.

In his speech, President Marcos said that he is honored to stand as the country’s representative to commemorate the heroism of the Filipino heroes who fought for the country’s independence.

He also urged the people to pause and reflect on how far the country had come “from that transformative event” in Philippine history.

“I appeal for unity and solidarity in our efforts to perfect our hardfought freedom, and achieve genuine national progress. Heeding this call

Senior... (From page 1)

neighbor, while hurling racial insults.

The assault was captured on CCTV and should have been an open and shut case with the suspect having to face the full force of the law.

Instead, Quindara says the suspect was getting off too lightly.

A report from KTNV said the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested Christian Lentz for “residential burglary.”

On May 30, the 44-year-old Lentz was seen on CCTV first threatening Quindara, then leaving, only to return half an hour later and physically assaulting the senior citizen.

The victim was sitting in his garage at the time and the surveillance video showed Lentz threatening him multiple times.

Lentz then punched Quindara repeatedly, then slamming him to the ground, causing injuries to his head.

Among others, Quindara remembers Lentz telling him: “You should speak English, you should speak English. You Japanese!”

The victim was told by his attacker

will indispensably require patriotism and a strong sense of community, diligence, industry, and responsibility from all our citizens,” Marcos said.

In other developments: 1. Fishermen in Pag-asa Island continue to be affected by the presence of Chinese Coast Guard ships in the area which bar them from fishing in the area and nearby areas.

2. A Chinese navy training vessel berthed in Manila on June 14 for a rare port visit as the two countries contest reefs and waters in the South China Sea. “It’s a goodwill visit,” Chinese ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said.

China claims most of the strategic South China Sea including waters close to Philippine shores, ignoring a 2016 international tribunal ruling that voided its claims and have swarmed the region with war ships, Coast Guard vessels and hundreds of militia ships.

Meanwhile, Teodoro made the statement in a Malacanang Palace briefing when sought for reaction to the supposed contradiction in China’s words and actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“As a stronger country, it (China) has the bigger obligation to be magnanimous and show trust and to earn the trust of the Filipino people by conforming its activities to recognize norms of international law, which in our case is UNCLOS,” he said.

“We are talking about the arbitral award. It has already been stated by our two past presidents that our rights and our territory are defined by UNCLOS and it has been stated too that this cannot be frittered away or bargained away by passages of administhat he should be “in a ventilator” and was told to “die” several times.

Quindara says that the hateful words hurt him more than his physical injuries, and he now lives in constant fear of his neighbor.

He has reason to be afraid. The LVMPD has released Lentz from jail.

The attack has all the hallmarks of a hate crime as Lentz used superior force on a frail, old man who, incidentally, is not Japanese. While he appears and sounds like a Filipino, Quindara considers himself a proud American who displays the US flag in front of his house.

Even with the presence of video evidence, it remains a mystery why the attacker was not charged with serious physical injuries.

This case is reminiscent of another instance when a racist attacked a FilipinoAmerican family near Hollywood recently, with the police refusing to charge the assailant with a hate crime, but only with a much lesser offense.

Observers feel that such cases only serve to embolden racists, who can be charged with lesser crimes and not even do jail time.

tration or passage of time,” Teodoro added.

The defense chief said the Philippines is a responsible and mature nation and is not a puppet of anyone, when asked whether the “balance of scales” in dealing with the United States and China has changed and where the country stands regarding this issue.

“My role is to articulate our policy clearly and also to avoid any misinterpretation of our international engagements with our treaty partners.

And that role I reiterate is to help create as a value proposition the Philip-

pines has a strong parity partner in defending itself, because I mean the Philippines is important not only to the United States but also to China, it is important to other countries too,” he said in a television interview.

In line with his goal of presenting the Philippines as a value proposition, Teodoro said we should articulate that “we are responsible, we are mature, we are not puppets of anyone.”

Teodoro also emphasized that he will not fall into the trap of siding with “one camp or the other.”

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 OPINION

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EDITORIAL

More needs to be done to Stop Asian Hate

A

s one of the two US states with the largest Asian-American communities – the other being New York – California has had to face the problem of attacks by hatemongers on the most vulnerable sectors of that community. This includes women, senior citizens, even children, who all have one thing in common – they were defenseless against usually larger bullies with an unknown axe to grind.

Thankfully, California has done much to try and solve the problem. More than most states, in fact. Governor Gavin Newsom is to be commended for his efforts.

But we must ask for more.

The fight against Asian-hate is far from over and one of the most potent tools against this scourge is to provide funds to pay for the worthwhile projects put a stop to the vile acts.

The API Equity Budget provides those much-needed funds. This fund was set up two years ago and Governor Newsom deserves nothing but the highest praise for his meaningful programs to end acts of hate aimed at Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, AKA the AAPI community. And yes, Filipinos and FilAms are part and parcel of this community.

As the original API Equity Budget will soon run dry, the good governor of our Golden State is proposing an additional allocation of $10 million to add to the diminishing funds. This is quite well and good. The supplementary budget can go some way in facing the problem that continues to fester.

But we must agree wholeheartedly with the California Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, which is strongly urging an additional budget of $50 million to the API Equity Budget.

We are certain that it is not only absolutely needed, but every cent will be money well spent.

We recall with hope in our collective hearts when Governor Newsom backed the Caucus and first launched the API Equity Budget with an initial $166.5 million in July of 2021.

Its intent was to fund critical resources to counteract the surge in Asian hate. Little did anybody know that the seemingly random acts of hate would continue, almost certainly beyond the three-year lifespan of the fund.

It is for this reason that we ask for a greater supplementary budget from the governor’s administration.

Much progress has been made in the two years that the API Equity Budget was first launched. For one, the broad Asian-American community has come to realize that they are in this together, that an attack on one community is an attack on all minority communities.

Then there are the victims, who may be permanently scarred by their experiences, but who at least have been able to avail of greater victim services than ever before.

In so many ways, ending Asian hate is a long and difficult war, and the funds provided by the API Equity Budget provides the ammunition to face the battles that continue to this day, practically unabated.

We are counting on our Governor Newsom to continue leading the way to end Asian hate. We are counting on you, sir.

F

OR decades-long community service in diverse fields, Aurea Ocampo Cruz, Conrad Gamboa, Cynthia Arnaldo Bonta, Perla Gange Ibarrientos, Peter and Estrelle Chan will receive commendation June 17 at the 14th annual “Our Family, Our Future” education program and resource fair organized by ALLICE Alliance for Community Empowerment.

“We celebrate longevity and the meaningful ways our six pioneers continue working for the greater good even after they conclude their professional careers,” announced Bettina Santos Yap, founding president of the CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO all-volunteer nonprofit founded in 2003.

“We are all living longer, but unfortunately ageism is escalating,” she added. “Recognizing our Grand Agers is our way of rejecting age discrimination because, as our honorees prove, we get better with age.”

BETTER WITH AGE AFTER completing 12 years advising the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors on issues facing older adults as a member of the County Commission on Aging, Aurea Ocampo Cruz, 91, continues to lead the Legion of Mary at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Colma, California. She oversees planning meetings, parishioner visits particularly to the sick, and responding to the spiritual needs of the congregation.

The Cavite native effectively provides service 24/7, being in charge of the wellness and health program of her housing complex. She’s the epitome of “charity begins at home” for she religiously visits her husband Ross Ocampo, 93, as he recovers at a rehab center for an accident that ended his own longtime volunteer work as a peer counselor.

CONRAD Gamboa, 81, found his vocation at St. Augustine Catholic Church in South San Francisco, his parish since 1986. He had attained his doctor of dentistry degree from the University of the East in Manila when he brought his wife Linda and their daughter to this country in 1972. After briefly practicing his profession, he joined California Pacific Medical Center, where he worked for nearly three decades.

The Gamboas are pillars of the parish Small Christian Community and FilAm Society. Recently La Union-born Conrad, a eucharistic and hospitality minister, was lauded for his ongoing 35 years as a Knight of Columbus, including a year as Grand Knight.

ACTIVIST, organizer and mobilizer Cynthia Arnaldo Bonta, 85, keeps on going since the 1960s, marching alongside icons of Filipino American empowerment in the California heartland.

Founder of the Philippine National Day Association kindling Filipinos’ quest for higher education with scholarships, she is mindful of her beginnings, having laid the proverbial foundation for the City Sistership between her adopted home city Alameda and Dumaguete City, where she was born, raised and began her ministry.

Two years ago she organized Filipino American Progressives to consolidate state then national efforts to support progressive Filipino and Asian American electoral candidates.

Lately she has been collaborating with Latinx leaders to build the Larry Itliong Resource Center as a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Valley Empow-

Upside

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Longtime volunteers define “Grand-Ager”

(Continued on page 26)

I

Righting history

n 2021, my good friend, Dr.Potenciano “Bon” Malvar, published a book entitled “ Limasawa Hoax: A Tragedy in Philippine History.”

In his Obra Maestra, Bon detailed the reasons and proofs buttressing his contention that Butuan, not Limasawa, was the true site of the first Catholic Mass on Philippine soil.

Bon dedicated his book to his wife, Lulu Comcom Malvar, who sadly passed away due to an aneurysm in October, 2021.

The book was the product of extensive research over a period of five years , during which Bon traveled to Spain, Portugal, Italy and the United States to verify facts, get proofs to bolster his stand.

How could this error in history have happened?

I personally blame Philippine politics for it, for it all began in 1959, when Congress passed RA 2733, a law sponsored by Leyte Congressman Nicanor Yniguez, while those concerned weren’t looking.

The law declared Limasawa to be the official site of the first Easter Mass in the Philippines.

It was passed hurriedly, with many irregularities, such as no ocular visits to the site, with just a few Congressmen present.

Over six decades later, thanks to Bon Malvar, the authenticity of Limasawa as the true site of the first Catholic Mass on Philippine soil was questioned. Other Butuanons had tried to raise the question earlier , but failed to get the authorities to listen. They did not, however, go to the lengths that Bon has taken to make the proper authorities consider the case.

Last April, I learned that Bon had gone to Lisbon, Portugal to continue his quest for truth, his impossible dream. He went there to secure an authentic April 19,1521 order of King Charles to Ferdinand Magellan “to conceal (guize) m his trip to the Spice islands ,(Continued on page 27)

 OPINION Governors of California and Pangasinan: their fate are entwined

The Great San Francisco Homelessness Racket

D

In My Heart

AN FRANCISCO espite being so far There are two able away, I think about governors who I know, San Francisco every respect and admire. They day, many times a day. I are California Governor follow the news on the city.

Gavin Christopher M. Newsom and the governor of my I follow analysis. All this home province Pangasinan, driven by some inexplicable Ramon V. Guico III. fascination on my part with The two governors are why the homeless problem both young (Newsom is 55, is never ever solved. It was Guico is 48), dynamic and ALFRED G. GABOT present but not so problemgood looking, assets which atic when I lived there thirty could have helped catapult them to their powerful positions. years ago, and I would bet In fact, in the May 9, 2022 gubernatorial campaign in money that it will still be Pangasinan, Guico, then Congressman of the fifth district there in 100 years. Despite all of the province which included Binalonan, my hometown the taxes and other public funds allocated to solving and that of Carlos Bulosan and the governor, was dubbed by the media as “Mr. Guwapo” as he was pitted against the problem. Before Covid, those public funds filled then incumbent Governor Amado Espino II, known to a kitty worth over $500 million. Now, I understand many Pangasinenses as “Pogi.” Thus, the race was known that the funds are crossing $2 billion. And yet, the as the battle of “Guwapo versus Pogi.” problem never goes away. It is beginning to define Mr. Guwapo made history in that election after he San Francisco to the rest of the world. The Econoroundly defeated Mr. Pogi in his first ever gubernatorial mist published an article about it in its most recent fight. issue. The financial rags are covered with stories of In an election three years before, Mr. Guwapo (Guico) was not given a yeoman’s chance to win by political pundits store closings. People are leaving. Companies are being a neophyte pitted against Rep. Amado T. Espino Jr., leaving. And, still, for the life of them, San Francisco a seasoned politician, who had served as Pangasinan gov- just can’t clean up its streets. ernor for three terms and congressman for several terms.

For a long time, I could not understand how the Besides, according to the pundits, Guico, then a mayor, local government continued to fail at this problem. It had only a small town, Binalonan, as his bailiwick, while seems so simple: give them communal housing under Espino had the historic town of Bautista where the original a real roof with bathrooms, not tent cities. When I National Anthem was composed and all other towns which he had served as governor for three terms and congressman asked people in government what is the cause of the failure, it is as if they were answering another quesfor three years.

But many saw the promising potentials of the young tion, or they didn’t understand the problem. Of course, Guico. He is a licensed pilot, founded the first airline and there are different causes of homelessness. For examfirst private municipal airport in Pangasinan and the Philip- ple, some are on the streets because of mental illness pines, the Binalonan Airfield, complete with modern han- and drug use. Some are responsible individuals who gar for its planes and helicopters, spic and span terminals for have simply been priced out of homes in an environarrival and departing passengers. Morever, he also founded an aviation, tourism and technological college (WCC Aero- ment where there is a severe housing shortage.

That was then. I think I know the answer now: nautical and Technological College), another first for Binacrooked government. lonan and Pangasinan, which have been training would-be pilots, aviation mechanics, flight attendants and stewardThere’s no intention of solving the problem, takesses and other airline crews. Earlier on, then Mayor Guico ing the public displays of human feces and fentanyl spearheaded the establishment of the town’s local university, addiction off the streets and putting them under the University of Eastern Pangasinan (UEP), as he moved to solid roofing. They want this problem to be visregain the town’s title as Center of Education or University Town in Eastern Pangasinan. He and his father, now incum- ible so that more taxes can be raised, more funding bent Congressman Ramon N. Guico Jr., also initiated the from obtained elsewhere. Instead of allocating those opening of the first economic zone in the province in Bina- funds to something that works, they use the money lonan, besides the Binalonan airport. to create jobs—people to staff the navigation centers The young Guico demolished then incumbent Congress- (what are those for?), funds for the many charities man Amado T. Espino Jr., father of Mr. Pogi and former serving the homeless, expensive union employees three-time governor, in the fifth district, in the 2019 election, to clean the feces off the streets (because they union earning for him the sobriquet “giant killer of Pangasinan.”

In the 2022 gubernatorial elections, Mr. Guwapo, amass- members vote and toilets don’t). They use the funds ing 885,272 votes, trounced Mr. Pogi who got 697,465 votes to overpay for products and services like $20,000 or a difference of 187,807 votes. Mr. Guwapo’s victory in garbage cans and overpriced rents of parking spaces 2022 re-affirmed his monicker as Pangasinan’s giant killer. where homeless pitch their tents.

While their looks have made people, especially women, It is an egregious example of corruption. And, spellbound, their accomplishments in the offices they have when I look at it that way, it makes sense why there and had occupied over the years had solidified their support are never any answers to questions, never something from the ordinary folk and the various sectors of the comsensible out of the mouths of the politicians. munity.

I wonder when the population will lose patience (Editor’s Note: The writer is a book author, professor with this corrupt government that has made the and journalist in the Philippines and United States, having been president of the National Press Club during which he streets so dangerous and turned San Francisco into linked up with the National Press Club in Washington D.C. what it is now from the bustling tech mecca where and launched NPC chapters in US. He served as a member down to earth coffee shops existed side-by-side with of the Board of Regents of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng retain 3D printing services, where AI and Biotech Maynila for two six-year terms, Commissioner of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Chairman startups proliferated en masse.

Come on, San Franciscans. Vote out these crooks. of the Board of Directors, Philippine Postal Corporation, If the day of reckoning is not nigh, it will never among others.)

(To be Continued) come.

12

Deed of absolute sale and Special Power of Attorney

D

o you have ready buyers of your properties in the Philippines but can’t go home?

If this is your dilemma or problem, just follow what the 88-year-old and 93-year-old couple did in using DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE and Special Power of Attorney (SPA) prepared by their law- ART GABOT MADLAING yer.

Last month, elderly couple residing in San Francisco, California called Mobile Signing Services (MSS) and requested assistance and help in the notarization and apostille follow up on sets of DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE and Special Power of Attorney prepared by their lawyer for the sale of their real estate property located in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

The elderly couple called me and scheduled a meeting in their home for the signing and notarization of the documents last May 18, 2023. Before the meeting, I instructed the couple to prepare three copies of the DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE and Special Power of Attorney and three copies of their IDs. Before we hang up the phone, I unexpectedly got a request from the wife that I’ll bring an autographed copy of my updated “REAL ESTATE & YOU” subtitled “Basic Information & Guide for Successful Investing in Home Land and Income Property.” I found out later on that the couple had been reading regularly my weekly column in the PHILIPPINE NEWS TODAY. As previously arranged, my beloved wife Virginia Jimenez and I personally met the elderly couple in their home in San Francisco, California last May 18,2023, Thursday, 2:00 pm.

After some preliminaries, I had them signed the three copies of each set of the DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE and Special Power of Attorney (SPA). Then, I had the elderly couple signed my Journal of Notarial Acts and put their right thumb marks. After notarization, as requested by the wife, I presented to the elderly couple the autographed copy of my updated “REAL ESTATE & YOU” subtitled “Basic Guide and Information for Successful Investing in Home. Land and Income Property” plus a free gift of the autographed copy of “LONGEVITY TIPS” subtitled “Secrets You Can Discover and Do for Good Health and Longevity,” much to their surprise and satisfaction.

The following week, I submitted the signed and notarized DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE and Special Power of Attorney to the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento, California for apostille. Within 10 working days of apostille processing, I received the apostilled documents from the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in Sacramento, California. The following day, we personally delivered the apostilled DEED OF ABSOUTE SALE and Special Power of Attorney. The elderly couple were so happy and satisfied for the prompt, complete and unique services with MSS. We, at MSS, are committed, dedicated and will continue to assist and help old and new clients particularly the elderly, veterans and those physically handicapped in the notarization and apostille follow up on Affidavits, Special Power of Attorney (SPA), DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, Waiver of Rights, Proof of Life, Parental Travel Permit (PYP), DEED OF DONATION, Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate and other documents needed in the Philippines and the other member nations of the Hague Apostille Convention. Here are some advantages and benefits withy MSS: 1.

DISCOUNTS FOR THE ELDERTY AND VETERANS – We offer 5%-10% discount to the veterans and the elderly like the elderly couple mentioned above.

2.

AVOID TAKE OFF FROM WORK –You don’t have to take off from work and drive to Sacramento, California just to submit notarized documents for apostille at the Secretary of State, Notary Public Section.

3.

VERY FLEXIBLE APPOINTMENTS – We offer very flexible appointments during office hours, after office hours and weekends except on Sunday. The elderly couple mentioned above choosed 2:00pm on Thursday after their afternoon nap.

4.

FREE PARKING - When we had our office at the Philippine Center near the Philippine Consulate Office, our old clients were complaining for the expensive parking fees With our Home-Office in San Francisco, California, old and (Continue on page 27) new clients now have FREE

Health & Wealth

S

June 16-22, 2023

13 June 15-21, 2023

 OPINION

t’s not exactly big news to learn that the Philippine healthcare system is in the middle of a major manpower crisis. It’s been talked about and reported multiple times in both print and broadcast media. I’ve written about it before.

But it was only very recently that I learned of how serious the problem has beBETING DOLOR come. Actually, critical might be a better word.

I have friends and relatives who work in the healthcare industry, mostly doctors and nurses. I also know a few owners or stockholders of hospitals, big and small.

During the height of the pandemic, a friend – a male nurse – related to me and my partner how he had to give up as he was too burned out to continue. More than the burnout is the low pay he was getting from a private hospital in Manila.

His gross pay, he told us, was less than P20,000. Then there were the usual deductions like withholding tax, SSS, and Pag-IBIG. For all the hard work he was putting into his job, he was not entitled to overtime pay. During the pandemic, he and his fellow workers were promised additional pay, which they never got. More on this later.

Worst of all, he was witness to a few of his fellow nurses getting infected with COVID-19, and a couple even passed away in the hospital where he was employed.

He told us that he previously liked his job, liked the idea of helping care for the sick and the injured. But too many nights of forced overtime had gotten to him.

One day, he just upped and quit. He was not looking for another nursing job anywhere he told us. After a few weeks of rest, he said he had found an online gig which was so much easier as he could work from home. Best of all, he was earning double what he was getting as an overworked nurse. He learned that many nurses were also working at the call center, and all said there was no turning back.

A doctor-relative whom I ran into during a recent birthday party told me that the hospital where he worked – it’s one of the biggest in the city – was getting desperate for nurses. He even advised me to tell all my friends and relatives who had kids who were soon to enter college to take up nursing, as jobs were plentiful.

As for the pay, private and public hospitals have become so desperate that they were now considering raising the starting pay. But because they cannot possibly double the present salaries, they were thinking of providing non-cash benefits such as free meals, housing, and improved medical coverage to include their relatives.

All this is well and good, but the fact remains that most Filipino nurses would rather work abroad, where their pay is anywhere from five to 10 times what they can make in the country.

My late wife’s best friend became a nurse in the US, and can be considered rich by all accounts. She has two houses, three cars, and money in the bank. She, of course, got promoted in the California hospital where she spent all of three decades, before retiring not too long ago.

She may not be a millionaire by US standards, but is a multi-millionaire by Philippine standards. Her lifestyle told me that she was easily in the upper, upper middle class.

She best exemplifies what’s wrong with the Philippine healthcare system. Its workers are generally badly underpaid with little room for growth. Not just nurses, but technicians and nursing assistants, too. With few exceptions, even doctors do not make big money, especially those who work for the government hospitals and clinics.

A friend who married a Brit and goes to the UK regularly told me something that I heard of long ago, which I found hard to believe.

In merry, old England and the rest of the United Kingdom, healthcare is fully subsidized by the government. Anyone who gets sick or injured and needs hospitalization need never worry, for anything.

That’s right, folks. The UK healthcare system is one of the best in the world because healthcare is treated as a basic human right.

In comparison, the Philip(Continue on page 27)

“If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it in one turn of pitch and toss And start again at your beginning And never breath a word about your loss.”

-From IF by Rudyard Kipling

I

n a sense, BBM has beaten me to the draw. I should have written about his rumored Cabinet reshuffle weeks ago. Somehow there were other preoccupations that intervened. Now, I cannot wait. I have to write about the names mentioned to me by a person with deep Palace connections. The names are – Defense – lawyer Gilbert HOMOBONO A. ADAZA Teodoro Health – Dr. Willie Ong PCOO - Harry Roque PMES - Larry Gadon DNER – Jonathan dela Cruz Executive Secretary – Alex Lopez DOTC - Herbert Bautista DA – Mar Roxas DPWH - Anna Mae Lamentillo DICT – Gregorio Honasan DSWD – Isko Moreno Almost everyone in this list is a known personality. At a glance, it seems impressive. If the list turns out to be correct – it is an occasion to say that the conjugal Presidents have finally awakened from their mistake of having appointed many wrong people in the cabinet resulting to many erroneous policies graduating into horrendous implementation.

But on closer examination, one may conclude that the conjugal Presidents have never learned from the mistakes of the past – confirming what the famous Spanish philosopher, George Santayana, once wrote that “Those who do not learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them”, The dual Presidents are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past as they have not learned the lessons of history. Here’s why.

Analysis in brief: Most of the alleged future appointees are publicly known – their resume, achievements and their mistakes. I do not claim to know them except that I do avid monitoring of what goes on in the country. Doing that means I know the outstanding achievements and their serious wrongdoings. So let’s have a glimpse of who they are – starting with Gilbert Teodoro who has already been appointed by BBM – the elected partner in the conjugal presidency.

GILBERT TEODORO – graduated from the UP College of Law, the premiere law college in this country – indisputably during my time. It has produced giants in traditional government – President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos (FM), Manuel Acuńa Roxas, Elpidio Quirino; Vice Presidents Arturo Tolentino and Salvador “Doy” Laurel; Senate Presidents Gil Puyat, Juan Ponce Enriile, Edgardo Angara aand Miguel Zubiri; Speaker Jose B. Laurel, Jr and Nicanor Yńiguez; Defense Minister Macario Peralta and Chiefs of Staff Rigoberto Atienza and Fabian Ver. Teodoro is in such distinguished company, in the traditional sense. He is no babes in the woods either – graduated in the top ten of his class in the UP College of Law and topped the bar examinations. Being one of the leading members of his law class, he is a member of the UP College of Law Honor Society – the Order of the Purple Feather (0PFE). He was appointed Secretary of National Defense not so long ago.

That is an impressive resume – more than that of many high ranking public officials in the past and of the present in this country. But in public service or in any field of human activity, resume is not enough – performance is what counts. So let us examine Gilbert Teodoro – on the level of performance.

But as a congressman and Secretary of National Defense, I don’t remember anything he has done for the country. I don’t remember anything by way of outstanding performance he as done for the military or human rights. The record of this country on national defense and human rights has not changed since Teodoro became as Secretary of National Defense under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. It is as dismal and dark as the darkest night during a devastating storm.

What I remember distinctly about Gilbert Teodoro is his interview when he said what he likes best is to read the Scriptures. I was impressed by his words (Continue on page 27)

Diliman Way

I

Beta Rho Omega Int’l.: 58th founding anniversary to be hosted by UP-Diliman

F

raternities, which used to be the training ground for leaders in college in the early 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and up to the 80’s, are re-evaluating their existence to be relevant in the 21st century.

On October 12, 2019, Beta Rho Omega Fraternity, Int’l. celebrated its 54th founding anniversary with the National University ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO (NU Chapter) hosting the affair. It was held at NU Bro. Egay Pasion’s Place, Five “A” Garden, Mabolo St., Dacon Homes, Kasibulan Village, Cainta, Rizal.

This year, the 58th founding anniversary will be hosted by its mother chapter University of the Philippines (UPDiliman) to be held at UP SOLAIR Auditorium (reserved but subject to confirmation) at UP Diliman, Quezon City on October 7, 2023.

The very successful affair of 2019, which was likewise attended by members abroad aside from local members (Philippines), was made possible by members of the Organizing Committee headed by Bro. Jim Jimenez, NU with longdistance advising/coordination from Bro. Fortunato Trajano Cruz, Jr. NU, from the US; Bro. Jojo Mercado, NU; Bro. Gerry Marcelo, NU; Bro. Egay Sevilla, UP; Bro. Wency Hernandez, PMI; Bro. Pete Frac, NU; Sis. Rose Casabola, MIT; Bro. Frank Doctura, NU; and Bro. Redie Villafuerete, Roosevelt.

The members of this year’s 58th anniversary initial Organizing committee include BRO Fraternity, Inc. President Egay Sevilla, Atty. Nicanor Jimeno, Eduardo Gonzalez, Rolly Tungpalan, Peds Estioko, Mike Soledad, Bob Bantolo, and Joey Reyes. The organizing committee resolved to make the 2023 edition truly meaningful and extra special.

This year’s 58th anniversary with a theme: Going great at 58, Beta Rho Omega is seeking relevance in the 21st century since Greek-lettered fraternities may have been outdated at the present times.

During our college days in the 50’s and the 60’s going to the 70’s and the 80’s, fraternal organizations were the training grounds for college students as campus and community leaders. It was, at that time, it was a prestige belonging to a fraternity, in fact, a status symbol for the students.

After graduation from college, most of the alumni became our national leaders in the executive, legislative and even in the judicial branch of the government. They were trained in college to be responsible, action men, leaders, and team players due to their involvement in fraternal affairs and activities.

Founding member Dr. Eduardo T. Gonzalez, who was a former Collegian Editor, became president of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and Rolando G. Tungpalan became Deputy Director-General/Undersecretary of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

During the 20th and 21st centuries, however, the fraternity’s relevance to the campus and the community dwindled.

Their important and positive role in the community slowly dropped, disappeared and eventually lost in the wilderness. In fact, their existence went to oblivion… I guess.

There is, however, one fraternal group that I think they can still be of use at the present time in helping others and also giving back to the community. All they need to do is re-evaluate their existence and re-align their goals and objectives to the 21st century. They just did it and came out with self-evaluation to be able to be relevant in present times.

That was what the Beta Rho Omega Fraternity exactly did. The alumni of the 15-chapter colleges and universities in the country (with the University of the Philippines – Diliman as the mother chapter), whose members are now living all over the world, met via Zoom and discussed how they will be relevant and be useful in the 21st century.

During the initial reorganizational meetings, founding president (actually the title was Most Noble Fellow) Oscar David, now a resident/citizen of Canada, spoke on how the fraternity can be relevant and how the members can be instrumental in making the organization connect with the present society.

Also, founding member Ed Gonzales, former president of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) based in the Philippines, also spoke on ways on how the fraternity can bring back benefits to the com- (Continue on page 27)

As I See It

Beginning of Cabinet reshuffle

Offline

PHL healthcare system needs massive overhaul

 BUSINESS | IMMIGRATIONS

June 15-21, 2023

14

Did you enter the U.S. using a different name?

I

f you entered the United States using a different name or committed a crime elsewhere then you need a waiver of inadmissibility under Form I-601 so that you can process your green card.

Q: What grounds of inadmissibility may be covered by a waiver?

A: The following grounds of inadmissibility under the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) are as follows: health-related grounds, criminal and related grounds, immigrant membership in a totalitarian party, misrepresentation in immigration matters, smugglers, subject to civil penalty, and unlawful presence in the U.S. for at least 180 days, beginning on or after April 1, 1997, followed by departure from the U.S. Q: How long is the validity of the waiver?

A: If the waiver is granted, then, except for K-1 and K-2 nonimmigrant’s and conditional permanent residents, the grant permanently waives fraud or willful misrepresentation included in the application for purposes of any future immigration benefits application, whether immigrant or nonimmigrant. The waiver remains valid even if the person later abandons or otherwise loses LPR status.

Q: Does the waiver cover all grounds of inadmissibility?

A: A waiver applies only to the specific grounds of inadmissibility and related crimes, events or incidents specified in the waiver application. If, in the future, the applicant is found inadmissible for a separate incident of fraud or willful misrepresentation not already included in an approved waiver application, he or she will be required to file another waiver application. USCIS may reconsider an approval of a waiver at any time if it is determined that the decision has been made in error.

Q: What happens if at the time of entry, the immigration officer declares the visa holder inadmissible based on documentary requirements?

A: If an applicant procured an immigration benefit by fraud or willful misrepresentation, the applicant may also be inadmissible for lack of documentary requirements at the time of entry. When an applicant is granted a waiver for fraud or willful misrepresentation, inadmissibility based on lack of documentary requirements at the time of entry is also implicitly waived.

Q: Can you give an example of the above?

A: For example, an applicant misrepresents a material fact during the overseas nonimmigrant visa application process. The Department of State, however, grants her a visa.

Later, she applies for adjustment of status. During her adjustment interview, an officer discovers her misrepresentation and finds her inadmissible for both willful misrepresentation and failure to comply with documentary requirements. The applicant then applies for a waiver of inadmissibility for willful misrepresentation. Approval of the waiver has the effect of waiving inadmissibility for willful misrepresentation and for the lack of a valid visa at the time of entry.

Note: This is not a legal advice and presented for information purposes only. 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.

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SUCCESS STORIES For the month of May 2023, we received approval from USCIS for three naturalization applications, one Fiancée visa petition, one removals of condition on residence and five adjustment of status applications.

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REVISIONS. (Le� to right) Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr., Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Na�onal Economic and Development Authority Director General Arsenio Balisacan announce the revision of several macroeconomic assump�ons following the 185th mee�ng of the Development Budget Coordina�on Commi�ee (DBCC) at the Department of Finance (DOF) office.

PHL economic team sees weaker peso, slower inflation for 2023 MANILA — The administration’s economic managers have revised some of their macroeconomic assumptions, narrowing their forecast range for the peso and inflation.

The inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) now expects the peso to trade between 54 and 57 against the US dollar this year, with the lower end of this range weaker than the 53-to-the-dollar foreign exchange assumption of the DBCC during its April review.

The economic team did not explain why it changed the forex forecast, but Bangko Sentral governor Felipe Medalla said that wider interest rate differentials between the US Federal Reserve and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) policy rates could exert pressure on the peso.

Dollar-denominated assets tend to be

more attractive to investors seeking higher-yielding investments with lower risk.

With investors uncertain whether US interest rates will further rise or stay where they are, that leaves peso-denominated assets paying a lower premium and consequently, hurting the Philippine currency.

The DBCC only said that the peso could strengthen to as much as P53 against the greenback by 2024 until 2028. The peso-dollar exchange rate was P56.05 at the spot currency market on last Friday’s close of trade.

An economist, meanwhile, said the Philippine peso is expected to stabilize between 55 to 56 against the greenback ahead of the expected pause in the Federal Reserve’s rate hiking cycle and continuation of the same decision for the Bangko Sentral.

Philippine peso may breach P59 a dollar MANILA - The Philippine peso may fall to its weakest level of P59 a dollar just like in October last year if it continues to weaken to P56.50 in the short term.

This is the projection of the foreign exchange brokerage FBS, Business World reported.

“In the less likely scenario that the price breaks and holds above the level of P56.50, the price may move to a historical high of P59.20,” FBS said.

The peso could appreciate further if its P50 to P52 a dollar, FBS said.

The peso has not hit P56.50 a dollar since its P56.56 close on Nov. 29. It closed at an all-time low of P59 a dollar on Oct. 17.

FBS market analysts expect the peso at P56.40 to P56.45 against the dollar, based on inflation and policy decisions of the Philippine central bank.

Another financial analyst said the Philippine peso is expected to stabilize between 55 to 56 against the greenback ahead of the expected pause in the Federal Reserve’s rate hiking cycle and continua-

tion of the same decision for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

In a report, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said the local currency has eased to among its one-week lows since 2022 when it ended last week’s trading at 56.05. “(It) could stabilize at 55.00-56.00 levels,” he said, weaker than the 53 to 54 he forecasts as floor levels earlier in the year.

Ricafort said the next resistance level for the local unit is around 56.30 while the major resistance level is around 56.35 to 56.95.

He said this range “need(s) to be protected vs. further upside or risk of higher inflation.”

Ricafort said among the factors seen to drive the foreign exchange market this week is the rate decision of the Federal Reserve which is expected to maintain its key rates after the meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) on June 13-14.

15 June 15-21, 2023

 ENTERTAINMENT

Richard Gomez says no anomalies on donations for Ormoc City

ORMOC CITY – Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez has branded as malicious a “news report” insinuating irregularities in the transactions involving in-kind donations received

by Ormoc City from various groups.

Gomez said in a PNA report recent news on the allegedly “missing” in-kind donations to Ormoc City are part of an Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM) released by the Commission on Audit (COA).

“What does it mean? An AOM is an audit finding that a local government unit (LGU) or any office or agency being audited has to explain, if so required by the COA. It cannot be considered as irregular if a comment has been submitted and no adverse conclusion is made,” Gomez said in a statement.

“In the first place, there could not have been any adverse conclusion because nothing irregular really happened,” he added.

He said the fact that the city gov-

ernment posted the donations on its official social media platforms “is in keeping with our being transparent and accountable to the public.”

“The malicious news reports insinuating irregularities in these transactions is not only an affront to the donors of these inkind relief assistance but the city government of Ormoc, which was simply looking out for the welfare of the people of Leyte,” Gomez said.

According to the news report, COA checked the status of the donations with the Ormoc City government “because it appeared that after these were turned over, as shown on social media posts, the donations were never seen again.”

The COA found no records to show where these donations went after they were handed over.

The Commission’s audit team reported missing the following: --200 sacks of rice (25 kgs per sack) and 150 boxes of 1L bottled water from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) on January 12, 2022; --12 tablets (brand not disclosed) from the National Housing Authority (NHA), January 2022; --46 wheelchairs from PITMASTER Foundation (Providing Indigent Timely Medical Assistance Service and Targeted Emergency Relief), March 2022; --3 sets of weighing scales from Ajinomoto, August 2022;

--1,000 white T-shirts from Panda City Merchandise Inc. owner James Sy, February 2022; and -- trash bins from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Region 8, March 2022.

“Query with the Accounting Office revealed that it was not aware of the in-kind donations received by the City as posted on Facebook, thus, no accounting entries were made for its recognition and neither distribution sheets on file with their office,” the COA report read.

After queries, the City General Services Office (CGSO) told COA that it did not receive the 200 sacks of rice and bottled water intended for victims of Typhoon Odette.

The CGSO said the donations were handed over to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).

Gomez, who was then the mayor of Ormoc City, said that “for transparency, my administration has always

tapped local non-government organizations (NGOs) to receive donations given to Ormoc City.”

“These donations are not inputted in the city’s records because the city did not spend for these donations. The only role of the city government is to facilitate the transfer of the donations,” he added.

In the COA report, it was explained that “during exit conference, management clarified that the relief goods received by the City Government of Ormoc from NGCP as posted on the Facebook page were not actually intended for the city and were just passed for stocking in the city bodega.”

“The CDRRMO clarified that the relief goods were merely placed there but immediately transported to Southern Leyte, since that place was determined to be more gravely devastated by the typhoon,” auditors said.

In the social media post about the rice donations, Ormoc City said these were “NGCP’s way to further provide assistance to the City Government of Ormoc in the relief operations.”

FOR MORE INFO, CALL:

 ENTERTAINMENT

June 15-21, 2023

16

FilAm star Vanessa Hudgens marks PHL Independence Day

Filipino American star Vanessa Hudgens has turned to social media to commemorate the Philippine Independence Day on June 12.

Hudgens posted on Instagram a photo of herself in a traditional Filipiniana outfit from her recent visit to the country, which also happened to be the first time she set foot in the Philippines, ABS-CBN reported.

In the photo which appears to have been taken at the Malacañang grounds, Hudgens is surrounded by a group of people also wearing various traditional Filipino outfits.

“Maligayang araw ng kalayaan Pilipinas! Happy independence day Philippines. Learning about my heritage and history was so empowering. Connecting to the land and people. Can’t wait to get back,” she wrote in the caption before adding the hashtag #WeGiveTheWorldOurBest.

Last March, Hudgens was named as a global tourism ambassador for the Philippines.

The title aims to recognize individual contributions in promoting the Philippines as one of the world’s top tourism destinations.

The global tourism ambassadorship was presented to Hudgens in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications led by Secretary Paul Soriano, and supported by the Department of Tourism.

Soriano is also the producer and director of an upcoming documentary on Hudgens’ family history and Filipino roots.

Hudgens rose to fame for portraying Gabriella Montez in the “High School Musical” film series.

She arrived in the Philippines for the first time with her sister and T:9.75" their Filipino mother last March.

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17 June 15-21, 2023

 ENTERTAINMENT

R’Bonney Gabriel, Megan Young, Venus Raj stun at Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York

Filipina beauty and talent shone brightly in the recent Philippine Independence Day parade, as Megan Young, Venus Raj, and R’bonney Gabriel lit the streets of New York in their stunning Filipinianas.

The parade, which celebrates the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence, saw the beauty queens waving to the crowd and spreading Pinoy warmth in their respective floats that traversed along Madison Avenue, Philippine Star’s Justine Punzalan reported.

Miss World 2013 Megan Young added life to the June 4 festivities in her ensemble by Filipino designer Cherry Veric. In her Instagram post following the event, the beauty queen is seen donning a fierce and fun outfit headlined

by a bright yellow Filipiniana, according to the report.

According to Cherry, the ensemble is a fusion of Filipino and American cultures, as it “blends [the] Filipiniana with the New York icon, the yellow taxi.” Megan complemented the dress with black knee-high boots and leather gloves.

Miss Universe 2010 fourth runner-up Venus Raj also made a show with her Cherry Veric Filipiniana that matched that of Megan.

Her white printed piece, Cherry said, “pays tribute to the Filipiniana and the landmark newspaper, the New York Times.”

“The news? Filipino style is top of the universe,” he added in her Instagram post.

Joining Megan and Venus on their float is actor Xian Lim who looked dapper in his Barong Tagalog which he gave a modern twist to by pairing it with light gray pants and white sneakers.

All three celebrities were joined by Cherry who is the creative genius behind Megan and Venus’ stunning dresses Also present at the Philippine Independence Day parade was Miss Universe 2022 R’bonney Gabriel, who waved to the crowd from her own Miss Universe float. The Fil-Am beauty queen wore an oversized modern Filipiniana top

paired with black high-waist trousers.

R’bonney shared her experience of that “beautiful Sunday’ in an Instagram Story on the Miss Universe page. There, she said she was “so surprised” because she had her. own float. She added that the energy of the many Filipinos she celebrated Filipino culture with, was everything.

First held in 1990, the Philippine Independence Day Parade is the largest of its kind outside the Philippines. It happens every first Sunday of June to create awareness about Filipino culture and raise funds for charity projects in the Philippines and the U.S. (Justine Punzalan/Philippine Star)

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June 15-21, 2023

18

19 June 15-21, 2023

 SPORTS

EJ Obiena shatters Asian record, joins ‘6-meter club’

Ernest John “EJ” Obiena (right) with coach Vitaly Petrov. (Photo courtesy of EJ Obiena)

NORWAY/MANILA – Filipino Olympian Ernest J Obiena has set a new Asian pole vault record to dominate the Bergen Jump Challenge in Bryggen, Norway on Saturday (Philippine time).

Obiena, world’s number 3 pole vaulter, achieved his best clearance by clearing 6.0 meters in a single attempt to join the “6-meter club.”

The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) led by president Terry Capistrano immediately commended Obiena for his six-meter performance at the Bergen Jump Challenge in Bryggen, Norway on June 10.

The 27-year-old Obiena won the tournament, erasing the Asian record of 5.94m he set in winning the bronze medal at the World Athletics Championship in Eugene, Oregon last year.

KC Lightfoot of the United States also cleared the same height, but finished behind Obiena as he needed two attempts to reach 6.0m.

Another American, Sam Kendricks ended up at third place after hurdling 5.88m.

“While we are all elated with Ernest John “EJ” Obiena’s 6-meter performance in Norway the other day, we, the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), believe that he can do better in the coming months and beyond knowing what he’s capable of as a world class athlete,” said Capistrano in a statement.

“We are happy and proud of EJ for becoming the first Asian athlete to join the 6-meter club in the men’s pole vault. But we know he is capable of doing better because of his continuous training and com-

peting abroad under veteran coach Vitaly Petrov plus his perseverance.

“He is certainly an extremely gifted athlete. There is still a lot of work to be done in order for him to get to where he should be. He has been working hard and smart to get to 6-m,” he added.

Capistrano also thanked the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee “for their unconditional support”.

Pole vault legend Sergey Bubka was the first to achieve the 6-meter feat on July 13, 1985.

Armand Duplantis of Sweden, currently world No. 1, joined the six-meter club in 2018, winning the gold medal with a world Under-20 record of 6.05m at the European Championships in Berlin, Germany.

10-year-old girl is PHL’s new grandmaster counterparts in the National Youth and Schools Chess Championships eliminations in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental in March.

“Nika is overjoyed because it has always been her dream to compete with the boys. Last year, she asked me why is it that boys were playing on the other side while the girls were in a separate division. I told her that it is just customary for girls to compete with each other but

CHESS WUNDERKIND. The Na�onal Master �tle is conferred on Nika Juris Nicolas (2nd from le�) by the Na�onal Chess Federa�on of the Philippines (NCFP) during the awarding ceremony of the Na�onal Youth and Schools Chess Championships grand finals in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte on June 9. Also in photo are (from le�) Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales and Nicolas’ parents, NCFP legal counsel Nikki De Vega and Krisanto Karlo Nicolas, also a lawyer.

Nicolas will compete in the ASEAN Age Group Chess Championships scheduled June 17 to 27 in Bangkok, Thailand.

MANILA - For the first time in Philippine chess history, the title of National Master was given to a female player.

Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales, chief executive officer of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, confirmed in a social media post that the NCFP has bestowed the title of National Master on 10-year-old Nika Juris Nicolas of Pasig City.

The title is usually conferred on male players who compete in open tournaments dominated by males.

Its female counterpart, the Woman National Master title, is given to female chess players who dominate the distaff side of the competition.

Nicolas, however, competes in the boys and open divisions and, more often than not, prevails.

The 10-year-old Nicolas was the only female who competed in the Boys’ Under-11 division of the National Youth and Schools Chess Championships grand finals in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte held June 2 to 9, bagging two silver medals (Standard and Blitz) and one bronze (Rapid).

The National Master title, usually given to males, was conferred on her by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) during the awarding ceremony.

A Grade 5 student at Victory Christian International School in Pasig City, she also bested her Under-11 male

she can actually fight the boys if she wishes. She tried to do that during the National Age Group Chess Championships eliminations but failed to qualify. So, she told me that she will try harder so she tried again in the National Youth and Schools Chess Championships eliminations where she emerged champion. It was a dream come true for her to get the National Master title,” said lawyer Nikki de Vega, Nicolas’ mother.

 REAL ESTATE

June 15-21, 2023

Is there a Recession already?

Developer expands Luzon land bank to support expansion S MAKATI CITY – Leading mid-segment developer DMCI Homes reported a 49-percent increase in its Luzon land bank from 65.1 hectares to 96.9 hectares after acquiring properties in Batangas, Bulacan, Laguna and Pampanga provinces.

With the expanded land bank, DMCI Homes plans to develop new formats such as leisure, condotel and

offering quality and best value in this market, we hope to duplicate the success of our core residential line,” DMCI Homes president Alfredo Austria said in a statement.

Austria said leisure residences are designed for buyers who want to invest in premium properties that provide attractive returns.

Scheduled for launch this month, a condotel project in San Juan town, Batangas will be owned by individual investors who will then rent out their units to guests.

This business model allows the company to generate revenues from both the sale and rental of the units.

Buyers, in turn, can use the unit as a vacation home and receive a share in the rental revenue, which can help offset the cost of ownership.

The leisure sub-brand also includes a nature park in Laguna and a mountain resort in Benguet.

DMCI Homes has earmarked P18.6 billion for its 2023 project development and land acquisitions, an 18-percent upturn from P15.8 billion the previous year. township projects.

From January to March, its capital spending rose “We recognized a demand for leisure properties and by 27 percent from P3.3 billion to P4.2 billion, which saw it as an opportunity to expand our product line. By mostly went to project development.

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ince mid-2022, we have been told that a recession is just around the corner. But over the last nine months, there’s been no sign of any economic downturn in the U.S. What’s going on?

Rising interest rates, high inflation, an inverted yield curve ( longer-term bonds have a lower yield than short-term debt instruments) and an unexpected banking crisis have all been cited as reasons that a recession could be imminent.

The New York Fed recession probability indicator suggests there is a 68.2% chance of a U.S. recession sometime in the next 12 months. That’s the highest reading in more than four decades. Other reliable economic indicators are flashing warning signs that the U.S. economy could soon be rolling over.

But despite all these factors, the U.S. labor market remains strong, and economists are divided on whether a recession is inevitable in this unusual economic environment.

Just because some experts believe the risk of a recession is rising, there’s no reason to panic. In fact, recessions are a relatively common occurrence—and they’ve often generated some attractive opportunities for long-term investors. Seeing the glass half full, that is.

Despite these warning signs, there are plenty of economists and analysts who say the U.S. economy is simply too healthy at the moment for a recession to be imminent.

David Trainer, CEO of New Constructs, says investors can watch the earnings reports and guidance from discount retailer Walmart (WMT) as an indicator of the health of U.S. consumers. In May, Walmart reported first-quarter earnings and revenue beats and raised its full-year guidance.

“Walmart is a bellwether for consumer spending and health, which is not in dire straits, but it is weakening,” Trainer says.

“Walmart’s earnings add to the idea that a recession is not fully here yet but is likely coming, albeit more slowly and less severe than most expect.”

U.S. retail sales grew 0.4% year-over-year in April, led by miscellaneous store retail sales growth of 2.4%. Retail sales growth fell short of economist’s estimates of 0.8%, but it was positive for the first time since January.

Chris Zaccarelli, chief investment officer at Independent Advisor Alliance, says he has been pleasantly surprised by the resilience of the U.S. economy.

“Retail sales came in strong again, showing how the consumer isn’t showing any signs of slowing down and that the recession many are forecasting is farther into the future than anyone would expect,” Zaccarelli says.

The Labor Department’s May U.S. jobs report on June 2 could be particularly telling for investors who are on recession watch.

Should You Worry About a Recession?

If the U.S. does slip into a recession sometime in the second half of 2023 or early 2024, there’s no reason for investors to panic.

First off, historically recessions don’t last very long. The average duration of a U.S. recession since World War II is just 11.1 months.

The Covid-19 recession in early 2020 lasted just two months.

U.S. recessions are common. Since World War II, there has been about one U.S. recession every five years or so.

While recessions can lead to job losses and other financial difficulties for Americans, they have historically been excellent buying opportunities for long-term investors. It can be extremely difficult for investors to time a market bottom perfectly, but the S&P 500 has generated a 40% average return in the 12 months following its low point of a U.S. recession.

Some stocks even have a track record of performing relatively well during recessions. For example, Target (TGT), Walmart and Home Depot (HD) shares significantly outperformed the S&P 500 during both the 2020 and 2008 recessions.

Jeffrey Buchbinder, chief equity strategist for LPL Financial, says there are certainly recession risks ahead, but investors shouldn’t under-appreciate how much the U.S. economic outlook has improved in recent months.

“While the ‘better than feared’ label fit the past couple of earnings seasons quite well, based on the magnitude of upside surprises in the first quarter and encouraging guidance from corporate America, that’s probably underselling it,” Buchbinder says.

My opinion usually is shared by our typical blue collar lay person, if there is a recession and inflation stay high. The regular folks like you and I will feel the pain and we have to adjust accordingly to our financial situation. So, I say worry about it and start saving for rainy days.

Thanks for your comments and inquiries, please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net CABRE 01021223 NMLS 238636

21 June 15-21, 2023

 COMMUNITY NEWS

Building Bridges Across Communities,

L.A. County’s Largest Philippine American Friendship Day, July 15 Cerritos, Calif. – Taking a cue from last year’s fruitful and much-ballyhooed, L.A. County’s Largest Philippine-American Friendship Day event, presented by the National Federation of Filipino American Associations Greater Los Angeles Region (NaFFAA Greater LA) - is back! With this year’s theme of “Building Bridges Across Communities,” NaFFAA Greater LA aims to ignite a spark within our community, encouraging the celebration of our diversity through shared accomplishments, values, and dreams in a multicultural world.

On July 15th 2023, the Don Knabe Community Regional Park on Bloomfield Ave. Cerritos will come to life in a festive atmosphere filled with cultural experiences, culinary delights, food trucks and exhilarating entertainment, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m..

The day will kick off with a fun parade to be attended by different Filipino organizations. Winners will be chosen according to categories: “Largest contingent”, “Liveliest Contingent” and Most Colorful Contingent” (LLC), “and

will receive cash prizes,” according to Jannelle So and Dan E. Nino, this year’s overall chair and vice chair respectively.

Immediately following the parade is a Zumba dancing class that will usher in an exciting program of cultural and pop entertainers on the entertainment stage. The final list of performers will be revealed soon. Stay tuned!

Inside the air-conditioned gymnasium will be a one-day basketball tourney where attendees will have a chance to score LA Clippers merchandise, among many other prizes and surprises!

The workshop area will feature a FREE immigration clinic, conducted by Atty. John Perry of the Law Office of Perry & Alznauer. For small business owners, the William and Stephanie Foundation will hold a workshop on applying for grants and funding, including State of California services for entrepreneurs.

Megaworld, a leading real estate developer in the Philippines, will give a talk on investing in the Philippines.

State, regional, local and Philippine consular officials have also been in-

vited as inspirational partners.

Young participants and attendees will enjoy the Kids Zone filled with face painting, mini-golf clinic, books, arts and crafts and many more attractions.

This event estimated to draw attendees of about 6K+ this year is co-presented

by Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn; in partnership with So Jannelle TV airing on TFC, ANC and KNET 25.1; and supported by sponsors - Southern CA Toyota, Pechanga Resort Casino, Law Office of Perry & Alznauer, Megaworld, Vistaland and Jollibee.

Special thanks to our media sponsors; The Filipino Channel (TFC), Asian Journal, Weekend Balita, Philippine Post, USAsian Post and Philippine News with Social Media Partner, Adobers and Community Partner, SoCal Filipinos, APOGLA among others.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this greatly anticipated celebration of friendship and history between the Philippines and United States. We cordially invite you to join us at L.A. County’s Largest Philippine-American Friendship Day,

where cultures collide, dreams unite, and unforgettable experiences are made.

For further information, please contact: Mary Ann Omega: 714-777-9811 Lynda Johnson: 714-777-9811 L.A. County’s Largest PhilippineAmerican Friendship Day Saturday, July 15, 2023, 8 am to 6 pm Don Knabe Community Regional Park 19700 S. Bloomfield Ave., Cerritos, CA About NaFFAA Greater LA: The National Federation of Filipino American Associations Greater Los Angeles Region (NaFFAA Greater LA) is a dynamic organization committed to promoting the welfare, interests, and empowerment of the Filipino American community. With a steadfast dedication to unity, diversity, and progress, NaFFAA Greater LA strives to build bridges, forge connections, and create lasting impact in the lives of individuals in the Filipino-American community.

 COMMUNITY NEWS

June 15-21, 2023

22

Newsom visits Disneyland, checks on resort’s investments in Anaheim

ANAHEIM – Following the recent release of an economic impact study on the Disneyland Resort’s multiyear public planning effort to expand in Anaheim, Governor Gavin Newsom visited Disneyland and received a briefing on Disney’s plan to invest in the region for decades to come, and attended Disneyland’s firstever Disney After Dark Pride Nite event.

Earlier in the day, the Governor met with parents, school leaders, teachers and staff at the Glendale Unified School

By Claire Morales True hotspot for world-leading companies to grow and prosper. We’ll continue to advance California values to build an inclusive economy that embraces opportunity for all,” Newsom said.

As part of its DisneylandForward initiative, announced in 2021, the Disneyland Resort recently released a study from Cal State Fullerton’s Woods Center for Economic Analysis and Forecasting. The study showed that every $1 billion that Disney invests to expand its theme parks at the Disneyland Resort is expected to generate more than $250 million annually in economic output and $15 million in tax revenue for the City of Anaheim, as well as create more than 4,000 construction and 2,000 ongoing operations jobs. In addition, more than $20 million in tax revenue will go directly to the State of California.

Disneyland is the largest employer in Orange County and generates more than District following anti-LGBTQ+ protests $5.7 billion annually for the Southern held in response to the school board’s California economy. California’s tourmove last week to recognize June as Pride ism industry is a major economic driver Month for the fourth year in a row.

– travel spending increased to $134.4 “In California, we don’t just tolerate billion last year, supported 1.09 million our diversity – we celebrate it and all the jobs, and generated $11.9 billion in state ways it makes us stronger,” said Gover- and local tax revenue. nor Newsom in a statement sent to PhilipMoving to welcome companies that pine News Today. share California’s values, Governor New“Our inclusivity and acceptance at- som and the Legislature took action to tract new talent and ideas that drive our update the California Competes program economic growth and make California a to provide additional consideration for

Measure K Funding Allocated for Daly City’s Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) Program Daly City, CA (June 13, 2023) – Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is an event that occurs too often out-of-hospital. Access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs), a medical device designed to detect the heart’s rhythm and deliver an electrical shock if needed, in public places improve the chances of survival from SCA. As a public agency, it is critical that AEDs be accessible to community members and staff in Daly City.

San Mateo County District 5 Supervisor David Canepa has requested a onetime $148,176 grant to the City of Daly City to install 36 automated external defibrillators in public facilities citywide and provide associated training, in order to prioritize the safety of community members, which the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors approved on June 13, 2023.

“This $148,176 investment in Measure K funding to purchase and install 36 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in its public facilities will make Daly City a healthier and safer City and protect the public and staff who access these facilities. Sudden Cardiac Arrest can strike any one and AEDs are proven to increase the chance of survival. I’m proud to support the City’s priority to save lives.” San Mateo County District 5 Supervisor David Canepa

“Daly City is fortunate to have Supervisor David Canepa advocating for the safety of our community members and staff. Allocating Measure K funding to launch 36 AEDs in over 19 public facilities across the City is a tremendous gesture.” Mayor Raymond A. Buenaventura “The automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can save lives in our community.

Many residents and workers in our community have heart disease—this is essential in our public facilities. Thank you for your continued partnership Supervisor David Canepa.” Vice Mayor Juslyn C. Manalo

companies leaving states that have enacted restrictions on reproductive rights and anti-LGBTQ+ laws. The change in statute will go into effect July 1, 2023.

Governor Newsom meets with Disneyland Resort Cast Members who are participants and alumni of the Disney Aspire Program, Disney’s groundbreaking education program that enables hourly Cast Members to pursue their education goals, paid for by Disney.

Social Security Update

SOCIAL SECURITY’S COMMITMENT TO THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY

By G. Samson Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in the Bay Area June is Pride Month. It’s a time to acknowledge the LGBTQ+ community, and also celebrate diversity, love, and respect.

On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Obergefell v.

Hodges, holding that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry in all states.

We recognize same-sex couples’ marriages in all states, and some non-marital legal relationships (such as some civil unions and domestic partnerships). This recognition is important to determine entitlement to benefits.

Here are five things you should know about our benefits for same-sex couples: tered a nonmarital legal relationship, we • Marital status is important — A encourage you to apply right away, even member of a same-sex couple may be en- if you’re not sure you’re eligible. Applytitled when a spouse receives retirement ing now may protect you against the loss or disability benefits or dies. We also of any potential benefits.

• Report life changes right away consider marital status when we determine eligibility and payment amount for — You should let us know immediately if you move, marry, separate, divorce, Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

• What type of benefits you can or become the parent of a child. Don’t receive — Social Security taxes pay for wait until we review your benefits to tell three kinds of benefits: retirement, dis- us about any changes. You should report ability, and survivors. If you’re entitled changes right away so benefits are paid to benefits, your spouse and eligible fam- correctly.

For more information, please visit our ily members might receive benefits, too.

• Children may receive benefits — website for same-sex couples at www.

Your children or stepchildren could also ssa.gov/people/lgbtq/. You can also read our publication What Same-Sex Couples be entitled to benefits.

• When you apply for benefits is im- Need to Know at www.ssa.gov/pubs/ENportant — If you’re married or have en- 05-10014.pdf.

 COMMUNITY NEWS

June 15-21, 2023

24

Three Voices on What It Takes to Heal From Hate

A journalist and organizer, a former political prisoner and a professor of African American studies share their thoughts on how victims and communities heal from hate.

Across the country acts of hate are on the rise, targeting minority and historically marginalized groups and leaving lasting scars on victims, their families, and their communities.

Addressing that trauma is key to healing for individuals and society.

But advocates say documenting the hate impacting diverse communities is a crucial first step.

“We have to be able to show these stories and reach as many communities as possible, because that’s where the healing will begin and it also means empowerment,” says veteran journalist and community organizer Helen Zia, founder of the Vincent Chin Institute, which commemorates the 1982 murder of Chin in Detroit.

Chin, who was Chinese American, was beaten to death by two white unemployed autoworkers who mistook him for being Japanese at a time when Japanese automakers began to make inroads into the US market. Despite numerous witnesses, the judge in the case sentenced the attackers to probation.

Zia, who spent time as an autoworker in the 1980s, says the ruling marked the birth of a “new civil rights movement” among Asian Americans.

“So these two killers actually never spent a single day in jail. But the trauma also triggered a great sense of inequality, of injustice,” Zia said, noting many Asian Americans began to draw connections to the experience of African Americans and other communities of color.

“What made a difference was a community

coming together… to tell the world this is something that happens to Asian Americans. This was a terrible thing that happened to Lily Chen’s son, Vincent, and to then begin to do something about it,” said Zia, who spoke during a national press briefing organized by EMS. Today groups like Stop AAPI Hate have taken up that cause, compiling the alarming spike in hate incidents targeting the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first two years of its existence Stop AAPI Hate documented nearly 11,500 such incidents.

For victims and their families, the trauma inflicted by these attacks often leaves a lasting sense of vulnerability. In Zia’s experience it was when different communities rallied together to denounce the hate that things began to change, and that change is what promotes healing.

Zia says Vincent Chin’s mother, Lily Chin, “became like a Mamie Till for the Asian American community,” comparing the former to the bereaved mother of Emmett Till, who was tortured and lynched by racist whites in Mississippi in 1955.

“And so what happened was that she and the Asian American community were able to channel their grief through action to make a difference, and not just Asian Americans coming together, but reaching out and joining with the Black community – Black, brown, red, white – and coming together,” Zia said.

Helen Zia, author and founder of The Vincent Chin Institute, shares how Vincent Chin’s mother Lily and the Asian American commu-

ALLICE Kumares & Kumpares Alliance for Community Empowerment in collaboration with Positively Filipino, Philippine News Today, San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services, and the City of South San Francisco invite you to our

14th Annual

A free and open-to-the-public event to promote elder care, prevent elder abuse and address Asian hate attacks 2:00 –4:00 p.m. | Saturday, June 17, 2023 SSF Municipal Services Building 33 Arroyo Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080 WELCOME Hon. Flor Nicolas, Mayor, City of South San Francisco; 2023 Co-President, ALLICE KEYNOTE Hon. David J. Canepa, District 5 Representative, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors MESSAGE Hon. Leni Robredo, Former Vice President of the Philippines; Founder, Angat Buhay (Uplift Lives) PRESENTATIONS Safety Tips for those Witnessing or Experiencing Hate Incidences Dr. Jei Africa, Director, San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services 9 Acts of Kindness to Empower Older Adults Ms. Tessie Madrinan, Coordinator, Peninsula Family Service Filipino Peer Counseling Program RECOGNITION Grand Agers: Aurea Cruz, Conrad Gamboa, Cynthia Bonta, Perla Ibarrientos, Peter & Estrelle Chan

Free health exams by Kaiser Permanente Filipino Association  Light refreshments will be served  Free raffle drawing follows the program; must be present to win  Family and Health Service Providers will be present to address questions: 

Adult Protective Services San Francisco, Aging and Disability Resource Center San Francisco, Asian American Recovery Services/Healthright 360, San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, Catholic Charities Adult Day Care Services, Colma Police Department, Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse, Daly City HART, Peninsula Family Service, Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco , Kaiser Permanente Filipino Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness, North East Medical Services, Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County, Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center, Pilipino Senior Resource Center-San Francisco, Rape Trauma Services, San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services, San Mateo County Commission on Aging, SamTrans, Self-Help for the Elderly, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, South San Francisco Police Department, South San Francisco Women’s Club

ALLICE is an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to promoting healthy interaction by education through shared resources since 2003.

Above: Journalist, author and organizer Helen Zia; Hispanic LA Editor Nestor Fan�ni; USF Prof.

James Taylor, with the SF African American Repara�ons Advisory Commi�ee. nity came together in the aftermath of Vincent’s murder to fight for justice.

“The state can judge, only the individual can forgive” Still, healing does not mean forgetting.

“There is a huge percentage of people who came to America as a result of war, conflict, and genocide that occurred in their homelands,” says Julian Do, a Vietnamese refugee whose family immigrated to the U.S. after the Vietnam War. Do is co-director of Ethnic Media Services and moderated the Friday panel, which brought together experts including Zia to look at whether and how communities can heal from the experience of hate.

“It’s been well-documented that many immigrants who have been exposed to war and imprisonment are still living with this trauma even decades later,” Do said.

One of those people is Nestor Fantini, who was a 22-year-old student at the University of Cordoba in 1976 when the Argentine military staged a coup d’état. Fantini, who today serves as editor of the Spanish-language news site Hispanic LA, was arrested and tortured but never charged with a crime. He spent four years in prison during Argentina’s “Dirty War” from 1976-1983.

“That was pure state terrorism. These victims were kidnapped. They were taken to more than 360 concentration camps and they were systematically tortured and as many as 30,000 disappeared. I mean they were executed. Prisoners were dragged and thrown from planes into the Atlantic Ocean,” Fantini said.

Eventually, more than 1,100 individuals, many of them members of the junta, were tried and convicted, including 26 military officers who were convicted of crimes against humanity during a single trial in 2010 in the city of Cordoba. More than 300 trials have taken place since 1985, and continue to this day.

“The state can judge but only the individual can forgive,” Fantini said.

The offender needs to acknowledge the harm that he or she has caused, and should provide material restitution and symbolic reparations, Fantini added.

Nestor Fantini speaks on the elements of reconciliation and what reconciliation must include in order to honor human rights and make amends for harm done.

“Fix what you broke” Reparation, not integration, was the first demand of emancipated slaves, according to James Taylor, a professor of politics and African American Studies at the University of San Francisco and a member of the San Francisco

African American Reparations Committee.

“The idea of reparations goes back to Callie House,” says Taylor.

House sued the United States Treasury for $68 million dollars arguing that former slaves were owed a pension from the government.

After the Civil War, a federal tax on Southern cotton was used as a retirement fund for Union soldiers. “So she sued over the right to that taxed cotton that was Confederate cotton that black folks picked,” Taylor said. The Supreme Court ruled against the founder of the U.S. reparations movement.

That bit of history has been largely forgotten and today a new reparations movement is spreading. “But it’s just shown that time has not healed the pain that Black folk had in the 1890s.

Here we are in the 2020s, still talking about the same issue,” Taylor says.

Civil rights, affirmative action, welfare are piecemeal efforts that haven’t fixed the fundamental gross economic disparity of African Americans, he says, noting that the Japanese American and Jewish communities in San Francisco are among the leading supporters of reparations.

“They know what it is to be targeted,” Taylor said, adding, “It’s not just Black America, and it’s not asking for a handout. It’s saying ‘fix what you broke’, and it’s actually a global movement.”

There are 14 countries and seven states talking about reparations now. New York, Boston, Detroit, Oakland, San Francisco, St. Paul, Detroit, Amherst and Evanston, Illinois have created funds or formed reparation task forces.

California became the first state in the country to form a statewide taskforce in 2020. New York and five other states are also considering reparation programs.

James Taylor, Professor of Politics and African American Studies, University of San Francisco, explains some of the misunderstood points of reparations and says they are key to healing the injury done to Black Americans.

“They say time heals all wounds,” said Zia. “But time is not enough. There must be action, there must be learning. We must know the past… and try to change the past so we don’t repeat it in the future.”

Download the Vincent Chin Legacy Guide to learn more about the movement born in the wake of Chin’s murder. Available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese, Bengali and Korean. *Correction: An earlier version of this story noted that 900 members of Argentina’s military government had been arrested. That number is more than 1,100.

25 June 15-21, 2023

Pinay elected board member of World Union of Catholic Women Organizations in Rome

By Elpidio R. Es�oko ROME - Not expecting to be elected, Dr. Clare Adalem was elevated to the Board of the World Union of Catholic Women Organization (WUCWO) in Rome & Assisi, Italy last week during their last week’s worldwide convention.

“I rejoiced when I was invited to attend the WUCWO convention held in Italy on May 13-19, 2023, and again rejoiced when I was elected to the board which I was not expecting to be elected. In fact, I was already happy and very lucky when I became a delegate, this was unexpected from the very beginning, but was even more surprised and elated when the delegates all over the world nominated me and elected me through secret balloting as

one of the members of the board.”

There were 62 voting delegates from WUCWO which catapulted Dr. Adalem to the Board. That was awesome… congratulations Dr. Adalem!

Highlighting the importance of women’s voices in the church and society, the delegates discussed the various topics with the theme “Living Synodality in Women”. The delegates were given the opportunity to share their experiences, ideas, and concerns in their respective countries.

Dr. Adalem expressed her gratitude to all her supporters, especially the Philippine Catholic Women’s’ League Delegation headed by Dr. Amelita Go and Dr. Rosa Rita Mariano (CWL consultants) for their unwavering support and encourage-

Canepa: Serious crime victims to be paid to heal and recover San Mateo County first in California to offer paid leave for county employees victimized by serious crimes REDWOOD CITY – San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President David J. Canepa made the following statement today after the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution Canepa sponsored to provide paid time off to county employees who are the victims of stalking, domestic violence, sexual assault, and other serious crimes such as human trafficking. San Mateo County is the first in California to adopt such a policy. Current state law only allows such victims to take unpaid time off. The new policy allows San Mateo County to provide up to 40 hours of qualifying paid leave within a 12-month period for county employees who qualify for leave pursuant to the County’s Leave for Crime Victims Policy.

“The trauma certain crimes have on individuals can be overwhelming. The physical and mental toll domestic violence and abusive behavior causes often requires hospitalization, counseling and court visits,” Canepa said. “But without the benefit of taking paid leave, many may not seek the help they need out of fear of losing a paycheck or the inability to provide food their family needs or pay the rent. This new policy will provide a bit of relief for survivors of serious crimes to

heal, recover and to seek safe harbor in times of great need. Hopefully, this is a policy other counties, cities and the state will adopt because frankly, it’s simply the right thing to do.”

Assembly Bill No. 2992, authored by former Assemblywoman Shirley Weber and signed into law in 2020, requires California companies with more than 25 employees provide leave for serious crime victims. The law, however, does not require paid leave but rather allows victims to use sick time or vacation time to take time off to heal and recover.

Canepa continued: “Being the victim of a serious crime is no vacation and no survivor should be forced to use PTO or vacation time for their recovery.”

The new policy is in alignment with San Mateo County’s goals of providing competitive leaves and benefits for employees while maintaining fiscal sustainability, equity and competitiveness with the Bay Area workforce market. It will also support the county’s goals of protecting crime victims’ constitutional rights.

The expanded Leave for Crime Victims Policy applies to all County employees and was provided to all labor organizations prior to presentation to the Board of Supervisors.

ment.

As a board member, Dr. Adalem will continue to advocate for women’s education, empowerment, and promotion of peace. Her election as a testament to her dedication and commitment to women’s empowerment and the promotion of peace worldwide.

The World Union of Catholic Women Organizations is an artisan of human fraternity and peace, bringing together women from different parts of the world to promote unity, equality, and fraternity, Dr. Adalem said in an email interview.

The assembly in Rome and Assisi was an opportunity for women who came together and discussed pressing issues affecting them and the society at large.

Consequently, the election of Dr. Adalem to the board was an achievement by a Filipina highlighting the importance of women’s voices in the Catholic Church and society and the role they play in promoting peace, unity, and fraternity.

Dr. Adalem is an active officer of the Dr. Clare Adalem Philippine Catholic Women’s League (PCWL), chair of the Scholarship Board dent of the St. Clare College in Caloocan of the Southern California-based The City.

Global Urdanetanians (TGU); and presi-

 COMMUNITY NEWS

June 15-21, 2023

Upside...

26

(From Page 11)

Senator Dave Min Condemns Hate-Filled Flyers Targeting LGBTQ+ And Jewish Communities In Huntington Beach (HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA) - Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) released the following statement to vehemently condemn the reprehensible distribution of hatefilled flyers targeting the LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities in Huntington Beach neighborhoods. The latest in a series of anti-Semitic flyers, the incident follows a pattern of hate-filled rhetoric that has led to banning the LGBTQ+ Pride Flag at local municipal buildings and a new surge in anti-LGBTQ+ hate incidents reported throughout Orange County.

“Early this morning, residents in Huntington Beach woke up to find their doorsteps adorned with flyers spewing messages of hatred and intolerance. I am deeply disturbed by this blatant act of hate targeting HB’s LGBTQ+ and Jewish residents. It’s such cruel irony that during a time meant for celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the actions of a repugnant few continue to define Hunting-

ton Beach as a place that is unwelcome to diversity, inclusion, and tolerance. If we are going to repair the reputation of Surf City, now is the time to look at the root problems that are driving this crisis of hate.

As an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, I urge Huntington Beach residents to disavow the toxic hate that has made its way from the dais in City Hall to yet another doorstep in our community.

Now is the time to make clear that our community loudly denounces hate and that LGBTQ+ and Jewish people are welcome, valued, and safe here.”

If you received flyers with hate and/ or anti-Semitic messaging, or need to report any hate incidents or crimes, please contact the Huntington Beach Police Department at 714-960-8825.

You may also text OCHATEACTIVITY to 898211 or fill out an online form at: hatecrime.211oc.org.

County of Alameda Public Auction/Public Sale of Surplus Property Property: 1150 & 1220 Harbor Bay Parkway Alameda, CA Auction/Sale Date: Monday, July 10, 2023 Time: 11:00AM Bid Packets and Deposits – Due Date: Wednesday, July 5, 2023 by 4:30PM Contact: DCG Strategies at (925) 479-1350 Specifications regarding the above may also be obtained at the Alameda County GSA Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www.acgov.org.

6/22/23 CNS-3710581#

LONGTIME volunteers Aurea Cruz, Conrad Gamboa, Cynthia Bonta, Perla Ibarrientos, Peter and Estrelle Chan define meaningful longevity. erment Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the legacy of Larry Itliong Jr., who believed that working in solidarity with Cesar Chavez, Mexican and Yemeni farmworkers was the only way the strike for collective bargaining and an agricultural union could be possible.

Bonta is mother to achiever children: mental health/sports performance specialist Lisa B. Sumii, diversity, equity and inclusion blogger Marcelo Bonta, and California’s first FilAm elected to the State Legislature, now the first male Asian American Attorney General in California history - Rob Bonta.

EVERYONE’S “Ninang” or godmother Perla Gange Ibarrientos, 88, is a co-founder of the Filipino Democratic Club of San Mateo County, Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center and Filipino Mental Health Initiative - cornerstones of her home city’s empowerment efforts.

She is PBRC board chair, Daly City Personnel Commissioner and founding member of the Daly City Task Force on Age Friendly Communities formed in 2019 to ensure the independence and wellbeing of older adults wherever they decide to reside.

The former pharmacist from Iloilo and her husband of 58 years Mig Ibarrientos are proudest of their children Glenn, retired US Air Force Major and Director of Public Health Nurses of San Mateo County; Joy Ann Daffern, Executive Vice President of John Wells Production Hollywood, and Gladys Smith, Assistant CEO of San Mateo County Employees Retirement Association.

PARISHIONERS of Star of the Sea in San Francisco expect to see Peter and Estrelle Chan at every activity in the church where they have been ministering since the 1980s.

The couple’s service began when their twin sons Palmer and Petrel attended the parish school.

Estrelle, who will be 80 next year, has been presiding over the FAASTAR Filipino American Association of Star of the Sea Church for 15 years.

They raise funds and “motivate parishioners to participate in building a friendly and stewardship community” while “introducing Filipino culture,” says Peter, 88.

The Chans have honored their church commitment through their unimaginable grief in 1994 when Petrel was killed in a hit-and-run on 19th Avenue in San Francisco. The tragedy drew an outpouring of support from their parish and beyond, intensifying the couple’s devotion to serve.

SAFETY TIPS, RESOURCES Set for the week commemorating World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the event will also address the unabated hate crimes against Asians as a result of being scapegoated for the spread of COVID 19.

Dr. Jei Africa, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Director of San Mateo County Health System, will give safety tips for people who witness or experience hate attacks.

TESSIE MADRINAN, Filipino peer counseling program coordinator at Peninsula Family Services, will present simple ways to empower older adults. Photo by CMQUEROLMORENO

In collaboration the City of South San Francisco, Positively Filipino, Philippine News Today and San Mateo Behavioral Health & Recovery Services, ALLICE is presenting the free and open to the public event in person for the first time since the pandemic shelter in place mandate.

San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa will give the keynote remarks at the event at 2-4 pm, Saturday, June 17, at the South San Francisco Municipal Services Building. Former Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo, founder of Angat Buhay, a PH-based nonprofit volunteer movement to uplift Filipinos, will deliver a message encouraging the bayanihan system.

Tessie Madrinan, coordinator of Peninsula Family Service Filipino Peer Counseling program, will present the 9 Acts of Kindness to Empower Older Adults.

Twenty-five family resource providers will be present to consult on their programs and services.

The A-List, ALLICE’s free resource directory underwritten by the Town of Colma, will be distributed.

Refreshments will be served and free raffle will be drawn immediately at the end of the program compliments of donor allies led by Lucky Chances, Moonstar, Duggan’s Serra Mortuary, Classic Bowl, FilAm Cuisine 2, Fort McKinley and Serramonte Center.

For more information visit www.ALLICE Kumares.com. – Adapted from the original reprinted with permission from INQUIRER.NET. *** PNews Today Executive Editor Cherie M. Querol Moreno is Founder-Executive Director of ALLICE Alliance for Community Empowerment.

27 June 15-21, 2023

Offline

(From Page 13)

pine healthcare system is nothing more than a big business for the private sector, and a source of corruption in the private sector.

Look at all the big hospitals. Guess who owns them.

The taipans, of course. All the country’s billionaire businessmen found out long ago that hospitals were goldmines.

In recent year, the big players have been gobbling up the small and medium sized hospitals in the provinces, making them part of their healthcare empire.

It can also be said that the taipans all own private schools as education is also a big business. But that’s a topic best discussed for another day.

For now, the new Health secretary has taken cognizance of the crisis the country’s healthcare system is facing.

To partially resolve the manpower crisis, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa is considering hiring nursing graduates who have not yet passed the licensure AKA board exams to serve as regular nurses in government hospitals.

They will get the same pay and benefits, and he is even thinking of funding their review classes so they have better chances of passing the board.

He, however, has no solution to the ongoing exodus of nurses.

There have been proposals in the past to block nurses from going abroad until they have served many years in local hospitals.

Such proposals have gone for naught, as preventing anyone from seeking greener pastures seems downright illegal, if not immoral.

The organization of private hospitals has also recognized the need to take drastic action to stem the tide. But so far, no one has come up with a solution that works for all concerned parties.

One suggestion is to shorten the four-year nursing course to three or even two, but this would mean that they would not have earned a valid bachelor’s degree, which is all important to kids’ parents then and now.

They would end up with an associate degree, but this is still – wrongly – looked down upon by parents and even students themselves, who do not see themselves as real nurses.

And sorry, folks, but I do not have an answer. It’s a problem that’s facing the Philippine healthcare system, but it may also be facing other countries.

For now, it’s Secretary Herbosa’s problem and we can only hope that he is up to the very difficult task.

As I See It

(From Page 12)

munity such as scholarship programs and other communitybased activities.

The reorganization meetings resulted to the election of the members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) which eventually led to the registration of the group by Atty. Nicanor Jimeno, also based in the Philippines, as a non-profit organization (Beta Rho Omega Fraternity Alumni Association, Inc. registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with membership from alumni all over the globe) with Edgar “Egay” Sevilla, UP, as president. The board is composed of 10 Philippine-based members and 5 -members abroad.

Meeting regularly every other week, the group finally decided to put up a scholarship program for poor but deserving students in college in three disciplines which are relevant to the present modern society – engineering, business and mathematics. This was actually a revival of the Mapua Chapter’s scholarship program, but now under the umbrella of BROFAA, Inc. to cover more scholars as a collective endeavor.

The Board of Directors chose the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) as the partner-university where, starting this coming 2023-2024 semester, the group will sponsor three scholars with courses in engineering, business and mathematics with entry level of 1st semester, 3rd year for two years. After two years, when the first set of graduates complete college, there will be another set of three scholars… and cycle will go on.

According to Sevilla, the scholarship program, is also an opportunity to build a closer and tighter relationship between the members and the leaders… thereby establishing clear and more direct channels of communication, among members and the officers.

Bob Bantolo, a member based in Southern California, said meaningful relationships create meaningful results… Providing rapport and access between the leadership and the membership is a concerted and constructive effort. This collective worth will be a lasting legacy for the fraternity and the community we serve.

Canada-based Oscar David said the Board of Trustees (BOT) approved option will be used as benchmark to set up the fraternity goals. It will relive and bring out those fraternal and convivial moments that typically strike a chord among us – sort of awakening those kindred spirits.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by Dr. Aquino, TUP Student Affairs and Edgar “Egay” Sevilla, President, BROFAAI), months before the start of the School Year 20232024.

While most of the members are still in the Philippines, BRO Int’l. has members now living in the US, Canada, Australia, Germany, the Middle East, and the rest of the world who are willing to go home to attend the annual celebration.

The Pledge of Commitment:

“Fraternal life is a constant affirmation of brotherhood among men, an unending assertion of collective worth; For this reason, living with men possessed with the same ideals, on this earth must be seen as a continuing movement toward some common goal, toward whatever talent and the thousand possibilities that each can blend to give life a more meaningful definition,” will be part of the program to be recited by the members.

The founding members have extended their reach by sponsoring chapters in the various colleges and universities in the country. To date, BRO has a total of 15 chapters which included brothers and sisters as members who committed themselves to the cause of the fraternity.

Happy 58th Founding Anniversary!

(Elpidio R. Estioko, UP-Diliman Chapter, Triumvirate, Batch ’66, was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist here in the US. He just published his book Unlocking the Chain of Poverty: In Pursuit of the American Dream which is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Xlibris Publishing. For feedbacks, comments, email author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com).

Through a Looking Glass

(From Page 11)

debunking the Limasawa claim that the 92/3 log of Pigafetta was Magellan’s target destination.

Historians and students of Philippine history would do well to read Bon Malvar’s eye-opening book.

I laud Bon Malvar for his untiring efforts, his dedication to correct a decades long historical error.

I pray that the powers that be in the Philippines today will heed his call to repeal an unjust law: R.A. 2733.

May that day come soon!

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

parking on our driveway and the available street parking nearby.

5.

FLEXIBLE LOCATIONS – For those who can’t come to our home office in San Francisco, we can do signing and notarization of documents in your home like what the elderly couple did, office, hospitals, restaurants, BART Lobby, Post Office Station lobby and other locations.

6.

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7.

DOCUEMENTS PREPARATION DISCOUNT – With the help of our paralegal partner and lawyer-friend, we offer special discounts in the preparation and drafting ofr documents for old and new clients.

8.

MULTIPLE DOCUMENTS AND MULTIPLE SIGNATURES DISCOUNTS – We offer 5% to 10% discounts on multiple documents and multiple signatures discounts for old and new clients.

9.

CONVENIENCE AND PEACE OF MIND - With the efficient, prompt, complete and unique services at MSS, old and new clients can have total convenience and peace of mind.

For immediate assistance and help in the notarization and apostille follow up of documents needed in the Philippines and the other member nations of the Hague Apostille Convention, just write or contact: MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, 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 the founder of MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST) and ACAPINOY. Art is active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California US)

Diliman Way

(From Page 13)

but not by his performance. But let us give Gilbert Teodoro a chance. Maybe something has changed in his life after he was defeated by his cousin when he ran for President in 2010 and for senator in 2022. Maybe miracles still happen – after all he is a bar topnotcher and a graduate of the UP College of Law. These are not joking matters – for a start.

MAR ROXAS – Grandson of colorful President Manuel Acuña Roxas, son of Senator Gerardo “Gerry” Roxas and Judy Araneta, scion of the most famous among the Aranetas who own the Araneta complex in Quezon City, My informant said Mar Roxas will be the next Secretary of Agriculture . But the Palace has denied the rumor and report of some newsmen that Mar has been appointed DA Secretary. The advisers of BBM must have been wary that if the report is confirmed – it will give support to the ongoing grapevine news that there is really a conjugal presidency since Mar is a cousin of the First Lady.

Mar Roxas graduated from the famous Wharton College, University of Pennsylavania with a Bachelor’s degree in Financewas senator and Secretary of Trade and Industry. His performance in both positions is above average. He is an outstanding choice for DA Secretary.

It is unfortunate if he will not be appointed considering his excellent qualifications. The man has character and very humble for a son of very powerful economic and political families. His appointment will do credit to BBM or any administration.

HERBERT BAUTISTA - has an impressive record as a public official – three term mayor of Quezon City, first bachelor Vice Mayor of QC, several terms councilor of QC, president of various public youth organization in QC, Metro Manila, and nationally. His

academic record is above average – graduated college in San Beda, studied law at the New Era though did not finish it, has a master’s degree at the University of the Philippines (UP} College of Public Administration and Government (CPAG). He is also an outstanding comic movie star.

Problem – He has a graft case before the SandiganBayan. Since a public official must satisfy the standards set by section 1, Article XI of the Constitution which requires public officials to be “at all times accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice…” – I am afraid Herbert is disqualified to be appointed as a member of the Cabinet, unless the graft case will be dismissed.

But if BBM insists on appointing him, Herbert will be in good company – after all BBM has been found guilty of tax evasion by the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) and fined several million pesos which until now, if what I know is right, remains unpaid.

ISKO MORENO – is former Mayor and Vice-Mayor of Manila. His resume is not something to sneeze at – studied law but did not become a lawyer and went to the JFK School of Good Government at Harvard University, and a very good looking movie star. As city mayor, he has surprising achievements – he cleaned the streets and sidewalks of Manila of dirt and sidewalk vendors which many thought was not possible; he performed well during the height of the pandemic to the applause of many; he offered free medicines, free medical services and free hospitalization in the Manila public hospital; he lighted the streets and public places in the city; and he established bold presence and showed good management skills.

Taking these things together – he appears to be a credit to BBM if he gets appointed as Secretary of DSWD. Problem - While Isko has proven to be a good manager he will be a problem to BBM for two reasons. First, there are whispers that he has enriched himself while in office and some people claim that he has a mansion in Alabang and a Bentley – both of which are expensive which maybe beyond his means if his boast of modest and humble origin is true. This matter need to be cleared. Second, he projects to be a man of high ambition. Isko may become a problem of BBM and Speaker Romualdez in the 2028 elections as Isko may throw his hat in the presidential derby and become a serious challenge to the Speaker who is a show in as official candidate for President with the support of BBM. Considering Isko’s qualifications, drive and ambition - he will be a very effective Secretary of the DSWD Observations: Thus far, the choices are not that bad and is a little improvement of the current BBM cabinet since the only member of the Cabinet who is noticeably competent and performing is VicePresident Sara Duterte

 HEALTH NEWS

June 15-21, 2023

28

IOC, WHO launch ‘Let’s Move’ campaign on Olympic Day to inspire the world to move for better health Allyson Felix, Pau Gasol, PV Sindhu and Yusra Mardini amongst Olympians invi�ng people to join the movement star�ng 23 June LAUSANNE - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a new global initiative to inspire and enable the world to move more every day.

Led by Olympians and created in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Let’s Move will begin on Olympic Day, 23 June, with an invitation to make time every day for movement for better health.

The world is moving faster than ever, but people are moving less. Research has found that one in four adults and over 80 per cent of young people do not meet the recommended minimum activity levels needed for optimum health (WHO, 2022).

Not having enough time in the day is one of the most common reasons given for not being able to reach this goal. At the same time, starting with just 30 minutes of movement a day has significant health benefits for hearts, bodies and minds.

Regular physical activity can help prevent or manage certain diseases, like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some types of cancers. It also helps to prevent hypertension, and it reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Being active also ensures healthy growth and development in young people and staying healthy in later life.

On 23 June, the Olympic Movement will encourage and support people around the world to make this time in

their daily lives to move in any way, anywhere. This includes a digital invitation from Olympians Allyson Felix, Pau Gasol, PV Sindhu, Yusra Mardini– to name a few of the athletes involved – to schedule 30 minutes to move this day with them and to join the Let’s Move Olympic Day digital workout from anywhere in the world, with the ambition of turning this into a daily habit.

IOC President Thomas Bach said, “On Olympic Day, we celebrate the Olympic Movement’s mission to make the world a better place through sport. When we do sport, it keeps our mind and body strong and healthy. When we do sport, it inspires us to always give it our best and it makes us dream, it spreads joy and it brings us together.

This year, together with the WHO, we are highlighting the positive impacts sport has on both physical and mental health. We want to inspire the world to move more every day. Sport and physical activity are the low-cost, highimpact tool for healthy bodies and healthy minds and resilient communities.”

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO DirectorGeneral, said, “The Olympic Movement has a unique ability to harness the power of increased physical activity through sport for improving public health. Olympians are more than athletes: they are role models for people to enjoy sport and the benefits of physical activity. The

Let’s Move initiative, supported by the WHO, combines the power of the Olympics and WHO’s advice on physical activity to help inspire and motivate people to move more for better health.”

Past and future Olympic hosts will also take part in the initiative by encouraging people to exercise in their local communities. Paris 2024 (along with the French Ministry of National Education and Youth and the Ministry of Sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games) has already introduced 30 minutes of physical activity as part of the school curriculum over the past 12 months, in recognition of the multitude of mental and physical health benefits of daily exercise.

Over 131 mass participation events and digital activations will take place in all corners of the world, being organised by the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and the wider Olympic Movement, providing an opportunity for everyone to move together on Olympic Day. Australia: Running a host of “Have a Go” activities in line with Let’s Move, featuring Olympic sports and hosted by Olympians, and looking ahead to Brisbane 2032, 23 -24 June Barbados: Olympic Day Run, the “GLOW 2K” beginning late in the evening where runners will wear glow-inthe-dark wrist bands, 23 June

Medical scams & gems Heart of Hope

“Inspire” for Sleep Apnea?

The commercials on “Inspire,” the implantable stimulator of the hypoglossal nerve that controls the tongue to prevent it from falling back and obstructing the airway, is not transparent, disingenuous, and confusing to the public. It PHILIP S. CHUA is a dishonest Ad that infers “Inspire” is the treatment for sleep apnea, and a superior one. This is not true. The Golden Standard of Care for obstructive sleep apnea is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) which keeps the airway open and unobstructed for healthy breathing and air exchange. All of this, without surgery. “Inspire” is an alternative for those who do not tolerate CPAP and not the “first choice.” “Inspire” also requires surgery, an invasive procedure to implant a nerve stimulator for the tongue.

Other misleading Ads Besides the fake news in the social media, Ads on television and other commercials often advertise to sell, skirting around the truth and honest information, with claims that are not supported by science or fact. Some of these items are Balance of Nature fruits and vegetables capsules, Prevagen, and Neuriva pills to improve brain health, Ampalaya capsules for diabetes, to mention a few. Eating the required 8 servings of fruits and vegetables is healthier than taking the questionable processed capsules. There are also thousands of cosmetic and other products with all sorts of claims that are false. I have yet to see randomized, doubleblind medical evidential data from renowned medical or research centers to prove that these products are safe, and effective as claimed in the dosage they recommend. In many cases, the unsuspecting public is duped and scammed into parting with their money by unconscionable entrepreneurs.

Unfortunately, the US-FDA and DOJ, etc., are unable to monitor/oversee these manufacturers and protect the public. Indeed, caveat emptor!

Stem cell Rx Similarly, medical (some are physicians) businessmen, motivated by the glitter of money are making bold claims that they can administer stem cell therapy “with good re-

sults” for a younger feel and look, for rejuvenating arthritic painful joints, for prevention of cancers, and other ridiculous contentions. Those are all misinformation victimizing the innocent and gullible, just to pad their pocketbook. At this point in time, June 8, 2023, the “ONLY stem cell-based treatment that is (scientifically legit) routinely reviewed and approved by the US-Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is hematopoietic (or blood) stem cell transplantation to treat patients with cancers and disorders that affect the blood (like leukemia, etc.) and the immune system.”

All other claims are false and scams.

“Smokeless” COPD The most common and popular form of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is the one caused by cigarette (tobacco) smoking. People who never smoked could also develop COPD, as seen among those with GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease) whose GE valve has somehow gotten incompetent, allowing hydrochloric acid (naturally found in the stomach to aid digestion) and acid fumes to be inhaled. This “invisible acid” is inhaled into the lungs and causes damages to the pulmonary tissues, much like what tobacco smoke does to the lungs. Over the years, a GERD patient, especially those not treated, will develop COPD and all its symptoms.

GERD Rx Some helpful tips for those with GERD. Discomfort by the pit of the stomach, right under the breastbone, could be from acid reflux from the stomach causing a burning sensation in the lower ends of the food-pipe (esophagus). Consult your physician; elevate the head of your bed about 1015 degrees, to prevent stomach contents from going back up to the food-pipe; avoid soft drinks (they are toxic), spicy foods, coffee, and alcohol, especially at night; eat about 3-4 hours prior to bedtime; and take your prescribed medications for acid reflux, like famotidine at night and esomeprazole in the mid-morning. Drink plenty of water. Your physician might recommend an initial upper endoscopy to vie the food-pipe and the stomach.

Poop “transplant” Human fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) is an FDA-approved procedure to collect, process, and transplant feces from vetted health donors to sick patients who had antibiotic therapy who developed C. difficile colitis as a result of the therapy which killed some good bacteria in the gut, and lately FMT is being tried for those with Ulcer-

ative Colitis. The procedure is done through colonoscopy to introduce the processed donor stool into the patient’s gut. A “poop” capsule is being developed, yes, to be swallowed. I am sure it would be an odorless and neat-looking capsule. (Imagine swallowing someone else’s poof to get better. Amazing science, indeed!) FMT would eliminate the need for colonoscopy to transplant the donor feces.

The aim is to replenish the healthy bacteria thru FMT and achieve a healthy microbiome. The cost of the entire procedure is nearly $1,000. Almost as expensive as gold!

LGBTQ issues We must accept all God’s creations, regardless of color, religion, gender, political affiliations, for our own mental health and sanity. Stop the debate already as to which bathroom to use, which sports (competition) team to join.

The issue is complex but to me, the solution is plain and simple: Have a three bathroom: One for females, one for males, and one for the LGBTQs. And if the LGBTQ wants to sub-divide their bathrooms for their specific preferences, so be it; and have 3 separate distinct competition leagues: one for females, one for males, and one for LGBTQs to compete against fellow LGBTQs, or a sub-division of this group, if the LGBTQ wants. In other words, let us understand and accommodate each group, or subgroup, and the LGBTQ group should also be sensitive to, understanding, just, and compassionate with the original two genders. Let us not belabor the point and cause another divide in society.

There are already too many. Let us live in peace, love, and harmony and destress our brain for our mental health. We have many more serious and pressing matters to deal with as residents of Planet Earth.

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, bestowed by then Indiana Governor, later a Senator, and a presidential candidate, the late Honorable Evan Bayh.

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

29 June 15-21, 2023

NEWS  NATIONAL VIEWS & COMMENTS THE FATHER’S EYES

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By TIM PEDROSA

he best way to give advice to our children is to find out what they want and then advise them to do it. We need to give them wings, encourage them to strive and learn to fly their own. The greatest gift we could give our children is to believe in them. Here’s a touching story of a teenager who lived alone with his father, and the two of them had a very special relationship. Even though the son was always on the bench, his father was always in the stands cheering. He never missed a game. This young man was still the smallest of the class when he entered high school. But his father continued to encourage him but also made it very clear that he did not have to play football if he didn’t want to. But the young man loved football and decided to hang in there. He was determined to try his best at every practice, and perhaps he’d get to play when he became a senior. All through high school he never missed a practice nor a game, but remained a bench warmer all four years. His faithful father was always in the stands, always with words of encouragement for him.

When the young man went to college, he decided to try out for the football team as a “walk-on.” Everyone was sure he could never make the cut, but he did. The coach admitted that he kept him on the roster because he always puts his heart and soul into every practice, and at the same time, provided the other members with the spirit and hustle they badly needed. The news that he had survived the cut thrilled him so much that he rushed to the nearest phone and called his father. His father shared his excitement and was sent season tickets for all the college games. This persistent young athlete never missed practice during his four years at college, but he never got to play in the game. It was the end of his senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice field shortly before the big play-off game, the coach met him with a telegram. The young man read the telegram and he became deathly silent. Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, “My father died this morning. Is it all right if I miss practice today?” The coach put his arm gently around his shoulder and said, “Take the rest of the week off, son. And don’t even plan to come back to the game on Saturday.”

Saturday arrived, and the game was not going well. In the third quarter, when the team was ten points behind, a silent young man quietly slipped into the empty locker room and put on his football gear. As he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players were astounded to see their faithful teammate back so soon. “Coach, please let me play. I’ve just got to play today,” said the young man. The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he wanted his worst player in this close playoff game. But the young man persisted, and finally feeling sorry for the kid, the coach gave in. “All right,” he said. “You can go in.” Before long, the coach, the players and everyone in the stands could not believe their eyes. This little unknown, who had never played before was doing everything right. The opposing team could not stop him. He ran, he passed, blocked and tackled like a star. His team began to triumph. The score was soon tied. In the closing seconds of the game, this kid intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown.

The fans broke loose. His teammates hoisted him onto their shoulders. Such cheering you’ve never heard! Finally, after the stands had emptied and the team had showered and left the locker room, the coach noticed that the young man was sitting quietly in the corner all alone. The coach came to him and said, “Kid, I can’t believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into you? How did you do it?”He looked at the coach, 1. Our Lady of Angels Church - 1721 Hillside Drive, with tears in his eyes, and Burlingame, CA 94010 said, “Well, you knew my dad died, but did you know 2. St. Isidore Catholic Church - 222 Clark Avenue, that my dad was blind?”

Yuba City, CA 95991 The young man swallowed 3. St. Andrew’s Catholic Church - 1571 Southgate Avenue, hard and forced a smile, Daly City, CA 94015 “Dad came to all my games, 4. St. Jarlath Church - 2620 Pleasant St., Oakland, CA 94602 but today was the first time 5. St. Isabella Church - One Trinity Way, San Rafael, CA 94903 he could see me play, and I 6. St. Catherine Church - 3450 Tennessee Church, wanted to show him I could do it!”

Vallejo, CA 94591 HAPPY FATHER’S 7. Holy Child and St. Martin Church - 777 Southgate Avenue, DAY!!

Daly City, CA 94015 The words that a father 8. Parish of the Holy Infant Jesus - 37051 Cabrillo Terrace, speaks to his children in Fremont, CA 94536 the privacy of home are not 9. Good Shepherd Church - 3200 Harbor St, Pittsburg, CA 94565 heard by the world, but… they are clearly heard… by posterity. ~Jean Paul For more information, please contact: Richter~ JR: (650) 952-8238

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Answer to Suffering

hy is there suffering? This question is asked a million different times and ways. We do not intend to answer this question, rather we would like to consider the action of God in our lives in relation to our suffering. Reflecting on God’s ways, we may acquire some ideas to understand and accept the reality of suffering. Fundamentally, God is not the cause of suffering, REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD but He allows it to happen or be experienced. Suffering is anything that causes us pain or hurt; it can be physical, emotional or psychological, or moral and spiritual. It is a privation or absence of the good. Suffering is the consequence of sin, evil or negative situations. God does not want us to suffer, because He cares and loves us so much – John 3:16. But there is suffering and evil in the world, and sometimes we experience it firsthand. Experiencing it, may cause the person to doubt in God or be angry at Him, or abandon his belief on Him. In our time, many choose to be unaffiliated to any religion or even to the point of choosing to believe that God does not exist for the reason that there is suffering.

For people of faith, because of what and how Jesus, our Lord, has suffered; that is, His Paschal Mystery, suffering can be a blessing in disguise. I like us to consider three points; firstly, suffering is allowed

by God to happen to us in general in order that a greater good can happen. God allowed His Son Jesus to suffer so much for the greatest good of all, salvation and reconciliation of humanity to God. A person experiences a failure in his business; then, end up in a job in another company with a good position and earning more than he was earning from his past business. There are many of these experiences where suffering happened but were only a set up for a greatest good and joy for the person.

Secondly, there is the unexplainable suffering and it seems unrelenting; like the experience of Job (see the book of Job) where tragedy one after another befell him. Or like a mother and father watching their son battling from some terrible illness. The son has to go for a surgery, his parents watch all these things happening to him, they want to explain to him what is happening and that this is good for him, etc., but they cannot say much to a toddler, the child may understand somehow, I guess, but still would be unable to comprehend totally. There is, indeed, this so-called innocent suffering. In truth, no one can explain in totality why there is suffering and what is it for; even if, we could have some idea of the why or for what purpose. There are these experiences of suffering that we totally cannot fathom and all the more the experience of suffering increases. Our Lord Jesus suffered His Paschal Mystery because it was His mission. He chose to do it for the sake of all.

He suffered for the sins of others; the Innocent One for the guilty, the Son of God for the ungodly. Sometimes, we can be gifted of this kind of suffering, innocent suffering, we do not know why; we know we have not done wrong, but just the same we suffer. We may have questions but there is no escaping from it when it comes. However, Jesus on the Cross can be a consoling image of such moments of suffering. Maybe, our suffering may not lead to a greater good sooner or may not even be during our lifetime. But surely it happens for a purpose that although God would want to explain to us, but we would not be able to grasp His explanation yet. Sometimes, we won’t understand our suffering; because it is part of an overarching story, that it can’t be understood in parts without knowing the whole story or seeing the entire picture; like the story of Joseph being sold as a slave to Egypt by his brothers, only years after, we could know why.

And lastly, suffering is allowed by God for some moral and spiritual good. Contrary to many people’s reaction to turn away from God, suffering leads closer to God. Suffering is like a teacher who teaches important lessons. In Suffering, we can grow in patience, in virtues and loyalty to God. We can know that we are even capable of heroism in matters to living our faith. People are known who truly they are through the experience of suffering. A man has been away from the Church life and even living a worldly lifestyle, after suffering a tragedy, something is stirred in him to move towards a godly life and has pursued it ever since. We may not be able to understand totally why we suffer and answer all questions about it, but we know God remains a loving God, and He is not the cause of it. Amen.

Aflame The Heart

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK

31 June 15-21, 2023  NATIONAL NEWS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

 FOOD & TRAVELS

Recipe of the Week Pork Estofado Pork Estofado, The Pinoy version of pork estofado is similar to adobo. It is pork stewed in soy sauce, vinegar and sugar. During the final cooking stage plantain banana is added Ingredients: 1/2 kilo pork cut into large serving pieces 3 pcs. saba , plantain banana, sliced diagonally 1 medium size carrot, sliced diagonally 1 small bundle spring onion, chopped 1/2 head garlic, crushed 2 tbsp. sugar 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup vinegar 1 tsp. peppercorns 2-3 pcs. bay leaf cooking oil salt Cooking procedure: In a sauce pan brown lightly pork on all sides and keep aside. In same pan stir cook garlic until fragrant. Add in pork and pour in soy sauce, vinegar and 3-4 cups of water now add in sugar, peppercorns and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, do not stir and simmer in medium heat for 20-30 minutes or until pork are almost tender, add more water as necessary. Add in carrot and banana and cook for 5-10 minutes or until carrot and banana are just cooked and the liquid has reduce to almost dry and oily. Correct saltiness if required and garnish with spring onion. Serve hot.

Pagsanjan nat’l park gets spotlight, return of tourists pushed PAGSANJAN, Laguna -– There is a concerted effort to reinvigorate the famed Pagsanjan waterfalls and rapids and tourism in that area in Laguna.

This as tourism stakeholders decided to elevateg the promotion and preservation of the Pagsanjan Gorge National Park (PGNP), home to the famed Pagsanjan waterfalls, to attract renewed interest among travelers.

In a ceremony in Laguna on June 6, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco witnessed the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) among the local executives of the towns of Pagsanjan, Cavinti, and Lumban in Laguna province which that would unite stakeholders to protect and revitalize tourism in the PGNP. The PGNP is one of the oldest national parks in the country and has been declared a protected area, covering about 152 hectares around a series of gorges on the Pagsanjan River leading to the famed Pagsanjan waterfalls which can be seen in between lush landscape and towering cliffs accessible only by dugout canoe.

Cavinti Mayor Arrantlee Arroyo, Lumban Mayor Rolando Ubatay, and Pagsanjan Mayor Cesar Areza signed the trilateral deal.

“It has been said that a person’s will is like water. It is unstoppable. It will pass through mountains like a waterfall - like the Pagsanjan Falls - and it will always get to where it needs to go. It will find a way,” Frasco said in her keynote message.

“What I see in the signing of this memorandum of agreement among the three local government units with the support of the provincial government, is the sheer will and strength of spirit of the people of Laguna that refuse to be defeated by the many crises, difficulties, challenges and even the passing of time; all these in your determination to value that which God has given and that which has been a source of livelihood for the people of the three municipalities, and for the province — Pagsanjan Falls,” she added.

The first tripartite agreement by the three towns was signed 30 years ago on July 19, 1993, PNA reported.

At the time, Areza said around 2,000 boatmen sustained the education of their children as tours around the famed Pagsanjan waterfalls were in-demand activi-

ties for travelers.

The decline in local visitor arrivals over the years, however, affected the livelihood of tourism workers in the municipality.

“Isang [oportunidad] na maitulak ang kasaganahan na ibinibigay ng Pagsanjan Falls (Efforts to rejuvenate activities within the falls is a great opportunity),” he said. “[A]ting ipinagtitibay ang ating pagtutulungan at pagdadamayan na itaas at patatagin ng ating memorandum of agreement dahil ito ang magbibigay ng magandang bukas sa ating mga kababayan (We are increasing cooperation to strengthen this MOA which can provide good future to our people),” he added.

The mayor also thanked the DOT for taking the lead and announced his family’s decision to donate a 500-squaremeter land in Calamba for the regional operations of the DOT. Both the mayors of Cavinti and Lumban also expressed their appreciation to the DOT as well as their individual commitment for tourism to flourish in their respective towns.

Ubatay encouraged other towns to join in the promotion efforts to draw both domestic and foreign tourists to Pagsanjan Falls and the entire Laguna.

Meanwhile, Frasco announced the establishment of a tourist rest area in the neighboring town of Bay, the revival of the old Pagsanjan Resort through a private-public partnership under the DOT’s infrastructure and enterprise arm, and the donation of more boats for the Pagsanjan boatmen.

“Our President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. articulated that under his administration, tourism is a priority.

And that one of the objectives of the Department of Tourism under the National Tourism Development Plan is to equalize tourism promotions and development,” she said.

“This means to not only concentrate our efforts on the already successful and well-known destinations at present, but also to lend our hand of collaboration to the emerging tourist destinations where we can provide equal opportunities for tourism development so that no one is left behind in the resurgence of tourism for the Philippines,” she added.