CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City— Amid the rising tensions between China and Taiwan, the Philippines continues to prepare for contingencies in case Beijing made good its threats to invade the island state which it claims to be its own but is a renegade province.
By Gilda P. Balan, Correspondent
SAN FRANCISCO - Are the continuing hate crimes targeting Asians and Asian-Americans a public health crisis?
A recent opinion piece in the LAProgressive by Jackie Leung offers a strong argument that such crimes are a menace, bordering on a crisis.
By Jun Nucum SAN
FRANCISCO - Al-
By CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENOWHILE California FilAms have been shut out from the State Legislature, Filipinos in Canada have prospered – if gradually - in their aspiration.
At the July 10 virtual gathering of Filipina political pio-
neers hosted by San Francisco-based Filipina Women’s Network, over 30 attendees from the North America, Europe and Asia heard what motivated them to seek elected office.
thoughtens of thousands of miles
away from the Motherland, hundreds of Filipino militants in the United States made sure
Leung states that her own experience with racism practically throughout her entire
P54.55
MANILA – The Department of Budget and Management resente to the ffice o the res dent the P5.768-trillion National Expenditure Program or the sca ear a a a ter res ent Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered his second State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The NEP was personally received by President Marcos on the same day he left for a state visit to Malaysia, s ate unt u .
“We will present this to Congress, we will defend the President’s budget as much as we can. Our [national] budget is a budget that is responsive to the pressing issues that we have now. At ito pong budget na to ay magsasabi na meron po tayong Bagong Pilipinas (This budget will tell us that we have new Philippines),” DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.
The NEP is the President’s proposed budget to be submitted to Congress for approval. This includes the planned government expenditure for the succeeding sca ear as e as the a ocate un s or fferent programs and initiatives.
The proposed budget entails a detailed breakdown of spending across sectors including education, health,
agriculture and infrastructure. It encompasses funds reser e or go ernment agenc es an offices a ong th ar ous rograms an ro ects ent e as the a m n istration’s top priorities.
“Following Cabinet approval, the budget is ready for presentation. This budget will be submitted to the ouse o e resentat es on ug. angan aman said.
Pangandaman earlier expressed optimism that the enera ro r at ons ct ecome a a the end of this year.
“I’m hopeful that it would be faster, because last year, when we submitted the NEP, it was one week before the deadline,” she said.
om are to the current ear s . tr on a propriations, the projected budget for the next year is 9.5 percent higher.
“The proposed national budget will continue to prioritize expenditure items that promote social and economic transformation through infrastructure development, food security, digital transformation, and human capital development,” Pangandaman said.
Under the Constitution, the national budget must
e su m tte to ongress th n a s o o ng the President’s SONA.
MANILA – The Philippine government would not allow members of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to come to the country to conduct an investigation into the drug war waged by former presi-
dent Rodrigo Duterte, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
DOJ Senior Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said President Ferdinand R. Marcos r. has ma e a rm stance to en ea
ings with the ICC after its latest move to reject the Philippine government appeal to suspend its investigation.
“Dahil nasa investigation stage pa lang, gusto po nilang mag-umpisa dito para mag-imbestiga. At gusto nilang pumunta dito (Because they are still in the investigation stage, they want to start the investigation here. They want to come here),” Vasquez said during a forum in Quezon City.
“Sa ngayon, desisyon niya (Marcos) ay hindi na makipag-engage sa ICC (As of now, his decision is to disengage from the ICC). That means to say we won’t coordinate and we would not allow them to come here as ICC.”
He said the ICC prosecutors could visit the country, “subject to limitations.”
Vasquez also warned that ICC members who would attempt to enter the country to conduct an investigation might be charged with a crime of usurpation of authority.
“So, they can come here. But before they can even come here, they have to go through the DFA (Department of Foreign ffa rs un er nternat ona re at ons ro tocols. Hindi po sila puwedeng pumunta dito nang basta-basta (They cannot just come here),” he said.
Quizzed about the possibility that the ICC might issue an arrest warrant against Duterte and other personalities linked to the drug war, Vasquez emphasized that the ICC has “no enforcement mechanism.”
The ICC, he said, would need the help of its member-states to order the arrest of those involved in the Philippines’ anti-narcotics campaign.
“Pupunta sila dito, sinong lalapitan nila? Pulis, Armed Forces, DOJ? Eh hindi na nga kami nag-i-engage eh (If they come here, from whom would they ask for help? The police, Armed Forces, DOJ? We would no longer engage with them),” Vasquez said.
“Wala naman silang otoridad na gumawa ng mga bagay-bagay tungkol sa pag-
imbestiga (They do not have the authority to conduct an investigation) for example because that is a mandate of our law enforcement agency. They’re not members of the law enforcement agency.”
He pointed out that the ICC need not nter ere th the h nes affa rs e cause the country has an “existing and operating” justice system and accountability mechanism.
The Marcos administration, he said, is ready to accommodate those who will testify on the supposed human rights violations associated with the war on illegal drugs.
“Unfortunately, mula noon, last year hanggang ngayon, kami po ay naghihintay pa rin para dumulog sa amin ang sinumang mayroong impormasyon (since last year, we have been waiting for anyone who could provide us with vital information),” Vasquez said.
In an interview in Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay on Friday, Marcos said the Philippines would no longer communicate with the ICC following the latter’s decision to go ahead with its investigation despite an appeal to suspend by the government.
WASHINGTON D.C. -- At the second Philippines-United States Maritime Dialogue held on 21 July 2023 in Washington DC, the Philippines and the United States agreed to step up maritime policy and operational cooperation, in line with the Joint Statement of President Marcos Jr. and US President Biden “to continue expanding engagement and cooperation on all issues of common concern.”
The Philippine delegation was led by Assistant Secretary for Maritime and cean ff a rs ar a nge a . once. The US delegation was led by Deputy Assistant Secretary Jung H. Pak of the ureau o ast s an an ac c fairs of the United States Department of
State.
Both sides emphasized their commitment to maintain the rules-based international order in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea, in line with UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
In her opening remarks, Assistant Secretary Ponce underscored that “the rising tensions and critical situation in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea and the persistent and evolving challenges to the rules based international order drive us to enhance ways to respond faster, and in a more coordinate an eff ect e manner.
The two delegations also discussed the broad scope of Philippines-U.S. bilateral maritime cooperation engagements and proposals, including measures to enhance combating transnational crimes at sea, addressing illicit, unreported, and unregulated sh ng an rotect ng and conserving the marine environment.
The Dialogue included a Track 1.5 session which discussed shared challenges in the South China Sea, including prospects for trilateral maritime cooperation between the Philippines, the U.S. and Japan.
The Maritime Dialogue mechanism was established by the 9th Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) in 2021. The second iteration of the Maritime Dialogue follows a series of high-level talks between the Philippines and the United States, including President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s working visit to the United States last May.
By Jennifer T. Santos
QUEZON CITY – The House of Representatives has a new member.
This as The Commission on Elections ome ec ssue a cert cate o the proclamation to Erwin Tulfo as the third nominee of the Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support (ACT-CIS) party-list.
“Comelec Commissioner Socorro B. nt ng offic a roc a ms r. r n . Tulfo as the third nominee of ACT-CIS Party List, following the Comelec en banc’s decision, dismissing the petition or s ua cat on o r. u o the Comelec said .
Tulfo, former secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, re ace effre or ano ho res gne as
a third nominee in February this year. th the ome ec cert cat on u o shall serve as a member of the House of Representatives until June 30, 2025.
Tulfo was joined by ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Edvic Yap, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and former Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo, among others during his proclamation.
“So somebody, by the grace of God, someone questioned the legality because na th s e a o er th. ome ec was able to answer all these doubts, all these questions. Now that is already behind us. I would like to thank everybody and now my work begins,” he said.
Tulfo is expected to begin his tour of duty as a congressman on July when the 19th Congress opens its second regular session.
FORT BONIFACIO - The New Senate Building being constructed in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City is on track and set to start partial operations in July 2024.
Senator Nancy Binay, chair of the Committee on Accounts and in charge of the coor nat on efforts o the construc tion, made the assurance during the New enate u ng s to ng off ceremon on Thursday.
to ng off ceremon s one hen the last beam (or its equivalent) is placed atop a structure during its construction. he to ng off ceremon s s m bolic of our recovery from the pandemic. Tuloy-tuloy na ang pag-arangkada natin pagkatapos maantala dahil sa pandemya (Our development continues to accelerate after being slowed down by the pandemic),” Binay said.
The ceremony was also attended by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Senators Cynthia Villar, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Ronald Dela Rosa, and Christopher Lawrence Go.
Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III and former Senator and now House Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto were also present with other guests that included Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Bases Conversion and Development Authority ha r erson e n oren ana an agu ig Mayor Lani Cayetano.
Binay said as instructed by Zubiri, the opening of the regular session in the New Senate Building next year will push through.
She pointed out that the building will e one o the rst green u ng cert e government facilities under the Philippine Green Building Council’s Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence Program.
“In the face of climate change the government should walk the talk in promoting the use of sustainable structures,” she said.
By integrating sustainable features such as energ effic ent s stems ater conservation measures, and the use of eco-friendly materials, the New Senate Building is also seen to consume between 30 to 50 percent less energy than standard buildings.
Its construction was initiated by the 17th Congress in 2017 after former Senator Ping Lacson, then-chair of the Committee on Accounts, called for the need to relocate to a new site for the Philippine Senate due to increasing space limitations and the need for enhanced facilities.
Lacson noted that the current Senate an ts offices rent ts u ng n asa City from the Government Service Insurance System while its parking lot was leased from the Social Security System, and has spent around PHP 2.24 billion in rental fees alone from May 1, 1996 to December 31, 2017.
TAGUIG CITY – The city government of Taguig hopes for a smooth transition on the transfer of the Fort Bonifacio military reservation and 10 barangays of Makati City to its jurisdiction.
In a press statement , the city government said Makati Mayor Abigail Binay’s remarks that she will respect the ruling of the Supreme Court (SC) on the case should pave the way for an orderly transition to ensure continuity of public service.
“We propose that the two cities create a joint transition team that would work together. The transition team would coordinate with national agencies and all stakeholders for the speedy and orderly transfer of administration,” the statement said.
The same statement added that it is “prepared to take on the responsibility of governing the 10 barangays with the same fer-
vent commitment and solicitude it has done with its 28 barangays”.
In a video posted on Facebook early this ee na c ar e the ou com with the high court’s ruling declaring these areas belong to Taguig City.
Binay made this remark after the SC rejected Makati’s omnibus motion asking to a o the ng o a secon mot on or re consideration.
Binay also declared that she and the Makati government would coordinate with the concerned departments and agencies of the national government for a seamless transition.
Before the latest resolution released this June, the SC in September 2022 already den e a at s rst mot on or recons era tion assailing the 2021 decision of the high court.
PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan – The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over an apparent surge in malaria cases in this city and other parts of Palawan province.
Mayor Lucilo Bayron said a WHO delegation has visited the city to assess the reported outbreak, accompanied by Department of Health (DOH) representatives.
Byrion disclosed as PNA reported that members of the delegation came to his ofce to scuss the c uster ng o ma ar a cas es in Barangay Irawan from April to June.
Bayron explained that the visitors from WHO were particularly concerned over the
31 malaria cases recorded in the barangay over the three months.
“Malaria is still more prevalent in Southern Palawan municipalities. However, while in the past we have seen a steady decline in malaria cases in the city, now it seems to be rising again,” he said in Filipino.
t ea th ffice ch e r. c Panganiban, meanwhile, said the WHO delegation came to assess the malaria management situation not only in the city but also in the entire province, given that Palawan is the only area in the Philippines with reported cases.
He pointed out that because of the
BALANGA CITY, Bataan – The Vatican has named San Fernando, Pampanga Archbishop Florentino Lavarias as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Balanga.
The Balanga diocese has no bishop since July 22, after Bishop Ruperto Santos as offic a nsta e as the ne bishop of the Diocese of Antipolo.
He will oversee the diocese until the Vatican named a new bishop of Balanga.
The Diocese of Balanga has been declared as “sede vacante” (Latin for “the seat being vacant”), which refers to the vacancy of the episcopal see of a particu-
lar church in the Canon law of the Roman Catholic Church.
“Sede vacante” occurs when the diocesan bishop has either died, resigned, trans erre to a fferent ocese or ost h s office an a re acement has not et been named.
Santos, as the new bishop of Antipolo diocese will oversee more than three million Catholics in the diocese with more than 70 parishes comprising Marikina City and the entire province of Rizal.
The installation ceremony was led by Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown at the Antipolo Cathedral in Antipolo City, Rizal.
CHO’s swift response to the 31 cases in Irawan, all the patients managed to recover from the tropical disease carried by mosquitoes.
“The target is to eliminate malaria or achieve zero malaria cases in the long term.
In Mimaropa, (it is) well known that Palawan contributes the highest cases (of malaria) – they (WHO delegation) are here to suggest ho to n the ght. he a so know about the cases in Irawan and they are
aware that we had cases in June,” Panganiban said.
Last week, the DOH reported the clustering of malaria cases in the village, which has a population of 8,784 as of the 2020 census.
The health department said out of the total number of cases, 55 percent (17 patients) were female, and the majority (24 patients) originated from Zone 14 of Irawan village.
and job-ready, active, and responsible citizens; taking steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education facilities and services, including plans to build more resilient schools and classrooms in 2023 and around 6,000 classrooms; taking good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and giving support to teachers to teach better.
“I am truly grateful for President Ferdinand Marcos [Jr.] and his leadership marked with decisiveness, strength, fortitude, and political will -- clearly demonstrate o er the ast ear n office Duterte said.
Duterte said the President’s kind of ea ersh ns res go ernment offic a s “more aggressive in delivering what we have promised to the Filipino people.”
ice President Sara uterte (le ) listens to the second State of the Na�on Address of President erdinand R. Marcos Jr.
PASIG CITY – Vice President and concurrent Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte welcomed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s unremitting support to recent reforms introduced by the Department of Education (DepEd) into the academic system.
Duterte cited Marcos’ approval of the DepEd’s MATATAG Agenda, which she escr e to e ene c a not on or learners but also for the teaching and nonteach ng staff o the e artment.
“Matatag” involves making the curriculum relevant to produce competent
Also, the vice-president lauded Marcos’ strong commitment to continuing progress in the southern Philippines.
“As a Mindanaoan, I am pleased to hear his administration’s development agenda for Mindanao,” Duterte said. t offers us ho e an a ee sense o o t m sm that the efforts to stam out ter rorism and the peace-building initiatives of the past administrations are strength-
ened to bring about meaningful development for the region and its people,” she added.
Duterte said the same hope and optimism “resound across the country” with the implementation of the administration’s socio-economic agenda, providing security to vulnerable sectors -- such as armers an sher o .
She thanked Marcos “for reminding us of our obligation to our country -- an obligation contained in the contract we signed with the Filipino people in the 2022 election.”
During the President’s second State of the Nation Address, Duterte paid tribute to the Maguindanao community by wearing their traditional Moro dress called “Bangala” featuring “Inaul” weaving culture -- patterned with some gold accessories -- symbolizing wealth and abundance of Mindanao’s natural resources.
“Inaul” is a Maguindanao fabric intricately handwoven using cotton and silk. It is a treasured cultural gem that profoundre ects the r e ra er her tage an history of the people of Maguindanao.
Duterte previously wore a traditional “Bagobo Tagabawa” dress when Marcos e ere h s rst ast ear.
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has formally lifted the state of public health emergency declared due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
Marcos issued Proclamation 297, lifting the nationwide declaration of a public health emergency due to Covid-19.
“All prior orders, memoranda, and issuances that are effect e on ur ng the State of Public Health Emergency shall be deemed withdrawn, revoked or cance e an sha no onger e n effect according to the proclamation.
Under Proclamation 297, all government agencies are enjoined to ensure that their policies, rules, and regulations will take into consideration the lifting of the state of public health emergency.
Government agencies are also instructed to amend existing or promulgate new issuances, as may be appropriate.
All emergency use authorization (EUA) issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under Executive r er ssue n ou remain valid for one year from the date of issuance of Proclamation “for the sole purposes of exhausting the remaining vaccines.” author es the to ssue EUAs for Covid-19 vaccines, which shall be valid only within the duration of the declared public health emergency.
The proclamation also states that although Covid-19 remains to be a serious concern for certain subpopulation and requires continued public health response,
the countr has ma nta ne suffic ent health care system capacity and low hospital bed utilization rates even after the liberalization of Covid-19 health protocols.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation on March 8, 2020, declaring a state of public health emergenc a ter the rst o trans mission reported by the Department of ea th .
n a th s ear the nternat ona Health Regulations Emergency Comm ttee o the or ea th rgan at on note the ecreas ng tren n Covid-related deaths, the decline in hospitalizations and intensive care unit admission, and the high levels of population immunity to SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2).
rector enera e ros hanom Ghebreyesus on May concurred with the committee’s advice and determined that Covid-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.
Ghebreyesus advised the transition to long-term management of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In May, Marcos said the country is alrea on norma oot ng a ter the lifted the global state of public health emergency.
he cont nues to a m n ster ree vaccines against Covid-19 and has recently started giving out bivalent doses, effect e or the or g na stra n an the Delta variant, for health workers and senior citizens.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has acce te the res gnat on o th r e e offi cers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who are allegedly involved in illegal drug activities.
Malacanang said the President accepted the o ce offic a s res gnat on ase on the recommendation of the National Police Commission Ad Hoc Advisory Group that investigated the matter.
The Chief Executive accepted the courtes res gnat on o the o o ng offic a s
-Brigadier Generals Remus Medina, Randy Peralta and Pablo Labra II; -Colonels Rogarth Campo, Rommel cha e omme e asco o n ng arm ento ernan o rtega e er o u an onan o an o ortera a rence
Cajipe, Dario Menor, Joel Tampis, Michael David, Igmedio Bernaldez, Rodolfo Albotra Jr., and Marvin Sanchez.
Meanwhile, the advisory group recommended the non-acceptance of the courtesy res gnat on o other o ce offic a s.
Marcos made the announcement a day after his second State of the Nation Address at the atasang am ansa o ng to cont nue the ght aga nst rug s n cates by shutting down their illegal activities.
He also vowed to dismantle their network of operations that includes going after law enforcers and their accomplices found implicated in the illegal drug trade.
“Unscrupulous law enforcers and others involved in the highly nefarious drug trade have been exposed. I will be accepting their
resignations. In their stead, we will install individuals with unquestionable integrity, and ho e effect e an trust orth n han dling the task of eliminating this dreaded and corrosive social curse. We cannot tolerate corruption or incompetence in government,” Marcos said.
The President earlier vowed to “clean up the ranks of the PNP, saying that the drug problem would not exist without the ino ement o o ce offic a s.
n h s the res ent a so sa he will appoint individuals with unquestionable integrity to lead the government’s drive against illegal drugs, noting that his administration is putting “a new face” to the campaign.
“In their stead, we will install individuals
with unquestionable integrity, who will be effect e an trust orth n han ng the tas of eliminating this dreaded and corrosive social curse. We cannot tolerate corruption or incompetence in government,” the Chief Executive said.
Meanwhile, PNP chief Benjamin Acorda r. sa the offic a s hose res gnat ons ere accepted are continuously being monitored. He also said the necessary orders “for their relief from their present positions will be immediately issued and the (resigned) ofcers e ass gne to the ersonne o ing and Accounting Unit, DPRM (Directorate for Personnel and Records Management) to rec u e them rom e ert ng urther n u ence and/or performing illegal activities using their positions.”
QUEZON CITY The Marcos administration is ma ng s gn cant str es n m ro ng the ra a sec tor the e artment o rans ortat on r sa on atur a .
t a e s orum n ue on t r n ersecre tar esar ha e sa the h ne at ona a a s ght a a rans t nes an an etro a rans t ne are m ro ng s g n cant .
ha e note that the r s ho ng to ro uce a t ona tra n sets ugust.
e a so c te ncrease r ersh n oth the an am go ernment efforts to m ro e the ra a s stem.
he ra a ro ects un er the arcos a m n stra t on are on the r ght trac he sa stress ng that the agenc s ast trac ng the m ementat on o ro ects un e the a an nternat ona oo erat on genc an s an e e o ment an as e as those un er u c r ate artnersh s.
ha e sa the se en stat ons rom a en ue a t n etro an a to the t o a o os n u acan un er the orth outh ommuter a a ro ect
e o erat ona .
he . ometer stem un er the u etter ore rogram has a tota ro ect cost o
RI H ON RAC . he
. on. t connect ar am anga an a am a t aguna.
he ho e s stem ha e stat ons an three e ots com ose o the or g na ro ects the a o os ar a a ro ect an the outh ommuter a a ro ect.
ha e a so note that a out stat ons o the
ro ect e com ete an o erat ona the th r uarter o .
he ro ect ha e stat ons name ue on orth enue o nt tat on ue on emor a rc e n ers t enue an ang ora on nton o atasan anggahan ona armen ega a o n anao enue u r no acre eart an a a a n ue on t an t o an ose e onte n u acan ro nce.
t can accommo ate assengers ur ng the rst ear o o erat ons.
he ro ect a so eature an ntermo a trans or tat on hu cater ng to other t es o u c trans orta t on as e as a ometer h gh a rom an ose e onte to ocaue.
ha e sa the ro ect s a rea n the a ance stage an e un e the . to o ang esta o ng r es nga on. m ro ng ang at ng e st ng our o erat ng nes h s s the status o our ra a s stem no . ur e st ng our o erat ng nes are m ro ng he sa .
e re ast trac ng the m ementat on o the e st ng ra ro ects an e ha e secure un ng or the eas t stu o ma or ra a ro ects or u on sa as an n anao he a e .
na rus sease o cases ec ne ercent rom u to the e artment o ea th re orte .
n ts atest case u et n the agenc recor e a n ect ons a ec ne o cases rom the re cor e et een u an .
tota o ne cases ere recor e n the ast ee .
he ta o se ere an cr t ca n ect ons a so e crease to rom the re ous ee s . out eaths ere er e ur ng the ast ee ut three o the recor e eaths occurre on u to .
n . ercent or out o the ntens e care un t e s are n use h e . ercent or
he countr s a a erage o ne coro
rans ortat on ecretar a me au t sta a m n stere the oath o office o a er gor en o a ho assume the os t on o ass stant secretar an ch e o the an rans ortat on ffice.
en o a re ace ormer ch e a rt uga e ho res gne n a ue to sagreements th the trans ortat on e artment.
et s not aste t me sa ram ng a angang ga n at sa ram ng a angan nat ng maa os. ana maa os nat n sa a ong ma a ng anahon an then n the ne t ears ahan ahan na ang ta o e ha e a ot to o so et s not aste t me. ho e that e n sh these tas s soon an n the ne t e ears en o a sa .
e o e to a ress the shortage o cense car s an motor eh c e ates ac ogs.
et s not a t ears ang a ng ag ng n s ung magaga a nat n u as a t a nat n h h nta n ang ne t ee . a n na nat n ang magaga a nat n nga on et s not a t e ears. o hat can e one no an not a t or ne t ee he sa .
en o a a ormer art st re resentat e an trans ortat on offic a as ersona en orse or the ro e aut sta an nter or ecretar en am n enhur a os. en o a o e to urther enhance u c ser ce an ensure effect e sa e an e organ e o erat ons o an trans ortat on s stems .
e cont nues to e the cha r erson o art st rou n te rans ort oa s on or . e as a so a ormer oar em er o the an rans ortat on ran ch s ng an egu ator oar .
o non e s are ut e . t east or . ercent o the countr s target o u at on ha e een acc nate aga nst o nc u ng . ercent o sen or c t ens as o arch .
tota o ha e rece e ooster shots out o the u acc nate o u at on.
o ate the countr has ogge corona rus cases th act e cases reco er es an eaths s nce anuar .
ome a r orts n orth ern u on ha e susta ne amages as hoon ga attere the area the at on uthor t o the h nes re orte e nes a .
sa e a ro nce mean h e re orte one ata t ur ng the ons aught o hoon ga . sa e a o ernor o to ano sa the ct m as h t n the hea a a en coconut n amon to n.
ano sa there as not too much amage n the ro nce h ch as un er s gna num er as o e nes a a ternoon.
er a hun re tour sts ere stran e n atanes ue to the t hoon.
oo aters nun ate arts o northern u on as hoon ga tr g gere hea ra ns an strong n s on e nes a . n agu o t a t o stor house s t
t ng on the e ge o a mounta n as seen n a eo s o ca ng n as the so oosene ue to the ra ns.
e era e ectr c osts an trees ere a so to e the n .
he stra err arm n a r n a enguet as un er ater.
n ontoc ounta n ro nces se era roo s o houses ere estro e ue to a en trees.
ou ers ue to a roc s e oc e ort on o the roa n u a enguet. e en am es ng n houses ma e o ght mater a s ere a so e acuate . here s no e ectr c t n the s an th the emergenc o erat on center runn ng on reser e o er.
he at ona saster s e uct on an anagement ounc sa a tota o am es or n ua s ha e een affecte the com ne e ects o the t hoon an monsoon.
ga ha een a su er t hoon as t s e t across the ac c cean on ues a ut ea ene as t neare the h nes.
erat ons at the aoag nterna t ona r ort ere tem orar ha te ue to the eather s tuat on. sa the a r ort reo en n the a ternoon ut no u ate as ro e as o .m.
he a r ort s ce ng an oors ere art a amage an re u re re a rs sa .
so oo ng as re orte at n ga en r ort s ram ue to hea ra ns accor ng to . trong n s a so cause amage to the roo o the a r ort s re stat on.
uguegarao r ort a so ha te ght o erat ons as commerc a e ectr c t has een o n. nor oo ng at the a r ort s ta a as re orte ut no ma or
amage as o ser e . e at e m n ma amage as re orte n gan r ort s ac t es. ean h e no amage as re orte at the a r orts n oa an n agu o o sa es n angas nan an ernan o n a n on an a n am a es. r orts n asco atanes an au a an t an a anan oth n sa e a a so re orte no amage to ac t es. o o er outage as re orte as e . he e artment o gr cu ture mean h e re orte an n t a orth o amage to cro s ue to the e ects o hoon ga . t ng the n t a assessment o eg ona e ffices s n a a ar on an maro a the e artment sa the amage to cro s affecte armers th the o ume o ro uct on oss egge at our metr c tons an hectares o r ce areas.
MANILA – Did President Ferdinand arcos r n effect re u ge o ce o c a s thout ene t o a hear ng an a a r tr a h s s hat the h ne at ona o ce ha e to c ar a ter the res ent sa ur ng h s tate o the at on ress on on a th s ee that he ha acce te the courtes res gna t ons o sen or o ce offic a s a ege ecause o the r t es to the ega rug tra e. ch e en en am n cor a r. sa e nes a that the ha et to rece e a co o the ocument regar ng the status o the res gne offic a s. n a r e ng th oca me a cor a sa he nee e to c ar there as a nee to ace the offic a s un er the s ersonne o ng an ccount ng n t.
Hate (From page 1)
e has e her to th s conc us on. he a orn a res ent notes that hate cr mes ha e een ncreas ng n the ast e ears not ust n the o en tate ut a so n such aces as e or assachusetts an regon among others.
n the ast months she rote
meet ng th ecut e ecretar u cas ersam n s set an t me th s ee the ch e a e . n nam ng the offic a s ur ng h s the res ent ma ha e o erste e the oun ar es o h s author t . h e the has ts o n nterna ust ce s stem an mem er o the orce sus ecte o rong o ng s st resume nnocent unt ro en gu t .
he a ace sa the acce tance o the offic a s res gnat on as u on the recom men at on o the e man a sor grou create the at ona o ce omm ss on to n est gate the a ege n s o some a en orcers to the ega rug tra e.
he res ent a ommun cat ons ce sa cor a ha ear er r tten the res ent stat ng that a thorough ro e ha een
near three out o our h nese mer cans ha e e er ence rac a scr m na t on an t o n three ee a nee to sta g ant a out hate cr mes an harassment.
t must e note that rac sts seen no erence et een sa h nese mer cans an no mer cans or orean mer cans etc. o them a s ans an s an mer cans are automat c targets o hate
com ete on the sus ecte n o ement o officers n the rug tra e. the officers ha een ma e to ten er the r cour tes res gnat on at the nst gat on o oca o ernment ecretar enhur a os. he e man ane as com r se o then ch e o o o ur n r. e ense ecretar ert eo oro agu o t a or en am n aga ong ret re ourt o ea s assoc ate ust ce e chor a ang an ret re o ce genera sagan ere . cor a sa the officers ere cont nuous e ng mon tore an ou e re e e rom the r osts mme ate . e ng resume gu t un ess ro en n nocent s e ecte to ha e a ch ng effect on the ran an e o the . ean h e there s another ssue that
cr mes rang ng rom er a assau ts to out r ght h s ca attac s.
s a u c hea th researcher an an s an mer can ho has suffere harass ment eung sa she e e es e nee to start treat ng rac sm as a ne u c hea th cr s s one that causes rre ara e harm to the menta hea th o our commun t .
eung a e that treat ng rac sm as a u c hea th cr s s starts th the recogn t on that rac sm affects our ent re commu n t not ust n ua s.
he suggests that ocus ng on un t e un shment aga nst n ua s shou e re ace ocus ng on o c an s s tems change.
eung re ate her o ten heart rea ng e er ences gro ng u un er the sha o o rac sm n a orn a.
s a ch she re ate c assmates as e her hether she cou see ecause the sa our e es are so sma .
n h gh schoo a rac st c assmate regu ar to her ant to eat our ace a ecause that schoo mate oun her anno ng.
t gre orse hen she reache u a u thoo . nce a grou o men o o e her a ress ng her n rac a s urs an as ng her to get nto the car or a tt e un.
t orst that nc ent cou ha e resu te n a gang ra e or orse.
s e ecte to ha e a negat e effect on the as e as the rme orces o the h nes . h s s the much nee e re orm n the r ens on an h ch or man eca es not re u re man ator contr ut ons rom the ent re mem ersh o the an . n er the anne re orm o the s stem a contr ut on o e ercent o the co s an so ers as c a ecome man a tor . h s ncrease to n ne ercent n the short term.
he go ernment e ects a arge num er o so ers an co s to o t or ear ret re ment rather than see a re uct on n the r ta e home a . h s e orce the go ern ment to em ar on a mass e recru tment cam a gn an ast trac the tra n ng o ne comers to the an .
ress ng s an hate must e ace hea on she sa s. er recommen at ons . sta sh rac a ust ce counc s. n man states ur ng u c hea th cr ses u c hea th e artments o ten orm s e c a tas orces to ocus on the ro em. he same shou e one hene er hate cr mes ester . ass stronger a s aga nst hate cr mes. he assage o stronger a s aga nst hate cr mes re uce ear among ct ms h e a so emonstrat ng comm t ment to ar s rotect ons or u nera e grou s she sa s
. m ro e ata co ect on metho s. thout ro er ata t s m oss e to uant the o ume o hate cr me accor ng to eung. ncons stent hate cr me a s resu t n un ust court att es un a r hate cr me co erage an nsuffic ent efforts to a ress the cr mes.
h e the e era an state go ernments ha e ta en ste s to a ress hate cr mes aga nst s ans an s an mer cans such cr mes cont nue to ncrease ramat ca . reat ng hate cr mes e a u c hea th cr s s ou e an m ortant ste to ar en ng an e em c that affects the e e ng o e er one eung conc u es.
PHL... (From page 1)
“We keep a close eye on tense Chinaa an re at ons an s re ar ng or the possibility of Beijing invading Taipei,” Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said, adding the monitoring goes on daily.
At the same time, Teodoro also the government is hopeful that engagements et een e ng an ash ngton ou he e use tens ons n a an.
Teodoro also said the country is closely looking at strengthening its Mutual e ense reat th the n te States as US Defense Secretary Lloyd ust n re terate ash ngton s comm t ment to defend Manila in case of a land, air and sea attack..
e e or ng er c ose to ar s ng u our cre e eterrent posture and that there is a prime consideration for strengthening of the Mutual Defense Treaty,” he said.
eo oro ho e er ou not sc ose the eta s o the countr s cont ngenc but assured that the Marcos administra-
QUEZON CITY— The Commission on Audit (COA) has called out the University of the Philippines (UP) over allegedly questionable investment undertakings totaling P15.055 billion.
e c enc es ere o ser e on the investment undertakings of the university amounting to P15,055,304,258.31, there affect ng the re a t an ro priety in the disposition of funds through investments and the manner of utilizing
tion continues “to plan on all contingenc es not mere an ash o nt et een h na an a an ut an cont ngenc th n the theater.
hou h na attac a an the e partment of Defense earlier said that the go ernment r or t e the sa et o o er no or ers there
eo oro s statement came a ter a an ore gn n ster ose h u sa China appears to be “trying to get ready to aunch a ar am ts m tar e er cises around the island.
ome o ser ers ha e arne that the Philippines – as a defense ally of the n te tates h ch o e to he e en a an ma e caught n the cross re an ecome h na s m tar target n case an arme con ct oes rea out.
The Philippines itself is concerned a out h na s ncrease s arm ng o ships in the West Philippine Sea as recorded by the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard and civilians.
Amid the tensions and China threats, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr granted
a t ona s tes h ch cou tem orar host US military logistics and personnel, ut c ar e the ou not e use to stage an offens e o erat ons.
In other developments:
1. Former Armed Forces of the Philnes ch e o staff enera n res ent no ta es on a ne ro e as the Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea so the government can focus on the re ng tens ons there.
nter e e at am gu na o en tino said the movement in the AFP leadersh n h ch en en. omeo ra ner r. too o er as ch e as rought the go ernment s nee to ocus on the area. here s e se a nee to a ress “geopolitical issues” more appropriately, he added.
here as a nee to r ng ocus on the matters in that part of the country… Our leadership has deemed it important na mabigyan ng focus and importance ung the a e a ress the ssues there n a gger sca e that s h the thought
o creat ng an office o the res ent a adviser,” Centino said.
t s cha eng ng ecause t s a ne o ce ut th m no e ge on the mat ter as ha e a so een a are o hat s ha en ng there. e ha e un ts there,” he said.
ent no sa that h e h s office s still being established, one thing is clear: here e a fferent strateg n han dling issues on the West Philippine Sea. he office has et to e create so no s ec cs et ut hat s c ear s that there shou e more ocus on ho e han e and address the problems there,” the outgoing AFP chief said.
t e a m o e er th ng that e can o. t oesn t ha e to e m tar alone. It has to be a combination of eforts. he tas orce most e e nter agenc mean ng there e n clusion among other agencies to complete [it]”
he s nce t s a rea there, maybe restructuring, maybe an enhancement of the task force,” he added.
income,” the COA said in its 2022 annual audit report on the UP System.
ec ca agge the au t o as the man s acement o million of its allotments and trust funds into time deposits “instead of using the funding for the purposes intended.”
The COA noted that “trust funds are not among the income contemplated in Republic Act 9500 or the UP Charter, h ch ma e n este at the scret on
of the university.”
The audit body, according to a Philippine Star report, cited Section 4.3 of Presidential Decree No. 1445 or the Government Auditing Code of the Philippines and Section of the 2022 General Appror at ons ct h ch oth state that trust funds shall be available and may be spent on or the s ec c ur ose or h ch the trust as create or the un s rece e .
As for the investment of unutilized
fund allotments from Congress, the COA cited Item No. 3.7 of the Department of Budget and Management National Budget Circular No. dated Jan. 3, 2022, h ch states that a ter the en o the s ec e a ca e a t er o a unreleased appropriations or undisbursed funds shall revert to the unappropriated surplus of the general fund...and shall not be available for expenditure except by subsequent legislative enactment.”
MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced that ecretar usan e s on a t o ee e ness rea o o ng the consecu t e ass ng o her t o o er rothers.
“Migrant Workers Secretary Susan e s on a much nee e e ness rea th s ee the announcement state .
e con rme the ass ng o ormer Hagonoy, Bulacan mayor Felix “Toti” Ople, and former journalist Blas F. Ople, Jr. both due to lung cancer, as she sought prayers for them.
“I profusely thank President (Ferdi-
nand R.) Marcos Jr. for not just granting my request but also for conveying his personal condolences,” Ople said.
Ople said she needs time to grieve an e th mem ers o her am n th s fficu t t me.
oreo er she sa that she a so ants to oo a ter her o n e ness nee .
ur am ost t o goo men th n a s an o e a s. he are no n a much better place, free from pain and reun te th our e o e arents an brother, Raul,” Ople said.
MARILYN B. KING
Vice President for Sales and Marketing
BETING LAYGO DOLOR Manila Editor
JUNNI RANILLO
Entertainment Editor
ANGELO LOPEZ Cartoonist
ELEANOR SMITH
Publisher/President
THELMA L. CRUZ Vice President for Operations & Promotions
CHERIE QUEROL MORENO Executive Editor
NEIL GONZALES Chief Correspondent Northern California
ALFRED G. GABOT Editor-in-chief
CLAIRE M. TRUE Managing Editor
(From page 1)
rst no n e ecte omen offic a s n ana a an ng an an the rst m e ecte to the a an t ounc share the r ng orce eh n the r success u rst cam a gns. he re resent omen o erse sc nes none o them n the e o a o ten seen as the sure ath to e ecte office. ach one c te a common theme commun t mmers on.
CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENOLYDIA SOLIS Chief Correspondent Southern California
NICK SAGMIT
GEORGE GANGE
RENE AVENIDO Photo Correspondents
JO ERLINDA YABUT Entertainment Editor MA. CECILIA G. MADELO Graphic Director
Office Manager GILDA PASION BALAN FRANCO G. REGALA ALI MACABALANG
JEANNE MICHAEL PENARANDA Manila Correspondents
THOMAS G. MADELO JR. Creative Director
BLESIE D. SISON
ALBERT MARTINEZ RENE AMON Account Executives
VAL G. ABELGAS, HOMOBONO A. ADAZA, PERRY DIAZ, JOJO LIANGCO, JO ERLINDA G. NEBRES, ROY C. MABASA, ART G. MADLAING, FR. JOEPEL PADIT, RODEL E. RODIS, LOURDES TANCINCO ESQ, MELANDREW T. VELASCO, DANTES & CYNTHIA VELUZ, CRISTINA OSMENA, LUDY ONGKEKO. COLUMNISTS
The views and opinions expressed herein by writers, columnists and advertisers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, management and staff of Philippines Today. We are not responsible for incorrect printing, photographical errors or information listed or for loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts. Reproduction or redistribution in whole or in part is prohibited.
Philippine President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr is advised to take careful note of the latest results of a survey conducted by one of the more credible polling rms n the countr .
According to the Social Weather Stations, 45 percent of Filipino families rate themse es as oor. hat ercentage comes angerous c ose to ha o the h ne o u at on.
ut there s orse. he non comm ss one sur e mean ng t as ro a er ac curate as no one as a ng to ha e es re resu ts come out a so oun that ercent rate themse es as or er ne oor.
n ercent sa themse es as not oor.
Simple math tells us that the combined total of the poor and the practically poor in our mother an s ercent. hat s near our out o e er e no am es.
hat s a angerous ercentage o the o u at on tantamount to a rest ess soc a o cano rea to eru t. r orse a soc et r e or re o ut on.
unger s o course the ggest gauge o o ert o o e ecent hous ng. he u of the respondents who declared themselves to be poor or borderline poor pointed to having ecent oo a sent or ac ng rom the r ta es on a regu ar as s.
t certa n goes thout sa ng that th s s tuat on s not acce ta e. he ne u t et een the ha es an the ha e nots ha e een aroun or eca es e en centur es. ut n th s a and age, the government is expected to do everything possible to give all citizens a decent e.
t s c ear not ha en ng n the e u c o the h nes c rca .
he uc as the sa sto s some here an n the case o our e o e mother an t sto s at a acanan a ace.
he c ear a ure s th the ea er at the er to . n th s case res ent er nan ar cos r must ta e the ame. e ma not o nt ngers at an one. e can on oo at h mse n the m rror an ec e h s runn ng or res ent an nn ng as or the r ght reason.
Indeed, he has said on more than one occasion that his reason for running was to clear the arcos name as h s am as c e out the no eo e a those eca es ago. hat as oth shame u an hum at ng.
ut t there ore means that the son an namesa e o the ate ctator not run or res ent or the r mar reason o t ng the countr rom ts sa econom c state.
erha s t s not too ate.
Unless Marcos Jr wants a repeat of the People Power Revolution that resulted in their expulsion from their own country, he must focus on helping the entire Filipino people, most es ec a the oor an the a most oor.
a ure shou not e an o t on. e shou surroun h mse on th the est an r ghtest m n s ho a agree that econom c rogress s not a ream ut an a so ute must.
nc enta the sur e rm attem te to so ten the o o nt ng out that a re ous o ha orse resu ts. t the en o the rst uarter th s ear a com ne tota o ercent o no am es e ther sa themse es as oor or near oor. ract ona m ro ement s no m ro ement at a n our oo . he arn ng s gn has een ra se r. arcos. he ro er a a s n our court. ease tr an e a statesman ou ha e t n ou. sche the o t ca g mm c r an or as ou ha e ne er or e e ore. o t or the eo e an not or our am .
o ears ago am a orn ech e a e as e ect e to re resent ss ssauga treets e n the ouse o ommons o ana a. hat as ears rom the t me r. e agta han ecame the rst no e ecte em er o ar ament n ana a re resent ng nn eg orth. e he se era a net osts unt he ost ree ect on n .
e to hr sto her a e an mother to the r son an aughter she ran un er the era anner an too o the ote. he s an entre reneur an ersona t ho o ns a a ng us ness. he as a contestant n he g a e on oo et or ana a an hoste ear ess reat e a no rogram. he a s as et a an re orte has ra se un s or ontrea h ren s os ta .
come out o the commun t the mother o t o to a m rers at the ane scus s on. e come together e reach our goa s aster. ns rat on s e er th ng she sa affirm ng the m ortance o gu ance an men torsh that ar on e ar has een ro ng o er the ears th act t es recogn ng an r g ng omen o no ac groun aroun the or . Panel moderator Nikki Fortunato Bas herself is a trailblazer, having been victorious in her rst cam a gn or e ecte office hen she ran or str ct o the a an t oun c n . he escr es herse as a e ong commun t organ er eg nn ng th her a ocac or her c t s h nato n garment or ers he ng them earn a r ages. She counts her community as her inspiration, especially her parents who immigrated from the Philippines, “whose struggles taught me the importance of integrity, honesty and a rness she sa . no hat t s e to organ e outs e the ha s o o er an n sa the rst m to n an e ect on n a an an has een e ecte t ounc res ent t ce. as ent es as a rogress e. e to ra an mother to the r aughter a ana she es to ca herse an une ecte e ecte offic a ecause she as s e t to office as a natura course o her t o eca es o ser ce to the commun t h ch ns re her to effect change th n the s stem. e as a rceno ecame a oneer as the rst no a or o te enage orough ng an . t as m n ght at her home some m nutes a a rom on on the nat e o u u pandan, Negros Occidental, who settled in Stevenage 20 years ago, said with a smile as r ght as the morn ng sun.
Arceno arrived in Stevenage to join her husband Joseph, who was recruited by the at ona ea th er ce. car ac reha h s othera st she ha ne er thought a out o t cs ut the ec s on came rom the encouragement o res ents she sa . he church s the ont o rceno s commun t n o ement. he s a catech st eu char st c an or m n ster. he co oun e the te enage no r t sh ommun t an arr o esta n ert or sh re an ser e o the oar o trustees o the uro ean et or o no as ora.
(Continued on page 27)
For people who are ageing and people who are ill, each a n s a ess ng.
I wake up each morning with a prayer of thanks on m s or the com ng o another a . ur es on th s earth are trans ent. e e on or rowed time and we must make the most of it, doing good to our e o men hene er e can.
eath h ch s ne ta e shou not e rea e . e ust o not no the t me or ace hen t come. remem er m ate mother oreto en ta arreon Hernandez, who told me that she did not fear death, only the uncerta nt o hat a ahea or her.
People close to me accepted death as an end to their suffer ng ha ng g en u ho e o reco er ng rom the r nesses.
am constant ama e hen th n o m s ster ar men, at the courage she showed , as she faced death, refusing possible means to lengthen her e. sus ect that she not ant to e a ur en to her ch ren an onger. he ec are that she ha com ete her uc et st an as rea to meet her a er. Most people, I believe, myself included, would jump at the chance to prolong their e or e s on er u an n n te etter than ng.
Have you ever wondered why there are younger people, abruptly taken from this earth while there are people who live to a ripe old age?
ho can te hat our reator has n store or us
uffice t to sa that those ho ha e sur e the r co eagues an r en s must ha e one so or a reason h ch our n te m n s cannot com rehen .
While we can, let us use the time left for us in fruitful endeavours
n re arat on or the a ter e.
e e on orro e t me. et us not aste t n regrets or n har or ng ee ngs to ar s those ho ha e one us harm . ea e them to hea en a a s sa .
ach a n ee s a ess ng. han o or t
“In the closing months of World War II in the Philippines, while General Yamashita Tomoyuki fought a delaying action in the rugged mountains of Luzon, several of Japan’s highest imperial princes tons of looted gold bullions and other stolen treasure in nearby caves and unnels, to recover later.”
-From Gold Warriors by Sterling and Peggy
Long before I met business tycoon and bilona re nr ue o e ha ser ous ou ts on the existence of the fabulous Yamashita treasures. I thought it was just a serious invention of President Ferdinand Edran arcos as a co er up of his fabled stupendous wealth which boggles the imagination.
ut t not ta e ears rom our rst meet ng hen I got convinced that the Yamashita treasures exist and the ere rea . t ha ene hen s te at h s res ence a ter that un ortunate nc ent n oto ran e a n hen h s horse e on h m a ter a s r te o o game hen th s con er sat on et een h m an me too ace o e ono ha e ou hear o the amash ta trea sures?
ono course ho has not
EZ Zobel – Do you believe they exist?
ono ran ha e ou ts.
o so e our ou ts en ou the oo o ter ng an egg eagra e he amato nat h ch ought in London.
. ono o ou ha e t no o e g e t to ou as a r en returns t to me. e ore ga e me a co o the oo ha to to ouston e as to e a s onsor n a e ng an there got a co o the amato nast at or er s the ggest oo store n ouston. rea the oo so e researche that got convinced that the Yamashita treasures exist. n an or g n he amash ta treasures come rom countr es e n ones a outh r ca a a s a h na an the are n go ars rec ous gems e amon s an go en u ha. he ere oote s orces com ose o erman a an an ta .
ocat ons re the treasures oun on n the ca es an tunne s n u on o he are oun n a most a hun re ur a groun s or sun en aces n n anao an the sa as. h o e no the ocat ons e ha e a num er o c ents n man o those aces n u on an other arts o the country.
Why have our clients not dig the treasures out of their burial grounds? They did not for security reasons and the administrative mumbo-jumbo in securing permits from the go ernment. hat e ng the case ho man ur a groun s remain untouched? Probably about less than a hundred in various areas in this country?
eco ere a e there een amash ta treasures h ch ha e een reco ere es s there har s ec c e ence to ro e the reco er es ho are the ones ho ha e the har evidence? The answer is – the guys who have recovered them. o no these ersons ho ha e reco ere amash ta trea sures? Yes and on what basis? The basis is information given to me art es ho o not sh to e ent e .
The persons who may have recovered part of the Yamash ta treasures are res ent er nan . arcos res ent or u no res ent e . amos an res ent o r go uterte. .
he most u c e o the reco er es s that o the o en u ha n agu o. certa n o as ho c a me to ha e re co ere the gure accuse some eo e connecte th the a ace o ha ng sto en the rea u ha an re ace t th a a e one. he charges an countercharges are e ng plates thrown at each other by an enraged couple
n t s e on en a that has trustees ho ng cash and god deposits coming from Yamashita treasures in man an s here an other arts o the or . roo o that s ga e h s ot ho e cash an tons o go n man areas n the or hectares
(Continue on page 27)
It appears that Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III is well on the road to becoming one of the most accomplished chief executives of the province. In on one ear n office he has launched various projects n t ate re orms an mapped out more projects and services for his constituents all aimed at boosting its economy and revenues and opening opportunities to its people.
And his latest project with private partners is an internat ona sea ort n the coasta to n o ua once the ort where ships load rice and other Philippine goods for export to China and neighboring countries. The seaport will help decongest the Manila International Container Terminal in an a he sa .
ur ng the gu ernator a cam a gn u co o e to n tiate the construction of an eastern to western Pangasinan e ress a esta sh more econom c ones an m ro e the hea thcare s stem n the ro nc a hos ta s among oth ers. rea angas nan s reache aster as t s ser e the ar ac angas nan a n on e ress a or the orth u on ress a an the u c ar ar ac e ress a e .
Guico said the expressway which he also explained to Pangasinan leaders in California recently will provide access to effic ent tra e to amous tour st est nat ons n the ro nce generate more o s an su ort ro ose econom c ones rom eastern to ns o an co as at a an Quintin and Umingan at the foot of the Sierra Madre mounta ns to the estern to ns o gno an aso u to o nao and the Hundred Islands.
he e ress a rom the s th str ct to the rst s tr ct that ou ass through the s ec a econom c ones. t ou create more o s an mass e n rastructure ro ects the youthful governor declared early on in his administration.
Guico said his administration will also push for the o en ng o more econom c ones n angas nan to a to the ro nce rst econom c one h ch he an h s ather e . amon . u co r. ha n t ate an o ene u n h s hometo n na onan. he eco one s ocate es es the u co o ne na onan a r ort com e h ch nc u es an aeronaut ca a at on an techno og ca co ege h ch s art o the or t o ege schoo an hos ta s stem ase n etro an a an a ro nce h ch are o ne managed and operated by the Guicos.
he outh u go ernor sa the ne econom c ones e ut u n the ca ta to n o nga en angatarem an gu ar to ns an am nos t .
u co hose am o ns a g hos ta n ue on t sa h s a m n strat on com uter e recor s o at ents n the ro nc a go ernment run hos ta s a more mo ern diagnostic equipment and beef up the medical personnel with competent specialists. “If the patients do not have me ca recor s then the a so on t ha e a me ca h stor . e n the hos ta s to each other or them to access at ents recor s he sa .
s a go ernor e the am assa or o the ro nce to entice tourists to our province. To return the trust of investors to our ro nce he sa ear on n office.
u co has a so ta en ste s to cont nue the scho arsh rograms o the ro nc a go ernment. u co ho once served as president of University of Eastern Pangasinan the mun c a un ers t he set u n na onan an whose family owns and manages a chain of schools in Metro an a an near areas sa he e or ng c ose with the Pangasinan State University and local universities an co eges. n tan em th the anggun ang an a a gan the go ernor ans to ut u more mun c a co eges e na onan s to cater to the nee s o the outh n other parts of the province.
e ou e to ea e a egac to the eo e here n the res ect me ecause ser e th com etence trans arenc an an honest go ernor u co ec are .
tor s ote he r ter s a oo author ro essor an ourna st n the h nes an n te tates ha ng een res ent o the at ona ress u ur ng h ch he n e up with the National Press Club in
(Continue on page 27)
As oo author an co umn st as esse and fortunate to comete an r te e est se ng oo s e ore ur ng an a ter the an em c oc o n an no r nte an mar ete ma on. hese e est se ng oo s no r nte an mar ete ma on n ar co er a er ac oo nc u e the o o ng
su t t e o to e ea th mot ona nanc a h s ca e ua an r tua su t t e as c u e n ormat on or uccess u n est ng n ome an an ncome ro ert su t t e acts an ences or gnost cs the sts e e ers an hr st ans su t t e ecrets ou an sco er an o or oo ea th an onge t an su t t e umorous nec otes an tor es on oo ng ents am es stor an ersona t es h ch co authore th ar nn o e heatham rom a een r ona . hese r tten oo s ha e change eo es es or the etter an are no en o ng the ene ts here on earth an through etern t . an n ua s cou es an am es ha ordered autographed copies as important addition to their Persona rar an or am rar .
hree o the most or ere oo s nc u e the u ate t on o th r nt ng ate ugust ages no a a a e through ma on n ar co er . a er ac . er co us sh ng an han ng an oo . er co su t t e ecrets ou an sco er an o or oo ea th an onge t . he ore or as r tten r. onne . u ong . . rom agu o t h nes. he ac co er nc u es our grou picture with boxing legend and former Philippine Senator Manny Pacquaio during our courtesy call and prayer session ns e h s mans on n enera antos t arangan h pines.
he u ate e t on o e enth r nt ng ate a ages no a a a e through ma on n ar co er . a er ac . er co us sh ng an han ng an oo . su t t e our as c u e n ormat on or uccess u n est ng n ome an an ncome ro ert . he ore or as r tten tt . esar umar cense an ract c ng a er oth n a orn a an n the h nes. he ac co er a so includes the group picture of the WE CARE Ministries Team together with boxing legend and former Philippine Senator ann ac u ao ast e ruar ns e h s mans on n enera antos t arangan h nes.
he ne u she rst r nt ng ate a ages no a a a e through ma on n ar co er . a er ac . er co us sh ng an han ng an oo . er co su t t e umorous nec otes an tor es on oo ng ents am es stor an ersona t es h ch co authore th ar nn o e heatham rom a een r ona . he ore or as r tten a e o e cense an ract c ng nurse n hoen r ona . o ou commemorate our th e ng nn ersar ast a an m th rth a nn ersar on ugust m e o e e rg n a mene a a ng an are offer ng through our n coo erat on th the n an ranc sco a orn a to our readers and the general public. or e er or er o su t t e umorous nec otes an tor es on oo ng ents am es stor an ersona t es or su t t e our as c u e n ormat on or uccess u n est ng n ome an an ncome ro ert n a er ac ou rece e autogra he co es o n a er ac su t t e ecrets ou an sco er an o or oo ea th an onge t an the or g na n a er ac su titled “Facts and Evidences for
ake it from the man himself. Ferdinand
Marcos Jr admitted that his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered Monday this week (Philippine time) could have been better.
The day after his lackluster SONA, Marcos Jr. said his report to the people was not enough. He would have wanted to discuss other matters more thoroughly.
He did not specify what exactly he left out, only saying in the vernacular that it was “kulang,” or lacking.
Palace watchers knew exactly what was missing, which was a lot.
For starters, he spoke the same old line about defending the country’s borders against any threats and not giving an inch of Philippine territory. To anyone.
Why he could not bring himself to mention the West Philne ea an the angers that h na oses on oca sher men, as well as the Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy is some kind of mystery.
China is the single biggest threat to the country’s security.
Even his Executive Secretary, retired Supreme Court chief justice Lucas Bersamin said in an interview that he noticed that the president had failed to mention both the waters being encroached upon by the powerful nation that pretends to be the Philippines’ friend but which frequently acts like its enemy.
Fishermen who watched the SONA expressed their sadness that the president only paid lip service to defending the country’s waters, while saying nothing about what concrete steps he would take to protect them.
In another post-SONA interview, Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro also gave broad statements about defending the country’s integrity, but did not say how. All he said was that diplomacy would remain the main tool to try and convince China that their invasion of Philippine territory was not acceptable to the people.
And while a good many Filipinos have a fatalistic attitude towards China’s creeping invasion of their motherland, there is one thing that they do care about and which the president a so chose to genera gnore. n at on s crush ng the r s r t.
The country came close late last year to hitting double g t n at on an the arcos reg me a eare e a eer frozen in its tracks by an oncoming truck. It did not know what to do, how to spare the poor from reaching the direst of straits that they can no longer feed their families three square meals a day.
The current government, as well as the previous one, has a a s resorte to u c es to ut oo on the ta e o the very poor. This they “accomplished” by resorting to ayuda, or free cash, and some sectors have become too dependent on the handouts that they now feel entitled to the compulsory charity.
Marcos Jr cited data showing that the economy was actually doing well. But those numbers, those percentages, are meaningless to those who struggle on a daily basis because decent paying jobs are not available to all.
Worst of all, he even said with a straight face that the prices of many commodities were actually going down.
I have a surprise for him. They’re not.
So many critics like to remind him of his campaign promise to bring down the retail price of rice to P20 per kilo.
In this area, he knows he has been a total failure. This is worsened by the fact that Marcos Jr appointed himself as Agriculture secretary at the start of his term. Instead of stabilizing the prices of essential consumer goods, they have instead uctuate ma th some s roc et ng ue to smugg ers and hoarders.
With all the powers at his command, he accomplished nothing in the key area of agriculture. Still, he insists on remaining Agri secretary for reasons known only to himself. And maybe his wife and her family. Excuse me for having a suspicious mind, but talk is rife in some knowing circles about certain in-laws being part of the problem instead of the solution.
At a certain point in his SONA, Marcos Jr abandoned his nice guy image and resorted to tough talk, like some kind of B-movie villain. To the crooks
(Continue on page 27)
Journalists are constant-
ly reminded that when parachuting into unfamiliar territory, they must always observe and respect local cultural sensibilities.
In some countries not far from the Philippines, there are “religious” police who arrest people, mostly foreign tourists, who show disrespect to the local culture by merely dressing up an sho ng u c affec tion by holding hands or kissing.
hese ract ces are offens e to the oca cu ture where most adult women cover themselves from head to foot.
Perhaps, the Philippines is the most tolerant place in the world. It has no religious police who may strike with a cane or arrest those ho ha offen e the oca o u a t on s hr st an more s ec ca oman atho c a th. ecent a rag er ormer ura u a ega st rre up a hornet’s nest by sharing a snippet of her performance, lip-syncing the “Lord’s Prayer” while dressed up as the Black Nazarene, a very popular Jesus Christ icon in the country.
ons o oman atho c e otees oc e er year, on January 9, to the Minor Basilica and Shrine of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo to pay homage to the miraculous wooden icon of Jesus Christ.
t as fficu t to e a n to the outs e or the pinos’ extreme devotion to the Black Nazarene.
Thus, two days after the drag performance posted a video on Twitter, it went viral, but was quickly conemne e out oman atho cs as as hemous.
oman atho c r est erome ec ano hea o the u c ffa rs n str or the atho c sho s on er ence o the h nes not n the rag er formance tasteful.
omment ng on ura u a ega s contro ers a “Ama Namin” drag show, the priest said the snippet of the song-and-dance and the costume is “completely disrespectful not only of people and institutions practicing such faith but of God Himself.”
ura u a ega ha offen e the ract c ng oman Catholic faithful.
Lawmakers were quick to condemn the drag performance, with Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri urgng author t es to thro the oo at ura u a ega or o at ng the e se ena o e on offen ng an race or religion in the performance of obscene or indecent plays, scenes, acts or shows in theaters, fairs, or any other place.”
ataan congress oman era ne oman an o en transgender lawmaker, did not like the performance, reminding the LGBTQIA+ community about freedom of e ress on not e ng a so ute an that ura u a ega s performance did not help in the community’s struggle to gain acceptance and equality.
But some sectors defended the drag performance as an e ress on o art. ura u a ega a so re use to ta e down the Twitter post, arguing the performance was not nten e to offen oman atho c a th u an that the song-and-dance number was her own way of expressing her faith.
Whatever the excuses the drag performer and those defending her, the singing and dancing to the tune of a sacre an ca ra er as offens e an na ro r ate. ura u a ega ha o erste e her oun ar es. he should make a public apology and take down the video from social media.
Her defense of expressing her own faith was a lame e cuse. he ne t as rong na ro r ate an offen sive. There were other proper ways to express her own devotion to Jesus Christ.
(Continue on page 27)
his early, of the 30 tables (composed of 10 in each table), half of it (18 to be exact) were already reserved by alumni all over the world intending to attend the reunion. Wow, that will be a great turn-out of attendees come September!
According to overall organizer Fe Gonzales Sepulveda, an alumnus of the Our Lady of the Lilies Academy (OLLA), the 6th Urdaneta City Multi gh choo . eun on e he on e tem er m at echanga e sort Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula, California 92502, USA. Picnic follows on Monday, September 18. 2023 at Admiral Baker Park, 2400 Admiral Baker Blvd., San Diego, CA 92124, USA.
The multi high school reunion will be attended by alumni from four high schools in Urdaneta City – Urdaneta City National High School (UCNHS); Our Lady of the Lilies Academy (OLLA); Divine Word College of Urdaneta (DWCU); and the barangay high schools of Urdaneta.
The Global Urdanetanians (TGU) president Yvonne San Juan-Sera, one of the reunion organizers who is mainly incharge of reservations said: “We will be adding tables as soon as a the or g na ta es are reser e e out. he a it is going, additional tables will have to be added as many alumni from the Philippines, in addition to a huge number of alumni in the US, are very eager to join and attend the re-union.
Among the batches whose alumni are eagerly contemplating to attend, based on the reservations and queries, are those from Batches 60, 64¸65, 69, 72, 73, 76, 79, 80, and 81, coming from the high schools. Gus Castillo, Batch ‘65, in his FB post in his group chat said: “There is going to be Multi gh choo eun on n e tem er at echanga as no n Temecula. If we have a lot of Batch ’65 attending, we might plan a sidebar reunion for us.” The enthusiasm is so great that alumni groups like Batch ’65 are planning added activities to maximize their attendance in the reunion.
The last time we had our multi high school reunion was s ears ago n as egas e a a on cto er at Tropicana Hotel. Well…that reunion was very memorable actually… because, aside from 365 alumni who attended, the ea as egas shoot ng e se ha ene the a a ter our ga a n ght affa r n ro cana ote an ha ene that night after our day picnic in the park.
I would like to recall some facts, not to scare prospective reunion attendees but to have a knowledge of what transpired and be part of history during the active shooting incident. I recall, on the evening of October 1, 2017, Stephen Paddock, a ear o man rom es u te e a a o ene re u on the cro atten ng the oute ar est us c est a on the as egas tr n e a a. rom h s n oor su te on the an a a a ote he re more than u ets killing 60 people and wounding 411 others. About an hour later, Paddock was found dead in his own room with a selfn cte gunshot oun . he nc ent as ater recor e as the deadliest mass shooting in the history of the US.
All the alumni who attended the reunion survived the shooting! David Sumera, Batch ‘65, his wife Merry and his cousins were trapped in the Strip and locked down at the Bellagio Hotel, while we (my wife Delia and I) were likewise grounded/locked down at adjoining Tropicana Hotel where we were billeted, when the shooting started at about 10:00 o’clock in the evening on October 1, 2017. Everyone scampered for their lives towards our hotel’s parking area as poce officers os t one themse es to trac o n the act e shooter.
I remember another Batch ‘65, Alberto Lapena and his wife Zeny from Melbourne, Australia who were also scheduled to attend the reunion with purchased tickets of the concert failed to make it due to an unforeseen circumstance. Had they made it, they may have been victims also considering that they will surely be attending the concert (they being country music lovers), so it turned out to be a blessing on their part.
r s am re atch th h s e ac e rom the Philippines, were stopped on their way to the Strip that even ng o ce officers an as to (Continue on page 27)
For most of the immigrants, family unity is the most important part of staying in the United States. However, many failed to use a strategy or process that will make them united faster than what is happening. There are lots of strategies that family unity may be achieved. Some of them are:
1. For a newly married couple with one having a green car ng a et t on or s ouse an a ua e children once an immigrant received his green card. Remember that even if you are a green card holder, you can petition your spouse and children as soon as you receive your green card. You do not have to wait for you to become a U.S. citizen to petition a wife or husband and children. There are many cases when a minor child could have been included in the petition but for some reason they were left behind and age out.
2. When a person is petitioned by a U.S. citizen spouse, the U.S. citizen spouse ma a so e a et t on or the ste ch ren e o at the t me o the r marr age. This was always set aside or forgotten for some reason. The same is true when an em o ment ase et t on s e . nce the r or t ate has een esta she or the worker, the spouse and children become derivative of the petition. They can immigrate with the petitioned worker.
3. Conditional permanent residents may also start petitioning their children without waiting for the permanent green card which is taking a long period of time in the processing of the case This will save precious time for the children so that they will not age out.
. ou can e or natura at on e en ou ha e a en ng et t on or a ch who is over 21 years of age. Beforehand, you may not naturalize because the priority date will change for a children of green card holder to that of a U.S. citizen. Now you can re uest the to ee the r or t ate o our ch ren un er the categor o ch ren o ermanent res ent. h s s ca e e uest or cance at on o automat c conversion. Example: John has a petition for Don who is years of age and single. he r or t ate s anuar . he current r or t ate or s cto er 2022. This means Don will only wait for about years for him to get a visa. John can a or natura at on an re uest the cance at on o automat c con ers on so that Don will keep his priority date of January 2023 instead for waiting for March 1, 2001, priority date under F1 which is the priority date for children of U.S. citizen. Note: This is not a legal advice and presented for information purposes on . ou ha e mm grat on ro ems the a ffices o r s n . o ano can he ou n a so ut on e ore our ro em gets orse h ch cou ea to e orta tion and family separation.
ur a rm entere nto agreement th hea th care ac t es n the . . to rocess a cants or urses an areg ers n the ou ma ua ou ha e or cense. areg ers nee s months of caregiving experience.
cants ns e or outs e the n te tates ma ua . Bankruptcy Basics
We also process Bankruptcy cases.
1. Bankruptcy will actually improve your credit within one year because your unsecure e ts are scharge . though the an ru tc e n our recor s or ears not ng an ru tc ma e our cre t e en orse unt most our e ts are paid.
. ou are e ng sue our cre tors most mone u gment can e e m nated in bankruptcy.
3. Collection actions continue and you can be sued if you are in debt settlement. . ha ter e m nate a unsecure e ts. ou are near ret rement age you must eliminate most of your debts.
e a so han e unconteste . an
e can he ou ou nee an n ua a a er num er e a so re are ncome ta returns an ou are un er au t an nee a re resentat on th nee to re uce our ta a t or nee to offer a a ment an to e can help you with that.
ou ha e mm grat on ro ems the a ffices o r s n . o ano can he ou n a so ut on e ore our ro em gets orse h ch cou ea to e ortat on and family separation.
e enue co ec tions of the national government already reache . tr on n the rst ha o the ear nance ecretar en am n o no said.
n h s s eech ur ng the ost tate o the at on ress at the h ne nternat ona on ent on enter n asa t ues a o no said the revenue collections from January to une ere h gher on or . percent year on year.
Tax collections went up by 7.5 percent while non-tax collections also grew by . ercent.
ur ste ar er ormance as the re sult of higher economic activity and efc enc ga ns rom the g ta trans or mation of our revenue agencies,” Diokno said.
“The digitalization of the Bureau of nterna e enue an the ureau o us toms have continued to maximize the government’s revenue potential, simplify taxpayer compliance, and improve the ease of doing business.”
Under the government’s medium-term sca rogram the go ernment s ro ect ng re enues to reach . tr on th s year.
h s s ro ecte to ncrease to . tr on n . tr on n . tr on n . tr on n an . tr on n .
“Sustaining robust revenue collection re u res a s m er a rer an more effi cient tax system, reinforced by a combination of tax policy and tax administration measures,” Diokno said.
omm ss oner omeo umagu r. sa he s o t m st c that the ou hit its revenue collection target this year.
“We are very hopeful that we will meet our collection target, especially with all the programs we initiated. We laid down the programs we want to implement in the ureau umagu sa on the s e nes o the ost .
or th s ear the a ms to co ect a tota o . tr on.
umagu sa the ureau s a ress ng the bottlenecks to improve tax collection. e ha e our ocus areas. o ro e e ce ent ta a ers ser ce e e been doing the rounds, we’ve already determ ne the ott enec s n ma or t o the transactions being made, and that’s why we’re trying to translate that to online services so you will not need to go to our offices he sa .
umagu sa these ocus areas are the ntens cat on o en orcement act t es taxpayer service, integrity and professionalism, and digitalization.
He added that improved services would translate to an increase in revenue collection.
res ent er nan . Marcos Jr. said during his second State of the at on ress on on a that eight new power generation facilities ere u t ur ng the rst ear o h s term.
“This brings to 17 the total number of power generation facilities that have been switched on across the country since last year, substantially increasing our energy production by 1,174 megawatts,” he said.
These additional power plants built s nce he assume office ha e contr ute
to the increase of power supply in the country.
The Chief Executive said these new o er ants a so he e n the e ectr cat on efforts o the go ernment. nce m assum t on nto office a most half a million homes have been given access to electricity,” he said.
Marcos also vowed to achieve full househo e ectr cat on . ne hun re ercent e ectr cat on s within our reach,” he added.
Nat’l gov’t revenue collections upFinance Secretary Benjamin Diokno
with Anwar, emphasizing the importance of further cultivating the bonds and friendship between Manila and Kuala Lumpur.
Marcos said he and Anwar also agreed to resume the 8th Joint Commission Meeting, the two countries’ main bilateral consultative mechanism which will be hosted by Kuala Lumpur in October this year.
He said the resumption of the joint commission meeting would enable the two countries to explore synergies for future partnerships.
Marcos said the two nations also sought closer coordination to assist the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in the development of halal industry, Islamic banking and food security.
a a s a he sa has ma e an offer to train the Philippines to strengthen its capabilities in improving the sectors that they plan to improve.
“It has been an important part of whatever success that we might enjoy today. And that has been a foothold, a further foothold for us to use to continue to de-
velop and promote the relations between our two countries,” Marcos said.
Marcos said he and Anwar also reafrme the r comm tment to su ort the two nations’ activities within the context of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
He said they agreed that they could explore multilateral lines to address present issues faced by and promote bilateral relations among ASEAN.
“This will be an important aspect to
The two leaders renewed their plan to enhance the two nations’ trade and investment cooperation on the second day of Marcos’ state visit to Malaysia.
“We also agreed to enhance our trade and investment ties with each other,” Marcos said after his bilateral meeting
“We do this so that our government agencies will have an avenue to discuss priority cooperation in detail, most especially in the areas of transnational crimes, agriculture, halal industry, Islamic banking, education, tourism and culture, sports, and the digital economy,” Marcos said.
“We continue to work on the corresponding MOUs (memorandum of unerstan ng n these e s an ha e them signed in the near future.”
MANILA – In pursuit of searching for new indigenous energy sources, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has vowed to push for gas explorations in the country.
“Aside from Malampaya, we will also push for more gas exploration in other parts of the country,” Marcos said during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) .
The Chief Executive said the national government has partnered with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in energy
exploration, development, and utilization within its territorial jurisdiction.
“We therefore expect to see renewed investor interest in its promising sites,” he added.
Marcos also highlighted the importance of the country’s lone natural gasre o er ac t the a am a a gas e h ch energ es ercent o the Luzon grid.
Last May 15, Marcos approved the extension of Malampaya Service Contract o. unt e . .
David Pomeranz and Vina Morales
Join Forces in “Two Hearts” Concert! Support NorCal Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) Fundraising Event!
SAN JOSE, Ca -- Get ready for an extraordinary musical extravaganza as the renowned David Pomeranz and the talented Vina Morales come together for the highly-anticipated “Two Hearts” concert!
Produced by the NorCal Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), this sensational event promises to be an unforgettable n ght e th sou st rr ng me o es breathtaking performances, and a celebration of the performing arts.
Mark your calendars for a mesmerizing musical journey, all while supporting the growth of young talents in the arts community.
a c non ro t organ zation, is dedicated to nurturing and empowering aspiring artists in the performing arts. Led by Founder and Executive Director, Elvira Teodoro , NAPA plays a pivotal role in providing invaluable resources, mentorship, and educational opportunities to young talents.
The “Two Hearts” concert serves as a fundraising initiative to continue NAPA’s mission of fostering creativity, artistic development, and cultural enrichment within the community.
DATE: SEPT.2023
TIME: 6PM
VENUE: San Jose Performing Arts
LOCATION: Almaden Blvd,San Jose,Ca.
David Pomeranz, a global music icon, has captivated audiences worldwide with his soulful ballads and heartfelt compositions. From his classic hits like “Got to Believe in Magic” to his emotionally resonant songs, Pomeranz’s powerful voice and exceptional songwriting have stood the test of time, touching the hearts of music lovers everywhere.
Vina Morales, a Filipino music sensation, is renowned for her remarkable vocal range and electrifying stage presence.
th a ersat e mus ca st e that effort lessly spans genres, Morales has become a household name in the Philippines and beyond. Her dynamic performances and infectious energy have earned her a devoted fan base and the admiration of music enthusiasts worldwide.
In addition to the dynamic duo of Pomeranz and Morales, the “Two Hearts” concert will feature an array of special guest performers who promise to add even more excitement to the evening. Prepare to be enthralled by the soulful melodies of Tracy Cruz, the mesmerizing vocals of PJ Gabat, the captivating performances of Bella Villasis, and the rising star Kayla Blasco, as they grace the stage
with their exceptional talents.
Noriel, an acclaimed musician and composer, will provide the enchanting musical backdrop for the entire event, ensuring an evening of harmonious celebration and artistic brilliance.
VIP tickets priced at $178 will include e c us e ene ts such as r me seat ng a meet and greet opportunity with the artists, and a group photo op for seven or more guests. General admission tickets are available at prices ranging from to $178, catering to various preferences and ensuring an exceptional experience for all attendees.
This momentous occasion would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors: ESOMA, Nurse Builders Academy, Ling Nam, APRENDE, Twinstars, NorCal Academy of Performing Arts, and MTS Law Firm. Their commitment to the arts and dedication to fostering talent within the community have been instrumental in making the “Two Hearts” concert a reality.
As we prepare for a night of music and magic, we invite everyone to join us in supporting the NorCal Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) and its commitment to nurturing young talents in the performing arts. Your attendance at the “Two Hearts” concert will not only guarantee an enchanting evening of entertain-
ment but also contribute to the growth and development of aspiring artists. Tickets are now available for purchase. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a truly extraordinary event. Come and experience the power of music as David Pomeranz and Vina Morales unite their hearts and voices in the “Two Hearts” concert.( Fernando “Ronnie” Estrada)
American Hollywood actor and comedian Robert Rob Schneider hailed the latest decision of the United States Supreme Court to strike down race-based admissions in colleges and universities.
The decision of the US Supreme Court on June 29 ruled that race can no longer be considered a factor in admitting students to higher education at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina.
The San Francisco-born Schneider, a popular actor and comedian whose mother Pilar is a Filipino, welcomed this news.
In a tweet, Rob thanked the U.S. Supreme Court for their ruling.
e a so sho e off a cture o his Filipino mom named Pilar Monroe Schneider in his tweet. Pilar passed away in 2021.
“I wish my Filipina mother, Pilar would have lived to see the day when Asian Americans were no longer discriminated against in Universities in America for simply being Asian,” Rob said.
“That day has come! Thank
YOU, US Supreme Court!” he added with the hashtag #GoPinay.
His tweet immediately garnered four million views on the platform.
Rob gained fame for starring in mer can ms a ongs e am Sandler. These include the “50 First Dates,” “Grown Ups” franchise, and “You Don’t Mess with the Zohan.”
e s a so no n or h s ms
“The Hot Chick,” “The Animal,” and “Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo,” among many others.
At the age of 60, award-winning actor and my friend Cesar Montano has revealed the “magic elixir” that bestows upon him an eternally youthful appearance.
During the media conference for his latest television series “Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan Ang Nakaraan” , Cesar said that dwelling on nice memories keeps him looking so young.
Maraming akong nice memories lalo na sa love. I always dwell on nice memories. Kasi yun ang nagpapabata sa atin at nagpapasaya sa atin. You don’t dwell on gloomy past of your life,” said Cesar. “Doon ka dapat sa mga bright places, sa mga sunshine-y places of your life.”
Then Cesar sang a portion of the popular song “You Are My Sunshine” to the delight of the guests at the screenng o the e a con ense ers on o the teleserye.
“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Every day there is sunshine. Iba-iba eh. It depends on how you will accept it and live your life with it. But it’s good to be thankful always no matter what the situation is,” the actor said.
Cesar also addressed whether age is a relevant factor in a relationship.
“Siguro naman alam n’yo na. Dapat mas bata lang (ang partner). Tutoo yung sabi ni Suzette Ranillo, mas mabagal yung male gender mag-mature. mas mabilis ang mga babae mag-mature. Kaya sila bata palang ready na sila to be responsible and to commit. Ang mga lalaki, playing pa,” he said.
Cesar makes a triumphant comeback to television after a six-year hiatus, captivating audiences as he takes part in the highly-anticipated remake of a renowned love triangle drama that once graced the screen with showbiz icons Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon, and Eddie Garcia. Cesar said that he accepted the project for personal reasons.
h s s a ar ou a a a m. am n o naman ang nagsamahan na min ni Marilou - Jose Rizal, Muro Ami, sobrang close namin ni Direk Marilou, our national artist. I cannot say no to this project. This is something very personal to me. It’s a tribute to our late great director Marilou Diaz Abaya.
It’s a humbling experience for me, it’s a great opportunity for me. I thank Viva and TV5 for trusting me with this project,” he added. Cesar admitted he had a hard time adjusting from the movies to television.
a tutoo ang me o nah ra an a o mag a ust rom m to . ng ga ng ni Cristine Reyes. Mga dalawang balde yata ng luha ang naubos niya, isang week pa lang yan. Pero hindi naman siguro ako mahihirapan mag-adjust kung magagaling ang kasama ko sa pelikula man or serye. Nagpapasalamat ako at si Christine ang kasama ko rito na napaka-galing na aktes. and Marco Gumabao also,” he said.
Cesar has openly acknowledged that he never anticipated becoming friends with his ex-wife, actress Sunshine Cruz.
At the same media conference, Cesar said he is thrilled to have rekindled his friendship with his ex-wife.
“Only God can do that. Nothing is impossible with God,” said Cesar.
“I’m happy where we are right now. I am focused and head-on dito sa relasyon naming dalawa as friends. I’m happy and nakita ko rin siya na maligaya. Yun naman ang importante roon na masaya kayo. Masaya ka, masaya ang people around ou h n nag sa suffer he a so sa .
Cesar and Sunshine have three daughters together: Angelina Isabelle, Samantha Angeline, and Angel Franceska.
On his three daughters, Cesar simply advised them to get a good job.
“Hindi ko sila pipilitin kung ano ang gusto nila at kung ano ang kanilang passion. Ang Diyos nagbibigay yan ng purpose sa bawa’t tao. Yung purpose na yan ma a a na ta ent an the ha e to n t. th n the ha e oun t he sa .
Cesar said that he still wants to get married despite his age. Prior, Cesar and Sunshine got married in 2000. Their marriage was annulled in 2013.
“Sana! I’m a very hopeful person. Masarap ang kinakasal. It’s not a bad idea lalo na kung single ka at wala kang ibang commitment. But we have to pray for it,” said Cesar, when asked about his thoughts of getting married again.
This highly anticipated remake by TV5, produced by Sari Sari Network Inc. in partnership with VIVA Entertainment, is led by no-less than this generation’s hottest stars and real-life couple, Cristine Reyes and Marco Gumabao along with my sister, Suzette Ranillo.
Kapatids will be hooked to the thrilling story of Helen, portrayed by Christine, as she n s herse torn et een t o o es o her o ame a e arco who mysteriously leaves her confused and heartbroken; and Cenon (portrayed by Cesar), an older gentleman who will make her fall in love again.
history), the biggest win in any team sport,” Australian coach en ta c c sa o the enorm t o the ctor a though he later admitted that Lady Fortune also smiled on them.
“Of course, we rode our luck because New Zealand had three or our un e e a e chances. here as that call, an inside-the-post goal (that McDaniel was able to sa e he reca e . ut the un t or rate an heart o team was special. We had some luck but we earned that luck.
“We really put our head down and we knew what was really coming at us. New Zealand would be coming hard rom the r momentum o the r n aga nst t er an ut we put our head down and came in focused. We had a goal n m n an e ach e e t c an e sa o the rous ng triumph.
She also chose to share her trophy with the rest of her team an the countr sa ng h s s ust hat ha e done, this is what the team has done and what the country has done. It was a team win.”
t s ama ng ut ho e u th s s not the ast acco a e we will win. It is a team win,” she added.
make sure that it would not happen again,” McDaniel said with relief.
s e here th s ctor ran e ta c c a t o t me World Cup coach with the Malditas, replied without batting an eyelash, “Beating the host nation in a World Cup, nothing beats that. It’s No. 1.”
s ear as three hours e ore c off t me ans n c u ng nos s ort ng re h te ue scar es an h ne ag ets starte stream ng n at the ca ac t stadium.
Among them were actor Ryan Agoncillo and popular actress e u nn antos ho e rom an a to support the Filipinas and watch them play.
Also among the crowd was Magnolia assistant coach Jason Webb, a former football player in his high school days, with daughters Tatiana and Blessing plus former enator re e e an e a eth e n to .
The Filipino community also came out here in full force th a out o them e commun t ea er at e Figuracion and her husband Clark, who was clad in coloru t t han costumes e a out o them n a street ance rom the ater ront to the arena ust e ore c off.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand - The Philippine women’s national football team. composed mostly of Filipino mer cans co e ts rst e er n at the or u a ter rustrat ng co host e ea an n front the hometown crowd in Wellington, New Zealand.
tr er ar na o en ma e the fference or the nas as she scored the match’s lone goal.
o en ma e great use o a set ece n the th m nute con ert ng a ara gges ree c nto a hea er that c tor a sson cou not sa e.
o en con erte a hea er off a cross rom arah gg es n the ree c a at the th m nute to ut the h nes u .
atr na u ou ha the chance to ma e t a ea ut she went wide on her attempt, GMA News reported.
he nas ha a oss to t er an n the r h s tor ma ng rst match n the omen s or u in Dunedin on Friday but were upbeat going into game with New Zealand.
hea o the match aga nst t er an res ent Ferdinand R. Marcos sent words of encouragement to the team a tter.
“We wish the ‘Filipinas women’s team the best of luck as they make history in their FIFA World Cup debut!” Marcos tweeted. “The entire nation stands behind you with pride, watching you break barriers and inspire generations.”
o h ne team men s or omen s has e er ma e the World Cup before.
a c an e e t a c ean sheet or the nas e s te the erns attem ts th our on target that e entu ally drew some sighs of relief in the second half.
Jacqui Hand came the closest to a legal goal for New ea an as her th m nute shot h t the e t ost e ore c Daniel picked up the ball.
an thought she na e ua e or e ea an as she headed in a Hannah Wilkinson back pass in the 68th m nute ut a ter a eo ass stant re eree re e n son as caught offs e a e nches.
c an e ha e a c utch moment as she sa e a close shot from substitute Grace Jale midway into stoppage time, which basically sealed the game.
The Filipinas are now tied with New Zealand and tormentors t er an n rou th three o nts each.
The Filipinas settled for third place in the current standngs ue to the goa fference.
t er an ho e er has a chance to rega n the ea if they win against Norway later Tuesday at the FMG Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand.
“This must be a special moment in (Philippine football
As to what she would do with the trophy, the plucky goa ee er st eu hor c rom the ctor u e “Hopefully we will keep it next to the World Cup trophy when we get it.”
he ho e er a m tte that e the rest o her team mates, she had some anxious moments when Hand’s pointan goa as e ng re e e the re eree on the . e co ect e he our reath a m nute or t o. Such an incredible goal by them but we are grateful that t as ca e ac an e ha to mo e or ar . e ha to settle down and knew that would keep coming and we
Meanwhile, Senator Juliana Pilar Pia Cayetano, who atche the h stor c rst n o the nas at the omen s or u he n e ngton eg ona Stadium in New Zealand, thanked all Filipinos who came out rom a o er the or to su ort the nas an e er one ho cheere on ne an rom the r homes.
Cayetano shared that despite being outnumbered by the New Zealand crowd, Filipinos chanting “Let’s Go Pilipinas!” can be heard inside the stadium.
he a ma er sa the n ro es hat nos can o hen su orte an g en the o ortun t to e ce .
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom announced that Long Beach, Moreno Valley, Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, and the Town of Windsor have been designated as Prohousing communities.
Through this designation, these jurisdictions are now eligible for funding incentives and additional resources through a state grant program designed to speed housing production, Newsom said in a statement sent to Philippine News Today.
To date, a total of 27 California communities are now designated as Prohousing.
To meet the needs of Californians and address our state’s housing crisis, each local jurisdiction must take accountability to build their share of housing. To tackle this challenge, decades in the making, it will take a concerted effort et een state an oca ea ers n artnersh th non ro ts a ocates an e e o ers to enact rohous ng policies.
Governor Newsom said: “Every city and county across California needs to work together to tackle the state’s housing crisis. Rather than evade their duties, these communities are committed to rolling up their sleeves and building more housing, faster. We are putting the needs of Caliorn ans rst an see ng to t that more hous ng gets u t throughout the state.”
Jurisdictions that earn the Prohousing Designation have demonstrated a commitment to enacting policies to accelerate housing production. They have shown themselves to be partners with the state in combating the housing crisis.
These partners recognize that increasing the availability of housing statewide is critical to bettering the quality of life for all Californians, and to ending homelessness.
“Expanding housing opportunities is critical for the social and economic well-being of working Californians, families with children, older adults, and people exiting homelessness,” said Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Lourdes Castro Ramírez.
“Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, we have provided more tools and incentives than ever before for communities to design policies and programs to build more housing in the right places. Congratulations to the e ur s ct ons announce to a . he o n others that have done the hard work to remove barriers to housing so that homes can be created that are accessible to all Californians.”
Communities that earn the Prohousing Designation receive incentives such as additional points or other preferences in the scoring of competitive funding programs administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), giving them an advantage over other jurisdictions.
reat e efforts to enhance state an oca artnersh s are essential to meeting ambitious and necessary state housing goals,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “We recognize today local governments that are breaking o n arr ers to affor a e hous ng an re ar those good actors with incentives to enhance the work they are already doing.”
Caller: Hi Ken, we have a house that has two stories and more bedrooms that we need. We have retired and would like to enjoy travelling more and minimizing house work all together. What can you suggest?
Ken Go: Dear caller, thanks for having a very an open mind about downsizing. There are so man ene ts or ou to e able to get a smaller house just enough for the both of you and still allow guest and family members to come and visit. You are going to sell your house at the best time now, its still very much so a seller’s market, take that equity and buy something with cash therefore you will no longer have a mortgage payment. Since you are moving out of the area, the prices are cheaper. You will also be a e to rea the ene ts o a the e u t ou ha e earne a these years. Go for it and good luck.
Caller: I would like to consider selling my house to buy something smaller and maybe newer. But the property tax will go up at least by $5,000.00 minimum a month. We have lived in our home for over 25 years and the thought of paying all the property tax mone s turn ng us off to mo ng hat can ou suggest
Ken Go: PROPOSITION 60/90, is a property tax relief available for senior citizens. This provides tax relief for persons age 55 and older preventing tax reassessment when a senior (55+) sells his/her existing residence and purchase or constructs a replacement home worth the same or less than the original residence. This tax law Proposition 60 will allow the senior to continue to pay approximately the same amount of annual property taxes as before. The new property must be located within the same county as the origina home ro os t on s a a a e or sen ors mo ng to a ffer ent county, not all counties have passed an ordinance allowing Prop 90. Here are some counties that will allow Prop 90 Alameda, San Diego, Santa Clara, Los Angeles, Orange , San Mateo and Ventura. List subject to change, check with your local county assessor before purchasing a replacement property.
Caller: I have a HOP (Home Ownership Program) second lien from my county almost 19 years ago and this debt will be totally org en n another ear. an re nance m house an o some cash out? This loan that was given to us by the CDC (Community Development Commission) 19 years ago for $25,000.00 will not be paid back after next year.
Ken Go: I reviewed the entire agreement and came to the conclusion that as long as you don’t change ownership title or don’t get the loan resubordinated, the CDC will not ask for the to be due an a a e. ou u u a ot o e u t ut nee to cash out to up your entire house, your equity is not working for you, I call that ea u t so no s the t me to ta e our e u t an u your house while rates are still fairly low. I do suggest for now to ta e a secon en or a t t ou ha e a off the oan then take out a line of credit to minimize your fees. Once our mortgage rates ro ac to e o then ou can com ne a re nance option.
Caller: Hi Kuya Ken, my wife passed away a fews ago and left me ha ng to han e our nances. e ha e a out ens on our property and my credit is not that good. I believe the property value has gone u ut ho can re nance th a the ens on m t t e en o ter re e ng the ro ert ro e an some o the major liens, you are fortunately that most of the liens and from your utility bills not paid by your late spouse. There is one major one taken out over 10 years ago that is going to a problem. The company merged with another company and your note would have been sold to a new servicer. Once, we do a rescoring for your credit co score ou e a e to ta e a cash out on our ro ert an a off a these ens. gnor ng them s not an o t on e er month interest and penalties will accrue with or without your permission. You should pay it sooner than later.
Caller: I am thinking about buying a mobile home because everything is so expensive and I wont be able to qualify for them?
Ken Go: If you want my personal opinion, I don’t like mobile homes. A lot of people don’t know but your normal monthly fees for a mobile home is between $800-1000.00 a month of course it will depend on the amenities of the mobile home park you have to stay in, but here are some fees you have to pay maintenance, sewer lines or septic tank lines, connection fees for public utilities etc…
The biggest downside: depreciation. Stepping Setting foot in a manu acture home s e r ng off the an auto ot the re worth less from that point on
Thanks for your inquiries and comments, please call Ken Go o st nno at e nance rou or r te to en nethgo@verizon.net BRE 01021223 NMLS 238636.
For the millions of Americans with m te ng sh ro c enc n ng ro viders who speak their language continues to be a challenge, hampering access to quality care.
The St. Thomas Family Health Center in Nashville serves patients of all ages whether or not they have insurance. The community clinic is part of the Ascension e ca rou a arge non ro t atho c healthcare system with hospitals and clinics in 16 states.
This popular center is located on Nashville’s west side, right next to St. Ann’s Catholic Church on Charlotte Avenue. Both minister to a largely immigrant population and have been there for more than two decades.
The clinic is open 45 hours per week and provides primary care for immigrant women and their children as well as patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes.
Physical exams, pap smears, blood tests, low-cost prescriptions, vaccines, and u shots are a a a a e. an sh s ea ing mothers who are pregnant or have young children chat amiably with the front office staff ho are a ngua . ost o the nurses and practitioners are also bilingual.
Culturally-Appropriate Health Care
But St. Thomas may be an anomaly in the health care world. Fourteen million people in the US do not speak English, while 25.5 million say they speak it ess than er e . et n ng ro ers who speak at least one of the panoply o anguages s o en n the s a fficu t task that prevents non-English and limited ng sh ro c ent s ea ers rom gett ng the care they need.
When it comes to preventive services,
more people with little or no English have not had their blood pressure taken or cholesterol checked in the last two years, have not gotten a u shot or ha a h s ca or seen a dentist in the last year.
Dr. Ingrid J. Hall, an epidemiologist with the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a recent study of s an c a u ts n ng ng sh ro c en cy to access to healthcare services.
a measure fferences et een three groups of patients. The control group, non-Hispanic whites, had the highest percentage (84%) of regular health care. The group who were comfortable with English (78%) was second highest. Only 69% of Hispanics with limited comfort speaking English had a regular provider.
The epidemiologist led the CDC’s campaign to make more women aware of the importance of getting mammograms to n reast cancer ear .
“Our money from Congress goes directly to the state. Then we encourage our state partners to partner with community based organizations that are going to reach the populations that we want to reach,” Hall said at an Ethnic Media Services ne s r e ng u .
Regular screening and prompt diagnosis can reduce illness and death from breast or cervical cancer especially for women over 50 who account for more than 75% of those cancers.
Improving health literacy and addressing barriers to care will require a “multipronged” approach including education, insurance disparities, and other social determinants of health, said Hall.
Dr. Latha Palaniappan, Co-Founder of Stanford CARE, explains why patient
translators need not just language skill but also to be trained to work in healthcare settings.
Dr. Latha Palaniappan, co-founder of Stanford University’s Center for Asian Research and Education CARE said the demographics of the U.S. population have changed dramatically in recent decades.
From 1980 to 2019, the number of people in the US who spoke a language other than English at home nearly tripled, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Sixtyseven million people in the U.S. speak a language other than English at home.
Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese are the top 3 languages of households that have limited or non-English speakers. Fourth most common is Russian, Polish, and other Slavic languages grouped, and then Spanish, said Palaniappan, referring to US Census data.
Longer Hospital Stays
These non-English speakers are a very s gn cant ro ort on o the o u at on said Palaniappan. And patients whose providers don’t speak their language reported receiving less health education, worse care, and lower patient satisfaction.
“The length of stay if an interpreter isn’t used at admission or discharge at a hospital stay is increased by 3 days. There’s increased thirty-day readmissions, for instance, among congestive heart failure. There’s more infections, falls, surgical site infections, pressure injuries, delays in surgery, and problems with medication management,” said the physician.
“Under section 1557 of the ACA (Affordable Care Act) health care providers are re u re a to ro e ua e interpreting services free of charge,” Palaniappan noted. But saying that doesn’t make it so.
Providers often rely on informal interpreters like friends or family members, but that is generally prohibited except in emergencies. Nothing is better than an inperson interpreter, but telephone or video based interpretation works and can be cost effect e she sa .
Dr. Elena V. Rios is President CEO of the National Hispanic Medical Association, (NHMA), representing 50,000 Hispanic physicians in the US. The mission of the organization is to improve the health of Hispanics.
Only 15 states actually have Medicaid that reimburses for language services. “So we need to change the system. We need to reimburse language services for providers, for hospitals, for clinics, for doctors offices os sa .
“Language services could be helped by having more doctors or nurses, for example, from those countries that speak the languages that are needed here,” she said. here s e n te a nee or re m bursement at all levels but especially in the poor communities that don’t have top jobs or don’t have higher incomes. Most people don’t go to the doctor because they can’t pay for it and they don’t have insurance. So we continually need more prevention,” said Rios.
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring July 26, 2023, as “Americans with Disabilities Act Awareness Day” in the State of California.
As the epicenter of the disability rights movement for more than 50 years, California is proud to celebrate the important contributions that people with disabilities have made and continue to make to our communities, our state, and our nation. As we lift up these contributions to all facets of our society, including advances in c r ghts as re ecte n the mer cans th sa t es ct e ta e th s o ortun t to affirm our commitment to a California for all.
Signed into law on July 26, 1990, the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. The signing of this landmark legisat on as the resu t o a concerte mo at on effort started by those in the disability rights movement who had spent decades pushing back against a society that did not include them, and that too often discriminated against them. Before the ADA, people with disabilities did not have equal access to employment, telecommuni-
cations, transportation, and public services and accommodations. The passage of the ADA removed barriers for people with disabilities and ushered in a new era of inclusion and integration in all aspects of life.
Among those at the forefront of the disability rights movement were many Californians who fought hard to see the ADA become reality, including: Ed Roberts, known as the father of the independent living movement; activist Eleanor Riese, who helped to change the laws regarding the use of psychotropic medications in treating people with mental health disabilities; and Congressman Tony Coelho, who sponsored the ADA in the U.S. House of Representatives. These individuals and others sacr ce res ste an eman e an en to the injustice and bias that people with disabilities experienced.
As we celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the ADA and its transformative impacts on the lives of countless Americans, we also acknowledge that there is more work to do. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are integral parts of our ongoing work to build a California for all. My administration is working to expand educational opportunities, employment options, health and homecare access, civil rights, and community living for people of all ages with disabilities. The state also
continues to prioritize accessibility of all state services and is deepening our commitment to employment opportunities for people with disabilities within state service. All people with disabilities – whether visible or invisible, mobility or cognitive, vision or hearing, learning or sensory, developmental or acquired – contribute to a orn a s comm tte to u ng the rom se o the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring that all uitable access to achieving their dreams and living the
NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim July 26, 2023, as “Americans with Disabilities Act Aware-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California
Pilots Aim to Narro the Economic ivide for E O nership, Improve Access to E Charging Sta�ons in Lo -Income Areas
Oakland, Calif—In support of Californ a s goa s or eh c e e ectr cat on an c mate act on ac c as an ectr c om an s offer ng t o ne programs designed to improve access to e ectr c eh c e charg ng n rastruc ture for customers in underserved communities.
he m o er an u t am ous ng an ma us ness har ger ot rograms ro e no cost charging infrastructure and resources to help address the costs of installing chargers at single-family homes, multifamhous ng un ts non ro t organ at ons an sma us nesses throughout o and moderate-income communities in s ser ce area.
ccor ng to a recent stu ana ng ata rom the a orn a nerg omm s sion, high upfront vehicle costs, lack of chargers for renters and inadequate access to u c charg ng stat ons n o ncome an rura commun t es has m te e pansion among these underserved populations. Addressing these challenges is cr t ca cons er ng a orn a o ernor a n e som s e ecut e or er rect ng that a ne assenger cars truc s an s so n the state must e ero em ss on eh c es.
t e a ue our ro e as an ac t e artner n he ng ma e s an o tion for millions of Californians, because reducing vehicle emissions is good for our hometo ns our state an our anet sa ason c man ecut e ce res ent ng neer ng ann ng and Strategy. “We serve a diverse populat on an ant to ensure a o our custom ers have the resources they need to make o nersh an atta na e goa . hese ne rograms a gn th our core ocus to su ort a o t on roact e re pare the grid for the future and increase access to charg ng n rastructure.
Empower EV Pilot Program
he m o er rogram offers income-eligible customers up to $2,500 in incentives to help cover the cost of insta ng charg ng e u ment at the r single-family residences.
ans to ro e a ree e e charger a ue at to a ro mate customers ho meet e g t re u rements. a so co er u to $2,000 per eligible household for panel upgrades completed by the program’s approved electrician. Up to 800 eligible househo s ma ua or nanc a as s stance th ane u gra es.
o art c ate n the m o er program, customers are required to verncome e g t an sho that the ha e urchase or ease an th n the s months r or to a ng. ot art c ants e automat ca en ro e n s ome harg ng
Time-of-Use rate plan and must remain on the rate or a m n mum o s ng cycles. Customers enrolled in the rate plan and the California Alternative Rates or nerg rogram sa e an additional 20% or more each month on their energy bills. m o er s m emente through ternat es an a an ase non ro t organ at on that nsta s rene able energy projects that serve economic and environmental justice communities.
Multifamily Housing and Small Business EV Charger Program
hrough the u t am ous ng an ma us ness harger rogram ans to nsta a ro mate e e an e e chargers at mu t am hous ng un ts non ro t organ at ons an sma us nesses n se
ect commun t es. or ua e custom ers the charg ng un ts e nsta e at no cost to ro ert o ners an the ro gram co ers t o ears o net or ng an so t are ees.
To meet eligibility requirements, current e ectr c customers must o n a mu t am hous ng un t not or ro t or a small business in a priority community th n s ser ce area. r or t commun t es nc u e o ncome rura tribal and other priority populations dene the a orn a u c t t es Commission and California Air Resources Board.
he u t am ous ng an ma us ness harger rogram art o the h te ouse cce erat on ha enge to su ort the nat on e trans t on to electric vehicles—is being implemente co og ct on a anta ru ase non ro t that co a orates th companies on local programs to reduce transportation-sector emissions.
PG&E’s Clean Energy Transportation Initiatives
ear s ha e een so n s ser ce area re resent ng one n se en s n the countr . ro mate one n our . o ne eh c es so n terr tor n as an . s art o the targets out ne n s mate trateg e ort re leased last year, the company is preparng the gr to u c an sa e o er at east m on s or a out h o re ate e ectr c oa . s a so or ng to ena e m on o those s to art c ate n eh c e gr ntegrat on a cat ons a o ng s to be a cornerstone of both electric relia t an c mate res ence or customers broadly.
he h
ne onsu ate enera n an ranc sco a ro e o erseas ot ng a cat ons e rom r to June 2023, during the hearing of the Consu ate s es ent ect on eg strat on oar on u .
he onsu ate s has so ar a ro e a tota o a cat ons since registration of overseas voters resume on ecem er .
he s com ose o e ut onsu enera an ct ng ea o ost a ue o ano as ha r erson an ce onsu r an acca an s. en e e e errer as em ers.
he onsu ate a ong th other h ne em ass es an consu ates or e cont nue reg ster ng o erseas oters until 30 September 2024.
no c t ens nc u ng ua c t ens ho e outs e the h nes are at east ears o age on a an are not other se s ua e a ma reg ster th the onsu ate as overseas voters for the 2025 Philipne at ona ect ons. he onsu ate s method of overseas voting is postal voting, here offic a a ots are sent to the o er seas voter’s preferred address via mail.
Registered overseas voters of previous e ect ons ho mo e to a ne a ress th n the onsu ate s area o ur s ct on are also urged to visit the Consulate and apply for change of address.
Additional information on the ongoing overseas voting registration is available on the onsu ate s offic a age htt s pcgsanfrancisco.org/overseas-voting/.
offers a ar et o too s re bates and resources in multiple languages to help educate customers and encourage a o t on. ustomers are n te to chec out s a ngs a cu a tor an on ne resource to ro se eh c es discover incentives, locate charging stat ons an more. a so offers an Rate Comparison tool to help customers n the est rate an or them.
ar er th s ear aunche ts re ne ectr c eh c e e ate rogram ro ng ua e res ent a customers u to hen urchas ng or eas ng a re o ne . he rogram aims to distribute more than $78 million to romote the a o t on o s an ma e o nersh more affor a e or a customers. e an ng the ort o o o programs to provide incentives for both eh c es an charg ng e u ment as e as r en e ectr c rates s a m ng to ma e t eas an affor a e or a customers to r e an .
“Our triple bottom line calls on us to serve people, the planet and California’s ros er t sa c man. e re e c te to offer these re ate rograms to support our social and environmental commitments, and to help California ach e e ts o ecar on at on goa s.
About PG&E
ac c as an ectr c om a n a su s ar o or orat on s a com ne natura gas and electric utility serving more than m on eo e across s uare m es n orthern an entra a orn a. For more information, visit pge.com and ge.com ne s. ou can rea a out s ata r ac ract ces here or at .com r vacy.
APPROVES 2,675
FILED IN Q2 2023
Over the past decade, the nation has faced multiple longterm public health emergencies that increased demand for mental health services, including the opioid crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Firms that provide mental health services are primarily c ass e n the o o ng s n ustr es
ffices o enta ea th ract t oners e ce t h s c ans ut at ent enta ea th an u stance use enters s ch atr c an u stance use os ta s o ernment s ch atr c an u stance use os ta s r ate es ent a enta ea th an u stance use ac t es rms n these se ecte n ustr es n the er ce nnua ur e nc u e r ate or ro t non ro t an u c em o ers e c u ng se em o e ract t oners thout employees.
e era actors contr ute to the nat on s gro ng nee for mental health services in the past decade.
Tracking spending on mental health services is important ue to the s gn cant ro ort on o the . . o u at on th or at risk for mental health disorders.
hat ata ho ccor ng to the est mate re enue o ffices o enta ea th ract t oners e ce t h s c ans ncrease 104.0% from $7.9 billion in 2015 to $16.2 billion in 2021, to ng re enues o oth u c an r ate s ch atr c an u stance use os ta s.
n contrast o ernment o ne s ch atr c an u stance use os ta s e er ence the o est ercent re enue n crease o the s n ustr es c m ng . rom . on to . on ur ng the same er o . gure . st mate e enue o . . m o er rms n e ect ea th are n ustr es hat s eh n the se n enta ea th er ces e era actors contr ute to the nat on s gro ng nee for mental health services in the past decade.
The Opioid Crisis
Declared a public health emergency by the Department of ea th an uman er ces n the o o cr s s cont n ues es te mount ng efforts to contro t.
Opioids include illegal drugs, such as heroin, and legally rescr e a n re e ers such as o co one co e ne mor
phine, and the potent synthetic pain reliever fentanyl. In 2021 a one . m on eo e . o the . . o u at on ages an o er m suse o o s. P
e ca an menta hea th ser ce ro ers ha e a e a crucial role in helping to prevent and diagnose illnesses, nc u ng e ress on an an et es re ate to the virus. In addition to the pandemic, safety measures like shuto ns an remote or schoo or ers m emente to rotect against transmission led to mental health challenges for many individuals.
n near n . . a u ts ages an o er ha a menta ness n the ast ear. h s er o nc u e the rst hase o the an em c h ch tr ggere restr c tions on businesses and social distancing policies. These restr ct ons sru te the econom as e as rout ne soc a interactions.
he am es rst orona rus es onse ct enacte n nc u e a re u rement or e ca ro grams to cont nuous enro ene c ar es ur ng the ID-19 public health emergency. This had a substantial impact on hea th ene ts or the . . o u at on as e ca co ere . o eo e n . ongress amen e the enta ea th ar t an c t on u t ct n to ro e a t ona rotect ons o menta hea th care ene ts. he esta shes that hea th co erage ene ts or menta hea th and substance abuse cannot be more restrictive than those for me ca surg ca care.
r or to the an em c e care a ment policies for telehealth coverage mainly focused on improving access to care n rura areas here at ents ha to tra e ong distances for medical care.
ro ers an hea th ans n other areas e an e te e medicine use during the COVID-19 pandemic because of the need for social distancing to protect patients and health care or ers.
t the onset o the an em c e care ro ers ho cou offer te ehea th nc u e octors nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists and licensed clinical soc a or ers. echno og ca e e o ments such as secure so t are or on ne nteract ons a so a e a ro e n the e pansion of telemedicine.
Table 1. Estimated Telemedicine Revenue of Employer rms n e ect . . ea th are n ustr es st mate te eme c ne re enue o em o er rms c as s e as ffices o enta ea th ract t oners e ce t h s c ans ncrease . rom . on n to . on n . st mate te eme c ne re enue or ffices o h s c ans enta ea th ec a sts ncrease . rom . on n to . on n .
n u the . . s tche rom a g t hone num er to an eas to remem er three g t nat ona su c e hot ne ro ng cr s s care. ore than . m on eo e ca e or te te the num er ur ng ts rst e months. h s change s an e am e o a u c ser ce to ac tate ac cess to mental health care during an emergency.
Jasmin Thea Sanchez Maravilla will reign as Miss OMASC at the Association’s Thirtieth Anniversary Ball to be held at the Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel on September 23, 2023. Jasmin was born in Manila, Philippines to Erwin and Nova Maravilla of San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro where she was raised until the age o e e ore her am ily immigrated to the United States. Despite challenges of adjusting to a new culture and having to learn a new language, she excelled academically. She graduated in 2023 with honors from Quartz Hill High School in Lancaster where she displayed leadership skills promoting Filipino culture, serving as the Tinikling dance team captain, Asian student union president, MedicaZone secretary, and more. Jasmin would volunteer
off an on cam us to su ort eers an am es o those n nee in her community. She participated in the International Baccalaureate program, juggling both AP and IB classes at the same time. She has been accepted in several universities including the University of California Berkeley and will be attending the University of California San Diego this fall. She is a hard-working and compassionate young woman, intent on giving back to her community and becoming a role model for young girls. She is eager and ready to take on the role of becoming Miss OMASC and to represent a vibrant Filipino community.
Public service runs in Jasmin’s family. Her father Erwin, 53, was Vice Mayor of San Teodoro from 2004 to 2010 and served as President of the Provincial and Region IV Leagues. He was a nurse and clinical instructor by profession in the Philippines, and an entrepreneur in the United States. He currently owns, and serves as CEO of, several businesses, including the Golden Ages Palliative and Hospice Care, and the California are e erra er ces. s comm tment to offer ua t hea th care ser ces to the commun t n s u ment n se era homes he owns in the city of Palmdale and Lancaster, California where he provides compassionate care for the elderly
and those in need. Above all, he is a good husband to his wife Nova and a good father to their four children, Jeush, Jireh, Jericho, and Jasmin.
The Association of Oriental Mindoro, dba OMASC, is a ta e em t non ro t u lic charitable corporation organized and operated within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c) (3). It was founded in 1993 primarily for, but not limited to the ene t o the eo e o r enta n oro. ro ects are funded by donations from members and friends of members. Other major sources of funding are the annual Anniversary Ball in September and Christmas Caroling in December. Donations are tax-deductible. For details and tickets to the September 23 event, please contact Jasmin at (661) 202-9870. To become a member, please contact Mila Maramot at (626) 554-6040.
that their voices will be heard by making their loud voices heard at the Philippine Consulates General in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.
(From page 1)
In San Francisco, with chants of “The people united will never be defeated!”, “Ang tao ang bayan ngayon ay lumalaban”, No Justice No Peace, Never again to Martial Law, eo e o er na rem n scent o the mo ement that na ended the Marcos dictatorship in 1986 interspersed with the loud beat of the drums, the rallyists listened intently to the speakers who took turns in bashing at the administration of President Ferdinand Bongbong (BBM) Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sarah Duterte.
Protestors from Northern California Filipino organizations and solidarity grassroots organizations shut down Sutter Street on Monday, July 24th, for the annual People’s State of the Nation Address (PSONA) in response to Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) to demand the release of Assistance to Nationals (ATN) funds, of which only 10% of its $22 million budget has been utilized, to overseas Filipino nationals and reject the increased surveillance from the Philippine and local governments amidst heightening economic hardship and state neglect.
In his SONA, President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr., the son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., supposedly obscured the alleged over 80 extrajudicial killings, worsening workplace conditions and union busting, an une ua tra e agreements th the . . an h na that ague h s rst ear n office.
Jeannel Poyaoan, member of Gabriela Daly City, spoke about the economic crisis in the Philippines impact on women who are forced to migrate to provide for their families and also pointed to the role of social media disinformation campaigns that allowed Marcos Jr. to come into power, focusing on close Marcos ally Apollo Quiboloy, owner of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) and a ante se traffic er the an h s ro e n re tagg ng community organizations and campuses such as San Francisco State University.
Land defender and Indigenous peoples advocate, Brandon Lee, spoke on his experience being targeted and even suffere an attem te assass nat on on h s e a ege Philippine state forces almost three years ago and who was reportedly refused by Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer to have a sit-down meeting to review the status of the investigation into the attack.
Lee also touched on the alleged human rights violations against peasants, land defenders, activists, and indigenous peoples by the Armed Forces and the Philippines and the Philippine National Police under the Marcos-Duterte regime by the paramilitary forces of the Philippine National Police.
Jah de la Cruz of Pilipino Association of Workers Immigrants Youth Committee, who spoke about their mother s e er ence as a traffic e or er sanct one through the Labor Export Policy (LEP), which provides 10% of the
Philippines’ GDP through remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
“Filipinos continue to leave the country make sacrices to ea e the r ch ren n or er to ta e r s s n the r desire to give their children a better future: “There will continue to be more and more young people like me who grow up missing the care of a mother.” Cruz was joined later in the by program.
For her part, Bayan Northern California regional coordinator Abbey Irodistan exposed the sorry conditions of the Filipino people and called for the need to continue grassroots organizing alongside them, as they are the ones who know best how to solve their own issues.
e must un te n the ght together e must mmerse ourselves together and join the toiling masses in their struggles—we have to go to them, learn from them, take up their struggles. Go to their workplaces: in the hospitals, fast food industry, care homes. Fight with them, serve them, we have to give them the hope that they are capable of changing the state of the nation!” Irodistan urged.
Rally started at the Philippine Consulate and culminate at the n on uare to am the r eman s.
In Los Angeles, Filipino community members, organizations, and allies rallying with banners and signs at the u t u ng h ch houses the h ne onsu ate General on July 23. Front signs/banners from left to right: “No To Marcos Sell Out at APEC,” “Bumangon, Magkaisa, at Itakwil ang Rehimeng US-Marcos”, “Rise up, Unite, and Reject the US-Marcos Regime, End the Oppression of the Filipino People,” “Wakasan ang pang-aapi ng Sambayanang Pilipino.”
Many Filipino migrant workers attended the protest, aptly named the People’s State of the Nation Address. Supporters of the protest criticized the Philippine government’s r or t at on o ro t o er ts eo e s nee s n ar ous
Philippine and international economic trade agreements, according to Min Villareal, a representative of BAYAN SoCal.
In New York, approximately 100 Filipinos, community members, and allies from across the Northeast US gathered in front of the Philippine Consulate in New York for the People’s State of the Nation Address (PSONA) to condemn arcos r. s rst ear n office an h s na t to meet the needs of poor and working Filipinos. This is one of several PSONA events taking place in the United States, the Philippines, and across the world.
The action comes in anticipation of Marcos’ State of the Nation Address (SONA) speech, an annual event where the President gives a status report of the Philippines and shares government priorities for the upcoming year. PSONA directly exposes the Marcos Jr. government failure to address rising costs and depressed wages of Filipinos.
u
he h gh ant c ate er m ortant no our has offi c a egun runn ng rom to u . o on ts th terat on the our s gna e the resurgence o h ne tour sm through the art c at on o near art c ants rom a o er the n te tates.
he tour commence th a so emn reath a ng ceremon he on u at the monument o the nat ona hero r. ose a . h s ear s ea coor nator the h ne onsu ate enera n an ranc sco re resente onsu enera e ran . errer a ong th an a t ce a or ohn ar n u er o eto an a t. eo oro o on o o the h ne a e the reath a ng act t . onsu enera m ernan e o the h ne onsu ate n ono u u an onsu enera enen anga e o o the h ne onsu ate n e or e ut onsu enera ar a nee ruga am e o the h ne onsu ate n os nge es en or ec a ss stant e ama r rom the ffice o the n ersecretar or u t atera ffa rs an nternat ona conom c e at ons onsu anessa ago ona our sm ttache n an ranc sco o e ro ca es an r nc a ss stant eanne osto a so o ne the a o e offic a s n ea ng the ceremon h ch nc u e a gun sa ute the h ne m tar . he h gh ght o the tour s rst a as a ca on res ent er nan . arcos r. at a aca ang a ace. he res ent arm e come the art c ants e ress ng grat tu e or s t ng the h nes. n h s remar s he ac no e ge the s gn cant contr ut ons o o erseas nos to the h ne
econom an soc et . he res ent a so em has e the re a o tour sm an ts s gn cance to the countr s econom c e e o ment.
e than our no rothers an s sters ho e a roa an cont nue to ma e the name o the h nes sh ne an a goo re utat on that ou ha e ga ne o er so man ears that ou ha e or e a roa an no e e ou or ou to come an see that there s a so goo or e ng one here ac home the res ent sa .
onsu enera errer than e the res ent or h s su ort to the our. e e ress our ee grat tu e to res ent arcos or generous ma ng t me to meet th us to a es te h s us sche u e. h s gesture c ear h gh ghts the m ortance he aces on romot ng the h nes as a rem er tour st est nat on an h s recogn t on o the a ua e contr ut ons ma e nos ng o erseas onsu enera errer sa .
th the a m o cu t at ng a connec t on to the h nes among o erseas
no commun t es throughout the n te tates an romot ng h ne tour sm to nos an ore gners a e a curate tour n an a o o an o raca has een organ e the e art ment o ore gn ffa rs e artment o our sm the our sm romot ons oar an a ah ours h nes.
he a conc u e th a nner grac ous hoste the e artment o our sm our sm romot ons oar e h e erat ng fficer ar a argar ta ontema or ogra es an e ut h e er at ng fficer har es ames aut sta at the an a en nsu a ote n the us ness str ct o a at t .
Following the renewal of sister city ties with Daly City, a orn a offic a s rom ue on t h nes ca e at the h ne onsu ate enera n an ranc sco on u . e ut onsu enera an ct ng ea o ost a ue . o ano onsu e ona onsu o ena an g nan a u an ce onsu r an acca rece e the e egat on at the entro a o the h ne enter. he onsu ate e come t m n strator chae ctor murung t ounc or a. urora unta t ann ng an e e o ment e artment ann ng fficer n re nthon re a o an h e o taff tt . uan gue unta . so o n ng the ca as m a t ecreat on omm ss oner her atuar. ur ng the ca onsu ate an ue on t offic a s s cusse a s to susta n ue on t s s ster c t coo erat on th a t an romote tra e an us ness artnersh s n con a e . ue on t an a t rene e the r ear o s ster c t re at ons at a s gn ng ceremon n a t a on u ur ng h ch the re resentat es o the t o c t es comm tte to e an coo erat on n the e s o en ronment human resources an commun t e e o ment sc ence an techno og e ucat on an s orts tour sm e e o ment an tra e. an ranc sco hoto
n or ro n ng re ent on a th s year, WHO is releasing an investment case on drowning prevention showing how just two actions – investing in day care for pre-school aged children and teaching basic swim skills to school-age children – could protect millions of lives.
Each dollar invested in these actions can yield bene ts u to n ne t mes the or g na a ue.
Drowning is an underappreciated but lethal public health issue. It has caused over 2.5 million deaths in the last decade, with an alarming 90% of these fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
Across all age groups, children aged 1–4 years and 5–9 years experience the highest drowning rates, highlighting the need for immediate action to protect future generations.
et effect e so ut ons e st. he ne n estment case shows that by 2050, increased global investment in just two measures could save the lives of over 000 children, prevent close to 1 million non-fatal child drownings, and avert severe and life-limiting injuries for 178 000 drowning victims.
It could also prevent potential economic losses of over US$400 billion in low- and middle-income countr es th h gh ur en an ro e cumu at e ene ts valued at around US$ for each US$ 1 invested.
Countries such as Bangladesh, South Africa, Thailand and Viet Nam have already invested in these costeffect e nter ent ons ene tt ng ch ren an the r families by reducing their risk of drowning, while simultaneously providing new opportunities for improved health, development and well-being.
m ement ng effect e re ent e measures n creasing investments, and promoting awareness, we can save countless lives,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “As we observe World ro n ng re ent on a to a e as countr es an partners to join hands to make drowning prevention a global priority.”
In May 2023, the World Health Assembly (WHA) a o te ts rst e er reso ut on on ro n ng re ent on. h s reso ut on n tes to ea efforts th n the United Nations system to prevent drowning and facili-
tate the o ser ance o or ro n ng re ent on a on July each year.
As requested in the WHA resolution, WHO is launchng the o a ance or ro n ng re ent on. he Alliance is a network of partners who will work together to coor nate strengthen enhance an e an efforts to prevent drowning deaths, aligned with WHO’s priorities. The Alliance operates under the principles of alignment and coordination, agility and responsiveness, driving country-level action, transparency, evidence-based approaches, and coordination among interested parties.
“Over the past decade, drowning has killed more than 2.5 million people,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, oun er o oom erg an oom erg h anthro pies and World Health Organization Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries. “Bloomerg h anthro es has een or ng th our artners to implement proven life-saving solutions, like teaching basic swimming survival skills and providing child care. Now, by bringing together governments and partners from around the world, we can help spread this work and save many more lives.”
The epidemic of childhood obesity, which obviously parallels the incidence among adults, has contributed to the explosion of metabolic syndrome, the most common cause of major illnesses our society faces today. The word “metabolic” refers to the biochemical processes and physiology governing the body’s normal functions to achieve homeostasis (balanced, healthy state).
What is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic Syndrome is also called Insulin resistance Syndrome or Syndrome X. This is a cluster of medical risk factors --- high blood pressure, high fasting blood sugar and cholesterol/triglyceride levels, and excess body fat around the waist --- that increase the likelihood of heart attacks, stroke, and type diabetes. This syndrome, which is usually without symptoms, except for an expanding waistline, might someday overtake smoking as a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases and deaths.
How common is metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is very common in the United States. About 35 percent of all adults and 50 percent of those aged 60 and over have this syndrome. The “seeds” for this condition are planted while the fetus is in the womb and continue during childhood, where the children’s DNA are gradually damaged by unhealthy diet, habits, and behavior of the mother and the children themselves, starting from the crib. Children drinking soft drinks, diet or regular, cola or uncola, are 40 percent more prone to develop metabolic syndrome, starting with weight gain and then childhood obesity, later, hypertension (high blood pressure), arthritis, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. Soft drinks are also toxic to adults as well, with 40 percent risk also, according to the US National Institute of Health.
What are the metabolic risk factors?
Excess body weight, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol excess are all risk factors for developing metabolic syndrome, besides damages in the genes. With metabolic syndrome, there is also increased insulin
resistance, where the hormone called insulin produced our ancreas s ha ng fficu t gett ng nto the ce s to perform its normal job in sugar metabolism. As a result, the blood glucose (sugar) is not metabolized and absorbed by the cells properly (to provide us energy) and its level goes up (high blood sugar and A1C levels), resulting in type diabetes.
Excessive caloric intake (overeating, especially rice and other non-vegetable carbohydrates) and lack or absence of exercise, leading to overweight condition or obesity, are the main factors that contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome. While heredity is a factor, it is outweighed by lifestyle, behavior, and habits. Filipinos have 11.3 percent incidence of diabetes compared to Chinese, 4.4 percent, because of rice consumption and other carbohydrates (including bread, ice cream, sweets, etc). Chinese eat smaller amount of rice, and they also eat a lot of vegetables, tofu, and nuts daily. Many of them are vegetarians. Low carbs is healthier.
Are chubby kids healthy?
Absolutely NOT! While growing up, I remember society’s concept that a chubby child was a healthy child. e ca t cou not e arther rom the sc ent c truth. Even today, television shows feature chubby kids as actors, which sends a bad signal to the viewers. Children who are overweight, who are not guided and disciplined to portion their caloric intake, especially from rice, and other carbohydrates (bread, sweets), will become obese adults and face all the disease consequences o o es t nc u ng cancer. es t s a s gn cant r s factor in the development of cancer. The earlier the appropriate dieting starts, the better for the child’s health and longevity as an adult.
Are snorers prone to this syndrome?
Those who snore and do not get a restful sleep should undergo a Sleep Study. If the test shows they have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which could sometimes cause prolonged breath-holding and cardiac arrest, they cou ene t rom the use o a ont nuous os t e r a ressure mach ne e er t me the go to sleep. OSA increases the risk for metabolic syndrome and the cluster of diseases listed above, including cancer.
How do we prevent metabolic syndrome?
As with any illnesses, prevention is the key. In my book, Let’s Stop “Killing” Our Children (www.philip-
Schua.com), I have highlighted the fundamental principle that disease prevention must be a proactive and preemptive strategy starting from the cellular level (in the womb and in the crib) to protect the child’s DNA from any damages that will lead to diseases. Maternal lifestyle, habits, and health during pregnancy are essential in shielding the DNA of the fetus from toxic substances in its time in the womb and in the crib after delivery. The protection includes dieting for the baby starting from the crib and onward to teen-years and adulthood. By protecting the DNA, these children (future adults) will not have to be saddled with the illnesses most of us have today, heredity considered, as I have alluded to earlier.
What is the treatment?
Greater awareness of the metabolic syndrome and its health consequences is the key and a major part of the management of this serious condition. Since this is a cluster of diseases, the treatment is tailored to the individual’s presenting illness(es), like high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problem, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, etc. The single most essential one is lifestyle changes to a healthier one: proper weight maintenance by caloric control (especially rice, bread, and other carbohydrates restriction), daily physical exercise, abstinence from tobacco, minimal alcohol use, if any, stress management by having adequate restful sleep, relaxation, regular vacation, and regular medical-dental check-up. While this will be a life-long endeavor, the re ar s great an orth a the effort much ess nesses, better health, and longevity.
Philip 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 Honorable Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
WINTER OF MY
By TIM PEDROSA
We have to decide how we want our life to be. If our life were ending tomorrow, would this be how we would want to have spent it? The truth is, nothing is guaranteed. We know that more than anybody. So don’t be afraid. Be alive.
A good life is when we assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot, and realize how blessed we are. Love what you have. Need what you want. Accept what you receive. Give what you can. Always remember, what goes around, comes around. Here are some thoughts about life’s regrets, outlook and perspectives inspired by the writings of an unknown writer. Time has a way of moving quickly and catching us unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. n et n a a t seems e eons n e n te ong t me ago an on der where all the years went. I know that I lived them all. And I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is..the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise... How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my babies go? And where did my youth go? Life is a onet me offer use t e . ou on e once ut ou e t r ght once s enough – Mae West.
I remember well.. seeing older people through the years and thinking that those o er eo e ere ears a a rom me an that nter as so ar off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like.But, here it is...my friends are retired and really getting gray...they move slower and I see an older person now. Lots are in better shape than me... but, I see the great change... Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant... but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now thosee older folks that we used to see an ne er thought e e. ach a no n that ust gett ng a sho er s a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore...it’s mandatory! Cause if I don’t on my own free will...I just fall asleep where I sit! And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains, the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!! But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I’m not sure how ong t ast...th s no that hen t s o er... ts o er.... es ha e regrets. There are things I wish I hadn’t done, things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I’m happy to have done. It’s all in a lifetime. So, if you’re not in your winter yet...let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life, please do it quickly! Don’t put things off too ong e goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! Old age is like a bank account. ou th ra n ater e what you have deposited along the way. Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter
ou ha e no rom se that you will see all the seasons of your life...so, live for good today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember...and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!! Life is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one. Live it well! Enjoy today! Do something fun! Be happy and be thankful!
Human touch is important. Human contact is essential to our thriving as human beings. We are not to exist in isolation but in communion. We are not to be alone but to be in relation with fellow humankind and the whole of creation. When we are literally become out of touch, not only the idea of having no knowledge or no idea of a matter; but especially also, of relationship, our life can lead to selfestruct on. t eg n n ng e or ng an mean ng ess then ee ng n fferent th e er th ng n life; until, the person may consider to live wildly and godlessly not minding any morality or divine imperative to follow; then, may end up destroying oneself in forms of vices.
Being in touch with others and with the creation around us makes us able to see life and live it in a greater and richer way. We cannot consider our life as a single entity in creation but must be seen with relationships. Being in touch or to be in touch with others is sharing; sharing of life’s ups and downs, its hopes and aspirations, its joys and achievements, its possessions and treasures. When we are in touch or in relationship with other people, we let other people’s lives enter our life’s stories; just as, our life too become part of their stories. There is beauty and wonder in relationships and friendships that we make in life.
God touched creation by calling it into existence. He touched us by willing us not only to exist but to share His very life, we bear His image and likeness. And He continually touch us and shares us His life in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit in us. We cannot be out of touch with God; which means, to be ignorant of Him and to not strive to seek to love Him. I like to cite the passage of the woman th hemorrhages n ar . h s oman as suffer ng rom her illness for more than a decade, and coming at that moment to be in contact with the Lord Jesus; she told herself that if she could only touch His clothes, she could be well again. And indeed, it happened. The wanting to touch God and be touched by God’s grace and presence became a demonstration for all of us that it is powerful and bene c a to us to ha e o n our e an e n re at onsh th m so, be in touch not out of touch of God.
Spiritual life is not abstract. Spiritual life is not about good ideas about God, about Jesus Christ, about the Holy Spirit, about the love of God for us, about what we should be doing in faith, and so on; but about tangibility or visibility of all these things mentioned in our daily existence. Spiritual life must be touched and seen: The love of God to be seen and touched by others in our life; the faith to be touched and seen by others in good deeds for the reason of love for God, the prayer be seen and touched not only in being seen kneeling down and uttering formulae of prayers but most especially also leading people to an encounter with God in one’s life. Spiritual life is to be in touch with The Divine; with this mindset, God’s creation will be seen in the way God created them; as all things were created for s ec c ur ose to enr ch human rama an e stence.
The woman with hemorrhages wanting to touch Jesus can be seen as an example of growth in spirituality. The woman in her need of Jesus struggled and strove to get close to Jesus to the point of touching Him; then, having achieved her intention, she received a spark of God’s healing power which ushered for her not only physical healing but a relationship with the Lord Jesus; that I believe should have continued in her lifetime from that moment. Nothing more is mentioned about her after this momentous encounter with the Lord Jesus, but as her faith was strong, that even Jesus mentioned it; she could have been among the prominent members of the early Christian community. Let us not take for granted our spiritual life. Let us persevere in our friendship with Lord Jesus in His Church, listening to Him through the Sacred Scriptures and teachings of His Church in our time. Let us develop deeper devotion to Him through the Sacraments that He instituted to sustain in us His divine life. Let us never be out of touch but in touch of the Lord Jesus always. Amen.
Ingredients:
c. ma ag t
c. gas
. ha aan steame she e
. me um s e shr m she e
. s u a o e
. s u c eane cut nto r ngs
1/2 head garlic, chopped
1 medium size onion, chopped thumb size ginger, cut into strips
1/2 head garlic, chopped, deep fried
1 small bundle spring onion, chopped c. at s
t s . a
cooking oil
kalamansi
salt and pepper
Cookingprocedure:
Wash malagkit and bigas, put in large casserole add enough water, bring to a boil and simmer for 30 to minutes or until rice start to disntegrate an orm a th c r ce sou . n a se arate sauce an saut gar c on on a shr m ha aan an s u a s st r coo or m nutes. at s an st r coo or m nutes. s u an coo or another m nute. saut e ngre ents to the r ce soa an coo or another m nutes. eason th sa t an e er. er e mme ate . arn sh th s r ng on on r e gar c an r e th a amans u ce.
ANTIPOLO CITY – More than the panoramic view of the scenic Metro Manila skyline, Antipolo City in Rizal provnce has a ot more to offer.
On top of the homey restaurants, underground and overlooking cafés, the city is home to some of the country’s most ce e rate che s.
This is what the 2023 Manila Food and Wine Festival sought to showcase in the successful run of the “Antipolo Evolution” that gathered six chefs and took casua ne n ng enthus asts on a se en course degustation of Filipino cuisine – all with a touch of what Antipolo as a cu nar est nat on has to offer an th a t st.
The three-hour meal featured Chef Florence Hassig of Vieux Chalet Swiss Restaurant’s “Alay Lakap” Chicken Sotanghon Soup with Atsuete, Tahanan Bistro’s bone marrow croquettes, and Burrow Café’s mechado bruschetta perfectly matched with a refreshing mango-mint coo er.
Its unique “Putobumbong” salad was also an ode to the Filipino purple rice cake traditionally served during Christmastime but is available in Antipolo allear roun .
The three delectable entrées started with Chef Dan Puga of Burrow’s Sinaing na Isda followed by Chef Editha Singian’s chicken wings relleno with salsa monja, also an homage to the hilly city’s nuns, and Chefs Kevin Tuason and Nikki Macaraig’s “Neck to Tail of Rabbit,” a plateful of kuyog and lemongrass-marinated rabbit tenderloin, rabbit thigh inasal paired with a side of rabbit dinakdaan an coconut st c r ce.
Ending the courses on a sweet note was Chef Monique Tancongco’s signature guava cake and a creative ensemble of dessert bites by Hassig, Puga, Tuason, an acara g.
The inaugural Manila Food and Wine Festival, scheduled from July 14 to 27, is in partnership with the Department of our sm.
“We’re planning to do another run (of the Antipolo Evolution), same chefs but fferent menu ecause one a to e e vate the dining scene here is to collabo-
rate,” Manila and Food and Wine Festival organ er nton a sa .
“Not a lot of people know there are a ot o restaurants n the h nes. The (Tahanan Bistro) is only one of the beautiful restaurants here in Antipolo and t s er har to get reser at ons here. t opens on weekends and usually only for s ots he a e .
After the Antipolo leg held on July 18, the food festival is bringing another set of chefs for a culinary collaboration n a te.
Diaz also hopes to stage the event ever u n the com ng ears.
“The idea is each city will have its own food and wine festivals one weekend to promote the city in terms of food tour sm. here are rea a ot o tra e ers after pandemic who traveled for food, culture, and meeting the local chef,” he sa .
“This will be about the food culture in the h nes. ome o can o a o o in other places, in the United States, but they cannot replicate the Filipino home or e er ence here n an a.
