The Filipino Press: April 21-27, 2023

Marcos assures no rice shortage in coming months

MANILA -- President Ferdinand

R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday assured the public that there would be no rice shortage in the country in the coming months.

Marcos gave the assurance following his meeting with officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and National Food Authority (NFA) at Malacañan Palace.

He said the country’s rice supply situation is in “good shape”, as he noted that the government is implementing measures to control the price of rice.

“Hindi tayo magkukulang sa bigas. At tinitingnan natin lahat ng paraan upang ang presyo ay ma-control natin at hindi naman masyadong tataas (We won’t have rice shortage. And we are looking at different ways to control the price so that it wouldn’t increase that much),”

Marcos said in a video interview.

Under the DA 2023 supply outlook, the country’s total supply is at 16.98 million metric tons (MMT), which is sufficient to cover this year’s demand estimated at 15.29 MMT.

Based on this data, the DA said the country would have an ending balance of 1.69 MMT, which is equivalent to 45 days of buffer stock, instead of the 90-day ideal buffer stock to stabilize the price of rice.

Marcos, however, pointed out that the NFA should build up its buffer stocks sourced from local farmers for now.

He also noted that while the

government would still have to consider importation, the volume of rice allowed to enter the country has dropped significantly. “Magpa-plano kami kung

kailangan mag-import, kung kailangan magpahaba, magparami ng buffer stock sa NFA dahil masyado ng mababa. ‘Yun lang ang nakita naming problema, mababa

‘yung buffer stock ng NFA. (We are planning when to import, and when to buffer the stocks of NFA because it is very low. That’s the only problem that we see, the low NFA buffer

stock),” he said.

He said the government will try to prevent the rise in rice prices if they try to increase the country’s rice stockpile.

“Kaya’t ‘yun ang hinahanapan namin ng paraan para i-adjust. Siguro ang magagawa natin ay ang pagbili ay hindi bigla. Hindi malaki. ‘Yun lamang. (We’re trying to find a way to adjust this. What we could probably do is to buy rice gradually. Not in bulk. That’s it). Also, you have to remember. This is agriculture, cyclical ito, by season ito,” he said.

The NFA is proposing the importation of 330,000 MT of rice to cover an expected deficit in the country’s buffer stock for the relief operations of various agencies in the event of calamities this year.

Agriculture officials said the proposed buffer stock of rice is equivalent to nine days of national consumption from July 2023 onwards and will ensure sufficient volume for calamity and relief requirements from July to December this year.

Given the NFA’s budgetary constraints, the agency expects its buffer stocks will decrease to less than 500,000 sacks by July 2023, which is equivalent to less than a day of public consumption.

As of April 6, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has issued 989 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) applications for 3.170 MMT volume of rice applied out of the 3,024 SPSICs.

Of this volume, 790,449.12 MT of imported rice has arrived.

Among those who met the President were Agriculture

NATIONAL CITY, CA -- Paradise Valley Hospital, a member of Prime Healthcare, today announced that it has been recognized by Healthgrades as a 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ recipient. This distinction places Paradise Valley Hospital among the top 5% of all short-term acute care hospitals as evaluated by Healthgrades, the leading marketplace connecting patients and providers. This is the tenth consecutive year that Paradise Valley Hospital has been recognized with this award (2015-2023).

For the eighth year in a row,

Prime Healthcare, one of the nation’s leading health systems, had more Patient Safety Excellence Award recipients than any other health system, according to Healthgrades.

“Through our 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Awards, we seek to recognize hospitals that excel in providing top-quality care for their patients while preventing serious injuries during hospital stays,” said Brad Bowman, MD, Chief Medical Officer and head of Data Science, Healthgrades. “We are proud to name Paradise Valley Hospital as a 2023 Patient Safety Excellence

Award recipient and look forward to their continued efforts to make patient safety a top priority.”

If all hospitals, as a group, performed similarly to the 2023 Patient Safety Award recipients, on average, 95,880 patient safety events could have been avoided.*

“This award is a remarkable milestone,” says Neerav Jadeja, Paradise Valley Hospital CEO. “To win a Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence award is quite an achievement itself. The fact that we have managed to remain among the top 5% of all hospitals in the nation for patient safety--for 10 years in a row—is a testament to our commitment to serve and provide for our community. I am beyond proud of the men and women of Paradise Valley Hospital!”

During the 2019-2021 study period, 164,592 potentially preventable patient safety events occurred among Medicare patients in U.S. hospitals.* Healthgrades found that just four patient safety indicators accounted for 74% of all patient safety events: hip fracture due to an in-hospital fall, collapsed lung resulting from a procedure/surgery, pressure or bed sores acquired in the hospital, and catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired in-hospital. Healthgrades’ analysis also revealed that patients treated in hospitals receiving the Healthgrades 2023 Patient Safety Excellence

By Lainie aLfaro

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Imagination

and creativity are the words FilipinoAmerican director, Jesca Prudencio, said captivated her when she came across “Exotic Deadly: Or the MSG Play.”

“I’m drawn to work that challenges what I know and what our audience knows,” Prudencio said. An Asian American teenager, MSG and time travel would seemingly have little in common. Yet, in Keiko Green’s play “Exotic Deadly: Or the MSG Play,” these three things collide to tell the teenager’s story of redeeming her family name and fitting in, while also presenting moments grounded in comedy. The play is running at the Old Globe April 13 through May 7. And for director of the play, Prudencio, the challenges that the main character must face are not far from home.

“There’s so many things in the main character, a fourteen year old girl, that I relate to,” Prudencio said. “Thinking about how I grew up in a very white suburban town and wanting to be just normal, I think that’s what’s also fascinating about the play. When you grow up in a place where you stand out, you so desperately, or I so desperately wanted to fit in. That’s what Ami’s, the main character’s, experience is. She wants to fit in. She wants to blend in.”

Prudencio grew up in Harrisburg,

Pennsylvania, where her parents immigrated for work as physicians. While her family isn’t in her same field of work, she said it was her family who inspired and continues to inspire her work ethic.

“My parents were very supportive of me being an artist,” Prudencio said. “They just said that if I’m going to do it, I have to be the best. They were very big on me working hard, just as hard as they did as doctors. That work ethic I really took away from them. I see how hard they worked to live their dreams as physicians here in America; I put that same work ethic in my own.”

She also credited the PhilippineAmerican Association of Central Pennsylvania she grew up in for inspiring her love of performance.

“That’s actually my first introduction to performance and theater, doing these cultural dances,” Prudencio said. “From there, I got into singing and dancing. I played

the violin. I got into acting and then eventually directing. It really all started with my Filipino cultural community doing cultural work.”

She continued to follow her dreams of performance, receiving her BFA in Drama from New York University Tisch and an MFA in Directing from University of California San Diego.

She also was the inaugural recipient of The Julie Taymor World Theater Fellowship. With the support of this fellowship, she traveled throughout Thailand, Japan and the Philippines in 2017 researching traditional and contemporary forms of theater in each country. She said these experiences have impacted her directing journey, especially when it comes to “Exotic Deadly: Or the MSG Play.”

“You’ll feel that in this production too — my travels and training doing Filipino dance and Noh dance in Japan. This play unlocks my creativity in a really exciting way,” Prudencio said.

In her time as a director and choreographer, she said her creativity has been grounded in telling stories that are not only entertaining but also challenging to the audience “Here’s the thing. If an audience leaves my work just saying, ‘Okay, that was nice. What a nice show.’ For me, that’s not a success,” Prudencio said. “I’d rather people leave questioning something or wanting to

Top photo shows rice paddies in Batad, Philippines . President Marcos assured the public that there would be no rice shortage in the coming months. during his meeting with officials of the Department of Agriculture and National Food Authority recently.

Privilege

By FRANCINE m AIgu E

This week, the word “privilege” came up in countless conversations. Topics ranged from education to awards, citizenship to public assistance. Privilege. I heard it used and misused so much that I began to wince each time I heard the word.

Rancid were the layers of judgment that worked to tarnish the best intentions of leaders, volunteers, neighbors—folks fueled by compassion and an understanding of “the bigger picture,” people who work much and sleep very little in the pursuit of progress and equity for our community, people keen to the potential of a domino effect of good.

Can privilege be temporary?

Is privilege subjective? If an opportunity is afforded to many, is it still a privilege?

Here’s just one of the heated topics discussed in our community this week…

Criticisms were published that attacked the aims of delegates from a program that immersed young, Filipino American leaders in communities in the Philippines.

The claim: Fil-Ams returning to the Philippines to assist communities in need are reminiscent of colonization.

Whoa… Colonization is a strong word. I’d hardly call the efforts of

these Fil-Ams (many dual citizens) works of colonization. Last I time checked, none of these folks were trying to assert political control over their kababayan. When one is sent back to our homeland to help— one helps.

So these Fil-Ams are graduates of “top universities.” So these Fil-Ams are hailed by others as “successful.” So these Fil-Ams are branded with “honors.” So?

Is the opportunity to study at a great university a privilege? Sure… but it took hard work to get there and hard work to graduate. The very goal of these folks was to learn as much as they could, so they could go out and help others in the most effective ways possible. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Is it a privilege to be seen by others as mentors in your field? Sure… but the very core of mentorship is giving solicited advice. One can’t blame someone for sharing their thoughts, if one asked them what they were thinking.

Is an award a privilege? Sure… but give these folks some credit. If you’ve met them, they are humbled by the opportunities they’ve been given, understand the daunting expectations that come with such accolades, and want to give back as their thank you. The community’s proud of them and wants to celebrate their achievements. We should all want that for our fellow Filipinos! I worry more about the folks that ask, “Why not ME?”

…and maybe that’s the next stage in these conversations… Do people really mean “opportunity” when they mean “privilege”--one certainly connotes a greater sense of entitlement than the other.

There are certainly many opportunities out there to make the best for and of one’s self and one’s community here, abroad…online.

I welcome our passionate, innovative leaders, activists, and volunteers from across the US to our hometown to share and express your views and opinions in community forums. I look forward to the many juicy discussions that are sure to arise. It will be a privilege, an opportunity, a blessing to engage in these conversations, as we work to develop the necessary changes that empower ALL members of our community to achieve. Check back every week for ways to pamper yourself and those you love.

Why? The answer is simple: YOU DESERVE IT!

Continued from page 1

Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian, Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla, Assistant Secretary Rex Estoperez, NFA Administrator Roderico Bioco, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa and Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban.

Rice importation remains an option for emergency, relief ops MANILA, Apr 20 (Mabuhay) -President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said the government is looking at the option of importing rice to beef up the country's supply in the event of natural calamities, such as typhoons and the El Niño weather phenomenon.

Marcos, however, assured that the country has ample supply of the staple grain to keep the prices stable in the market.

He also dismissed the possibility of a repeat of the rice crisis in 2018.

“So, we are watching and waiting to see what the production levels are going to be after the last planting season before the harvest, for the upcoming harvest and what will be…” Marcos said in a media interview during an event in San Jose del Monte City.

“So ‘yun ang tinitingnan natin (That's what we are looking at). We may have to import. So that’s --we’re keeping that option open," he added.

The President said the buffer stock of the National Food Authority (NFA) had been depleted due to the Covid-19 lockdowns, which hampered the operations of most of the industries.

Marcos said the government is trying to figure out how to boost its buffer stock without causing the rice prices to rise during harvest season, considering that the NFA is only allowed to buy from local farmers.

Under the Department of Agriculture's (DA) 2023 supply outlook, the country’s total supply is at 16.98 million metric tons (MMT), which is sufficient to cover this year’s demand estimated at 15.29 MMT.

“This would leave the country

with an ending balance of 1.69 MMT, which is equivalent to 45 days of buffer stock, instead of the 90day ideal buffer stock to stabilize the price of rice,” a DA briefer said.

Providing affordable food items to the grassroots Marcos launched another outlet of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Program in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan to provide affordable agri-fishery commodities to consumers and a ready market for farmers and fisherfolk.

Marcos is envisioning the program as a platform to bring affordable food items to the grassroot level to manage food inflation, as well as provide more income opportunities for farmers, fisherfolk and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“Ginagawa namin ang lahat upang paramihin ang ating mga

Kadiwa hanggang umabot na kahit sa malalayong lupalop at lahat ng ating mga kababayan ay makaramdam ng kaunting ginhawa dahil nga sa pagbaba ng mga presyo ng bilihin

(We are trying our best to open more Kadiwa stores so that it could reach even the farthest areas and every Filipino could at least experience a bit of relief as the prices of basic goods go down),” he said.

The President also awarded interventions amounting to PHP15.793 million for several farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in Bulacan province.

The Dulong Bayan Farmers Association based in San Jose Del Monte City received PHP5 million from the Department of Agriculture (DA)-National Rice Program for the construction of warehouse with mechanical grain dryer. It also received PHP5.5 million from the DA-National Livestock Program for the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) implementation.

On the other hand, the Biyaya ng Matangtubig Irrigators Association, Inc. of Baliuag town, the Sta. Catalina Matanda Bata Irrigators Association of San Ildefonso, and the Magmarale Farmers Field School Marketing Cooperative of San Miguel each

Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization.

Hungary to help DSWD in response, community dev’t works

The government of Hungary will help the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in its disaster response operations.

During her meeting with DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian at the DSWD central office in Quezon City on Thursday, Hungarian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Titanilla Tóth, said her government will also assist the DSWD in the development of certificate programs specializing in social work and community development.

In a news release, Gatchalian said the ambassador’s visit coincided with the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the Hungary and the Philippines.

Gatchalian provided an update to the visiting ambassador on the ongoing activities of the DSWD, particularly on the relief operations in the oil spill affected areas in Oriental Mindoro and neighboring provinces.

He also mentioned the augmentation assistance needed to support the oil spill victims with their basic needs like potable water and food packages.

Gatchalian also discussed the ongoing preparations to revive its Social Welfare and Development Center for Asia and the Pacific (SWADCAP) as a learning center to promote and upgrade the social work practice and profession in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Gatchalian met with Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Socorro Inting and Director Frances CM AguindadaoArabe for a possible partnership on voter’s education.

He expressed his support to the Comelec’s initiatives, saying DSWD is willing to assist them in advocating for the rights of Filipinos to vote and participate in the electoral process.

Gatchalian continues to meet with international and local development partners to better uphold the rights and provide appropriate services to the marginalized and vulnerable sectors, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for an inclusive society. (MNS)

NAKAPUNTOS ANG PECHANGA RESORT CASINO SA BAGONG PINANGALANANG LPGA SPONSOR, GABRIELLA THEN, BILANG AMBASADORA NG KURSO

Opisyal na nakipag-isa ang Pechanga Resort Casino sa propesyunal na golfer na si Gabriella

Then upang kumatwan bilang kanilang Ambasadora ng Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).

Si Bill Anderson, Hepeng Opisyal sa Marketing ng Pechanga Resort Casino, ay nag-anunsiyo ng pagiging isponsor sa CM Pro-Am Tournament noong Martes. Binigyang diin niya ang natatanging istorya ni Then, sa pagtukoy ng kanyang mahabang pasensiya at tanging inspirasyon sa mga kabataang golfers sa buong mundo. Ang pakikipag-isa ay naglalayong suportahan ang turno ni Then at ang kanyang kakayahan habang patuloy na ipinamamarali nito ang naturang palakasan sa mga kabataang babae at sa mga kababaihan mapa saan man.

Isang babae tubong Southern California, si Gabriella Then ay bumulusok pataas mula sa mga ranggo sa komunidad ng mga kababaihang golfer na may kahanga-hangang

JESCA

Continued from page 1

talk about it, or wanting to call their mom. If I could wish for anything after this show, it is that people will want to call the people that raised them and tell them they appreciate them.”

From the Philippine-American Association she grew up in, to the creative teams and casts she currently works with, she said community has become a grounding force in her work.

“I create a community in every production I work on. It’s really important that we feel like we are a community,” Prudencio said. “I’m not just a director coming in to stage a play or a choreographer to teach the dance. We actually feel like we are a community. We are aligned in what the purpose of the project is so that we can all bring our best work.”

The purpose she said she’s bringing to “Exotic Deadly: Or the MSG Play” is walking the line between comedy and truth, especially when dealing with a topic that has been the source of discrimination for years.

“Something Keiko said in an interview is that there are so many awful things happening when it comes to racism, hate and the AAPI community around the U.S.,” Prudencio said. “She believes, and I totally agree, that the first step of that is the othering of food. It’s easy for people to smell our food and say, ‘Ugh, ew what’s that?’ There’s a ripple effect to that.”

Prudencio said the comedy that the play brings is meant to help the audience relate while also revealing ugly truths about the impact of othering and hate.

“We hope that this show makes our audiences question, ‘When have we done that, not only to the Asian community? When have we just quickly othered communities and dehumanized [them]?’” Prudencio said. “We hope our audiences stay curious and really question how we treat each other.”

The Filipino Press attended opening night. The actors delivered line after line of raw humor that contorted and morphed my laughing mouth into an ajar gape when it hit me that the comedy of this play was deeply funny because it was deeply truthful.

Truthful about my own insecurities. Truthful about the ways I sometimes want to disappear into a quiet, cold, empty place.

Truthful about the generational hurt that therapy can only tap at the surface of a sea of undercurrents coursing with anger, disassociation, confusion and rejection. And the minute a bubble is popped on the surface, another lurking hurt fills the well.

Ricocheting between joy and sadness, present and past, hope and loss, I was propelled through an hour and 40 minutes of storytelling that made me feel known, represented and heard.

The ways the characters interacted with the audience at times encouraged us to confront our internalized racism or biases and at other times made us want to join in with the dancing or let out deepbelly laughter. The actors’ knack at being able to do those things

kaibahang naitala na natamo nito. Nag umpisang sa turneyo ng golf sa edad na siyam na taon, si Then ay patuloy na nakipag tunggali sa kaniyang unang U.S. Women’s Open sa gulang na 14. Siya ay nagtapos sa University of Southern California kung saan siya naglaro ng naturang palakasan sa golf, nagtamo ng All-American na titulo bago pa man lumahok sa Epson Tour noong 2017. Pagkatapos malampasan nito ang pag abante sa Stage II ng LPGA’s Qualifying School noong 2019, nag desisyong lubusang magbitiw si Then sa palakasan upang

and stand in the in-between space of those very different experiences was astounding. To see “Exotic Deadly: Or the MSG Play” as a FilAm person is to take ownership of the seasoning, the food, the culture, the ancestors that came before us. The Old Globe Theatre Company is hosting the world-premiere of

bumaling naman sa ibang larangan. Iniwan niya ang propesyunal na golf sa loob ng 18 buwan bago nito muling pag ibayuhin ang kanyang hilig at pagmamahal sa larong ito. Kaakibat ang bagong sigla na puspusang pagtuunan ang palakasan na may kalinawan, si Then ay nagpatuloy muli hanggang manalo ito ng tatlong beses sa loob ng apat na buwan sa Cactus at Women’s All Pro Tours. Muling naudlot ang pagpupunyagi nito. Siya ay nanalo ng Ladies European Tour (“LET”) QSchool noong 2022 na nagwagi sa kinalalagyang pwesto sa LET. Sa kalagitnaan ng panahon, muling nakipag sapalaran si Then at muling pumailanlang sa palakasang golf at sumali sa Epson Tour kung saan nakamit nito ang unang Epson Tour na pagkapanalo sa ikalawang serye ng paglahok. Sa katapusan ng taong 2022 Epson Tour na serye, si Then ay Natapos ng ika-pitong puntos sa palakasan, kung saan ay nakamit niya ang lugar sa LPGA tours ng 2023.

“Exotic Deadly: Or the MSG Play.”

Previews ran April 8 through April 12. Opening night was April 13, and the play will run through May 7. Tickets are available for purchase online https://www.theoldglobe. org/pdp/23-season/exotic-deadlyor-the-msg-play/#?startDate=202304-01&%3FendDate=2023-04-30

GM Tjeerd Brink, LPGA Ambassador Gabriella Then and CMO Bill Anderson

Senate panel questions EDCA sites' locations, suggests other areas

MANILA -- The Senate committee on foreign relations on Wednesday questioned the locations of EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) sites as well as the supposed disregard on some concerned areas in the country.

During the hearing, Senator Imee Marcos, committee chairperson, said the selected locations seem to be “random” and “no longer purposeful” for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“I am very interested about this because the choice seems to be random and no longer purposeful with regard to the modernization of the AFP, which at the end of the day is what we are all here for,” she said.

Marcos asked Defense Secretary

Carlito Galvez Jr. if the Philippine officials are now focusing on the Taiwan Strait instead of the West Philippine Sea considering that many EDCA sites are located in the north.

“So we have given up all claims on the east sector and west sector in the Philippine seas, is that correct? We are now obsessed with the Taiwan Strait?” she said.

Galvez responded, “No, we are still concentrated on the West Philippine Sea.” Senator Sherwin Gatchalian asked Galvez if the EDCA sites’ locations are strategic for the Philippines or for the US.

“You mentioned earlier that it is strategic, but strategic to whom? Is it strategic for us or for the US?”

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian earlier "advised" the Philippines to oppose Taiwan independence instead of offering the US access to its military facilities near the Taiwan Strait if Manila “genuinely” cared about the 150,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan.

According to Galvez, the locations are strategic for the Philippines.

The DND earlier said the new EDCA sites with the US would address internal and external threats as well as improve the disaster response capability of the country.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said the Philippines would not allow the US to use the EDCA sites for activities against China in connection with the tension in the Taiwan Strait.

“We would not agree to any kind of activity or even materials not consistent with the agreed activities. Therefore, I think it would be along those lines that if there were ever proposals, we would have to find out whether it is consistent with these agreements,” he said.

Galvez said he defers to the statement of Manalo.

For disaster response, Marcos questioned why Guiuan, Samar was not picked considering it was badly hit by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 but Cagayan has two new EDCA sites.

Marcos pointed out that provinces in the eastern side of the country should be considered. Gatchalian noted that Bicol, which he said is a gateway of typhoons, is not even included.

Galvez said that the major consideration in picking locations for EDCA sites is the “total defense of the archipelago.”

He noted the vulnerability of the AFP is in the north, adding that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. instructed them to prepare for external defense.

For counterterrorism efforts, Senator Marcos questioned why there is no EDCA site designated in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Galvez said the military already has a strategically located base in Zamboanga and an extension arrangement in Cotabato City.

Malacañang recently announced four new EDCA sites: Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan;

Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.

Existing EDCA sites are Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu, and Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City.

Earlier during the hearing, Manalo said six of the 16 projects in the five initial EDCA locations would be completed this year.

“There has been significant progress in eight of the remaining 16 projects in the five originally agreed locations. Six of those projects are estimated to be completed in 2023,” said Manalo.

These projects include the runway project at Basa Air Base, storage facility at Mactan Air Base, and the humanitarian assistance and disaster response warehouse at Fort Magsaysay.

Manalo also confirmed that only five EDCA projects have been completed so far.

Signed in 2014, EDCA grants US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, allows them to build facilities, and pre-position equipment, aircraft, and vessels.

AFP chief visits EDCA sites in Northern Luzon

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Andres

C. Centino on April 18 visited the newly approved Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in Northern Luzon and was briefed on the construction projects being undertaken in one of the new locations.

In a statement late Tuesday, AFP public affairs chief Col. Jorry Baclor said Centino and his delegation consisted of Philippine Air Force head Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño and Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) chief Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca, along with other senior military officials, first visited Lal-lo Airfield in Cagayan which is also one of the "Balikatan" field training exercises staging areas in Northern Luzon.

"The CSAFP (Chief of Staff AFP) and his delegation were briefed on the ongoing projects in the airfield, in line with its development as one of the agreed locations under the EDCA as a prime site for the AFP's territorial defense and humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts," he added.

No details were given by the AFP regarding the type and specific progress of ongoing projects in Lal-lo Airfield. Centino and his companions were welcomed by Tactical Operations Group 2 commander Col. Sadiri Tabutol.

The Philippines earlier named Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lallo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan as additional EDCA locations.

The proposal to add additional EDCA locations was announced by the Philippines and US defense departments last February.

These new locations add to the five EDCA locations earlier picked by Manila and Washington D.C. -Cesar Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Airfield in Cagayan de Oro City; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu.

After his visit to Lal-lo Airfield, the AFP chief also visited Marine Battalion Landing Team-10 (MBLT10) of the Philippine Marine Corps at the Naval Base Camilo Osias, "4th Marine Brigade commander, Brig.Gen. Vicente Mark Anthony Blanco III; commanding officer of MBLT-10, Lt. Col. Rodel Pacifico; and 3rd Littoral Logistics Battalion led by

Lt. Col. Mark Lenzi, USMC (United States Marine Corps) welcomed the CSAFP and his party," Baclor said.

Centino's delegation later proceeded to the 5th Infantry Division headquarters in Gamu, Isabela. They were warmly welcomed by 5th Infantry Division Brig. Gen. Danilo Benavides, 503rd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Santiago Enginco and Maj. Joe Van Deusen of the US Army's 25th Infantry Division.

During his visit, Centino encouraged the troops assigned to Nolcom to maximize the exercises' opportunities and engagement with their US counterparts.

"It is important that we realize that if we work together with our friends and allies, we will be stronger. Therefore, make the most of these exercises," he added. Centino earlier said this year's "Balikatan" is the largest in history with a total of 17,680 Filipino, American and Australian participants. The annual exercises started April 11 and will conclude on the 28th.

Marcos to clarify Chinese envoy remarks on OFWs’ safety in Taiwan

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said he intends to talk with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian and clarify the latter's remarks about the safety of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan.

In a chance interview in Bulacan, Marcos said there must have been an element of "lost in translation" in Huang's words regarding the OFWs in Taiwan, considering that English is not the ambassador's first language.

The Chinese diplomat earlier "advised" Manila to oppose "Taiwan independence" if it genuinely cares about the 150,000 Filipinos working there amid rising cross-strait tensions.

"I'll be talking to the Ambassador soon. And I'm sure he will be... I'm sure he'll be very anxious to give his own interpretation of what he was trying to say," Marcos said.

"We were all a little surprised, but I just put it down to the difference in language," he added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said no Filipino is seeking government help for repatriation in Taiwan as of yet amid the China-Taiwan tension.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo Jose de Vega reassured Filipino lawmakers and the public that contingency plans have long been in place in all places where there is high concentration of Filipino workers, including Taiwan.

The reassurance came following the remarks of Huang last Monday, who claimed that the United States intends to take advantage of the new sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) to interfere in the Taiwan Strait situation.

During their meeting last week, National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año personally assured the Chinese ambassador that the additional EDCA sites are not meant for offensive operations against China or for interference in the Taiwan issue but are meant to protect the territorial integrity of the country.

He assured Huang that the Philippines is for the peaceful resolution of the Taiwan issue and for the continued stability of the region.

Año also explained that the choice of the EDCA sites is in accordance with the Strategic Basing Plan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The identified EDCA sites are Philippine bases which the country wants to further develop based on the requirements for strategic basing and development of the AFP.

National Security Council assistant director general and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya earlier said the selection was not US-dictated but identified by the AFP. (MNS)

Telcos renew call to extend SIM registration deadline

MANILA -- Local telecommunications companies on Thursday asked the government anew to extend the deadline for subscriber identity module (SIM) registrations as the deadline on April 26 nears with less than half of all active mobile users in the country registered.

In a statement, Smart Communications Inc. and TNT said around 36.5 million or 55.1 percent of its subscribers have been registered and noted that extending the deadline would help the remaining unregistered users to secure documentary requirements such as government identification (ID). “At present, all 160 million subscribers in the country are given only 121 days to register. Comparatively, in other countries like Indonesia and India, PTEs were given 1 to 2 years of a registration window to better prepare for and promote SIM registration,” PLDT and Smart First VP Cathy Yang said.

To ensure continued registration in remote communities, Smart and TNT vowed to continue working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and other government institutions to provide “physical assistance” at several sites all over the country.

“Through this initiative, Smart and TNT aim to help those who may need assistance in registering their SIMs, especially senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and those using non-data phones,” Yang said.

On the other hand, Globe Group president and CEO Ernest Cu urged its users to comply with the SIM registration process, noting that 33.067 million or 38.23 percent of its 86.5 million customers have so far been registered.

“Pending response to our appeal for the government to extend the deadline, we call on all Globe SIM users to comply with the law,” Cu said. He renewed the call for the extension of the deadline to allow their customers to obtain government IDs -- one of the main reasons why many mobile users remain unregistered. One solution for the problem, he said, is to allow the use of alternative forms of IDs such as school or work IDs. “SIMs that remain unregistered by the deadline will be deactivated, preventing customers from using Globe’s call, text, and data services. This could severely impact customers who rely on their mobile numbers for authentication in various sensitive transactions, especially banking, and other financial services, and who use mobile phones for day-today needs,” he said.

On Wednesday, the DICT said there are no plans “at this point” to extend the deadline for SIM registration beyond April 26.

It noted the importance of SIM registration to promote the responsible use of SIMs and provide law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools to crack down on cybercriminals who take advantage of the unrestricted purchase of prepaid SIMs.

To date, the NTC said a total of 75,564,837 SIM cards have so far been registered nationwide, making up 44.97 percent of the 168,016,400

active mobile users in the country as of December 2022.

Groups ask SC to halt SIM card registration

Various organizations, including party-list groups, on Monday filed a petition before the Supreme Court (SC) to declare unconstitutional Republic Act 11934 or the SIM (subscriber identity module) Card Registration Act.

Data showed about 57 million users have registered with only less than two weeks before the April 26 deadline, or just 34 percent of the estimated 168.977 million SIM cards in use nationwide.

In their 59-page petition, the groups said the law restricts the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and violates the right against unreasonable searches, seizures, and the right to substantive due process.

The petitioners said the SIM Registration Act imposes a system of prior restraint through mandatory registration.

The petition filed by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, journalist Ronalyn Olea, former Bayan Muna Party-list representative Eufemia Cullamat, Bayan Muna secretary general Renato Reyes Jr., information technology professional Maded Batara III of Junk SIM Registration Network, fisherfolk leader Alberto Roldan of Pamalakaya, peasant leader Danilo Ramos and lawyer Michael Christopher de Castro, among others, asked the SC to issue a temporary restraining order while their plea is pending and the respondents to "cease and desist from using, storing, transferring, and processing all information gathered into the SIM Register and destroy data already gathered."

Named as respondents are the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Department of Information and Communications Technology, National Privacy Commission and the Trade and Industry, the Interior and Local Government, and the Education departments.

The law signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Oct. 8, 2022 requires Public Telecommunication Entities (PTEs) or direct sellers to demand end users of SIM cards to present identification document to validate their identities.

PTEs must submit verified lists of their authorized dealers and agents nationwide to the NTC and updated lists every quarter.

Telecommunications companies have asked the government to extend the registration deadline “to help give ample time to all mobile users, particularly the marginalized sectors and those located in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas of the country, to register their SIM cards.” Unregistered SIM cards past the deadline will be deactivated.

Comelec mulls proposal to defer Barangay, SK polls in NegOr The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday said it will seriously consider the proposal to postpone the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in Negros Oriental in October amid the prevailing political tension in the province.

Comelec chairperson George Garcia said the commission may or

may not defer the upcoming polls in the province depending on the situation.

"It should be seriously and carefully studied by the Commission,” Garcia said in a radio interview in reaction to the proposal of Senator Francis Tolentino to defer the Barangay and SK elections in Negros Oriental amid the current peace and order situation in the province.

The province is experiencing high political tension following the death of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and eight others last month, which was allegedly masterminded by Rep. Arnolfo Teves.

Garcia said the Comelec could postpone the polls based on Section 5 of the Omnibus Election Code which allows the body to defer the elections, either via motu proprio or upon a verified petition.

Based on the section: An election can be postponed should there be "any serious cause, such as violence, terrorism, loss or destruction of election paraphernalia or records, force majeure, and other analogous causes of such a nature" that makes the holding of free, orderly, and honest election impossible.

But Garcia said the body will still study the situation in the province if it warrants the suspension of the elections.

“Admittedly, we have the power to postpone the elections in an area," he added.

Election officers can transfer venue of filing of COCs Meanwhile, election officers could seek a transfer of venue for the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) in connection with the upcoming October polls.

Comelec Resolution No. 10904 promulgated on April 19, 2023, said the local Comelec officers may ask for a transfer of venue if it is needed.

"The Commission anticipates numerous requests from Election Officers (EOs) for change of venue for the filing of COC as their respective offices are not suitable due to reasons of security of aspirants and/or Comelec employees, limited space, or other valid grounds," it said.

The election officers could file their request for transfer of venue for the filing of COCs not later than July 28, 2023, to their Provincial Election Supervisor and/or Regional Election Director.

It noted that the proposed new venue must not be owned, leased, or occupied by any incumbent official or any person who is related to any incumbent official within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, or any officer of the government or leader of any political party, group or faction, nor in any building or surrounding premises under the actual control of a private entity, political party or religious organization.

The place must also be of sufficient size to admit and comfortably accommodate a reasonable number of aspirants at one time; located within the territory or jurisdiction of the Office of the EO concerned.

It should also be along a public road and in central as possible.

The COC filing period for the October 30 polls has been set from August 28 to September 2, 2023. (MNS)

In a courtesy call, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulates Filipino artists and athletes who won in international events from January to April 2023, putting the Philippines back on the global map. The President thanked the artists and athletes, composed of a singer, boxers, a football club, and the national ice hockey team, encouraging them to continue their good work and focus on growing their talents. (MNS photo)

RACE AGAINST TIME. Telecommunications staff assist residents in registering their SIM (subscriber identity module) cards in Barangay Immaculate Conception, Quezon City on Friday (April 14, 2023). The deadline for registration is on April 26, after which unregistered SIM cards already in use will be deactivated in compliance with Republic Act No. 11934. (MNS photo)

WHY THE PHILIPPINES IS ONE OF THE BEST MEDICAL TOURISM DESTINATION IN THE WORLD: INSIGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Do you my dear folks know that Americans are now looking beyond borders more than ever for solutions to their healthcare needs, leveraging medical travel opportunities to destinations that offer timely, quality, and affordable wellness program services?

“We have helped connect thousands of patients during the pandemic with healthcare providers, and as we emerge from the pandemic, we expect demand to grow globally and for healthcare consumers to travel in greater numbers than before as regional and global markets stabilize,” said the Chairman of the Medical Tourism Association.

From this point forward, have you also ever heard of people traveling to places for medical care?

Well…our beloved old homeland –the Philippines – is reportedly seeing 80,000 to 250,000 medical tourists annually. Patients come from Sri Lanka, East Asia, the Gulf States, Europe, North and South America, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Filipino workers and expatriates also travel back home to the archipelago to have their medical procedures.

According to the Medical Tourism Association, medical tourism is when people who live in one nation travel to another country to obtain medical, dental and surgical care while at the same time receiving equal to or greater care than they would have in their own principality, and are traveling for medical care because of affordability, better access to care or a higher level quality of being taken care. of.

And why would patients travel for medical care?

In depth, I would state that the main reasons are for affordability and quality health care…the cost savings alone could be up to 90%!

Since when did health care start in the Philippines?

In the year 2006, a bill was passed in the Philippine Congress creating the Medical Tourism Bureau, an organization that is assigned to lead in promoting health tourism. It was

successful because the Philippines are among the list of choice destinations in the industry.

Perhaps you asked – why the Philippines?

I reckon because the Philippines is globally positioning itself as the heart of Asia, combining modern technology with Filipino culture and tradition, highlighting the warmth of our “kababayans.”

“We see so much untapped potential in the health and wellness industry. With world-class hospitals and facilities, skilled doctors and nurses, and the Filipino brand of hospitality, the Philippines is poised to become an attractive destination for medical tourism,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat noted.

“Currently, we have been implementing measures that will further develop the country as a medical tourism destination in a calibrated approach, including the development of an internal ecosystem and network of facilities in the country to accommodate concerns and issues surrounding this tourism product,” she added.

Foremost of all, it is actually in Asia! In the same way, it is the heart of global health care. Medical professionals in the Philippines were sent to Western countries to study and went back home to practice their profession. They are also known to be compassionate and friendly. The Philippines is one of the few countries who send quality medical

professionals to the United States, as a testament to its quality medical education.

In the Philippines, prices of medical procedures are very costeffective; every process also cost less in the old homeland of ours. The living cost in the archipelagic republic is also very low when compared to foreign countries. So, even if the accommodation and transportation costs are added, the total treatment toll for visitors will be very much lower than their own place or home country.

Filipino medical staffs are trained to international standards and are highly-skilled. The medical staffs are extremely courteous and known to be hospitable people. Many doctors have international exposure, being trained and having worked in places like the United States, Australia and United Kingdom (UK). Most of the doctors spend almost 2 months a year in the US, for advanced studies so as to be fully updated with the latest developments in their field of work. There are also the latest advancements on their medical facilities.

English is widely spoken among the medical staff, and doctors. Health travelers to this country are mostly assisted by highly competent, English-speaking and Westerntrained medical staff in over 2,000 hospitals in the country.

Hospital rules and signs are carried in English. The medical staff can easily explain to their

patients all they know regarding the medications to be taken and the precautions that should be followed after the treatment. This reduces the chances of misunderstanding which can occur between a foreign patient and a doctor. Moreover, the health care centers in the Philippines have help desks and translators at your service.

Hospitals catering to health tourism have state-of-the-art facilities. For medical tourists, it is advisable to avail themselves of the medical tourism packages offered by private hospitals and health facilities if they want to get the best healthcare services available.

Among the top hospitals for medical tourism in the Philippines include the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City. Established in 1975, the Philippine Heart Center is regarded as one of the most active cardiac care treatment and surgery center in the Asia-Pacific region. Located in a 2.7 hectare facility with two hospitals and a medical arts building, the institution offers various cardiac, cardio-pulmonary and cardiovascular procedures for both local and international patients.

Established only in 2002, the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Muntinglupa City is the first major private health facility in the south of Metro Manila. Success came quickly as in 2005 it received an award as the “Most Outstanding Modern Hospital.” It offers world-class treatments and facilities catering to

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

both local and international patients seeking various health services including cardiology, cosmetic surgery, dermatology, executive health screening, oncology, general surgery and urology among others.

The second Joint Commission International (JCI)-accredited health facility in the Philippines, St. Luke’s Medical Center is the premier health center in the old homeland that offers 21st century medical facilities and services using the most advanced technologies. Established in 1903, the hospital has 9 institutes, 13 departments and a total of 19 health centers offering various medical treatments and procedures. These cater for both local and international clientele.

Established in 1956, this International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-certified health facility is a private tertiary hospital that offers various health and medical services catering to local and international patients. Among the services offered are industrial medicine, nuclear medicine, radiology, rehabilitation medicine, special diagnostics, laboratory medicine and other clinical services.

Foreign medical tourists to the Philippines usually go for aesthetic and un-complicated procedures and for more invasive procedures such as liposuction, face lifts and tummy tucks, whilst Filipino expats return home for all types of medical procedures. Interestingly, the locals engage mostly in simple facial services.

5-star hotel room accommodations are available at very affordable prices. Aside from that, traveling to the Philippines is easy as its capital

city is well connected to almost all the major airports in the world. It is also cheap to travel to the Philippines compared to other countries. Those who wish to stay for a longer period of time should obtain a visa before they leave their native country.

There are several choice vacation destinations in the Philippines that are perfect for fast and relaxing recovery after a medical procedure.

Tourists who undergo treatment in the Philippines have the option of traveling around at any of the islands in the country. The islands provide a stress-free environment. It also allows patient for proper after-care and follow-up treatments.

There is no doubt about it that the Philippines has the advantage that many healthcare providers speak English, as well as the ability to provide modern medical facilities, quality infrastructure, proximity to most of Asia’s major cities, and the ability of a caring local community to help in total healing in mind, body and spirit.

The presence that the Philippines has had a medical tourism destination in the world over the years and their efforts to improve tourism and healthcare infrastructure, highlight interest in the continued expansion to raise to the top Philippines as a medical tourist destination.

No wonder then, it’s certainly a secret to be revealed and in the making to come out and go viral. As per Puyat’s challenge to the next tourism secretary -“Adapt it or make it better” - the Philippines now is definitely poised and will become the number one destination for medical tourism, for sure.

Mabuhay!

Rest in Peace, Judge Peter

ended up spending the rest of his life with. Their love story is something that one can only read through a best seller book. Truly, it is a fascinating story. They were former acquaintances before they got married to their respective spouses, raised their children towards very successful careers before they became single again.

Retired judge Pedro “Peter”

De Castro Rivera, Jr., a former resident of Chula Vista, California left us early this month for a better destination. He is bound to the Great Beyond to assume judgeship in the Court of Last Instance where St. Peter will verify his credentials. The Peter-to-Peter tete-a-tete will undoubtedly explore the finding of fact as to why he never got rich while working for the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Judge Peter, as his friends adoringly called him, was an incredibly humble person. Despite his stature, achievements and impressive

credentials, Peter was down to earth and an easy conversationalist. He completed his secondary education at San Beda College and got his law degree from the Ateneo de Manila University. He worked for the BIR, was a former Executive Assistant of then Secretary of Labor, Agapito Braganza; a Columbo Plan Study Travel grantee, and was eventually assigned Municipal Judge at Alaminos, Pangasinan, his birthplace, and where he retired from the bench.

I met him through an acquaintance and fellow Filipino Press columnist, Aurora Soriano Cudal whom Peter

Fate would have it that their lives would intersect once more during a social event among fellow Pangasinenses in San Diego, rekindled their past, got their cardios going faster again, and their relationship eventually blossomed to many splendored things. It was during this romantic era that I got acquainted with Judge Peter. They were like young people in love again that they came to terms with the idea of marriage and verbalized their “I do’s.”

When Peter would retell their love story, he put it in tennis lingo

Free Speech vs. National Security in Proposed TikTok Ban

By Peter White/eMS

With a billion users worldwide and 150 million in the U.S., Chinese owned social media giant TikTok is facing a possible ban here amid growing concerns around data privacy and rising geopolitical tensions with Beijing.

Opponents of the ban say it ignores wider data concerns around social media and potentially raises serious first amendment issues.

“I have seen the activities of the Communist Party in China. They are ferocious,” says Mark Warner (D-VA), who recently introduced the RESTRICT Act, which would put limits on foreign owned digital communications channels like TikTok, whose parent-company ByteDance is based in Beijing.

Warner, who is chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, says that Chinese engineers have access to the data of millions of American users and worries the CCP could use that data as part of misinformation and propaganda campaigns, or even to blackmail Americans.

“They know your likes… it is a very real, tangible threat. We shouldn’t have to wait till it plays out to take it off,” Warner told reporters at an Ethnic Media Services news briefing last week. Warner is a defense hawk who co-founded Nextel and has invested in hundreds of start-up technology companies. “I strongly believe in the positive power of technology. I also acknowledge that there’s a lot of creative things on TikTok… and there

is a whole new group of people who make their income off of that, and I think that is a good thing,” he said.

But Warner contends the difference between TikTok and Facebook or YouTube – which have also come under fire around issues of data privacy – is the former’s Chinese ownership. Under a 2017 law, Chinese tech companies have “to turn over everything” to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Warner says China is stealing $500 billion dollars a year of intellectual property directly or indirectly. He adds Chinese entrepreneurs reverse engineer American social media platforms, improve them and gain a competitive advantage. There is no evidence that TikTok did that, however.

– love, set, match. He was a tennis aficionado and knew that every game starts with “love” and “loveall” is a score when both scored.

Fair enough. I asked him once what happens when he gets into an argument with Aurora, and answered tongue in cheek “it’s a tie-break and

Hoping to forestall a TikTok ban, ByteDance CEO Shou Chew – who is Singaporean – recently testified before members of Congress. He told the House Energy and Commerce Committee that TikTok doesn’t share user data with the Chinese government. He outlined a plan to store American user data in the U.S. He said American user data is currently stored on Oracle servers to which CCP has no access.

Chew also said TikTok doesn’t carry political ads like other social media platforms and he said the company doesn’t sell data to brokers. Chew said TikTok doesn’t collect any more user data than U.S. social media companies do.

Misinformation and propaganda

With one third of the U.S. population hooked on TikTok, the Biden administration worries that it could be used to spread misinformation to American users and influence U.S. elections like

to win, one must have the advantage first,” Peter’s humor.

His verve even at his age reflected an active, athletic lifestyle in his younger and midlife years. Tennis was a topic we found enjoyable and loved to bounce around. Vitas

Gerulaitis was a popular tennis name we agreed sounded like a disease.

A very affable guy, Peter truly loved life and lived it to the fullest. He loved and longed for the company of fellow seniors, would dance and sing like there is no more tomorrow. He always wore a smile and was never legalese in conversions. Peter struck me as a principled man with a wellgrounded perspective that I truly enjoyed in our past conversations.

Politics animated him and Philippine elections, especially, always scores high in his leaderboard. American politics was an enigma to him and encouraged and welcomed other perspectives. He got satisfaction from deeper

points of view. Truly an elder statesman and an intellectual. The world is much better because of him for people whose lives he touched with his kindness and upright living. Despite his small physical stature by American standards, Peter was bigger than life. I’ll hazard an educated guess, that when he was speaking and writing from the bench, his opinions were erudite and that he ruled with cold neutrality. From the bench and his simple living, Peter left a legacy that his children will admire, be very proud of and treasure.

My only regret is that I did not meet him sooner. We could have exchanged volleys and bantered some more. I will miss him as a friend, admire for his astute view in life, and emulate his ethics and moral philosophy. At 93, his life was indeed well-lived and fruitful. He played like a champion and let his gavel do the talking.

Russian hackers did in the 2016 presidential election. CNN reported that federal officials are demanding TikTok’s Chinese owners sell their stake in the company or face a U.S. ban of the app. During last month’s hearing several congressmen made clear they wanted to see the app banned.

BuzzFeed has reported that ByteDance employees based in China repeatedly accessed data of one U.S. reporter to figure out where she was getting her information. Subsequently, the company fired four employees. But there has been

THE INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL TREATMENT, TRAVEL AND TOURISM CONCEPT

Help Wanted / For Rent / For Sale

Spiritual Life

Honoring God with

Last Sunday, our Bible Study focused on 1 Corinthians 6:19: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”

If everyone know and believe that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, then there will be less sickness, less immorality, and less violence in our society. We will be more mindful of our behavior and the actions we take in taking care of ourselves and our relationships. We will be living a healthy lifestyle to prevent the many debilitating diseases that affects us – diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer , to name a few. We will be living a healthier and happier life and definitely, the Holy Spirit will find our body a beautiful dwelling place. My field of study at the University of the Philippines was on physical education and health education. Then I moved on to pursue public health and health education. Hence, I spent more than fifty years, “promoting health, preventing disease, and prolonging life through organized community efforts.” I had a very fulfilling career, having worked at various levels in the government, in the academe, and in the church. My work always made me conscious of my health, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the “state of physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being,

our body

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera

My Personal Testimony

and not only the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Praise God for giving me the opportunity to work in the field of public health. I have helped people assume responsibility for their own health through relevant educational approaches and counseling techniques. I’ve opened the doors for the less fortunate to access health and social services.

I’ve encouraged people to stop smoking, to eat nutritious foods and to modify their negative life style and high risk behaviors.

I could not forget the time when as the Senior Health Education Adviser of the Philippines’ Department of Health, I wrote on behalf of the Secretary of Health a policy statement which made it imperative for government doctors to modify their smoking habits. Doctors should not smoke while attending to their patients.

Then, I partnered with the Manila Sanitarium (a Seventh Day Adventist medical institution) in developing a Smoking Cessation

Program for health workers.

When I was the President of the Board of Women’s Work of the Philippines Central Conference of the United Methodist Church, I also spearheaded what I dubbed as “Alternative Nutrition Program”, espousing a healthy vegetarian diet, with the help of Dr. Rudy Imperio, a classmate at the Institute of Public Health’s doctoral program.

These experiences strengthened my will to pursue a healthy life style conscious of the fact that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. I will soon be an octogenarian. I am still up and about, still doing volunteer work, still actively engaged in planning and organizing community events. My primary physician said that I am in good health as shown by the results of my annual medical check-up.

Thank you, God for allowing me to start a meaningful year and for reminding me that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which I received from you.

Pray that you might see and hear with the Spirit

Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7)

"You are called to free workplace believers from the Esau life." Those were the words spoken to me years ago by someone God sent into my life. I had been in the midst of trying to understand some catastrophic events that shook my world. Years later, I was able to see that God gave this person supernatural insight that revealed God's calling on my life.

God still uses His prophets today to reveal His plans in the lives of His people. I have seen this Scripture proved over and over in the lives of people. It is as though God sends out His "scouts" to inform His servants what is ahead for them. Sometimes He does this because He knows the event will require such changes in that person's life and so He

Greetings in the Lord!

Today is the third Sunday of Easter. Today’s gospel narrates to us the experience of the two disciples on their way to Emmaus. In this story, Jesus responding to the two bewildered disciples explained that all the Scriptures point to the mystery of His person. Their hearts were burning while He explained these things to them, but they could not recognize Him until the time that He broke the bread before their eyes and shared it with them. What a very beautiful experience that the story tells us to always consider today in our Christian lives. This is an experience that happened after the Resurrection of Jesus and when He appeared to his first disciples in many and various occasions.

The Catholic Church has always held the very significant role of Scriptures in our daily lives. It teaches us that “ignorance of the Bible,… leads to ignorance of Jesus Christ himself,” quoting the great holy man St. Jerome who translated the Bible into Latin the official language of the Church until recent times. However, the Catholic Church continues to teach that only when we encounter Jesus in the breaking of the Bread

TIK TOK

Continued from page 5

scant evidence that TikTok routinely mishandles data or manipulates videos.

The RESTRICT Act applies to six “foreign adversaries” (China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela), and could be expanded to other countries. While it’s popularly known as the TikTok ban, it can be applied to other companies like Huawei or Kaspersky, which are headquartered in China and Russia. Warner has specifically identified those companies as two of the bill’s primary targets.

Danny Hernaez

wants to assure them of His love. I have experienced the Lord using me in this way in the life of other individuals. God did this in the life of Moses. He came to Moses at the burning bush to reveal His purposes for the people of Israel and His call on Moses to free them.

Has God placed individuals in your life to speak His plans for you? Are your eyes and ears spiritually sensitive so that you will know who are messengers of God? Elisha had a servant who could not see or hear with spiritual eyes and ears until Elisha prayed they would be opened. Then

the servant could see the great army of God protecting them (see 2 Kings 6:17). Pray that you might see and hear with the Spirit. He may desire to reveal His purposes and plans through another individual.

The disciples thought they suffered their greatest defeat when Jesus died on the cross. However, this defeat became the greatest victory on earth. Christ's death gave liberty. Forgiveness came to all men. New life came forth - new strength for the disciples. Resurrection and new life came as a result of a "defeat."

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National security concerns may be a cover for U.S. anger over unfair business practices by China restricting foreign competition. TikTok isn’t available in China. Chinese citizens use Douyin, another ByteDance platform. Facebook,Twitter and YouTube are banned in China.

Protecting the First Amendment

Kate Ruane says two wrongs don’t make a right. “A ban on TikTok would give rise to significant First Amendment concerns,” she said.

Formerly a Senior Advisor for the First Amendment and Consumer

and sharing in His cup can we fully comprehend the mystery of his person, his mission and his invitation for us to share in His own life and redeeming love. In fact, the Church believes that the presence of Jesus in the form of bread and wine consecrated at the celebration of the Eucharist is the foundation, the center and the apex of a Christian life and the basis on which a Christian community exists, is nourished and sustained.

For the past several months I tried to bring to the consciousness of our parishioners for the need to really know our faith in Jesus more personally. Since the first week of the season of Lent I have initiated a catechetical program for adults which we do in our parish

Privacy at the American Civil Liberties Union, Ruane is currently Director of U.S. Free Expression Programs at PEN America.

“For citizens, and particularly the tens of millions of young Americans who use TikTok, to witness a popular social media platform summarily shut down by the government will raise serious questions in the minds of a rising generation about the sanctity of free speech in this country,” Ruane said. She noted the U.S. condemned Nigeria for banning Twitter in June 2021; it criticized Russia for shutting down independent media in 2022; when mass protests erupted in Iran after the killing of Mahsa Amini, the U.S. strongly condemned the Iranian regime and called on them to refrain from the “blocking or filtering of services.”

“If the U.S. were to now approve wholesale banning as a means of redressing its security concerns about digital platforms, other governments will follow suit, insisting that their own security concerns are equally pressing,” she said.

Pen America favors a different approach: a robust privacy bill could address concerns not just on Tiktok but across multiple social media platforms. Ruane says the U.S. has been negotiating with TikTok. “We

church every Wednesday evening. Thanks be to God, several of you have availed of the opportunity to know our faith. The catechesis that I have started is based on the new Catechism of the Catholic Church. I have tried to study with the participants the intricacies of our faith in simple terms. The purpose for all this is for you to know Jesus more intimately besides participating in the Eucharistic celebration at least every Sunday. Furthermore we have enthroned the Holy Face of Manopello on the day of my installation over a year ago. We intend to make the regular adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in our chapel more appreciated so that we can see the face of Jesus beside the Blessed Sacrament where Jesus is sacramentally but really and truly present to listen to our thanks, personal petitions and also prayers for others.

Hence, the reading of the narrative of Jesus accompanying the two disciples on their way to Emmaus is also a wonderful occasion to make ourselves get closer to Him in a devotion that we are starting in this very beautiful parish of the Church of the Nativity, here in Rancho Santa Fe.

see no reason that process should not continue and produce a binding agreement,” Ruane said.

Rising anti-Chinese sentiment

John Yang, President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), noted the RESTRICT Act is aimed at the authoritarian regime in Communist China but said Asian Americans could become targets of anti-Chinese sentiment here in the U.S.

“A lot of Chinese Americans come to this country, frankly, because they want to escape the Chinese authoritarian regime in Communist China,” Yang said.

He says the lawmakers who promote the false narrative that everything Chinese is threatening and connected to actions by the Chinese government are not helping. “It is our community that often pays the price for their reckless rhetoric.”

Congress was so hostile towards the TikTok CEO that lawmakers missed a chance to talk about legitimate concerns around privacy and misuse of user data on the part of social media apps in general. “The conversation should begin and end with how to keep consumers safe and protect their privacy on any app, not just Tik Tok,” Yang said.

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

ATTACHED/DETACHED -- By Salvador S. Idos

We are Sinners but Good Friday reminds us that we are Redeemed Sinners. To remain in a state of Grace we need to be constantly on guard against the snares of the Devil. Our Church teaches us that we have fallen into this trap if our heart is Attached to the daily pursuit of WEALTH, POWER, HONOR and SENSUAL PLEASURE. These worldly attractions will never satisfy because we will keep on asking for more until it becomes an addiction. The challenge for us then is to remain Detached from these temptations. It is only when our heart is Attached to the Lord will we find Rest which comes with the blessings of His Joy and His Peace.

“There is a mistaken notion among some that to own a paper is to have a license to clobber one’s enemies and attack people we don’t like. A newspaper is an information tool to reach a large number of people at a given time. A newspaper should inform, educate, entertain and provide viewpoints that could give us the means to make intelligent decisions for ourselves and others.” — Ernie Flores Jr., founding editor and publisher

Alexa Ilacad opens up about body dysmorphic disorder

MANILA -- Kapamilya actress

Alexa Ilacad opened up about her struggle with body dysmorphic disorder or body dysmorphia, a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance, which are often unnoticeable to others.

Body dysmorphia is most common in teenagers and young adults.

In Star Magic Conversations, Ilacad opened up about how she is accepting her condition.

"It fluctuates day-to-day. It really depends on the day or wahich side of the bed I wake up in. Sometimes it's a good day na parang, 'uy I look good today.' I have that confidence. But sometimes just flat-out no or the mood changes like umaga okay naman ako then something triggered me," she said. Asked where she gets the strength to feel okay, Ilacad said:

"Honestly I have accepted the fact and I know that progress it's not linear kasi... Pwedeng roller coaster akyatbaba ganun ang buhay, di ba?

Regarding lakas? Hindi naman ako palaging malakas. I don't have it in me all the time and I guess that's okay.

You don't have to be strong all the time. Sabi ko nga there's strength in vulnerability there's strength in being vulnerable. So I am not afraid to admit that I am not okay, not everyday," she said. Despite this, Ilacad, who started

as a child star, is intent on staying in showbiz.

"I just want to keep going. Gusto ko lang ito ipagpatuloy hanggang sa puwede, hanggang sa pagbibigyan ako ng universe. I just want to keep doing what I want," Ilacad said.

Asked what pushes her to do things she does, she said: "I guess because it's my passion. I am really hungry for it in a way na I don't really see myself doing anything else. This is what I really want to do."

"There's just a fire inside me I guess

Dionne Monsanto opens up about returning to acting

MANILA -- Dionne Monsanto opened up about her return to acting as part of the cast of “Unbreak My Heart,” a product of the partnership among GMA, ABS-CBN, and Viu.

Monsanto said she was surprised at how much she ended up missing acting, admitting that she hadn't anticipated feeling that way.

“Momentarily returning to acting was wild. I didn’t think I would miss it as much as I did. The energy on set still invigorates me. Doing an acting project now that I’m a mom involves a lot of scheduling and planning,” she said.

Fortunately, her sister was also in Switzerland at the time she had to film her scenes.

“So, when I was on set, she was able to look after my daughter on days that my husband had to work,” she said.

that I really love what I do. I really love acting, singing, performing, being in front of my camera. Hinahanap siya ng katawan ko," she added.

Before joining "Pinoy Big Brother" in 2021, viewers have seen Ilacad grow up from her time on the kiddie gag show "Goin' Bulilit" to her starring role on the teen-oriented comdy TV sitcom "Luv U."

Currently, Ilacad and her love team partner KD Estrada are part of the original musical "Walang Aray" from PETA. (MNS)

Anji Salvacion is bolder in new single 'Paraiso'

about competing, it’s about going with your own pace," she said.

"And that’s what the song really means to me: embracing one's self, your body, your beauty, your skin, your everything, your personality. That's what it’s all about," she added.

When asked what for her is the meaning of "Paraiso," Salvacion replied: "Paraiso for me is when you feel confident, when you feel empowered... You feel like you can do anything and that, for me, feels like paraiso."

"That, for me, is the freedom to do whatever you want. The freedom to express yourself to everyone. It's more about home, too."

With the launch of her newest single, Salvacion, who is known for her sweet and soft vocals, is also introducing a new image as a singer.

On what made her agree to do the role after retiring from showbiz a couple of years ago, she said: “Accepting the project wasn’t hard at all. I mean, this is a very historic collaboration of ABS-CBN, GMA, and Viu. I’m more than and eternally grateful to be part of it.”

The former "Pinoy Big Brother" (PBB) housemate is now based in Switzerland and recently gave birth to her daughter last April 18. She married Ryan Stalder in March 2021. The two started dating in 2018, she said, but have known each other

since 2007, the same year she entered showbiz through the reality show “PBB.” While their family is now based abroad, Monsanto also said how happy she is to be back in the Philippines with her daughter for a vacation.

“Coming to the Philippines after more than two years of living abroad is something I’ve been so excited about. I missed my family and long time friends so much. I missed Filipino food. I missed the beach. But I did not miss sitting in traffic for hours though,” she said laughing.

Moving forward, Monsanto said she and her husband plan to fly back to the Philippines at least once a year so they can expose their daughter to the Filipino culture.

“It is important for us that she knows her roots. So far, I have taken her to my hometown, to the public markets I went to with my mom to buy meat and vegetables, and to the places where I played at as a child.”

Apart from "PBB," Monsanto is best known for her performance in the ABS-CBN drama series “Tubig at Langis.” (MNS)

MANILA, Apr 15 (Mabuhay) --

Kapamilya artist Anji Salvacion has shifted to a bolder and more alluring sound through her single "Paraiso", which now available on various music streaming platforms.

Under Tarsier Records, the upbeat track which shows off Salvacion's evolving musical style, vocal prowess, and growth as an

artist is composed by Annie Lux and produced by Exale. Salvacion shared more about her new song described as the “perfect summer anthem of empowerment.”

“Self-confidence right now is very hard to achieve because everybody in this generation is competing with each other. I just want to remind everyone that it’s not

Salvacion, 20, first rose to fame as a contestant on "Idol Philippines" in 2019 and went on to join "ASAP Natin 'To" as a regular performer.

As the winning celebrity housemate of the 2021 edition of "Pinoy Big Brother," Salvacion drew a wide fanbase whom she endearingly calls her "sunshines."

(MNS)

Miles Ocampo talks about recent surgery

MANILA -- After she revealed her recent thyroid surgery on ABSCBN's "Magandang Buhay," Miles Ocampo shared more details about her health ordeal.

In an Instagram post where she shared snaps from the hospital, Ocampo said what prompted her decision to have her thyroid removed was her doctors' discovery that she had Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

"For someone who's afraid of needles, I feel like it was endless blood tests, ultrasound to biopsy, then the decision to remove it ASAP. We found out it was Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma," the 25-year-old actress said.

"I had to undergo Thyroidectomy surgery to remove my thyroid glands. It all happened in an instant."

According to WebMD, Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma is the most common type of cancer that can affect one's thyroid. The condition is most common in women under age 40, the medical site noted.

What led Ocampo to seek medical help was when she hadn't felt her "normal self" beginning late last year.

Ocampo recalled she had to wake up in the middle of the night because she couldn't breathe, adding she had gotten tired "so easily... para akong palaging hapong-hapo and sinasakal."

The actress shared she was then "so frustrated" about gaining weight.

But a month after the operation, Ocampo said she's embracing her journey.

She thanked her doctors, family, colleagues in showbiz, and her partner for their support from the medical checkups to her recovery.

"To my family: mama, papa, kuya, chochoy for checking on me, thank you making sure I am not alone during those times, Mahal ko po kayo," she said.

"To my Luiz, I couldn’t have done any of this without you. Thank you for encouraging me to face my fears

with doctors and hospital, to prioritize myself and to love myself. Thank you for being my strongest support."

Ocampo added: "You are not alone. Sending my love to everyone. Love and prioritize yourself."

She concluded her post by telling her followers to always be kind.

"With or without any health conditions, no to body shaming. Be kind. Always. Please."

Ocampo said she is set to have one last procedure. "After that, maintenance na lang for life," she said. (MNS)

Tim Julius O. Sto. Tomas graduated Cum Laude with a Degree in Bachelo of Science in Accountancy at the Divine Word College of Legazpi City, Legazpi City, Philippines sometime in April 2009. Tim is the eldest son of Tirso O. Sto. Tomas, a retired policeman his wife, Mila Odiver, a retired public elementary teacher in Pio Duran, Albay. Tim is a full-time employee working as Tax Accountant at Shell Shared Services while studying law at Arellano University - College of Law. He passed the November 2022 Bar Exam. He is married to pretty cute Asleah E. Palawan-Sto. Tomas with two children, a girl and a boy. Your relatives here in the USA especially your Tita Jesusa "Suzette" O. Sto. Tomas is so proud of your accomplishments. More power and success to you and your family.

ASK NAPCA (National Asian Pacific Center on Aging)

1. My husband is turning 65 soon and he is still working. He and I are covered by his employer’s medical insurance. He does not have 40 working quarter credits yet. Do we still need to join Medicare?

Most people sign up for both Medicare Part A and Part B when they turn 65. However, if they do not have more than 40 working credits that allow them to get premium-free Part A, they must pay $278 (30-39 credits) or $506 (less than 30 credits) per month.

If your husband’s employer has more than 20 employees and employer-sponsored insurance is “creditable”, he may delay signing up for Medicare until he stops working or loses the current employer coverage whichever comes first. He will not pay a penalty for delaying enrollment.

Whether delaying Medicare or enrolling in Medicare, he should check his coverage policy with his employer before making his decision.

2. What happens if I work and get Social Security retirement benefits?

You can get Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time. However, if you are younger than FRA (Full Retirement Age which is between 65 and 67 depending on the year you were born) and make more than the yearly earnings limit, your benefit will be reduced. If you are younger than FRA during all of 2023, Social Security Administration deducts $1 from your benefits for each $2 you earn above $21,240. If you turn FRA during 2023, your benefit is deducted $1 for each $3 you earn above $56,520 before your birth month. Starting with the month you reach FRA, your benefits will not be reduced no matter how much you earn.

3. Should I pay taxes on Social Security benefits when I work while receiving retirement benefits?

Some people must pay federal income taxes on their Social Security benefits. This usually happens only if you have other substantial income in addition to your benefits. The portion of benefits that are taxable depends on your COMBINED INCOME* and filing status.

If you file as an individual;

1) you pay no tax on your benefits when your combined income is below $25,000,

2) you pay taxes on 50% of your benefits when your combined income is between $25,000 and

$34,000,

3) you pay taxes on 85% of your benefits when your combined income is more than $34,000.

If you file as a joint return;

1) you pay no tax on your benefits when you and your spouse have combined income below $32,000,

2) you pay taxes on 50% of your benefits when you and your spouse have combined income between $32,000 and $44,000,

3) you pay taxes on 85% of your benefits when you and your spouse have combined income

more than $44,000.

*COMBINED INCOME = Your adjusted gross income + Nontaxable interest + ½ of your Social Security benefits

4. I have been a legal permanent resident for over 15 years. My husband worked at a job during all those years. I did not work because he wanted me to stay at home and raise our three children. Last year my husband divorced me. My children are grown so he does not have to pay me anything.

Am I eligible for Social Security or Medicare?

Yes, as a divorced spouse you are entitled to premium-free Medicare Part A and collect Social Security Benefits based on your husband’s work credits. If you

have been married for over 10 years and remain unmarried after being divorced, you can apply for Social Security Benefits when you turn 62 and premium-free Medicare Part A when you turn 65.

5. I am over 70 and it has been just over 5 years since I received permanent resident status. Now

I am qualified to sign up for Medicare and I found that I must pay high monthly premiums because of the lack of Social Security working credits, but I cannot afford it. Should I still sign up for Medicare or can I keep my current individual plan that I got through the Health Insurance Marketplace?

If you are not eligible for premium-free Part A and not

enrolled into Medicare yet, you can keep your current individual Marketplace plan and premium tax credit benefits. However, if you choose to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B later, you will have to wait to sign up and you may have to pay late enrollment penalties. Depending on your state’s income and asset limit, you may be eligible for Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which can help you pay Medicare part A/part B premiums. To be eligible for MSP, you must enroll in Medicare. Please check your eligibility with the Medicaid office in your state. If you have any questions about the assistance for Medicare, please contact us as below.