The Filipino Press: August 19-25, 2022

MANILA President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday expressed hope for an improved cooperation between the Philippines and the United States (US) in the fields of economics, energy and agriculture.Marcos bared his intent to strengthen Manila's cooperation with Washington after his meeting with the US Congressional Delegation headed by Senator Edward Markey at Malacañan Palace in Manila.

In a Facebook post, Marcos said it was a “pleasure” meeting the US lawmakers.Marcos said he and the US Congressional Delegation also sought improved cooperation between the two countries to combat illegal“Wedrugs.look forward to continuing our partnership with the US in the areas of renewable energy use, agricultural development, economic reform, and mitigation of drug problem,” he said.

Photos of Marcos’ meeting with Markey and the US Congressional Delegation were shared on the President’s official Facebook page.

The US government has been among the Philippine government’s strong partners in terms of aid and support.ThePhilippines’ bid to increase the share of renewable energy among its sources got a boost following the Aug. 6 awarding of the US government’s grant to a local firm to develop up to three-gigawatt wind power

Thecapacity.grant,which was extended

through the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), was given to Aboitiz Renewable Inc. to allow the latter to conduct a feasibility study to develop up to three gigawatts of the offshore wind project.TheUSTDA has provided funding for several projects involving smart grids, renewable power generation,

distributed energy, and energy storage systems, according to the data from the US Department of State.Also on Aug. 6, the US and the Philippines agreed to continue talks on ensuring food security for the Southeast Asian nations amid global supply disruptions driven by climate crisis, the prevailing coronavirus

disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said.

The two countries also acknowledged the importance of human rights and democracy under the watch of Marcos, Manalo said.

along with her. Artistic and graceful PVMM Dance Group rendered a special number followed by dancing of the invited guests. The event was very successful and everybody had so much fun with the sumptuous buffett, great ambience, top caliber entertainment and the presence of

Dr. Ben’s beloved family members, supporters, colleagues and community guests. Indeed, it was a special night to remember. Thank you and God Bless always Doc Ben. (composed by Ms. Beth Antiporda, PVMM Board Officer) See more event photos on page 3 of this issue.

sector to lower food prices in the country.Marcos made this remark in a Cabinet meeting in Malacañang, where issues on the movement of agricultural products were raised.

“We cannot afford to do that anymore. The logistical challenge is clear, and we are not handling it,” Marcos said during the meeting, where other issues raised include complaints of forwarders and cargo handlers on policies imposed by local government units (LGUs) as well as the presence of many checkpoints.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said he would discuss the issue with the chiefs of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), particularly on the revival of express lanes for food trucks, which was carried out during pandemic-induced lockdowns.

“Actually sir, kung tutuusin hindi talaga dapat eh. Dapat freeflowing eh. Pero sometimes they use – possibly because of avian flu et cetera ‘yung mga ganun. Baka ginagawan ng excuse eh,” Abalos told the AnotherPresident.possible solution raised is applying technology to address the problem.For instance, agricultural products will be tracked along the way to identify bottlenecks and raise possible issues with the concerned LGU with the help of the DILG. Technology could also be used Congressional Delegation head Senator Edward Markey at Malacañan

Malacañang on Aug. 11 vowed that the Marcos administration will adhere to the rule of law while sustaining the fight against illegal drugs.

Nabawasan ng mga bakuna at booster laban sa COVID ang banta ng COVID, at ito’y nagpahintulot sa mga tao na magtipon, bumiyahe, at magdiwang nang mas palagay ang kanilang loob. Ang mga bakuna at booster ay nagbibigay ng pinakamahusay na proteksyon laban sa mga pinakamasamang epekto ng COVID, pero marami pa ring tanong ang mga tao tungkol sa mga booster.

Ipinakita ng data ng CDC na kahit na kasama ang mga Asian American sa grupo ng pinakamaraming tumanggap ng booster—na may halos 70 porsyento sa mga kwalipikado ang tumanggap ng kanilang unang dosis ng booster—14 na porsyento lang ng mga ganap na bakunadong Asian American na 50 taong gulang o mas matanda ang tumanggap ng kanilang ikalawang booster noong Agosto 10. Mababa pa rin ang bilang ng mga tumanggap ng unang booster sa mga Native Hawaiian at Pacific Islander, kung saan wala pang kalahati sa populasyon na nasa edad na 5 taong gulang at mas matanda ang tumanggap ng kanilang unang dosis ng booster.

Dahil diyan, nakipagugnayan ang Kampanyang Pampublikong Edukasyon tungkol sa COVID-19 ng We Can Do This sa mga organisasyong nakabase sa komunidad bilang kanilang mga kasosyo para pataasin ang pagtanggap ng bakuna at booster sa buongGinawangbansa. makatao ang mga

PBBM raises need to solve logistics challenges in agri sector President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday cited the importance of addressing the logistics problem in the agriculture

namatay dahil sa COVID-19 ng pakikipagsosyo ng Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum (PIEAM) at Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC) sa pamamagitan ng isang pinangangasiwaang eksibit sa komunidad na pinamagatang, Toe Fo’i: The Return. Sa pamamagitan ng kapangyarihan ng pagkukuwento mula sa anim na artista mula sa Pasifika, inilalarawan ng Toe Fo’i: The Return ang isang salaysay na “nagpapaalala sa mga bisita na ang mga kuwento ng mga namatay ay ang

mga kuwento ng mga nakaligtas,” ang sabi ni Kiki Rivera, PIEAM Guest Curator at EPIC Storyteller.

”Sinalanta ng COVID-19 ang ating mga Native Hawaiian at Pacific Islander,” ang sabi ni Rivera, ”Ang dedikasyon namin sa paghahatid ng kamalayan tungkol sa kahalagahan ng mga bakuna at booster ay kapantay ng dedikasyon namin sa paggabay sa ating mga komunidad sa gitna ng mga balakid gaya ng

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Dr. Ben is a humble, friendly, kind hearted, caring and down to earth person. An exemplary Physician, All Around Achiever, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Honored Leader, Community Organizer, that’s why he is loved by a lot of people. Family of Dr. Ben came all the way from the Philippines and Australia to be part of the event. Doctors, Nurses, SD Filipino Cinema group, SD City officials, Community Pillars and Leaders, ever loving and supportive PVMM missionaries, friends and more were all in Launchingattendance.ofDr. Ben Camacho, MD, FACP’s Pictorial Biography Book as compiled by Marie Bee Aguinaldo (PVMM Vice President) heralded the event, a Tribute to a Great Leader. Complimentary copies were distributed to everybody. The night is also a celebration of Dr. Camacho’s sister Pina and Roger Velasco’s 50th Wedding Anniversary and the 80th Birthday of his brother, Ernesto Camacho who came all the way from Australia.Appreciation to Dr. Camacho’s other family member including Cristy Camacho Aquino and Lorie Camacho Canuela were also highlighted during the Aevent.special concert performance by Philippine Pop Sensational Diva Ms. Vina Morales and the Original Filipino Prince of Pop, Mr. Dingdong Avanzado and his Band surprised and delighted the attendees. Ms. Vina Morales, dedicated some songs to Dr. Ben and even encouraged him to sing

By Francine Maigue

My pampered friends, this season is all about making good choices, so we can be healthier and happier than ever . This week I am sharing my favorite Filipino food ingredient swap outs that still maintain the tasty integrity of each traditional dish. Bon appetit!

Original: Pork Sisig

Healthy Swap: Fish or Tofu Sisig

Like Anthony Bourdain and Filipino food fans everywhere, I have deep love for sisig. The tang, the crunch, the heat…What’s not to love?

The fat. Fear not, my friends! In recent years, sisig has undergone a healthy makeover. Tilapia, bangus, and tuna have become savory substitutes for sisig’s traditional pork. Folks who are watching their cholesterol and meat

in-take can celebrate. More and more restaurants are beginning to offer fish sisig on their menus. Not a big fish fan?

Firm tofu is also a fantastic alternative!

Original: Rice Healthy Swap: Quinoa

What is quinoa? Quinoa is a grainlike crop, whose seeds can be cooked and eaten like rice. Quinoa’s slightly nutty flavor puts it above brown rice in my book. Because quinoa is a good source of magnesium, it is highly recommended for people who are prone to migraines and folks who are looking to improve their cardiovascular health. (Magnesium helps relax blood vessels.) I have even found quinoa to go well with our traditional Filipino cucumber salad. Tasty, easily accessible, AND good for you…Quinoa is a winner!

QuinoaSisig Pinoy Cuisine Swap Outs

Original: Sinigang na Karne ng Baboy (Pork) or Sinigang na Karne ng Baka Healthy(Beef)Swap: Sinigang na Salmon & Bayabas (Guava) Salmon & guava?! In sinigang?! Yes. Yes. Yes. This combination is so distinct, satisfying, and healthful. You’ll welcome the winter chill and rainy days as you indulge in a warm, comforting bowlful. Simply make your sinigang broth using traditional ingredients like onion, tomatoes, ginger, salt, and 1 packet of your favorite Tamarind based sinigang mix. Clean, half, and seed guavas, then add it to the broth. Boil until the guavas have begun to soften. Add cleaned and sliced salmon. When the salmon is nearly cooked all the way, add your choice of sinigang vegetables. (I love adding a chili pepper for some extra spice.) My amazing mother, Oly, who is a magician in the kitchen, introduced me to her one-of-a-kind sinigang na salmon & bayabas recipe. With its combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, this sinigang is definitely one that will stay in my cooking repertoire. In addition to being super delicious, this sinigang is extra healthful because of the omega-3 fatty acids from salmon and guava’s richness in Vitamin C and fiber.

Masarap ang mga options! Masarap maging mas- healthy! Sana mag-enjoy kayo, my pampered friends. A healthy lifestyle can make for a happy lifestyle. Let’s pamper ourselves and those we love with the gift of delicious food and strong bodies. See you next week!

Check back every week for ways to pamper yourself and those you love. Why? The answer is simple: YOU DESERVE IT!

Wanna join in on fun weekly chats with other Pampered Pinay fans? Your comments could be featured here!

Reach out to us at filpressads@aol. com Got a business or event we should know about? Come and visit us at www.thefilipinopress.com , we would like to hear from you.

(Note: This column is dedicated to our loyal readers who followed Francine's column, contributions of worthy to read articles on food, lifestyle and more.)

Liza Soberano joins Cole Sprouse, Kathryn Newton in 'Lisa Frankenstein'

filmmaker Zelda Williams.

"Set in 1989, Lisa Frankenstein follows an unpopular high school student (Newton) who accidentally re-animates a handsome Victorian corpse (Sprouse) during a lightning storm and starts to rebuild him into the man of her dreams, using the broken tanning bed in her garage," Deadline said.

Early this week, speculations that Soberano will be joining the international film surfaced after the Filipina actress’ eagle-eyed supporters caught wind of an Instagram Story by JSLA Events’Jessie Stafford where she reposted one of Newton’s posts on set before tagging Soberano, Transparent Arts and “Lisa Frankenstein” director Zelda Williams.

WEAREVERYONE,SAFESTAYYOURMASK,WASHHANDSOFTEN

"Ecstatic to be part of this film," Soberano wrote in the caption of her InstagramAccordingpost.to Deadline, Soberano, Carla Gugino, Joe Chrest, and Henry Eikenberry will star alongside Newton and Sprouse in "Lisa Frankenstein," which is the directorial debut of actor-

Soberano made headlines in May after it was revealed that she is now being managed by her contemporary James Reid, who is part of the US-based Transparent Arts group championing Asian-American talents.

Since her management switch went public, Soberano became more open about her decision to “take the first leap” to jumpstart a potential career in the United States. (MNS)

Pork

MANILA -- Filipina actress Liza Soberano is joining American actors Cole Sprouse and Kathryn Newton in their upcoming movie “Lisa Frankenstein.”Soberanoshared a screengrab of a Deadline article about her first ever Hollywood film.

SDG&E

Customers to Receive Additional Bill Credits in August & September

California Climate Credits Help Offset Summer Bills

SAN DIEGO, CA -- San Diego

Gas & Electric (SDG&E) wants its residential customers to be on the lookout for upcoming breaks on their electric bills. SDG&E’s residential customers will receive $64.17 in bill credits on both their August and September electric bills (or a total of $128.34). Earlier this year, SDG&E’s residential natural gas customers also received $43.06 in credits. This is all thanks to the California Climate Credit program.

Administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the program is part of the state’s efforts to fight climate change.There is no action required to receive the credits. All electricity customers, including community choice aggregation customers, will automatically receive the credits in their August and September billing cycles.

SDG&E will also alert customers to the Climate Credits via

email.Altogether, this year’s climate credits total up to $171.40, about double last year’s amount. In addition to residential customers, eligible small businesses will also receive the same amount of climate credits on their electric bills. The credits will be applied during what are typically the hottest months in the year, when energy use tends to be higher due to air conditioning.

The California Climate Credit is a state program that requires power plants, natural gas providers, and other large industries that emit greenhouse gases to buy carbon pollution permits. The credits on customers’ bills represent their share of the payments from the state’s program and provide customers with an increased opportunity to invest in energy-saving products.

Customers who are struggling to pay their bill are encouraged to visit sdge.com/assistance to explore all

of the resources available to them –bill discounts, debt relief, payment arrangements and free energy efficiency upgrades that can help lower their bill.

SDG&E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by providing its electricity from renewable sources; modernizing natural gas pipelines; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; supporting numerous nonprofit partners; and, investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE). For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.

SANDRA BEASLEY, NEW CNO OF ALVARADO HOSPITAL

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Alvarado Hospital welcomes Sandra Beasley, MHA, BSN, RN, as its new Chief Nursing Officer. Sandra started her role as the new CNO on August 8, taking over from Interim CNO David Cooke, who was installed after former CNO, Sacha Ridgway, left earlier this year. Sandra has over 20 years of management experience in a varied range of nursing disciplines: critical care, cardiology, emergency medicine, behavioral health, and surgery. Her most recent position was as the interim CNO for Sutter Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley, California, and before that she served as the interim assistant CNO at Osceola Regional Medical Center in Kissimmee, Florida.

Sandra started her journey in nursing by obtaining her RN in 1997, her BSN in 2004, and earning her Masters of Science in Healthcare Management in 2019. She holds current certifications in critical care, trauma care, and basic and advanced life support. She is an active member of the American Association

of Critical Care Nurses and the Emergency Nurses Association. The team at Alvarado Hospital is looking forward to having Sandra join us, and we are sure to benefit from the breadth of her experience and knowledge.

Alvarado Hospital would also like to extend our gratitude to David Cooke, the departing interim CNO. David’s sure and innovative leadership has resulted in improved communication and cooperation within the hospital, helping to steady the waters during this transition of senior leadership.

Although he greatly enjoyed his time spent with the Alvarado team, he is happy to return to his role at Prime Healthcare as the director of Emergency Services.

About Alvarado Hospital Alvarado Hospital, a member of Prime Healthcare, is a 306-bed fullservice, acute care hospital centrally located in San Diego adjacent to SDSU. Ranked in the top 5% nationally for patient safety, the hospital has also been ranked among America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery™, Spine Surgery™ and Critical Care™.

Alvarado Hospital offers more than 25 programs and services, including the Advanced Spine & Joint Institute, cardiac services, surgical weight loss, San Diego Rehabilitation Institute outpatient rehabilitation, sexual medicine, geriatric-psychiatric care, vascular services, an Emergency Department that is specially accredited for geriatric care. To learn more, visit AlvaradoHospital.com or call (800) ALVARADO.

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Agent Orange Awareness Day is August 10th. It marks the day in 1961 when the U.S. began aerial spraying of toxic herbicides defoliants over Vietnam. The Vietnam War may be over, but the battle continues for many Vietnam Veterans. Nearly 3 million service members served in Vietnam and most returned home. But since then, thousands of Vietnam Veterans have fought illnesses related to Agent Orange exposure. This deadly toxin has impacted the lives of thousands of Veterans and their families but is largely unknown to most Americans.

No doubt about it, Agent Orange Awareness Day will take on a special significance this particular year as it marks the enactment of a historic new law that will help the Veterans Administration (VA) deliver for millions of American military veterans affected by toxic exposure-related conditions.

Last Wednesday, 10 August 2022, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) held their third annual Agent Orange Awareness Day event. While the weather wasn’t what they have hoped for, with thunderstorms rolling through the area, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial site looked beautiful in a sea of orange candlelight.

Through these efforts, they honor the Vietnam Veterans who continue to fight the effects of Agent Orange exposure, while remembering those who have lost their battle. I reckon the Wall was always meant to honor both the living and the dead – and on evenings like that – it’s never more apparent that the Vietnam War continues to impact those who served.The incredible public support for the event revealed just how many Veterans – and their families – have been touched by the effects of the use of this deadly chemical. It demonstrates just how extensive the continuing toll of the Vietnam War is – nearly 50 years after my generation’s conflict officially ended.Moving forward, over 3.5 million post-9/11 Veterans were exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances during overseas deployments. I say the passing of this bill may save the lives of countless Veterans who are or will be affected by toxic exposure.

Assuredly, the PACT Act is a historic new law that will help the Veterans Administration (VA) deliver for millions of Veterans –and their survivors – by empowering them to presumptively provide care and benefits to Vets suffering from more than 20 toxic exposurerelated conditions. It will also bring generations of Veterans into VA health care, which will improve Veteran well-being outcomes across theTheboard.PACT Act is perhaps the largest health care and benefit

expansion in VA history. The full name of the law is The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. Briefly, the PACT Act will bring these changes: Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras; adds more than 20 new presumptive conditions for burn pits and other toxic hazards; adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation; requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health care; helps the VA improve research, staff education, and treatment related to toxicAndsubjections.whatdoes it mean to have a presumptive condition for toxic exposure?Toget a VA disability rating, your disability must connect to your military service. For many health conditions, you need to prove that your service caused your condition. But for some circumstances, the VA automatically assume (or “presume”) that your service caused your condition. VA calls these “presumptive conditions.” VA considers a condition presumptive when it’s established by law or regulation. If a Veteran has a presumptive condition, it means you don’t need to prove that service caused the condition; you only need to meet the service requirements for theBasedpresumption.onthe PACT Act, the VA added 2 new Agent Orange presumptive conditions for Veterans of the Vietnam War: High blood pressure (also called hypertension) and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).

In addition, the VA added 5 new places to the list of presumptive locations: Any U.S. or Royal Thai military base in Thailand from

January 9, 1962 through June 30, 1976; Laos from December 1, 1965, through September 30, 1969; Cambodia at Mimot or Krek, Kampong Cham Province from April 16, 1969, through April 30, 1969; Guam or American Samoa or in the territorial waters off of Guam or American Samoa from January 9, 1962, through July 30, 1980 and Johnston Atoll or on a ship that called at Johnston Atoll from January 1, 1972 through September 30,If1977.you have served on active duty in any of these locations, the VA will automatically assume (or “presume”) that you had exposure to Agent Orange.

For Gulf War era and post-9/11 Veteran eligibility, the VA added more than 20 burn pit and other toxic exposure presumptive conditions based on the PACT Act. No doubt about it, this change expands benefits for Gulf War era and post-9/11 Veterans. As result, these cancers are now presumptive: Brain cancer, gastrointestinal cancer of any type, glioblastoma, and head cancer of any type, kidney cancer, and lymphatic cancer of any type, lymphoma of any type, melanoma, neck cancer, pancreatic cancer, reproductive cancer of any type and respiratory (breathing-related) cancer of any kind. What’s more, the following illnesses are now presumptive: asthma that was diagnosed after service, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis, emphysema, granulomatous disease, interstitial lung disease (ILD), pleuritis, pulmonary fibrosis andAndsarcoidosis.howdo you know if you have a presumptive exposure to burn pits? If you have served in any of the following locations and time periods the VA have determined that

you had exposure to burn pits or other toxins. They call this having a presumption of exposure.

On or after September 11, 2001, in any of these locations: Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Uzbekistan, Yemen or the airspace above any of these mentioned locations.

On or after August 2, 1990, in any of these locations: Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the airspace above any of these places.

I understand it is that - the VA is ready to implement the PACT Act and deliver for toxic-exposed Veterans and their survivors.

Having said that - are you eligible for free VA health care as a post9/11 combat Veteran?

In answer, the VA is extending and expanding VA health care eligibility based on the PACT Act. In fact, the VA encourages you to apply, no matter your separation date. Your eligibility depends on your service history and other factors.

If you meet the requirements listed, you can get free VA health care for any condition related to your service for up to 10 years from the date of your most recent discharge or separation. You can also enroll at any time during this period and get any care you need, but you may owe copay for some care.

At least one of these must be true of your active-duty service: You served in a theater of combat operations during a period of war after the Persian Gulf War, or you served in combat against a hostile force during a period of hostilities after November 11, 1998.

And this must be true for you: You were discharged or released on or after October 1, 2013.

If you haven’t filed a claim yet for the presumptive condition, you can file a new claim online now. You can also file by mail, in

Jesse T. Reyes

PotpourriFilipino

person, or with the help of a trained professional.IftheVA previously denied your disability claim in the past and now considers your condition presumptive, the Veteran is advised to submit a Supplemental Claim –and the VA will then review your case

FYI:again.Ifthe VA denied your claim in the past and if they think you may be eligible now, they’ll try to notify you. But you don’t need to wait for the VA to contact you before you file a Supplemental Claim.

And what if you have a pending claim for a condition that’s now presumptive? Well, according to the VA, you don’t need to do anything.

If the VA added to your condition after you filed your claim, they will still consider it presumptive. The VA will send you a decision notice when they complete their review.

When can you expect VA to make a decision on your PACT Act claim?

The VA encourages all Veterans and survivors to file for benefits now. They will start to process PACT Act-related benefits in January 2023. They must wait for funding approval from Congress and put the needed systems in place before they can process the claims.

If you apply for benefits at any time in the next year and the VA grant your application, they will likely backdate your benefits to the date of the bill signing. This means VA will pay you the amount you would have received from August 10, 2022 to the date they grant your application.

Can Veterans’ survivors get compensation payments under the PACT

FYI:Act?The answer is yes! If you’re a surviving family member of a Veteran, you may be eligible for these benefits: A monthly VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC) payment – you may qualify if you’re the surviving spouse, dependent child, or parent of a Veteran who died from a service-connected disability; A one-time accrued benefits payment – you may qualify if you’re the surviving spouse, dependent child, or dependent parent of a Veteran who the VA owed unpaid benefits at the time of their death; or a survivor pension – you may qualify if you’re the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran with wartime service.

So, to you all – my dear readers – if you think you might be eligible for PACT Act benefits, here’s what

you need to know: You can apply for PACT Act-related benefits now by filing a claim at VA; as President Biden announced at the bill signing, the VA are making all 23 presumptive conditions in the PACT Act eligible for benefits effective August 10, 2022 and you can learn more about the PACT Act by visiting VA.gov/PACT or calling 1-800-MY-VA-411.Inconclusion,I say thank you to all of the Veterans, survivors and family members who fought tirelessly to make it happen and to complement President Biden for keeping the nation’s promise to those who served. The folks at VA also emphasized that they will stop at nothing to make sure that every Veteran and very survivor gets the PACT Act-related care and benefits them rightfully deserve.

Above all, this new law genuinely makes good on the U.S. sacred obligation to care for its Veterans, their families, caregivers andGodsurvivors.blessthe USA!

So, what’s next?

This year we saw a large increase in the number of local Agent Orange Awareness events in communities across the country. One individual turning on an orange front porch light can bring an entire company with it. In San Antonio, Texas – the city hall was lit orange last August 10th. In Greenfield, Indiana – Agent Orange Awareness banners hung along their community streets. And in Des Moines, Iowa, a ceremony was held at the Iowa Vietnam Memorial Wall commemorating the day.Unquestionably, millions of people in Vietnam, the United States and other countries continue to suffer from the effects of Agent Orange. Truly, this is a rare chance for diverse communities – from American Veterans, to young Vietnamese, to family members of those whose lives were lost – to come together in support of all those who continue to suffer from the effects of Agent Orange.

Next year, VVMF encourages all of you to keep the momentum going and help continue to spread the word and turn this into a faithful national day of awareness across America. I say let us all be with them all year long, too - in honoring and remembering all those who came home to fight another battle.

Mabuhay!

to determine areas having good harvest, enabling the government to bring their produce to locations experiencing food shortages.

Experts say while production is the starting point of food security, distribution is also an important factor that must be considered.

Marcos tackles food security, energy, housing plans with Cabinet President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his Cabinet tackled various proposals to ensure food security, boost the energy sector, and improve the national government’s housing program during their Thursday's Cabinet meeting in Malacanang, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles disclosed.According to Angeles, the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) presented their plans during the Cabinet meeting.

“Hindi pa po kami nagri-release ng mga detalye na ito sapagkat kanina po ay pagkakataon para i-discuss ‘yung mga proposals na ito. So, may mga revisions at saka refinements po ,” sheCruz-Angelessaid. said the DA, currently headed by Marcos, presented initiatives to boost food production in the country.

The President, in his first State of the Nation Address delivered on July 25, vowed to modernize Philippine agriculture by relying on research andThetechnology.DAis heading for an immediate tweaking of the valuechain system in the country to address pressing concerns, such as rising agricultural commodity and farm input Cruz-Angelesprices. said Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, during the Cabinet meeting, discussed ways to have “adequate, accessible and affordable energy.”

On August 9, Lotilla said the country’s regulatory framework in the energy sector is being ironed out to provide clear policies for investors.

Cruz-Angeles, in a Facebook post, said the DOE is coordinating with its attached agencies to make the energy sector more attractive to investors.“Gusto ni Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. na makapaghikayat pa ng maraming investments ang sektor ng enerhiya. Bilang pagsunod dito, inihahanda na ng Department of Energy Philippines at mga mambabatas ang pagpapatupad ng mga polisiya upang maparami pa ang mga investor,” she said.Meanwhile, Cruz-Angeles said the proposed Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino program of the DHSUD was also tackled during the Cabinet meeting.

During a meeting with the Senate Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Resettlement on Wednesday, the DHSUD unveiled its plan to address the present housing backlog of more than six million units.DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said the department’s priority programs aim to address the growing housing gap in the country and would benefit informal settler families and those living in danger zones.

To date, the DHSUD pegged the housing backlog at more than 6.5 million units.

House adopts resolution honoring Lydia De Vega

The House of Representatives has adopted a resolution conveying its condolences to the family of the “Sprint Queen of Asia” Ms. Lydia De Vega-Mercado and paying homage to her contributions to the country as a world-class athlete.

House Resolution (HR) No. 231 is principally authored by Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino C. Libanan, Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos and Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude A. Acidre.

The adoption was in consolidation of related HR Nos. 214, 216, 217, 218, 219, and 228.

“Ms. Lydia De Vega-Mercado not only brought honor, pride and unparalleled distinction to our beloved country, but inspired so many more athletes to follow suit and follow their dreams. Ms. De Vega has virtually put our country on the map by being, at one time, the ‘fastest woman in Asia,” Speaker Romualdez said.

“Her legacy will live on in the hearts of millions of Filipinos who will remember her name and her legacy as one of the best and brightest shining stars of Philippine sports,” the Speaker added.

The resolution will be presented to the family of Ms. De Vega, who passed away at the age of 57 last August“Resolved10. by the House of Representatives, to convey its profound condolences to the family of Lydia De Vega-Mercado, sprint queen of Asia and one of the greatest Filipino athletes of all time,” the resolution read.

“It is indeed with great sorrow that the country lost a word-class athlete with the untimely passing of Lydia de Vega-Mercado, but her legacy lives on and she will always be remembered as one of the greatest Filipino sports icons who brought great honor and pride to the country,” it added.Shewas born on December 26, 1964 in Meycauayan, Bulacan to parents Mary De Vega and Francisco

“Tatang” De Vega, who was her running coach and a great influence in shaping her sports career. She was married to Paul Mercado and left behind three children.

“At a young age, Lydia De Vega-Mercado showed exemplary performance in the Palarong Pambansa and played for the Far Eastern University at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines track and field competition,” the resolution continued.“Atthe age of 16, Ms. De VegaMercado found her way to the national team and won the gold medal in the 200-meter dash and 400-meter run in the 1981 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila," according to the resolution.

She then went on to win several medals, including nine gold medals, nine silver medals and two bronze medals in the SEA Games; back-toback gold medals in the 1982 and 1986 Asian Games; gold medals in the 100-meter and 200-meter events in the 1983 and 1987 Asian Athletics Championships; and her personal best record of 11.28 seconds during the 100-meter dash event at the 1987 SEA Games “remained undisputed for over three decades.”

“A two-time Olympian, Ms. De Vega-Mercado represented the Philippines in the 100-meter and 200-meter events at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and 100-meter

event at 1988 Seoul Olympics. In 1994, Ms. De Vega-Mercado successfully ended her track and field career by winning the gold medal in the 100-meter dash at the Manila- Fujian Games,” the resolution stated.

She also entered politics, serving as councilor of Meycauayan, Bulacan in 2005. But her passion really is sports, as she also became the liaison officer of the Alliance of Coaches and Athletes of the Philippines in the Philippine Sports Commission and a sports coach in the Philippines National Sprints, Singapore Disability Sports Council National Team, and in various local schools in Singapore.

“For her exemplary contribution to Philippine sports, Lydia De Vega-Mercado received several recognitions including the Ten Outstanding Young Men - Sports Category award in 1993 and the Palarong Pambansa Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018,” said the“Inresolution.2019,she served as one of the country’s flag bearers during the opening ceremony of the 2019 SEA Games. As one of the most recognizable female athletes in the country, Lydia De Vega-Mercado’s passion, strength, brilliance and discipline made her a great role model for the younger generations of Filipino athletes in reaching their full potential and achieving their goals.”

(MNS)

VICTORY FOR VETERANS: At a White House ceremony last 10 August 2022, President Joe Biden signed on the historic "The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promises to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022"

MANILA -- SENATOR Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa has called on the government agencies, especially the peace and order sector, to continue the relentless efforts and whole-of nation approach to illegal drugs, criminality and insurgency which was started by the Duterte administration.

The Mindanaoan Senator made his appeal during the organization meeting of his committee, the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, where top officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) were "Kailanganpresent.nating masiguro na ang mga pagsusumikap ng nakaarang administrasyon sa pagsugpo ng iligal

na droga at laban sa insurgency ay hindi mapupunta sa wala. With this, I am sure that we will be able to protect and maintain the peace and order of our communities and the nation we honor and have sworn to fight for," Dela Rosa said in his opening statement.

?During the meeting, the agencies presented solid accomplishment numbers of the no-nonsense war on drugs launched during the Duterte administration which was first led and implemented by Dela Rosa as thenChief PNP.

In a report to Dela Rosa, PDEA Director General Wilkins Villanueva said the past administration implemented the Barangay Drug Clearing Program, which was a wholeof-nation approach to addressing the drug problem with the participation of local government units, government agencies, and various stakeholders.

"So, out of the 42,046 barangays in the country, 9,683 (9,693) na lang

ang affected barangays (as of July 31, 2022) samantalang meron tayong 25,802 or 61.37% na na-cleared na ng local government units at meron tayong confirmed as drug-free na 5,811 at meron tayong natitirang hindi pa nakoconfirmed na 740 drug-unaffected barangays," Villanueva said.

He said before 2016, more than 34,000 barangays were drug-affected.

As of July 31, 2022, through the Treatment and Rehabilitation on Drug Cleared Barangays program, there were already 298,094 graduates from the Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program, 2,647 ongoing/graduates from facility-based rehabilitation, and 61,150 graduates ?from general intervention.

For the supply reduction component of the whole-of-nation strategy, there were 242,263 anti-drug operations conducted in the six years of the Duterte administration, compared to only 99,710 anti-drug operations in the six-

year term of the PNoy administration.

Also, under the Duterte administration, 349,427 drug personalities were arrested, compared to only 77,810 arrested during the PNoyDelagovernment.Rosa emphasized the effectiveness of the whole-of-nation approach to the war on drugs, citing the success of the NTF-ELCAC in the fight against insurgency.

"Alam mo iyong whole-of-nation approach ay talagang very effective iyan. Take, for instance, the case of ELCAC. Iyong ELCAC is winning, talagang winning tremendously because of that whole-of-nation approach," Dela Rosa said.

At the end of the organizational meeting, the former top cop thanked the government's peace and order sector for their efforts in fighting illegal drugs, criminality and insurgency.

"I just would like to thank everyone for your continued vigor in this particular field natin 'no, 'yung public order and dangerous drugs.

Maraming salamat sa inyong patuloy na pagsusumikap...Hindi natin tinataya 'yung sarili natin dito para sa sarili natin kundi para sa future ng mga anak, mga apo natin at mga kabataan na sana mabuhay sila na walang threats sa kriminalidad at saka sa iligal na droga," the senator said.

PNP won't allow US solons to talk to De Lima during visit

The Philippine National Police (PNP) won't allow American lawmakers, led by Senator Edward Mackey, to talk to detained former senator Leila de Lima if they plan to visit her at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

PNP public information office chief Brig. Gen. Roderick Augustus Alba said the organization is prepared to present a briefing for the US lawmakers in compliance with existing guidelines and procedures on visitorial privileges in the detention facility.

Alba said the courtesy excludes "any Person Under Police Custody (PUPC) confined in the detention

facility, particularly PUPC committed by the Court to PNP custody."

"Such interaction with any specific PUPC is subject to the express permission of the concerned judicial authorities," he added.

The move is also in compliance with health and safety measures amid the coronavirus pandemic. As of Thursday, he said there are around 15 active cases and one new case in Camp Crame, Quezon City

The US lawmakers were reported to have expressed their intention to visit de Lima who has been detained for over 2,000 days now.

De Lima is facing drug charges but some of the convicted drug lords who initially pinned her down in the cases have already recanted their statements.

Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the protocol has been explained clearly to the lawmakers who said they understood it.

“The intention is to check the condition of the detention facility not only here in Camp Crame but in other detention facilities. I understand they are able to do that but we have to respect the judicial processes which say that we cannot just talk to PUPCs and of course, we have Covid-19 cases here in Camp Crame and we also prevent crowding inside the facility. This is why we only allow a limited

number of visitors to our detention facility," she said.

Tulfo shows disturbing reality about OFWs, vows to intensify fight for their rights

Senator Idol Raffy Tulfo is honored to be elected as the first Chairman of the newly created Senate Committee on Migrant Workers which would allow him to intensify his long-standing battle to protect the rights of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

In a privilege speech, Tulfo said that while the government exerted effort to rescue Filipinos abroad from the clutches of abuse, he stressed that the effort was "woefully short and glaringly insufficient."

"I have fought against the abuses our OFWs have faced for my whole career of twenty years. I am proud that our OFWs have seen me as safe harbor whenever they were desperate to send their family members home. But, admittedly, my solutions were only symptomatic treatment to a systematic problem," he said.

"The birth of the Department of Migrant Workers is the rebirth of hope that we may yet fix the system and improve our means to be proactive in the defense of our OFWs and I am more than elated when I was given the honor to be the first chairman of the Senate Committee on Migrant

Workers," he said.

Tulfo, a known defender of the marginalized group with a career in public service spanning over 20 years, presented before his colleagues on Wednesday, Aug. 17, a series of video clips showing Filipino migrant workers experiencing grave abuse from their foreign employers.

"My dear colleagues, happiness in the life of an OFW is never guaranteed. The reality of the situation is that many of our countrymen are habitually abused by their foreign employers," he shared.

"Hinding-hindi ko masikmura makakita ng anak na umiiyak sa kanyang nawalang nanay. Isang ama na napilitang mamalimos para mabayaran ang lamay ng kanyang anak.

"At hinding-hindi na natin pwede hayaan na mayroong mga kamaganak na magugulat na lamang na ang nagpapadala sa kanila ng kanilang balikbayan box ay kanilang susunduin sa airport na nakakahon," he added.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the number of Filipino workers abroad during the period of April to September 2020 was estimated at 1.77 million, 96.4 percent or equivalent to 1.71 million of which were Overseas Contract Workers

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DBM open to dialogue amid issues hounding its procurement arm

MANILA -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) remains open to dialogue with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., legislators and stakeholders to address issues hounding its purchasing arm, the Procurement Service (PS-DBM).

DBM Undersecretary Joselito Basilio made this remark in response to renewed calls to abolish the PSDBM after the Commission on Audit (COA) flagged its purchase of PHP2.4 billion worth of allegedly "pricey yet outdated" laptops for teachers. “DBM is open to dialogue with legislators and with the President and many other stakeholders in order to make sure the good intentions of having the PS-DBM [are] achieved,” Basilio said during an economic forum hosted by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines and the San Miguel Corp. on Wednesday.

“Reforms are very much welcome with the intention of improving processes and promoting efficiency in the delivery of services to the people,” he added.

Basilio also reiterated newly appointed PS-DBM executive director Dennis Santiago’s directive to suspend the procurement of noncommon-use supplies and equipment (NCSE) “effective immediately.”

“The DBM has made the announcement already that it is suspending non-common-use supplies to ensure that processes are reviewed,” Basilio said.

NCSEs are goods, materials, and equipment that are neither “commonuse supplies” nor “inventory items”, and may include those goods, materials and equipment that are required by the procuring entity for a specific project only, according to the procurement planning uploaded on the official website of the Commission on Audit (COA).

Common-use supplies are goods, materials, and equipment that are repetitively used in the day-to-day operations of procuring entities in the performance of their functions while inventory items include commonuse supplies, goods, materials and equipment that are not in the price list of the PS-DBM but are regularly used and kept on stock.

Earlier, Santiago recognized calls of lawmakers to abolish the PS-DBM but noted that these needed to be “balanced with the presence of honest and dedicated employees who have been working in the office for many years, coupled by the procurement efficiency and economy that PSDBM provided to government agencies since 1978.”

To date, he said the PSB-DBM turned over to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) documents related to the controversial laptops.

Santiago said they also transmitted to the NBI other contracts entered into by the PS-DBM in previous years which were the subject of COA findings.

“Patunay po ito na ang bagong administrasyon ng PS-DBM ay seryoso sa layuning matugunan ang audit findings ng COA, at malaman kung may irregularities ba ang nga ito o non-compliance sa umiiral na batas (This proves that the new PSDBM administration is serious in addressing the COA audit findings, and is determining whether there were indeed irregularities or noncompliance with existing laws),”

SantiagoPS-DBMsaid.operates a centralized procurement system for common use office supplies and equipment, and

has made procurement undertakings efficient among agencies and offices of the government for decades.

It has also streamlined the procurement process with its Virtual Store, a centerpiece project of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS), which has been recognized by the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.

DBM set to submit proposed P5.3-T nat’l budget to Congress Monday

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has committed to submit the Marcos administration’s first spending plan -- a P5.268trillion national budget for 2023 -- to Congress on Monday.

This was relayed by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman in a video message during an economic forum hosted by Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines and the San Miguel Corp.

“We have already presented the administration’s first National Expenditure Program or NEP amounting to PHP5.268 to President Marcos Jr. on July 28 and we are gearing up for its submission to the19th Congress on Monday, August 22,” Pangandaman said.

While Pangandaman admitted that it “it was not easy” to prepare the NEP due to various inflationary pressures and external conflicts, the move only “strengthens their resolve to ensure that the government’s programs, activities, and projects will reach every Filipino and improve their quality of life amid the pandemic, through our recovery and beyond.

She said the 2023 NEP is anchored on the theme “Agenda for Prosperity: Economic Transformation Towards Inclusivity and Sustainability.”

“Our agenda for prosperity focuses on food safety and security and human capital and infrastructure development among other priority sectors. It is anchored on the administration’s overarching goals of creating more quality and green jobs, reducing poverty incidence, promoting digitalization, and achieving an inclusive and resilient economy,” she said.

According to Pangandaman, Marcos wanted to stick to the timeline and pass the proposed budget before December this year.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the NEP should be submitted to Congress within 30 days after the opening of the regular session of Congress, which coincides with the delivery of the President's State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The Constitution provides that the SONA must be held every fourth Monday of July.

Marcos' first SONA was held on July 25. (PNA)

DBM releases P1.4B funding for the extended DOTr-LTFRB Libreng Sakay at the EDSA Busway In line with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to extend “Libreng Sakay” along the EDSA Busway until December 31, 2022, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released the funding to support the extended implementation of the Service Contracting of Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Program, the program that funds free rides for commuters along the EDSA Carousel Route.

DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman approved the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and the Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) amounting to P1.4-billion

to cover the additional funding requirements for the extended implementation of the Service Contracting Program, which supports the mobility requirements of students and the labor force.

"Ito pong paglagak natin ng additional funds ay suporta natin sa hangad ni President Marcos na i-extend and programang Libreng Sakay ng Department of Transportation at ng Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board hanggang Disyembre," the Budget Chief emphasized.Itmay be recalled that the program was set to end on July 31, but President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. announced its extension until December this year.

"Malaking tulong at ginhawa po ang Libreng Sakay sa bulsa ng mga commuter, lalo na para sa mga estudyante at mga kabilang sa labor force. This will support up to 50-million ridership from September 1 until December 31," the Budget Secretary highlighted.

Aside from this, Secretary Pangandaman noted that the release of funds for the Service Contracting Program will benefit around 628 units of onboarded Public Utility Buses (PUBs) on the EDSA Busway Route in the National Capital Region.

"Magiging malaking tulong po ito sa kabuhayan ng mga driver ng EDSA Busway na hanggang ngayon ay bumabangon mula sa epekto ng pandemya, at apektado sa patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng gasolina," Sec. Pangandaman underscored.

The Service Contracting Program provides financial support to transport service providers through performance-based payouts. It was conceived to ensure efficient and safe operations of public transportation under the new normal condition for the benefit of the commuters, especially for students and the labor force traversing the EDSA route.

House leadership optimistic with 2023 budget timeline

THE leadership of House of Representatives is confident of the timeline that they have set for themselves in approving the proposed national budget for 2023.

House Majority Leader Manuel Jose "Mannix" Dalipe, Marikina City 2nd District Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo, and Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Party-list Rep. Margarita Ignacia "Migs" Nograles were all hopeful that the national budget or the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) would have smooth sailing in the chamber, which has the power of the

Thepurse.

National Expenditure Program (NEP), the precursor of the GAB, will be submitted to the House on Monday, August 22. By September 30, the House will begin its first recess in the 19th Congress and won't convene until over a month later on November 6.

Asked about their budget schedule, Dalipe, during the Ugnayan sa Batasan Majority News Forum, said: "Kaya, we were able to do it. Kailangan lang i-manage 'yung time, 'yung scheduling plus 'yung deliberations.""LastCongress nagawa natin 'yun, we were able to beat the September 30 deadline, giving all members of the House of Representatives time to deliberate, interpellate intelligently with all the departments. Dito nagsimula 'yung proseso, at gusto

Malacanang warns traders hoarding sugar supply as Customs agents raid Pampanga warehouse

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, -- Agents of the Bureau of Customs (BoC) on Thursday swooped down on a warehouse here suspected of hoarding thousands of sacks of sugar amid consumer complaints on the high price of sugar in the Operativesmarket.of the Clarkbased Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) and Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) – Quick Reaction Team raided the Lison Building that houses the New Public Market located in Barangay Del Pilar here. Barangay officials and the local unit of the Philippine National Police assisted the BoC agents.

The raid was made on orders from Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez, acting on a directive from President Ferdinand Bongbong” Marcos Jr., for the BOC to exercise its visitorial powers to all customs bonded warehouse and to check on the inventory of imported agricultural products with the aim of finding out if there is hoarding of sugar.

“The BoC’s Pampanga sugar warehouse raid may very well serve as a warning to unscrupulous traders who are currently hoarding their stocks of sugar in order to profit from the current artificial sugar shortage situation,” Rodriguez said. Rodriguez earlier told Manila Times Columnist Rigoberto Tiglao that his office is investigating reports that the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar was being pushed aggressively by certain traders who intend to use it as a "cover" for them to release the sugar they had hoarded but couldn't release as this would depress prices.

Reports reaching the Office of the Executive Secretary said such massive importation of sugar could result in windfall profits for the traders of at least P300 million with a portion of the amount earmarked as lobby

Armedmoney.witha Letter of Authority (LOA) Number 08 15 149 2022 and Mission Order (MO) No. 08 15 2022 519,the Customs personnel immediately seized suspected hoarded of sacks of imported sugar from Thailand neatly stockpiled by the thousands inside the warehouse.

BoC agents also seized hundreds of sacks of sugar found loaded inside delivery vans.

A Chinese-Filipinos warehouse keeper identified as Jimmy Ng received a copy of the LOA and MO from the BOC agents who also found several imported items such as sacks of corn starch from China, sacks of imported flour, plastic products, oil in plastic barrels, motorcycle parts and wheels of different brands, helmets, LED Televisions sets and paints.

The CIIS is currently doing inventory of the said products and gave the warehouse owners 15 days to present necessary documents to prove that the items were legally imported into the country.

If proven that the Thailand sugar were smuggled, the warehouse owners may face charges of smuggling in relation to the provisions of The Customs Modernization Act (CMTA).

Under the CMTA, for the BoC

to exercise the power to inspect and visit, its personnel must be equipped with a Letter of Authority, which is a special authorization exclusively issued by the Commissioner of Customs.TheBoC may exercise its police authority through seizure, require assistance and information from National Law Enforcement Agencies, enter properties, vessel or aircraft searches (including persons or goods conveyed therein), searches of persons arriving from overseas, and controlled delivery investigations.Amongother ways and methods, the BoC can exercise its police authority through inspection and visits. This is a new power introduced by the CMTA following the repeal of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.

The power to inspect and visit authorizes the BoC to demand evidence of payment of duties and taxes on imported goods openly offered for sale or kept in storage.

For reasons of security, safety, and economy, the BoC may constitute the premises where the goods were found as a special customs area for the duration of the exercise of the power. During this period, the goods are deemed, for all intents and purposes, in customs custody; the owner of the goods will be unable to remove, sell, or dispose of such Undergoods.the1992 Price Act (R.A. 7581), protection is provided to consumers by stabilizing the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities and by prescribing measures against undue price increases during emergency situations and similar occasions.

Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act enumerated the punishable offenses during the three-month declaration of a national emergency. Among the offenses punishable under the R.A. 11469 are hoarding, profiteering, cartel, and price manipulations.

BOC, DA intensify crackdown on alleged sugar hoarders in Bulacan

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) agents conducted separate visits to two warehouses owned by a Chinese-Filipino sugar trader in the city of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan as part of the government’s campaign against suspected sugar hoarders.Acting on orders from Executive Secretary Atty. Victor Rodriguez, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) headed by officer-in-charge, Joeffrey Tacio, and the BOC’s Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) raided a warehouse along Kaypian Road, Barangay Kaypian in San Jose del Monte on Wednesday.

Armed with a Letter of Authority signed by BOC Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz, the CIIS-ESS operatives found an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 sacks of different kinds of sugar which were neatly stacked in the warehouse owned by Victor Chua, who claimed that his sugar stock was “locally purchased.”Chuareceived a copy of the LOA which granted visitorial power to the BOC to inspect warehouses

and facilities suspected of storing smuggled goods or of committing other violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).Tacio said the CIIS is currently doing an inventory of the seized sugar and gave the warehouse owners 15 days to present the necessary documents and other evidence on why they should not face prosecution and why the seized sugar should not be forfeited in favor of the government.

The BOC and the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday afternoon also visited another warehouse owned by Chua in San Jose del Monte City.

DA Assistant Secretary Federico Laciste Jr. was assisted by the provincial Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the local unit of the Philippine National Police led by San Jose Del Monte chief of police, Lt. Col. Cris Cordero.

The floor area of the Chuaowned warehouse was between 2,000 and 3,000 square meters with an estimated 42,733 sacks of sugar which is roughly equivalent to 2,150 metric tons worth PHP215 million, according to estimates by Atty. Aguinaldo of BOC.

The joint BOC-DA raid was based on information that the warehouse owned by Chua has been storing hoarded sugar allegedly aimed at raking huge profits from the current high sugar prices in the market.Earlier, BOC agents, assisted by barangay officials and local police, raided the Lison Building that houses the New Public Market located in Barangay Del Pilar in Pampanga.Thegovernment authorities conducted the raid upon the instruction of Rodriguez through the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for the BOC to exercise its visitorial powers to all customs bonded warehouses and to check on the inventory of imported agricultural products with the aim of finding out if there is hoarding of sugar.

The BOC is investigating reports that the Pampanga warehouse had long been smuggling sugar from Thailand, repacking them and then sold as “local sugar.” The modus was indicated by old sacks of Thailand sugar the BOC agents found on the premises but were not properly disposed.

The initial report reaching the BOC concluded that the sacks of sugar “appeared old and dusty, evidenced of its prolonged storage/ hoarding (presumably) to dictate the market prices of sugar.” (MNS)

Marcos to 'reorganize' SRA amid sugar import issue

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has promised to "reorganize" the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) following the botched sugar importation resolution that led to the resignation of some of its key officials.

Marcos made the pronouncement following the resignations of Agriculture Undersecretary

STORYTELLING. Library staff member Rosalie Teologo tells children's book stories to kids at the Quezon City Public library in Barangay Kamuning on Wednesday (Aug. 17, 2022). The activity was to encourage young people to read and pick up good moral lessons in the stories. (MNS photo)

Francine Diaz has mixed emotions about 'Dirty Linen'

MANILA -- Actress Francine Diaz admitted that she has mixed emotions about her comeback television project.

Diaz is set to star in the upcoming ABS-CBN drama series "Dirty Linen" with Janine Gutierrez, Zanjoe Marudo and Seth Fedelin.

In Star Magic's Inside News, Diaz admitted that she's excited and nervous to start shooting the series.

"Kinakabahan dahil parang ang tagal bago ako ulit bumalik sa serye. Dahil kailan pa ba 'yung 'Bola Bola?' Parang February pa or March. Pero excited ako kasi mayroon akong mga bagong makakasama. And I am sure marami silang maituturo sa akin pagdating sa acting. At siyempre another family and friends," Diaz said.

Diaz also shared some details about her upcoming character.

"Para siyang maraming personality, pero hindi sa point na nag-iiba siya ng anyo. Kasi hindi ba may iba sa movies na kapag sinabi mo na ito ang una niyang personality na bata siya ay magiging bata rin talaga siya. Pero 'yung sa akin naman mas ano siya, nagiiba 'yung kung paano siya makitungo kapag kasama niya ang family niya, kapag kasama ang friends, kapag magisa na lang siya at kapag basag na siya.

'Yung pinakamagiging challenge sa akin ay 'yung character ko of course. Pero 'yung challenge din kasi kapag

makaka-eksena ko siyempre ay 'yung magagaling at mga bigating artista [na] kasama namin dito sa 'Dirty Linen,'" Diaz explained.

Asked if Fedelin is her love interest in the series, Diaz said: "Hindi ko pa puwede sabihin dahil baka maspoil. Pero masasabi kong mayroong

similarities 'yung character namin ni Seth sa 'Dirty Linen' sa music video ng 'Muli.' Pero kailangan abangan niyo kung ano yon."

Last month, Diaz and Fedelin played lovers whose relationship ends in the music video for Ace Banzuelo's "Muli." (MNS)

Will Lovi Poe leave acting when she settles down?

Me,” her new iWantTFC project which also stars Janine Gutierrez.

"That's a hard question, kasi parang all my life, career ko talaga 'yung [one of my priorities],” she said.

"Parang, I think I would want to be with someone who will still push me and let me do my career and let me be myself," she added.

The actress also said Blencowe is the kind of boyfriend who supports her life"Iendeavors.thinkanyone would be lucky too if it was him. He's very supportive sa career ko at 'yun ang kailangan ko or anyone,” she said.

"Dun ako naniniwala; if anyone wants to uplift you or pushes you to pursue your dreams, I always think that I am with that someone.”

Despite her long distance relationship with Blencowe, who is based in Los Angeles, Poe assured they are happy with what they have.

"Right now, I'd like to say we're very happy, we're both career-oriented, that's why we push each other to do sa careers namin and also our personal lives.

"It's hard to say, of course, we've been together for years na, so let's say it's pretty serious," she continued.

Aside from Sleep With Me, Poe is also headlining the ABS-CBN adaptation of “Flower of Evil” with Piolo

ShePascual.also recently launched her own production company C'est Lovi Productions in the hopes of continuing the legacy of her late father Fernando Poe Jr. (MNS)

naming mabigyan lahat ng mga miyembro ng Kamara ng panahon na ma-scrutinize 'yung budget. And we were able to do that," Dalipe said.

"I can confidently say, we can make the September 30 deadline," underscored the Zamboanga City 2nd district Quimbo,congressman.aseniorvice chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, gave an idea of how the House will tackle the NEP.

"August 22 is when we expect the NEP to be submitted to us by the executive and basically...this is merely a ceremonial turnover. After that, we will now have the budget briefings. So ito na 'yung sequential budget briefings with every agency and this will start on August 26 with a briefing by the DBCC (Development and Budget Coordination Committee)," she said.

According to her, the committee plans to finish the per agency hearings by September 16. That means that the House plenary will have around two weeks to have the GAB approved on third and final reading before the scheduled recess.

Quimbo attested to the capability of Dalipe to push for the GAB's

SUGAR

Leocadio Sebastian, SRA administrator Hermenegildo Serafica and SRA board member Roland Beltran.

The three were among who signed the order on Aug. 10, allowing the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar to address the looming supply problem.

"We’ll reorganize the SRA and then we will come to an arrangement with the industrial consumers, with the planters, the millers, suppliers of the sugar to coordinate para talaga kung ano ’yung mayroon, kung ano ’yung available, mailabas na sa merkado," said Marcos, also the head of the Department of Agriculture.

The Chief Executive said the reorganization of the agency, tasked to promote the growth of the country's sugar industry, could be finished "before the end of this week."

The move aims to find out how much the country has in terms of sugar supply and whether or not an importation is warranted at this time."

’Yung kulang, eh kunin na natin, kunin na natin. Mag-import na tayo. Mapipilitan talaga tayo," he explained.

Marcos eyes partnership with private sector to lower sugar prices

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. wants to team up with the private sector to bring down sugar prices in the country.

passage in a timely manner.

"As you may know, si Majority Floor Leader Dalipe was a former vice chair of the appropriation committee at ako ay buhay na saksi sa hard work at dedication ni Majo Dalipe sa lahat ng budget deliberations," Quimbo said.

"Simple lang naman yan, talagang makukuha talaga sa hard work ng mga members," the Marikina solon underscored.Nograles, for her part, said the appropriations panel will hold a meeting this week to prepare for the NEP's"Wesubmission.alreadyhave a meeting this week for the Committee on Appropriations to be able to really buckle down and talk about the budget that we will be handling. We aim to finish that before [the start of the recess] on September 30," Nograles said.

Marcos: Gov't considering proposal to adopt Integrated Water Resources Management program

President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. announced that the government is looking into a proposal to adopt an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Program for the country.

"This program is an approach to promote the coordinated

Marcos revealed that the country might need to import 150,000 metric tons (MT) to stabilize prices if supply is depleted by October.

PBBM, food manufacturers discuss solutions to PH sugar woes

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. met with members of the Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers, Inc. (PCFMI) on Monday to discuss possible solutions to the country’s sugar supply shortage.

“Tayo ay nakipagtalakayan sa mga miyembro ng Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers upang masolusyunan ang kakulangan ng asukal sa bansa (We discussed with the members of the Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers ways to solve the shortage of sugar in the country),” Marcos said in his official Facebook page.No further details were given, but the President assured that government will exert efforts to temper the rise of sugar prices so that businesses are kept running and job security is ensured.

development and management of water, land, and related resources to maximize economic and social welfare without compromising our ecosystem," the Office of the President said on its official Facebook page.

Marcos, who concurrently serves as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, earlier aired this intention during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) when he urged Congress to pass a measure creating a Department of Water Resources.

He said the proposed IWRM will be adopted as the strategic framework for national water management, policymaking, and planning once the department is created.

Marcos also said he wanted the government to look into the fresh water supply situation in the country, especially in urban areas.

He noted that many of the country’s water supply systems date back to the 1950s and must now be rehabilitated and improved.

The President has instructed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Public Works and Highways to explore possible partnerships with the private sector to address this crucial situation. (MNS)

sugar in the Sebastiancountry.resigned from his post after signing an order that would allow the importation of 300,000 MT of sugar without the President’s authorization.

Also present during the meeting were Presidential Management Staff (PMS) chief Zenaida Angping, Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and newly-appointed Agriculture Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban.

Malacanang accepts SRA administrator Serafica's resignation

Malacanang has announced the resignation of Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) administrator Hermenegildo Serafica from his post following the controversial sugar importation order without the approval of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Continued from page 1

malingimpormasyon, takot, kawalan ng tiwala, at pagkadama ng pagkakaroon ng karapatan na nakapaligid sa paksa.”

Narito ang mga dapat malaman ng mga tao tungkol sa mga booster laban sa COVID:

Ang mga booster ay nagbibigay ng pinakamahusay na proteksyon laban sa malubhang sakit at kamatayan. Sa paglipas ng panahon, maaaring mabawasan ang bisa ng mga bakuna sa pag-iwas sa COVID, at hindi dahil nagka-COVID ka na ay hindi ka na magkaka-COVID muli. Kapag nagpa-booster, tatagal ang iyong proteksyon at mapapanatili kang mas ligtas mula sa lumilitaw na mga bagong variant. Ang booster shot ay isa pang dosis na — gaya ng iminumungkahi ng pangalan — nakakapag-boost o nakakapagpalakas ng immunity sa virus habang lumilipas ang panahon.

Ang mga bakunadong indibidwal na nagpa-booster na din ay malamang na hindi magkasakit; pero kung magkasakit man sila, karaniwan nang hindi ito gaanong malubha. Para sa mga nasa hustong gulang na 65 taong gulang o mas matanda, maaaring mas higit pa sa doble ang

maibibigay na proteksyon ng mga booster sa Pinoprotektahankanila. ng mga bakuna at booster ang mahihinang populasyon laban sa COVID. Ang lahat ng 5 taong gulang o mas matanda na nakumpleto na ang kanilang unang serye ng pagbabakuna laban sa COVID ay dapat na magpa-booster.

Ang mga indibidwal na updated ang mga bakuna laban sa COVID ay hindi lang nakakatanggap ng proteksyon para sa kanilang sarili, kundi natutulungan din nilang bawasan ang pagkalat ng COVID sa mga tao na lubhang nanganganib dahil sa kanilang edad o mahinang immuneNagbibigaysystem. ng dagdag na proteksyon ang ikalawang booster para sa mga tao na lubhang nanganganib. Puwede pang mas mapalakas ang proteksyon ng mga nasa hustong gulang na 50 taong gulang o mas matanda at mahina ang immune system sa pamamagitan ng ikalawang booster. Inirerekomenda ng CDC ang ikalawang booster, sa pamamagitan ng alinman sa bakuna ng Pfizer o Moderna, para sa: Mga taong 50 taong gulang o mas matanda na nagpa-booster, pagkalipas ng apat na buwan o higit pa, • Mga taong nabakanuhan ng bakunang Janssen ng Johnson

& Johnson at ang mga tumanggap nito bilang kanilang unang booster, na di-bababa sa apat na buwan na nakalipas, Mga residenteng nasa kaayusan ng pangmatagalang pangangalaga,

• Mga taong may sakit o medikal na kondisyon na nakakaapekto sa kanilang immune system, at Mga taong buntis at nagbuntis kamakailan.

Madaling makukuha ang mga booster para sa lahat ng bakunadong indibidwal na 5 taong gulang o mas matanda. Gaya ng mga bakuna, ang mga booster shot ay makukuha nang walang bayad ng sinumang nakatira sa Estados Unidos. Ang mga taong nabakunahan ng bakunang Pfizer o Moderna ay dapat na magpabooster, limang buwan pagkatapos ng paunang dosis. Maaaring piliin ng mga bakunadong nasa hustong gulang na 18 taong gulang o mas matanda ang kahit anong available na bakuna bilang booster, anuman ang uri o brand ng bakuna ang kanilang tinanggap noon. Ang mga bakuna ng Pfizer lang ang available bilang booster para sa mga nasa edad na 5 hanggang 17 taong gulang.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, bisitahin ang www. vaccines.gov.

This was Marcos’ message to the officials of the Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers, Inc. (PCFMI) during their consultation meeting. The PCFMI is the principal organization of manufacturers and distributors of food products in the Philippines.“Hopefully, we can get some concessions with the traders so that at least the pricing will be reasonable. The concern is the supply right now. I’ll make sure that there is sufficient supply in the country so that you can operate at full capacity,” Marcos said.

Marcos is also eyeing direct importation by food manufacturers as part of emergency measures to address current industry concerns, but it would need the approval of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), which he chairs.

He acknowledged that despite the need for the country to increase sugar production in the future, the current pressing concerns of food producers must be addressed.

Marcos described the country’s sugar supply problems as “worrisome” and assured that government will exert efforts to increase supply of the commodity.

“It has become a worrisome problem. We are doing all of these things to protect the jobs of workers in those industries. So we are studying several measures that we can take to immediately increase the supply of sugar in the country,” he Insaid.his weekly vlog on Sunday,

“Hangad natin ang maayos na takbo ng mga negosyo at magkaroon ng seguridad sa trabaho ang mga kababayan natin sa industriya ng fast-moving consumer goods o FMCG kaya naman ating sinusuri ang pagtatakda ng malinaw na sistema na may kinalaman sa pagtaas ng suplay ng asukal (We want the smooth continuation of businesses and for our countrymen to have job security in the fastmoving consumer goods or FMCG industry, which is why we are studying the setting up of a clear system related to the increase in the supply of sugar),” he added.

The PCFMI is the principal organization of manufacturers and distributors of food products in the Philippines.Itisresponsible for providing consumers with safe, nutritious, and affordable processed food products compliant to local and international standards and regulations.

In his weekly vlog aired on Sunday, Marcos said the government is still open to the possibility of importing up to 150,000 metric tons (MT) of sugar only if the supply is depleted by October.He earlier rejected the proposal of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to import 300,000 MT of sugar following reports that he allegedly allowed the importation through an order he supposedly signed.

Marcos, who is also SRA chairperson, assured that there is still sufficient sugar supply in the country.He maintained that the government will cut down on imports and instead prioritize boosting production.

In the joint briefing conducted by the House committee on good government and public accountability and the committee on agriculture and food on Monday, resigned Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian said there is a "clear indication" of the rapidly diminishing supply of

Press Secretary Trixie CruzAngeles confirmed Serafica's resignation in a press statement, adding it was accepted together with the resignation of SRA board member Roland Beltran.

“We confirm the acceptance of Administrator of the Sugar Regulatory Administration Mr. Hermenegildo Serafica’s resignation, as well as the resignation of Atty. Roland Beltran of the Sugar Regulatory Board,” Cruz-Angeles said.

The “immediate” acceptance of their resignation was contained in two letters both dated Aug. 15 and separately sent to Serafica and Beltran.“On behalf of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., I wish to inform you that your resignation has been accepted immediately,” the letters, signed by Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez, read. The two resigned following the unauthorized signing of Sugar Order 4, a resolution allowing the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar.Inhis Aug. 14 resignation letter addressed to Rodriguez, Beltran said his move was “without prejudice to any investigation.”

Last week, Agriculture chief of staff and Undersecretary for Operations Leocadio Sebastian also tendered his resignation to Marcos, who also sits as head of the Department of Agriculture, following the sugar importation fiasco.

“I sincerely offer my apologies, your Excellency, for having approved Sugar Order No. 4 on your behalf, and through the authority, you had vested upon me. It has become clear that the same was not in keeping with your administration’s desired direction for the sugar industry,” Sebasian said in his letter.

Malacañang earlier said the issuance of SO 4 was “illegal and unauthorized,” as it was rejected by the President, considering the administration’s thrust to fulfill a “balancing act” of securing affordable and adequate supply for the consumers, as well as benefiting the local producers.

(MNS)

MANILA -- Lovi Poe doesn’t think her boyfriend Montey Blencowe would ask her to give up acting if ever they

decide to get married. Poe was asked this at the sidelines of the press conference of “Sleep With

Spiritual Life

Overcoming the feeling of inferiority

I was reading my inspirational booklet when my attention was caught by this statement, “The words we speak to and about each other – whether true or false, loving or hateful – have an impact on how we perceive our selfworth, and the effects can linger. For better or worse, they tend to last a lifetime. It’s no surprise then, that Scripture warns us repeatedly of the tongue’s power.”

I agree with this statement, having been a victim of unkind tongues during my childhood. I was basically shy and insecure.

I had a very low self esteem and poor self-image. I tried to dig into the reasons behind my feelings and behavior and I realized that the negative comments I received from others made a dent on the image I had of myself. I was often told that I was an ugly duckling and the ugliest among the Soriano women. I was dark-skinned and strangers coming to our house often asked the help, “Whose daughter is she?”, pointing to me. Often times I was verbally bullied by playmates who often times say that I was dark and ugly because I was picked up from the trash bin, when I was a baby. These words were hurtful and I think it was the cause of my inferiority complex early in Theselife.words written by Dr. Charles F. Stanley reminded me of how I was able to overcome that feeling of inferiority. At an early age Dr. Stanley also suffered from

S.AuroraCudal-Rivera My TestimonyPersonal

inferiority complex and I nod in agreement over what he wrote.

“An unstable childhood deposited layers of inferiority in my thinking and behavior which left me discouraged for many years. Quite honestly, I did not know how to deal with this until my mid-forties, when I began to understand that the truth of God really does set men and women free from emotional baggage, as well as from sin.

First, I realized that inferiority is just a feeling. What others say or do or how the past affects us may cause us to feel that we don’t measure up; but God doesn’t measure by worldly standards. From His perspective, we are fully adequate, competent and worthy. He loves unconditionally – without referencing our performance- and declares that we are “His workmanship” (Eph.

Scripture is a sure way to overcome the emotional punishment of inferiority. When feelings of worthlessness surface, silence them with truth. God says we are His children. We have His Spirit within us; we have His help for every challenge, His forgivebess for every blunder, and His hope for our

Whenfuture.wehave a right view of ourselves and live in harmony with God, our circumstances become irrelevant. When we believe what God declares anout us, feelings of inferiority diminish. Read the Scriptures today, and listen to what God is saying. It works – you’ll experience peace that chases away darkness. The Lord has an important plan for you because you are somebody very special to Him.”

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10, (NIV)

The Good Shepherd

I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to My voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. (John 10:16)

A friend of mine told me a story about an experience he had in Israel. They were in the country visiting some of the famous biblical sites when they saw a group of sheepherders. A shepherd brought his flock of sheep into a round pen for the night. Then, a few minutes later, another shepherd brought his flock into the pen. Then, a few minutes later, yet another shepherd brought his sheep into the pen. There were three groups of sheep in the pen with no identifying marks among any of them. My friend wondered how in the world they would separate their sheep the next day.

The next morning, a shepherd came over to the pen and made a comment to his sheep. One by one, the sheep filed out to follow him. Only his sheep followed

Danny Hernaez From Whom All FlowBlessings

his voice. My friend said it was an amazing scene to see only that shepherd's sheep follow him and the others remain in the pen. What a picture of Jesus' words spoken centuries earlier.

Hearing and responding to Jesus' voice is the key to having a two-way relationship with God. It is the difference between having religion and a relationship. Can you recognize God's voice in your life? Are you listening to the Shepherd's voice? Do you respond when He calls? Ask Jesus to help you increase your ability to hear. Give more time to spending quiet moments in His presence to hear His voice. He wants to be your Good Shepherd.

Under his watch, Tulfo vowed that the problems of OFWs will not be overlooked and disregarded anymore. (MNS)

And now may the Lord bless you, and may the Lord keep you, and may the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and may the Lord be gracious unto you and give you His peace. May you walk in the blessed assurance that your steps are being ordered of the Lord and that His angels are going before you to make certain that your life reaches its spiritual destiny. May the prayers that you pray, be reward to you according to your faith, for God is a faithful God, and He will open the windows of heaven and bless you with blessings you cannot contain, in Jesus' name.

Greetings in the Lord!

We had a very challenging gospel message last Sunday, but also an encouraging one for those who would remain faithful as disciples and stewards of Jesus in the world and in the Church. I mentioned also that the stewardship expected of each of us, his disciples, is one that is comes about from a humble acceptance of giftedness, and eventual generous return of our fully developed talents back to God, the giver but most oftentimes through our brothers in sisters who are truly in most need.

If last Sunday’s gospel spoke of the consequences of being a disciple of Jesus should expect, today’s gospel tells us what the disciple of Jesus should hope for and how this hope could be attained.

The faithful disciple honestly hopes for salvation. Isn’t this what everybody expects and hopes for: to be able to attain eternal life and be in communion with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit? In simple words, each one of us desires and prays to be able to get to heaven and not to suffer the eternal damnation in hell. The question raised by the person in the crowd, while Jesus was “on his way through towns and villages, teaching, and journeying towards Jerusalem. And someone said to him, ‘Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And the answer of Jesus is worth considering more deeply and seriously, “strive to enter by the narrow door, for many I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Lk. 13, 2224).What is the narrow door that Jesus is talking about in this gospel? In the

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

gospel of John, Jesus mentions clearly that he is “the way, the truth, and the life.” Furthermore when speaking about the sheep and the sheepfold in his discourses regarding the Good Shepherd, Jesus also mentioned that the is the Gate and the good shepherd always enters through the gate, only robbers and thieves enters the sheepfold in some other ways. The narrow door actually is no other than Jesus Christ himself, his person and his teachings. And this reality leads us back to what we mentioned earlier that discipleship is a loving response to the invitation of Jesus to follow him and this primarily demands knowledge of his person and his teaching. Nobody can ever enter through the narrow gate except through Jesus Christ himself, knowing him and doing his will.

This is very important to consider because knowledge of him and eating table sometimes are considered by many as the way by which we can enter through the narrow door. Nevertheless these are not enough as he mentioned “I do not know where you come from;

depart from me, all you workers of iniquity,” in answer to their request, Lord, open to us,… we ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.” Knowing him, and receiving him even in the sacraments appear not be sufficient for us to gain eternal life.

However, consider what he mentioned earlier in the gospel of John, that by knowing his will and doing the will be his Father is an assurance that Jesus and the Father will dwell in him. And what is his will? It goes back to an earlier message of the gospel where Jesus said, I new commandment I give you, “love one another I as have loved you.” This statement gathers all the other messages that we have heard from the gospels of the past Sundays where we have been made aware of how we need to be compassionate to our neighbors, how we should consider each person as equal to each other in dignity, how should always be aware that salvation happens when we come together in a community where love and concern for each other is the measure of our living the stewardship response that we should do to the invitation of Jesus to follow him.

Let pray, my dear brothers and sisters, that during this year of faith, we may all come to know Jesus better, follow him closer, love him more dearly in our neighbor, especially those who are truly in need because the narrow door is open, the wide door is easy to get through, but only when we pass through Jesus can we come into the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit.

(OCWs).Withthe creation of DMW and its concurrent committee in the Senate, Tulfo asserted that they can now focus on providing legislation that would allow embassies abroad to monitor OFWs to ensure that abuse is prevented before it is committed.

"We, standing as one, have the opportunity to pass laws that would authorize our embassies abroad to institute offices dedicated solely to the vetting of prospective employers and the enforcement of the laws that are meant to protect our OFWs," he said.

"Magkakaroon po tayo ng paraan na mapigilan ang panghahalay sa unang pagkakataon na makita nating maaari itong mangyari. Magkakaroon po tayo ng paraan na mas mabilis masundo ang ating OFW na pinagbabantaan na saktan ng kanyang amo.

"At magkakaroon po tayo ng paraan para bigyan ng nararapat na representasyon ang ating OFW na may kaso laban sa kanyang amo upang maramdaman niya ang suporta ng inang bayan kahit na sa lupa ng banyaga," he added.

DMW to create 'white list' of fair, ethical recruitment agencies — Ople

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) plans to create a "white list" of recruitment agencies that have strictly adhered to fair and ethical recruitment standards and principles.

This was disclosed by DMW Secretary Susan Ople, saying the move is part of the agency's initiatives to protect overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), especially domestic workers, as the list would serve as a guide for them and foreign "Safeguardingemployers.therights and welfare of our migrant workers is at the heart of the DMW’s programs, services, and agreements," Ople said in a statement."Wewill always strive to do our best amid so many challenges in the world we live in," she added.

Ople also said the DMW will also start publishing the identities of foreign employers and recruitment agencies that have been blacklisted due to recruitment and labor violations, including severe exploitation and abuse of OFWs.

The DMW will also conduct a performance review and assessment of licensed recruitment agencies and their foreign counterparts based on the number of deployed individuals and the capacity to monitor and act on welfare cases.

It will also issue country-specific employment contracts and take into account prevailing labor laws and migration policies, as well as bilateral laborOpleagreements.saidthey will also implement strict guidelines to ensure that only qualified and fully-trained domestic workers are deployed. All new employers will also be mandated to watch a video on OFW rights and welfare before the signing of contracts.

She said the agency will also review and craft new verification guidelines for Philippine Overseas Labor Offices to address gaps in the system.

According to Ople, the DMW will be guided by the UN Global Compact on Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration in negotiating bilateral labor agreements to ensure a rights-based approach in the deployment of OFWs. (MNS)

Private sector asks PBBM to expand MSMEs to boost employment

The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) has requested President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos to expand the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country to create more employment for ThisFilipinos.was brought up during their recent meeting with Marcos in Malacañang Palace.

The Office of the President (OP) shared photos of the meeting on its official Facebook page on Thursday.

“President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. meets with the esteemed members of the Private Sector

Advisory Council (PSAC) to discuss plans on creating more jobs in the country,” the OP said in its post.

“Some of PSAC's recommendations are to scale up Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, attract more investors and build skills that would allow our workforce for longer-term competitiveness,” it added.

MSMEs generated a total of 5,380,815 jobs or 62.66 percent of the country’s total employment, according to data from the Department of Trade andByIndustry.industry sector, MSMEs in the wholesale and retail trade; repair of

motor vehicles and motorcycles sector generated the most number of jobs with 1,941,115 followed by accommodation and food service activities (775,120), manufacturing (732,030), financial and insurance activities (306,283), and education (295,789).

Last week, Marcos also met with the PSAC to express his support for the proposal to offer a "ladderized" program for nurses.

Under the program, the University of the Philippines (UP)-Manila will offer a two-year scholarship for midwives who come back to the community to serve. (MNS)

2:10)Shifting our mental focus from feelings to the truth of the

Los Angeles Looks to Land Banking to Lower Construction Costs for Affordable Housing

By Pilar Marrero/eMS

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Los Angeles County is getting ready to launch a project that could lower existing barriers to building muchneeded affordable housing in the region. The model, already in use in other cities, would allow the county to purchase and hold land, keeping it out of the speculative market while housing is

Initiallybuilt.conceived as part of the recently approved L.A. River Master Plan, County officials say they eventually intend to take the land banking concept countywide.

“Land prices can become a huge obstacle in these affordable housing projects,” said Tensho Takimori, partner at the architectural firm Gehry Partners LLP, which worked with LA County on the design of the L.A. River Master Plan. Takimori explained that the cost of holding land and paying property taxes while a project comes to fruition often makes it cost prohibitive for many affordable housing developers.

With land banking, LA County or a nonprofit entity created by it, could purchase plots of land and hold them, keeping costs lower. This system would potentially exempt the entity from property taxes while the land is not in

“Theuse.County can then work with local non-profits, Community Land Trusts, and Affordable Housing Developers to develop affordable housing on the land bank sites. A land bank could also support preservation of existing affordable housing by purchasing existing buildings,” said Jessica Henson, of OLIN Studio, a landscaping and design firm.

Both Olin and Gehry partners, along with the Southeast Asian Community Alliance and Street Level Advisors, along with LA County experts, made the case for a land bank in the context of the L.A. River Master Plan project recently approved by the Board of Supervisors.

The Land Bank project was approved as a companion to the L.A.

River Master Plan and is initially tied to areas within 2 miles of the river that are vulnerable to increased displacement and gentrification as a result of the large public works investment envisioned under the Master Plan. It is meant to eventually expand to the whole county, officials say.The board directed $50 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to be used for the land bank program. This will be enough to purchase land for about 800 units of affordable housing. The master plan projects 5,200 such units will be required in the coming years.

Sources from the Board of Supervisors indicated that the goal is to secure at least 175 million dollars as a first step in setting up the land bank, and that vulnerable areas near the river will be the first focus.

A county report with details on the implementation of the land bank will be presented mid-September to the L.A. County Board of Supervisors but it could take a few months to launch the project and secure a first round of acquisitions.

Investment and gentrification

A massive public works investment like the L.A. River Master Plan, or any project that expands public transportation — such as those now being undertaken by L.A. METRO

(new subway lines and stations) — can push the value of land way up, driving up rents and displacing longterm residents in vulnerable areas at the same “Whattime. happens in the neighborhoods that need investment the most is that the residents in these neighborhoods are the lowest income folks. Those neighborhoods need investment, parks, and public transit etc.,” said Sissy Trinh from the Southeast Asian Community Alliance, who participated in the L.A. River Master Plan planning process.

But improving these areas has often meant that long-time residents who have lived in these neighborhoods long before they became desirable get pushed out, added Trinh.

Los Angeles County is already confronting a serious deficit of affordable housing, a situation made more dire by the pandemic. According to County sources, Los Angeles needs to add nearly 500,000 affordable homes to meet demand for households at or below 50 percent area median income.Even prior to the pandemic, 64 percent of renter households at this income level were severely costburdened, paying more than 50 percent of their household income on rent. Poverty and homelessness increased.

Land banking is not a new concept,

said Jon Christensen, a professor at the Luskin Center for Innovation and the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at UCLA. But the one in Los Angeles will work differently than the ones existing in Detroit or New Orleans, he noted.

“In many places hit by a natural disaster where the area becomes vacant — or tax delinquent — a land bank is used to buy the land not being used,” said Christensen. “In LA it is actually the opposite, the point is to get in front of public investments to ensure there’s equitable development.”

A group of environmental and community activists who first participated in the development of the L.A. River Master plan and later sued to prevent it, arguing there was no sufficient community participation in the project, said they are in favor of the land Publicbank.authority land banks are already active in cities like Detroit, Philadelphia, and Eugene, Oregon. Similar projects managed by nonprofits exist in Atlanta, Denver, Minneapolis/St Paul and Richmond Virginia.Inplaces where land is expensive, like Denver, land banking can significantly reduce the cost of building affordable housing, said Tarik Abdelazim, of the National Land Bank Network, based in Michigan.

MUSA Advocacy: FOR A CAUSE

San Diego, CA - The Aklan Association of San Diego County (AASD) will proudly present the 2022 MUSA Fashion Show- A Fashion Show for all Generations on Sunday, August 28, 2022, at the Anchors Catering and Conference Center in 2375 Recreation Way, San Diego, CA 92136 from 1:00pm5:00pm. Admission fee is $35 per

person.Musa Fabric founded by Joy Soo will be featured in the creatively designed outfits at the fashion show. The event will reveal the importance of utilizing natural materials from banana fibers in creating various clothing and importantly advocating the indigenous residents in Tagum, Davao City, Philippines specifically aims to help sustain the livelihood of the persons deprived of liberty and the indigenous community of the province of Davao del Norte.

There will be 24 supportive models who will walk the runway in elaborative and creative designed outfits from House of Musa designers, each fabric used in the garment has intricately weaved by the inmates of Tagum City Provincial jail and the indigenous people, this is a “Fashion with a cause,” added by Cindy Mac, the organizer and director of the show. We are very excited about the show and the importance of this advocacy, said Hernani Depositar, Jr. president of AASD. This event will give our association the exposure in our community and in this way, we can also help our fellow Filipinos in need, remarked by Rosa Pagala, VP of

AASD.Formore information, please contact AASD at 619-216-9228 or Cindy Mac, MUSA Ambassador at 619-820-9136FB:MUSA Fabric by Joy Soo

Top left photo shows a model wearing a MUSA fabric outfit. Joy Soo, MUSA Founder, excited to showcase her creations in collaboration with Aklan Association of San Diego County Officers, L-R, Hernani Depositar, Jr. President; Felmar Mationg, Advisor; Rosa Pagala, Vice President, who are in the heels of preparing for the exciting fashion showcase on August 28, 2022.

The initial project is part of the L.A. River Master Plan, though officials plan to take it countywide in hopes of narrowing a massive shortfall in affordable housing made worse by the Covid 19 pandemic.

-- Pechanga nominado sa 2 Best Of awards sa bansa --

Ang botohan ay bukas na, at ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay tumatakbong muli para sa dalawang prestihiyosong pambansang mga titulo. Ang lugar ng Temecula, California casino/resort ay nominado ng panel na mga eksperto sa USA Today’s 10Best. com na polls ng mga mambabasa sa kategoryang Best Casino Hotel at Best Casino sa Labas ng Las Vegas. Pinili ng mga panelist ang Pechanga, kasama ng 19 na iba pang mga kakumpitensya sa isang kategorya. May mahigit na 1,000 casinos na nakakalat sa gitna ng U.S., ayon sa CasinoUSA.com. Upang makaboto para sa Pechanga Resort Casino sa kapwa kategorya, ang mga bisita ay maaaring pumunta sa Pechanga.com/vote.Noong2021,ibinoto ng mga mambabasa ang Pechanga Resort Casino bilang pangalawangPinakamahusay na Casino sa Labas ng Las Vegas. Ang Pechanga ay nagkaranggo ng ikaapat sa Best Casino Hotel na kategorya (sa buong U.S).

Ang pagboto ay Kasalukuyang bukas są publiko upang makapamili ng mga paboritong destinasyon. Ang mga mambababasa ay maaaring bumoto para sa kanilang mga paborito sa bawat kategorya isang beses kada araw. Ang takdang panahon ng botohan ay magtatapos sa Lunes, Agosto 29, sa ganap na alas-8:59 a.m. Oras Pacifico. Ang resulta at listahan ng 10 mga mananalo ay ihahayag matapos ang

petsang ito.

Ang USA Today 10Best Travel Guide na polls para sa mga mambabasa ay magtatanong sa mga bisita na bigyan ng rata ang kanilang paboritong mga casino at kung saan ang mga ito ay lumabas na sa ibat-ibang pamamaraan mula 2015. Kinuha ng Pechanga ang numero unong pwesto na Best Casino sa America ng taong nabanggit. Kasunod into, hinati ng pahayagan ang botohan sa Best in Las Vegas at Best Outside Las Vegas at nagdagdag pa ng ibang kaugnay na mga kategorya kagaya ng Best Casino Restaurant at Best Casino Hotel.

Sa iba pang impormasyon sa Pechanga Resort Casino, bumisita sa www.pechanga.comPatungkolsaPechanga Resort

CasinoAng Pechanga Resort Casino ay nag-aalay ng pinaka malaki at napakalawak na resort/casino na eksperiyensa saan man sa Estados Unidos. Ibinotong numero unong casino sa bansa ng USA Today at may rata na Four Diamond property ng AAA Mula 2002, ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay naghahatid ng walang kapantay na libangan, making anumang draw o kahabaan ng pananatili rito. Ang Pechanga ay naghahatid ng mahigit 5,400 na maiinit na slots, table games, 1,100 na mga kwarto at hotel na silid, mga kainan, magarbong spa at golf sa Journey sa Pechanga. Ang

Pechanga Resort Casino ay nag-aalok ng mga destinasyon na tumutuğon at hihigit pa sa mga pangangailangan ng mga panauhin at komunidad. Ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay pag-aari at nasa ilalim ng pamamalakad ng Pechanga Band of Luisneo Indians. Sa karagdagang impormasyon, tumawag toll free sa (877) 711-2946 o bumisita sa www.Pechanga.com. Sundan ang Pechanga Resort Casino sa Facebook at sa Twitter @PechangaCasino.

About Pechanga Resort Casino Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the number one casino in the country by USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering 5,400 of hottest slots, 152 table games, a 1,100 room and suite hotel, dining, luxury spa, and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www. Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @PechangaCasino

Cleaning Up Independent Living Facilities and Helping the Vulnerable

By Mara W. Elliott, San DiEgo City attornEy

SAN DIEGO, CA -- An “Independent Living Facility” (ILF) is a special type of group home where unrelated adults live and pay rent individually to a property owner or operator.When ILFs live up their promise, they are a boon for people of limited income who would otherwise fend for themselves in a high-priced housing market.When they don’t, and unscrupulous operators put their tenants’ health or safety at risk, my Office is empowered by the law to step in.

Since 2018, we’ve been cracking down on operators who fail at their responsibilities as landlords and caretakers. Our prosecutors shut down seven ILFs and forced 35 others to correct their deficiencies and come into compliance with health codes and zoning laws. Seventeen cases are still open.Prosecution can send a message and lead to meaningful change. We’ve begun to see the fruits of our labors -the number of referrals to our Office has dropped significantly. Two years ago, we were receiving a dozen new referrals a month, and we’re now seeing two or three.

Operators of assisted living or skilled nursing facilities are regulated by the state, which means that there are rules on the books, expectations are in place, and oversight occurs. ILFs, on the other hand, are unlicensed by any government entity.

When ILF operators rent rooms to people they know are not independent, i.e., they cannot meet their own needs, such as bathing, feeding themselves, washing clothes, and taking medications, a predatory relationship can develop. Our cases have involved unscrupulous ILF operators who’ve pocketed rent money from residents, some of whom are mentally or physically disabled, while subjecting them to filthy and hazardous conditions.

These stories are heartbreaking: rooms infested with bedbugs, roaches,

and rodents; people living in filthy beds and wearing soiled clothes; and operators denying their tenants phone privileges. Urinary catheters neglected, dangerous conditions from the lack of proper medical care, horrific bedsores and more. Our inspectors have seen ILFs with inoperable showers and toilets, no refrigerators, and one where the owner unplugged the washing machine so residents wouldn’t “waste water.” We’ve intervened in situations where residents needed immediate hospitalization. Our work became even more critical during pandemic-related lockdowns.When our prosecution forces an operator out of business and substandard housing conditions exist, we assist in relocating their residents, many of whom are one step from homelessness. In those cases, a City Attorney’s Victim Services Coordinator works with the residents to find them appropriate housing where they will be treated with dignity and receive any services they need.

This work could not be accomplished without the concerted efforts of many hard-working individuals in the city Code Enforcement Division and San Diego Police Department. These public servants partner with the City Attorney’s Nuisance Abatement Unit, led by Chief Deputy City Attorney Gabriela Brannan, to work together on an Independent Living Facilities task

force.

In addition to filing civil enforcement actions, Deputy City Attorney Joseph Raskin has investigated and criminally prosecuted our most egregious cases -- criminal abuses by predatory ILF operators who exploit vulnerable victims, using the ILF exemption from licensing and inspection as a shield.

Task force members agree that word has gotten out among ILF owners and operators that the City Attorney’s Office will come after them if they skirt the law. In addition to being forced to shut down, some ILF owners and operators have been ordered to pay civil penalties, fines, have been permanently enjoined from operating an unlicensed residential care facility in the City of San Diego, and have been placed on probation with jail time stayed pending compliance with the court’s order.

Representatives from San Diego County Adult Protective Services and the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division have also joined the monthly task force meetings, to better share pertinent information and foster interagency cooperation.

Together we’ve been able to stem the rising tide of bad-faith ILF operators who willfully take advantage of those who need our protection the most. We will continue in this effort to hold accountable those who would profit from the misery of others, and ensure that neglected ILF residents receive the help they deserve.

Mara W. Elliott San Diego City Attorney NA RESORT-CASINO SA BANSA

SAY A PRAYER. Grade 2 learners at Delfin Geraldez Elementary School in Quezon City start their day with a prayer as the school holds simulation classes on Thursday (Aug. 18, 2022). Several schools will hold in-person classes while others through a hybrid setup when classes nationwide resume on Aug. 22. (MNS photo)