MANILA -- The annual "Balikatan" exercises serve as a chance for the United States and the Philippines to reaffirm a mutual commitment to stronger ties amid various global challenges, an official of the US Embassy in Manila said on Monday.
"In 2021, we celebrated the 70th anniversary of our Mutual Defense Treaty and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our country, this combined and joint exercise is an opportunity for the United States and the Philippines to reaffirm our commitment to even more robust ties and to our relationship that remains highly relevant as the world faces new and continuing challenges," Chargé d'Affaires Heather Variava said during the opening of the annual exercises in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Variava also expressed hope that this year's "Balikatan" will be a success due to the strong cooperation between Filipino and American military personnel. Both nations, she added, have much to be proud of and this includes its "enduring alliance and deep bilateral military cooperation that has been built in the past seven decades."
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, in his speech read by Undersecretary Cardozo Luna, said the two-week drills is another milestone in the enduring alliance between the two countries which is being strengthened by means of defense cooperation activities.
He added that this year's exercises send a message to the world that the Philippine and US alliance is "stronger than ever and we remain committed to standing
shoulder-to-shoulder in response to evolving security challenges that face both our nations and the region."
"Taking a cue from past
'Balikatan' exercises, this year’s joint training activities are intended to strengthen the interoperability between the AFP and the US IndoPacific command so that we can
By Emili E Aguin A ldo EdquidSAN DIEGO, CA -- The Kawiteños Association held its induction of officers and social gala on March 26 at The Rooftop at Jamul Casino. This will be the fifth (5th) generation of leadership for the 48-year-old organization which was established in 1974. Officiating over the induction ceremony was Chris Cate, San Diego Councilmember from the 6th District and nephew of Kawiteño, Jun Cate. Guests were adorned in beautiful Barongs and Filipiniana dresses, the traditional Filipino attire. Entertainment was highlighted with performances from former Ms. Kawit, Krystle Torres, outgoing Ms. Kawit, Charisma Ursua and incoming Ms. Kawit, Kirsten Jones. The members of the association originate from Kawit, Cavite, a town steeped in rich history and tradition. It is the birthplace of
General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the Philippines and where Philippine Independence was declared from Spain on June 12, 1898. Through its annual celebration of the Fiesta for the Patron Saint, St. Mary Magdalene, in the summer and its Maytinis Festival during the Christmas season, these traditions bind all Kawiteños at home in the Philippines and abroad. The Kawiteños Association have continued these annual celebrations in Southern California for the past 5 decades; bi-annually they host the Karakol Sa Dagat. It is the celebration of feast of St. Mary Magdalene on July 22nd in the Philippines, with music, dance and fellowship while sailing under the star lights in San Diego bay. The longevity of the organization can be summed up by the phrase, “Tatak Kawiteño”, “to be Kawiteño”. The members of the organization, hold in high
regard the culture and traditions they grew up with. They instill this pride onto their children, and their children’s children who can share in the experience of what it is like to part of this rich Filipino American history and community. Its continued success can be attributed to the past administrations who have served with humility, the goal of unity and an eye to the future while making it engaging and fun through the journey of every leadership team. “Being part of a long standing association gives me a sense of belonging, and of being transported back to the happy childhood days in my Tatay’s roots in Poblacion, Kawit, Cavite. I am looking forward to being a part of the community, as we grow and foster within and outside our town through the various outreach and fundraising programs, at the same time continuing the deeply rooted
By SunitA Sohr ABji/EmS
FRANCISCO,
SAN
CA -- Children ages 5-11 have one of the lowest vaccination rates of any group but are now returning to elementary schools which have no masking requirements and do not require them to stay at home if a classmate is infected.
“2022 could well be the worst year of the pandemic for children,” said Beth Jarosz, Deputy Director, and Program Director of U.S. Programs for Kids Data, at a March 16 news briefing organized by Ethnic Media Services, in collaboration with the California Department of Public Health’s Vaccinate All 58 initiative. The briefing was held during the CDPH’s “Week of Action.”
Alarmingly, more than 30 percent of child Covid deaths across the whole pandemic in California have happened just in the first two and a half months of 2022, noted Jarosz.
Less than one-third of 5 to 11-yearolds in California are fully vaccinated, she said. One of the bright spots in the state is Imperial County, a largely agricultural region where 58 percent of 5 to11-year-olds have been fully vaccinated, said Jarosz. She credited trusted partners and community-based organizations for getting the word out about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine for children.
“A lot of people believe that kids don’t get Covid. But what we find is that they are getting it, but it’s not as severe as in adults. But thousands of children have been hospitalized with Covid, and hundreds of children have died from Covid,” said pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Miller of the Oakland-based East Bay Pediatrics. Parents who are vaccinated
themselves are often reluctant to get their younger children vaccinated. “They’re not sure that the disease is severe, they’re not sure that they believe that the kids are going to get that sick,” said Miller, drawing upon her own experience with the parents of her patients. “Some families worried that the vaccine affects fertility in their reproductive years,” or that “corners were cut in the production of this vaccine” which could lead to longerterm consequences. “There’s no data that shows this at all,” Miller stressed. “In fact, the data suggests the opposite… that this vaccine is safe and effective. It’s been rigorously tested. No corners were cut, and no steps were skipped in the approval of this vaccine.”
Dr. Sohil Sud, who leads the Safe Schools for All initiative of the California Department of Public Health, pointed to downward trends in the numbers of new infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. At the peak of Omicron last year, one out of every four tests administered for Covid
readily and jointly respond to our mutual security concerns, and contribute to regional peace and stability," Lorenzana said.
He added that the activity intends to heighten stakeholder engagement with other government agencies as part of joint inter-agency capacity building and capability efforts in attaining a whole-of-government approach, especially in times of calamities and disasters.
"The Covid-19 pandemic, which continues to affect many countries in the world, reminds us that problems, especially those that are transboundary in nature, should be dealt with in unison by all countries and sectors affected. Aided by this lesson, we will continue to highlight humanitarian assistance and disaster response in 'Balikatan' exercises," Lorenzana said.
The defense chief added that the "Balikatan" exercises also highlight that the US and the Philippines are not alone in espousing peace, security, and cooperation in the region.
"We have been expanding the scope of the exercises through wider engagement and networking with our partners in the region," Lorenzana said.
'Largest' Balikatan military exercise with PH not a 'show of
was positive; that number is down to 1 out of every 100.
Hospitalization and death rates from Covid mirror that trend, said Sud, who is a pediatrician with two children in the 5 to 11 year range . Given the dramatic drops, California has changed its policy guidelines for schools, he said.
As of March 12, students in California are no longer required to wear masks in schools; the state has transitioned from a mask mandate to a “strong recommendation.”
“This means we are still asking students and staff to continue wearing, just as we stated for the general public a few weeks ago. But the state no longer requires that schools track and enforce this,” said Sud, adding that school districts can still choose to make a local masking requirement: the state has released guidelines on how to effectively do so.
The state is also encouraging school districts to use a notification based model for managing students
What Have We Learned? Lessons from the Pandemic: Even More Resilient than We Thought
By Francine MaigueSAN DIEGO, CA --
The world has begun (only begun) to reopen. Life as we knew it (albeit with some changes) is around the corner. We’d be remiss if we didn’t pause to consider the many ways we’ve changed (mostly for the better) during this past year. We have to ask, “What have we learned?”
The pandemic has taught us many things—about ourselves, our priorities…so much. And it was necessary. In the go-go-go lives we led, in many ways, we needed a reason to take stock of what we had and what we held on to without thought to what truly mattered. But there is great value in the opportunity we wouldn’t otherwise have to investigate what we placed so much (perhaps too much) value in—what we took for granted as purpose but was far from it in actuality.
Relationships | Communication
Who and what we once invested our time in didn’t always reflect the value of our most important relationships. “Family first” may have been what we said, but the quantity of our time and quality of our communication didn’t necessarily illustrate that. When given no choice but to be quarantined with family members, without the demands of limited time, etc., a lot was to be learned about one another. For many (but certainly not all) being free from the hustle and bustle of getting to work, getting to school, getting to any and all activities, folks had the chance to learn about each other in the most clarifying way. Deep conversations about the state of the world, where each person stood and why…may not have been easy…but were important to have. And without having anywhere in particular to run off to when hard questions were asked, folks had to face opposing views head on and find the words to communicate their respective stances. The maturity and awareness of babes, the reasoning behind the opinions of elders…all so interesting and important—and, perhaps for once, treated and received as such.
Ask
80th Anniversary of Bataan Death March
Did you know that the most popular time for weddings is from May through October? Whether you're headed to the altar, moving into a new home, or heading to a wedding out of state, learn how the DMV can help make wedding season more convenient and less stressful.
POWAY, CA --On Saturday April 9, 2022, marks the 80th Anniversary of the Fall of Bataan. The main purpose of the commemoration is to inspire and educate the current and future generations of the courage, tenacity, and sacrifice of our WWII veterans who fought in the Philippines. The planned program will honor and remember the fallen and the survivors.
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exposed to Covid-19 at school, instead of a quarantine based model. Sud explained that if someone in class has Covid, they should isolate at home. But others exposed to that individual can and should stay in school, wearing a mask, and being on high alert for symptoms.
The state also aims to get more children vaccinated by providing vaccine clinics at school sites and providing test kits for students to take home.
“I think we’re taking steps in the right direction. We’ve come a long way since schools were first shut down two years ago,” said Sud.
Dr. Veronica Kelley, chief of mental health services at the Orange County Health Care Agency, spoke about the profound mental health impacts of Covid isolation on K-6 grade children. “They’re sitting at a kitchen table with Zoom for school, and they aren’t surrounded by their friends. They interact with their friends and other adults differently,” she said.
In 2021, children’s hospitals in California reported a 14 percent increase in mental health emergencies, and a startling 42 percent increase in self-harm, which included suicide attempts.
“Our kids have experienced many losses, including missing the first day of school, missing graduation, participating in sports and ceremonies like Quinceañeras and baptisms,” said Kelley. She noted that an estimated 167,000 children in the state have lost a parent or caregiver to Covid. Distress in kids can show up as irritability, anger, changes in behavior and sleep patterns. “So, if you see something, let your kid know that you are there, and don’t be afraid to ask a health professional for help. There are a lot of free resources available through every county,” said Kelley. How to address unfinished learning now that kids are back to school?
By Jenny Manrique/EMSThe
Sure, we’re not back to life as knew it. Maybe we’ll never be. Maybe that’s a good thing.
We are forever changed, my friends. We’ve learned so much about ourselves and one another during this once-in-a-lifetime (we hope) pandemic. It’s taken away a lot. It’s given us a lot, too. We still have plenty to process. But, moving forward, we are more woke, resilient ourselves than we’ve ever been. There are blessings around us. Kaya natin ‘to. Stay safe, dear friends. (reprint of an earlier article)
Independence | Convenience Skills were developed over the pandemic out of curiosity, out of boredom, but mostly out of necessity. Maybe you now know how to bake your own bread and have figured out that it’s actually not so hard…that bags of flour are much cheaper than readymade loaves. Maybe it’s the same with growing your own vegetables and herbs…or plants period. Perhaps you developed a home gym, where bottles of water and canned goods are effective weights. Perhaps you learned from online resources and shared tips and tricks to starting and sustaining a fitness routine you always claimed “too busy to maintain” in the past. It’s possible that you took a course or two online, now cut your family’s hair, or basked in the glow of doing nothing— an art in itself—that lowered your blood pressure, up’d the quality of your relationships, and heightened your familiarity with inspiring stories and characters in books or in streamed media.
learning loss, which experts suggest calling “unfinished learning”, have resulted in the disruption of in-person instruction.
Which programs and strategies will help kids bridge the education gap and get excited about learning again? Speakers convened by Ethnic Media Services said that connecting schoolwork with career pathways and bringing art and music education back to the classroom as well as strengthening the community school model, will inspire children to return to the classrooms.
Louis Freedberg, past executive director of EdSource and veteran education journalist: “One of the things that happened in most states was more money for schools and for programs that could actually assist students and parents aim and get through the pandemic, but also to help schools work with kids more effectively… This crossed both Republicans and Democrats: the narrative was that schools were important, not just for learning, not just for the three R's, the reading, writing, and arithmetic, but for a student's physical and mental health.”
“The key here now is to focus on what can be done to engage students now that they are back to school: There's something called Project Based Learning, it's an approach in which students explore real world problems in individual and group projects.” i.e.: https://www.edutopia. org/
“Linked Learning is another way to link middle and high school students to career pathways… It's a well thought out strategy having career technical education and courses, providing internships and support services in the schools like counseling and supplemental reading.”
“We have to bring other arts and music programs back into the schools. This used to be a key part of the school curriculum and unfortunately, it's been eviscerated across the country. In California, there's a big push right now to get an initiative on the ballot this November to invest a million dollars more into arts and education programs in the schools.”
Allison
Q1: I just got married and want to change my last name. What are the steps to do so? Do I have to visit a DMV office to get my name updated on my ID?
A1: To change your name with the DMV, you’ll first have to change your name with the local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. The DMV electronically verifies your name, birth date, and social security number with the SSA. After you’ve changed your name with the SSA, you’ll need to complete a driver’s license or identification card application, a process you can start online. Next, you’ll need to visit a local DMV office to provide evidence of your name change and pay the application fee. At the time of this transaction, you’ll also be required to surrender your current driver’s license.
A name change is also an opportunity to apply for a REAL ID instead of a standard driver’s license. For more information, visit realid.dmv. ca.gov.
Q2: I’ll be moving into a new home after getting married. Do I need to visit a DMV office to change my address?
A2: You can change your residence or mailing address online in the DMV’s
“Unfinished learning is what others often call learning loss or learning gaps. We use the phrase for two big reasons: The first is that it's a more asset frame, that hopes signals that with resources and supports students can absolutely make progress. And the second reason is because we hope it shifts the focus away from blaming students and puts the responsibility on the system education leaders.”
“The strategies that are most effective for addressing students' unfinished learning fit in three buckets: the first bucket is targeted intensive tutoring, which sometimes gets called high dosage tutoring. The second is expanded or extended learning times. And the third is the importance of strong relationships.”
“The federal government has provided a lot of money to support districts and schools in meeting the increased academic, social and emotional needs of students. That total amount is $190 billion,the bulk of which came from the American rescue plan.”
Hayin Kimner, Managing Director for the Community Schools Learning Exchange, and a Senior Policy and Research Fellow for Policy Analysis for California Education:
“Community Schools are not referring to a program or a funding strategy. When we're talking about communities, we're talking about a whole school improvement strategy in which districts and schools are working together with their community, teachers, students, families, staff, and partnering with community agencies and local governments to align their resources behind improving student outcomes.”
“During COVID, those schools and districts that had strong relationships with families were much quicker to pivot to respond to Distance Learning Technology gaps, and really think through the ways to meet students where they were.”
“All schools can be community schools. This is about reframing and putting forward the central importance of students and relationships as part of doing these programs and strategies. Without those trusting relationships in place, we will not get to where we need to be both in terms of pandemic recovery, as well as public education transformation.”
In retrospect, on Tuesday April 9, 1942, 78,000-80,000 U.S. and Filipino soldiers surrendered after seven months of battle combined with exposure to the extreme elements, disease, and lack of vital supplies. The tens of thousands of U.S. and Filipino soldiers were forced to become prisoners of war to the Japanese. The soldiers faced horrifying conditions and treatment as POWs. Bataan Day or Day of Valor (also known as "Corregidor Day") is a non-working holiday in the Philippines. This national observance commemorates the fall of Bataan in 1942. Bataan is a province in Luzon Island, Philippines, which had been occupied by the Japanese army during
World War II.
American and Filipino forces fought the Japanese for more than three months. Lack of supplies and the dire situations of the soldiers, the battered Bataan warriors were forced to surrender to the Japanese invading Army on April 9, 1942 in Bataan.
The Prisoners of War (POW) were forced to march 85 miles in six days, with only one meal of rice during the entire journey.
By the end of the march, which was punctuated with atrocities committed
by the Japanese guards, hundreds of Americans and many more Filipinos had perished during the march (known as the "Bataan Death March") from Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando then a train ride to Capas and Cabanatuan.
Location: Poway Veterans Park 14134 Midland Rd, Poway, CA 92064 Location of the Lunch and "Edutainment" (Educational Entertainment) will be at 12342 Old Pomerado Road Poway, CA 92064. Contact Chaplain Don Biadog at (858) 444-7125 for more info.
PRRD backs Badoy’s claim vs. 5 party-lists allied with CPP
MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday confirmed that at least five party-list groups are serving as “legal fronts” of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
Duterte issued the statement, as he backed the claim of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) spokesperson for sectoral concerns and Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy against five party-lists that are allegedly conniving with the CPP.
In his taped Talk to the People aired late Tuesday night, Duterte said Badoy is “right” that party-list groups Kabataan, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, and Gabriela, or the socalled “KABAG,” are in alliance with the communist group to topple the government.
“Sabihin ko sa inyo, tama si Lorraine Badoy na itong mga partylist na Kabataan, Anakpawis, Bayan Muna, Alliance of Concerned Teachers or ACT, at Gabriela, makita naman ninyo sa behavior nila (I will tell you, Lorraine Badoy is right about her claim against party-lists Kabataan, Anakpawis, Bayan Muna, Alliance of Concerned Teachers or ACT, and Gabriela. You could confirm that through their behavior),” Duterte said. “Ang problema (The problem is) they are supporting, or they are really parang (perhaps), legal fronts ng (of the) Communist Party of the Philippines.”
On March 26, Badoy coined the term “KABAG” as an acronym for party-list groups Kabataan, ACT, Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, and Gabriela that have purportedly been infiltrated by the CPP.
Prior to Badoy’s remarks, Duterte on March 21 warned the public against the possible coalition between the communist group and various political parties led by an unnamed presidential aspirant.
Duterte said it was not surprising that the CPP has been able to get support from the five party-lists.
“Alam mo, they are, totoo iyan, nakapasok sila sa Congress (You know that’s true that they have infiltrated the Congress). And no doubt about it. They have used the party-lists. Alam mo, bright kasi yung gumawa noon eh (Who did that was bright),” he said.
Duterte also lamented that the party-list groups allied with the CPP are using public funds to support the rebels.
“They were able to blossom into something. Matagal na ito. Ang problema, ginagamit nila ang pera, kinukuha nila ang pera ng gobyerno at binubuhay nila ang mga (It’s been a practice. The problem is they are using the government’s money for the)… They are supporting a bunch of [rebels],” he said.
‘Controlled by the rich’
Apart from the communists, the party-list groups are also being controlled by the rich, Duterte said. He claimed that communists are earning ”billions” of pesos through their extortion scheme against construction firms and contractors.
“Alam mo (You know), it’s a conspiracy, meron kang legal front, meron kang ano, party-list. But it is a conspiracy – the act of one, the act of all,” he said.
The CPP-New People’s Army is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated CPP-NPA’s political wing, National Democratic Front, as a terrorist organization on
June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.
Duterte has basis to link Makabayan bloc to Reds, says Palace President Rodrigo Duterte has basis to link the party-lists under the Makabayan bloc to communist rebels, Malacañang said Wednesday.
At a press briefing, acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said as president, Duterte has access to sensitive information from the intelligence community.
"Naniniwala kaming may basehan po ang mga ito [We believe that these accusations have basis]," Andanar said.
In his Talk to the People on Tuesday night, Duterte urged the public not to vote for the Makabayan partylist groups which he said are "legal fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines."
The President identified these groups as Kabataan, Anakpawis, Bayan Muna, ACT Teachers and Gabriela.
Makabayan groups respond
Reacting to this, Gabriela partylist Representative Arlene Brosas said such "recycled red-tagging claims" of Duterte "constitute his desperate lastditch attempts to silence progressive groups" ahead of the 2022 elections.
Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate, for his part, said Duterte's "red-tagging" during the election period was "clearly a partisan, political ploy."
He stressed that such remark was not only an attack to the Makabayan bloc, but to the entire opposition particularly of Vice President Leni Robredo, the opposition's standard bearer in the May 2022 elections.
Duterte earlier said he has received information regarding "working relations" between communist rebels and "dilawans," a term used to refer to the opposition. Robredo said the information has no basis.
Comelec Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it can look into accusations that some party-lists have links with communist insurgents as long as there is a disqualification case filed with the poll body.
"We highly respect of course the statement of the President and maraming nari-receive na intelligence reports ang ating Pangulo. At this point, ang Comelec nangangako na we can always look into these accusations or allegations definitely lalung-lalo na doon sa mga na-accredit nating partylist," said Comelec Commissioner George Garcia in an interview with reporters.
"Ngayon po sa ating mga kababayan we have to understand na since naaccredit na sila, siyempre meron na po silang tinatawag na vested rights. And so until and unless may mag-file ng disqualification ng cancellation ng kanilang registration for violation then we will have to respect yun pong initial na naibigay sa kanila na pribiliehyio na makappag-participate sa partylist," he added.
Garcia, however, said the poll body continuously monitoring party-lists for possible violations under the Republic Act 7941 or the Partylist System Act.
"Hindi naman po porket ang isang party-list ay na-accredit na at nagpaparticipate na several times sa ating election eh perpetually na po sila na accredited. Lagi pong patuloy ang ating screening process para sa kanila,” he said.
NPA anniversary only reminds of lost lives, atrocities -- Lorenzana
The anniversary of the New People's Army (NPA) means nothing
but lives lost and suffering due to its meaningless cause, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Monday.
"We are once again reminded of the lives lost and the suffering caused by the Communist Terrorists, particularly their armed wing, the NPA. Over the years, the NPA took pride in committing lawless activities such as extortion, destruction of civilianowned properties, and undermining the government, all in the name of their so-called ideology," Lorenzana said in a statement, ahead of the NPA's 53rd anniversary on Tuesday.
The NPA was established on March 29, 1969, as the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
Lorenzana, however, said more NPA members have returned to the fold of the law and are now leading peaceful and productive lives through assistance from the government.
"However, we are filled with hope for a more progressive and developed Philippines. Under the inter-agency Task Force Balik-Loob (TFBL), thousands have been given the chance to live their lives anew and become productive members of society through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). They have given their firearms in exchange for more peaceful tools of trade, and I am encouraged by the success stories of our former rebels," Lorenzana said.
Despite the weakening of the communist terrorists and the country now starting to reap the dividends of peace, the DND chief said efforts must continue to save remaining CPP-NPA members from their lost cause.
"There is more to be done. Even as we enjoy the dividends of peace, we continue our mission to secure our communities, encourage CPPNPA members to avail of the E-CLIP, and finally put a stop to the decadeslong communist armed conflicts in the country. It is our hope that whoever comes next will continue what we have started and sustain our peace initiatives," Lorenzana said.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the NDF as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.
Duterte has no regrets over decision to reject oligarchs’ support
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he had no regrets over his decision to reject oligarchs’ offer to fund his 2016 presidential campaign.
Duterte made the statement in his prerecorded Talk to the People, as he reiterated his stance to dismantle oligarchy.
“Sabi ko, itong mga oligarch (I said these oligarchs), it can never… Kaya ‘yung iba diyan, hindi ko tinanggap ‘yung election contribution ninyo, campaign funds (That’s why I did not accept their election contribution or campaign funds). I never regretted it or I do not regret it. Pagdating ng panahon, yari kayong lahat (When the time comes, you are all doomed),” he said. Duterte also advised the Filipino voters to be careful in choosing the country’s next leaders, warning them against the election hopefuls who are tainted with corruption.
He cautioned the electorate against party-list groups that are in alliance with the communist movement and those “controlled” by the rich.
See PRRD on 6
WHY LATIN AMERICA MATTERS: THE PHILIPPINES’ ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE IBERO-AMERICAN SUMMITS BROADEN ITS WORLD-WIDE HORIZON IN CULTURE, EDUCATION AND INNOVATION
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Hola!
ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) was founded in 1967 “to strengthen further the existing bonds of regional solidarity and cooperation.” The Philippines was one of the founding member countries when ASEAN was set up in Jakarta, while the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which was implemented in December 2015, has a primary purpose to create one of the largest single market economies in the world, facilitating the free movement of goods, services, and professionals between the 10 member states. As a result, the Philippines relationship and interaction with ASEAN and its members is of key importance to the bloc.
In November of 2017, ASEAN celebrated its 50th anniversary and the affair was attended by leaders from around the world. Apart from the event’s success, it’s important to understand ASEAN isn’t a mere organization for leaders to get together and make merry. It’s about the betterment of the people and the economy.
If I may add, too – here are other reasons why I believed the ASEAN helped boosted the Philippine economy more than you think: It’s easier and cheaper travel options for everyone. ASEAN also gave the nations within the region to do more trade for goods and services. With the progressive dynamic between the ASEAN sectors with easier and cheaper travel options, goods and services - It only makes sense that it comes with the extended bonus of better employment opportunities. Thankfully, even the country’s education would be greatly enhanced because of ASEAN integration. There is no doubt about it that ASEAN contributed to the advancement of our old homeland as a whole. Because of the incredible support from other Southeast Asian nations, the country is way better prepared for globalization. With the Filipinos’ way of life eventually improved, it was no surprise then that its economy continues to perform well. ASEAN is definitely one of the many reasons why the Philippines is in such a good and stable pace and potential investors, businessmen, and its citizens need not worry about the country’s stability.
I say each step taken with ASEAN is another stride taken closer to a better and more stable economy. Be it travel, goods, and services, education and work opportunities –the Philippines was able to tap into its immense potential very successfully. Indeed, the country is on track to become an upper middle-income nation in the next few years!
The idea of a healthy exchange between countries that have a similar cultural focus as well as the same language and share common problems is not innovational but utterly necessary, if I must say it.
Moving on, back in 1991 when the first Ibero-American Summit was held, there was nothing but full members. All the participant countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Costa Rica, Columbia, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Paraguay, Portugal, Uruguay, Spain and Venezuela are to this day the full members that get to give their opinions, make suggestions and decisions. By the year 2004, Andorra joined in. I was recently informed that late in 2009; our beloved old homeland – the Philippines – together with the African state of Equatorial Guinea was allowed in and has been inducted associate members of IberoAmerican Summit.
FYI: The participation of Puerto Rico as another associate member has not been continuous but sporadic since it is not a sovereign nation as countries that are not autonomous are not allowed to participate fully in the Summit.
For my two cents, I say this only goes to show that our “kababayans” are still recognized by other Hispanic countries as belonging – historically – to the realm of Hispanic lands. Though met with cold reception because of a lack of understanding by the island’s very own leaders, I say exchanges with other Latin states would help us recover our lost Hispanic history aside from the benefits of being in a league of nations with common social and economic goals. This induction is a plus as other Latin countries (the group includes Portuguese speaking nations) will be together discussing economic and social issues. It does not promote anything other than close ties among Hispanic states; so no - our old homeland are not being re-conquered here but being recognized as a land that was once the crown jewel of Hispanic civilization in Asia.
I reckon it’s probably hard for some folks to understand how an Asian nation that sits right across China could ever be Hispanic or at least consider itself Hispano. How we could be any different from our beautiful Oriental neighbors, many people ask? Divergent, yes…but as geography has destined us to be with Asia, so is our historical role of being the bridge that connects the Orient to the Latin world. Sadly, we truly haven’t realized this enormous
March 31, 2022 is the 501st year since that first Easter Sunday Mass was held on Limasawa Island, where a wooden cross was planted signifying the arrival of Christianity. Two days before, Magellan observed Good Friday by having a blood compact with Rajah Kulambo and feasting with pork and tuba (local wine). Rajah Kulambo and his brother Rajah Siagu and Magellan’s crew attended the highly celebrated Mass before proceeding to Cebu on the way to the Moluccas Spice Island.
Two weeks later, Magellan ordered Fr. Valderrama held another service after the blood compact with Rajah Humabon of Cebu was consummated. In a show of force, Humabon, his wife Hara and several mistresses along with some 400 hundred followers kissed the Cross, partook in the Liturgy, baptized, given Christian names; thus paving the way for the birth of Roman Catholicism. He even accepted an image of Santo Nino (Child Jesus).
In good faith, Magellan followed through with his promise to defeat Humabon’s longtime nemesis, Datu Lapulapu of Mactan. Magellan’s stay and existence was cut short by the local rebel. Datu
THE PHILIPPINES HIGHLIGHTS LATIN, ASEAN
sidelines of the 27th Ibero-American Summit on 16 April 2021 with co-chairs Minister of Foreign Affairs of Andorra Maria Ubach Font (top right) and Ibero-American Secretary General Rebecca Grynspan (bottom right).
THE PHILIPPINES PARTICIPATED IN
potential yet due to many factors ranging from historical revisionism to uncontrolled Hispanophobia.
As I’ve observed in the past, many of these states rightly recognizes the Hispanic-Filipino identity that they closely relate to. This acceptance has a lot to do with our historical tradition that not only resembles theirs but it is also proving to be a source of common strength and universal brotherhood among the former Spanish colonies.
FYI: Is race only about the color of your skin? In The Latinos of
Asia, Los Angeles-based writer and sociologist Anthony Christian Ocampo shows that what “color” you are depend largely on your community. Filipino Americans, for example, helped establish the Asian American movement and are classified in the U.S. Census as Asian. But the legacy of Spanish colonialism in the Philippines means they share many cultural characteristics with Latinos, such as last names, religion, and language. Thus, Filipinos’ “color” – their sense of connection
Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri
with other racial groups – changes depending on their social context.
I suppose that the Filipino narrative demonstrates how immigration is changing the way people negotiate race, particularly in cities like Los Angeles where Latinos and Asians now constitute a collective majority. Second-generation Filipino Americans’ racial identities change depending on the communities they grow up, in the schools they attend, and the people they befriend - ultimately changing the racial landscape of American society.
The reality – without-doubt - is that we (fellow “kababayans” and Filipino-Americans, for that matter, too!) are prouder of our American experience (Brown Americans?) than our Hispanic origins; this explains our leaders’ disinterest who according to the correspondent Liz Medina, “Y es la misma gente que odia el espanol, odia el pasado, que vende sus almas por el dolar, que miente y roba y usa la politica para fomenter el vicio, la ignorancia, la enajenacion.” (Somehow, this does not come as a surprise as we have been conditioned to accept selective facts about our Filipino history. For some joining the Summit is just an event but its significance could not be overlooked. This could very well be the light switch that will help us understand our Hispanic chronicle.)
Today, as we face up to precarious economic times, being with other Latin nations in a group is a great advantage, if I must add. There is definitely strength in numbers!
Incidentally, the Philippines also expressed interest in advancing cooperation with the Ibero-American community in trade, tourism, peopleto-people exchanges, vaccine cooperation and fight against COVID-19 among others.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Strategic Communications and Research
Ernesto C. Abella underscored the Philippines’ role as intermediary between the Ibero-American and ASEAN communities – such as the Mercado Comun del Sur (MERCOSUR), the Pacific Alliance, and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) - during his intervention
in the Ibero-American Associate Observers’ Meeting held virtually last year on 16 April 2021. This comes at a time when the Philippines assumed its role as the Country Coordinator of ASEAN-MERCOSUR relations in 2021.
Truly in point of fact, the declarations of the Ibero-American Summit have been channeled into some cultural, social and educational programs that have helped millions of people. Throughout the last 25 years of its existence, the world has changed a lot and the IberoAmerican Summit implemented a series of alterations to accompany those changes and those affected with the right actions.
For example, the OISS Program aimed mainly to assuring a level of Social Security coverage, especially for the oldest currently protects more than 6 million people in the region and guarantees all immigrants and their families have access to their retirement pension regardless of the country of the region they are at and from. Fifteen of the twenty-two full members of the Ibero-American Summit are involved and have implemented this plan subscribing to the agreement.
Another – the Human Milk Banks Program – called “iberBLH” is a bold attempt to reduce infant mortality by assuring the right to human milk from birth. The sharing of knowledge from each of the involved countries make the result much richer than what it would be if they worked isolated from each other.
FYI: It is of common knowledge that the mother’s milk is essential in helping to the early development of children as well as reducing infant mortality. Since its approval in 2007, this project has already benefitted 15 million women and reaches 1.5 million newborns every year.
“Putting a roof over poverty”- this initiative is called “Techo” which is the Spanish for roof/ceiling and makes a clear reference about what it is about: providing homes for those who don’t have one. One of the main challenges that Latin America faces is social inequality. According to the Techo Foundation, over 104 million
