The Filipino Press: December 16-22, 2022

MANILA -- Attracting more investments will be crucial for the country to sustain its economic growth and hit a gross domestic product (GDP) target of 6 to 7 percent next year, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) lead economist Emilio Neri Jr. said in a briefing Wednesday.

Neri said the share of investments to GDP fell behind consumption, government spending and export revenues, especially since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“If there is no sharp improvement in investments, which is crucial for growth rates of about 7 percent for the Philippine economy, we will find it very difficult to achieve the original goal of 6 to 7 (percent), and we may have to set them with something like 5 to 6 percent. So, (it is) very crucial to boost investments,” he said.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) alone showed that approved investments in major investment promotion agencies amounted to PHP449.58 billion in the first three quarters of the year, higher by 28 percent from PHP350.44 billion in the same period in 2021.

The BPI forecasted Philippine GDP for 2023 to settle at 5.6 percent, slower than the estimated 7 percent growth for the full year of 2022.

It projected the Philippine economy will grow by 5.8 percent in 2024.

But Neri said attracting more investments will be more difficult amid the increasing interest rates.

As the country is expected to record high inflation rates next year, he said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is also expected to further implement tightening of monetary policy.

The economist added that the

BSP policy rate may peak at 6 percent in the middle of 2023 before implementing rate cuts.

The projected easing of policy rates is expected to be implemented when the United States Federal Reserve System will also introduce

rate cuts to counter the foreseen recession in the US.

The BPI projected the BSP policy rate to settle at 5.50 percent this year before easing to 4.75 percent in 2023.

The central bank’s policy rate

was at 2 percent in 2020 and 2021. Headwinds remain Neri said inflation and the Covid-19 situation will remain an internal risk, while possible recessions in the Euro zone and the US will be the external factors for

the country’s economic growth next year.

He also supported the earlier statement of the government that recession in the Philippines is unlikely amid the increasing inflation and policy rate as consumption remains robust.

BPI’s inflation forecast for this year is at 5.8 percent and slowing down to 4.8 percent in 2023, which is higher than the 2.4 percent inflation in 2020 and 3.9 percent in 2021.

Marcos secures P4.7-B investment from Unilever President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday secured a PHP4.7 billion investment from multinational consumer goods company, Unilever.

In a press release, Malacañang said the deal was secured during a meeting between Marcos and officials of Unilever on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-European Union (ASEAN-EU) Commemorative Summit in Brussels, Belgium.

Marcos thanked the British company for its strong commitment to the Philippines, saying it was good to see that Unilever is continuing with that trend over the years.

“I think that we have a good opportunity with some of the policy measures that have been taken from the previous administration and some of the policy changes that we have made at the beginning of this administration,” Marcos told

SAN DIEGO. CA -- On Thursday, December 8, Sycuan Casino Resort proudly presented a total of $187,000 to 28 different charities during its 2022 Annual Holiday Gift Giving Ceremony.

Each December, members of the Sycuan Tribal Council and leadership team individually select a charity to support on behalf of Sycuan. This year’s celebration marks Sycuan’s 16th Holiday Gift Giving Ceremony. Over the years, the event has supported hundreds of diverse nonprofit organizations ranging from social and health services to the arts and the environment.

“This event is always such a special one, because members of our team are given the opportunity to select a charity partner that is meaningful to them,” said Cody

Martinez, chairman, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. “Our event this year is also very exciting, because we’ve broken another record making 2022 the biggest Gift Giving Ceremony we’ve ever had. We are honored and proud to support these organizations that are making a positive difference in our community every single day.”

For more information about Sycuan Casino Resort, please visit www.sycuan.com or call 619-4456002.

About Sycuan Casino Resort Sycuan Casino Resort began as a humble Bingo Palace in 1983. Now more than 39 years later, it has become a community landmark and one of San Diego’s premier casino and resort destinations.

Sycuan’s newly expanded AAA Four Diamond-rated property

includes a 12-story hotel tower with over 300 guest rooms and 57 luxury suites. Guests can enjoy a wide range of onsite amenities including a variety of restaurants and bars from fast-casual to fine dining, meeting and event space, a full-service spa, fitness center and a state-of-the-art outdoor pool deck with two pools, a lazy river and swim-up bar. Sycuan also boasts an expansive casino floor with more than 2,300 slot machines and 54 table games in a variety of gaming options. Sycuan is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information, please visit www.sycuan.com, Facebook: @ sycuancasinoresort, Instagram: @sycuan_casinoresort, Twitter: @sycuancasino and LinkedIn: company/sycuancasinoresort or call 619-445-6002.

WASHINGTON, DC - The recently held November 2022 midterm elections were an overall success for the Filipino American community. A historic number of Filipino Americans were elected from local to state-level positions.

NaFFAA’s current president and national chair, Brendan Flores, commented, “Our biggest achievement for this year’s November elections is seeing more Filipinos stepping up to run for public office. Representation matters! As our fellow Filipino Americans and those from other minority communities see someone who looks like them, speaks for them, and makes decisions on their behalf, they will also feel inspired to speak up, participate, and listen. We are excited to see progress for our community. Filipino Americans offer a unique type of leadership that is founded upon their deep love for their families and communities.”

Highest-Ranking Filipino American Elected Official Rep. Bobby Scott remained the highest-ranking Filipino American elected official after winning the U.S. House election in Virginia's 3rd Congressional District. He has served this district since 1993.

Historical State Election Victories for the Fil Am Community

In California, Rob Bonta is reelected as the Attorney General for the US State that is home to more

than 500,000 Filipinos.

Steven Raga is elected the first Filipino American in the New York State Legislature. Maria Cervania became the first Filipina American member of the North Carolina Legislature after winning at the North Carolina House of Representatives to represent District 41. Joining them on the east coast are re-elects Kris Valderrama, a Maryland House of Delegates member, and Marvin Lim, a state representative in District 98 in Georgia. Justin Jones also won as a state representative for District 52 in Tennessee, and Luz Bay won at the New Hampshire House of Representatives for Strafford County District 21.

Representing Filipino American state election winners on the west coast are Genevieve Mina, who will assume office in the Alaska House of Representatives, representing District 19, and Erica Mosca, elected as a state assembly member for District 14 in Nevada. In Hawaii, Rosebella Martinez is elected as a member of the State House of Representatives for District 40 in Ewa, Hawaii. Joining Filipino American history makers in Hawaii are Brandon Elefante and Henry Aquino, two newly elected senators in the Hawaii State Senate.

Filipino American Trailblazers in Local Elections

A record number of Filipino Americans won local government positions during the recently held

November elections. Assuming the office of Mayors are Jed Leano of Claremont City, Rod Daus-Magbual of Daly City, and Melissa Ramoso of the City of Artesia. The three mayors are elected council members but will assume the role of mayors in 2023.

Filipino Americans are also wellrepresented in city council positions.

Gabriel Quinto was reelected, the first LGBTQ council member in the history of the city of El Cerrito, CA. Other notable city council victories in California are Garry Garbadillo of Milpitas City, Ray Buenaventura of Daly City, Ollie Cantos and Letty Lopez-Viado of West Covina City, Tony Daysog of Alameda County, Joanne Del Rosario of the City of Colma, Diosdado Matulac of the City of Vallejo, Buenaflor Nicolas of City of South San Francisco, David Oro of American Canyon, Charles Palmares of the City of Vallejo, Cameron Sasai of the City of Pinole, Phil Bacerra of Santa Ana City, and Ditas Yamane of National City. In addition, Krystle Ang of Burbank City was elected treasurer, and Kenneth Mejia of Los Angeles was elected as the city’s first Filipino American city controller.

In Hawaii, newcomer Tyler Dos Santos and former member of the State House Val Okimoto are both elected to the Honolulu City Council.

San Diego’s

Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. poses for a photo with officials various multinational companies in Europe

Pampered Pinay: Everywhere Around Us

By Francine Maigue

Everywhere around us

There is good yet to be found

In times and places dark Faith and hope abound

You have to want to see it

It’s not always obvious

You have to dig real deep Instead of saying, “God, why us?”

No naiveté

But it glimmers as it does A spirit that begs your joy A will to peace so wondrous

To see the brighter side Takes courage unparalleled A problem-solving heart

And humility upheld

Your worth deserves your faith And your worth deserves your work With eyes that see true value All that is you – the perks

A reminder that you’re special And the world still needs your smile The world still needs your love Home or distanced by a mile

You are stronger than you think And, no, you’re not alone What is meant for you is yours Though it feels somehow unknown

Life’s meant to be lived with joy And its meaning is what you make

The way you choose your view

Puts your happiness at stake

It’s there, though -- can’t you see it? Take a moment to take pause Take stock of all the blessings Well beyond dear Santa Claus

Don’t be fearful in your fight Cause you were made so strong Don’t kill the light with worry In joy’s where you belong

Make a plan or maybe don’t It depends on what you need Cause your needs are not your wants

And your needs, they know no greed

Give when you can and know Humble gifts, they give direction The passing of such joy Leads to real reflection

Sure, it doesn’t make much But a selfless affirmation Don’t cripple the joy that’s yours With others’ grey intentions

You are loved! You are loved! You are loved!

Need I say it again?

Christmas is a feeling All around us, my dear friends.

-FAM, 12.21 MMXX Maligayang Pasko po! Sending you and your loved ones infinite joy this Christmas and beyond! Stay safe! Love, Francine

House approves bill on NCST, ROTC on final reading

MANILA -- The House of Representatives on Thursday approved on third and final reading a measure that would establish a two-year mandatory National Citizens Service Training (NCST) program and an optional fouryear Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program.

With 276 affirmative votes, four negative votes, and one abstention, the chamber approved House Bill (HB) No. 6687, or the proposed National Service Training Program Act, which was certified as urgent by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Marcos certified as urgent the passage of the bill to address the need to enhance the capacity of Filipino citizens to mobilize and perform their constitutional duty to render military or civil service to the State in times of calamities and disasters, national or local emergencies, rebellion, invasion, or war.

"This shall be made possible by the establishment of a unified, comprehensive, and holistic national citizens service training and mobilization system," Marcos said.

The certification of urgency has allowed the Lower Chamber to pass the measure on second and third reading on the same day.

The bill seeks to institutionalize an NCST program to be implemented by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in all public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) and by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in all post-secondary technical-vocational institutions (TVIs), both in consultation with the Department of National

Defense (DND).

The bill is authored by Speaker Martin Romualdez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Tingog Party-list Representatives Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre, among others.

Romualdez thanked his colleagues for the swift but exhaustive deliberations on the measure.

"The House of Representatives has been working really hard--day in and day out--to pass many important pieces of legislation that we all believe will contribute immensely to nationbuilding. And the NCSTP bill is one of them," he said.

"I congratulate all my colleagues in the lower chamber, even the ones who expressed opposition to the measure, for the resulting bill is one that has undergone rigorous scrutiny. And for that, we accomplish our role here in the Legislature with flying colors," he added.

House Committee on higher and technical education chair Mark Go, sponsor of the measure, said the Civic Welfare and Training Service (CWTS) and Literary Training Service (LTS) components of the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Law shall be integrated in the NCST program.

The NCST program shall equip and organize the youth with necessary, essential, practical and pragmatic knowledge and skills for civic duty, emergency and disaster response and preparedness in the current frameworks of law enforcement, peace and order, territorial defense and national disaster risk reduction and management for mobilization for military and civil services that produces reservists for the National Service Reserve Corps

and Armed Forces of the Philippines' Citizen Armed Force (AFP Reserve Force).

The bill also proposes to establish an optional ROTC program for higher education students designed to produce officers for the Citizen Armed Force and Regular Force of the AFP.

The ROTC curriculum shall be designed by the Department of National Defense and CHED and administered by the AFP to train volunteer tertiary education students to be officers of the Regular and Reserve Force of the AFP.

"It shall be designed in such a way that graduates of the four year ROTC Program shall be capable of immediate deployment as commissioned officers of the AFP immediately after graduation from the ROTC even as they continue with their baccalaureate degree program," Go said.

He said the ROTC program of instruction shall include advanced military subjects and courses, practical exercises and filed exercises necessary and appropriate for an entry level officer commission in the AFP.

"In keeping with the changing times it is incumbent upon us to promote the level of discipline, leadership, and patriotic character of every Filipino youth," he said.

He said the bill will promote, propagate, and protect the physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being of the Filipino youth.

"With the passage of this bill, we endeavor to instill among the youth patriotism, love of country, moral and spiritual virtues, respect for human rights and adherence to the Constitution," he said. (MNS)

NATIONAL CITY MURAL HONORS CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS

By Grace aGuinaldo-limBaGnall

NATIONAL CITY, CA -- A new mural in National City honored Civil Rights Leaders Larry Itliong, Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

National City leaders and the community celebrated the November 22nd event with speeches referring to themes of unity and equity in access to health care, improvements in the workplace, and quality education.

“Their values and core mission of making our nation stronger and better is what we wanted to bring to National City,” said Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis. “As mayor I felt it was so important to acknowledge those struggles (and) to acknowledge the best of what we have to offer and that is the diversity… it is a conversation starter. We want people to learn more about these icons.”

The large four-panel mural is mounted on the external wall along the San Ysidro Health Center on East 8th Street and D Avenue in National City. It was designed by artist and activist Mario Torero, who is a founding member of Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park. He says he began painting the mural earlier this year, but it also involved a community effort of kid artists, too.

Torero says he once worked with Cesar Chavez and in his research, he discovered other influential Civil Rights leaders like Larry Itliong. He hopes that the mural will help pave the way for other achievements in social justice and civic empowerment that benefits more people.

“(The mural) is a work of love and needed in the Filipino community and that fills me completely,” said Torero.

The Civil Rights movement began nearly 70 years ago, but the long-awaited harvesting efforts of Filipino farm labor leaders like Larry Itliong are coming to fruition. Many local residents expressed gratitude.

“It finally happened,” said Rose San-Pedro, a retired RN, BSN and Region Chair of the San Diego Majestic Lions Club. “It should have been done a long time ago because he (Larry Itliong) should have been recognized as the one who really started it (the Delano Grape Strike). I think it is about time we can stand up and be proud of what he did as a labor leader…that he was one of them, instead of someone behind the scenes.”

Rose San-Pedro was a former community nurse at San Ysidro Health Center, which is one of the sponsors for the mural project. She also visited the United Farm Workers to do blood pressure screening on the farmers. “They didn’t have any medical insurance at the time because of their age,” said SanPedro. “And that’s sad.” She said that many of the farmers had high blood pressure or Diabetes.

Aside from the San Diego Majestic Lions Club, other local citizens in attendance were committee members, such as Felix Tuyay, from the Filipinos of South Bay Exhibit (representing the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS); Council of Philippine American Organizations of San Diego County, Inc. (COPAO); and PASACAT).

The mural unveiling coincided with the Thanksgiving holiday when family and friends gathered to enjoy a feast and gave thanks.

“As we celebrate Thanksgiving,

every item of food on your table was picked by someone that worked through tirelessly through the heat, through the cold, through birthdays, through football games, through so many different times of day, to make sure that you can celebrate with your families,” said Mayor SoteloSolis. “So always give thanks. As we reflect on this Thanksgiving Day, we always want to recognize those farm workers who helped make this Thanksgiving meal and all meals possible.”

The mural was funded by a $15,000 sponsorship from Blue Shield Promise Health Plan. The ongoing beautification of the mural is provided with a $10,000 long-term investment by San Ysidro Health.

“Blue Shield Promise Health Plan is proud to sponsor this art resiliency project for local National City residents. We are thankful that this mural will help the community learn about important cultural figures whose historic work brought about many changes, including improving access to health services for underrepresented Californians,” said James Cruz, MD and Chief Medical Officer for Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan.

“Having been born out of the Civil Rights movement, San Ysidro Health is honored to be a part of this community project that shares the rich history of our country’s leaders who amplified the voices for ALL communities,” said Kevin Mattson, President and CEO of San Ysidro Health. “Our commitment to this project goes beyond the initial installation at our clinic as it’ll be a central piece that unites the National City community and speaks to the collective work we do to build healthy communities that flourish.”

Covid Treatments Readily Available, But Access Disparities Still Huge

By Sunita Sohra Bj/emS

“Test and treat, and you can beat COVID!”

As Californians brace for a winter surge of COVID infections, that’s the message of Dr. Rita Nguyen, speaking at an online news conference on behalf of the California Department of Public Health’s COVID 19 Treatments Task Force.

Her message was echoed by four frontline medical practitioners serving some of the most vulnerable populations in the state.

“We are in the winter surge,” said Dr. Nguyen, who directs the Population Health Division of CDPH. “We are already seeing increases in hospitalization rates for COVID. Rates are increasing and we expect to see even more as we head through December.”

But there is a unique opportunity to address the crisis head-on, Nguyen emphasized. “This is the first winter surge of a three-year pandemic where we actually have treatments that are highly effective, readily available, and free to anyone over the age of 12.”

The challenge, Nguyen noted, is that most people aren’t accessing the treatments.

Paxlovid, or its alternative Molnupiravir, are antivirals and they are free to everyone, even those who lack health insurance or are undocumented. Remdesivir, which is given via infusions, is not free: costs vary with the level of insurance coverage. All three treatments are time sensitive. Paxlovid or Molnupiravir, must be started within the first five days after symptoms start; remdesivir must be started within seven days.

Timely treatment can prevent the severity of the infection by 50% to 88%. Even among those who are vaccinated, it decreases risk of long-term COVID, by 45% to 50%. Paxlovid treatment in 2022 alone averted an estimated 16,000 – 48,000 severe hospitalizations in California, and an estimated 10,000 deaths, according to Nguyen.

But while treatment supplies are plentiful, access challenges remain huge.

The digital divide Dr. Daniel Turner-Lloveras, executive director of the Latino Coalition for Health Equity, believes lack of internet access and digital skills may be the biggest obstacle.

He cited the case of his mother who recently tested positive for COVID-19. She had phoned her clinic to try to get a doctor but had been waiting all day for a return phone call. Turner Lloveras also called his mother’s clinic, but was forced to leave a voice mail which was not returned.

“As a physician, I am very aware of the benefits of getting early treatment with Paxlovid,” he said. When he sent

a message to the clinic’s online patient portal, he got a call back within an hour. “It made me realize that almost every social determinant of health now is enveloped by the need to have internet access and the ability to navigate the World Wide Web.”

More than 35% of Latino workers have no digital skills, and 20% have just limited digital skills, TurnerLloveras added, noting that digital inclusion now impacts most factors in modern society, including the ability to get a job and support a family.

“Without digital literacy and digital skills, you’re offering gas to a family that has no car. Telehealth is a valuable resource but cannot be used without those skills.”

Dr. Oliver Brooks, chief medical officer of the Watts Healthcare Corporation in Los Angeles, concurred with Turner-Lloveras. He noted that 1 out of 5 Black households have no internet access, limiting their ability to access healthcare in a timely manner. He stressed the importance of testing as soon as any symptom appears: runny nose, cough, gastric distress, fever, and other conditions.

The Black community has much lower rates of treatment, not because it wasn’t accessible, but because it isn’t offered to them, said Brooks. “Treatment doesn’t work if you don’t take it or get offered it. So as a person you need to advocate, you need to know about treatments and then say, ‘I tested positive. Do I take this pill? Do I take something?’”

According to new data from the CDPH shared by Dr. Nguyen, 37% of White patients who presented with COVID symptoms received treatment, while only 20% of Black people got access to care.

Treatment for older adults, rural communities One of the most vulnerable populations are adults who are 65 years and older and account for nearly 90% of COVID deaths.

Dr. Wynnelena Canio, who specializes in geriatric medicine at Kaiser Permanente in Petaluma, Ca., and is an advisor with the California Department of Aging, noted that “as people age, we accumulate chronic

conditions that cause us to have decreased reserves with which to compensate or recover from stressors such as infection.

“A lot of older adults become more frail, losing more muscle mass and becoming more dependent on others after hospitalization. That in turn leads to more disability and possible institutionalization.”

Early treatment of any conditions in older adults has proven to have better outcomes, Canio emphasized. That includes especially getting the new updated boosters, which only 12% of Americans overall have received.

Dr. Jasmeet Kaur Bains, a family physician from Kern County in California’s Central Valley, who was just elected to the California State Assembly, spoke about the challenges in accessing health care for rural residents.

Bains, who grew up in the county, said when she was a child, a pediatrician could usually be seen within a day. Today, it can take two to three months.

The pandemic brought accelerated rates of retirement for doctors and skyrocketing unemployment rates. As people lost their jobs, they also lost health insurance coverage, Bains noted. Language barriers added to the access challenges. Many resources were not available in Spanish or Punjabi, two commonly spoken languages in Kern County. Added to this, issues like poor air quality and resulting lung disease led to high levels of hospitalization and deaths in her region.

“The lens needs to be focused here. The surge is real, it’s happening and it’s at the detriment of areas like rural California.”

Access issues notwithstanding, all five physicians agreed that getting tested and treated early is the message underserved communities need to hear.

“Don’t wait till the illness gets worse,” said Nguyen. “If you start feeling a runny nose, cough, or generally not like yourself, act fast and take a COVID test. If you test positive, seek treatment right away.”

Discerning the synodality path for Filipinos, Final Part

implied “wrongness” whenever the West questions spectacles of popular devotions like that of the Black Nazarene of Quiapo, Our Lady of Manaoag (Pangasinan) and Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga City. The Philippines is a country with ancient religions and culture that has been influenced by foreign cultures.

continue to struggle to rid the country from the clutches of the Eagle and the Cross will be enamored to rejoin society. The Philippines much like Western democracies are nations divided for political and religious contexts. It behooves the politicians and the clergy, then, to have a new paradigm.

of religion and must be imbued into the consciousness of the Filipino people for them to serve the people better. Only then, that the Oath of Office would really mean what it says. “Preserve and defend its Constitution, execute its laws, AND DO JUSTICE TO EVERY MAN, and consecrate myself to the service of the Nation.”

his people and rediscovery of love for their neighbor as central to a Christian life (Missio Inter Gentes).

In the final analysis, discerning the synodality path for Filipinos requires a deeper understanding of where they’ve been and having such knowledge will contribute greatly to mapping out the way forward. Christ’s call for missionary work preaching the Gospel to nations (Missio Ad Gentes) has been accomplished, for all intents and purposes, in the Philippines. Unlike in the earlier centuries when Europeans planted the Cross in many parts of the world, today missionaries from outside the European continent are leading the way. The Philippines has produced more priests that have preached to nations about the Good News.

The Philippines is 81% Catholic and another 10% of other Christian denominations. With these numbers, it is now proper to turn inward, if you will, and help Filipinos have a better life. Over 90% of Filipinos have known Jesus Christ or are Christians. It’s pointless to continue with trying to achieve 100% because Muslim Mindanao has stood its

ground for centuries and should just let it be.

About a slightly higher number of Filipinos literally live in poverty. It is no coincidence that countries colonized by Spain are poor or financially dependent on rich Western countries through a democratic concept called neoliberalism. The Philippine Catholic Church can embark on a new role through Missio Inter Gentes (mission among other nations) and to preach within through dialogues with its own people and living their evangelical values.

Missio Inter Gentes advocates that missionaries serve people with respect, and humbly share their lives without any trace of arrogance or superiority, just as Jesus did. This will go a long way in the Philippines. The question, however, is how do the Philippine Catholic Church navigate through the discordant voices and multiculturality?

One way is to define what popular Catholicism is in the Philippines. This is necessary to dispel the

Call it Catholicism, Filipino style, there needs to be a recognition of these ancient influences that clearly inspired the country’s heroes during the revolutions. Perhaps Filipino Catholicism is indeed a hybrid but distinctly Filipino.

Religion, however, should no longer impede people’s progress and attainment of basic human rights. On the contrary, it should be integrated into the political, the economical, and the educational for it to prosper. Paul Freire, a Brazilian educator contributed a teaching pedagogy that education should allow the oppressed to regain their sense of humanity, in turn overcoming their condition. Similarly, that the oppressors must be willing to rethink their way of life and to examine their own role in oppression, if true liberation is to occur.

Perhaps by reorienting Filipino Catholicism where the common Tao of the masses is central, that those in the fringes of society and those who

It is important for the Philippine clergy to help the government Cross the Jordan River and hope that water will flow too after such crossing. Salvation is important, but in a material world, deliverance from poverty is just as sacrosanct. For most Filipinos, poverty exemplifies what is wrong with Philippine society where it is the poor who suffer the brunt of poverty, disparities in diseases and access to quality healthcare and education.

The economic model where lots of money can be made from the bottom of the pyramid needs to be turned on its head by mandating better wages for salaried workers, better health care, and providing tax incentives to encourage investment into poor communities. The Church can no longer proceed as if the political can be separated from religion, but it does not mean getting into the mud with politics like endorsing candidates.

If a political leader is Catholic, a Christian, then they must be held accountable to the ethical aspects

Clearly, the country could no longer turn back the clock or push back the toothpaste from its tube. The colonists brought good things to the country too in many areas and aspects of society. They should not be discarded but rather improved upon while applying the lenses of nationalism. Every Filipino has his or her own genius, authenticity and spirit that needs reawakening to redirect a national spirit towards helping the bigger community move forward. The Church as a community, is a place to start.

Which brings us to liberation theology that Gustavo Gutiérrez Merino, a Dominican Priest advocated and pioneered in Peru and the rest of Latin America out of "social concern for the poor and political liberation for oppressed people.” He was clearly ahead of his time because while the rest of the world focused on expanding the reach and gold of the Catholic Church (Missio Ad Gentes), Fr. Guttierrez focused on the reality of

Gutierrez theology zeroed in on the source of the problems in Latin America – the sin manifested in an unjust culture and defective social structures. If this sounds familiar it is because Pope Francis hammered on this similar theme about corporate greed, about trickle down economics. Liberation theology as espoused by Gutierrez emphasized the dignity of the poor “by prioritizing the glory of God present in them.”

Latin American countries mirror that of the Philippines in terms of the poor’s share of poverty, not only economically but spiritually. Why not apply Gutierrez liberation praxis and attempt to rectify the process by which the faith of the Church builds the economic, spiritual and intellectual liberation of socially oppressed peoples as fulfillment of the kingdom of God?

Lastly, Paulo Freire in his seminal work in “Pedagogy of the Oppressed,” he intoned that “No pedagogy which is truly liberating can remain distant from the oppressed by treating them as unfortunates and by presenting for their emulation models from among the oppressors. The oppressed must be their own example in the struggle for their redemption.”

Top photo shows Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis, Kevin Mattson, CEO of San Ysidro Health Clinic and Mario Torrero, artist and community leaders in the Hispanic and Filipino-American communities who led the unveiling of a new mural in National City honoring Civil Rights Leaders Larry Itliong, Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Photo by Zen Ply)

MIF bill OK’d by 90% of House members as co-authors

MANILA -- The House of Representatives on Thursday night overwhelmingly approved the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) bill with 90 percent, or 282 out of the 312 House members, officially named as its co-authors.

House Bill No. 6608 was approved on final reading with 279 affirmative votes, six against and no abstentions after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. certified the passage of the bill as urgent.

The approval of the bill came after exhaustive floor deliberations on the measure - including nearly three hours of interpellation Wednesday night by Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman - that led to further fine-tuning of the provisions, which even former critics acknowledged to have resulted in a “much better and improved version” of the bill.

Speaker Martin Romualdez, the principal author of the bill, said the amendments introduced to the measure, especially the inclusion of more safeguards against possible abuse and fraud, “is our way of addressing the concerns of our people.”

“The proposed sovereign wealth fund will help President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. keep the country on the high-growth path. We want to assure the public that the management of the fund will follow best practices and the principles of transparency and accountability,” he said.

He assured that the bill, as finalized, would insulate the MIF from political influence.

The final version of the proposed law lists the Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corp. (PAGCOR) and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as MIF contributors.

Their initial contributions are PHP50 billion for Land Bank, PHP25 billion for and 100 percent of dividends the BSP will give the national government.

PAGCOR’s share will be 10 percent of gross gaming revenues.

Upon the Speaker’s instruction, the House has removed the Social Security System and Government Service Insurance System, which are pension funds for the private sector and government workers respectively, from the list of contributors due to concerns raised by their members.

The bill creates the MIF Corp., which will have a board of directors that would manage the fund. The board will be composed of the secretary of Finance as chair, along with the Land Bank president, DBP president, seven members to be nominated by MIF contributors commensurate to their contributions and four independent directors.

The number of independent directors on the board was increased from two to four to widen private sector representation. These directors should have no conflict of interest in relation to the fund.

Operational expenses of the corporation shall not exceed 2 percent of the funds managed.

The MIF Corp. would have an advisory body composed of the secretary of the Department of Budget and Management, director general of the National Economic and Development Authority and the National Treasurer.

The body’s tasks include advising

and assisting the board of directors in formulating general policies on investment and risk management.

The corporation would have an internal and an external auditor, aside from being subjected to examination by the Commission on Audit.

The bill lists “allowable investments” as foreign currencies, metals, fixed-income instruments, domestic and foreign corporate bonds, equities, real estate, infrastructure projects, loans and guarantees and joint ventures or coinvestments.

The measure prescribes a graduated scheme of fines as penalty for various offenses such as internal auditor collusion, acting as intermediaries for graft and corrupt practices and engaging in graft and corrupt acts, ranging from PHP80,000 to PHP5 million.

Violations of any of the other provisions of the law or its amendments not otherwise specifically penalized therein shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than six years, but not more than 20 years, and by a fine of not less than PHP1 million to PHP3 million but not more than twice the value of the monetary instrument or property involved in the offense.

The proposed law mandates the National Treasurer, in consultation with the founding government financial institutions, to issue the implementing rules and regulations.

Marcos secures P9.8-B investment pledges from Brussels trip

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday night announced that the Philippines has acquired PHP9.8 billion worth of investment pledges from European business executives after his three-day participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-European Union (ASEANEU) Commemorative Summits in Brussels, Belgium.

Marcos and his delegation arrived at 6:58 p.m. at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

In his arrival speech, Marcos described his trip as “productive” and “successful” following plans of European companies to expand their businesses in the Philippines.

“I am also pleased to announce that European business confidence in the Philippines is high as evidenced by the expansion plans of European companies that we met in the sectors of fast-moving consumer goods, in shipbuilding, renewable energy and green metals. An estimated investment pledge of around PHP9.8 billion has been received,” he said.

He said he had “fruitful discussions” with ASEAN and EU member states’ leaders where they exchanged views on what is in store for ASEAN-EU cooperation, particularly on areas of mutual interest and concern such as connectivity, trade, digital transition, food security, climate change and geopolitics, among others.

“I was honored to deliver one of the opening remarks during the Commemorative Summit, in which I was proud to note the recent milestones in ASEAN-EU relations under the Philippines’ coordinatorship – the adoption of the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action for 2023 to 2027 and the successful conclusion of the first-ever Summit between ASEAN and EU Leaders,”

he said.

During the 10th ASEAN-EU Business Summit, he also shared the Philippines’ perspective on deepening ASEAN-EU trade through efforts in sustainable development.

He, likewise, met with several business leaders from different European companies throughout the week.

“All of them committed to be a part of our development and our economic growth, particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure, food security [and] climate change initiatives. With European technology and innovation with Filipino talent and ingenuity and industry, we will be working on addressing some of our key economic challenges,” he added.

Marcos said he met various leading shipowners all over Europe and got their commitment to helping the Philippines hurdle some of the challenges in our seafarers’ European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) accreditation through the creation of an advisory council composed of concerned government agencies, international and local shipowners and other stakeholders.

He also met with the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen where he got to explain the Philippines’ efforts to comply with EMSA standards.

“She [von der Leyen] made a promise that the Commission itself would provide technical help to us so that within the three months –we have a three-month deadline – within the three months that we will be able to remedy all of the deficiencies that EMSA has been pointing out and hopefully we finally solve this problem,” he said.

The Philippine delegation, he said, also organized a business roundtable that served as an important catalyst for the renewed relations between the Philippines and the EU business communities.

“I was joined by the economic managers and other Cabinet members where I announced our recent game-changing laws that aim to transform our business environment significantly in favor of investors and support for inward foreign direct investments,” he said.

Marcos said he was granted an audience with the King of Belgium, who fondly recalled his visit to the Philippines many years ago.

He also invited the King to visit the Philippines again.

He held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the European Council, the European Commission, Estonia, Sweden, Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Spain, with whom he identified many possible areas of further development and future partnerships.

He also met with fellow Filipinos living in Belgium and nearby European countries like Italy, Poland and Germany.

“It was a very fulfilling event as I was able to personally thank them for their support. I was also able to hear their concerns and update them on the priorities of this administration,” he said.

Cold

Meanwhile, Marcos said a “downside” of his Brussels trip was dealing with colds while delivering

MAHARLIKA

CA nods appointments of 3 Cabinet men, 2 poll execs, 6 envoys, 54 AFP officers

MANILA -- The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday confirmed the ad interim appointments of three Cabinet secretaries, two Commission on Elections commissioners, six Department of Foreign Affairs officials and 54 senior military officers.

After being bypassed in September, the nominations of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Human Settlements and Urban Development Jose Rizalino Acuzar, and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan were finally approved by the bicameral body.

Comelec Commissioners Nelson Java Celis and Ernest Ferdinand Maceda Jr. also secured the approval of the commission.

Celis and Maceda will sit as poll commissioners until February 2,2029.

The following foreign affairs executives were also approved by the CA:

Irene Susan Natividad: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of Germany

Bernard Faustino Dy: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Swiss Confederation, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Principality of Liechtenstein

Lemuel Lopez: Foreign Service Officer, Class II

Elizabeth Ramos: Foreign Service Officer, Class II

Catherine Alpay: Foreign Service Officer, Class II

Nadine Rosario Morales: Foreign Service Officer, Class II

Further, the commission has also approved the promotions of the following military officers:

Dionido Napalang to the rank of colonel, Medical Corps

Christopher Ciubal to the rank of colonel, Judge Advocate General Service

Harley Flores to the rank of colonel, Chaplain Service

Leo Balanlay to the rank of colonel, Chaplain Service

Arnel Ulay to the rank of colonel, Philippine Navy-Marines

Gerald Monfort to the rank of colonel, Philippine Army

Achilles dela Cruz to the rank of colonel, Philippine Army

Julius Librada to the rank of colonel, Philippine Army

Herbert Dilag to the rank of colonel, Philippine Army

Nereo Julius Ramirez to the rank of colonel, Medical Administrative Corps

Tim Kenneth Bansig to the rank of colonel, Judge Advocate General Service

Rommel Bognalbal to the rank of colonel, Philippine Navy-Marines

Arnold Barcelon to the rank of captain, Philippine Navy

Caesar Lubaton to the rank of colonel, Philippine Air Force

Roger Al-Rahim Linzag to the rank of colonel, Medical Administrative Corps

Thorsten Ajello Bautista to the rank of colonel, Philippine Air Force

Ryan Celino to the rank of colonel, Corps of Professors

Welmer Base to the rank of captain, Philippine Navy

Napoleon Agoncillo Jr. to the rank of colonel, Philippine Army

Rommel Cabanayan to the rank of colonel, Philippine Army

Calixto Cadano Jr. to the rank of colonel, Philippine Army

Anthony Sibayan to the rank of captain, Philippine Navy

Eduardo Castillo to the rank of captain, Philippine Army

Gregorio Bugarin to the rank of colonel, Philippine Air Force

Jovencio Gonzales to the rank of Brigadier General Marissa Arlene Martinez to the rank of captain, Philippine Navy

Fatima Claire Navarro to the rank of Brigadier General Domingo Chua Jr. to the rank of colonel, Medical Corps

Juan Nepomuceno Anglo Jr. to the rank of colonel, Medical Administrative Corps

Audilon Milan to the rank of colonel, Judge Advocate General Service

Arturo Palma Jr. to the rank of colonel, Philippine Army

Geoffrey Carandang to the rank of colonel, Philippine Army

Roberto Beatisula Jr. to the rank of colonel, Philippine Army Marlon Hardillo to the rank of colonel, Philippine Air Force

Alan Espela to the rank of colonel, Philippine Army Eric Anthony Camacho to the rank of colonel, Veterinary Corps

Joel Cabanero to the rank of colonel, Judge Advocate General Service

Dennis Estrella to the rank brigadier general

Christine Marie Bayaona to the rank of colonel, Philippine Army Marvin Suficiencia to the rank of colonel, Philippine Air Force

Nomar Alinsangan to the rank of colonel, Philippine Air Force Elvira Gonzalez to the rank of captain, Philippine Navy

Rumel Flojo to the rank of colonel, Philippine Air Force -Joselito Munar to the rank of colonel, Philippine Air Force Alfredo Antonio Jr. to the rank of colonel, Philippine Air Force

Vedasto Cabales Jr. to the rank of colonel, Philippine Army

Wilfredo Martin Jr. to the rank of colonel, Philippine Army

Dominic Tulen to the rank of captain, Philippine Navy

Maynard Mariano to the rank of colonel, Philippine Air Force

Bernard Zildo Fernandez to the rank of colonel, Philippine Army

Noli Ibanez to the rank of captain, Philippine Navy

Rowen Tolentino to the rank of lieutenant general

Moises Nayve Jr. to the rank of brigadier general Alfrederick Alba to the rank of captain, Philippine Navy

Minors can't be registered SIM card owners: regulator

Minors can’t register as owners of SIM cards, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said Thursday.

All mobile subscribers are required to enroll their SIM cards within 180 or 6 months from the effectivity of the SIM Card Registration law on Dec. 27. Failure to register within this period will result in the deactivation of SIM cards.

“Pinagbababawal po ng batas kasi yung SIMs ay irehistro sa pangalan po ng menor de edad,” NTC consultant Edgardo Cabarrios said.

“Pagka po ang magpaparehistro ay menor de edad, kailangan pong magpresenta siya ng consent ng magulang o guardian kasi sa magulang o guardian ipapangalan po yung SIM,” he said.

Foreign tourists who buy SIM cards in the Philippines will also have to

register, Cabarrios said.

“Ipipresenta po kasi yung passport, nandoon po yung visa at naroon yung stay niya, number of days dito sa Pilipinas, tapos yung proof of address kung saan siya titira, hotel or whatever ano, condominium, et cetera--basta meron pong address,” he said.

Their SIM cards will be active for 30 days, Cabarrios noted.

“Kung mae-extend yung kanyang stay, magpipresenta lang po sila ng proof na na-extend yung stay niya para ma-extend po yung validity nung SIM na binili niya dito sa Pilipinas,” he added.

SIM cards could be registered online by filling up forms on the websites of telecommunications companies.

The law does not limit the number of SIM cards a Filipino can register, Cabarrios said. But he noted that the public would be held responsible for all SIM cards registered under their names.

“Dapat maging responsable ka, e kasi pagka sa nagamit yan, hindi ko alam, for illegal activities, ikaw ang primary suspect eh. So mag-ingat lang po. Magparehistro ng karampatang numero, yung kaya mong i-monitor, kaya mong bantayan,” he said.

'Balikatan' 2023 to include livefire drills in urban terrain

The 2023 iteration of the annual "Balikatan" joint exercises between American and Filipino troops will have a segment dedicated to operations in urban terrain.

"The 2023 iteration of 'Balikatan' is projected to include field training exercises composed of combined and live-fire exercises and military operations in urban terrain," Philippine Army (PA) spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Tuesday night.

No other details were provided for security reasons. Urban terrain refers to heavily populated areas like towns or cities or locations densely packed with buildings and other infrastructure.

Trinidad made the statement after the PA joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and US Armed Forces’ Indo-Pacific Command (Indopacom) planners in threshing out the final details of next year's "Balikatan".

"The final planning conference (was held) at the AFP Education, Training and Doctrine Command, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on December 12, 2022," he added.

"Balikatan" is an annual exercise between the AFP and Indopacom geared at enhancing both forces' interoperability. "The annual bilateral activity is also aimed at strengthening the capacity and competencies of both forces in a spectrum of military operations such as counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster response," Trinidad said.

In this year's "Balikatan" exercises, around 3,800 members of the AFP and 5,100 US military personnel -- the largest number of combined personnel of the two militaries in the annual exercise since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in 2020.

The Philippines and US exercise forces employed more than 50 aircraft, four ships, 10 amphibious craft, four high mobility artillery rocket system launchers, and four Patriot missile systems during "Balikatan" 2022.

This year’s exercise also included approximately 40 personnel from the Australian Defense Force. (MNS)

WAITING AREA. Elderly beneficiaries sit in line during the social pension distribution of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in partnership with the QC Social Services Development Department and the Office for the Senior Citizens Affairs in Barangay Bahay Toro, Quezon City on Tuesday (Dec. 13, 2022). This is a simultaneous distribution in District 1 of the city. (MNS photo)

FUTURE PLANS. The Mandaluyong City government conducts the college fair "Be Academically Aware: A Scholastic Guide to Shape Our Future" attended by 34 universities and colleges from the National Capital Region at Mandaluyong City Hall on Saturday (Dec. 10, 2022). Graduating senior high school students may visit the booths that can help them decide on their college plans. (MNS photo)

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Season’s greetings!

Christmas is a time of year that people of all backgrounds and beliefs celebrate. This can be interpreted in many different ways depending on your perspective.

One person may observe it as a religious holiday, another as a tradition, and some might not even recognize it at all. Whatever you give credence to or don’t believe, there is something for everyone to enjoy this December.

From a religious perspective, here is what Christmas actually means: Christmas is a holiday that falls within the Christian faith. Christmas is celebrated annually on December 25th to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

It is a time for Christians to remember his birth, his life and teachings from the Bible.

Christians believe in the eternal life that Jesus Christ offers them after death, and they solemnize this faith through a holiday celebration.

Christians mark Christmas because it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and acknowledge their faith by reaffirming their belief in him as their savior.

The church celebrates by worshipping through services held on Christmas Eve, going to midnight mass, or attending live nativity scenes at churches during the month of December.

Though there are many interpretations of what Christmas means for Christians, they all believe its foundation is rooted in memorializing Jesus Christ’s birthday and saving grace.

The traditional viewpoint for many people is that Christmas is a time of year for family and friends to come together and celebrate. It’s a season filled with happiness and cheer because it’s the one time of the year where families can be together.

Christmas is also about giving back to those who are less fortunate.

This tradition stems from the story of Jesus telling his followers to go feed the hungry and clothes the naked during this time.

And, even though it might not

be as popular these days, there is still a lot of emphasis on charitable donations during this time of year as well.

The goal of Christmas is to spread goodwill and joy here and there and create bonds with those around you.

People try to help their relatives feel like they’re appreciated and loved by doing things such as baking cookies or making sure they have enough presented under their tree for them when they come home from work or school after break.

For a non-believer's perspective – and for some people, too –Christmas is just another, regular day. They don’t believe in any shape or form of the holiday and just see it as a time to spend with family and friends.

For these individuals, Christmas is usually filled with nothing more than normal traditions like exchanging gifts, eating large meals, and watching movies.

They may observe it for the sake of celebrating and because they care about their loved ones.

If you don’t believe in any form of religion or spiritualism, there’s always something for you this December!

There are many other events that happen every year during the holidays that can be enjoyed without any religious connotations whatsoever.

No doubts about it, Christmas is a time of year that evokes a sense of joy and happiness in many people. Children, in particular, feel this festive feeling as they anticipate the big day.

They look forward to waking up on Christmas morning to see what Santa has left for them under the tree.

But how do the youth really view Christmas? From their outlook, it can be interpreted as a day where they receive gifts from Santa and get to spend quality time with their family.

Children look forward to this holiday all year round and enjoy celebrating it by playing games together, observing traditions, and

Despite issues on energy and labor, Unilever said it would recoup through automation and digital transformation, where Filipinos excel.

most importantly making memories with loved ones.

However, from an adult’s point of view, Christmas is more than just about receiving presents or spending time with loved ones.

It’s also about the spirit of giving, which is an important message for children to learn early on in life.

Many youngsters may not understand this conceptually, but they still have that sense of joy when participating in these activities because they have been consorted into that culture by their parents or guardians.

For my two cents, the night before or Christmas Eve is powerful. At least it is for me.

Hearing the music at my church on this day moves me. It’s stirring and beautiful. I love to see so many families there together, dressed in their Christmas best. The parable of the holy family – searching for a place to give birth and being welcomed into a stable – has always struck me as charming in its simplicity, but also troubling in its poignancy. To think that the only place a family could find to give birth was in a stable…

building "smart infrastructure that is sustainable, mitigating, adapting, resilient and transformative."

So many families tonight will seek refuge and find none. So many people will be alone. And yes, so many will be together – caring for one another, honoring one another, and getting ready for the screeching and celebrating that comes with this special holiday.

But it is this holy night that always feels most special to me. After Santa has done his work, I’ll sit in silence listening to Christmas songs. I’ll listen to music that brings me joy and, yes, chords that makes me cry, too. I’ll think about the moments when people welcomed me in. I’ll think about moments of meaning, connection and joy. And, yes, I’ll think about those moments when I came to realize that certain things, I wished to be unquestionable were no longer.

My wish for you this holiday is to sit in the power of the moment. My gift to you then is this perspective on the best Christmas acts of kindness for families. And here are some ideas to help your household reach out to help others. So, round up your children and join our conspiracy of kindness during these holidays. Say, how about helping a local

charity by donating to their food pantry? Take some time to explain why families might need to use a food bank and then go shopping together. Let the children pick out most of the items. Explain that you want to buy healthy food but encourage the youngster to include a few treats as well. If possible, have your children accompany you when you drop the sustenance at the food bank.

Or take supplies to an animal shelter; save up some change and put them in the Salvation Army bucket. Take part in a local charitable service such as Santa’s Anonymous or Toys for Tots. Deliver or donate blankets to those who sleep in the cold.

I must admit, too – one of the best Christmas acts of kindness is saying “Thank you”. Leave a gift for your mail carrier…. How about those cute elf kisses or these treat bags. Have a family baking party and make your favorite treats. Then give them to people that work for the community such as nurses, police, and fire-fighters. Write thank you notes to people who go all out to decorate their yard and house with illuminations. Thank them for lighting up the neighborhood.

How about giving the gift of time, too? Volunteer to help someone wrap gifts, perhaps an elderly neighbor who has stiff hands or a young parent that could use the assistance. Or do yard work or shovel snow for a neighbor. If your family attends a religious service at Christmas, you might also offer to drive others. There are many folks without cars who would appreciate a warm ride to and from these events.

Call the leaders of your religious

said.

institution to find out if they know of anyone who needs a ride, Invite a single person for a meal. The holiday season can be hard time of year for those who are alone. These might include international students, seniors with no family, or singles that can’t get home. Approach your church leaders, university chaplains or student services groups to find out who might be facing the prospect of a lonely Christmas.

Or maybe take a Christmas plant to someone who doesn’t get outside very much or sing

Christmas carols/songs for your neighbors.

Offer babysitting to young families. This time of year can be challenging for young parents. An afternoon of free baby-siting can be godsend. You can do this as a family as most children enjoy looking after little ones for a short period of time.

The countdown to Christmas can be a wonderful time for families. It is a chance to make memories and have fun together, Adding in some acts of kindness will certainly turn this holiday into a time of giving and that is a powerful way to ward off the “gimme monsters,” so to speak.

So, starting tomorrow – are we all going to be doing one random act of kindness each day until Christmas? Let’s all keep the ideas simple enough so that our kids can be involved as much as possible and I hope to be able to help them understand the true meaning of Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you all! Enjoy and Happy Holidays, too! Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men!! Amen!!!

Unilever officials at the Sofitel Brussels Europe Hotel.

Among these policy changes are the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Law, which will allow companies to provide competitive incentives and the removal of foreign ownership restrictions on undertakings aimed at harnessing renewable sources of energy that had been previously capped at 40 percent.

The President said forging strong partnerships is one of the centerpieces of the administration’s policies, focusing more on publicprivate partnerships (PPPs), joint ventures and all kinds of tie-ups to encourage investment in the Philippines.

He said he wanted to have a meeting with Unilever officials to listen to them and assess policy directions to make investment easier for the company.

Unilever Leadership Executive member and Business Group President Ice Cream Matt Close, for his part, described the multibillionpeso investment as “proof of their commitment to the Philippines, which they consider as one of Unilever’s important locations for investments.”

"Unilever officials said that in the last three years, they invested heavily in their Philippine factories, with an eye on using renewable energy and ensuring sustainability,” the press release read.

Renewable energy investment pledge

Meanwhile, Marcos also secured an investment pledge on renewable energy and infrastructure from Acciona, a Spanish multinational firm specializing in the development and management of infrastructure and renewable energy.

He acknowledged that "there has been a lot of progress in that regard, but we need to do more in terms of building up our renewables."

"There is this move to renewables, so we have to adjust… we'll have to increase our capacity for production," said the President.

"These are all relevant to the Philippines, and I hope that I'll be able to see you there... your operations in these specific areas," he told Acciona officials.

Acciona’s commitment coincides with the lifting of the 40 percent equity cap for foreign firms in renewable energy projects, particularly those for the solar and offshore wind sectors.

Acciona officials, led by Chairman Jose Manuel Entrecanales, are also looking at Manila as their main hub in the Southeast Asian region.

"To the extent of our possibilities… we are comfortable in your country. We find it welcoming and business-friendly, so we would like to make the Philippines one of our -- if not our main hub for the Southeast Asia," Entrecanales said.

Acciona gave assurance to

Acciona is the principal contractor for the second section of the railway line that will connect Malolos City with Clark International Airport in the Philippines, 50 miles north of Manila. The contract is valued at USD656 million.

In September last year, the EUbased firm completed the 650-meterlong Cebu-Cordova cable-stayed bridge in the Philippines, which links Cebu City and Mactan Airport.

Other pledges

Aside from Unilever and Acciona, Marcos also met with business leaders from other Europeanbased companies namely Ocea and Semmaris.

Ocea is a French multinational company that specializes in maritime safety, security and navigation as well as shipbuilding and integrated logistics support.

“The company plans to develop a shipyard in the Philippines with an investment of PHP1.5 billion which is expected to create 500 to 600 direct and indirect jobs,” according to Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM) on its official Facebook page.

Semmaris is a France-based company that manages the Rungis International Market, the world’s largest fresh produce market located in Paris, France.

The company also ensures the development, commercialization and promotion of the Market’s infrastructure, as well as the security of its tenants.

“As a logistics hub management

company, Semmaris plans to develop an agro-logistics service in New Clark City, Tarlac that will build and operate a wholesale market for fresh products with an organized and efficient food supply and value chain,” RTVM said.

After meeting with business executives, Marcos is scheduled to participate in the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit where he is expected to speak on several occasions at the plenary.

He will also be joining European Council President Charles Michel, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia in a press conference after the Summit proper.

EU urged to continue supporting ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday (Brussels time) urged European Union (EU) member states to continue extending support to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), citing how Southeast Asia is globally considered one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change.

He made this call in his opening remarks as country coordinator of the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit in Brussels.

"We are currently losing huge chunks of our natural resources at a rate difficult to repair and impossible to replenish in our lifetime. The ACB's work is vital in preserving and growing ASEAN's rich natural heritage which serves as a main pillar of our culture and our economy," he

The ACB, which is based in Los Baños, Laguna, is an intergovernmental organization that facilitates cooperation and coordination with the 10 ASEAN member states and international organizations on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.

Marcos said the Philippines would "vigorously pursue collaboration and coordination" with the EU to facilitate green technology transfer and cooperation between the two blocs.

"It is a race against time to conserve and prevent habitat and biodiversity loss," he said, lamenting how climate change "threatens to radically transform for the worse many vulnerable ASEAN landscapes."

He likewise expressed keenness in forging a closer maritime cooperation between ASEAN and the EU based on the "intersection of priority areas between the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, underpinned by ASEAN Centrality."

"Beyond declaring respect and support for UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) as the legal framework that governs all activities in the oceans and seas, we need to see an effective application of the UNCLOS to address the maritime disputes and geopolitical rivalry in the Indo-Pacific to truly realize the still-distant aspiration for the IndoPacific to become a sea of peace and prosperity for us all," he said.

Marcos sought closer bloc-tobloc relations, especially "at this time of economic recovery from the ravages caused by the pandemic and the current threats on the supply chain."

He also expressed hope to see the proposed Philippine-EU Free Trade Agreement move beyond scoping negotiations soon.

During the ASEAN-EU working luncheon with EU leaders and businessmen, Marcos called for “more progress” in the commitment of rich nations to set up a "loss and damage" fund to support poorer countries severely impacted by climate change.

He recognized the agreement of nearly 200 countries at the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to create a funding mechanism to compensate vulnerable nations for "loss and damage" from climaterelated disasters but noted that many questions remain unanswered.

"We really would like to see much more progress in terms of that, the financing, with the mitigation and the adjustment of our countries who are at great risk to the effects of climate change,” he said in his speech.

Marcos has repeatedly guaranteed that the Philippines' resiliency and adaptation to the "new normals" of climate change are on top of his administration's national agenda.

The Philippines has been the ASEAN-EU country coordinator since 2021 and will stay in that role until 2024. (MNS)

speeches and attending meetings.

“Ang naging downside lang ay nakakahiya ‘yung Presidente ninyo dahil noong nagsasalita ako papiyakpiyak ako na ano ganoon. Pero naintindihan naman daw nila. Sabi ko na lang sorry na lang dahil ‘yung mga winter ninyo hindi bagay sa

Pilipino ‘yan kaya kako nagkaganito (The only downside was that your President was embarrassing because when I spoke I would sound squeaky. But they said they understand. I just said I'm sorry because your winters are not suitable for Filipinos that's why you're like this),” he said.

In a chance interview with reporters, the President admitted that he used to handle the cold weather just fine.

“Dati ang tibay ko sa lamig eh. Ewan ko ano nangyari sa akin (I used to do fine in the cold. I don’t know what happened to me),” he said.

Earlier, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said top European leaders expressed admiration for Marcos’ dedication to attending all meetings despite catching a cold.

“Lahat po ng mga meeting niya

with the businessmen, pinuntahan niya ho kahit ho wala na siyang boses, talagang pinilit niya ho mabigay ‘yung mensahe niya. Sabi niya (All of his meetings with the businessmen, he went even though he no longer had a voice, he really insisted on giving his message. He said), the messages have to come from me as the President of the Philippines, inviting the investors,” he said. (MNS)

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

Professional Business Directory

Ask the DMV – ’Tis the season to utilize the DMV’s most convenient Online Services!

Intro: The DMV knows how busy the holiday season can be. You can renew your vehicle registration, update your address, chat with a DMV virtual assistant, and so much more from the convenience of your phone, computer, or tablet. Check some stress off your list this year by using the DMV’s Online Services to take care of your DMV to-do list while you’re getting your holiday shopping done.

Q1: I saw a DMV kiosk at my local grocery store. Can I use it if I can’t make it to a DMV office before the holidays?

A1: Yes! If you are unable

to make it to the DMV before the holiday season, you can use one of the hundreds of DMV kiosks located throughout the state to help complete your vehicle registration renewal, print registration tags instantly, submit proof of insurance, receive a driver or vehicle record, and more. Some are even open 24/7 and are located throughout communities in local grocery stores, libraries, and other convenient locations. Locate the DMV kiosk nearest to you here.

Q2: I will be moving next year, but I want to get my address updated on my driver’s license before the holidays. Can I change my address online?

A2: Yes, you can update your new address online as long as you

already have a valid California ID and your new residence is in the same state that you currently reside in. Before you begin, make sure you have:

• Both your old and new addresses.

• If changing the address for your vehicle or vessel, you will also need your most recent registration card and the address where your trailer coach or vessel is located (if applicable).

• A MyDMV account which can be created online.

Once you have all those items handy, you can start the application process to update your address at dmv.ca.gov/online.

Q3: What if I have an urgent question regarding DMV services, but I don’t have time to make it into an office before the holidays? Do I have any other options?

A3: Yes, a DMV virtual assistant is available 24/7 to help guide you and answer any questions about DMV services. Just click or tap the “Ask DMV” button in the bottom right corner of your screen. The DMV site also features a virtual field office allowing users to start transactions and upload any required documents, which are then reviewed by a DMV customer service agent before contacting you to finish the process.

For more information or answers to questions not listed here, please visit www.dmv.ca.gov/online

All DMV offices will be closed on Monday, December 26 –Christmas Day (Observed)*

• Note: DMV offices are closed on weekends.

* When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the holiday is observed on the following Monday.

The National City Police Department Holding DUI Checkpoint December 17th

NATIONAL CITY, CA – On December 17th, the National City Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint starting at 6pm at an undisclosed location.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired drivingrelated crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Motor Officer M. Lozano said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves

traffic safety.”

The National City Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Spiritual Life

Random thoughts about Christmas

It's Christmas once again! Enjoy and keep in mind the real reason for the Season: the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christmas is for children. But are we giving them the real gift for Christmas? We give them toys thinking that this will make them happy. We give them money hoping that they can shop for the things they need or they want. But will these gifts make them understand the real reason for the celebration of Christmas?

Christmas makes us long for home. But the cost of travel, especially to the Philippines is exorbitant. Many of us could not afford to go home. Besides going home for Christmas requires that our pocket are deep enough, our heart generous enough so we can give pasalubongs to our countless relatives and friends.

There is really something in Christmas which makes you nostalgic of days gone by. Memories of your childhood and of the good old days suddenly come unbidden. It gives you that lonely feeling that the passing of the years have left you bereft of affection.

Christmas creates in you a deep yearning to reach out to the people you love so much and to the people who have made life beautiful for you. You want to give them something, even a little

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera

My Personal Testimony

something to express what is in your heart.

As I think of my children, grandchildren, family and friends during this holiday season, these words flowed from my heart: Distance may separate us; our daily concerns may distract us; our health and immobility may challenge us and age may slow us down; but our love and concern for all of you remain constant in our hearts and in our thoughts.

My prayer: Our Most Loving God, as we celebrate the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ, we come to you with our hearts filled with thanksgiving for you have given us this time to reaffirm our faith that You have given us Your only begotten Son, so that we will have eternal life. We pray for your presence in our lives. We pray for your forgiveness for leaving undone those things that we ought

Be uprooted

If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, "Be uprooted and planted in the sea," and it will obey you (Luke 17:6).

The Master of Prayer encouraged small-faith disciples to go lumber jacking after big targets. Mountains and mulberry trees seem not to have much in common, but Jesus used both examples when he taught believers that a command in his name would force even fruit trees and mountains to take flying leaps.

Was Jesus teaching a lesson about physical displacement? Was he assuring his listeners that hardcore mountains are conquerable? Did their stubborn toehold in the earth have a correlation to his lesson?

In this teaching-moment, Jesus emphasizes always turning to God.

Jesus inspired his followers to expect results from bringing flecks of faith to God's creative palm. When confronted with this teaching, I wonder when I last boldly requested something, totally believing God would answer. When have I asked for something earthshaking, beyond my imagination?

Hindrances to my prayers happen daily, and I am the biggest obstacle. One downfall to my

Flow

prayer life is focusing only on what my physical eyes see. I see my bank account. I see the effects of cancer in a person. I see someone held captive in a debilitating sin. Physical sight blocks my "Sonsight"!

Another way I hinder prayer is by presenting God with solutions from my imagination. I dream up ways for him to "work" things out. That's when a leafy tree reminds me of Jesus' "mountain and mulberry" words.

A mulberry tree stands guard outside my breakfast-room window. In the spring, the tree is a flurry of leaves and feathers. As the berries ripen, I watch crows forage and blue jays dart in for fast food. On the windowsill, I prop up an index card that reminds me of Jesus' challenge-words, "You can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted.'"

I love that in his teaching, Jesus drew graphic word-pictures for

to have done. We pray that you will fill our hearts with hope, love and peace. May we serve as your instrument in caring for others, in comforting the sick and the infirm, in reaching out to the lonely, and in helping those who are in need of help. We also pray dear God, for our children and grandchildren. all of them have their own challenges and concerns but we are confident that your love will give them the strength and the confidence to face all of them. We pray for our leaders in government not only here in the USA and in the Philippines but throughout the world. Grant them wisdom, courage, and strength to translate into action, your message of peace and goodwill. May there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. Amen.

Merry Christmas to all! (aurorasorianocudal@gmail.com)

Greetings in the Lord!

Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. This means that we are very close to the most awaited day, the celebration of Christmas. In the past Sundays we have reflected on the need and the ways and means on how to prepare for the coming of the Lord. In order to refresh our memory, I mentioned in my homilies in the past first Sundays of Advent that the best way by which we can be vigilant and prepared for both comings of Jesus, namely, his final return in glory whereby he will judge the living and the dead and that of his first coming, his birth in Bethlehem, more than two thousand years ago, was to have repentance which is the basis of conversion. There were two activities that I proposed and which I saw many of you have responded so well. The first was the daily examination of our conscience which, in fact, was the first step in order to have a meaningful celebration of the second activity. The second activity was to be reconciled with the Lord in the sacrament of penance by going to confession. This year I have witnessed a real increase of the number of penitents who really went to confession during the season of advent. Thanks be to God!

Last Sunday we mentioned about the many miracles that God has made in showing his nature and the purpose of His will for man. Among his greatest miracles was the choice of Mary, a simple and ordinary maiden from Nazareth who was chosen from the beginning

of time to become the mother of the only Son of God. This choice of Mary was planned long before history and for that reason she was conceived without sin and remained ever a virgin even after giving birth to Jesus. Our celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patroness of the Americas, who revealed herself as the refuge of the oppressed people and the harbinger of true justice, hopefully has allowed us to realize that in spite of the many problems and difficulties that we are all encountering in this world today, there is real hope and this hope can make us confident to trust in God and depend on His loving mercy for he will never abandon His beloved people.

On this fourth Sunday of Advent we are given another example on how we should rely on God’s goodness and love for us. Our gospel reading today tells us how Joseph the courageous husband of Mary responded to the circumstance in which the birth of Jesus occurred.

In a culture where a man could easily leave behind a woman who may have been suspected of wrongdoing, as in the case of Mary having been found to be conceiving without have known a man in her life, Joseph opened himself to the guidance of an angel before he decided “divorce her quietly” in order not to expose her in shame. What a righteous and God fearing man was Joseph! He did not only respect Mary so highly, but truly believed in the real existence of God in his life. He was free to have followed the promptings of his emotions, but he instead listened to the guidance of an angel who appeared to him in a dream and said “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.” This could never have happened had Joseph not been a prayerful man.

Prayer, my dear brothers and sisters, is another way by which we can truly await and expect the coming of the Lord. Prayer here means, being open to the promptings of God in our lives, and not be easily affected by our senses and emotions in making important decisions. In a world so influenced by powerful media and other current technologies, let us make the example of Joseph, the Husband of Mary, as a model in making ourselves open to God so that we can forever to dependent on Him to guide in our life now and forever.

Several Filipino Americans also won school board elections. Thelma Boac and Jaria Jaug won at Berryessa Union School District Board in San Jose, California. Judy Patacsil was elected as a Board Trustee for District 1 of Palomar College in San Diego County. Mike Guingona and Agnes Gonzales also won the election to assume roles at the San Mateo County Community College District Board and Rowland Unified School District, respectively. In addition, Robert Moreno won a seat on the Southwestern Community College District Board of Trustees at South San Diego County, California.

On the Judicial Level, Filipina American attorney Mari Parlade won as a District Family Court Judge in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Young Filipinos Are Stepping Up and Making History

Millennials and Generation Z Filipino Americans are stepping

up to the challenge of leading the charge among our rising generation. History was made when 23-year-old Cameron Sasai became the youngest Filipino American council member in Pinole City, California. The 32-year-old activist and accountant Kenneth Mejia made headlines after becoming the first Filipino American and Asian American elected to citywide office in Los Angeles. In Tennessee, the 26-yearold activist Justin Jones was elected state representative of District 52, becoming the youngest lawmaker in their state capitol. In Hawaii, 36-years old Filipino American Brandon Elefante will become Hawaii’s youngest state senator in the coming term.

Former Mayor of the City of Cerritos and pioneer of the NaFFAA’s Run for Office Program, a program that aims to connect Filipino Americans who aspire to run for public office with other Filipino Americans who currently or previously held elected office positions, Mark Pulido commented,

us; and when he gave imperative commands, waters and winds obeyed. There's never been a reason for me to say to my fruit tree, "Get out of my yard! Go! Plant yourself in the Gulf of Mexico." However, because of Jesus - full of grace and truth - I trust that my faith-seeds are megasized in the hand of God.

The next time I see a clump of hills, I will remember that they could hike up their grassy skirts, yank up roots, and walk off. I will remember my mulberry tree could wiggle out of the soil and settle into salt water.

I will remember.

Father God, I still struggle with feeble faith, but I thank you for hearing my timid voice and working wonders to your glory. I lift my eyes to the hills and thank you for the visual aid, O Son of Man. In His name. Amen.

God conquers ALL.

<(((><

“I am excited to see an increasing number of Filipino Americans run for public office, especially among the younger generation. I look forward to even more Filipino Americans taking that big step to lead and empower our community and strengthen our democracy. Our Filipino American community has contributed so much to America over the past century and I strongly believe that we have so much more to give as we get more involved in the civic life of our neighborhoods, states and nation. I believe Filipino Americans care deeply about others beyond themselves and believe in the importance of working with people of all backgrounds to make the world a better place. I have great hope and faith that our community will continue to make a positive difference in these challenging times and in the years to come.”

Newly-elected Pinole City Council Member and NaFFAA’s Run for Office Alumni Cameron Sasai shared, “I appreciate the opportunity to have been part of the

NaFFAA Run for Office Program before announcing my candidacy. The program brought in seasoned Fil-Am elected officials such as CA Attorney General Rob Bonta, Hercules Vice Mayor Alexander Walker-Griffin, and Mayor Mark Pulido, who shared their insights on how to run for office and navigate politics as a Filipino-American.”

He added, “I am thrilled to share that, in a competitive race full of seven candidates, including two incumbents and three former mayors, we have earned the highest number of votes in the City of

Pinole’s November 8, 2022 General Election. This is truly a historic election, as I will assume office as the first Filipino-American and youngest council member in the City of Pinole’s 100+ year history.”

Call to Action

A record number of Millennials, Generation Z, and women Filipino Americans in government is a sign that we are heading in the right direction. As the Filipino presence continues to grow across the United States with more than 4.2 million, we need to continue to work for a seat at a table to be part

of discussions that affect the lives of our Filipino Americans. We hope this election will inspire the next generation of Filipino Americans to continue to rise up to become better Filipino Americans and leaders in our community.

*Our NaFFAA Staff is still working on getting the most updated list of Filipino American winners during the recently held US midterm elections. If we miss any other Filipino Americans who won during this year’s elections, please reach out to mark.eyo@ naffaa.org.

Danny Hernaez From Whom All Blessings

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

Physical Therapists Help People of All Ages.

NATIONAL CITY, CA -- Physical therapists are experts in human movement who are trained to evaluate and treat all kinds of musculoskeletal issues. They are highly trained in prescribing and progressing exercise to help people move and feel better. Because everyone moves and everyone can benefit from exercise, physical therapists can help people through their entire lives.

Some people see a physical therapist shortly after birth. The most common reasons a baby would need to see a PT would be something like torticollis or cerebral palsy. Torticollis is a postural issue that causes babies to hold their heads tipped to one side. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that causes difficulty with movement and coordination.

As children continue to grow, some have trouble hitting their motor milestones - like rolling, crawling, or walking. Physical therapists can use their expertise to help encourage development of motor skills and coordination to get these children back on track.

Sports injuries become more common in adolescents. Whether it's an ankle sprain, or an ACL surgery, a PT can help. Some adolescents have issues from the rapid growth their bodies go through. Things like growth plate fractures, growing pains, Osgood-Schlatter's disease, and Sever's disease are all common in adolescence.

As adults, a lot of us will have

back pain - studies say up to 80% of us. Physical therapy is one of the first treatments recommended for back pain. Physical therapists also see injured adults. It could be from weekend warrior type sports injuries, overuse, or from an accident at work. Some adults also start to show symptoms of diseases like multiple sclerosis, or myositis which also benefit from physical therapy.

Later in life, people tend to accumulate more health issues that impact their ability to move. Issues like arthritis, joint replacements, strokes, and heart attacks are all things a PT can help with. Physical therapists also help people age better - keeping them moving with exercise programs that help reduce falls, or helping them make adaptations and modifications to keep them in their homes safely. Movement is a constant in life. As

movement experts, PTs can help people of any age. Some specialize in treating pediatric patients, and some specialize in treating geriatric patients, but all PTs have the expertise to help people move better.

About The Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association

Founded in 1956, the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association champions the success of physical therapist-owned businesses. Our members are leaders and innovators in the healthcare system. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) represents more than 85,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and students of physical therapy nationwide. For more information, please visit www.ppsapta.org.