The Filipino Press: December 23-29, 2022

MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is advocating the use of satellite mapping in all government offices to improve their services and operations, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

Marcos pitched the idea when he convened the inaugural meeting with members of the Philippine Space Council (PSC) at the Philippine Space Agency’s (PhilSA) conference room at CyberOne Building in Eastwood, Quezon City on Monday, Undersecretary Cheloy Garafil, officer-in-charge of the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) said in a statement.

Marcos, who concurrently serves as chair of the PSC, stressed the importance of giving government agencies access to satellite data that could have multiple uses, specifically in improving the agriculture and business sectors and in protecting the environment.

“So, that’s why I was asking you that we have to make sure that the data we give [in] each different department is in a form that they can use,” Marcos, as quoted by the OPS, told the PSC.

Marcos, Garafil said, sees the need to conduct a mapping of the entire country “in a slightly different way from what was being done before.”

“During Monday’s inaugural meeting of the Philippine Space Council, President Marcos particularly highlighted the importance of satellite mapping which could have multiple

application,” she said.

To date, PhilSA and the Department of Science and Technology’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) have jointly developed the Space Data Dashboard which features

an

The dashboard is designed to provide information from satellite images, which include traffic monitoring, air quality, water quality,

By Brin Balboa & SdS

City College, San Diego Mesa College, San Diego Miramar College and San Diego College of Continuing Education. The Pride Centers offer a safe space for persons of all sexual or gender identities and provide education, dialogue and research on issues related to sexuality and gender.

The grant will also be used to hire a regional coordinator who will act as a liaison among the many local agencies that provide services for LGBT students. It will also fund an annual leadership academy that encourages students to support the LGBT community, along with a weekly program that develops leadership for LGBT high school and junior high school-aged youth.

NATIONAL CITY, CA-- Despite the cold chilly weather, December is a warm and joyous time of the year, especially for the Filipino community. To kickstart the Holiday festivities, Westfield Plaza Bonita hosted a free Filipino Holiday Kickoff in collaboration with the Filipino Press and Gerry’s Grill on December 10th where 800 people were in attendance. Crowd turnout was an array of different groups; from Filipino veterans, nurses, educators, youth, and families, to other cultures, races, and identities, the National City community came out to show support and admiration towards Pinoy traditions.

Federal funding totaling $3.4 million that will benefit more than 100,000 students at San Diego’s four community colleges is included in the FY 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The bill, the result of negotiations by House and Senate leaders, is expected to get President Biden’s signature before the current Continuing Resolution expires at midnight on Friday, December 23.

The funding comes from three grants that the San Diego Community College District requested: · $1.2 million to better serve lesbian, gay, and transgender students · $1 million for an initiative to expand service at the San Diego College of Continuing Education to youths who have recently aged out of

the foster care system · $1.2 million for new and expanded centers serving undocumented students.

“These funds will support the academic success of our students, particularly students who face unique challenges as they pursue their education,” said Carlos O. Cortez, chancellor of the San Diego Community College District. “I want to thank Representatives Sara Jacobs, Scott Peters, and Juan Vargas for championing this funding on our behalf to support these students and our colleges.”

The $1.2 million grant obtained by Rep. Jacobs to support LGBTQIA+ students will be used to create or expand Pride Centers at San Diego

A $1 million grant backed by Rep. Peters will fund the Gateway to College and Career Program at the San Diego College of Continuing Education for former foster care youth. Studies show that 47% of youths who have just aged out of foster care are unemployed, and 33% are or have been homeless. More than 1,500 former foster care youths live in San Diego County.

For the past six years, the Gateway to College and Career program has offered services, learning opportunities, job training and internships to former foster care youth. The program collaborates with social service agencies to provide food, education, and connections with employers for former foster youth.

Situated in the mall’s food court, the kickoff started at 1pm, jam packed with performances from the Prime Ladies by House of The Philippines, Samahan Philippine Dance Company, and Olympian High School DAnce Club and more, as well as keynote speakers, photobooths, raffles, cultural fashion show, and a parolmaking competition. Decorating the event were paper parols, provided by the students of Montgomery High School and Mar Vista High School and more; a bahay kubo in front of the stage, and cheerful event goers dressed in traditional Filipino garments and cozy Christmas sweaters. Not only was this event a wonderful display of Filipino beauty and excellency, but it was also able to pay homage to integral parts of our community, such as our Filipino educators, frontline responders, nurses, and community leaders.

In attendance was National City Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis, who spoke during the event. “We are here to celebrate the beauty and diversity that is here in our National City,” said Mayor Sotelo-Solis. “[The parol] recognizes the special day of Christmas and the coming together and I just want to say thank you on the behalf of the city of National City.”

Also in attendance were Vice Mayor Marcus Bush who exclaimed it was an amazing event and newly elected District 3 council Ditas Yamane.

Westfield Plaza Bonita is a comfort place for many Pinoys –with familiar spots such as Gerry's Grill Restaurant, Potato Corner and an AMC that is often playing Filipino cinema, many folks from the community dwell at the mall to hang out and relax. Holding the

“The reason we are signing an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Space Council is so that we can do mapping because… as I was explaining to you earlier, in terms of green, in terms of bio assets, there is now a way to quantify your nice fisheries, your agricultural activity,” he said.

“All of that. It is in terms of how much carbon you’re putting out into the air. But the beginning, the first step of that, will be to map,” Marcos added.

International cooperation

Marcos also advised the PSC to maximize the Philippines’ tieups with international imagery and mapping agencies, Garafil said.

This, as Marcos wanted to make sure that the government offices will have access to satellite data according to their needs, the Office of the President (OP) said in a Facebook post.

“The President, who chairs the PSC, directed the council to guarantee that the data provided to relevant departments are helpful and will leverage the Philippines' partnerships with international imaging agencies,” the OP said.

National Space Week

Meanwhile, PhilSA recommended the issuance of a resolution declaring the annual celebration of the National Space Week from Aug. 8 to 14, Garafil said.

Garafil said the proposal to observe National Space Week,

event at Westfield Plaza Bonita was intentional to garner more turnout, and was successful. It is important to host these events where community members feel like they are welcomed and celebrated – Westfield Plaza Bonita is that place for many Pinoys.

“The Filipinos love the Westfield Plaza Bonita Mall,” emcee of the night, Jun Guzman jokes with the audience, but there is a lot of truth in that joke. Filipinos love shopping, watching pinoy movies, eating filipino food and care for their health by walking as a form of exercise and where else to safely to do that all in the one and only Plaza Bonita Mall. The mall is conveniently located in National City which is home to 80 percent of the Filipino own businesses in San Diego. Gerry's Grill is currently the largest filipino

interactive Philippine map that shows data from different satellite projects.

night lights, land cover, flood maps, landslides and disaster incidence.

Marcos is seeking the further development of a Philippine satellite map to guide both the government and its partners, Garafil said. He believed that the use of

mapping data can help potential investors such as carbon producers in “balancing their activity” as they could be provided with the necessary information in terms of developing a particular bio-diverse area in a certain location.

San Diego’s No. 1 Source of News & Information for the Filipino Community • An Award-Winning Newspaper

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with officials of the Philippine Space Council (PSC) where advocated using satellite mapping to help improve agency operations, including agriculture, business, and the environment. The President, who chairs the PSC, directed the council to guarantee that the data provided to relevant departments are helpful and will leverage the Philippines' partnerships with international imaging agencies.(MNS photo)

Prime

courtesy

San Diego Mesa College recently opened its Dreamer Resource Center to serve undocumented students, DACA students and others (Photo: Mesa College).

Pampered Pinay: Peace, Joy & Pomegranates

By Francine Maigue

Maligayang Pasko, ang mga minamahal kong kaibigan! I wish you and your loved ones the Merriest Christmas! Faith, hope and love abound. Whatever the challenges of this year, I pray that all in our community experience a safe, peaceful and joyous holiday—rejuvenated and perpetually inspired by the true spirit of the season.

My favorite part of Christmas is the gathering of people–the chance to break bread with one another and share peace & stories. Folks hosting Christmas parties have asked me how to help make their

shindig’s feast stand out from the rest. Those attending Christmas parties have asked for easy, festive potluck recipes. ‘Tis the season for extra yummy eats! To me, nothing says, “This dish is winter holiday fancy,” more than the addition of pomegranate seeds. The color is gorgeous and the flavor and pop wake up countless recipes. Here are some of my family’s favorites…

Appetizers: Pomegranate Salsa & Guacamole

Simply add pomegranate seeds to your favorite salsa and guacamole recipes. Grab a bag of your favorite tortilla chips and you have an easily portable, potluck-

friendly contribution to a festive feast.

*Pro Tip-Guac: Chop all your ingredients (save for the unopened avocadoes and pomegranate seeds), and prepare your guac on-site, if a long transport is involved. This helps prevent browning. (No one likes guac that looks like brown mush.) And don’t forget your lime or lemon juice!

*Pro Tip-Salsa: Mango salsa + pomegranate seeds = HEAVEN!

Salad: Winter Fruit Salad

Toss sliced pears, orange segments, diced apples, sliced kiwi and pomegranate seeds with honey and lime juice. Refrigerate before serving, so the flavors have a chance to meld and bloom. So easy, so fresh, so healthy and so colorful!

*Pro Tip: Serve with vanilla ice cream for a simple, but very tasty and photogenic dessert. The mix is also great for an “after opening presents on Christmas morning” brunch served with Greek yogurt and granola or even on top of waffles. (Add sliced bananas for the breakfast versions!)

Side Dish: Stuffing

Instead of raisins or cranberries, choose pomegranate seeds for your stuffing’s pop of color and sweet/ tangy goodness.

*Pro Tip: The combo of pomegranate seeds and diced pears is delightful in “stuffing,” whether inside the turkey or out.

Cheese Platter | Charcuterie Board: Pomegranate Goat Cheese

Alongside your fave cured meats, nuts, olives and crackers, serve an array of cheeses, including goat cheese mixed with or rolled in

pomegranate seeds.

*Pro Tip: The combo of goat cheese and pomegranate seeds also livens up a simple spinach salad dressed with balsamic vinegar and a bit of black pepper. Brussels sprouts roasted in salt/pepper/ garlic powder/olive oil/balsamic vinegar then topped with crumbled goat cheese and pomegranate seeds is also beautiful and yummy. (So many delicious options!)

Dessert: Chocolate & Pomegranate (Mmm…)

Simply melt dark (or your preferred) chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave. (I just microwave dark chocolate chips.)

Spoon melted chocolate onto wax paper (making small circles) and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds. Chill in the fridge before serving. Yay for anti-oxidants!

*Pro Tip: Before the chocolate hardens, add a lollipop, popsicle (or even BBQ) stick, then present it as a bouquet.

Drinks: Sparkling

Pomegranate Punch

Mix pomegranate juice, lemonlime soda, diced pineapple, sliced oranges and pomegranate seeds (all chilled) for a festive beverage everyone can enjoy.

*Pro Tip: For those who want to add alcohol, opt for sparkling white wine instead of the soda. If serving both alcoholic and nonalcoholic versions, add some fresh mint leaves to the one with wine, so non-drinkers (especially kiddos) know to stay away.

Filipino Holiday Kick Off delivers the goods of merry making & fun

owned restaurant that has a 232 capacity and offers authentic filipino cuisines, a private function room for up to 50 people, provides nightly entertainment from Tuesday thru Saturday with accoustics or live band. For entertainment schedules, visit their website at https://gerrysgrill. com or call (619)464-3779.

Pilipino Women's Club president Regina Agarma and Vickie Lagula and showcased traditional filipiniana attires while Jean Pioso, fashion designer provided a sampler of her collections and art inspired bags and accesories. The event concluded with community dancing, caroling/ singing and closing remarks. It was a remarkable way to kickstart our holiday festivities through dancing, singing, culture and community.

Filipinos were able to share the same

joyous holiday spirit with the rest of National City.

The Filipino Holiday Kick Off was brought to the community by The Filipino Press, Westfield Plaza Bonita Mall and Gerry's Grill Restaurant and community partners who demonstrated the bayanihan spirit, hospitality and the zest and vigor of our young once and young ones who participated with gusto on various activities during the event.

Community partners to the event includes support from UP Alumni Association, Silayan Association Fil-

See

(Susan

& The

Am Chamber of Commerce Greater San Diego, Sweetwater Rotary of San Diego, Pilipino Nurses Association, House of the Philippines, Project heart to Heart, CTFLC, Annette, Boogie Arce, Club, Zen Ply, Joy Hackett and CJ, Luz Mercer, Samahan Rondalla Ensemble, Chuck Currie, Cherilyn Mallari, Mallwalkers Club, Jun Guzman, emcee, Shonee Henry, Rose, Lorna, Juvy, Marissa,Cheryl and Rico and Sofia, Veeya , Cat and

Jessica of Westfield Plaza Bonita Mall and Gerry's Grill Management's Noli Angorin, Grace, Mike and Mariel for their collaboration in ensuring that the event becomes an experience to remember by the attendees. Maraming maraming Salamat po! Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to everyone !

you again next year!

delos Santos, event organizer)

Filipino Press Newspaper

Return to fold of law, PNP chief urges remaining Reds

MANILA -- Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., has renewed his call for the remaining New People’s Army (NPA) rebels to surrender and avail of the benefits being offered by the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“Sa mga natitira pa nating kapatid sa kabundukan ngayon ay may pag alinlangan pa ring sumuko, ang ating gobyerno at ang kapulisan ay andito lamang upang kayo ay tanggapin sa inyong pagbabalik loob sa panig ng ating pamahalaan. At ang ating hangad, sa darating na mga araw ay makasama natin sila upang maranasan din nilang mamuhay ng payapa at walang takot (To those of our remaining brothers and sisters in the mountains who are still hesitant to surrender, our government and the police are only here to welcome you back to our government. And our desire, in the days to come, is to be with them so that they too can experience living in peace and without fear),” Azurin said in a statement Wednesday night.

This came after 10 former rebels and members of communist front organizations withdrew their support from the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP)-NPA in Central Luzon last Dec. 17 and 18 and pledged allegiance to the national government.

Citing the report of Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 director, Brig. Gen. Cesar Pasiwen, Azurin confirmed the surrender of one NPA member, five members of Anakpawis, and one each from the Kilusang Larangang GuerillaTarlac-Zambales, Milisyang Bayan, Gabriela, and underground mass organization in the provinces of Bulacan, Bataan, Tarlac, and Zambales.

Azurin said the former rebels likewise turned over to the authorities their firearms and ammunition.

Pasiwen, meanwhile, said the continuous joint efforts of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTFELCAC) and its persistent campaign against terrorism resulted in the voluntary withdrawal of support from the communist groups.

He noted that the peace engagement activities of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) being carried out by the Philippine National Police and Philippine Army, such as information dissemination, and situational interviews made the former communist rebels aware of the government's programs and the opportunity to change their lives.

Pasiwen said the RTF-ELCAC-3 would continue the whole-of-nation approach against communist rebels to achieve peace and national unity.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it has not monitored any threats ahead of the Communist Party of the Philippines' (CPP) 54th anniversary on Dec. 26.

"We have not monitored any threat to cause unnecessary fear and anxiety among our people, only the irresponsible and reckless statement of the CPP who cannot accept strategic defeat. They could not even pause to pray for their leader’s (CPP founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison) demise," AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said in a message on

Wednesday night.

OPAPRU hopeful demise of Sison will end insurgency

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Sunday said it is hopeful that the death of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison will put an end to the local communist insurgency which has largely stalled development in the countryside.

"With the death of Mr. Sison, it is our hope that it will also put an end to the local communist armed conflict that claimed the lives of so many Filipinos and pushed back development in the countryside," OPAPRU chief Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a statement Sunday.

He also noted that the passing of Sison marks “the end of an era in the nation's history.”

"It was a period largely defined by armed hostilities, which to this day, is still being felt by Filipinos, especially those whose lives were affected by the communist movement," Galvez added.

With President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s banner of unity, Galvez said the government shall vigorously carry out interventions to sustain and build on the gains the government has achieved under the peace process. "We, therefore, once again call upon the remaining members of the communist movement across the nation to abandon armed struggle, return to the fold of the law and rejoin mainstream society," he added.

Take advantage of gov’t aid

Galvez also urged the remaining rebels to take advantage of the socioeconomic assistance the national government provides to former rebels, now called friends rescued, under its Local Peace Engagement and Transformation Programs.

"Now is the time for all of us Filipinos to unite and work together to bring a just and lasting peace to our country," Galvez said.

The CPP earlier said the Netherlands-based Sison died around 8:40 p.m. Friday after two weeks of confinement at a hospital.

Sison's death came as the CPP is marking its 54th foundation anniversary on Dec. 26. He founded the organization in 1968.

He was arrested during the time of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.–the father of the incumbent president - in 1976, along with his wife.

They were released from detention in 1986 after President Corazon Aquino came to power.

In 1987, Sison went on a selfexile in the Netherlands after peace talks with the government stalled.

Peace talks were on and off since then until President Rodrigo Duterte terminated the negotiations in November 2017.

The CPP has the New People's Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) as its armed and political wings, respectively.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said while they are condoling with the family of the late CPP founder, they expressed regret that the deceased will no longer be brought to trial for the atrocities by the NPAs in the past years.

In a radio interview, Azurin also urged all remaining insurgents to rejoin mainstream society and live peaceful lives anew.

Pursue path to lasting peace, NTF-ELCAC tells public

Following the death of 83-yearold Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has urged the public to continue pursuing the path to lasting peace.

NTF-ELCAC Secretariat Executive Director Emmanuel Salamat said the NTF-ELCAC remains focused on its objectives and direction to pursue the wholeof-nation approach in defeating the local communist terrorist groups (CTGs) and obtaining sustainable and inclusive peace throughout the country. “Enough for so much blood spilled, lives lost, the awful grief sown by violent terrorist groups such as the CPP/NPA/NDF (New People’s Army/National Democratic Front)… Let us discourage our deceived brothers and sisters from clinging to their hopes on a false ideology that political change and national well-being can only be achieved by way of the barrel of a gun,” Salamat said in a news release on Saturday.

Salamat also urged peace advocates and stakeholders to make use of “huge opportunities to make a difference by giving our passion and commitment for the people we are mandated to serve.”

“A new chapter for our country and people awaits — a new hope for peace and progress, as our collective and whole-of-nation commitment unites us in achieving inclusive peace and development for our fellow Filipinos, particularly in the conflict-affected and vulnerable communities — for love of God and country,” he said.

The NTF-ELCAC Secretariat expressed pride over recent accomplishments of the government in the campaign against the CTGs.

“This month pa lang, marami na tayong (alone, we have a lot of) accomplishments in our efforts to end the CTGs,” Salamat said.

He commended Eastern Mindanao Command for the recent dismantling of six CTG units in Eastern Mindanao.

“Earlier this month, Palawan was declared insurgency-free, a major victory for the WesCom (Western Command) and Palawan local government. It is now time to double our efforts in facilitating development projects in these areas,” he said.

Because of recent events and successful military operations in different regions, the CTGs are expected to significantly weaken due to a crisis in leadership, he added.

The NTF-ELCAC remains committed to facilitating delivery of services and development programs in areas previously inaccessible due to intimidation and violence perpetrated by the CTGs, and end the local communist armed conflict once and for all.

The NTF-ELCAC is composed of the following clusters in its wholeof-nation approach in attaining true and lasting peace for the country: Basic Services; Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment; Local Government Empowerment; Infrastructure and Resource Management; Localized Peace

DILG to LGUs: Help boost SIM card registration info drive

MANILA -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on local government units (LGUs) to help the national government in its information campaign on the implementation of Republic Act 11934 or the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act, which takes effect on Dec. 27.

RA 11934, the first law signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., aims to regulate the registration and use of SIMs by mandating all end-users to register their SIMs with their respective telecommunications networks before their activation.

In a statement on Monday, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said an intensive information drive must be carried out at the grassroots level and LGUs should step up in educating the public on the requirements and importance of the law.

“As we seek to ensure public safety even in the online space, I encourage LGUs to exert all efforts to promote responsible use of SIM cards, educate their stakeholders on the benefits of mandatory SIM card registration and guide them through the whole registration process,” Abalos said.

He said the SIM Registration Act will aid the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement authorities in curbing rising electronic communication-aided criminal activities in the Philippines such as mobile phishing, spam text messages, online scams, bank frauds and identity theft,” Abalos said.

Abalos said the implementation of the law will not only prompt accountability from all sides -the mobile users, the telcos, the government and authorities -- but will also help the PNP to quickly locate offenders of crimes committed in anonymity through the use of electronic devices.

Section 4 of the law's implementing rules and regulations (IRR) released by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) provides that DILG, along with other government agencies such as DICT, NTC, DepEd, and telecom companies, shall “facilitate all SIM registrations in remote areas with limited telecommunication or internet access.”

“Together with the LGUs, DILG will cooperate with DICT and the NCT to fast-track the establishment of registration facilities in geographicallyisolated areas, which should be done within 60 days after December 27,” Abalos said.

The DILG chief sought the assistance of local chief executives (LCEs) and barangay captains in remote areas in processing needed documents and other requirements to set up the registration centers.

“We know not everyone has access to the internet and other means of communication so let us reach out to them and inform them of this new law,” he said.

To register, all existing SIM subscribers must submit an accomplished form through a database platform or website provided by the telco company within 180 days. The DICT can extend the registration period for another 120 days. If a subscriber fails to register, SIM cards will be deactivated.

Subscribers must provide the following: full name, birthday, sex, address, mobile SIM number and serial number and valid identification cards (for individuals); business name,

business address and full name of authorized signatory (for businesses and other juridical entities); full name, nationality, birthday, passport, proof of Philippine address, return ticket to own country (for foreigners and tourists).

Abalos also urged parents and guardians to be responsible and register the SIM used by their minor children or relatives under their name to protect them from ill-intentioned individuals. They will be asked to present an ID and consent form.

“To our parents and guardians, let us help each other in this endeavor to safeguard minors. Magtulungan po tayo upang masiguro na hindi sila mabibiktima ng mga panloloko (Let's work together to protect them from fraud) online,” he said.

Likewise, Abalos asked the public to support the mandatory SIM card registration as this will be beneficial in the long run.

“I encourage every Filipino to register their SIM cards and be one with the government in fighting text and online scams which are becoming more prevalent in recent years,” he added.

Abalos warned people who will attempt to provide false or fictitious information and documents to register a SIM and those who will try to spoof a registered SIM to defraud or cause harm.

Registering a SIM card with false or fictitious information or using fictitious identities will be subject to a penalty of imprisonment of six months to two years and a fine of PHP100,000 to PHP300,000 while spoofing will be subject to six years of jail time or/and a fine of PHP200,000.

Maharlika Fund crucial in boosting PH investments -- DBP head

The passage of the country’s pioneering Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) is crucial in boosting Philippine investments and sustaining its growth momentum, said veteran banker and current president and CEO of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Emmanuel Herbosa.

In a statement on Thursday, he said the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund (SWF) could help the country broaden its investments, especially in critical areas like food, water, green energy, agro-industrial ventures, telecommunications, public infrastructure and road networks tollways.

“From my personal standpoint, the creation of an SWF is a superb opportunity to address the dearth in sources of long-term capital which is integral to support these capitalintensive investments,” Herbosa said.

He explained that the SWF is closely aligned with DBP’s operating principle of bolstering economic additionality through timely and meaningful support of critical industries and sectors.

Moreover, the SWF, he said, can offer better rates of return that will result in a more significant socioeconomic impact.

After President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. certified the passage of the MIF as urgent, House Bill 6608 received solid support from 90 percent of the members of the House of Representatives with 282 out of the 312 congressmen officially named as its co-authors.

On Dec. 15, the bill was approved on third and final reading with 279

affirmative votes, six against, and no abstentions.

The approval of the bill came after exhaustive floor deliberations as it underwent several refinements.

“The introduction of additional safeguards in the proposed measure such as heavy scrutiny by the Commission on Audit apart from regular examinations by both an internal and external auditor has assuaged concerns of various sectors and ensures that the fund will be adequately shielded from fraud, abuse, and undue political interference,” Herbosa said.

“The provision of sovereign guarantees for specific contributions adds another layer of confidence in the sustainability, reliability, and integrity of the SWF especially in funding projects with long-gestation periods while attracting private sector and even foreign funders that would ensure transparency and greater accountability in managing the fund,” he added.

Marcos declares Dec. 26 as special non-working day

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared Dec. 26 this year a special non-working day throughout the country to “give the people the full opportunity to celebrate the holiday with their families and loved ones.”

Marcos made the declaration through Proclamation No. 115, according to a news release from Malacañang.

“A longer weekend will encourage families to get together and strengthen their relationship towards a more productive environment, and will promote tourism,” the proclamation read.

He also ordered the Department of Labor and Employment to issue the appropriate circular to implement the proclamation for the private sector.

Christmas Day, which falls on a Sunday, is observed as a regular holiday.

Malacañang earlier updated the list of regular holidays and special non-working days for 2023, allowing “long weekends.”

Proclamation 90, released Nov. 11, amended Proclamation 42, declaring the regular holidays and special nonworking days.

Under Proclamation 90, Jan. 2, 2023, which falls on a Monday, will be an additional special non-working day “in consideration of the Filipino tradition of visiting relatives and spending time with their families for this occasion.”

Jan. 1, 2023 is already a regular holiday under Proclamation 90.

Earlier in the day, Marcos led a gift-giving activity at the Rizal Park in Manila and promised that his administration will continue providing much-needed aid for the poor, vulnerable and underprivileged.

Marcos, in several speeches, said the government will strive to ensure that every Filipino child will have a Christmas.

He also invited the public to visit the Malacañang Palace Grounds to view the Malacañang Christmas Tree and lanterns and attend the Simbang Gabi. The Palace grounds will be open to the public from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Dec. 18 to 24.

Simbang Gabi, which traditionally starts on Dec. 16 and ends on Christmas Day, will be at 4:30 a.m. in front of the Mabini Hall. (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)

MONDAY GRIND. Heavy vehicular traffic along the southbound lane of Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City on Monday (Dec. 19), with just six days to go before Christmas. (MNS photo)

PINOY CHRISTMAS MEMORIES IN MY HEART

“Ang Pasko ay sumapit

Tayo ay mangagsiawit

Ng magagandang himig

Dahil sa Diyos ay pag-ibig Nang si Kristo’y isilang May tatlong haring nagsidalaw At ang bawat isa Ay nagsipaghandog ng tanging alay

Bagong taon ay magbagongbuhay

Nang lumigaya ang ating bayan Tayo’y magsikap upang makamtan natin ang kasaganahan

Tayo’s mangagsiawit

Habang ang mundo’y tahimik

Ang araw ay sumapit

Sa sanggol na dulot ng langit Tayo ay magmahalan

Ating sundin ang gintong aral

At magbuhat ngayon kahit hindi Pasko ay magbigayan

Bagon taon ay magbagong-buhay

Nang lumigaya ang ating bayan Tayo’y magsikap upang makamtan natin ang kasaganahan

Tayo’y mangagsiawit

Habang ang mundo’y tahimik

Ang araw ay sumapit

Sa sanggol na dulot ng langit Tayo ay magmahalan

Ating sundin ang gintong aral

-

At magbuhat ngayon kahit hindi Pasko ay magbigayan.”

“Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit”

Written by National artist

Levi Celerio during the 1950’s

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Where have all the Christmases gone?

Christmas is the time of year when Christians remember the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, just over 2,000 years ago. It’s a moment to reflect not just on the past events but also to think about God being with us, here and now, in our present and place.

And if I can please add, too - I say some holiday traditions are simply sacred!

In a world that seems not only to be changing, but also even to be dissolving, there are some tens of millions of us who want Christmas to be the same … with the correspondent old greeting “Merry Christmas” and no other. We want to hold on to the old customs and traditions because they strengthen our family ties, bind us to our friends, and make us one with all mankind.

For as long as I could recall Christmas for our family is a season of joy and laughter when our cup of happiness brims over. And the memories of Christmas Past are what make us look forward to Christmas each year.

What is the best Christmas you can remember the most?

All of a sudden your thought goes

back in previous times - a unique mix of Christmas history and stories of personal memories blend together in reminiscence of the rich heritage of the season. I hark back to those days easily. I call to mind those Christmases as if they happened only yesterday. They came with deep meaning, earnest preparation and overflowing anticipation. I guess the holidays can make anyone feel like this.

All of our red-letter day festivities are webbed with a network of recollections often extending back to our childhood, and Christmas, which I figure is continually being re-invented, by the way - is surely the most memory-filled. It seems each generation brings some new element to the celebration of the season, itself.

The well-polished traditions of Christmas bring us back to remembrances of our families and friends – “some have gone, and some remain” - sometimes to one very cheery and unforgettable holiday, sometimes to a dim of Christmases that are not easy to unwind from one another but remain tied together with the common thread of joyful informality. As we gather every year, the sounds, the smell, the tastes of our past Christmases are with us and enriches each new season.

I have seen a lot of Christmas; both in this adopted country of ours and back in the beloved, old homeland. However, for some reason I always go back to the Christmas in my historic hometown of Sta. Ana in quintessential Manila. Somehow, those cherished Christmases stand out from all the others and are the ones I remember best. Come the Christmas season, I picture them always back here in America, merrymaking in the streets near Plaza Hugo - and I lie there, watching the moon shine on the Christmas star till I fall asleep.

Home is here. But it is there, too!

I realized that God's country could be anywhere because it stays in the hearts of folks who love you. I have always adored the place I left behind though. As that popular ditty goes, "There's no place like home for the holidays." Maybe it is also because both of my parents were still alive then, and though I didn't realize it at the time, our days together were numbered.

Christmas was my mother's favorite holiday. ”Ma” (as we all fondly called her) signaled the start of the festive season in our home by gathering her secret ingredients for her aromatic cooking. In a matter of minutes it seemed, Ma could create the most heavenly array of Christmas goodies, and the entire house would be filled with the true fragrance of Christmas. She brought an enthusiasm and happiness to that special day that I have missed since she passed away some forty-five years ago. It's hard to concede how

much time has passed since we last shared such a merry occasion but the calendar reminds me dutifully. Now it gets me misty-eyed to take a trip down memory lane to reminisce her, sitting in her favorite rattan chair, singing a lullaby, and cheering us on. I will always treasure that.

For anyone new to this column –I lost my father, too - just over fifteen years ago. This Christmas, being another one without “Pa” actually made me more reflects on the day more than I ever did. He would have been a hundred five years young this month (for an uncanny moment, his image suddenly popped up on my mind and thoughts last week December 17th – his birthday) and frankly, I really never have given the thought that I’d be celebrating Christmas without my dad again. I have always felt he was always there

with us all! For some silly reasons since his passing, it never dawned on me that he might not be here at some point of time someday, like this 2022 Christmas.

So, here it is – Christmas time again!

And as everybody knows, no holidays are celebrated with asmuch

T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

Decorating the family Christmas tree was usually my task. What an important responsibility that was! To get the lights to stand up straight, carefully placed ... to spread the silvery garland in perfect patterns, the sparklers and the colorfully wrapped candy canes in appropriate places ... But most importantlyand this was always done under my late-lamented father's supervision - to crown the tree with the Star of Bethlehem!

Christmas festivities back in the old country traditionally begin a week before the holy day itself and Filipinos celebrate "simbang gabi," a very early morning mass each day leading up to Christmas. The highlight of the week is the "Misa de Gallo," the Christmas Eve mass. In the days before the Misa de Gallo, Filipinos hold competitions to see who could build the largest "parol" or lantern, for the occasion. The parol is truly a symbol of the Filipino Christmas. Christmas Eve revelries continue with a "panunuluyan" (a re-enactment of the difficult search of Joseph and Mary for lodging/ shelter in Bethlehem) - a traditional procession through the streets: a woman dressed as Mary and a man as Joseph lead the sequence and dramatizes the story of Christ's birth.

Street was and on all occasions a careful maneuver. With five children and a handful of pet animals to boot there was always a lot that needed to be addressed long before the joyful exchange of gifts. In those days, my family was not really better off than most of the other people in the community. But I'm remembering mostly a childhood surrounded and protected by loving parents and relatives, whose bed is warm and who are allowed to explore freely the narrow world encompassed by the old district of Sta. Ana and its immediate surrounding area like Makati, Rizal.

Ah, the 1960's!

Title 42 has dominated the news cycles in the United States and the Americas these past few days in anticipation of the lifting of a U.S. health law that then President Donald Trump invoked to achieve its longdesired goal of shutting down the southern border to asylum seekers.

Under a little-known provision of the U.S. Public Health Law, the Trump and the Biden administrations were able to expel millions in the guise of the pandemic.

Thousands of asylum seekers from Latin America who were stranded in Mexico because of Title 42, have crossed the Rio Grande River and lined the U.S.-Mexican border to continue their journey to the land of promise. Alas, the U.S. Supreme Court intervened and paused the expiring law while it reviewed petitions from Republicanled states who wanted to let said immigration law in place while their legal challenges played out in court.

The U.S./Mexican border situation is not the only immigration related event that’s taking place

around the world. Foremost is the Russian invasion of Ukraine that displaced millions of Ukrainians into refugees’ status. Ukrainian refugees have easily made their way into multiple European countries, including the United States who granted them immediate asylum status.

The U.S. visa program for Afghan refugees is about to expire as well but there is movement in the U.S. Congress to address the situation. Otherwise, many of them will face deportation. Meanwhile, the Taliban oppression continues in Afghanistan with many who initially wanted out when the U.S. military pulled out earlier this year, remained in the country.

When Donald Trump campaigned for the U.S. presidency back in 2015, he said loudly that “the Mexicans were taking our jobs and millions were crossing the border illegally.

His signature promises of building the “most beautiful” border became the staple of his speeches to fan hate among his MAGA supporters when

joy as Christmas (especially in the old homeland of ours, the Philippines). There, the excitement of Christmas starts as early as October when the local radio stations begin to air Christmas songs. I must also say part of the unexplainable magic came in downtown store windows. Shopping in those days was simple and unassuming. Not much money exchanged hands - the stores seemed to decorate their windows for more show than enticement to buy. I recall one particular shop was famous for mechanized displays - maybe a Santa in his workshop with his little helpers, or a beautiful white Christmas scene. My eyes were glued to the delicately moving figures until I was part of the setting, itself. To own it never entered my heart, really. By then, it literally starts to look a lot like Christmas!

The week before Christmas was the season for many a "Little Christmas" parties where the Christmas spirit - and all Christmas creatures - came out. The “RAJALs” (Romy, Alfredo, Jesse (that’s me), Allan and Licerio) and a few more close pals (Eddie, Bobby, Ramon and Flor) – my old "barkada"my former high school classmates and best buddies never missed any of these Christmas festivities specially the processions around the neighborhoods of Sta. Ana. On those days, almost all the families in the houses around and about are out in the streets watching the events unfold and there we get the chance to see a lot of our "favorite" girl classmates and friends. Sometimes, we could even entice them to join in the cavalcade all the way up to the ancient church near Plaza Hugo.

Then, of course, there were the recognized delicacies: "bibingka", rice cakes baked from the bottom and top in ovens and "puto bumbong" (made from purple mountain rice and steamed in bamboo tubes) sold by vendors outside the Sta. Ana church. After mass, my friends and I would consume the goodies to happily end at least a three-hour abstinence required by communicants. Christmas at our house on Garrido

The last generation before the nuclear family began to fragment. My childhood in the ‘60's was not exactly blessed with an abundance of worldly goods but my sisters and my only brother; Angel and I didn't notice it at all. In fact, we considered ourselves quite wealthy in some other ways. We had everything except extra cash. A week before Christmas, my favorite uncle, “Tiyo” Ely, who was then a desk sergeant in "Precinto 5" the local police station in Sta. Ana would usually gift us a leg of Chinesestyle smoked ham for the Christmas dinner. Certainly, there was plenty of "Nochebuena" (Christmas Eve) food, indeed! It had taken Pa's meager last two paychecks but we had just about enough to actually have a pretty decent Christmas feast each time.

In my family, Christmas morning was always a joyous affair as we exchanged greetings, gifts and prayer of thanks. Christmas was a time to show appreciation, too - to maids, garbage collectors, drivers, gardeners, washerwomen, and security guards. We didn't have a lot of fancy presents but my mother was always handling over token gifts and thanks to our "kartero" (mailman) in the area come Christmas time.

"Utang na loob"(a Filipino cultural trait which, when translated literally means “a debt of one’s inner self”) is then and was always in full play in our house. After all, this was Christmas, a period of love, light, warmth and magic, and there was no room for questions. Family doctors were specially showered with gifts at Christmas time. Ma had always a basket of fresh fruits for our darling family physician, Dr. Campanilla. By then, Christmas had arrived and they were all made with pure, simple love!

This is my remembrance

Title 42 and biblical Exodus in the modern context

he became president.

Exodus 1:8-9 talks about a new king “who knew nothing of Joseph, rose to power in Egypt,” who instilled nationalist fear among Egyptians. “See! The Israelite people (who made Egypt their home) have multiplied and become more numerous than we are!” (Do we hear the White Supremacists cry?) The new sheriff (king) in town addressed the “threat” by making the minority population slaves. The Israelites were forced to do long hours of hard labor, no pay, and with no benefits.

What these passages remind me of is the rise to power of Donald Trump, and the borrowed labor from Mexican migrant workers who “took away” American jobs in farmlands and toiled back-breaking jobs, hard labor with minimal pay and benefits. They’re continually vilified as illegals (undocumented) who have “no right to be here.”

Let’s step back for a moment and add some Old Testament (OT) and historical context into this whole exodus ordeal.

The story of Exodus in OT is about Israel’s mass migration from Egypt and deliverance from slavery. It is a worldly view of what the promised land was all about –political and military power. From Abraham to Moses, God’s promise

was not delivered until Joshua led his people across the Jordan River and to Canaan – the Promised Land.

Back then, there were no immigration hassles that got in the way, no concrete borders or wire fencing to cross – just the river. Unlike Moses’ parting of the Red Sea, Joshua’s job was easier because the Jordan River was dry. It is, however, the Jew’s yearning to be free, an edict that is relevant today in Ukraine, Palestine, Afghanistan, United States, the Philippines, Latin America, among other nations similarly situated where mass migration is taking place.

In the Philippine context, the Filipino people have been wandering in the desert for over 500 years and still waiting to be free from the effects of centuries of foreign domination. Yes, the Philippines is a democratic country, but it is the very same democracy that enslaves its people into the clutches of capitalism that leaves over 80% of its population living in poverty, some in extreme.

Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos have joined the exodus to foreign lands for a better future as domestic helpers and professionals as their own country cannot offer them jobs. Overseas contract workers are modern day heroes because their dollar remittances help keep the Philippine economy afloat,

but at the great expenses of family separation.

The future of Title 42 (and the future of asylum seekers from Latin America) hangs in the balance while the U.S. Supreme Court studies the case. The morality of Exodus in the Old Testament is about giving justice to the weak and the poor. Where do we see it in these situations? The universal question then for the oppressed but courageous is, where are they trying to go? And how long will it take them to get there?

While the biblical Exodus seems like a one-time event as part of ancient history, the situation around the world of slavery, injustice, violence against humanity tells us that this is really an ongoing experience for many cultures. It evokes feelings of helplessness, repulsion and yet, determination for those trying to escape their country’s miseries.

Joshua 1:1-9 became the basis for Joshua to claim God’s promise to the Israelites by taking over Canaan. But in the process, they had to kill the Canaanites to possess their lands. When the first European settlers arrived in America, they seemed to have followed a similar divine advice of killing the natives to be able to possess their land, and later included those lands governed under New Spain based in Mexico.

According to the Treaty of

Guadalupe, Mexico ceded 10 states to the United States as spoils of the war (plus 15 million dollars) between the two countries. The package included what Mexicans call their original lands: California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

When the world was created, Genesis in the bible meant planet earth – not just the Middle East. When we look back in history, many stories of slavery, injustice, and eventual exodus of people had occurred similar to the experiences of the people of Israel. Why can’t these countries claim for themselves their promised lands? These migrants along the border have crossed the Rio Grande in pursuit of a better life in states that once belonged to their ancestors who were colonized by foreign powers.

The biblical Exodus is God’s selfrevelation in faithfulness, grace and power over false gods of the world.

God promised to be with his chosen people and that includes everyone. People of the world can’t be less (than Israel) in the eyes of the Maker because we were all created equal and to His likeness. False gods who use their powers to oppress people will have their day in judgment.

“Be courageous, be strong,” God’s command to Joshua and his people should echo along the border.

Jesse

My Mom with her grandson (and my wife Zeny and I's then baby second son) Rommel at Christmas circa 1970s

My Dad with his grandson (and my wife Zeny and I's then baby first son) Ryan at Christmas circa 1970s

THE RAJALs: (Left to right) Romy, Allan, Jesse, Alfredo and Licerio in our beloved historical hometown of Sta. Ana in old Manila

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.

Dear Readers,

Our Business Community needs workers for restaurants, medical offices, supermarkets, caregivers, delivery services and more. If you know of anyone, relative, friend, neighbor or former co-workers looking for a job, kindly give them a copy of the Filipino Press for job opportunities. Some jobs may not yet be posted, so you may visit our website at www.thefilipinopress. com or email at filpressads@aol.com. We are here to help you our kababayans find jobs, opportunities and connect you to resources that you may need. Thank you

Help

VetshelpingvetsUSA

Hello My Fellow Military Veterans!

I'm inviting you to come to my Grand Opening on Jan. 2. 2023 at my Corporate office in the REGUS BLDG, 1455 Frazee Road, Room 508, in Mission Valley, next to the Denny's Restaurant, come and relax and receive a free cup of coffee. I assist military veterans with claims for benefits, discharge upgrades and many other problems that you might have. Give me a chance to assist you, I've been in this business for seven years, and my fellow vets say I'm Good. I'm looking for part-time help. So please call (760)-442-3076, to make an appointment. VetshelpingvetsUSA

MANILA

Two

For the "teacher training" category, the applicant must be aged 35 years and below, has at least five years of experience, and is working as a teacher in elementary or secondary education or a teacher training school.

Once approved, Japan would fund the applicant's research on the fields of education management, methods of education, special subjects and observation study in a university in

Japan. Filipino students aged 18 to 29 years and are currently majoring in Japanese studies, on the other hand, are eligible for a one-year scholarship, also in Japan.

Both categories require the scholar to return to the Philippines, the Japanese Embassy in Manila said Thursday.

Application forms and information on prerequisites may be viewed and downloaded from the Embassy website.

Deadline for submission is on Jan. 20, 2023.

The process, the embassy said, consists of a document screening, written examinations and an interview. (MNS)

Spiritual Life

A Christmas Carol vs. the Christmas Story

I was reading some Christmas materials and my attention were caught by an article entitled “The give and take of Christmas” by Dan Schaeffer. In bold letters was a teaser “We often get caught up in our own giving. But is that what the season is really about?

I paused and took a deep breath and asked myself, “Why do I feel miserable if I can’t give my friends and loved ones gifts on Christmas?

Commercials have embedded in our psyche the message that the true spirit of Christmas is about giving to others. It’s not only commercially successful; it seems to work on emotional level as well. It is personified in the spirit of Scrooge, who was transformed when he ends his scrimpy ways and embraces the true spirit of Christmas by becoming generous, and thus a better person. It seems that A Christmas Carol by Dickens has possibly done more to form the collective notion of what the Christmas spirit is than the biblical account of Jesus’ birth in Luke.

Let us ponder on the theme of giving in the Christmas Carol and that of the biblical Christmas Story.

Christmas is the chance for many of us to rescue our selfesteem – to prove the goodness of our character to ourselves as well as others. All the gifts we give at Christmas (whether given freely or under compulsion) convince us that we really are good and even wonderful people. Just look at how generous we are. But it’s worth asking why we often don’t feel the same about demonstrating kindness and helping others in need throughout the rest of the year. Is the real Christmas spirit

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera My

Personal Testimony

about giving? Is that the primary message of the incarnation?

John 3:16 reminds us that the incarnation was about God’s giving: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son….” (John 3:16 NIV).

James reminds us that “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights” (james 1:17 NIV). See, Christmas must be about giving.

But who is doing the giving, and who is doing the receiving? The biblical account of Jesus’ entrance into our world reveals that we are the recipients of an incomparable divine gift – and the giver in the story is God, who emptied himself to come to us and save us. We are the receivers who did nothing to deserve this tremendous gift. It’s obviously a more powerful story than that of Ebenezer Scrooge, but alas, not as easily flattering.

Dicken’s tale simply makes us feel better about ourselves. We are encouraged by the message that we, too, can become better through generosity. A Christmas Carol reminds us that even the worst among us can ultimately redeem themselves through

charitable action.

Yet, as writer William Willimon suggests, “The Christmas Story is not about how blessed it is to be givers, but how essential it is to see ourselves as receivers. This strange story…. tells us of an unimaginable gift from a stranger, a God whom we hardly even knew. The first word of the church, a people born out of so odd a nativity, is that we are receivers before we are givers… and its tough to be in the receiving end of love – God’s or anybody else’s. It requires that we see our lives not as our possessions, but as gifts. “Nothing is more repugnant to capable, reasonable people than grace,” wrote John Wesley. This is often the way God loves us: with gifts we thought we didn’t need, which transform us into people we don’t necessarily want to be.”

Of course, Christmas is still an appropriate time to express the love of Christ through special giving and acts of compassion. It isn’t the act we must scrutinize, but the motivation and the goal behind it: is it self-esteem that we want to cultivate this time of year, or gratitude for the grace we’ve been shown? (Adopted from: In Touch, Dec.2009)

There is no fear in love...

A friend is a sky-diving, mountain-climbing, hang-gliding thrill-seeker, but in the cave he felt sheer panic. He was terrified. He tried fighting his fear, but he kept picturing his dead body moldering in the cave. Finally, he told his guide he was about to lose it, and the guide said, "Hey, close your eyes and listen to my voice. I will keep talking, calmly, and guide you through this. We will be okay. I have been here before. I will get you to the other side. But you must listen to my voice. It will not work for you to let your thoughts run wild. Just focus on my voice." He did so. What freed him from panic and fear was not trying hard to quit thinking fearful thoughts. It was listening to another voice.

What voice do you listen to when you're in the cave and it's dark, when the ceiling is low and you can't back out? The Spirit longs to flow in our minds all the time. One reason why people have found memorizing Scripture helpful is that it helps us listen to the voice of our guide when we are in the cave. We set our minds on those thoughts that equip us for life. God does not want us to live in worry or fear. He wants us to live with bold confidence in his power. "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and selfdiscipline."

In the Bible, we see a pattern

Hernaez From Whom All Blessings Flow

in which God rarely sends people into situations where their comfort level is high. Rather He promises to be with them in their fear. It is God's presence - not comfortable circumstances - that brings people to the best version of themselves.

Paul said that when we live in the flow of the Spirit, he does not make us timid, but instead gives us power and love. This is not the only place in the Bible where we see a close connection between receiving love and living in power. The apostle John makes the same association in one of the most famous statements in the Bible: "There is no fear in love... perfect love casts out fear."

When we live in the flow of the Spirit, we let the perfect love of God wash over us until our fear begins to leave. Modern science has confirmed what John wrote so many centuries ago. Love and fear are literally incompatible in our bodies. God wants to love you - and in loving you, to cast

weeks of confinement at a hospital.

Sison's death came as the CPP would mark its 54th founding anniversary on Dec. 26. He founded the organization in 1968.

out your fear.

Jesus was facing adversity when he told his followers that if they had faith, they could command a mountain and it would be cast into the sea. When my focus is on the mountain, I am driven by my fear. When my focus is on God, however, I am made alive by my faith. But if I did not have the mountain, I would not know that faith could be in me.

Use your imagination to picture being shepherded by the Lord in green pastures beside still waters. Is there any room for fear?

God knows that you can stand that trial; He would not give it to you if you could not. It is His trust in you that explains the trials of life, however bitter they may be. God knows our strength, and He measures it to the last inch; and a trial was never given to any man that was greater than that man's strength, through God, to bear it.

<(((><

November 2017.

Japanese military pledges helicopters for PH Army

Greetings in the Lord!

In my greetings to family, friends and members of our parish I mentioned that “the celebration of the birth of Jesus reveals how much God loves the family…” For the past four weeks we have anticipated with joy the celebration of the wonderful feast of the nativity of Jesus, the mystery of his incarnation that happened through the humble acceptance of a simple girl to be responsible at a very young age in order to bring into the world the Son of God. This humble acceptance also happened through the decision of a man, Joseph, who discerned to also do his part in keeping his betrothed partner so that both of them became instrumental in fulfilling the plan of God for humanity, its return to the original state of grace lost by the sin committed by the first man and woman as handed down by our faith and tradition. Truly the prayerful discernment and humble acceptance of two individuals whom God chose to become one in order to bring about his plan for the redemption of humanity fundamentally turned the events of history into salvation of history, making the hand of God more concretely felt and his love for man more manifest and really significant.

In this manifestation of His plan God revealed Himself as a truly loving and merciful God. Love defines the nature of God whose loving relationship is seen in a

Trinitarian union of three divine persons that is love itself whereby because of love the Father generated his only Son who loved in return in a manner that intimately united them in a bond proceed from their love known as the Holy Spirit. Being love itself God would not allow humanity to remain in darkness, a darkness that has brought about by the sin of our first parents what has been handed down to us in a very mysterious way. This is the reason why the Father sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to become one among us in a very mysterious way also, being born to a family, through a young virgin, Mary whose was betrothed to a courageous man, Joseph. God, in his infinite power, could have fulfilled his plan in a different manner, but chose to bring it about in a very human way. He chose that His Son be born in the setting of marriage, of two persons: a man and a woman, in a place

and with a people who had its own culture and customs that would help share the personality of Second Person of the Blessed Trinity in his becoming truly human, like all of us. How mysterious indeed is God’s ways, but this mystery of Christmas becomes more clear in how much God loves the family as his instrument of bringing about his plan to accomplish human salvation. Truly God wants us to know that His plan of salvation should never be conceived as a gratuitous gift that needs no response. He wants us to know that His plan would only be realized in a human setting where love, just as He is truly is, would only be put into practice through a relationship of love among persons themselves. The family is the right human setting for us fulfillment wherein the fundamental relationship of love would concretely happen between the spouses, their offspring and among themselves as a family.

My dear brothers and sisters, we have prepared for the celebration of Christmas for four weeks during the season of Advent this year. Let us celebrate the meaning of Christmas in a more special way by making our own families the instrument of our own sanctification and salvation because Christmas is indeed a joyful celebration of the mystery of God’s love for humanity and His high esteem for the human family.

Engagement; ; Legal Cooperation; Peace, Law Enforcement, and Development Support; Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration and Amnesty Program; International Engagement Cluster; Sectoral Unification, Capacity Building and Empowerment; Strategic Communications; and Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management.

The CPP earlier said the Netherlands-based Sison died around 8:40 p.m. Friday after two

Sison was arrested during the time of President Ferdinand E. Marcos -the father of the incumbent president -- in 1976, along with his wife. They were released from detention in 1986 after then President Corazon Aquino came to power.

In 1987, Sison went on a selfexile in the Netherlands after peace talks with the government stalled. Peace talks were on and off since then until President Rodrigo Duterte terminated the negotiations in

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has committed to transfer a number of Japanese-made UH-1J utility helicopters to beef up the disaster response capabilities of the Army Aviation Regiment of the Philippine Army (PA).

In a statement Monday, Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the transfer will be made through a government grant.

The donation of UH-1J aircraft is expected to be received in two to three years.

The utility helicopters will

significantly

Asaka, Tokyo, Japan last December 11, Trinidad added.

"The Commanding General, Philippine Army (CGPA) Lt. Gen.

Romeo S. Brawner Jr., discussed with JGSDF Chief-of-Staff Gen.

The Army Aviation Regiment currently has around five to six aircraft in its inventory.

The JGSDF pledge was announced on the sidelines of a bilateral meeting between the two armies during the first-ever JapanPhilippine-US Trilateral Key Leaders’ Engagement at Camp

Yoshida Yoshihide potential areas of military cooperation to include capability development, training and exercises, as well as defense materiel assistance," Trinidad said.

He added that Brawner expressed optimism that the nascent partnership would bring about mutually beneficial outcomes for both the PA and the JGSDF.

“As we all know, the Philippines and Japan are within the Pacific

Ring of Fire and we experience so many disasters every year. By collaborating, all of our Armies will be able to cooperate on ensuring that our people are safe as we face the various calamities that come to our land every year," Brawner said.

The JSGDF's UH-IJ combat is manufactured by Fiji Heavy Industries and its specifications include a reduced vibration system, an infrared exhaust suppressor, and a night-vision-goggle-compatible cockpit.

It is powered by a single Kawasaki T53-K-703 turboshaft engine with 1,800 horsepower, two-bladed main and tail rotors. (MNS)

Danny

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

boost the capabilities of the Army Aviation Regiment, especially in the field of humanitarian assistance and disaster response, medical evacuation, transport of personnel and supplies and for damage assessment flights in times of national emergencies and calamities.

which coincides with the enactment of the Philippine Space Act on Aug. 9, 2019, aims to “promote space awareness, espouse the benefits of space and its impact on the lives of the people, celebrate the contribution of Filipinos in the field of space and inspire the future generation.”

DICT to launch courses on cybersecurity to build PH capacity

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will launch short-term courses and long-term programs on cybersecurity in 2023 to help build the country’s cybersecurity workforce.

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said these programs would include short courses that would allow for rapid deployment of cybersecurity professionals and long-term programs by partnering with educational institutions and government agencies in charge of education.

“We will be launching some programs on that come 2023. I will not announce it yet but it will be a very interesting program on building up our STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)

capacity even from the school at a very young age,” Uy said.

To date, he said the Philippines only has around 200 certified cybersecurity experts, or those holding Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certifications, and only about 30 percent are in the country, with the rest working overseas.

“Ang nangyayari kasi is marami tayong talented na technical people, pero hindi sila nagqua-qualify for the jobs because wala silang credentials (What is happening is we have many talented technical people, but they don’t qualify for the jobs because they don’t have the credentials),” he said.

In response, the DICT is working with large technology companies such as CISCO, Oracle, Intel, and Microsoft to help provide certification programs to Filipinos.

“Some of them are three- or sixmonths certifications tapos ang ginagawa namin, iniimbita namin itong mga technical people na magenroll (and then what we do is we invite technical people to enroll). Either subsidized or free. And from there, we provide them with a scholarship so they can take the certification,” he said.

Aside from the current global demand for cybersecurity experts

-- with an estimated two to three million job vacancies worldwide -- he said local business process management companies, financial institutions, banks, and the rest of the business sector are looking to hire more cybersecurity experts.

“And that's just for cybersecurity. Napakarami pang iba (There are so many other technical fields),” he said. To address the long-term need for cybersecurity experts, he said the DICT is building partnerships with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and state universities and colleges to develop more courses in the area.

Early in December, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) released its “National Cybersecurity Talent Workforce Assessment of the Philippines” which laid out the current lack of credentialed or certified and experienced cybersecurity workforce in the country.

Commissioned by USAID’s Better Access and Connectivity (BEACON) Activity from IBM Consulting Services, the study proposed several solutions to the workforce gap. (MNS)

of Christmas as a youngster in wonderful Sta. Ana. And it comes back in time with me each year - to help me enjoy all the old recipes of yesterday.

Noted Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger once wrote, “Advent is concerned with that very connection between memory and hope which is so necessary to man. Advent’s intention is to awaken the most profound and basic emotional memory within us, namely the memory of the God who became a child. This is a healing memory; it brings hope.

The purpose of the Church’s year is continually to rehearse her great history of memories, to awaken the heart’s memory so that it can discern the star of hope. It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus open doors of hope.”

So, at this time and in the glow of the Christmas tree at our house here in the “Finest City of America” San Diego, when I share gifts with my very own family, I will say it in a whisper and in a prayer: "Silent Night, O Holy Night ... Ma and Pa, I love you both very much and will always cherish you, too ... Forever!"

M-E-R-R-Y CHRISTMAS, everyone!!

A $1.2 million grant sponsored by Rep. Vargas will support Dreamer Resource Centers at the four college campuses. The centers serve undocumented students, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) students, by offering help with registering for classes, financial aid, and readiness for college and a career. An estimated 1,200 undocumented students attend City, Mesa and Miramar colleges.

Another 2,000 students who are undocumented or come from families with undocumented members attend the non-credit San Diego College of Continuing Education.

The funding will also be used to develop partnerships with community organizations that serve undocumented students and expand outreach at high schools for undocumented students there. The grant will also support an annual Undocumented Student Conference to demonstrate to the college community that the campuses are welcoming and safe for undocumented students.