The Filipino Press: December 29, 2023 - January 4, 2024

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SWS: 96 percent of Filipinos enter the New Year with hope

MANILA -- Instead of fear, around 96 percent of adult Filipinos are entering the New Year with hope, the highest recorded since the prepandemic in 2019, according to a survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) released on Thursday.

Results of the Dec. 8-11 survey found that hope for the coming new year is one point higher than the 95 percent recorded in 2022 and the highest since the pre-pandemic 96 percent in 2019.

Meanwhile, 3 percent answered they are entering 2024 with fear, down by 2 points from 5 percent in 2022.

Entering the New Year with hope was the highest among respondents in Metro Manila and Balance Luzon at 97 percent, followed by Mindanao at 96 percent, and Visayas at 93 percent.

The pollster said New Year hope at the end of 2023 rose slightly across educational levels compared to the end of 2022: from 92 percent to 93 percent among non-elementary graduates, from 95 percent to 97 percent among elementary graduates, from 95 percent to 96 percent among junior high school graduates, and from 96 percent to 98 percent among college graduates.

The survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults aged 18 years old and above nationwide: 300 each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon (or Luzon outside Metro Manila), the Visayas, and Mindanao.

The sampling error margins are ±2.8 percent for national percentages, and ±5.7 percent each

SAFE ALTERNATIVE. Toy trumpets, locally known as "torotot," are sold along Tabora Street in Binondo, Manila, on Tuesday (Dec. 26, 2023). A popular noise-generating alternative to firecrackers during the New Year’s Eve revelry, the toy trumpets sell between PHP30 and PHP150 depending on the size and design. (MNS photo) for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

Local gov’t leaders urged to continue implementing EO 28 Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines president and Quirino Governor Dax Cua urged

his fellow local leaders to continue implementing an executive order banning firecrackers to protect their constituents from undue harm that these may cause.

“Executive Order 28 Series of 2017 which limits firecracker use to

Nonpartisan Voters – What You Need to Know to Vote for President

By Tracy DeFore SAN DIEGO, CA -- Calling all registered nonpartisan voters! If you want to vote for president in the March 5, 2024 primary election, you must inform the Registrar’s office which crossover party ballot you want by Jan. 5 so it is included in the initial mailing of ballots going out the week of Feb. 4.

Otherwise, you will automatically receive a nonpartisan ballot in the mail, and it will not show the presidential primary contest or candidates.

The Registrar’s office sent the County’s nearly 490,000 nonpartisan registered voters a prepaid return postcard requesting their selection of crossover ballot for the March 5, 2024 primary election.

If your postcard became lost among all the holiday mail, here is what you need to know.

Political Parties Allowing Nonpartisan Voters to Crossover This year, the American Independent Party, Democratic Party, and Libertarian Party are allowing nonpartisan voters to take part in their presidential primary elections.

Nonpartisan voters must request one of these three parties’ ballots to vote for that party’s presidential primary candidate. Selecting one of these three political party ballots will not register you with that party.

You will remain a nonpartisan voter.

Without the postcard, you can still complete the Registrar’s nonpartisan crossover party ballot request form at sdvote.com or from

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Registrar’s office in Kearny Mesa.

Also note that the Democratic Party is allowing nonpartisan voters to vote in its presidential contest, but not its Central Committee contest. If requested, you will receive the nonpartisan version of the Democratic ballot.

Political Parties NOT Allowing Nonpartisan Voters to Crossover This year, the Green Party, Peace and Freedom Party, and Republican Party have closed their presidential primary to nonpartisan voters.

Nonpartisan voters will not be able to select one of these ballots.

Nonpartisan voters who want one of these parties’ ballots will need to reregister with that party.

You can fill out a new voter registration form online at sdvote. com.

No matter what your party preference, all registered voters will be allowed to vote on nonpartisan contests and voter-nominated offices, such as U.S. congressional offices and state legislative offices.

The top two vote-getters in voternominated contests will advance to the Nov. 5 general election.

Not sure which political party you’re registered with or if you’re registered to vote?

You can check your registration, re-register and register to vote at sdvote.com.

The Registrar’s office encourages you to do so well before Feb. 20 to avoid delays and long lines at vote centers.

Learn more about voting in the March 5 presidential primary at sdvote.com or call (858) 565-5800 or toll free at (800) 696-0136.

community displays is still in effect, thus I hope that my fellow leaders will continue implementing the EO to ensure that our constituents are safe from the dangers of firecracker use,” Cua said in a news release on Thursday.

He added that local government units should also crack down on the sale of illegal firecrackers.

Cua’s call comes amid Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos’ call for a total ban on firecrackers across the country to prevent fireworks-

related injuries that occur during the holiday season, particularly during celebrations for the New Year.

Based on the Department of Health’s bulletin issued Wednesday, a total of 75 people have so far been reported injured due to firecrackers.

“Let’s promote safe celebrations in our communities for the coming New Year. We’ve done it in the past, so why not continue leading community celebrations where everyone enjoys and risks are minimized,” Cua said.

The governor also said that local leaders should not be remiss in urging their constituents to employ alternative means of making noise for their household celebrations.

“We can make use of pots and pans, tambourines and other instruments, music, and even videoke singing to continue the tradition of making noise. Our health and well-being is more important,” Cua added.

DOH warns public vs. deadly 'watusi' The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday warned against the use of firecracker "watusi" as new cases related to fireworks involved a four-year-old boy who accidentally swallowed watusi at home.

In its latest case bulletin, the DOH noted that most children often mistake watusi for candy due to its size and color.

The boy is one of the 13 new fireworks-related injuries the DOH has recorded as of Thursday at 6 a..m.

See SWS on 8

Fil-Am Youth Actors Take to the Stage in the Old Globe’s “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” Popular holiday show runs at the Old Globe until Dec. 31

By Lainie Alfaro SAN DIEGO, CA -- Gasps, laughter and tears from the audience echoed throughout the performances of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” prompted by the comedic lines of the Grinch and the heartwarming, powerful voices of the ensemble singing together.

Based on Dr. Seuss’s children's book, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” the show is back for its 26th year running.

From the opening tree lighting ceremony to the matinee performances for local students, “The Grinch” has become one of the many local holiday traditions in San Diego And this year, four local FilAm youth played Who children in the show. For three of the four actors, this is their debut in the Old Globe Theater. Each actor participated in approximately 40 shows where these Who children experienced working alongside theater professionals and crafting a unique setting for each showing.

The actors shared via email their experiences working on the show.

Alina Mari Panganiban was part of the “Little Who” Ensemble and said her experience performing in this production was “magical.”

“I have learned that there is a lot of tradition with the show being on for twenty-six years,” Panganiban said. “For example, there is a large wall of paper with twenty-six years of cast members’ signatures and heights, including Vanessa Hudgens, who is Filipina and I believe was the first Cindy-

Top photo shows some of the talented casts of the Dr. Seuss's timeless classic , How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Local Filipino talents include Nia Castro, sisters Esme and Maisy Cuaresma, Iris Manter, Alina Mari Panganiban (photo/s courtesy of Old Globe) Lou Who.” The legacy Panganiban and the other actors get to continue was part of the magic. Forming a unique theatrical family was another highlight.

“When being with my castmates, I feel the same energy of support and joy and acceptance as I do with my own family,” Panganiban said.

“I really treasure the time I spend with my Theater Family at The Old Globe.”

Nia Castro, who played BettyLou Who, auditioned for “The Grinch” after experiencing the show as a part of her family’s holiday tradition.

“It is a really cool and magical show to watch especially when my friends are in it, so I thought it would be awesome to be on that magical stage performing (even though I was scared of the Grinch

before),” Castro said.

While the Grinch might seem to be the scariest thing on the stage, overcoming initial performance nerves were something these actors had to learn.

“I was a little nervous working with musical theatre professionals because I thought I would mess up a lot,” Castro said. “Everyone is so helpful. They helped me feel confident while we had fun.”

Part of what made that community so meaningful to Castro was getting to work alongside fellow actors who also have Fil-Am backgrounds.

“It’s fun when our little Fil-Am group (the Wholipinas = Who + Filipinas) can share similar cultural stories, share Filipino foods and tell Filipino jokes like ‘What’s See GRINCH on

3

2 • December 29, 2023 - January 4, 2024

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December 29, 2023 - January 4, 2024 • 3

kids in the direction of being a GRINCH PARADISE VALLEY HOSPITAL A great Who,” Maisy said. “I call Continued from p­­­­­age 1 it ‘Ate-ing’ the new child cast TIER ONE PATIENT SAFETY HONOR this (hand yoyo movement)? Pusit. members.”

ROLL HEALTHCARE FACILITY What’s this (upside down hand For Esme, following in her

NATIONAL CITY, CA -Paradise Valley Hospital has achieved the distinct honor of being listed on the Patient Safety Honor Roll by the California Health and Human Services Hospital Compare website. Not only has Paradise Valley been listed on the Honor Roll—our hospital has been named as one of the seven “Tier One” honor roll hospitals in California.

In order to be listed on the Patient Safety Honor Roll, hospitals must have high achievement ratings across 12 patient safety measures, and no ratings below the 10th percentile.

The patient safety measures include hospital acquired infections, sepsis management, and patient experience. Tier One hospitals must achieve all this—and hold a Leapfrog Group “A” Patient Safety rating for at least three consecutive seasons. Paradise Valley Hospital has held an “A” grade for seven

consecutive seasons over the past three years. Paradise Valley Hospital is also a Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence award winner for the past 10 consecutive years (2014-2023).

Paradise Valley Hospital is one of four Prime Healthcare hospitals listed on the Honor Roll, and the only Prime facility listed as a Tier One hospital.

“This is a testament to the hard work and expertise of the nurses, doctors, and staff at Paradise Valley Hospital,” says PVH Chief Nursing Officer, Gemma Rama-Banaag.

“We are a small hospital, but we’re performing at the same level or higher than larger healthcare facilities who have a lot more resources to draw from. This tells me that the people that work here at Paradise Valley Hospital are dedicated professionals who are passionate about our mission to provide excellent care for our patients. I could not be more proud!”

yoyo movement)? Op-pusit’” Castro said.

Maisy Cuaresma and Esme Cuaresma, who are sisters, were also part of the “Little Who” Ensemble. This is Maisy’s second year performing in “The Grinch.”

Getting in character for her Who role took her back to her rehearsal techniques last year.

“I just started acting like a Who at home, walking around with Who feet, and responding to greetings with a happy ‘who,’” Maisy said.

“This year, I just tapped into my muscle memory, so being a Who just comes naturally.”

But what enhanced her experience in “The Grinch” this year was the opportunity to help new cast members like her sister.

“Last year, I was one of the younger Whos, but this year I am one of the oldest, so it’s really fun to just guide the younger

ift. y!

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sister’s footsteps has been a fun experience and a natural decision with her family’s holiday traditions “We love the holidays and Christmas time at my house, so we do lots of holiday singing,” Esme said.

Esme added that getting to be onstage was an unforgettable experience.

“Live theater is a unique and special experience because it’s so interactive,” Esme said.

“The student matinee shows are especially fun because of the energy and loud cheering the students bring.”

While the 2023 year may be wrapping up, Panganiban said she hopes to see continued holiday spirit and cheer spread through “The Grinch” performances to the surrounding San Diego community.

“The audience is so energetic and cheerful and I can see a sparkle in their eyes when they watch the play,” Panganiban said. “One of my favorite parts towards the end of the show is interacting and waving to the audience and I love seeing their smiles. I hope that the audience understands the meaning of friendship and feels very jolly and delighted after watching the

show. And I hope they can spread the holiday cheer, to everyone who’s far and near!”

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” runs at the Old Globe

until Dec. 31. Tickets range from $79 to $99 for adults and $69 to $89 for children. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www. theoldglobe.org

4 • December 29, 2023 - January 4, 2024

Filipino Press

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PUV modernization program supported by majority -- DOTr chief MANILA -- Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has expressed support to operators and drivers who have consolidated under the government's Public Utility Vehicle modernization program.

Jeepney operators and drivers have only until Dec. 31 this year to consolidate into a cooperative or a corporation, the first step of the modernization program.

"The PUV consolidation stays.

This initiative has gained the support of majority of our PUV operators as around 70 percent of them have already taken part in the consolidation process," Bautista said in a statement Thursday.

With only three days left, operators and drivers are urged to comply with the requirements.

According to the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board, the documents for submission are: ● Latest Land Transportation Office Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) ● For Corporation: Securities and Exchange Commission Certificate of Registration/Certification For Cooperative: Cooperative Development Authority Registration/OTC Certification ● Affidavit of Conformity stating that an individual operator is allowing his franchise and unit to be included in a cooperative or corporation The Dec. 31 deadline is only for consolidation and not yet for the modernization of PUV units.

Those who will consolidate can still use their jeepney units as long as they pass the roadworthiness tests, according to the DOTr. "Rest assured that your government is committed to making this program work as this aligns with goal of the Marcos administration on easing the plight of commuters by ensuring cleaner and safer means of public transportation for the riding public," Bautista said.

Several transport groups such as Piston and Manibela have opposed the program, citing problems such as high membership fees, cooperative mismanagement, among others.

This prompted them to hold transport strikes over the past months.

LTFRB allows nonconsolidated PUVs to ply select routes until Jan. 31 Despite the deadline for public utility vehicle (PUV) operators to consolidate operations or at least submit applications before the end of the year, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) gave them leeway to operate.

Under its Memorandum Circular No. 2023-052, which took effect on Dec. 25, 2023, the LTFRB issued guidelines on the implementation of the PUV Modernization Program beyond the deadline for consolidation application.

In a five-page circular, the agency stated that individual operators in routes without consolidated transport service entity (TSE) "shall be allowed to operate until 31 January 2024” so as "not to hamper the operation of public transportation routes without consolidated TSE." During the one-month period,

however, the LTFRB and its regional offices shall still be issuing show-cause orders in compliance with the Public Service Act. To recall, the LTFRB issued Memorandum Circular No. 202351, which effectively revokes the permits or Provisional Authorities (PAs) issued to individual operators in all routes without consolidated Transport Service Entity (TSE), effective Jan. 1, 2024.

The units of PUV operators who failed to consolidate or apply for consolidation into a TSE before the deadline "shall not be confirmed for purposes of registration as public utility vehicles."

In its latest circular, the LTFRB said it may issue special permits to operate on routes without consolidated TSE, which shall be valid for three months after Jan. 31, 2024 to other consolidated TSEs. "In no case shall the consolidated TSEs that elect to operate on routes without consolidated TSE reduce its operations to more than 60% of its NAU (number of authorized units) on its original routes," the circular read.

"A Selection Process, subject to subsequent issuance shall be conducted thereafter to determine the operators who will operate on this/these routes," according to the circular.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court ordered Thursday the Department of Transportation and LTFRB to comment on pending petitions seeking to stop the implementation of the PUV modernization program.

Certificate of Public Convenience According to LTFRB data, 73.5% or 31,058 traditional jeepneys in Metro Manila have yet to be consolidated as part of the PUV Modernization Program.

Likewise, 66% of jeepneys were not consolidated in Calabarzon, and 63% in Zamboanga Peninsula.

As for the nationwide data, 30% of jeepney units have yet to comply with the consolidation deadline.

Under the modernization plan, jeepney drivers and operators are required to join or form cooperatives in a bid to replace traditional jeepneys with environment-friendly vehicles. Operators and drivers can apply for new franchises but as part of transport cooperatives.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. earlier this month said there would be no extension for the Dec. 31, 2023 deadline following a meeting with transport officials.

Meanwhile, under the LTFRB MC No. 2023-052, routes with consolidated TSEs shall retain franchise privileges on the routes they are currently plying, and shall continue to operate under their existing provisional authorities until December 2024 or upon the issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPCs), whichever comes first.

The CPCs issued to consolidated TSEs with brand-new Omnibus Franchising Guidelines-compliant units shall have a validity of seven years, while the CPCs issued to consolidated TSEs without brandnew or compliant units shall have a validity of five years.

The LTFRB reiterated, in its latest circular, that unconsolidated individual operators who failed to file application for consolidation before the deadline shall no longer

be allowed to organize into a juridical entity or join existing consolidated TSEs. The PUV Modernization Program, which started in 2017, aims to replace jeepneys with vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution and replace PUVs that are not roadworthy by Land Transportation Office (LTO) standards.

SC asks DOTr, LTFRB to comment on petitions seeking to stop PUV modernization The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to comment on pending petitions seeking to stop the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

The High Court was referring to the December 19 petition filed by Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) chairman Modesto Floranda, Jason Jajilagutan, Bayan Muna party-list coordinator Gaylord Despuez, Para-Advocates For Inclusive Transport member Edric Samonte, No to PUV Phaseout Coalition of Panay member Elmer Forro, and Komyut spokesperson Ma. Flora Cerna.

“Considering the allegations contained, the issues raised, and the arguments adduced in the petition, but without necessarily giving due course thereto, respondents DOTr and LTFRB should comment on the petition and on the urgent application for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and/ or writ of preliminary injunction within a non-extendible period of 10 days from notice hereof,” the SC said in its order dated December 28.

“Now, therefore, you, respondents DOTr and LTFRB are hereby required to comment on the petition and on the urgent application for a TRO and/or writ of preliminary injunction within a non-extendible period of 10 days from notice hereof,” it added.

The PUV modernization program, which dates back 2017, seeks to replace jeepneys with vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution and replace PUVs that are not roadworthy by the standards of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Each unit, however, costs over P2 million.

The same SC order said the respondents should personally file their comments before the High Court as well as personally provide a copy of the said comments to the petitioners.

The SC order was given by authority of Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, upon the written recommendation of the Member-in-Charge.

The deadline for consolidation for the enlistment of PUVs under the modernization program has been set on December 31.

The series of transport strikes, however, has prompted the government to provide a one-month grace period for the existing PUV franchise holders to consolidate under one cooperative that will be granted a franchise under the modernization program.(MNS)

ENGINE CHECK. Warlito Clarito, 64, checks the engine of the jeepney that he drives, which is owned by a cooperative, at a terminal along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2023). The government is urging jeepney operators to consolidate before the Dec. 31, 2023 deadline as part of the transport modernization program. (MNS photo)

LUCKY CHARM. A salesperson shows a lucky charm dragon figurine at the Christmas Bazaar in Ali Mall, Araneta City in Quezon City on Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2023). In Chinese culture, the dragon is a symbol of luck, wealth, and power and with the Year of the Wood Dragon set to begin on Feb. 10, 2024, dragon figurines and charms are in high demand. (MNS photo)

82M Filipinos now registered for PhilSys -- PSA MANILA -- The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has reached 90% of its target 2023 Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) registrations for 2023.

According to a statement on Thursday, a total of 82,812,899 Filipinos have registered for the PhilSys as of December 18.

“Makakaasa ang publiko na patuloy na sisikapin ng PSA na maihatid ang PhilSys registration sa kanilang lugar. Hinihikayat namin ang lahat ng ating mga kababayan na magparehistro na sa PhilSys at makiisa sa pag-abot ng Makabagong Pilipinas,” said PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa.

Touted by government “as a digital foundational ID system” PhilSys is envisioned to “transform how services are delivered and accessed in the Philippines, and accelerate our transition to a digital economy, including to enable presenceless, paperless and cashless transactions.”

The PSA said it is working on an expedited process for the issuance and delivery of physical and electronic PhilIDs for valid proof of age and identity.

As of December 8, PSA said there have been 48,770,513 PhilIDs printed and dispatched by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), while 44,142,431 ePhilIDs have been issued.

To register for the PhilID, unregistered Filipinos may head towards their nearest registration centers with supporting documents available through https://philsys.gov. ph/ 92% of Filipinos hopeful for 2024 – survey Almost all Filipino adults, or 92 percent, said they are hopeful for the new year, according to a recent survey

by Pulse Asia.

The survey conducted Dec. 3 to 7 showed that only 1 percent will face 2024 without hope, while 7 percent were neither hopeful nor without hope for the coming year.

"Amidst the various challenges Filipinos face on a daily basis, most of them continue to remain optimistic, with 92% saying they will face the new year with hope. This is the prevailing sentiment in every geographic area and socio-economic grouping," Pulse Asia said in its report.

Ninety-five percent of respondents from the Visayas said they are hopeful, followed by Balance Luzon at 94 percent, National Capital Region at 92 percent, and Mindanao at 84 percent.

The same survey also showed that 41 percent of the respondents believe that their holiday celebrations this year will be as prosperous as last year's.

Around 30 percent are expecting their celebrations this year to be more prosperous than in 2022.

Sixteen percent said their upcoming holiday celebrations will be the same as last year in the sense that it was not prosperous.

Meanwhile, 13 percent said it would be “poorer” than last year.

The survey on the high optimism of Filipinos was made during the same week of the escalating tension in the West Philippine Sea between the Philippines and China, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Surigao del Sur, the bombing at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City and a nationwide transport strike, among others.

The nationwide survey was based on a sample of 1,200 representative adults 18 years old and above.

It has a ± 2.8 percent error margin at the 95 percent confidence level.

Solon calls for energy conservation amid surge in electricity usage Senator Win Gatchalian on Wednesday called on citizens, particularly the business sector as well as households, to be prudent in energy consumption during this holiday season amid surge in electricity usage.

In a statement, Gatchalian said December is considered as the National Energy Consciousness month "and this might serve as a reminder to all of us about the significance of responsible energy practices."

“These practices not only save money but also ensure sustainability and reduce the environmental impact associated with heightened energy consumption,” he noted.

The month of December has been declared National Energy Consciousness Month under Proclamation No. 1427, to create public awareness of the need for energy conservation.

The conservation and efficient utilization of energy resources are stipulated in Republic Act 11285, known as the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act authored by Gatchalian.

According to the general provisions of the law, energy efficiency and conservation should be institutionalized through the formulation, development, and implementation of plans.

These plans aim to secure the sufficiency and stability of energy supply, mitigating the impact of high prices on local markets and protecting the environment.

This initiative is in support of the economic and social development goals of the country.

Gatchalian added that the advent of the El Niño phenomenon underscores the urgency to conserve energy as the weather aberration is expected to increase the country’s energy requirement.

“Because the El Niño phenomenon brings warmer than usual weather conditions, we can expect electricity consumption to rise substantially due to heightened demand. Thus, there is a need to ensure that the country has ample supply of energy to meet the country’s electricity requirements,” he said.

Rent hike among lower income families capped at 4% The National Human Settlements Board (NHSB) has placed a fourpercent cap in the increases of rent for housing worth P10,000 a month and below. This policy will be effective from January 1 to December 31, 2024.

The NHSB passed Resolution No. 2023-03 providing for the continuous implementation of regulation of rent and promoting of affordable housing in the country.

According to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, the policy was put in place "to avoid unwarranted increase in rental rates among lower income families."

“The decision was based on the recommendation of the National Economic and Development

Authority to set a uniform maximum percentage increase at the upper bound of the inflation rate target of the current administration,” the DHSUD said in a press statement.

The NHSB is an attached agency of the DSHUD. Republic Act No. 9653 or the “Rent Control Act of 2009” authorizes the DSHUD to regulate the rental rates of certain residential units; determine the period of regulation and its subsequent extensions, if warranted; determine the residential units covered; and adjust the allowable limit on rental increases per annum.

DMW: Thousands of OFWs in Taiwan, Hong Kong to benefit from wage hike Thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) based in Taiwan and Hong Kong are expected to benefit from the new wage hike which takes effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

“We thank Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Labor Department respectively for enacting wage legislation that recognizes the work of our OFWs and their contribution to the economic development of their host countries,” Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) officer-in-charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in a news release Wednesday.

Cacdac said the new wage order issued by Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor (MOL) mandates a 4.05 percent increase in the monthly minimum salary of factory workers from NT$ (New Taiwan Dollar) 26,400 or equivalent to PHP46,378.70, to NT$27,470 or PHP48,223.43.

The same wage order also increases the minimum hourly wage

by NT$7, or from NT$176 equivalent to about PHP312.80, to NT$183 or PHP321.48.

Data from the MOL shows that as of October, about 151,562 Filipinos are working in Taiwan, with 123,768 working in the manufacturing sector.

The DMW projects another 17,721 workers in this category to be hired by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, a similar wage legislation approved by the Hong Kong Labor Department will also benefit OFWs working as foreign domestic helpers (FDH) or household service workers (HSWs).

The Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong (MWO-HK) reported that as of August this year, there are 196,364 OFWs working as HSWs or FDHs in the Chinese special administrative region and some 40,000 HSWs representing new hires and those with renewed contracts.

Additionally, an estimated 205,000 Filipino HSWs in Hong Kong are expected by January 2024.

Under the new wage measure, OFWs working as FDHs will receive a minimum allowable wage of (Hong Kong Dollar) HK$4,870 or PHP38,010.35, which is equivalent to a HK$140 increase from the previous rate of HK$4,730 or PHP36,917.65.

The same wage order also raised the allowable food allowance for FDHs to HK$1,236 or PHP9,649.98 from the previous rate of HK$1,196 or PHP9,334.78.

The wage increase in Hong Kong shall apply only to FDH contracts signed on or after Sept. 30 this year.

(MNS)

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MUSINGS ON A NEW YEAR OF RENEWAL SAN DIEGO, CA -- Mabuhay!

Let’s face it: Most of us could use a little encouragement when it comes to consistency in our walk with Christ. Right? We could all employ a trusted friend who could be available several times a week to offer a little friendly prompting.

To check in on our progress, so to speak.

This is an edition of my column to give to yourself.

Please read on.

Taking down a Christmas tree can be the most dis-heartening of tasks. The season is over, the presents have been opened, the celebration is done. All that remains is to put the ornaments in boxes, strip the lights off the branches, and take out the tree.

As a kid, I remember starting to count the days until Christmas would come again – 360, 359, 358.

Contemplating the end of it was just too sad.

In such a mood, my wife Zeny and I took down our tree this year.

No carols on the radio to carry us both along, no one to help us either.

Just me and my better half – and a tree who has done its job – and oh, one more thing to add to my task: vacuuming.

Finally, the tree is now a shadow of its former glory – and my reminder that Christmas was only…357 days away…Ha-ha-haha!

On the other hand, I am glad God changes the times and seasons, aren’t you?

Just think how dull things would become if He didn’t paint nature’s scenes in different colors several times a year. With infinite creativity and remarkable regularity, He splashes white over brown and orange over green, giving such attention to detail that we are often stunned with amazement.

Each of the four seasons offers fresh and vital insights for those who take the time to look and think. Hidden beneath the surface are colorful yet silent truths that touch most every area across the landscape of our lives. As each three-month segment of every year holds its own mysteries and plays its own melodies, offering sights and smells, feelings and fantasies altogether distinct, so it is in the seasons of life. The Master is neither mute nor careless as He alters our times and changes our seasons. How wrong to trudge blindly and routinely through a lifetime of changing seasons without discovering answers to the new mysteries and learning to sing the new melodies! Seasons are designed to deepen us, to instruct us in the wisdom and ways of our God. To help us grow strong…like a tree planted by the rivers of water.

Our journey truly begins in the winter, a season of quiet

December 29, 2023 - January 4, 2024 • 5

Jesse T. Reyes

Filipino Potpourri

THE BEST IS YET TO COME: Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day. The author and his wife Zeny wish you all joy, health and prosperity in the coming year 2024. Happy New Year, everyone! reverence. This is followed by spring, a season of refreshing and encouraging renewal. Then comes summer, a season of enjoyable and much-needed rest. Finally, we’ll stroll through autumn, a season of nostalgic reflection. Our hope is to grow stronger and taller as our roots dig deeper in the soft soil along the banks of the river of life.

And let’s not fear the winds of adversity! The gnarled old twisted trees, beaten and buffeted by wind and weather along the ocean shores, tell their own stories of consistent courage. May God make us strong as the winds whip against us, my dear friends. Roots grow deep when the winds are strong. I say let’s commit ourselves to growing strong in the seasons of life.

Just before we embark on our 2024 journey, allow me a final,

few paragraphs concerning the composition of these thoughts.

I have just taken my Webster’s Dictionary off the shelf and looked up “thorough.” He says it means “carried through to completion, careful about detail, complete in all respects.”

That’s convincing! Few indeed are the people who finish what they start – and do a complete job of it.

Now I’m not referring to a neurotic fanaticism of extreme, unpractical, and unbalanced preoccupation with only the details. Not the trees-in-the-forest syndrome. I’m talking about the rare but beautiful experience of carrying out responsibility its completion.

Why not dig right in and refuse to give up until the task is done?

Why not tighten your belt a notch and wade into that unpleasant job

with renewed determination to write “finished” over it?

There is a verse in Proverbs that is commonly quoted around our house when we really finish a work like it should be done.

“Desire accomplished is sweet to the soul” (Proverbs 13:19a KJV) When you have accomplished or thoroughly fulfilled a task, there is a feeling of satisfaction that cannot be expressed in words.

Listen to another Proverb: “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is made fat” (13:4).

The sluggard longingly craves but because he is “allergic to work,” he gets nothing in return (Proverbs 20:4 makes this clear).

So, what are you – my dear folks – waiting for?

Does it need painting? Paint it – and

do a thorough job! Does it need cleaning? Clean it – thoroughly!

Does it need ironing? Iron it – wrinkle free, with gusto! Does it need attention? Give it thorough, unrestrained attention!

Stop being satisfied with a half-hearted, incomplete job! Stun those around you with a thorough, finished product! AND STOP PUTTING IT OFF! As an elementary school music teacher of mine used to say when I stare in disbelief at the difficulty of a piece before me, “Attack it, boy!”

I close with a simple reminder: “The difference between something good and something great is attention to detail.”

And that’s true of a delicious meal, a musical production, a play, a new automobile, a well-kept home, a church, our attire, a business, a lovely garden, a sermon, a teacher, a well-discipled family.

I say let’s move out of the thick ranks of the mediocre…and join the thin ranks of excellence.

Ha-ha-ha-ha!

When my family and I moved to our beloved adopted hometown of San Diego – “America’s Finest City” – I immediately began writing this weekly column, which I called “Filipino Potpourri.” I have continued that discipline to this day. Little did I realize the farreaching effect these articles would someday have on our generation!

I must express my gratitude to the staff of The Filipino Press for their creative sensitivity and bold vision to publish this material. I have all been amazed to see how broadly my dear readers has applied and continues to use each one of those articles in their lives.

I confess, I have been the most surprised of all! I’ve been tempted to publish their thoughts from those who wrote me or expressed verbally to me – describing how my articles have been of a valuable help in their lives – which I will soon act on when I find the most opportune time to do so.

That’s my promise to you, my dear folks.

I am especially indebted to our editor-in-chief Susan delos Santos for her loving friendship over the years. Because of her skilled insight and creative editorial assistance, I was able to see how such varied columns fit so beautifully into the theme of the seasons.

And once again, I declare my gratitude to my wife Zeny, my personal secretary (Ha-ha-ha-ha!) for her unselfish patience with me,

along with her relentless devotion to the task of “constructive criticism” review of my column’s original manuscripts before official publication.

Now…let’s all walk together as God escorts us through the seasons of new year 2024. Let’s listen closely to His voice as we observe the changing scenery. It might be wise for us to brace ourselves against those strong gusts of winds that inevitably accompany each season. But then again – I say even the storms bear a message of encouragement for all of us: Deeper roots make for strong lives.

The seasons of life roll by at an astonishing rate. Only our great God and His Word remain unchanged. As we invest time and energy in that Word, we drink from the well of eternity.

All of us will grow old in the seasons of life.

By His grace, we may also grow strong.

H-A-P-P-Y NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Prayer to Saint Expedite May the intercession of the glorious martyr , St Expedite, recommend us, O my God, to Thy goodness, in order that his protection may obtain for us what our own merits are powerless to do.

Amen.

We supplicate Thee, Lord , to inspire by Thy grace all our thoughts and actions, that thou being their principle, we may, by the intercession of St. Expedite, be conducted with courage, fidelity and promptitude, at the time proper and favorable, and come to a good and happy end, through our Lord, Jesus Christ

Amen St Expedite, honored by the gratitude of those who have invoked thee at the last hour and for pressing cases, we pray thee to obtain from the all powerful goodness of God, by the intercession of Mary Immaculate, (today or such a day) the grace we solicit with all submission to the Divine Will

Amen

Pope Francis stirred a hornet’s nest with Fiducia Supplicans

Pope Francis continues to amaze with his imprimatur on same sex blessing. Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust) is a doctrinal declaration from the Holy See’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith that allows Catholic priests to bless couples who are “in irregular situations and same sex without officially changing their status or changing in any way the Church’s perennial teaching on marriage.”

The Declaration allows priest’s blessing on cohabiting couples, adulterous couples, polygamous relationships, divorced and remarried unions, or same sex unions. It also emphasizes the need for spontaneous blessing and to avoid the appearance of a liturgical rite that can give the impression other than a simple blessing requested by a person.

Predictably, it created a firestorm for conservatives who saw “a change in the Church doctrine about marriage” upon seeing same sex couples being blessed in the same sentence. Critics pointed a finger at

the pope that “he is wrong.” While the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) leadership “understood it clearly,” many Filipino Catholics disagreed with allowing “couples in problematic and difficult situations,” to receive such blessings. “It’s wrong,” they said.

Well, many Filipino Catholics will have trouble grasping the essence of Fiducia because one sees immorality written all over it and the judgment that follows. “Mga makasalanan yan,” (they are all sinners) one would say. “Dapat sa impyerno sila instead na ma-bless.”

(They should go to hell instead of being blessed). Such reactions are understandable of Filipino Catholics making moral judgments because all their lives, the Church kept hammering home two ad-hominem sermons on Sundays: Guilt and fear.

Many Filipino Catholics don’t even realize that the very irregular situations alluded to in the declaration is already done regularly.

How many Filipino Catholics who

attend Sunday masses and partake in the Holy Communion who are in “difficult situations?” The answer is TNTC – too numerous to count. “Kabit (mistress), may kabit, corrupt, abetting corruption, thief, drug dealer,” and the list is long. “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” don’t go to confession or just practice omerta is the common practice for stealth. Conscience is not required.

Just wear your Sunday clothes and appear meek.

This is the duality of Filipino Catholics who can be involved in “difficult situations” themselves but are spontaneous in condemning others. Many don’t grasp the meaning of mercy other than “maawa kayo” (pity me), if caught in a difficult situation like being caught with a kabit. Also, Filipinos are notorious about asking priests to bless a new car, a new house, a rosary or even a new gun. The motive, clearly, is protection from bad spirits, even when the spirit of the glass is passed around after the blessing.

Seriously, people in difficult situations can ask for blessing too because they’re submitting themselves to God’s mercy and grace. If one has been paying attention about this pope is that he has been trying to reverse Catholics’ understanding of mercy and poverty.

Pope Francis wants a poor Church

for the poor that is characterized by mercy. “Who am I to judge? We are all sinners,” said the Jesuit pope.

When he proclaimed in Lisbon, Portugal that everyone is welcome “Todos, todos, todos;” he meant it.

“Fear God,” or the consequence is punishment in hell. This is what we were told over, and over.

Pope Francis is trying to make us understand that God is love and not a judge who chooses (your child passed the Bar) or punishes (your child flunked the Bar) on a retail basis. God does not choose to spare one region over other regions with super typhoons. Instead of guilt and sin, the pope wants us to understand God’s greatest example of love through mercy – Jesus’ birth, crucifixion, and death.

The pope’s point is that all of us need grace and mercy. By saying “no” to blessing those in difficult situations, is to deny them the opportunity to feel God’s grace and mercy. Jesus is God’s face for mercy – the mystery of the Christian faith.

The primacy of mercy, however, must be visible not only to leaders of the church, but more importantly with the laity in day-to-day encounters with the poor. But who are the poor?

Let’s start with the topic at hand, those experiencing spiritual poverty like those who have long been separated from the Church. Them

seeking a blessing from a priest is an act of openness to the will of God, to the graciousness of life. Why deny them that, because of dogma?

Perhaps they don’t fully understand such metaphysical content, but so did Mary who accepted God’s will even if she could not comprehend fully what her role was going to be.

She trusted God’s will for her.

The other type of poverty is material. Material poverty is everywhere. It is a subhuman condition, and no human being should live like that. Poor people are those who live in the fringes of society like they don’t matter, invisible to many. They cannot meet their basic needs to sustain life like food, shelter, clothing, health care, and even the burial cost in death. The Alta Sosyodad avoids them because the poor “smells, they steal, and they are lazy.” They prefer those in high society like themselves because they smell good (like perfume), they’re rich (they steal from the poor), and they prefer holding on to their riches.

Jesus said that the poor will always be with us but “you will not always have me.” Planet earth is not only for the top of the social pyramid, but a place where humanity can mutually share the gifts of life. There is a moral theology involved here because with poverty comes the twins of exploitation:

oppression, and violence. Fiducia Supplicans arrived just in time to remind humanity of the coming of the Redeemer.

Christmas is rebirth, hope, and peace. Fiducia is the hope for those in “difficult situations,” that they can be born again. It is Christian charity.

Remember that Jesus stripped himself of divinity so he could walk among the poor and announce the good news of salvation. Jesus himself, experienced being poor.

To the righteous he said, “For I was hungry, and you fed me. When I was thirsty, you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in.”

Finally, Fiducia reminds of a biblical story about an unnamed adulterous woman related in the Gospel of John. In the story, religious leaders presented an adulterous woman who was entrapped to set-up Jesus on the spot. He said, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” The religious leaders balked and left. “Did any of them condemn you?” “No,” said the woman. “Neither do I condemn you,” Jesus said. “Go now and sin no more.”

From these passages we learn that we condemn the sin but not the person. Jesus showed forgiveness, mercy. How much more for those who long to rediscover the true sense of mercy and pardon?

6 • December 29, 2023 - January 4, 2024

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Los Angeles Sees Hate Crimes Surge in 2022 ByPeter Schurmann/EMS LA County’s Commission on Human Relations just released its Hate Crime Report for 2022, showing a spike in hate crimes across the county.

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Hate crimes in Los Angeles County surged in 2022, with attacks targeting a wide spectrum of racial and ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities. The increase is attributed in part to a rise in reporting locally, but also tracks wider state, national and even global trends.

The latest data comes from LA County’s Commission on Human Relations, which just released its Hate Crime Report for 2022.

“Reported hate crimes in Los Angeles County have reached the second highest level in more than 20 years,” said Executive Director Robin Toma, speaking at a press conference Wednesday announcing the release of the report. “Nearly every race, ethnicity, nationality, and religion has been targeted.”

In all, there were 929 hate crimes reported across the county in 2022, an increase of 18% over the year prior. (Statewide California reported an increase of 22%.) Of the total, 72% were violent, with race being

the motivating factor in 57% of attacks.

African Americans were disproportionately represented among victims at 53%. Attacks targeting Latinos rose 3%, though 93% of these were violent, the highest of all racial-ethnic groups.

Anti-Asian crimes fell by 25%, though the 61 crimes reported still marked the highest ever on record.

Eighteen percent of attacks were motivated by sexual orientation followed by those motivated by religious identification (16%). Of the latter, 83% were anti-Jewish, with the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict

fueling an even greater spike in antisemitic and anti-Muslim attacks since fighting began this October.

As reporting increases, so does the hate Toma said increased reporting through the county’s LA vs Hate website and to 211 LA, where victims can call in to report hate crimes and hate related incidents anonymously and in a multitude of languages, have led to higher overall numbers, though he acknowledged the numbers – as high as they are – represent “only a handful” of the See HATE CRIME on 7

www.thefilipinopress.com

Filipino Press

December 29, 2023 - January 4, 2024 • 7

Help Wanted / For Rent / For Sale

HATE CRIME

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actual total.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, nearly half of all violent hate crimes are not reported to law enforcement, while an even greater portion of hate incidents and nonviolent hate crimes are not reported. Reasons include fear of engaging with or lack of trust in law enforcement, as well as concerns that reporting could invite further attacks.

Toma also described a wider atmosphere of rising intolerance and extremism as helping to fuel the increase in hate in Los Angeles. He ticked off a grim list of incidents, including racially motivated mass shootings in Atlanta, Pittsburgh, El Paso, and the May 2022 mass shooting in Buffalo, New York that claimed 10 lives.

The latter, he noted, was linked to an incident involving an adult white male who targeted an African American teenager, making repeated phone calls and texts warning of his association with the Ku Klux Klan.

The perpetrator sent multiple images of firearms, threatening a mass shooting like the one in Buffalo.

“This is an example of how hate and violence outside informs violence in the county,” said Toma.

‘Hate has no boundaries’ LA’s Commission on Human Relations has been tracking hate

crime data since 1980. A hate crime is defined as any crime motivated by bias against race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability.

“Hate has no boundaries,” said LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis.

“What we are seeing is a trend across the country and globe … Hate crimes continue to swell.”

It was Solis, along with Supervisor Sheila Keuhl, who in 2018 drafted a measure aimed at protecting LA’s minority communities from hate crimes. That measure ultimately led to the creation of the LA vs Hate anti-hate initiative. Led by the Human Relations Commission, LA vs Hate works with a coalition of community partners to track and combat hate across LA County.

Visitors to the site will find an array of available resources and can also report hate crimes or hate related incidents. According to Toma, the LA v Hate site is now the 3rdlargest source of reported hate crimes after the LAPD and the Sheriff’s office.

“We have a lot of challenges, but the good thing is we are collecting the data,” said Solis, data that is used to help divert critical funding to anti-hate initiatives, including training for law enforcement, as well as education, data collection and coalition building efforts.

Reporting key to combating hate LA County Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized his department’s commitment to combating the rise

in hate and stressed the importance of coming forward when it happens.

“When there is an attack of hate, it threatens the entire community,” Luna said. “When someone doesn’t report it, it feeds into the hands of the perpetrators.”

The LA County Sherriff’s office is one of the only ones in the country that tracks non-criminal hate incidents, explained Luna, noting that doing so “gives the community a voice when hate does not reach the level of a crime” and that it also helps to “prevent acts of hate before they occur.”

LAPD Assistant Chief Blake Chow echoed Luna. “We have to report. If people don’t report, we don’t know what’s going on.”

He also offered this reminder about the numbers contained in the report.

“Each one of these numbers is attached to a victim … to a family,” he said. “This is a commentary on where we are as a society.”

EMS’ Stop The Hate initiative is made possible with funding from the California State Library (CSL) in partnership with the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA).

The views expressed on this website and other materials produced by EMS do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the CSL, CAPIAA or the California government. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.

Prayer to Saint Expedite May the intercession of the glorious martyr , St Expedite, recommend us, O my God, to Thy goodness, in order that his protection may obtain for us what our own merits are powerless to do.

Amen.

We supplicate Thee, Lord , to inspire

by Thy grace all our thoughts and actions, that thou being their principle, we may, by the intercession of St. Expedite, be conducted with courage, fidelity and promptitude, at the time proper and favorable, and come to a good and happy end, through our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Amen St Expedite, honored by the gratitude of those who have invoked thee at the last hour and for pressing cases, we pray thee to obtain from the all powerful goodness of God, by the intercession of Mary Immaculate, (today or such a day) the grace we solicit with all submission to the DivineWill Amen

8 • December 29, 2023 - January 4, 2024

Filipino Press

Spiritual Life Daily Devotionals Do you have a daily devotional? A book or a pamphlet that will inspire you and lead you to meditate on the Word of God. Yes, I have my personal Holy Bible, but I also have “My Daily Bread”, “The Upper Room”, and “In Touch”. I also have “Streams in the Desert” by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, a birthday gift from a beloved niece.

According to the publishers, the first edition of “Streams in the Desert” was released in 1925. In it were thoughts, quotations and spiritual inspiration which had helped to sustain Mrs. Comman during her years of missionary work in Japan and China.

I did not tell my niece that her mother also gave me “Streams in the Desert” 60 years ago.

Someone borrowed the book but never returned it. Now I have a copy of the latest edition. Thank you, Ester and Marty for your invaluable birthday gift.

May I share with my readers, the first reading for the New Year, headlined by this verse, “The land whither ye go to possess it is a land of hills and valleys and drinketh water of the rain of heaven; a land which the Lord thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.” Deuteronomy 11:11-12.

“Today, dear friends, we stand

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera

My Personal Testimony

upon the verge of the unknown.

There lies before us the new year and we are going forth to possess it. Who can tell what we shall find? What new experiences, what changes shall come, what new needs shall arise? But here is the cheering, comforting, gladdening message from our heavenly Father, “The Lord thy God careth for it.” ”His eyes are upon it away to the ending of the year.”

“All our supply is to come from the Lord. Here are springs that shall never dry; here are fountains and streams that shall never be cut off. Here, anxious one, is the gracious pledge of the heavenly Father. If He be the source of our mercies they can never fail us. No heat, no drought, can parch that river, “the streams whereof make glad the city of God.” “The land is a land of hills and valleys. It is not smooth nor all

downhill. If life were all one dead level of dull sameness it would oppress us; we want the hills and the valleys. The hills collect the rain for a hundred fruitful valleys. Ah, so it is with us! It is the hill difficulty that drives us to the throne of grace and brings down the shower of blessings; the hills, the bleak hills of life that we wonder and perhaps grumble at, bring down the showers.We cannot tell what loss and sorrow and trial are doing. Trust only.

The Father comes near to take our hand and lead us on our way today. It shall be a good, a blessed new year!

Almighty and ever loving God, we lay bare our hearts and souls to you. Teach us to trust and obey your Will, as we walk through the hills and valleys of our lives. Fill us with your love and grace, and make us a blessing to others. Amen.

Treasure the gift of Jesus 'I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. 'May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:38) Mary demonstrated humility with her faith-filled response to the angel's declaration that she was to become pregnant with a son whom she would name Jesus.

Mary's faith grew as she witnessed the prophecy unfold, endured cultural ridicule and rejection - even at the inn where she was about to have the baby.

Unbeknownst to Mary, an angel proclaimed the birth of the Messiah to the shepherds living in a nearby region. After giving birth, Mary watched as the shepherds came to worship her newborn. Mary listened with amazement as she heard Simeon's prophecy on the day she presented Jesus to the Lord, as the law required.

In time, Jesus grew and God empowered Him with wisdom and favor. Once again, Mary

Danny Hernaez

From Whom All Blessings Flow witnessed Jesus, the incarnate Saviour, teaching in God's Holy temple and questioning the religious leaders of the day.

Shortly thereafter, the family returned to Nazareth.

Luke then explains, "And his mother (Mary) treasured all these things in her heart."(Luke 2:51b) Mary collected memories. She pondered, waited and reflected.

We wonder, as we reflect on the lyrics of Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene's contemporary Christmas song, Mary Did You Know: Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day rule

the nations?

Did you know that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am. Ponder this Christmas.

Treasure the gift of Jesus as Mary did ...

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. <(((><

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Greetings in the Lord!

Six days ago we celebrated Christmas. During Christmas we joyfully remember the incarnation of the Son of God, his becoming man in order to fulfill, as a man, God's plan for man to live in communion with God himself, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. In my reflections on Christmas, I shared with you, at my Masses, how much God values the dignity of man in order to allow his own Son to become man among us.

Truly, Christmas is an affirmation of his supreme self-confidence to crown his own creation, namely, humanity. Alongside the fact that God values the dignity of man, God also reveals the reality that man, by adoption, is destined to share in the dignity that communion with Him implies. With the birth of Jesus come these two realities: man's dignity and divine destiny have been joyfully confirmed.

Today we are celebrating another feast that fills us with joy, and at the same time, makes us reflect seriously. This is the Feast of the Holy Family. The Church has a reason for celebrating this feast, immediately after Christmas, which makes us take into consideration that the Incarnation of the Son of God took place within the family.

The Holy Family formed by Mary and Joseph the father, and Jesus himself. For this reason, the Second Vatican Council clearly mentions

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic in one of its documents that the family is a domestic church. A doctrinal statement that is clearly reaffirmed by St. Pope John Paul II in his encyclical entitled Familiaris Consortio.

What does it mean for the family to be the domestic church. First, he tells us, believers in Jesus Christ, that the family is a sacrament of the nature of the divine God and has been constituted an instrument

by Him by which we can have a communion that He Himself has planned for man and to share in His love. In simple words, the family has been regarded by the Church as an institution chosen by God Himself where members of His beloved people could become His adopted children. It is an institution planned by God Himself where each of us can sanctify ourselves, and eventually, obtain the salvation promised by Jesus Christ Himself.

Today the family is one of the institutions that has become the center of violent attacks by elements and powers that are trying to destroy the awareness of God's existence and presence among the people of the world. These attacks manifest themselves in movements such as those that seek to redefine the nature of marriage, that question the dignity of life--especially that of the unborn, and those about the terminal stages of life, the traditional understanding of religion, and the meaning of the authority of the Church's teachers. etc.

This feast of the Holy Family tells us, once again, the high respect and wonderful value that the Church has over the traditional family that is made up of father, mother and children. Today's Gospel tells us how Jesus' parents are concerned about their son Jesus who has seemingly been lost, but who has actually begun his role within the plan of God, his Father. Let us, therefore, allow this feast to be an occasion for us to pray in our own families, and for the many families who are in need of our spiritual and material help, so that their members may realize, once again, that the Holy Family is the model to be imitated in order to enjoy the graces of living as a domestic Church in the world it has become. today indifferent to the presence of God in their environment.

JOSE RIZAL Ni Salvador S. Idos

Jose Rizal: Pangalan mo ay nakaukit na sa puso ng mga Pilipino Tatlumpu’t limang taon ka lamang na nabuhay sa mundo Subalit kung suriin at pagaralan ang buhay mo Tunay nga na kamangha-mangha ang nagawa mo.

Ikaw ang kaunaunahang martir ng demokrasya sa buong Asya Inilalay ang sariling buhay upang ang Pilipinas ay maging malaya Minarapat mong ibunyag ang pang-aabuso ng mga Kastila Ng dahil dito ikaw ay inaresto at pinaslang sa Luneta.

Nagkaroon ka ng pagkakataong mapunta sa ibang bansa Lalong namulat ang iyong isip aat mga mata Sa hirap at pighating dinaranas

SWS

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“Watusi is deadly. Watusi contains yellow phosphorus, potassium chlorate, potassium nitrate, and trinitrotoluene,” the DOH said.

“Ingestion will lead to death.

Bring the patient to the emergency room ASAP. Do not buy or allow any watusi to be at your home.”

If watusi is swallowed, the DOH advises to not induce vomiting.

Children may be given six to eight raw egg whites while adults maybe given eight to 12 raw egg whites before bringing them to the nearest hospital emergency room.

If caught in the eye, the patient is advised to immediately wash with clean water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open then seek immediate medical assistance.

If skin is affected, the affected areas must be immediately washed

ng Inang Bansa Harapin ang lakas ng mapang-aping mananakop ang iyong pasya.

Nang ika’y nilayo at dinala sa Dapitan Isip mo lagi ang kapakanan ng iyong mga kababayan Ginamit mo ang mahalaga at maikling sandali Upang ang buhay ng iyong mga kababayan ay mapabuti.

Pinutol ng mga mananakop ang buhay mo sa mundong ito Subalit hindi nila kayang galawin ang iyong isip at ispiritu Ang buhay mo’t gawain ay dakila at tinitingala Taglay sa puso ng Pilipino, bahagi ng isang magandang alaala.

Twing aming babasahin ang walang kamatayan mong tulang “Huling Paalam” Damdam na damdam namin ang matindi mong pagmamahal sa Inang Bayan Iyong hinarap ang kamatayan ng walang takot at pangamba Dahil wagas ang iyong pagmamahal na kahanga-hanga.

Salvador S. Idos with plenty of clean water. Remove contaminated clothing.

The patient must breathe in clean and fresh air if watusi is inhaled. He or she must be kept comfortable until urgent medical assistance is given.

Return to hospital Meanwhile, the DOH has appealed to the family of the fouryear-old boy from Calabarzon who swallowed watusi to return to the hospital for proper medical attention.

In a statement issued Thursday, the DOH reported that the patient's parents cannot be contacted by the receiving hospital.

"The signs and symptoms of watusi poisoning may not be immediate, and may manifest in the next few hours and be persistent for a few days. Death is a risk," it said.

To avoid stigmatizing the patient and his family, the DOH said it would not release any further details to the public.

The agency also reminded hospitals nationwide to be careful

and certain in referring and transferring patients.

The new fireworks-related cases were mostly males, ranging from 5 to 49 years old. Twelve of these new cases occurred at home and in the streets. Only five 5 or 42 percent were due to illegal fireworks.

Since the DOH started surveillance of fireworks-related injuries on Dec. 21, it has recorded a total of 88 cases nationwide.

The top regions which logged the most number of injuries include the National Capital Region with 31 cases or 35 percent of the overall tally; Central Luzon with 11 or 12 percent; Ilocos Region with 10 or 11 percent; and Bicol Region, Davao Region and Soccsksargen, all with five or 6 percent.

The top ranking identified fireworks that caused 68 percent of the fireworks related injuries are Boga, 5-Star, Kwitis, Piccolo, PlaPla, Whistle Bomb, and Luces.

(MNS)

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Vilma Santos in tears after 'unexpected' Best Actress win MANILA -- Veteran actress Vilma Santos was in tears after winning the Best Actress trophy during the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal held Wednesday.

In her speech, Santos admitted that they were not gunning for the acting awards when they made the film "When I Met You In Tokyo."

"Hindi ko po ine-expect ito. Ang adbokasiya lang po namin talaga when we did 'When I Met You In Tokyo,' it's not even the Best Actress, Best Actor, we just wanted to do a simple love story sa edad po namin," said Santos, who co-starred in the film with Christopher de Leon.

Santos said that their ultimate goal was to breathe life into Philippine cinema, as the film industry is still recovering after the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Ang adbokasiya po namin ay maging successful ang Metro Manila Film Festival and at the same time, mabalik po sana 'yung mga tao sa sine, 'yun po ang aming inasamasam nung mapasama nitong Metro Manila Film Festival, 'yung po 'yung dream," she said.

With more moviegoers coming to cinemas, the veteran actress hopes that they can continue to support the film industry.

"With this 10 movies that are showing right now with Metro

Manila Film Festival, bumabalik po ang mga sa sine, sana po magtuloytuloy, dahil ito ang kailangan ng ating industriya, ang ma-appreciate po nila ang makasama po nila ang kanilang pamilya, family bonding and I think it is happening now, sana po magtuloy-tuloy."

Other big winners in the MMFF's Gabi ng Parangal were "Firefly," which won Best Picture, and "Gomburza," which got the most awards with seven trophies. (MNS)

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