The Filipino Press: January 27 - February 2, 2023

ENROLLING NOW

Philippine economy exceeds target, grows 7.6 percent in 2022

MANILA -- The Philippine economy grew faster than anticipated in 2022 as fourth quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth reached 7.2 percent, preliminary government data released on Thursday showed.

The 7.6 percent GDP growth for the year exceeded the 6.5 to 7.5 percent target set by economic managers, and the median analyst forecast of 6.8 percent. It is also among the fastest in the world, according to the National Economic and Development Authority.

“Among the major emerging economies in the region that have released their 4th quarter 2022 real GDP growth, the Philippines grew the fastest, followed by Vietnam at 5.9 percent and China at 2.9 percent,” said NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

Economic growth was also at 7.6 percent in the third quarter.

The Philippine Statistics Authority said the industry and services sectors posted positive growths in the fourth quarter, with 4.8 percent and 9.8 percent, respectively.

However, the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors posted a contraction of -0.3 percent.

Balisacan said the strong fourth quarter growth reflected the full reopening of the economy and strong domestic demand.

Security Bank AVP and Chief Economist Dan Roces earlier said the increased consumption, lower unemployment that supports

spending as well as the surge in bigticket purchases are indicators of positive growth.

Unemployment in November eased to 4.2 percent, the lowest since April 2005, due to the continued economic reopening. This brought

the first 11 months' total to near its pre-pandemic level.

Economists have said growth could be slower in 2023.

During his participation at the World Economic Forum, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said the

All Children Deserve Access to Quality Education, Free of Bullying

What constitutes a healthy learning environment for primary school children? And will race-based admissions and President Joe Biden's student debt relief plan survive Supreme Court scrutiny?

BySunita Sohra Bji/EMS

Education rights are under attack, especially for children of color and transgender students, said a group of panelists, exhorting Congress and the courts to step in and ensure equal access to quality learning.

Panelists discussed several issues which are being challenged in the courts: whether race should be considered as one of several factors in college admissions; President Joe Biden’s student debt cancellation program; book bans and the controversy surrounding the teaching of critical race theory. They also discussed inclusion for disabled students, and the importance of early childhood education.

The administration’s student loan relief program — which would provide debt relief for over 40 million working and middle class Americans by forgiving up to $20,000 in debt — has been challenged by a coalition

of Republican-led states, which state that the required public period was not offered before the program was scheduled to be implemented.

Lower courts have ruled in favor of the states and issued an injunction on implementation. The Supreme Court is expected to hear oral arguments in the case this February.

Student Debt Relief is Essential

“The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented health, social, and economic crisis. The Biden Harris Administration student debt relief plan is an urgently needed moral and lawful response, said Genevieve ‘Genzie’ Bonadies Torres, Associate Director for the Educational Opportunities Project of the Lawyers Committee on Civil Rights Under Law at the Jan. 18 news briefing organized by Ethnic Media Services.

“Without this relief, millions of borrowers would be pushed past the financial brink when student loan repayments restart. And among them

are millions of borrowers of color who we know have been hardest hit by the pandemic. This foreseeable spike in default would debilitate the credit of millions of borrowers, blocking their ability to pay for basic necessities and preventing them from securing affordable housing, among other adverse outcomes,” she said.

Almost 50 percent of Latinx borrowers and 25 percent of Black borrowers stand to have all their student debt eliminated by Biden’s plan, noted Torres. Students of color have roughly one-fifth of the generational wealth of their white counterparts and therefore are forced to take on more student loans, she said.

Race-Based College Admissions

The Supreme Court is also expected to issue a ruling on racebased admissions this June. Students for Fair Admissions has brought about two cases, one against Harvard, the other against the University of North Carolina.

Chief Justice John Roberts, Thomas and Justice Samuel Alito were dissenters on a similar case in 2016. Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch are also expected to rule against race-based admissions.

“We’re not talking about quotas. What we are talking about is the limited consideration of race as one of 40 factors in the UNC case and one of more than 100 factors in the Harvard

Philippine economy could grow 7 percent this year, as he wooed foreign investors.

Balisacan said the growth target of 6 to 7 percent for 2023 was maintained.

However, economists warned

that the elevated inflation, a looming global recession, and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine remain risks to growth this year.

Economist Emmanuel Leyco said although the economy is clearly recovering, it is not felt by majority

of the population.

"The economy is growing but it's not being felt by the majority of the people because of high inflation. With no increases in their income, they will continue to experience the pain of the economy growing but inflation continues to affect them," Leyco said.

"Let us not look at purely the growth rate. Let us pay attention who is being hurt by continuing high prices," he added.

Balisacan said the government's priority is to bring down inflation, which is affecting the salary and purchasing power of Filipinos and in turn, also has an impact on the overall economy.

Urban gardening in villages to help boost food security -- DILG

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has activated its urban gardening program in barangays to support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s initiative to ensure food sufficiency initiatives.

The project, dubbed the “Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay (HAPAG) sa Barangay”, was launched in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City on Jan. 24, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said in a statement Wednesday night.

Abalos said the initiative is worth following as the country's 42,000 barangays are ideal for conventional urban farming.

Other viable options, such as

The Long, Overlooked History of Lunar New Year in the US

By j ulia tong/EMS

While ancient traditions are frequently discussed, the more recent history of these celebrations is less well-known. In the US, Asian Americans developed their own Lunar New Year traditions that were inflected by immigration, international relations, orientalism, and complicated relations with mainstream American society.

The origins of the term “Lunar New Year”

The English term “Lunar New Year” is actually a misnomer: The holiday is based on a lunarsolar, rather than a strictly lunar, calendar.

Lunar calendars have one major flaw: 12 full moon cycles last around 354 days, just short of a solar year. To bridge this gap, many cultures incorporate solar patterns into their calendars.

The calendar used by many countries within China’s sphere of influence is speculated to have originated during the Xia dynasty (2070 – 1600 BCE). Though the new year based on this calendar may have been celebrated during the earlier Shang dynasty, its date was fixed during the Han dynasty, roughly 2000 years ago.

Still, not all cultures that celebrate Lunar New Year use this calendar. For instance, Tibet and Mongolia use their own calendars to determine the dates of Losar and Tsagaan Sar, respectively. These holidays do not always overlap with the dates of Chinese-originated New Year, pointing to the lack of specificity in the term “Lunar New Year” and the even more inaccurate “Chinese New Year.”

So where did the English term “Lunar New Year” originate? One theory dates its beginnings to the 1920s, during the height of Western colonial expansion: Examples include a missionary in China, a travel writer in French-occupied Vietnam, and a train rider in Changsha, China.

The history of US Lunar New Year celebrations

According to the Smithsonian, the first documented Lunar New Year celebration in the US was a “feast” held by a Chinese businessman for American upper class attendees on February 1st, 1851. The first community-driven celebration occurred in the 1860s, when Cantonese immigrants in San Francisco fused traditional New Year practices with a uniquely American format: the parade.

As Chiou-Ling Yeh writes in

“Making an American Festival: Chinese New Year in San Francisco’s Chinatown,” early Chinese New Year parades were targets for discrimination. Police, for instance, prohibited New Year firecrackers— despite fireworks being overlooked during Fourth of July celebrations. Throughout subsequent decades, Chinese New Year celebrations would be subject to xenophobia, police blockades, restrictions on sending money home, and import bans on New Year’s goods.

In 1912, the Republic of China under Sun Yat Sen controversially eliminated the holiday ostensibly to distance itself from the recently defated Qing Dynasty. To show support for the new government, most Chinese Americans stopped observing the holiday. Celebrations,

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

VARIETIES. Different kinds of fruits are attracting buyers in the Kadiwa-Petron Station at the corner of Sgt. Esguerra and Timog Avenues in Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City on Friday (Jan. 20, 2023). Mangoes retail for PHP110 per kilo, which is about least PHP40 cheaper than those sold in markets. (MNS photo)

Pampered Pinay: "Power Playlist"

By Theresa maigue- Bendorf

One of my mentees asked me this week if I had a power playlist-a group of songs that help me stay inspired to "keep up the good fight," as we work to uplift communities hear and far...you know, all in all, "make sense of the madness" of the world when efforts to save it seem too daunting.

While I don't have a current playlist, I do find myself playing certain songs repeatedly and, with every note and lyric, thinking deeply, praying earnestly... especially when the news grows more horrifying, multiple deadlines have me digging deep to fight off sleep and different life events push me to see things from a fresh perspective.

So...I'm happy to share with you what's evolving into my "power playlist," and it goes out to all of you and, of course, my dear mentees. Along with the song info, I've shared my favorite lyrics. They definitely keep me going and remind me of the power of the arts to take us on important and necessary journeys of reflection and inspiration.

Please enjoy, my friends... Cheers to playing and praying and working to make sense of the world when efforts to save it seem too daunting.

Song: "Wait for It"

Artist: Leslie Odom, Jr.

Album: Hamilton - Original

Broadway Cast Recording

Fave lyrics: "Life doesn't discriminate

Between the sinners and the saints

It takes and it takes and it takes

And we keep living anyway

We rise and we fall and we break And we make our mistakes

And if there's a reason I'm still alive When so many have died

Then I'm willin' to—wait for it."

Song: "Just Like Fire"

Artist: P!nk

Album: Alice through The Looking Glass Soundtrack

Fave lyrics: "Just like fire, burning out the way

If I can light the world up for just one day

Watch this madness, colorful charade

No one can be just like me any way

Just like magic, I'll be flying free I'mma disappear when they come for me

I kick that ceiling, what you gonna say?

No one can be just like me any way... So I can get it running

Just cause nobody's done it

Y'all don't think I can run it

But look, I've been here, I've done it

however, were soon revived— though with a different ethos.

In 1931, the San Francisco Chinese Chamber of Commerce organized a Chinese New Year Parade. Leaders realized that Orientalist portrayals of Asian culture would attract business to Chinatown. As a result, the event featured new additions specifically aimed at an outsider audience, such as Chinese American women serving guests as “Chinese maids.” This shift, Yeh writes, made festivals less accessible to the Chinese community: Firecrackers were banned again after visiting whites unsafely set them off, and events had limited and costly seating that

Impossible? Please Watch, I do it with ease

You just gotta believe Come on, come on with me"

Song: "Joy Unspeakable"

Artist: Mandisa

Album: Overcomer

Fave lyrics:

"This is not another song

About all we’ve done wrong

We already know

I think it’s time for us

To find the freedom in the trust

Of letting go...

With joy unspeakable, joy unspeakable

You and I were made for more

Can’t imagine what’s in store

We were meant to soar

Like an eagle"

Song: "Love Make the World Go Round"

Artists: Jennifer Lopez & Lin-Manuel Miranda

Album: Love Make theWorld

Go Round - Single

Fave lyrics:

"I'm...I'm wide awake

Ready to create

Everything I've imagined

Hearts, without any hate

Crying for change

Causing a chain reaction

Those who hate us and fear us, can not keep us down

Cause we hear in our heartbeat a beautiful sound

If they try to deny us or silence us now

We just say no, oh, yeah, we let 'em know

Love make the world go round"

Your comments could be featured here! Again, just email us at filpressads@aol.com Got a business or event we should know about and that our fil-am community should know about and can benefit from? Do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Missed an issue of our print newspaper? Come and visit us at www.thefilipinopress.com and get access to the digital version of our print edition. Available 24/7days/365 days a year.

excluded the local population.

During the Cold War, Chinese Americans were subject to a different kind of scrutiny: the pressure to prove their loyalty to the US. Thus, the 1951 revival of the parade in San Francisco was explicitly antiCommunist, to demonstrate the community’s patriotism. These celebrations continued as the New Year was cancelled again under China’s communist government from 1967 until its reinstatement as the “Spring Festival” in 1980.

The 1970s also marked the arrival of refugees from Vietnam, who who brought celebrations of their new year, Tết. To these refugees, however, Tết was marked by wartime trauma and homesickness, and colored by memories of the Northern Vietnamese coalition’s

surprise attack during the 1968 Tết offensive.

At the same time, Tết celebrations promoted intracommunal support and the preservation of cultural identity. A 1977 celebration in New York, for instance, raised money to support other Vietnamese refugees still in Asia. Meanwhile, Vietnameselead grassroots organizations in Virginia organized a Tết festival for local refugees in 1979.

Meanwhile, many Koreans also came to the US in the 1950s. However, the celebration of their New Year, or Seollal, was impacted by a long history of repression in their home country. Seollal was banned during Japanese occupation in 1907 and continued to be prohibited during Syngman Rhee’s dictatorship. Though the holiday was

still informally celebrated, it was only officially reinstated in 1989. This complex past makes it difficult to pinpoint the history of Seollal celebrations in the United States.

Lunar New Year today

Focusing exclusively on the ancient roots of Lunar New Year can erase the current history of how celebrations have evolved across the world. After all, the holiday is celebrated worldwide today, including in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Canada, Suriname and countless other nations, each featuring foods, events, and other customs unique to locals.

In the US, the Lunar New Year is popularly recognized and celebrated. California officially recognizes the holiday, with efforts underway to federally recognize it.

The San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade is the largest of its type outside of Asia; Organizations across the country have planned events for Tết, Losar, Seollal, alongside Lunar New Year Fairs. And importantly, this popularity also brings increasing recognition of the diverse communities that observe it: The term “Lunar New Year” has gained important significance as a way to recognize these frequently overlooked celebrations from nonChinese communities.

Ultimately, Lunar New Year in the US is multidimensional: a reflection of the experiences and struggles of Asian American communities, of a diaspora’s shifting relationship with their heritage, and, above all, a time for family, joy, relaxation, and reflection to welcome the new year.

Heroism of SAF 44 will always inspire us -- Marcos

MANILA -- The heroism of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos who died in a firefight in Maguindanao province eight years ago will always motivate the national government to protect and serve Filipinos, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday.

In a message marking the 8th death anniversary of the so-called SAF 44, Marcos remembered the slain special police forces for making the “ultimate sacrifice” while carrying an operation dubbed as “Oplan Exodus” against Malaysian terrorist and bomb expert Zulkifli Abdhir, alias Marwan.

“We honor the 44 brave Special Action Force officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Marcos said on his official social media accounts.

“Their heroism will always inspire us as we continue to protect and serve our people,” he added.

Earlier in the day, the Philippine National Police (PNP) paid tribute to the supreme sacrifice of the 44 SAF commandos during the National Day of Remembrance event held at Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.

PNP chief, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., said the fallen commandos' heroism would be forever etched in the books of the country's history.

“Like the generations of warrior heroes before them, our fallen SAF 44 gave everything they had, not for glory or recognition, but for something greater than themselves. The least we can do is to remember them and their ultimate sacrifice,” Azurin said.

Azurin vowed to continue honoring the legacy of the SAF 44 so that they are remembered as “true heroes.”

“We will continue to honor their memory and supreme sacrifice as we make sure that their legacy lives on through our actions and dedication to the service. They will always be remembered as true heroes, who have given their lives for the service of Filipinos,” the country’s top cop added. Executive Secretary Luis Bersamin attended the event on behalf of the President and thanked the beneficiaries and families of the SAF 44 who gave their lives in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao.

He said the fallen commandos were “warriors to the very end” for fighting their last breath against “remarkably superior combination of the hostile forces that surrounded them.” In 2017, then President Rodrigo Duterte declared Jan. 25 as the National Day of Remembrance for the fallen SAF 44 under Proclamation No. 164 to commemorate their heroic sacrifice.

PNP chief: SAF 44's gallantry forever etched in PH history

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday paid tribute to the supreme sacrifice of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos who were killed in an anti-terror operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao eight years ago.

Speaking during the National Day of Remembrance for the SAF 44 in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the fallen commandos' heroism would be forever etched in the books of the country's history.

“Like the generations of warrior heroes before them, our fallen SAF 44 gave everything they had, not

for glory or recognition, but for something greater than themselves. The least we can do is to remember them and their ultimate sacrifice,”

Azurin said during the occasion which carries the theme "Legacy of Heroes: Inspiration of Future Generation".

Azurin said the legacy of the heroism of SAF 44 is not just a memory but an inspiration for future generations of police officers to continue to serve with valor and integrity.

“We will continue to honor their memory and supreme sacrifice as we make sure that their legacy lives on through our actions and dedication to the service. They will always be remembered as true heroes, who have given their lives for the service of Filipinos", the country’s top cop added. Azurin was joined by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin who served as guest of honor and speaker.

In his speech, Bersamin said the Mamasapano mission was an "unqualified success" because it led to the confirmed killing of Malaysian terrorist and bomb expert Zulkifli Abdhir, alias Marwan.

“The success was resounding and worthy of celebration by all peace-loving peoples and nations, for every time that a terrorist like Marwan is meted justice, the victims of terrorism- regardless of their nationalities are gloriously vindicated. They fought to their last breath against remarkably superior combination of the hostile forces that surrounded them. They were warriors to the very end,” he added.

Senior PNP officials and the bereaved families of the SAF 44 also joined the observance.

Haslyn Acob, the widow of Master Sgt. Rodrigo Fernandez Acob Jr., who was among the SAF 44, delivered a message during the ceremony.

“Today, we remember the unfathomable pain, but as a wife of a hero, I want to encourage the whole Filipino people, sana ay naging huwaran sila sa ating lahat na gawin ang ating mga tungkulin, maliit man o malaki para makatulong tayo sa pagkamit ng lasting peace and prosperity sa ating bansa (I hope they served as an inspiration for us to fulfill our duties, whether big or small, so that we could all contribute to lasting peace and prosperity in the country)," Acob said.

In a separate event, PNP deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen.

Rhodel Sermonia, along with members of the Directorial Staff, led a wreath-laying ceremony at Bantayog ng mga Bayaning Tagapamayapa at Camp Crame on Wednesday morning.

On Jan. 25, 2015, the SAF 44 died during an anti-terrorism operation dubbed as ‘Oplan Exodus’ in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, which led to the neutralization of Marwan.

Proclamation 164 signed by former President Rodrigo R. Duterte in 2017 declares Jan. 25 as a national day of remembrance for the SAF 44.

This significant moment in the history of police service serves as a tribute to the sacrifices made by our uniformed men and women in the line of duty and a recognition of their acts of valor.

High public trust on AFP to further motivate troops -- DND

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Thursday said the excellent public satisfaction ratings received by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will further motivate military personnel in doing their duties.

"This show of trust and confidence will surely motivate our men and women in the AFP even more to continue fulfilling their duties as our nation's defenders," Galvez said in a statement.

The DND chief was referring to the December 2022 survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) where the AFP achieved an "excellent +76" net score for its performance, an increase of nine points from the net of +67 in December 2021.

Conducted with 1,200 adult respondents, the SWS survey also showed the AFP maintaining high confidence scores in addressing internal and external threats to the country's peace and stability.

"On behalf of the entire One Defense Team, I proudly and warmly congratulate our Armed Forces for once again garnering the unequivocal support of the Filipino people with their performance," Galvez said.

He also assured the public that the DND remains committed to supporting the AFP's further development as well as pursuing policies and programs that will enable the organization to better serve the country.

"Amid the complex challenges to our national security, the AFP continues to rise to the occasion and serve the people with integrity, strength, and patriotism," Galvez added. DND condoles with families of pilots killed in crash

Meanwhile, the DND offered its deepest sympathies and sincerest condolences to the bereaved families of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots who perished in the SiaiMarchetti SF-260TP aircraft mishap in Pilar, Bataan on Wednesday.

The aircraft was from the 15th Strike Wing of the PAF and was undertaking a training flight from Sangley Point, Cavite when the mishap occurred.

"As part of the PAF's standard operating procedures, the entire SF260(TP) fleet is now grounded. The PAF is currently investigating the incident in coordination with local authorities," it said in a statement.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the pilots of the SF-260TP were conducting "recurrency training" when it went down at about 10:34 a.m. Wednesday.

“Recurrency training" refers to the training given to aircrew members or pilots to be proficient in a particular aircraft.

Castillo said the ill-fated aircraft was assigned to the 15th Strike Wing, which is based at the Major Danilo Atienza Air Base in Sangley Point, Cavite.

The ill-fated plane had a tail number of 701 and took off to perform "recurrency/training flight" around 10 a.m.

"At around 10:40 a.m. the aircraft was reportedly seen to be descending to a field in Sitio Tabon, Barangay Del Rosario, Pilar, Bataan where it eventually crashed. Two

PBBM: Digitalization of gov’t processes, transactions to help curb smuggling

MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Is pushing for the digitalization of government transactions, particularly at the Bureau of Customs (BOC), to curb rampant smuggling, as he noted that more modernized data and transaction handling could aid the nation’s economic development.

In an interview, President Marcos said the country has to solve the issue of unabated smuggling in the country, in which almost all kinds of commodities are being shipped to the country illegally.

It might be helpful to look into successful approaches being employed by several countries, the President said, and apply them to the Philippines.

The President earlier said the digitalization of the BOC is “going to be an important, important part of that.”

The President also called for drastic bureaucratic reforms to fight smuggling, which he said threatens local industries and affects government tax collection.

One of the recommendations earlier raised was opening up the database to the BOC and to the Department of Agriculture (DA) to ensure the efficient sharing of information. The DA and BOC have a datasharing agreement (DSA) that seeks to facilitate the exchange of information on traded agricultural products.

The DSA, which is governed by the Philippines’ Data Privacy Act, is one of the pacts forged between the DA and BOC to ensure that local agri-fishery products remain competitive.

Through the program, each agency can promptly share and act upon critical and intelligence information.

In various international fora, the President highlighted the importance of digitalization, particularly as the country emerges from the coronavirus pandemic and as the administration pushes its development agenda.

The government, Marcos said, also recognizes the importance of digitalization as a key driver for long-term development and for the economic transformation of the postpandemic global economy.

Although structural changes in the bureaucracy is quite painful, they have to be carried out, and digitalization is going to play a large part in that process, President Marcos said in a recent dialog at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

The President has also put a premium on the role of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the administration’s digitalization efforts.

The administration, Marcos said, is on track to empower and enable MSMEs to participate in the digital economy and narrow the digital divide.

Private council says Marcos committed to certify proposed E-Governance Act as urgent

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has committed to certify the proposed e-governance law, which aims to digitalize the bureaucracy, as urgent, the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) said on Wednesday.

In a press release, the PSAC said the President made the commitment during a meeting with the agency's digital infrastructure sector early this month.

"The certification as urgent of the

E-Governance Act is a vital step in the right direction towards becoming a digital nation. It also provides the impetus to the PSAC Digital Infrastructure Sector's work plan,"

PSAC Digital Infrastructure Sector Lead and Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) Chief Technology and Operations Officer Henry Aguda said.

"We are encouraged by the President’s commitment to shaping a future-ready nation and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on every Filipino."

During the meeting, PSAC's digital infrastructure sector discussed with Marcos the progress and success of initial collaborations with government agencies regarding digital transformation.

According to PSAC, the proposed E-Governance Act of 2022 was introduced as House Bill (HB) No. 3 in June 2022 by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, House Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Representative Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, and Tingog Sinirangan party-list Representatives Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre.

So far, the proposed measure is still pending at the House committee level.

The proposed measure institutionalizes the transition of the government to e-governance. The State will adopt "a policy to create, foster, and sustain a digitally empowered and integrated government that provides responsive and transparent online citizen-centered services for a globally competitive Filipino nation."

In October 2022, the President already made a promise that his administration would facilitate the swift passage of the E-Governance and E-Government bills.

If the Philippines wants to keep up with other countries, Marcos said the country's system should be digitalized.

DBM to push for PBBM's priority legislative agenda

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday promised to go full blast in pushing the Marcos administration's legislative agenda.

In a statement, the DBM said it will work closely with Congress to ensure the passage of the government's priority measures this year.

This, as Congress resumed its session on Monday.

"Among the legislative reforms are the Progressive Budgeting for Better and Modernized (PBBM) Governance Bill, Budget and Treasury Management System (BTMS), National Government Rightsizing Program (NGRP), and Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF)," the DBM said.

The PBBM Governance bill seeks the institutionalization of the cashbased budgeting system, which was adopted by virtue of Executive Order 91 signed in 2019, to strengthen fiscal discipline in the allocation and use of budget resources. The measure also aims to ensure the actual delivery of the government's programs and projects.

The proposed BTMS, on the other hand, is a key digitalization measure that seeks improvement in the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System.

The BTMS, as a central database, will enable real-time mapping of

transactions from purchase to payment.

The other priority measure of the Marcos administration is the bill seeking the implementation of NGRP, a reform mechanism that will upgrade the government’s institutional capacity to perform its mandate and provide better services while ensuring optimal and efficient use of resources.

The rightsizing efforts will involve the comprehensive strategic review of functions, programs and projects that will cut across various agencies.

The government is also pushing for the establishment of the country's first-ever MIF, an independent fund that adheres to the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability.

The proposed wealth fund will be sourced from investible funds of select government financial institutions, contributions of the national government, declared dividends of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and other sources.

The DBM said the proposed MIF, as affirmed by the country’s economic managers, "can be a powerful instrument to promote economic growth and advance social development."

"This can also aid in accelerating the implementation of the government’s key infrastructure and big-ticket projects that support the Philippine Development Plan," it said.

DBM Secretary Amenahh Pangandaman said the legislative reforms agenda of the government will help promote "transparency, efficiency and responsiveness" in public service.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. articulated in his budget message that his vision is a lean, efficient and responsive government workforce," Pangandaman said.

"We can achieve this with the strong support of our hardworking legislators who also seek a wellfunctioning government that ensures swift and responsive public service delivery,” she added.

PBBM orders e-visa extension for China, S. Korea, Japan, India

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the extension of online visa application for travelers from China, South Korea, Japan and India, Malacañang announced on Thursday.

Marcos issued the directive during his meeting with members of the Private Sector Advisory Council's (PSAC) Tourism Sector at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Thursday, Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement.

"President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered government agencies on Thursday to act on the extension of e-visa for Chinese, Indian, South Korean and Japanese nationals to capture the tourism markets of these countries," Garafil said.

Garafil noted that the PSAC, during the meeting at Malacañan Palace, asked Marcos to include Indian nationals in the visa-upon-arrival program and the e-visa application, which is currently available only for Taiwanese, Chinese, Indian, South Korean and Japanese nationals.

The recommendation was made to achieve the government's economic objectives, particularly in the country's key sectors,

Garafil said.

PRICE HIKE. A worker sorts trays of chicken eggs by size inside the Agribusiness Development Center of the Department of Agriculture-Kadiwa store in Quezon City on Wednesday (Jan. 25, 2023). As of Jan. 24, the price of the medium-sized chicken egg ranges from PHP8 to PHP9. (MNS photo)

BACK TO BASICS. Addressing hunger and food insecurity is the main thrust of the “Halinat Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay” (Let’s Plant Fruits and Vegetables or HAPAG) which was launched in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City on Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2023). Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (center, front row) checks the cabbage plantation as the project aims to strengthen the capacity of communities and household toward sustainable agricultural initiatives. (MNS photo)

FIRST FILIPINO AMERICAN MISS USA WINNER R’BONNEY GABRIEL’S MISS UNIVERSE

VICTORY

“I’m focused on being successful and being positive in a world of negativity.” - R’Bonney Gabriel/Miss Universe 2022

SAN Diego, Calif. – R’Bonney

Gabriel, the first Filipino American winner of Miss Texas USA, was crowned Miss Universe last weekend of January 14, 2023. Gabriel, 28, bested 85 other contestants from around the world to win the 71st Miss Universe pageant at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans on that Saturday night.

Speaking to Thai TV network JKN18 following her coronation, Gabriel thanked her Filipino fans for their continuous hold up throughout her beauty pageant journey.

“The support is everything,” she commented. “I feel it (in) my heart. I heard it in the room. It was an amazing energy. The Filipino blood is so strong. We are hardworking… we’re fun and we’re determined, and I’m so proud to be half-Filipina.”

“Mabuhay, Philippines. Mabuhay

Filipino fans. ‘Maraming, maraming salamat sa lahat ng tulong ninyo’,” she pronounced.

Gabriel noted it feels amazing to become the first Filipino-American Miss Universe queen after falling twice back then.

“As I said, it’s been a three-year journey of getting first runner-up and just going, keep going. I always had this feeling in me and something is telling me no matter what I should keep trying, even though I felt like I wouldn’t succeed. So it is such an amazing feeling to be standing here as the first Filipino-American (Miss Universe winner),” she declared.

“I get so many messages from young girls telling me that they are inspired by me, but it’s just so important to embrace who you are, whatever culture that is. And I’ve, I’ve done that very proudly, very vocally and it’s amazing to have people come to me and tell me that they are proud of their culture, too. That is really how I want to inspire people,” she added.

Gabriel was crowned as Miss Universe 2022 giving her country, our good old U.S. of A its record ninth crown at the prestigious pageant held in New Orleans, Lousiana.

During the final Q&A section of the competition, Gabriel faced Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel and Miss Dominican Republic Adreina Martinez.

Gabriel was asked how she would show that Miss Universe is “an empowering and progressive organization” should she win the title. In her response, she mentioned becoming a “transformational leader”: “As a very passionate designer – been serving for 13 years – I use fashion as a force for good.

DOGGED BY (IF I MAY SAY SO) SORE LOSERS’ RIGGING ALLEGATIONS

In my industry, I’m cutting down on pollution through recycled materials when I make my clothing. I teach sewing classes to women that have survived human trafficking and domestic violence. And I say that because it is so important to invest in others invest in our community and use your unique talent to make a difference. We all have something special, and when we plant those seeds to other people in our life, we transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change.”

To be sure, Miss USA 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel claimed the Miss Universe 2022 crown on Saturday, January 14th but some asserted that she didn’t win fair and square.

And as usually expected not everyone celebrated her momentous achievement.

A case of fifty shades darker of being sore losers,is it?

While the pageant show was airing from New Orleans, several critics were already on Twitter alleging the pageant was rigged, pointing out that JKN Global Group, which owns Miss Universe, also owned Miss USA.

Some also claimed that the show was manipulated to favor the American contestant because it was held in the United States.

Disgruntled fans say there’s a conflict of interest, since Anne Jakrajutatip, chief executive of JKN Global Group, owns both the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants. Fans are also suspicious about Gabriel’s win because this year’s Miss Universe pageant was held on U.S. soil, in New Orleans.

It’s not the first time onlookers have looked askance at one of Gabriel’s wins. The 28-year-old took the Miss Texas crown in December 2021 and then reigned victorious at Miss USA in October of 2022, becoming the first Filipino-American to win the later title.

Many of Gabriel’s other fellow competitors thought that the Miss USA competition was “rigged” online media company Insider reported. “A lot of the girls felt like it was the organization’s plan from the beginning for R‘Bonney to win, no matter who else was competing,” Mikala McGhee, who participated as Miss Missouri, told the site.

In fact, when Gabriel was announced as the new Miss USA, McGhee and other contestants walked off the stage. “It was to send a statement that we all had an idea of what was really going on behind the scenes,” McGhee stated. “We felt disrespected and paraded around for a show.”

Miss Montana, Heather Lee O’Keefe, told NBC News that Gabriel “was allowed to do different walking patterns on stage, when we were all told to strictly follow the walking design that was given to by

the choreographer.”

O’Keefe continued that, “She broke that role, and they let her do it. Her coaches were allowed to sit in on the rehearsals, and anyone whose coach was outside of the Miss Academy wasn’t allowed to be there.”

In late October, the Miss Universe Organization suspended its USA President Crystle Stewart and her Miss Brand Corporation, pending the results of a third-party investigation into the rigging allegations, per cable news channel CNN.

Two national underwriters for Miss USA – Miss Academy, a pageant school Stewart owns, and Mia Beauty, a med spa – were also state sponsors for Miss Texas USA, Insider added.

Stewart, who was crowned Miss USA in 2008, told CNN in October the “allegations that the 2022 Miss USA pageant was in favor of one contestant over another are misleading and simply not factual.”

For her part, Gabriel told E! News in October the Miss USA competition was not rigged. “I would never enter any pageant or any competition that I know I would win,” she said. “I have a lot of integrity.”

To date, the Miss Universe organization is speaking out in the rigging allegations after Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel’s win.

The organization dismissed the claims made by social media users that its new owner fixed the competition in order to crown Gabriel, who became the first Filipino American to be named Miss Universe.

“Saturday’s competition was the first time a Trans woman addressed fans as the owner of Miss Universe,”

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

change with the advent of more ardent vocations by Filipinos with regard to the production of their images.

Certainly, in my personal experience I have encountered many more degrading representations of Filipinos produced by the Western world. But that will be another story to tell sometime in the future.

and Filipinos in cultural mediums such as the recently concluded Miss Universe 2022 pageant. Perhaps in a similar way the negative depictions of Filipinos (or all minorities, for that matter) can be genuinely dispelled.

As Catholics, our concept of creation dovetails with an introduction to the idea of angels and demons that has been formed from early childhood and sustained into adulthood. The Lord’s Prayer tells us that God is in what Thomas Aquinas termed the “empyrean heaven,” a realm beyond the fixed stars where salvation awaits.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty.” The use of heaven in Genesis 1:3 is plural which is a contradiction of what humans believe of heaven as a singular, paradise type place of destination in the afterlife. What could the other heavens be? One of the titles for the Virgin Mary is “Queen of Heaven.”

Is that in the empyrean heaven

Aquinas theorized about, or one of the heavenly bodies?

That the earth had no form and was empty was a point of disagreement between Aquinas and Augustine of Hippo (both are saints and were great Catholic theologians). Aquinas believed that creation consisted of two prime matters with the first being

corruptible and the second being incorruptible. This is an important point with regards to angels and demons as to what and who are corruptible.

For clarity, prime matter in the creation sense is earthly bodies which is a combination of humans, and the elements fire, earth, air (or wind), and water. If we follow Aquinas’ reasoning, earthly bodies can be corrupted or degraded. Meaning, these elements can be manipulated by supernatural forces.

For reflection on such supernatural manipulations, biblical examples include Sodom and Gomorrah, two legendary cities destroyed by God for their wickedness using sulfur and fire. Another great example that elements can be manipulated was Noah’s Ark and selected animals in it who were saved from the Great Flood that practically annihilated everything else outside the Ark.

What about the weather and diseases? God had already shown the power, but what about Satan? Does he have the power to control hurricanes,

the organization wrote in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital about transgender Thai businesswoman and JKN Global Group CEO Anne Jakrajutatip.

“It was also the first time a Filipina American took the crown,” the statement continued. “The false rigging allegations are absurd and distract from the incredible milestones our organization and the delegates experienced this weekend.”

“Instead of focusing on unfounded statements, we will continue to shine light on global women’s empowerment, inclusiveness, diversity, and transformational leadership,” the organization concluded.

Meanwhile, Emily Austin, a sports commentator who served as a judge for the pageant said Gabriel was chosen because she was “very wellspoken” and “beautiful”

For my two cents, I say it’s truly a huge honor because Filipino Americans are often times overlooked and undoubtedly underappreciated despite their immense contribution to American heritage – and for sure not everybody is familiar with Filipino culture.

In fact, from the early 20th century, Filipinos have been portrayed as treacherous savages or as innocent children in America, evidenced in political comics and comments from those times. In today’s society, even though the depictions are not as blatantly racist as they were in the early 20th century, Filipinos are still dehumanized, eroticized, or idealized and represented in a two-dimensional way.

However, this construction of the Filipino identity may be starting to

Of course, my own identity as a Filipino-American may color my views on the issue of Filipino representation in American culture despite my best attempts to remain (relatively) objective - so some reflectivity is warranted here. Back in our beloved old country – the Philippines - I grew up in a society where foreigners are welcomed and treated as family – (Americans, especially) – and except for historical reasons and then this may affect my perspectives on the subject. It is also hard to evaluate just how much bias has made its way into this article because there is very little on the specific issue of characterization of Filipinos in American culture. This being said, I would like to acknowledge again that sometimes Filipinos themselves subvert themselves but examples of this are not nearly as prevalent or influential as those produced by non-Filipinos in general.

Over time, representation of Filipinos has changed to fit contemporary audiences. However, for the most part Filipinos are still subverted and simplified even today. Rather than being shown as noble savages these days based of physical appearance and lack of technology in the Philippines, Filipinos are encapsulated and stereotyped according to culturally based behaviors. A step forward away, from the overly simplified portrayal of Filipinos in American culture, is spoken for in the film “The Debut”, which was directed and written by Filipino-Americans and also had a predominantly Filipino and Filipino-American cast. The movie successfully epitomizes Filipinos in a way that humanizes them, portraying our “kababayans” as a people with struggles, too – just like any others.

The image of Filipinos in American culture definitely needs to continue to be reconstructed in a way that will portray them in a more humanistic light through a bigger voice of Filipino-Americans

R’Bonney Gabriel, the first Filipino American to win Miss USA and eventually crowned Miss Universe 2022 says the rigging allegations were “hurtful.”

“You know, I have to be honest, it is very hurtful,” the FilipinaAmerican beauty told Fox News Digital. “It’s very disheartening because I have put my heart and soul into (it). And I hope people can see that. However, in this competition, I know there (are) always rumors that can start. Sometimes I’m like, ‘It’s another day, another rumor,’ and you have to take it with a grain of salt. I’ve been through this before because I won Miss USA. That was in the public eye and there (were) rigging allegations proven false as well.”

“I really learned to just kind of focus my energy inward,” she shared. “And I realized that at the end of the day, I have to be grateful for this opportunity. And I feel like the more successful you are, the more the world sees you. There will always be people that try to bring you down. But being in the public eye, I think this is a great opportunity to show resiliency and to just keep moving forward…I’m focused on my end goal. I’m focused on being successful and being positive in a world of negativity.”

I don’t think any proud Filipino (or Filipino-American, for that matter!) could have eloquently expressed it much better.

Way to go, R’Bonney Gabriel!

No doubt about it, Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel’s winning answer represents the Filipino Americans of today and what we contribute to this great nation. We are hardworking and creative. We offer a unique talent and personality motivated by the desire to serve others in transforming and enriching our communities. We do all these because we seek that positive change! We are so proud of you, R’Bonney Gabriel! We are so proud of all our Filipino Americans!!

God bless Miss Universe 2022! As your “kababayans…We’re absolutely with you all the way!! Press on! Mabuhay!!

A perspective on angels and demons, Part 2 of 3

floods or tornadoes? Can he unleash diseases of pandemic proportions, conflagrations where swaths of land and structures burn like towering infernos?

John 12:31 implies that God controls all things as part of His kingdom but allows Satan to rule the world – the world being earth and domains above (air, wind) and below it (underworld). Satan or Lucifer, their names are interchangeable, was given his own kingdom below heaven and ruled the earth as a punishment but with a caveat that God can degrade these elements to punish the wicked as a way of limiting Satan’s expansion.

Oratio Imperata, the most powerful Catholic prayer in the arsenal has been invoked time and time for God’s intervention against natural forces like super typhoons (hurricanes), Covid-19, HIV, the plague, etcetera. Is the prayer a recognition of Satan’s power?

Whereas the incorruptible celestial bodies like the sun and other planets make out of the fifth element –quintessence or space. Empyrean, according to Aquinas, is the heaven of the blessed where God reigns and where Jesus sits on the right hand of the Father. Judaism believes in the concept that there are seven divisions within God’s government. To each of these divisions is a named planet from the heavenly bodies.

Cosmology in ancient times was earth centered, giving rise to such interpretations of multi-layered heaven. The heavenly bodies were viewed as they appeared in the sky and appeared to revolve around a flat planet earth covered with an invisible dome, and with an underworld inhabited by the dead.

Scientists like Galileo and Copernicus poked a hole in Aquinas’ empyrean heaven theory and the layering therein. Furthermore, science disproved the notion that the earth was flat and established that the sun is the center of the universe, not earth.

The underworld (or hell) is the domain of the dead with Satan at its core. Our concept of hell and the afterlife was also shaped by Dante Alighieri’s epic poetry, The Divine Comedy. Dante introduced us to the concepts of hell (Inferno), purgatory and heaven (Paradise).

In 2 Corinthians, Apostle Paul alluded to a third heaven where people like him in Christ will go. But what about the others who don’t quite measure up to Paul’s requirement?

Well, his letters which are full of warnings about demons, spirits and the elements perhaps provide clues about other destinations.

Luke 2:13 mentions an army of powerful angels as the Hosts of Heaven. To understand the functions of these hosts, one need to have some introduction as to the various tasks

they may be told to do as supernatural beings like being a messenger, a guardian, an enforcer, or a destroyer against something evil, sinister or patently demonic with Satan or Lucifer being their leader.

Lucifer (Morning Star), as we have been told, was one of the mighty archangels that has fallen out of grace. The Morning Star tried to stage a coup in Heaven but was outnumbered and eventually defeated by his brother Archangel Michael. His head “bloody but unbowed,” Lucifer was banished to inhabit earth. His kingdom began to grow when he invaded Paradise and tempted Eve.

Lucifer (and the many aliases attributed to him) possess similar powers with that of other Archangels like Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel among others. If God has heavenly hosts to protect his interest; Satan is equally equipped with an army of followers who can take advantage of the elements and other God’s creations and engage in spiritual warfare to spread its evil intent, Our limited capability to fully understand the enormity of the world around us and the spiritual realm makes us vulnerable to such evil manipulations. We view angels and demons as part of our supernatural understanding whose domains they inhabit involves our psyche, our dreams, our free will. These are battlefields where these supernatural

beings collide.

For instance, we’ve learned that bad angels have developed various albeit intelligent ways of getting to an unsuspecting being. Greek influence and myths introduced the concepts of giants, albinos and other monstrous beings as products of sinful angels, sons of God impregnating mortal women as told in the Book of Watchers.

Angelic and demonic appearances happened in the Old and New Testaments with Jacob wrestling with all his might all night with an angel. Another story by St. Athanasius involves St. Anthony who wrestled solo with the devil and his demons and was successful driving the evil forces away with prayers. They are also in movies. Dan Brown’s “Angels and Demons” portrayed the demon as personified by a priest pursuing a naked ambition to be pope. The Sixth Sense allowed our minds to bridge the natural and spiritual realm.

Amidst all these contradictions, Dante’s Comedia helped form our understanding, albeit incorrectly, of three possible destinations in the afterlife that somehow influence behaviors. Inferno instills a degree of fear and anxiety that hell evokes from eternal damnation. Transition in Purgatory gives people hope that prayers and novenas can bump them up to Paradise and play among the stars. (To be continued)

CROWNING MOMENT: Miss Universe 2022 is USA's Filipina-American R'Bonney Gabriel

Professional Business Directory

PBBM

Continued from page 4

Department of Foreign Affairs

(DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo, who was present during the meeting, said his office is already collaborating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on the development of the technical plans for the e-visa.

DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said various connectivity matters still need to be threshed out with respect to the other jurisdictions that will avail of the Philippine e-visa platform.

"It will take at least a semester to develop the capability because there is so much anti-fraud element that needs to be consolidated with the platform, and the various countries that will be connecting with the system and with the transactions," Garafil said, citing Uy's remarks.

Visa upon arrival

Meantime, Manalo said the DFA has a program for certain Chinese nationals who could avail of the visaupon-arrival.

Other foreign nationals, including Americans, Japanese, Australians, Canadians and Europeans, may also get a 14-day visa upon arrival, Garafil said. From February to December 2022, the Philippines welcomed around 2.65 million visitors comprised of 2.02 million foreign tourists and 628,445 Filipinos overseas, based on the data released by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

Garafil said the latest figure is higher than the 2021 tourist arrivals of 163,879 but still lower than the prepandemic level of 8.26 million.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is expecting around 4.8 million tourist arrivals in 2023, which could generate PHP2.58 trillion in revenue.

Short-term strategic recommendations

Marcos, Garafil said, suggested that the DICT may accept India’s offer to use its application for visa requirements.

Garafil said the PSAC also made "short-term" strategic recommendations, which include the improvement of airport infrastructure and operations, promotion of tourism investments and managing national brand or image.

She added that the PSAC, likewise, proposed the implementation of a Value-Added Tax (VAT) Refund Program for foreign tourists by 2024, as well as the removal of One Health Pass (OHP) or requirement of one form only for health, immigration, and customs.

The council also sought the "automatic" inclusion of travel tax in all airline tickets and the revocation of outdated advisories and loud-speaker announcements at airports, Garafil said. (MNS)

SAF

Continued from page 4

PAF pilots perished in the mishap while no civilian casualties were reported. Our aircraft accident investigation team (is) already at the site for a thorough investigation, while our SF-260TP fleet has been grounded," she added.

The SF-260TP is a highly maneuverable and fully aerobatic basic trainer aircraft of the PAF that serves as a light attack combat aircraft. It was used during the Marawi siege and various combat missions of the PAF.

It can perform close air support, battlefield air interdiction, aerial reconnaissance, persuasion flight, armed escort, maritime patrol, air cover, flare drop, forward air controller, and aerial demonstration. (MNS)

Help Wanted / For Rent / For Sale

Spiritual Life

Forgiveness: a key to start the New Year

There was a year that was replete with unfortunate circumstances which were beyond my control. But I don’t want to dwell on them. Isaiah 43:18 reminds me to “forget the former things and not to dwell in the past.”

How could we make each year a significant year in our lives?

Here are some helpful biblical tips. Apostle Paul gave this advice, “Forgetting what is behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:13-14. The start of a New Year is a good time for us to stop being chained to our past failures. Let’s say to ourselves, I am going to, with the help of God, forget my past. I am going to stop torturing myself about what I did or didn’t do. When we have received Christ’s forgiveness it allows us to forgive ourselves and forget our failures.

Commit yourself to give up your grudges. Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive each other whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you”. What’s a grudge?

A grudge is a deep ongoing resentment that we cultivate in our hearts against someone else. A grudge is an unforgiving spirit that leads to unforgiving attitudes and unforgiving actions. Harboring a grudge is about nursing a dislike for someone. What you need to know is that grudges are dangerous because they are destructive. Grudges destroy marriages. Grudges break up families. Grudges ruin friendships. Grudges are not just destructive they are also self-destructive. When you

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera my personal Testimony

hold a grudge against someone you will hurt yourself as much and perhaps more than you will hurt the person you are holding it against. Make no mistake about it, if you keep harboring a grudge then it will eventually destroy you, if not physically, certainly emotionally and spiritually. It will make you a bitter and twisted person. According to God’s Word the way to give up a grudge is to forgive a grievance. God says that that deep-seated resentment you have against that person has to go. What better time to make that difficult decision to forgive than the start of a New Year?

Commit yourself to restore your relationships. Here is how the Lord issues that challenge. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”

(Romans 12:18)The important phrase here is, as far as it depends on you. God by using that phrase is personally challenging each one of us to do all we can to restore our relationships. Maybe God is saying to some of you that this change of year is the right time to restore that relationships you ruined by going and sincerely saying that you are sorry for those angry words or those selfish and unthoughtful actions.” This is

Greetings in the Lord!

results from standing by the side of the Master himself, being sent on a mission, and becoming an authentic witness to Jesus' ministry.

difficult to do but one of the most significant things that you can do to mark the New Year is not set off a firework but to admit your past errors in relationships and humbly seek forgiveness from the one you have hurt.

Commit yourself to turn your back to your transgressions.

Listen to these words, “Do not let sin control the way you live, do not give in to its lustful desires … we are no longer slaves to sin” Romans 6:2

It all boils down to this: Will this New Year be just a calendar changing event for you or are you willing to rise to these challenges from God’s Word and make these commitments and so make it a life changing event?

In the reflections last Sunday that I shared during my homily I focused on the role of Christians in witnessing Jesus in today's world that has been enveloped in the belief of gods and divinities that the world itself offers. These gods and divinities, in an attractive way, have led many of us not to believe in Jesus as our only Savior and His revelations of the reality that He is the only true God. There is a very great demand or call for a courageous and living witness from all believers in Jesus that precedes a call to a sincere conversion and deep faith, which today's Gospel makes us to develop and respond to the call to be disciples of Jesus. To be a living and active witness is the daily calling for every Catholic. However, in order to be a witness and effect, there are two essential requirements that have their root in the Gospel that Jesus himself proclaims when he said: "The Kingdom of God is near, repent and believe in the Gospel" (Mk 1:15). The reading of our gospel today, taken from St. Matthew, echoes the same message of repentance: "Repent, the Kingdom of heaven is near" according to the Gospel of St. Matthew. It is significant that after making the call to repentance, Matthew guides the narrative to the call of the first disciples in their

workplaces, namely, fishing because they were fishermen. However, the first disciples were called brothers , Simon and his brother Andrew, and also, John and James who were mending nets in the boat of their father Zebedee. The positive response of four people mentioned in Jesus' call is supposed to be that they were in fact the first disciples to follow Him, to hear Him, were sent on missions during Jesus' lifetime, and subsequently, became the four most important apostles of the Lord who were present at very important events of Jesus' ministry.

No one can become an authentic disciple and be an effective witness to Jesus in today's very indifferent and even anti-Christian world. Bearing witness to Jesus could truly require a knowledge of the truth that Jesus has proclaimed, the change of lifestyle that the Gospel demands and that Jesus wants us to give ourselves, and courageously, preserve ourselves in the faith we profess regardless of the consequences in our own life today.

This New Year will really be something to celebrate if you’ll make forgiveness the heart of what it’s all about for you. Have the courage to forgive yourself and “forget the past”; to forgive others who have hurt you “and forgive whatever grievances you have”; to ask for forgiveness from those you have hurt and “as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”; and to ask for God’s forgiveness and no longer be a slave to sin.

Happy New Year.

What does God want to achieve through your life?

'Come, follow Me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.'

(Matthew 4:19)

Our calling has three distinct stages, which we can see in the lives of many called before us, to become mature fishers of men who greatly impact God's Kingdom.

First, there is the gestation period. This is the development stage of our lives. It may involve years of normal work experiences. You may be a Christian during this time, or you may be following after worldly success as a non-Christian.

Paul spent years in religious and political training, persecuting believers most of his early life. Moses spent years in the court of Pharaoh and 40 years tending flocks in the desert. Jesus spent 30 years living at home and working in His father's carpentry business. However, all these years were part of their preparation.

Next is the crisis stage. Sooner or later, God calls you into relationship with Him. For many, like Paul, it comes through dramatic encounters like being knocked off a horse, blinded and spoken to personally by God. Some people are more difficult than others to reach and

so require this level of crisis. This is a time when God requires major changes so that you follow Him fully. It can be a time in which God harnesses years of experience for a new life purpose. Paul's earthly experiences would be used in his calling to the religious and political leaders of his day. For Moses, the burning bush experience would begin his journey in which he would discover his ultimate calling after years of preparation. For Peter, it was his denial of Jesus three times that allowed him to face his shallow commitment to Christ. For Jesus, it was the garden of Gethsemane. These were the benchmark turning points for men who made an impact on their world.

Last is the fruit-bearing stage. In it, God's power is manifested in your life like never before. God

takes all your experiences and uses them to build His Kingdom in and through your life. Your obedience to this final call results in fruitfulness you could never imagine without the long preparation process. For Abraham, it resulted in becoming the father of many nations. For Paul, it resulted in bringing the gospel to the Gentiles. And for Peter, it meant becoming the leader of the Church. For Jesus, it was salvation for the entire world.

What does God want to achieve through your life? God has a plan that is so incredible you cannot comprehend it. It requires only that you love Him and follow Him. Then you will become fishers of men like the world has never known.

Speak Lord, Your servant is listening <(((><

MONTEREY PARK VICTIMS’ FUND RECEIVES $100,000 CONTRIBUTION FROM PECHANGA

TEMECULA, CA – The Monterey Park Lunar New Year Victims Fund has received a $100,000 contribution from the Pechanga Band of Indians. As of 2 p.m. January 25, 2023, the GoFundMe account was up to $707,154 of a $750,000 goal.

Pechanga’s gift sent the amount to $807,154. The city and community of Monterey Park opened its arms to Pechanga more than a decade ago to partake and contribute to the

excitement of its Lunar New Year Festival. As we mourn the victims of Saturday night’s tragedy, Pechanga’s commitment to the community remains unwavering. A contribution of $100,000 has been made to the victims’ fund in solidarity with their families and community.

“The Monterey Park community welcomed Pechanga into their festivities many years ago,” said Pechanga Tribal Chairman Mark

Continued from page 1

aquaponics, can also contribute to food production in villages, he said.

"Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (growing plants in a nutrient solution). The aquaponics systems involve the growing of plants and the raising of fish with the help of beneficial bacteria. Hydroponics is the art of gardening without soil and in its absence, water goes to work providing nutrients, hydration, and oxygen to plant life," he added.

Asked if urban farms would be mandatory in all barangays, Abalos said the DILG would observe the implementation of the project in the next months to determine its impact and benefits.

The project, he said, would serve as a strategy to diversify food sources and contribute to ensuring food security in the country while it aims to strengthen the capacity of barangays for sustainable agriculture initiatives through community gardening in their areas.

Under the program, households and communities will be urged to produce fruits and vegetables from their backyards and spaces, as well as vacant areas in the barangays. No more onion shortage as imports arrive, peak harvest nears -- DA

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday said there is no longer a shortage of onions as the first batch of import volume arrived in the country.

In an interview, DA deputy spokesperson Rex Estoperez said more than 1,000 metric tons of imported yellow and red onions arrived.

This gospel narrative has given us a clear picture of how to become an active witness. It is undoubtedly a part of the whole process of discipleship that begins with the call to repentance, a positive response to the call, an inner change and conversion that

“At this point in time, wala pa tayong nakikitang (we are not seeing any) shortage, because of the coming harvest and the coming imports,” he said.

He said the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) records showed that the first batch includes 400 metric tons of yellow onions and 800 metric tons of red onions.

The first arrival is part of the 5,775 metric tons of onions with sanitary phytosanitary import clearance (SPSIC).

“As of today, wala pa siya sa market, bago lumabas sa market ‘yan (it’s not yet available in the market. Before it is released to the market), it has to be cleared by the Bureau of Plant Industry,” Estoperez said. He reiterated that the imported onions will be all allocated to Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao areas.

“‘Yun pong ating import ngayon (our import now), distribution is located to Visayas and Mindanao, except for the yellow onion. Yellow onion, dito lang ‘yan sa (this is only for) Luzon,” he said.

The DA also assured that it will intensify its efforts to prevent the skyrocketing prices of onions in the market.

“On the off season, pagkatapos ng (after) harvest, let’s see again. But the role of the Department of Agriculture’s is dapat hindi na maulit itong sibuyas na December at saka ‘yung ating holiday season, e sobrang mahal ng sibuyas (it should prevent the December level of onions supply status, during holiday season when onions are very expensive),” Estoperez said.

Not harming farmers

Contrary to the claims by some groups, the DA clarified that the entry of over 5,000 metric tons of imported onions will not have “detrimental” effect on the farmers.

“Kung ganun kanipis ang ating import, magiging distributed pa sa (If that’s how thin the import [volume] is, and will still be distributed to) Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, it will not hurt the farmers kasi bago ho kami mag-import (before we import), we considered the volume and the timing of arrival,” Estoperez said.

“We have already approved the SPSIC na import. Hindi naman tayo mag-i-import ng (we will not import) 21,000, which is we’re fortunate that it’s not applied,’ he added.

The DA said the entry of mustarrives is only set up until Friday or Jan.27, which matches the timing of peak harvest season expected to start in mid-February until April.

For now, the DA targets to continue visitation to onionproducing areas like Nueva Ecija and Occidental Mindoro, as well as check on the operations of cold storage facilities.

The call of the first disciples in their workplace, and the fact that today's Gospel shows us their blood ties, further than that, convinces me to believe that witnessing Jesus goes beyond the walls of places of worship and requires us to enter the temporal world of business. In addition, this context leads us to have knowledge of how important it is at the family level to respond to the call of Jesus and make it truly present in the midst of our lives. Indeed, the family has always been a central point in Jesus' plan for the mission of making the Gospel known, for time immemorial. Today, let us pray that we may become authentic witnesses of Jesus in the world. Danny

The visitation aims to help identify the cost of production for the proper setting of the price cap for retail costs.

“For the imported ones, dapat hindi siya bumaba dun sa (it should not be lower than the) cost of production, or else kapag bumaba sa cost of production, lugi na naman ang ating mga magsasaka (if its price drops, it will be disadvantageous for the farmers),” he said.

To date, the prevailing price in markets in Metro Manila ranges from PHP200 to PHP350 per kilogram for local red onions and local white onions; while PHP220/ kg to PHP300/kg for imported white onions.

The DA earlier said the entry of imported onions and the peak harvest season may help drop the market price to PHP150/kg. (MNS)

“There is a mistaken notion among some that to own a paper is to have a license to clobber one’s enemies and attack people we don’t like. A newspaper is an information tool to reach a large number of people at a given time. A newspaper should inform, educate, entertain and provide viewpoints that could give us the means to make intelligent decisions for ourselves and others.” — Ernie Flores Jr.

Macarro. “Pechanga has made great friends and acquaintances through Monterey Park’s Lunar New Year Festival. Like so many throughout California, we are deeply saddened by this tragedy and extend our deepest condolences and support for the victims.”

Pechanga’s contribution was made to the Monterey Park Lunar New Year Victims Fund thru gofundme.

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

case,” said Michaele Turnage Young, Senior Counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

“All students deserve a fair shot at getting a quality education, regardless of their income, where they grew up, or their racial or ethnic backgrounds,” said Turnage Young. “But unfortunately, while talent is everywhere in our country, opportunity is not. Too many students of color must contend with systemic and interpersonal racism that detrimentally affects their educational opportunities.”

Inclusive School Environments

“It is important that colleges and universities continue to be allowed to consider the full context of applicants experiences, including the way that racism artificially depresses the prospects of many hardworking, talented, Black, Latinx, native and underserved Asian American students, so that everyone has a fair shot,” she said. Panelists also discussed what constitutes a healthy school environment.

“We know that education policy decisions must be informed by the values, priorities and experiences of marginalized people, ” said Liz King, Senior Director of the Education Equity Program at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

Check Identity at the Door?

“For too long, people of color, native people, LGBTQ people with disabilities, immigrants, religious minorities, English learners, girls, low income people, and other marginalized people have had their stories told by someone else. Their opportunity to attend a school that is warm, welcoming, and that prepares them for the full exercise of their social, political, and economic rights has been denied,” said King, who moderated the Jan. 18 discussion.

“No one should be asked to check parts of their identity at the door. Everyone should see themselves

and their communities reflected in the curriculum and instructional practices,” said Morgan Craven, National Director of Policy, Advocacy and Community Engagement at the Intercultural Development Research Association.

Critical Race Theory Craven spoke about classroom censorship, the targeting of systemically marginalized students and communities, and challenges to schools diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

We know from 50 years of education policy research and teacher training work that culturally sustaining schools — places where every student feels welcome — are key to student success.

Several states have banned the teaching of critical race theory, including: Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Seventeen more states have bills moving through their legislature to ban CRT, loosely defined as the teaching of systemic racism at all levels of society, from housing to employment, healthcare and more.

Craven’s remarks came ahead of the news curve: a day after the briefing, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a statewide ban on an advanced course teaching African American history. Florida is hardly alone: Between July 2021 and June 2022, according to PEN America, Texas school districts banned 801 books in 22 school districts, the most of any US state. Most of the banned books focused on racial history and sexual identity. Craven said she expected to see more such activity this year.

Restraint and Seclusion

AJ Link, Policy Analyst at the Autistic Self Advocacy Network noted the threats at school settings to students who are disabled, non-binary, or of color. He laid out eight principles of creating healthy school environments, which include addressing childhood trauma, enhancing protections against harassment and discrimination in schools, and eliminating school based

law enforcement. Link spoke about the practices of restraint and seclusion: police handcuffing a child who may merely be having a temper tantrum, or teachers actually sitting on misbehaving students. Restraint and seclusion tactics are disproportionately used on marginalized students, he said.

“I really hope that we start viewing children as children, instead of threats to be afraid of. And that we support and invest in our children in a loving, caring, supportive way, instead of acting like being a child is automatically some type of criminal activity,” he said.

Early Childhood Education

Whitney Pesek, Director of Federal Child Care Policy at the National Women’s Law Center discussed the importance of early childhood education, and expanding programs for access by low-income families.

“For the early care and education sector, the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare and exacerbated the deep inequities of a system that relies on families paying unaffordable sums, early educators being paid poverty level wages, and too many communities across the country lacking sufficient workforce or facilities to meet early care and education demands,” said Pesek.

She noted that in more than half the country, infant care and early childhood education cost more than attending college. And many families pay more for ECE than they do for rent.

Moreover, few subsidies exist. Rural families live in ECE deserts with an insufficient supply of licensed day care options.

“Children under five years old are the most diverse generation in United States history, so investing in high quality, affordable care and education also advances racial equity,” said Pesek. “It is a racial and gender justice imperative to address these deep inequities in the United States early care and education system,” she said, calling for robust investment at the federal level.

Physical Therapists Help People of All Ages.

NATIONAL CITY, CA -- Physical therapists are experts in human movement who are trained to evaluate and treat all kinds of musculoskeletal issues. They are highly trained in prescribing and progressing exercise to help people move and feel better. Because everyone moves and everyone can benefit from exercise, physical therapists can help people through their entire lives. Some people see a physical therapist shortly after birth. The most common reasons a baby would need to see a PT would be something like torticollis or cerebral palsy. Torticollis is a postural issue that causes babies to hold their heads tipped to one side. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that causes difficulty with movement and coordination. As children continue to grow, some have trouble hitting their motor milestones - like rolling, crawling, or walking. Physical therapists can use their expertise to help encourage development of motor skills and coordination to get these children back on track. Sports injuries become more common in adolescents. Whether it's an ankle sprain, or an ACL surgery, a PT can help. Some adolescents have issues from the rapid growth their bodies go through. Things like growth plate fractures, growing pains, Osgood-Schlatter's disease, and Sever's disease are all common in adolescence. As adults, a lot of us will have

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

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

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

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

CHULA VISTA CITY COUNCIL CONTINUES DELIBERATIONS ON FINALISTS FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 3 APPOINTMENT

Special meeting set for January 31 at 5 p.m

CHULA VISTA, CA -- On

January 24, the Chula Vista City Council interviewed ten finalists and deliberated through multiple rounds of voting to consider an appointee to fill the vacancy in Council District 3. The vacancy is a result of the November 8, 2022 election, when District 3 City Councilmember Stephen C. Padilla was elected to the State Senate. After more than three hours of interviews and two hours of deliberations, the City Council voted to set a Special City Council Meeting on January 31 to continue its deliberations.

The application period to fill the vacancy opened December 23,

2022, and closed on January 6, 2023.

Seventeen qualified applications were received and reviewed by the City Council. The process for filling a vacant City Council seat by appointment is outlined under Chula Vista Municipal Code (CVMC) Chapter 2.53. At the January 17 City Council meeting, the Mayor and City councilmembers made nominations from the list of qualified applicants for those applicants they wished to interview. Ten applicants received two or more nominations and the finalists were interviewed at the January 24 City Council meeting. The finalists are listed below in alphabetical order by last name:

• Nimpa Akana

• Devonna Almagro

• Griselda Delgado

• David Diaz

• Gian Ghio

• Alonso Gonzalez

• Victor Lopez

• Daniel Rice (Vazquez)

• Sophia Rodriguez

• Tanya Williams

If the City Council is unable to make an appointment by February 3, a special election will be held to fill the seat.

That election could be combined with the City Attorney Special Election scheduled for November 7, 2023.

WEAR YOUR MASK