The Filipino Press: July 21-27, 2023

PHL gov’t committed to pursuing more public transport projects

MANILA -- President Ferdinand

R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday pledged to push for more public transportation projects to further improve mobility and interconnectivity in the country.

Marcos made the commitment as he led the inauguration of the 4th-generation (Gen-4) light rail vehicles (LRVs) for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) - Line 1 in Baclaran, Pasay City.

“It truly makes me proud to witness the steady realization of our vision of a more developed Philippines coming to a fruition through our new LRVs, which will be used in the existing LRT-1 system and on the LRT-1 extension to Cavite,” Marcos said in a keynote speech delivered at the LRT-1 Depot.

“I assure you that this administration will continue to pursue more public transportation projects that will improve our people’s mobility and interconnectivity, as well as to enhance the quality of each Filipino.”

Starting July 20, the LRT-1 will deploy one Gen-4 train set for its main line to serve commuters daily, according to a statement from the Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC).

A series of safety checks, inspections, trial runs with minimum kilometers, and acceptance tests were conducted after the first batch of the Gen-4 trains arrived in the country in January 2021.

Procured as part of the LRT-1

Cavite Extension Project, the Gen4 train set measures 106 meters in length and 2.59 meters in width and can accommodate about 1,388

passengers per trip, increasing daily ridership to 300,000 passengers from the existing 280,000 a day in its first year of full operations.

Small Business Owners Need Access to Funding

By Peter White/eMS

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- Sen.

Mark Warner,D-Virginia and co-chair of the Community Development Finance Caucus, joined a venture capitalist, a community leader, and a young entrepreneur July 14 to lay out the challenges and solutions for starting and growing small businesses in a post-Covid 19 environment.

Over 33 million small businesses make up about 99.9% of businesses in the US, and employ almost half of its workforce. During the Covid-19 pandemic, 40% of Black and Latinoowned businesses shut down, many permanently.

Community Development Finance Institutions — CDFIs — were one of the keys to recovery, said Warner. “In a strange bedfellows kind of moment, I partnered strongly with then-Secretary Steve Mnuchin of the Trump administration during the COVID-19 pandemic to try to get a lot of capital into our minority depository institutions,” he said, at the news briefing organized by Ethnic Media Services. Warner and Mnuchin were able to distribute $12 billion in funding through CDFIs, Minority Depository Institutions — MDIs — and Tier 1 capital through a Treasury Department initiative known as the Emergency Capital Investment Program.

“Access to capital is a hugely important issue,” said Warner, noting that many minority entrepreneurs do not have relationships with banks to allow them to successfully apply for loans.

Gelat’OH!

Entrepreneur Sierra Georgia

encountered this very issue as she tried to expand her small business, Gelat’OH, based in Washington DC.

“Like a lot of small business owners like myself, this started with just a team of one and it’s still not that much bigger than that,” she said.

Like a lot of women of color who want to start a business, Georgia did not own a house she could mortgage to raise capital. She got funding through a CDFI, but only received half of what she needed to expand her business. So she raised money through SMBX, a small business bonds marketplace connecting small businesses to local investors.

“It’s a real bond offering. If you donate to somebody’s GoFundMe you’ll never see that money again, but if you buy a Gelat’OH bond, you get 11% back on your money in 2 years. It’s a way to bring wealth back to the community and empower small business owners,” said Georgia, who raised $25K in four days via SMBX.

Empowering Black America

“As President Calvin Coolidge said, ‘the business of America is business,’” said Charles Phillips, co-founder of the Black Economic Alliance, who served on President Barack Obama’s Economic Recovery Board. “This is what generates a lot of wealth in our country and makes us different from other countries.”

“We have a lot of entrepreneurs who build businesses and build wealth and support their families. And they support their families that way and pass that down to their families. And so we laud entrepreneurs in this country as we should because it’s one of our big differentiators.”

“But not everybody has access to actually building a business,” said Phillips, citing a 2020 survey by the management consulting firm McKinsey which found most black

Marcos lauded the efforts of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), and LRMC for

working together to provide Filipino commuters with “safe, reliable and efficient” transportation services. He also thanked the Japan

International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Mitsubishi Corp., and the Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles for their partnership with the Philippine government to enhance mass transit systems in the metro rail project.

“With this commitment that you have shown to enhance the capacity of the LRT-1 by increasing the number of LRVs, we’ll be able to now aid in easing traffic congestion, as well as mitigating air pollution caused by vehicles plying the roads of Metro Manila,” Marcos said.

“Equipped with advanced information system and a new signaling system, I am confident that the LRVs will not only improve the overall passenger experience but also will be championing safety.”

The President said he is looking forward to the full operation of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension by 2027 as it is expected to accommodate up to 800,000 passengers a day and shorten the travel time between Baclaran, Pasay City and Bacoor, Cavite to 25 minutes from 1 hour and 10 minutes.

“Having said that, I ask the public for your continued patience during the construction of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension,” he said. “And I also ask our commuters to practice courtesy and basic etiquette when using public conveyances, such as keeping

SAN DIEGO, CA -- San Diego

Gas & Electric (SDG&E) announced recently that it has awarded $10,000 scholarships to ten local high school and college students who are pursuing undergraduate studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) – many of them first-generation college students who face financial barriers to higher education. These are the first scholarships given by SDG&E under its newly launched Inspiring Future Leaders STEM Scholarship Program, which builds on the company’s long history of investing in STEM education to foster the region’s future generations of diverse and highly skilled workforce.

Scholarship winners who maintain their eligibility can have their scholarships renewed for an additional three years – meaning they could receive up to a total of $40,000 in financial aid.

“Today, many jobs require a STEM education, so it’s essential that we help build the talent pipeline by expanding access to higher education,” said SDG&E CEO Caroline Winn, who is an electrical engineer by training and a leading advocate for getting more women and people of color into STEM careers. “Through the scholarship program, we hope to create a STEM workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau and Pew Research, women only make up 27% of the STEM workforce, while people of color only make up 33%.

Selected from a pool of more

than 150 applicants from San Diego and southern Orange County communities served by SDG&E, the scholarship recipients are local women and students of color. Some of the college degrees being pursued by the scholarship recipients include biochemistry, biology, civil engineering, data science, marine science, mechanical engineering, neuroscience and physics. Learn more about our Inspiring Future Leaders STEM Scholarship winners are as follows:

1. JC Alvarez

University of Southern California

Planned Major: Finance/Data Science

2. Gizelle Flores UC Berkeley Planned Major: Applied Physics and Engineering

3. Alexis Garcia UC San Diego Planned Major: Biology

4. Diana Garcia UCLA Planned Major: Biochemistry

5. Chomnapp Khoth UC Berkeley Planned Major: Civil Engineering

6. Rudy Mercado CSU Fullerton Planned Major: Civil Engineering

7. Chloe Moya Barnard College

Planned Major: Neuroscience and Art History

8. Savannah (Annie) Riley CSU Long Beach

Planned Major: Marine Science

9. Jacqueline Salinas Columbia University

10. Daniel Bayliss Boston University

Planned Major: Civil Engineering

“I plan to be an example that one’s family background, financial status, or ethnicity does not define how far you get in life,” said scholarship recipient Diana Garcia, who will attend UCLA in the fall to major in biochemistry. “I am faithful to being part of an ongoing cycle that breaks the chains of poverty and changes the world for the better.”

Kathy Caputo, director of Partners in College Success (PICS), said it’s rare to see multi-year, renewable scholarships of the size offered by SDG&E.

“Many of the students we work with need financial support throughout their college career in order to complete their degrees.” Caputo said. “We hope other organizations will follow in SDG&E’s footsteps and make it more accessible for women and people of color to enter STEM careers,”

San Diego’s No. 1 Source of News

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (middle) on Wednesday (July 19, 2023) leads the inauguration of the 4th Generation Light Rail

for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) - Line 1 in Pasay City. The planning and design of the LRVs for LRT-1 started in 2018. Spanish railway vehicle company Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles began the production of 30 train sets in Spain and Mexico in 2019 through a tender spearheaded by the Department of Transportation. (MNS photo)

THE PAMPERED PINAY: GOAL-GETTER: Oh-So-Organized

By FRANCINE m AIgu E

Some folks want to get fit. Some want to save up. Some want (read: need) to get more organized. But tidying up and staying on top of chores doesn’t have to be so hard. (Who made this mess?)

Just a little effort each day is worth it. (Seriously, who made this mess?!)

We all deserve living and work spaces that reflect and inspire the best in us. Taking responsibility for our space reminds us of the control we have over the (at least immediate) world around us. We needn’t let ourselves be bogged down by stuff that doesn’t play a meaningful role in our lives. And we can’t neglect necessary chores and responsibilities. We need to treat our space and belongings with the kind of respect and care we (ought to) have for ourselves.

Ready to be oh-so-organized?

Kaya natin ‘to!

Mail It Monday

Birthday cards, thank you cards, bill payments...and those pesky emails and texts that bulk up quickly... Lighten your load early in the week, and catch up on correspondence on Monday. It will feel good to start off the week so productive.

Tabletop Tuesday Clutter is no one’s friend. A cluttered space makes for a cluttered mind. Busy people need to be able to find and access things quickly and deserve

living and work spaces that are neat and inspiring. Piles of files, junk mail and unnecessary knickknacks don’t make for peace and productivity. Start by simply cleaning off tabletops. With a place for everything and everything in its place, you stress less and make more room for moments of joy and greatness. (And you can never have enough joy and greatness.)

Wipe Down Wednesday

Cleaning can be overwhelming if you wait to do it all at once. Like with most big projects, gradual progress = manageable progress. Wiping down surfaces midweek helps make for a strong finish and quicker clean up at the end of the week. *Pro Tip: Got multiple folks in your household or shared workspace? Hand everyone two sanitizing wipes each and watch the process go realllllly fast!*

Throw Out Thursday

Expired snacks and coupons. Leftovers and makeup that have seen better days. [Insert your choice of things that you can’t remember why you saved it or what it’s good for here.] A purposeful life isn’t just full of “stuff.” The things (and people) that surround you should give you life. Don’t let stuff (again, and people) crowd your space, your opportunities, or your potential. Say goodbye to the rusted and rotting, and say hello to a fabulous future!

File or Frame It Friday

Some things you just can’t throw away, and you don’t have

to. Whether it’s an item with sentimental value or important paperwork, file or intentionally display it. Something so special should have a special place. (Tucked in the nooks and crannies of your home or office where you’re likely to forget about it doesn’t count.)

Soak It Saturday

Laundry. Linens. (To the tune of “Let It Snow” — Let it soak. Let it soak. Let it soak...Or, if you prefer...To the tune of Frozen’s “Let It Go” — Let it soooaaak. Let it soooooooaaaaaak.) I mean...

We have to wash them sometime right?

Suds Up Sunday Ok, so we wiped things down on Wednesday. (Go us! *high five*) Now we can quickly tackle the areas that need actual scrubbing. Nowhere is this done more than in the bathroom. Sinks. Check! Toilets. Check! Floors.

Check! And, finally...the tub and shower. Check! Sure, it’s not glamorous...but you know what is?

The opportunity to take a weekend bubble bath (Hello, Pampered Pinay Time with lavender suds, soothing tunes and a clay facial mask!) in a sparkling clean tub before the weekday madness begins all over again. Drown those cares and worries! And as for that weary body that’s worked so hard all week... Let it soooaaak. Let it soooooooaaaaaak. ;) You deserve it my friend.

See? You’re already conquering your de-cluttering challenge like the champ you are. Proud of you! Proud of us! Check back every week for ways to pamper yourself and those you love. Why? The answer is simple: YOU DESERVE IT, Hardworking Kababayans.... Do you want to send a love note at The Filipino Press ? Email us at filpressads@aol.com

We love to hear from you our dear readers!

Sarah Geronimo, Magkakaroon ng Dalawang Shows sa Pechanga Summit sa September

TEMECULA, CA -- Kilalang

sikat na singer at aktres si Sarah Geronimo, na nakagawa na ng maraming albums, TV shows at pelikula. Malayo na ang narating ng karera ni Sarah dahil apat na taong gulang pa lang ay nasa entertainment industry na siya. Dalawa na ang nagawang shows ni Sarah sa Pechanga dati at ngayong taon nga ay magbabalik siya dito.

Si Sarah Geronimo ay magkakaroon ng dalawang live concerts sa Pechanga Summit sa September: Friday, September 8, 9:00 ng gabi at sa Linggo, September 10, 6:00 ng gabi.

Sumikat si Geronimo pagkatapos manalo sa singing contest sa telebisyon na Star for a Night, kung saan siya ay nakakuha ng recording contract sa Viva Records habang 14 anyos pa lamang. Sa pagtakbo ng kanyang karera, napanalunan ni Sarah ang 15 Awit Awards, 28 Myx Music Awards, 8 Aliw Awards, 4 FAMAS Awards, ang FAMAS Golden Artist Award at ang World Music Award. Pinangalanan din siya bilang isa sa most powerful influencers ng Forbes Asia. Noong 2013, napabilang siya sa Anak TV Hall of Fame. Si Geronimo din ay isang Goodwill Ambassador para sa Musika ng National Commission for Culture and the Arts at tumanggap ng Ani ng Dangal award para sa MultiDisciplinary Arts.

Taong 2004, nagkaroon si Sarah ng kanyang kauna-unahang television show, Sarah the Teen Princess, at palagiang lumalabas sa variety show na ASAP bilang host at performer.

Siya ay nakita sa 18 na pelikula, 25 television shows at nakapag-labas ng 13 album sa kanyang buong karera. Nakagawa ng pangalan si Geronimo dahil sa kanyang maganda at madamdaming boses pati na sa paglabas sa iba’t-ibang pelikula at TV shows. Noong 2014, sa YES!

Magazine, tinawag siyang “Most Beautiful Star”, kung saan nakuha niya ang number 1 spot matapos talunin ang 100 celebrities. Simula pa noong 2014, siya na ang most streamed solo Filipino artist sa

Spotify Philippines kung saan milyong mga ka-tao ang nakikinig sa kanyang musika. Ilan sa mga pinagmamalaki ng Pechanga Summit ang 40,000-square feet na lugar para sa mga mangaaliw, konsiyerto, live na kaganapan sa sports, pagttaanghal ng kalakalan, kasalan, o anu pa mang malalaking grupo na magsasagawa. Sa kabuuan, ang Pechanga ngayon ay nag aalok ng 274,500 square feet na panloob/ panlabas na kontemporaryong pagpupulong at espasyo sa mga kagaanapan, na tanging nagpaibayo sa mga amenidad, espasmo at katanyagan ng mga inihahandog na kaganapan ng Pechanga.

Patungkol sa Pechanga Resort

Casino Ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay nag-aalay ng pinaka malaki at napakalawak na resort/casino na eksperiyensa saan man sa Estados

Unidos. May rata na Four Diamond property ng AAA mula 2002, ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay naghahatid ng walang kapantay na libangan, maging anumang araw o kahabaan ng pananatili rito. Naghahandog ng mahigit 5,500 ng pinakamainit na slots, table games, world-class na paraan ng aliwan, 1,100 na mga kwarto sa hotel, kainan, spa at golf sa Journey sa Pechanga. Ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay nagaalay ng mga destinasyon na tutugon at hihigit pa sa mga pangangailangan ng mga panauhin at komunidad. Ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay pag-aari at nasa ilalim ng pamamalakad ng Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. Sa karagdagang impormasyon, tumawag toll free sa (877) 7112946 o bumisita sa www.Pechanga. com. Sundan ang Pechanga Resort Casino sa Facebook, Instagram at sa Twitter @PechangaCasino.

PBBM vows inclusion, empowerment of PWDs

MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has assured persons with disabilities (PWDs) of his administration’s support in ensuring their inclusion and empowerment.

During the conferment rites for the 30th Apolinario Mabini Awards at the Heroes Hall of Malacañan Palace in Manila on Tuesday, Marcos called on the concerned government agencies to address the present challenges faced by the PWDs.

Marcos emphasized the need to create “bridges of opportunity, empathy, and understanding” for the PWDs in pursuit of a “new Philippines that will leave nobody behind.”

“I trust that the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, our local government units, and all our partner agencies shall continue to strengthen our programs and services that encourage PWDs to take part in nation-building,” Marcos said in a speech read by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

“Continue your various advocacies that reduce prejudice and promote the acceptance and empowerment of our PWDs to eliminate stigma, discrimination, and exclusion.”

He also urged the private sector to create inclusive workspaces that would promote diversity and equality for PWDs and would give them fair employment opportunities.

Launched by the Philippine Foundation for Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Inc. (PFRD) in 1974, the Apolinario Mabini Awards give recognition to individuals, groups, and agencies with outstanding contributions to PWDs.

The President commended the PFRD for promoting measures for the protection and rehabilitation of the disabled, as well as for pushing for equal opportunities for PWDs.

“Through the Apolinario Mabini Awards, you have inspired us to go beyond our perceived limitations, embrace the immense potential within each of us, and foster a more inclusive Philippines,” he said.

Marcos also hailed the awardees for their dedication to advocate for the PWDs and creating a society where disability is not seen as an obstacle.

“The Mabini Awards reminds us that disability does not define a person's worth. Instead, it is a spark for innovation, resilience, and ingenuity that enables people to do better and to do more,” he said.

"I thus thank this year’s Mabini Awardees for breaking down barriers and championing the rights of persons with disabilities. All of you are beacons of hope, lighting the path towards a society that fully embraces all.”

The awards have nine categories – the Organization of Persons With Disabilities Award; Empowerment of Persons With Disabilities Award; Media Advocate Award; Manuel Agcaoili Employer of the Year Award (formerly Employer of the Year Award); Local Government Unit Award; Disability Friendly Establishment Award; Special Recognition Award; Filipino with Disability Award; and Apolinario Mabini Lifetime Achievement Award.

Antonio Llanes Jr. was conferred the Apolinario Mabini Life Achievement Award for his dedication and zeal in promoting

the full inclusion of the visually impaired, spanning 29 years.

Llanes pioneered computerassisted training and co-founded Adaptive Technology for the Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired, a non-profit training and servicing facility dedicated to making blind people effective contributors to society through various IT-enabled training programs.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and Pasig City Lone District Representative Roman Romulo both received the Special Recognition Award for championing the rights of PWDs. The award recognized Gatchalian's efforts and leadership in the passage of Republic Act (RA) 11650 or the Inclusive Education Act for Learners with Disabilities and RA 11510 or the Alternative Education System Act. Romulo, on the other hand, was recognized for his initiatives in Congress for the approval of RA 11650.

The Posthumous Special Recognition Award was conferred on Capt. Oscar Taleon, citing his exemplary leadership in uniting the sector as co-founder of AKAP PINOY to give economic and political voice to persons with disabilities.

The Filipino with Disability Award was conferred on Jose Go Ranola, who was honored for establishing a construction company and demonstrating competence as an entrepreneur and a businessman despite being blind.

The Organization of Persons with Disabilities Award was given to the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), while the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Award was conferred on SM Cares Program on Disability Affairs.

The Media Advocate Award was presented to "Inklunasyon," the first live-streaming disability-inclusive program in Asia.

Accenture, Inc. (Philippines) received the Manuel Agcaoili Employer of the Year Award for the Large Company Category; Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. for the Medium Company Category; and Caravan Food Group, Inc. for the Small Company Category.

The Local Government Unit Award was awarded to the Municipality of Carmona, Cavite and Barangay San Lorenzo, Makati City.

SM City Grand Central bagged the Disability-Friendly Establishment Award (Gold Award); Ayala Property Management Corp. and SM Supermalls both received the Bronze Award; and Robinsons Land Corp. was presented the Special Award.

Present during the conferment of awards were PFRD president Edgardo Garcia; Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and his wife Audrey Tan-Zubiri who chairs the 30th Apolinario Mabini Awards; and Jaime Silva, chairperson of the Screening Committee.

PBBM vows to boost MSMEs’ global competitiveness

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has vowed to address the challenges faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to boost their global competitiveness.

During the National MSME Summit 2023 at The Manila Hotel

on Tuesday, Marcos emphasized that building a “more robust” MSME sector is key to having a “more resilient, competitive, and prosperous” Philippine economy.

“It is important to note that our MSMEs are one of the steady pillars of the Philippine economy –they comprise more than 99 percent of all our registered businesses and employ more than 5.4 million Filipinos,” Marcos said in a keynote speech read by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

“If we want to truly transform the Philippine economy and society, we must not only take care of our MSMEs, but also make sure that they are able to grow, flourish, and compete globally.”

Marcos underscored the importance of forging partnerships with different sectors to come up with “viable, effective, and efficient” solutions to the various issues besetting the MSME sector in terms of financial and market access, skills development, and technology adoption.

He urged all the industry players, experts, and government agencies to pursue a “whole-of-society and a whole-of-government approach” for the development of the MSMEs.

“I encourage everyone to keep reaching out and coming together so that we can leverage our respective strengths, expertise, and resources to launch our MSMEs to even greater heights,” Marcos said, noting the need to equip MSMEs with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive in “modern and dynamic” business environment.

The President also said his administration remains committed to providing MSMEs with digital literacy training and support for diverse e-commerce platforms to ensure their efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness.

“We will sustain our support for enterprises engaged in agribusiness and provide financial aid for further research and development. We will help in expanding access to financing for MSMEs, including the expansion of loan programs, credit guarantee schemes, and the establishment of a credit scoring system to facilitate lending decisions,” he said.

Marcos said the government would work with the private sector to provide mentorship programs and increase the MSMEs’ access to markets and other resources.

He also expressed hope that this year’s summit would unleash the full potential of the small businesses in the country.

“With this in mind, I wish to emphasize the role of this summit in fostering a healthy and conducive environment for the growth and prosperity of MSMEs,” Marcos said.

“Its discussions on building a robust tech startup ecosystem; integrating MSMEs into domestic and global value chains; strengthening the regional innovation and entrepreneurship landscape; and honing the capabilities of our workforce are indeed most welcome.”

In celebration of the MSME Development Week, the National MSME Summit 2023 was organized by the MSME Development Council and supported by the Department

Remulla says PH won’t engage with ICC any longer

MANILA -- Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday said the Philippine government will no longer engage with the International Criminal Court (ICC) following the tribunal's decision to reject the Philippines' appeal on the continuation of the investigation into the alleged excesses of the last administration's drug war.

"Hindi na tayo makikipag-usap sa kanila (We will no longer talk to them). What they will be doing will be usurpation of public functions," Remulla said referring to the ICC. He said the government's appeal with the ICC was merely part of the policy of comity between nations and does not mean the government is submitting to the tribunal's jurisdiction.

Remulla added that while the tribunal has no power of compulsion if it decides to issue arrest warrants in the Philippines, it may be prudent for those named in the ICC case not to go to countries where the ICC may have power to enforce an arrest.

"My advise is [for those named in the ICC case] not to go to countries where the ICC will be able to influence the judicial system. ‘Wag kayo pupunta sa lugar na maaring makialam ang ICC. Dito, hindi sila pwedeng makialam talaga rito (Don't go to a place where the ICC can interfere. Here, they can't really interfere)," Remulla said adding that these may include European countries.

For his part, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said the question of jurisdiction over the proceedings may still be cited by the individuals who may be investigated by the ICC.

"The gaping hole in the ICC decision was its failure to rule on jurisdiction. The majority [3] did not tackle it, and the minority [2], including the presiding judge took a strong position that the ICC had already lost jurisdiction over the Philippines when the ICC prosecutor sought to commence his investigation. This unresolved issue of jurisdiction will be a powerful argument for any person who may be investigated or charged by the ICC," Guevarra said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it will take the lead of the national government in dealing with the ICC.

“We will fully support and acknowledge the jurisdiction of the Philippine government as to the nature of the investigation,” PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo told reporters when sought for a comment in a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Wednesday.

Fajardo’s statement was in response to the decision of the ICC to reject Manila's appeal to stop the investigation of the international court into the drug war.

“The Philippine National Police is under the Executive department and we will follow the lead of the national government that there is a question with respect to the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the ICC,” she added.

The PNP was at the forefront of the campaign against illegal drugs wherein more than 6,000 people linked to drug activities died during various police operations under the administration of former President

Rodrigo Duterte.

“As to the extent and nature of cooperation of your national police, we will take the lead on what our national leadership would say, then the PNP will follow,” Fajardo said.

On the part of the PNP, Fajardo said they took the initiative of reviewing the drug war which resulted in the submission of 52 cases of possible police abuses in the campaign against illegal drugs.

These cases involve more than 100 cops across the country.

“When the Department of Justice started its investigation, the PNP cooperated and we provided the DOJ investigators with the necessary documents with respect to the 52 cases that are under investigation,” Fajardo said.

The 52 cases, however, are still under investigation by the PNP although the DOJ has already recommended the filing of charges against some policemen in connection with some of those cases.

Fajardo also assured that all the documents pertaining to the campaign against illegal drugs are with the PNP.

“All the operations from the station to provincial to regional are forwarded particularly at the office of the DIDM (Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management). So if there is really a need to produce these case folders then the PNP is ready to provide if directed to submit,” Fajardo said.

Initial list of 'idle lands' for public housing identified, says DHSUD

MANILA -- The Philippines' housing czar on Thursday said his department has an initial list of possible "idle lands" to build public housing projects on, a day after an order from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. mandating this was publicly released.

Secretary Jerry Acuzar, chief of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), said that his office has conducted initial inventory of suitable lands, but did not disclose additional details.

"Di pa sigurado ang listahan namin kaya di namin mai-divulge, kasi kailangan siguraduhin po namin iyong listahan," he said.

Acuzar also noted that implementing rules and regulations on President Marcos' order, which declared his Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) initiative as his administration's flagship program, were still being crafted.

"In a few weeks' time, baka maging kongkreto na lahat ito," he said.

Finalizing the inventory, Acuzar said, includes coordinating with land agencies on the acquisition of the idle lands for public housing.

Employees of the said agencies may avail of the public housing and may even be given priority, he also said.

"Dapat may coordination po yan eh, para wala kaming problema sa mga agencies. Kasi po yung mga agencies dapat respetuhin din natin kasi sila po ang tunay na may-ari.

Kami po ay humihiling lang na kung pwede ay magkaroon din po ng pabahay para magkaroon po ng lupa," Acuzar added.

(There has to be coordination with the agencies so that we wouldn't run into any problems. We have to respect these agencies because they are the true owners of the land. We are only requesting their lands to be used for public housing.)

Asked what the DHSUD would do if the identified idle lands had informal settlers, Acuzar said these residents will also benefit from public housing without having to leave their settlements.

"Maganda po sa amin, kasi po wala na kaming pag-uusapan. Sisiguraduhin po namin, iyong lupa pong tinitirhan ng mga squatter kung nasaan po ang kinalalagyan nila, pag government land, itatabi po natin sila at doon po mismo sa tabi na iyon, doon din po sila magkakabahay," he added.

Under the 4PH program, the housing department aims to build a million housing units annually under Marcos steps down from office in 2028 in an effort to address the Philippines' housing backlog.

In April, the President said his administration is currently building 1.2 million housing units. Malacañang earlier said in November that 16,000 hectares of idle land may be used for the program.

SC affirms dismissal of forfeiture raps vs. Marcoses, Tantoco

The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the 2019 decision of the Sandiganbayan which dismissed the complaint filed by the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) against the family of the late president Ferdinand Marcos and Tantoco family seeking the forfeiture of all properties acquired by them during the Marcos administration.

In the 26-page decision promulgated on March 29 and uploaded on July 18, the SC First Division dismissed the complaint against Bienvenido R. Tantoco Jr.; Ferdinand E. Marcos, substituted by his heirs namely: Imelda R. Marcos, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Imee Marcos and Irene MarcosAraneta; Bienvenido R. Tantoco Sr., Gliceria R. Tantoco, substituted by Dominador R. Santiago and Maria Lourdes Tantoco-Pineda.

The complaint filed in 1987 alleged that the late president unlawfully withdrew from the National Treasury, the Central Bank and other financial institutions of the country and transferred these funds to various payees.

In particular, the Tantocos and Santiago were alleged to have acted as dummies in the acquisition of various real and personal properties as well as businesses of the Marcoses and obtained unwarranted benefits for themselves and their businesses as a result of their close association.

The Sandiganabyan, in its Sept. 25, 2019 decision said the PCGG failed to prove the allegations of its complaint and dismissed it for insufficiency of evidence.

Among other things, the Sandiganbayan said the PCGG hid documents from the respondents despite several requests and did not produce the same during the proper time.

(habagat)

HOUSE READY FOR 2ND SONA. A Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) personnel puts up a State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2023 streamer near the north wing entrance of the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will deliver his second SONA on Monday. (MNS photo)

IS A PICTURE ALWAYS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER?

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”

- Henry David Thoreau

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Mabuhay!

If I may say it, perspective is everything!

What we see is what we believe is true and actual, but the biggest mistake we’re all guilty of is presuming others see things in the same way we do.

I’m told this little quiz is making the rounds in the internet and that it was really given to 6-year- olds. The amazing thing about it is that children can actually “get” this while most adults can’t. Children, do have a natural curiosity that allows them to play with things from a variety of perspectives, which really gives them the advantage over us grownups whose curiosity gene seems to diminish with age.

Ha-ha-ha-ha!

And we also tend to look for the most complicated ways of psych through issues. The answer, in this case, is simple: Turn the picture upside down.

Indeed, an FYI lesson for us: Never let the world destroy your natural curiosity. The answer could be right in front of your nose.

Ha-ha-ha-ha!

On the other hand, seeing the “bigger picture” is a slang term used to describe widening your perspective to get a clearer view of what really matters and what doesn’t. Because seeing the bigger picture is all about perspective. It’s subjective by nature and less of an exact science. Never-the-less, there are scientific principles that can boost your ability to see the bigger picture, so to speak.

In order to fully see the ‘bigger picture’ it’s vital to take onto account as many perspectives as possible in order to get a deeper understanding from all sides of the truth.

Increasing your ability to see the ‘Bigger Picture’ increases self-awareness, can give you more control over your life, more restraint over your emotions, actions, behaviors and with increased awareness comes a sense of calmness which reduces daily anxiety.

Certainly, it gets us all to understanding what it means to see the bigger picture in life.

So, let’s dive in.

There is no doubt about it that Americans are continually reinventing themselves, whether they are inspired by infomercials, makeovers or talk shows or ads for the latest line of clothes.

Whether we consider ourselves “fashion victims” or “trendsetters,” each of us creates and expresses identities through physical appearance and clothing. As jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman says, “I’m attracted to a look that’s a combination of hot and cool, that’s casual and elegant at the same time, something that’s subdued and understated but also intense.”

Filipino-Americans – our fellow “kababayans” – are no different when capturing something essential about such a prevailing cultural sensibility.

What does your appearance say about you? What is your personal style? How do you create an identity for yourself?

Whenever I have to deal with interviewers or photographers, I find myself wondering the same thing. Do they know who I am? Do they know what my life and works are truly about?

I imagine any editor-in-chief who sends them out, the one who tells them, “A Filipino-American, he writes about his Navy life, the historical district of Sta. Ana in old Manila and OPM records. See if you can get him to do something interesting.”

It’s that word “interesting”

Excellence Award.

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

shots? When you finally settle on one photograph, what reasons would you give for your choice? What larger decision have you made about your self-image or your personal identity?

Most of us really don’t reflect so deeply on these matters and probably wouldn’t fully articulate the reasons behind our appointment of one particular photo over the rest (“I think this one just looks best” might be our answer if pressed).

Yet the way we finally decide on a certain yearbook photograph offers some important insights into the complicated relationship between what we sometimes call our “real” or “true” self-versus an artificial or fabricated image.

interviews or photography, prose or poetry, performance or publicity –the medium we use plays a key role in shaping the message we send. For the most part, we look at pictures of people in the same way we look at everything else that surrounds us and we therefore forget that the photographs are images and not the actual people they chemically or digitally depict.

Would this self-portrait still represent you?

ofTrade and Industry (DTI) and Go Negosyo.

This year’s summit carries the theme, "Upgrade, Upskill, and Upsize MSMEs," highlighting the importance of empowering MSMEs by elevating their capabilities, enhancing their skills, and expanding their operations to thrive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

In his speech delivered during last year’s National MSME Summit, Marcos said revitalizing the sector is one of the administration's top priorities.

PBBM cites need to keep PH ‘an asset’ in global maritime industry President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged the new graduates of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) to help his administration retain the Philippines’ good standing in the global maritime industry.

During the PMMA's 200th commencement exercises, Marcos hailed the graduates of the institution's “Madasiklan” Class of 2023 for doing a “good job” and expressed hope that they would continue demonstrating commitment, dedication, and integrity as they embark on a new journey.

“Because as you take on your respective roles, whichever career path you may pursue, I encourage you to continue to do everything with the same amount of patience and resilience that you have shown during the time you had here in PMMA,” he said in a speech delivered at the Grandstand of the PMMA Complex in San Narciso, Zambales.

“As you do so, help the Philippines maintain its name as a global figure in the maritime industry and an asset to the entire world.”

The Madasiklan Class, which stands for “MAgiting na may DAngal at SImbolo ng Kawal ng karagatAN,” is composed of 224 graduating midshipmen.

M/1CL Allan Jay Jumamoy, who hails from Tagbilaran City, Bohol, graduated as class valedictorian. He received the Presidential Saber from Marcos and the Academic

Marcos expressed optimism that the graduates would bear in mind the skills, training, and values that the PMMA had instilled in them, as they prepare for their future duties as officers and engineers of the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard, or the merchant marine industry.

“This feat represents all that you have brought to the table so that we may fulfill the goals that you have set for your lives. This success also represents all the good these investments will bring in the future. Expect breakthroughs for yourselves, for your families, and also for our country,” he told the 224 PMMA graduates.

“Let that thought and let the opportunity to make a change in our society propel you to excel further and to become the leaders that you were trained and meant to be.”

Marcos also thanked the private shipping industry for its support for the PMMA, saying it is vital in elevating the Philippines’ capabilities as a maritime nation.

“The government welcomes the private sector’s support in promoting quality maritime education and training that allow this industry to be more innovative, resilient, and adaptive to the everchanging world,” he said.

To further improve the maritime sector, Marcos directed the concerned government agencies to work with the PMMA to ensure that maritime education is “more responsive to the needs of the nation.”

The PMMA serves as the pioneer marine institution in the country and is considered one of the nation’s oldest institutions with a history dating back to 1820. It offers merchant marine-related degree courses, as well as short-term training and re-training of marine officers and rating seafarers.

During the Seafarers Summit at Conrad Hotel in Pasay City on June 26, Marcos emphasized the need for the maritime industry to adopt new technologies and secure emerging opportunities for Filipino seafarers.

The Philippines remains the top provider of seafarers for both officers and ratings, across all departments, aboard merchant cargo vessels, according to a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development 2021 study.

that makes me nervous. They all seem to have it in their eyes. Say something provocative. Do something different, something Filipino.

What is it you imagine that to be? I want to ask. And always, “What do you think I am?”

Taking my cue from my generation’s John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s 1967 hit song “Penny Lane,” in which “the pretty nurse is selling poppies from a tray/and though she feels as if she’s in a play/she is anyway.”

We sometimes lose our conventional distinctions between image and identity, art and deception, reality and role-playing, high culture and mass media.

A case in point – any high school senior who’s had a yearbook picture

An estimated 489,852 Filipino seafarers were deployed in 2022, constituting about 25 percent of the world's mariners.

Filipino seafarers remitted USD6.54 billion in 2021 from USD6.353 billion in 2020, or an increase of 3 percent. (MNS)

Present poverty alleviation plans, Caritas PH urges PBBM

The humanitarian and advocacy arm of the Catholic Church has expressed hope that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. would present poverty alleviation programs during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24.

Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, president of Caritas Philippines, said the people would want to know the plans of the government to improve the Filipinos' quality of life.

"We want to hear the President address the economic situation faced by the people," Bagaforo said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas on Thursday.

The Catholic prelate noted that the majority of Filipinos are facing economic woes due to the high cost of living.

"We are on the inflation stage and many of our countrymen are having difficulties in providing the basic needs for their families," added Bagaforo.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) earlier said headline inflation further slowed to 5.4 percent in June from 6.1 percent in May, the lowest rate recorded since 4.9 percent in April 2022.

On July 16, the PHP40 minimum wage hike in the National Capital Region took effect, bringing the daily minimum wage in the region from PHP570 to PHP610 for the non-agriculture sector and from PHP533 to PHP573 for the agriculture sector, service and retail establishments employing 15 or less workers and manufacturing establishments regularly employing less than 10 workers.

On Monday, Marcos said he would discuss the programs and projects he mentioned in his previous address, show those that have been accomplished, and the things that still need to be done in his second SONA to be held at the Batasang Pambansa.

The President said he will deliver a "very simple" performance report to the Filipinos. (MNS)

taken has encountered a common dilemma. The photographer or studio presents you with perhaps a dozen proofs, only one of which you are expected to select for the record.

How do you choose? Do you select the photograph that makes you look most attractive even if it’s not a good likeness? Do you choose the ones that most resembles you, not really caring about that pimple next to your nose? Or do you prefer a picture that looks slightly unusual, one that makes you seem different from the way you imagine yourself to appear – maybe one that makes you look like someone else? And if you turn to friends and relatives for help in making the selection, what do you do when five different people prefer five unlike

Not only do these tangled connections play a large role in our daily lives – we may, for example, see ourselves as constantly struggling to express an authentic personality instead of comfortably playing an ordinary role – but they also exert an enormous significance in the world of art and literature, where authors and self-artists selfconsciously explore the ways, we fashion our image and identity.

The results of these creative exploration can then fold back into our actual lives – so to speak –whether we are aware of the art or not – and may stimulate new modes of self-perception. In other words, we may come to see our struggle to establish a genuine self as another “role” we simply are playing.

To whatever extent we portray ourselves and others – whether in

Again…just imagine a high school yearbook in which every senior photo was the result of a staged self-portrait – how and understood your individual classmates? How would these photos compare to the conventional pictures with their “cheesy” smiles?

As it were, I still worry about what people think. That is why I have so much trouble standing still for the camera’s lens or choosing what to wear before walking across a stage or sometimes even biting my lips before answering the questions put to me.

Who I think I should be and who I am are still not quite the same, though, I try to behave as if that is not so. I show up wherever I can with my father’s grin – strong and stubborn at times, a smile that, to anyone who knows me, clearly said, “No one is ever going to get a picture of me like that.”

“Stand over there, Son,” Pa (my father) used to say, “so I can get the Rizal Monument behind you.”

What did you expect?

Ha-ha-ha-ha!!

"In order to consider petitioner's evidence as sufficient to prove the allegations of its expanded complaint, the court has to perform many leaps of logic, engage in presumptions, and create inferences based on other inferences in order to bridge the gaps in the evidence adduced. In the face of such gaps, petitioner's allegations in its expanded complaint are reduced to mere speculations, insinuations and conjectures. Thus, while it is truly disappointing that nothing has come of this case despite the lapse of 36 years spent in litigation, the Court agrees with the Sandiganbayan that petitioner's evidence is insufficient to support the allegations of its expanded complaint by a preponderance of evidence. Accordingly, the Sandiganbayan was correct in dismissing the expanded complaint for reconveyance, accounting, restitution and damages against all the respondents," the SC said.

PBBM vows not to stop until every Filipino has access to quality healthcare

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led on Monday the briefing and site inspection of the Clark MultiSpecialty Medical Center (CMSMC) in Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga where he vowed to pursue accessible quality healthcare services to every Filipino. The HFEP also aims to widen access to quality healthcare services, especially for those in the underserved communities.

“Rest assured this administration is determined to bring quality healthcare services closer to Filipino people. We will establish more primary healthcare facilities and specialty centers nationwide,” President Marcos said.

The chief executive said that he will be reporting to the nation on the progress that has been made in establishing and opening new healthcare centers around the country.

“But that is the product of our relentless push for Universal Healthcare and we will not stop until every Filipino can say they have good access to quality healthcare. I cannot endure the sight of seeing a fellow Filipino suffers only because of the lack of facilities in our health

system,” he added. The CMSMC is envisioned to be a world-class medical facility equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that will provide specialized care in four medical disciplines: pediatric, renal, cardiovascular, and oncology.

It will be constructed in a 5.7-hectare property along Prince Balagtas Avenue in Clark Freeport Zone that will be opened not only for patients from the provinces of Pampanga and the rest of Central Luzon but also from the Ilocos and Cagayan Valley regions and even Metro Manila.

President Marcos also vowed to establish rural healthcare units and barangay health centers as he also supported the idea of strengthening the ‘Botika de Barangay’ program.

“All of these things we are putting together so that at least when it comes to the fundamental healthcare for our countrymen then that we can say is readily available to them… starting from the barangay health workers who play an important part in this system to the RHUs to the provincial hospitals to the tertiarycare level hospitals and to grand multi-specialty medical center such as here in Clark,” he noted.

The President emphasized that healthcare is an important part of his administration due to the lessons learned during the onslaught of the pandemic, which affected people regardless of their social status.

“that is why it is a fundamental part of the services that this government will bring to our people. It is not a privilege to have healthcare. It is a right and that is how we will approach this problem and that is how we will continue to make our healthcare system better for all Filipinos in whatever capacity that we are able to do.

The chief executive also thanked the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) for leading the project in coordination with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

President Marcos also extended his gratitude to the Department of Health (DOH), the provincial government of Pampanga, and other stakeholders for the construction of the CMSMC.

“Make sure that we continue to collaborate with one another, between agencies, keep an open line

amongst each other, and ensure the timely completion of this extremely important project,” he added.

The President also urged everyone to be part of the solution and put forward innovative alternatives that can uplift the lives of the Filipino people.

“So let us do our best and make sure that our work redounds to the benefit of Filipinos,” he added.

There are 45 licensed hospitals in the province of Pampanga including 28 Level 1 hospitals; 14 Level 2 hospitals including the OFW Hospital; and, three Level 3 hospitals. (MNS)

DepEd all set for LearnCon PH 2023

A wide set of opportunities await education stakeholders joining the Learners' Convergence (LearnCon) PH 2023 of the Department of Education (DepEd) which will be held simultaneously with the 2023 Palarong Pambansa from July 29 to Aug. 3 in Marikina City.

DepEd on Monday said the conference will gather select high school learners and youth leaders, among others, from the 228 schools division offices (SDOs) of 17 regions in the country.

According to the DepEd's Bureau of Learner Support Services, the event will give participants the opportunity to "learn not only from the key speakers and activities, but also by engaging with one another, especially understanding different cultures across regions."

"The LearnCon PH 2023 was developed in response to the DepEd thrust to reassess, realign, and refocus its learner-related initiatives to be more responsive to the needs of the learner," the LearnCon PH 2023 General Administrative Guidelines read.

During the event, DepEd will communicate to the participants its policy and program priorities and revitalize learners’ participation in achieving quality and inclusive education by spearheading conversations about pressing and relevant issues for the learners as emerging youth leaders.

The LearnCon PH 2023 is also expected to provide learners from across SDOs and regions a faceto-face dialogue and to share and collaborate ideas, insights, lessons learned and best practices in learners’ involvement in public and civic affairs. (MNS)

Professional Business

families didn’t know anyone who could lend them $3,000 if they wanted to start a business.

Phillips is involved with the Center for Black Entrepreneurship on the campus of the historically black colleges Morehouse and Spelman, to train young entrepreneurs to be good business people.

The good news is, entrepreneurship is alive and well in the black community. “If you look at the last 5 years, it’s been growing about 34% on average, the fastest growing sector of the economy for new business formation. But they need more capital and training and access to these relationships,” said Phillips.

Warner noted that one of the fastest-growing segments of entrepreneurship are businesses owned by Black women.

Sexism Still Prevails

Shernaz Daver, Chief Marketing Officer at Khosla Ventures and a 35year veteran of the tech industry, said the playing field is not level

for women who want to start up and grow businesses. Daver relayed some of the experiences her acquaintances shared with her as they were trying to raise funding. “’I went to fundraise and was not taken seriously because I was a sole woman founder until I found a male co-founder.’ That probably resonates with a few of you,” she told reporters, many of whom had founded their news outlet.

“I went to get venture funding and I was asked when I was going to have kids. No guy was ever asked that. I was told I was too aggressive in my financial projections, yet when my male partner presented it, he was seen as confident,” Daver said, sharing the experiences of her acquaintances.

Importance of STEM

Education

“I have been in the industry for over 35 years and I heard the same thing 35 years ago. So it’s kind of bad. And if you’re black or Hispanic, it gets worse,” said Daver, noting that only 2% of VC dollars go into women-led founders. “It needs to change. Access to capital is

key,” she said.

A lot of women are starting up their own investment firms, focusing on funding businesses that support women’s needs, said Daver. She noted that a lot of womenled startups are coming out of the biotech industry. “If you have the ability or the inclination to get into STEM or into biology, do it.”

“I have to believe the world is changing and we will continue to change it if we all do it as a community. And I think if we do that, we can have our own woman Steve Jobs or our own woman Jack Ma,” said Daver.

LIFT Act

Warner also spoke about the LIFT Act he had introduced a day earlier. The legislation would help first-time, first-generation home buyers — predominantly Americans of color — build wealth much more rapidly by offering a 20-year mortgage for roughly the same monthly payment as a traditional 30-year loan. “This effectively doubles the amount of equity that you accumulate in the first 10 years,” said Warner, noting that, for most Americans, their biggest asset is their home.

Continued

The STEM scholarship is administered by Scholarship America, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations and individuals. The program is funded by company shareholders, not SDG&E customers. SDG&E is an innovative energy delivery company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by increasing energy delivered from low or zero-carbon sources; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; and investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE). For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.

Spiritual Life

Overcoming

I was reading my inspirational booklet when my attention was caught by this statement, “The words we speak to and about each other – whether true or false, loving or hateful – have an impact on how we perceive our selfworth, and the effects can linger. For better or worse, they tend to last a lifetime. It’s no surprise then, that Scripture warns us repeatedly of the tongue’s power.”

I agree with this statement, having been a victim of unkind tongues during my childhood. I was basically shy and insecure.

I had a very low self esteem and poor self-image. I tried to dig into the reasons behind my feelings and behavior and I realized that the negative comments I received from others made a dent on the image I had of myself. I was often told that I was an ugly duckling and the ugliest among the Soriano women. I was dark-skinned and strangers coming to our house often asked the help, “Whose daughter is she?”, pointing to me. Often times I was verbally bullied by playmates who often times say that I was dark and ugly because I was picked up from the trash bin, when I was a baby. These words were hurtful and I think it was the cause of my inferiority complex early in life.

These words written by Dr. Charles F. Stanley reminded me of how I was able to overcome that feeling of inferiority. At an early age Dr. Stanley also suffered from

the feeling of inferiority

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera My Personal Testimony

inferiority complex and I nod in agreement over what he wrote.

“An unstable childhood deposited layers of inferiority in my thinking and behavior which left me discouraged for many years. Quite honestly, I did not know how to deal with this until my mid-forties, when I began to understand that the truth of God really does set men and women free from emotional baggage, as well as from sin.

First, I realized that inferiority is just a feeling. What others say or do or how the past affects us may cause us to feel that we don’t measure up; but God doesn’t measure by worldly standards. From His perspective, we are fully adequate, competent and worthy. He loves unconditionally – without referencing our performance- and declares that we are “His workmanship” (Eph.

2:10)

Shifting our mental focus from feelings to the truth of the

Scripture is a sure way to overcome the emotional punishment of inferiority. When feelings of worthlessness surface, silence them with truth. God says we are His children. We have His Spirit within us; we have His help for every challenge, His forgivebess for every blunder, and His hope for our future.

When we have a right view of ourselves and live in harmony with God, our circumstances become irrelevant. When we believe what God declares anout us, feelings of inferiority diminish. Read the Scriptures today, and listen to what God is saying. It works – you’ll experience peace that chases away darkness. The Lord has an important plan for you because you are somebody very special to Him.”

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10, (NIV)

Sowhen someone hurts you ...

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. (Luke 6:35)

"Forget it, I don't want to talk to you anymore!" The text came through abruptly, and Susan blinked as she reread it in disbelief. Had she really been this misunderstood by her friend? Her heart began to beat faster at her ability to conjure up these feelings in another human. On the other hand, Susan was relieved. Was she really finally free of such a difficult relationship?

Today's verse reminds us that in many cases, even though we want to cut ourselves off from a world that doesn't understand us, Jesus tells us that we should love, even - especially - those who are ungrateful and evil. We are made in God's image after all, and He is the very definition of kindness. So regardless of anyone else's belief system or personality or stereotyping, you, as an image

Danny Hernaez

bearer of God, are meant to love.

So when someone hurts you, instead of withdrawing, take a step back momentarily, allowing everyone some time to breathe.

You can show love even if you don't see eye to eye. Don't offer something that will harm you or the other person by spoiling or indulging sin, but instead, show love. In doing so, you will remind the other person that you not only value who they are, you also recognize your own worth and dignity.

Then, ask God for help in showing this person that He has something better for both of you: a reward, as it says in Luke, that will be great!

Dear Lord, thank You for

in step with advancements in technology," he said.

As I mentioned last Sunday Jesus taught during his lifetime using parables about life and experience in life. Today he continues to teach using three parables. They may be different but Jesus presented them together in order to form a common theme. Here, Jesus reveals another mystery of God which Psalm 86 fittingly describes: “You, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abound in kindness to all who call upon you. In spite of our own imperfection and frailty, God deals with us with so much goodness and mercy. He teaches us “by deeds” to be kind to others, and gives us hope to repent of our sins – which our First Reading explains (Wisdom 12). The three parable that Jesus mentioned begins with the first parable of the “wheat and the weeds”. In this first parable, Jesus speaks to us of an unpleasant reality of life: goodness and wickedness exist side by side. We may often wonder why it takes so long to get rid of evil. This question can bother us continually, and we can find ourselves thinking like the servants in the parable who wish to clean up the field of weeds at once. But we are cautioned against this kind of impulsive reaction as the danger of uprooting wrongly the weeds and the wheat, for it is difficult to distinguish them from each other in their phases of growth. To avoid this, we need to wait until harvest time, when they

can easily be distinguished and, thus, separated.

Jesus makes us think: How many of us have started out in life more similar to weeds than to wheat? Repentance and conversion have made all the difference. Likewise, how many started out looking like good seed but never actually bore good fruit? Time is needed in order for us to realize who we were meant to be. And God gave us this precious gift of time to enable the wheat in us to grow and to bear fruit. We are assured of a future that is fair and just. In the meantime, we should not be disheartened by the presence of evil in ourselves and in the world. Our task is to pray and to work daily for repentance and conversion.

In the second parable, Jesus likens the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed, the “smallest” of all the seeds, which grows into the “largest” of plants. Here, he describes a mystery in the Church. Seeing its simple

beginnings in Jerusalem, it seemed impossible that it could ever grow into anything. Yet, despite the persecutions that it went through, its growth in the course of time was amazing, with its branches extending far throughout the world. The mention of the “birds of the sky” in the parable is very prophetic; referring to all the nations of the world, who will “come and dwell in its branches.” The hidden power of God is behind this great mystery in the Church.

Finally, in the third parable Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to the yeast. As a leavening agent, a tiny amount of yeast causes the dough to rise. This is a description of how God works in us and in the Church. We cannot rise by ourselves; and neither can the Church. St. Paul teaches us in the Second Reading (Rom. 8,) that it is the Holy Spirit who “comes to the aid of our weakness, for we do not know to pray as we ought.” The Spirit is the hidden power that helps us to pray and live “according to God’s will,” bringing to our lives the rich harvest of the seed He has sown. Let us pray that we may continually learn from the lessons that Jesus wants us to learn from the parables that he used in teaching about the nature of the kingdom to which He invites us to enter and be in communion with the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

LOVING A NEIGHBOR

In terms of proximity, next to our immediate family, our neighbors are nearest to us, yet it can happen that they are completely strangers to us. Because of this proximity, our relationship with our neighbor can be put to a severe test.

Some years ago, while vacationing in Europe, our house was burglarized. They were able to haul away cash and jewelries but what we missed most of all was the lap tap computer of Sally which contains invaluable documents. What stunned us however was that a son of our neighbor was a prime suspect.

What happened the next few days was sad as it was terrifying it landed in the papers. It appeared that our neighbor’s son had an accomplice.

who was with his girlfriend, decided to shoot it out with the Officers. In that fateful encounter, a policeman was shot and killed. Our neighbor’s accomplice likewise was shot and killed. Our neighbor’s son was eventually captured and imprisoned.

Our Lord commands, “Love thy neighbor”. It is direct and explicit. It is unconditional. There are times in our life when we find it difficult to love. But Love we must despite the circumstance if we are to remain faithful disciples of Christ.

trains clean, as well as following the rules so that our transport systems can run in an efficient, effective, and orderly manner.”

Enhance passenger travel

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the new LRVs’ advanced features would enhance passenger travel experience in the country’s first elevated rail system.

“These new LRVs, purchased at more than PHP12.8 billion, are equipped with an advanced passenger information system, a new signaling system and ice-cold air-conditioning – leading to a vastly enhanced passenger experience,” Bautista said at the inaugural first train ride with Marcos.

The upgraded train's brakes and signaling system will improve operational efficiency by reducing passengers’ waiting time between trains at stations to less than three minutes, a boost to the soon LRT-1 Cavite Extension, Bautista added.

"The evolution of LRT-1 is not finished. It will continue to upscale

With one Gen-4 train set serving commuters starting July 20 and additional one train set per week until December, the complete deployment of all the train sets on the main line is expected by fourth quarter of 2024 when the LRT-1 Cavite Extension begins operations.

Funded by a JICA Official Development Assistance loan, the LRT-1 South (Cavite) Extension Project (L1CE Project) is composed of the procurement of 120 fourth generation LRVs, expansion of the existing Baclaran depot in Pasay City, and construction of the new Zapote satellite depot.

Manufactured by Mitsubishi Corporation, the new Rolling Stock of 30 trainsets at four LRVs per set features a Human-Machine Interface that will allow the train operator to easily trouble-shoot and identify possible cause of any operational glitch.

Under a Public-Private Partnership between the government and LRMC, the LRT-1 Cavite Extension also involves the extension of the existing line by

making me in Your image. I know You have equipped me to love others, even when I am so tempted to strike back at them. Show me when to set boundaries, and when to receive people with open arms. I want to bless others with Your Light. I trust You with all my relationships, even the hard ones. Help me to be bear Your image in all that I do. Amen.

The disciples thought they suffered their greatest defeat when Jesus died on the cross. However, this defeat became the greatest victory on earth. Christ's death gave liberty. Forgiveness came to all men. New life came forth - new strength for the disciples. Resurrection and new life came as a result of a "defeat." <(((><

another 11.7 kilometers, adding eight new stations with a provision for two more future station plus facilities' works.

Aimed to spur commercial growth in the various rail stations, the extended railway will traverse the cities of Parañaque and Las Piñas in Metro Manila, and Bacoor City in Cavite at a maximum speed of 70 kilometers per hour, reducing travel time to just 25 minutes from the current 1 hour and 10 minutes.

(MNS)

When they were identified, the Authorities pursued them. In that fateful encounter, our neighbor’s son was not around but his accomplice

Sally and I reacted to this terrible happening with remarkable calm demeanor. Instead of being consumed with anger and bitterness, we responded with compassion and empathy for our neighbor. We lost some material things while our neighbor lost a son. We found it in our hearts to forgive the son. It was the start of the healing process. We never talked with our neighbors about the incident. We just continued to deal with them with civility and respect. The couple responded in like manner. Eventually, the couple became our best friends in the neighborhood.

Laoag diocese starts sainthood bid for Filipino teen girl

MANILA -- The Diocese of Laoag has started the long process for a Filipino teenage girl to become a saint.

An article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website on Thursday said Bishop Renato Mayugba presented to the bishops a request to open the sainthood cause of Niña RuizAbad at the recently concluded plenary assembly held in Kalibo in Aklan.

The Laoag prelate said that at a very young age, Abad showed behaviors and acts that were unusual for her age.

“During her time, it is unusual that a young girl had already done acts to evangelize others,” he said.

“Niña’s life was a prayerful life full of reverence, worship and intimate relationship with God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and to the Blessed Virgin Mary,” Mayugba added.

Abad died at the age of 13 on Aug. 16, 1993 after losing her battle against hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,

an incurable heart disease she was diagnosed with at the age of 10.

She had a strong devotion to the Eucharist and devoted her life to distributing rosaries, Bibles, prayer books, holy images, and other religious items.

The teenager was also known for always wearing a rosary around her neck and white dresses.

With the bishops’approval, it opened the door to the formal investigation of her life and witnessing, which may take years before a possible decision from Rome regarding her potential beatification and canonization.

The initial stages include gathering information about the candidate and interviewing witnesses who knew the person.

Abad was the daughter of a lawyer couple from Sarrat, a town in Ilocos Norte, but she was born and grew up in Quezon City.

Her remains were brought to her

hometown in Ilocos Norte. She was laid to rest at a public cemetery in Sarrat.

The sainthood process normally begins on a local level in the diocese where a candidate died. In the case of Abad, it is the Diocese of Novaliches.

On the other hand, Mayugba obtained the approval of Novaliches Bishop Roberto Gaa for the transfer of the “forum of competence” to the Laoag diocese, which was also approved by the Vatican Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.

The bishop said the young girl could serve as “a good model of piety and fortitude” for the youth.

“Knowing Niña’s character and traits and her strong faith in God will serve as a guide to the youth in handling their affairs towards a better Christian life,” Mayugba said.

If Abad becomes a saint, she will be one of the youngest saints in history.

(MNS)

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

Ni Salvador S. Idos

Salvador S. Idos

Bonitafest Melodrama Audition

Auditions for the 46th annual Bonitafest Melodrama "Ms. Sweetwater Valley" are July 31 and August 1, 6 p.m., at the Sweetwater Community Church, 5305 Sweetwater Road, in Bonita. "Ms. Sweetwater Valley" is a musical-comedy based on the true story of a titleholder who had a controversial yet inspiring end of her short reign. It

has parts for adults, teens and children. Auditioners should prepare a oneminute a cappella selection from a musical. Readings will be from the script. The Bonitafest Melodrama is funded by the San Diego County Community Enhancement Program and sponsorships. It does not charge participation fees.

"Ms. Sweetwater Valley" will run September 27-30 at the Sweetwater Community Church Theater. It is written by Bonitafest Melodrama Artistic Director Dr. Max Branscomb, who will also direct. Ken Santillan is the musical director. Kerie Muller is the producer. For additional information call (619) 850-7126.

Samahan Dance Company Needs Volunteers for their Festival at Balboa Park

In order to help make our festival a success, we rely heavily on our volunteers. Our team is looking for energetic volunteers who are ready and willing to help! Volunteers need to be ages 14 years and older (Military Welcomed). The registration deadline for volunteers is JULY 31, 2023. Volunteers or parents of volunteers must complete this registration form. This event is located in Balboa Park at the corner of Park Blvd. & Presidents Way, San Diego, CA 92101. The festival is

scheduled on Saturday, August 26, 2023. Please mark your calendar!

Below is the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/ d/e/1FAIpQLSdYY4HPvVHj_ Fnm327Fu0X_5kASL_ RoT4aKhQHO5D4WSuNYfA/ viewform?usp=pp_url

All volunteers will receive a volunteer shirt, a meal ticket which includes a drink and hours for their time.

Volunteers are required to attend an orientation on AUGUST 9,

2023. During the meeting, event coordinators will discuss volunteer duties and event details. Parents or guardians of minors are recommended to accompany their child(ren) to this meeting. The location of this meeting will be announced at a later date. For more information about this volunteer opportunity, please contact anyone from the Volunteer Committee. Alex at alcantara.alexander@gmail. com, Estella at Estella.Sinsuan@gmail. com, or Jackie at askjackiesimeon@ gmail.com

“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., founding editor and publisher

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Bea Alonzo, Dominic Roque are now engaged

MANILA -- Celebrity couple Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque revealed Wednesday that they are getting married. In an Instagram post, Alonzo shared that she had no idea that Roque would pop the question yesterday.

"It was a balmy afternoon in Las Casas. I was there for a shoot, but little did I know that the next thing that would happen would change our lives

forever," the actress said.

"In the middle of the shoot, Mark Nicdao kept telling me to turn around because he wanted to shoot the back side of my dress, I found it a bit odd, but when I turned around, I found Dom kneeling with a box in his hand," she added.

"You see, I have done so many proposal scenes in my entire career, but nothing beats the real thing."

Alonzo expressed her joy with this new milestone of their life.

"I have been doing it all wrong! Hahaha, Dom said his speech, and it’s like time stood still. Everything went in slow motion. And I felt different emotions all at the same time—joy, excitement, love. I started bawling (swipe to see my ugly cry), But I didn’t want that moment to end," she said.

"I want this real thing to happen forever… and right then there… In front of the people we love… we decided on forever," she added.

In the past, Roque admitted that he’s had a crush on Alonzo since they first met in 2016. Back then, Alonzo thought Roque was too young for her.

They remained friends since they first met, and it was not until the latter part of 2019 during their trip to Japan when she began seeing Roque in a different light.

In April 2021, Alonzo first confirmed that she’s dating Roque. The celebrity couple marked their second anniversary last January 28. (MNS)

29 NA MGA BALLOT DROP BOX BUKAS

PARA SA ESPESYAL NA PRIMARYANG ELEKSYON SA IKAAPAT NA DISTRITO

Simula Martes, Ika-18 ng Hulyo, maaaring ibalik ng mga rehistradong botante sa Ikaapat na Supervisorial na Distrito ang kanilang balotang pangkoreo sa alinman sa 29 na opisyal na ballot drop box na matatagpuan sa loob ng distrito.

Ang mga balotang pangkoreo ay papunta sa halos 400,000 rehistradong botante sa Ikaapat na Supervisorial na Distrito para sa espesyal na primaryang eleksyon sa Ika-15 ng Agosto at maaaring natanggap na ng ilang botante ang kanila noong Lunes pa. Ano ang hitsura ng mga opisyal na ballot drop box ng Registrar?

Ang mga opisyal na ballot drop box ng Registrar ay pula, puti, at asul at nagtatampok ng logo ng Tagapagrehistro kasama ang selyo ng County. Ang lahat ng mga kahon ay may label na "Opisyal na Balota Drop Box" at ginawa mula sa mataas na grado, mabigat na sukat na hindi kinakalawang na asero.

Ang bawat ballot drop box ay idinisenyo upang maiwasan ang pisikal na pinsala at hindi awtorisadong pag-access sa mga balota sa koreo. Nagtatampok ang mga kahon ng double-locking access na mga pinto, anti-pry door jambs, at iba pang mga hakbang sa pagtatayo laban sa pagnanakaw. Ang team sa pagkuha

ng balota ng Registrar ay responsable para sa pagkolekta ng mga balota sa loob ng kahon.

Paano ko ibabalik ang aking balota sa isang opisyal na ballot drop box?

Markahan ang inyong balota, i-seal ang inyong nakumpletong balota sa loob ng inyong sobreng pagbabalikan, lagyan ng petsa at pirmahan ang iyong pangalan sa sobreng pagbabalikan, at ibalik ito sa koreo o sa isa sa 29 na opisyal na drop box ng balota ng Tagapagrehistro sa loob ng distrito. Tandaan, kailangan ang iyong pirma para mabilang ang iyong boto Dalawampu't dalawang opisyal na ballot drop box ang matatagpuan sa labas ng pasilidad at bukas 24-na-oras kada araw hanggang ika-8 ng gabi. sa Araw ng Eleksyon, Ika-15 ng Agosto. Ang pito ay matatagpuan sa loob ng pasilidad at ang access sa mga iyon ay magagamit sa mga oras ng operasyon ng indibidwal na pasilidad. Sa pag-iisip na iyon, dapat suriin ng mga botante ang mga oras ng operasyon ng bawat lokasyon bago lumabas upang ibalik ang kanilang balota. Hanapin ang pinakamalapit sa inyo sa pamamagitan ng pagbisita sa online locator tool ng Tagapagrehistro. Sa Araw ng Eleksyon, Ika-15 ng Agosto, ang lahat ng opisyal na lokasyon ng ballot drop box ng Registrar ay magbubukas mula ika-7 ng umaga

hanggang ika-8 ng gabi. Nagsimula narin ang maagang pagboto noong Lunes sa opisina ng Tagapagrehistro ng mga Botante sa Kearny Mesa. Maaari kayong bumoto doon sa pagitan ng ika8 ng umaga at ika-5 ng hapon, Lunes hanggang Biyernes. Gayunpaman, hinihikayat ng Tagapagrehistro ang mga botante na gamiting mabuti ang benepisyo ng kaginhawahan ng pagboto sa pamamagitan ng koreo.

Kung mas gusto ninyong bumoto nang maaga nang personal at maiwasan ang mahahabang pila, pitong mga vote center ang magbubukas sa Sabado, Ika5 ng Agosto. Ang mga vote center ay bukas araw-araw mula ika-8 ng umaga hanggang ika-5 ng hapon hanggang sa huling araw ng botohan, Martes, Ika-15 ng Agosto, kung saan magbubukas ang 14 na vote center mula ika-7 ng umaga hanggang ika-8 ng gabi. Makakahanap kayo ng lokasyon ng opisyal na ballot drop box o vote center malapit sa inyo sa loob ng inyong pamplet ng impormasyon ng botante, o maaari ninyo itongtingnan online sa sdvote.com

Matuto nang higit pa tungkol sa pagboto sa espesyal na primaryang eleksyon ng Distrito 4 sa sdvote.com, o tumawag sa (858) 565-5800 o toll free sa (800) 696-0136. Makakuha ng mga update sa mobile sa pamamagitan ng pag-text sa COSD D4Election sa 468311.

Annual School Supply Giveaway

The National City Police Department will be hosting this year’s School Supply Giveaway event on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 from 8:30am-12pm. This year’s annual event is made possible because of generous contributions and involvement from our community partners: Walmart, Costco, and the Lions Club in National City. Over the years, our valuable community partnerships have helped to give our police officers and professional staff members the means to share basic learning supplies with students in our

elementary schools at the beginning of each school year.

Each year, two elementary schools within the National School District are selected to participate in this event.

Palmer Way Elementary and Lincoln Acres Elementary were selected this year. Participating police officers and professional staff members will meet at Palmer Way Elementary School to kick off the event.

After the school supplies are delivered to the students there, team members will rejoin at Lincoln Acres Elementary School to begin

distributing school supplies to the students there.

It is estimated that we will be at each school location during these times:

Date: Wednesday, July 26, 2023

08:30am to 10:00am

Palmer Way Elementary School

2900 Palmer Street National City, CA 91950

10:00am to 1200pm

Lincoln Acres Elementary School

2200 S. Lanoitan Avenue National City, CA 91950

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.

Ikaapat na Supervisorial na Distrito, Espesyal na Primaryang Eleksyon. Bumoto bago ang Ika-15 ng Agosto, 2023.

Ang bawat aktibong rehistradong botante na naninirahan sa Ikaapat na Supervisorial na Distrito ay makakatanggap ng isang balota sa koreo sa linggo ng Ika-16 ng Hulyo. Tanging mga botanteng naninirahan lamang sa Ikaapat na Supervisorial na Distrito ang karapat-dapat na lumahok sa eleksyon.

MAS MARAMING ARAW. MAS MARAMING PARAAN.

INYONG MGA OPSYON SA PAGBOTO:

Kumpletuhin ang inyong balota sa ginhawa ng inyong tahanan. Pirmahan at petsahan ang inyong sobreng pagbabalikan, i-seal ang inyong nakumpletong balota sa loob, at ibalik ito sa pamamagitan ng U.S. Postal Service – hindi na kinakailangan ng selyo!

Ibalik ang inyong balota sa alinmang mga lokasyon ng opisyal na ballot drop box ng Tagapagrehistro sa loob ng distrito simula Martes, Ika-18 ng Hulyo hanggang sa Araw ng Eleksyon, Martes, Ika-15 ng Agosto. Iwasan ang mahahabang pila sa pamamagitan ng mabuting paggamit ng benepisyo ng maagang pagboto! Simula Sabado, Ika- 5 ng Agosto, pitong mga vote center ang magbubukas araw-araw mula ika-8 ng umaga hanggang ika-5 ng hapon. Sa Araw ng Eleksyon, Martes, Ika-15 ng Agosto, labing-apat na mga vote center ang magbubukas mula ika-7 ng umaga hanggang ika-8 ng gabi. Hanapin ang ballot drop box o vote center na malapit sa inyo sa sdvote.com