The Filipino Press: July 28 - August 3, 2023

PAMPERED PINAY: BACK TO SCHOOL SUCCESS

PBBM: Malaysian business leaders commit $285 million investments to PH

MANILA -- In the three-day state visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to Malaysia, the government has reaped a total of US$285 million investment commitments after Malaysian business leaders have pledged to expand their investments and operations in the Philippines.

President Marcos said the Malaysian business leaders have expressed keen interest to invest in the food processing industry, multiservice digital platforms, aviation, aviation maintenance support services, logistics, manufacturing, infrastructure, water and wastewater treatment in the Philippines.

The President said all of the investment commitments of the Malaysian business leaders will have valuable contribution to the economic growth of the Philippines.

“I had the benefit of meeting a number of Malaysian businesses in the key sectors of agriculture, transportation, and technology,” President Marcos said in the roundtable meeting with Malaysian business leaders on Thursday.

President Marcos said that the insights from the meetings have further convinced him that the Philippines and Malaysia are moving in the right direction, with structural changes that will establish the Philippines as the ideal investment partner for Malaysian businesses.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. receives a warm State Welcome from King Al-Sultan Abdullah at the Istana Negara in Malaysia. Significant activities were held during the event, such as a symbolic tree-planting ceremony and the formal signing of the guestbook. Subsequently, the President had an audience with King and Queen Azizah, during which he emphasized the need for the Philippines and Malaysia to strengthen their relationship as they gear toward post-pandemic recovery. He highlighted their important roles in the transformation of both nations and their potential to play a significant part in the global post-pandemic scenario. PBBM stressed the importance of cultural and people-to-people partnerships between the two countries, not only for their mutual benefit but also for the wider ASEAN community and the rest of the world. (MNS photo)

“The investments that we have agreed on so far will inject a total of about $285 million, serving as a

robust and affirmative indication of the ongoing trust and keen interest of businesses and investors in the

Beat the Heat: Tips to stay cool

By Lainie aLfaro

Specia L for fiLipino

preSS

NATIONAL CITY, CA -- The temperatures are rising, and they’re not expected to plummet any time soon, which is why it’s important to know how to stay safe and healthy.

For more than half of July, temperatures in National City have remained at or above 75 degrees, and rising temperatures like these across the county in previous years have led the county’s Health and Human Services Agency to keep track of heat illness.

According to the county’s Health and Human Services Agency, in San Diego county between 1991 and 2021, there were 727 hospitalizations attributed to heat illness/injury. And in 2021, there were 46 hospitalizations. That wasn’t even the highest number of incidents recorded, according to Sarah Jackson, communications manager of Aging & Independence Services within the County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency. “We have been seeing an upward

trend in the hospitalizations for heat illness/injury,” Jackson said via email.

Locals have been feeling the heat. For Boodgie Arce, a senior community member, staying cool and healthy hasn’t been easy.

“The heat really made me sick,” Arce said. “It’s not just me. My sister went through the same. We started having sore throat and coughing really bad because of the weather.”

Arce said since recovering from her sickness, she has focused on staying cool and healthy by hydrating with cool drinks.

Recognize symptoms of heatrelated illness.

The heat can cause uncomfortable symptoms like sore throat or a light cough if you’re not hydrating and accessing cool spaces.

According to Dr. Maria TrimorTamoria, president of the Pilipino Medical Association of San Diego (PMASD), coughing and sore throat can be the result of dehydration from the dry heat, allergies or a combination of circumstances.

However, heat illness is often categorized into four types: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat syncope and heat stroke.

According to the California Department of Industrial Relations, symptoms of heat illness include the following:

● Heavy sweating

● Painful muscle cramps

● Extreme weakness and/or fatigue

● Nausea and/or vomiting

● Dizziness and/or headache

● Body temperature normal or slightly high

● Fainting

● Pulse fast and weak

If you have asthma or other respiratory illnesses, the heat should not be taken lightly if it is causing complications with you asthma, according to Merlie Ramira, nurse practitioner, San Diego Vaccination Advisory Board member and Philippine Nurses Association of San Diego (PNASD) COVID-19 Vaccination Task Force member.

“We have to remind the seniors, especially [in] our Filipino

Philippines,” President Marcos said as he thanked the businessmen for their trust and confidence in the

community, to make sure if there’s any issues with their asthma — exacerbation of the asthma conditions, signs or symptoms — please don’t hesitate to connect with their primary care provider,” Ramira said.

Additionally, the effects of other pre-existing medical conditions can put people at a greater risk for heat illness as well if they're not taking necessary precautions.

“Normally the body has mechanisms to regulate its internal body temperature however, when very young children, older adults, are taking certain medications, or have chronic health conditions, this process does not work as efficiently and can lead to heat illness more rapidly than a healthy individual,” Jackson said.

More generally, everyone must be intentional about recognizing how the heat is specifically impacting them, according to Dr. Maria Tamoira.

“Any medical problems can be exacerbated by dehydration,” Trimor-Tamoria said.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

One way to help the body battle the heat is to stay hydrated and get plenty of electrolytes, according

Philippines.

During the meeting, the chief executive emphasized that the

to Vivian Sanderlin, officer of the PNASD and leader in the PNASD’s COVID-19 Vaccination Task Force.

“Hydration is very important in this heat, especially for those babies and seniors. We have to educate them that they need to hydrate and drink water all the time,” Sanderlin said.

According to the Mayo Clinic, men should drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day and women should drink about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids. However, this does not take into consideration medications people are taking, exercise, pregnancy, environment and overall health.

Ramira said our hydration needs depend on each of our bodies, and people taking medication, such as anti-diuretics, must be proactive with their hydration.

“We have to consider that there’s some medical conditions where you have to make sure you’re wellhydrated because, for example, if you’re taking anti-diuretics medication, usually it will affect electrolyte imbalance,” Ramira said. “More so, with those kinds of patients, they need to make sure they’re well-hydrated and taking all of those needed electrolytes for the

Philippines has shown healthy signs of economic recovery amid the global challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic as he noted that the Philippines registered 7.6 GDP growth last year.

President Marcos added that the Philippines is one of the best performing economies in the Asia Pacific Region.

“For the first quarter of this year, the Philippines outperformed its peers in the region by posting the GDP growth of 6.4%, that is the first quarter, which is within the country’s 6 to 7 percent target for the year,” President Marcos said.

“The reason that we put such emphasis on the growth figures is that as all the countries have gone into debt, a higher rate of debt-toGDP because of the pandemic and the costs of the pandemic response for all the countries. It is our fundamental theory that we should grow out of that debt,” he added.

The chief executive assured the business leaders of the Philippine government’s commitment to continue its support not only to prospective Malaysian investors, but also to the Malaysian companies who are presently doing business in the Philippines.

President Marcos added his administration continues to seek ways to ensure a conducive business

See PBBM on 11

body. If they’re feeling tingling or weak, make sure they stay in and keep hydrated and also notify their physicians if there are symptoms that they think are causing them to lose electrolytes from their body.”

Trimor-Tamoria said electrolytes found in drinks like Gatorade or Powerade are also good to drink, especially if you’re physically exerting yourself; however, be wary of energy drinks.

“Electrolytes are good in moderation. Sodium and potassium are good in moderation,” TrimorTamoria said. “Be careful of energy drinks. It makes your heart work more.”

Chill out at a Cool Zone.

It’s not always easy or accessible to keep the house cool with the cost of electricity and air conditioning units. So, Ramira and Sanderlin said they recommend individuals turn on fans or utilize the Cool Zones, managed by the county of San Diego in partnership with SDG&E.

“Electricity is sky high. We advise that, because of the heat, they need to go to the library or the community center where it’s cooler,” Sanderlin said.

See BEAT THE HEAT on 3

Cool Cafecitos breakfast mixer led by David Zumaya

Vivian

Joe Garbanzos

THE PAMPERED PINAY: Back to School Success: Conquer Campus

By FRANCINE m AIgu E

My friends, I promised you more tips for thriving through the college adventure. Last week we touched on 3 Top Dorm Room Essentials. This week is all about key ways to get involved and make your mark on campus, building a sense of belonging, leadership skills and one's network for college (and, if you really put in the effort, for life!).

1. Res Life

Your dorm becomes your home away from home, but you've got to plant the seeds for healthy, warm, welcoming relationships.

Roomies - Invest time and attention upfront. Get to know one another, and have conversations about pet peeves and preferences early. Discuss times folks wake up and go to bed, shower schedules, study rituals...even (dis)comfort with visitors and overnight guests, smelly snacks, music volume and interesting habits. The earlier you can chat about expectations and build respect with one another, the better.

Floormates - Network with your neighbors. Work with your RA (Resident Advisor) to organize floor dinners, weekend hikes or movie nights. Even simply making a point to walk the halls once a week to at least say hi can go a long way. Everyone may not express it the same way, but everyone's got their own fears,

ambitions and insecurities. You'll treasure being able to have each other's backs throughout the school year.

2. Club-A-Dub-Dub

Big or small, a new school can make you feel like a drop in the ocean. Throngs of people -- How will I fit in? Challenging classes -Will I survive? Flyers to participate everywhere -- Where do I begin?

Start anywhere. Your school newspaper, website, bulletin boards...the flyers that come your way. I've yet to see to see a campus short on student orgs, and most go hard to recruit members at the beginning of the school year. Give 'em a chance. You just might find that there are people who share your interests and dreams...no matter how unique they seem. Does the club you really want/ need not yet exist? Start one! Each school has its own process for starting a club, but most simply take three students with a common goal/ passion and the will to meet regularly. A shared mission statement, chosen advisor and minimal paperwork later -- you've got yourself your own club! (Bonus - You can add to your resume that you founded something on campus! Leadership points!)

3. Alumni Association

But, Francine...I'm a new student...Why would I connect with the alumni association?

For mentorship, guidance, scholarships, events and more!

Alumni - They've lived through all the challenges you're now facing and are a well of knowledge. ..Use them. Trust me -- they're just waiting to share the scoop!

Many alumni associations have regular events, like networking dinners and tailgate parties. They also often have mentor match up programs in which they pair you up with an alum in your desired field, etc. Make sure to also check in about any possible scholarships. Many alums work hard to give back and provide students with the best college experience possible... You may be just the scholar they're looking for!

More college tips are on their way, my friends! Got specific questions or concerns? Simply email me at thepamperedpinay@yahoo.com.

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!

36th Philippine Cultural Arts Festival at Balboa Park on August 26, 2023

Beautiful, graceful dancers of Samahan Dance Company will perform the Payong Dance (with umbrellas) - dance of the country folks of central Philippines .....“Filipino folk dances and music portray the people’s rich culture and traditions whose diversity reflect influences of various races, such as, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Malay, Spanish, Portuguese and American, who came to stay in the islands as migrants, traders or colonizers throughout the history of the Philippines.” The event will be held at the Balboa Park, President's way from 10:30-6pm on August 26, 2023. This is a free, family friendly event. If you want to sponsor, have a booth or find out more, contact:(619)470-6024 or visit https://Samahan Arts.org or email at SamahanPhilDance@gmail.com

Continued

There is a network of 120 free, air-conditioned settings (such as libraries or community centers) across San Diego county called Cool Zones. The zones are spaces to escape the heat for older adults, persons with disabilities, or anyone looking to escape the extreme heat during the summer, according to Jackson.

Additionally, the county and SDG&E created the Cool Zone Fan program for older adults or people with disabilities on limited incomes to receive a free electric fan if they are unable to travel to a Cool Zone site. Jackson said residents can call 211 San Diego to complete an eligibility survey with a representative or visit their website.

Know your rights in a hot working environment.

For those working in outdoor jobs like landscaping, agriculture and construction, it’s not always possible to stay out of the heat, but California employers must be in compliance with Cal/OSHA heat illness prevention regulation.

According to the Department

of Industrial Relations, employers are required to train all employees and supervisors about heat illness prevention, provide enough fresh water so that each employee can drink at least one quart per hour, provide access to shade and encourage employees to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least five minutes and develop and implement written procedures for complying with the Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Standard.

Be safe while having fun.

For those who are wanting to maintain their fitness or engage their kids in activities while still staying safe, take some advice from outdoors enthusiast, Joe Garbanzos.

“Be sure that you’re okay health wise,” Garbanzos said. “Check with your doctor. Make sure you know the risks of too much heat. Make some sensible plans.” Garbanzos said he usually exercises in the early mornings or evenings.

Trimor-Tamoria said she recommends outdoor exercise to be done before 10 a.m. or in the evening around 8 p.m. Those are the times UV rays are less intense and temperatures start to cool.

For the elderly, Sanderlin and Ramira said they should have a buddy with them while exercising in case they begin to exhibit signs of weakness, irritation/agitation and a change in mental alertness.

“Whoever is staying with the seniors, they have to be cognizant of those kinds of symptoms and maybe alert the provider and at the same time take those kinds of interventions where they can limit those effects [of heat] during this time,” Ramira said.

However in emergency situations where loved ones are exhibiting dizziness, disorientation or blood

pressure dropping, it is best to go to the emergency room or urgent care, according to Trimor-Tamoria.

Extra tips:

● Wear sunblock

● Wear light clothing (both in material and color)

● Buy a fan with cooling options

● Stay in the shade or inside

● Exercise by swimming in the local public pool

● Check in on your loved ones

And for Garbanzos, his advice is to recognize the broader consequences of the rising temperatures.

“We can deal with extreme heat by managing ourselves, managing our activities, but long term, for us and for younger generations, if we don’t deal with climate change in a sustainable way, it will get worse,” Garbanzos said. “We need to inform our communities on what sensible steps they can take and where to go if they need help.”

To learn more about the effects of climate change in San Diego, visit https://www.sdapcd.org/ content/sdapcd/planning/climateand-pollution.html#:~:text=Sea%20 level%20will%20be%2012,be%20 more%20frequent%20and%20 intense.

If you’re interested in learning more about Cool Zones or applying for a free Cool Zone fan, visit http:// coolzones.org. You also can visit https://www.sdge.com/ to see if you qualify for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program which can provide discounts on your monthly energy bill (electricity and gas). Visit the PNASD website and the PMASD website for more information on resources available to the Filipino community or www. thefilipinopress.com

Family visit to Museum Cooling at the beach

AFP eyes acquisition of multirole fighters, shore-based assets

MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is looking to acquire multi-role fighters, additional naval assets and shorebased deterrents for Horizon 3 of its ongoing modernization program.

"For the 3rd Horizon of the (AFP) modernization program we are looking at acquiring multirole fighter aircraft, naval assets, command and control or C-2 systems, shore-based deterrent capabilities, submarines and the like," AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said during the post-State Of the Nation Address (SONA) briefing held at the Hilton Hotel Manila, Pasay City Wednesday afternoon.

Brawner said the AFP is "very fortunate" to have President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as their commander in chief as the Chief Executive is very supportive of the military's modernization program.

Horizon 3 is slated for 2023 to 2028 while Horizon 2 was from 2018 to 2022 and Horizon 1 in 2013 to 2017.

These procurement tranches are designed to acquire equipment, weapons systems and platforms geared at enhancing the external or territorial defense capability of the AFP. Some of the platforms procured in the ongoing AFP Modernization Program include the S-70i "Black Hawk" combat utility helicopters, missile frigates, close air support aircraft, air defense surveillance radars, unmanned aerial vehicles or drones, corvettes, anti-submarine helicopters, light tanks, tactical radios, amphibious assault vehicles, civil engineering equipment and modern pistols.

In line with the ongoing military upgrades, the AFP chief said that they are looking at the possibility of developing their cyber warfare capability.

"But one thing that we would like to really develop in the next (few) years is the capability for cyber warfare and this is one capability where we could excel in the AFP and we could be at par with even the modern countries," he added.

Aside from modern equipment, Brawner also said that the AFP is also focusing on the training of military personnel so that they can "really cope with the demands of the regional threats" and that they are able to use and maintain these platforms properly.

"Kailangan po nating alagaan din itong mga (we really need to take care of these) modern equipment, we have to sustain them properly," he added.

Marcos, in his second SONA last July 24, assured continued efforts to strengthen the country's police and military to ensure "strong and stable rule of law" as the foundation of the country's transformation.

"Our police and armed forces are being strengthened and modernized, to be more effective in maintaining peace and order and in defending our sovereignty," the Chief Executive said.

Also, Brawner said the AFP will also help in the propagation of the "archipelagic mindset" mentioned by the Chief Executive.

"We will help our citizens develop that mindset of patriotism, being able to defend our country from any threats whether it is manmade or natural," he added.

DND vows more upgrades to build credible defense posture for PH

The Department of National Defense (DND) is continuing to build the "strong fundamentals of a credible defense posture" to preserve the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"The Defense Department is based on building blocks with strong fundamentals, we continue to build the strong fundamentals of a credible deterrent posture for our country, we continue the upgrades, continuing upgrades not only in our equipment but bridging the gaps between the different horizons in our modernization timeframe and the concomitant upgrading of skills of our people, both in the civilian side of the Defense Department and the five agencies," DND Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. said when asked on what is being done to achieve these goals during the post-State Of the Nation Address (SONA) briefing held at the Hilton Hotel Manila, Pasay City Wednesday afternoon.

Aside from this, he added that the DND is also working with its partner agencies in the government to maintain internal peace and stability as "territorial integrity may be subverted by outside threats through internal security challenges".

"That being said the President (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.) also instructed us to look for nontraditional partners in alliances for upgrading our defensive capabilities and our capabilities to predict and analyze trends in order to prepare for any eventuality which may befall our country and need the use of DND resources in the future," Teodoro said.

Aside from this, the DND chief said the country is also looking for partners for the "convergence of both the economic potentials and security potentials of growth industries particularly in technology and in cyber."

Amid the emergence of "asymmetric" threats or those using unconventional strategies or tactics, Teodoro said there is a need for efficient and immediate analysis to enable quick decisions in dealing with these.

"As we know the threats to the country become more asymmetric, we need stronger, real-time and fully analyzed convergence of information from point of occurrence up to the decision-making process in as much real time as possible," he pointed out. Also, the DND chief said efforts are now ongoing to beef up the morale of those personnel manning the defense and military establishments.

"Because the strongest factor is the human element, we also are strongly into efforts to upgrade the morale and welfare of our men and women in uniform in the DND. This includes our retirees and veterans whom we are mandated to care for.

And the President's instructions are that their welfare be made paramount in our mandate to uplift the lives and to continue to care particularly of those who cannot care for themselves anymore," he added.

This includes ensuring the well-being, safety and health of the families of military personnel who are often detached due to deployments, Teodoro said.

Aside from this, Teodoro said

there are now "program management and project management skills" to ensure that each and every item of equipment being acquired is integrated into a system with "synergies".

This includes ensuring that these equipment are programmed to have adequate resources for the optimal utilization of each and every item for its life cycle.

"And we are slowly getting the management practices and our resource management contracting acquisitions capabilities in order to have an optimal balance of much necessary resources at the best possible value for our people knowing that it is not cheap and defense is everybody's business," Teodoro said.

Decommissioning of MILF combatants resumes Aug.3

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) has announced the third phase of the decommissioning process of the remaining 1,301 Moro Islamic Liberation FrontBangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF) combatants will resume next month.

“Gusto po naming i-announce na this coming Aug. 3, mayroon po tayong 1,301 combatants ma-dedecommission para makumpleto po yung first, second, third phases na 26,000 (We would like to announce that this coming Aug. 3, 1,031 combatants will be decommissioned to complete the first, second, and third phases for 26,000)," OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said during the Post-State Of the Nation Address (SONA) Discussions held at the Hilton Hotel Manila, Pasay City Wednesday afternoon.

As of this time, Galvez said 24,000 combatants have been decommissioned based on the normalization track.

“Next year at sa susunod na taon, may 14,000 or 35 percent remaining na ide-decommission (by next year and the following year, another 14,000 or 35 percent will be decommissioned)," the OPAPRU chief said.

The Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) is expected to complete the decommissioning process before the first election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in 2025, he added.

In his second SONA on July 24, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed that he was “proud of the progress that the BARMM has taken. It will be self-governing, progressive, and effective.”

“It’s very critical that we build on the peace gains and ensure continuing progress,” Galvez said.

One of the critical steps needed is the process of decommissioning. It is among the key provisions of the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the peace agreement between the government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF signed in 2014.

This step will serve as an initial key in helping former MILF-BIAF combatants successfully transition to civilian life.

Based on the CAB, the Independent Decommissioning

1 in 14 adult Filipinos have diabetes

MANILA -- The diabetes prevalence in the Philippines is 6.3 percent, resulting in a ratio of one in 14 Filipino adults living with the disease as of 2019.

In a media Kapihan forum on Wednesday, Diabetes Philippines, Inc. Board of Trustee, Dr. Cynthia Sanchez said of the 63,265,700 Filipino adults in 2019, 3,993,300 have diabetes.

"Pine-predict na by 2030, ito pong 3.9 million ay tataas ng 5.2 million and by 2045, tataas pa po ng 7.2 million (It is predicted that by 2030, this 3.9 million will increase to 5.2 million, and by 2045, this will increase to 7.2 million)," she said.

Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death in the country. Heart diseases remain the number one cause of death and it is followed by stroke (second) and cancer (third).

Diabetes is the increase of glucose in the blood due to lack of insulin or improper use of it by the body.

The two main risk factors for diabetes are family history and being overweight or obesity. Its incidence among Filipinos increase after the age of 40. "Ang prediabetes state ay kung saan mayroon tayong borderline na blood sugar, lampas na sa normal pero di pa umaabot sa level ng diabetes at nakita po sa pagaaral na ang mga diabetic ay 2 to 10 years nasa prediabetic state bago sila ma-convert sa full diabetes (The prediabetes state is where there is borderline blood sugar, above normal but not reaching the diabetes level and studies show that diabetics are usually in prediabetic state for 2 to 10 years before they convert to full diabetes)," Sanchez said.

"Ang prediabetic po, tatlo ang patutunguhan, una pwede pa sila makabalik sa normal, pangalawa, pwede sila ma-convert sa full blown diabetes after 2 to 10 years. Pangatlo, pwede silang maging (The prediabetes, can lead back to normal state, second, can be converted to full diabetes after 2 to 10 years. Thirdly, they can be) prediabetic for the rest of their lives."

Other risk factors for diabetes include gestational diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, visceral fats or harmful fats in the body (big waist circumference), sedentary lifestyle, increased eating, hypertension, heavy cigarette smoking, darkening of armpits, groin, and neck (signs of insulin resistance), and stress.

Symptoms of diabetes include constant hunger, always thirsty, weight gain, unexplained weight loss, increase in blood pressure, increase in blood sugar, numbness, diziness, lack of energy, lack of interest in sex, blurry vision, frequent urination, and constant infections.

The parts of the body affected by diabetes are the brain, eyes, heart, kidneys, and nerves.

Lifestyle modification, balanced diet, exercise and proper medication could help Filipinos avoid having diabetes.

DOH detects first 10 cases of EG.5 Omicron subvariant

The Department of Health (DOH) has detected the first 10 cases of the EG.5 Omicron subvariant of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In its latest Covid-19 biosurveillance report released Thursday, the EG.5 cases were among the 160 samples sequenced by the Baguio General Hospital Medical Center and the University of the PhilippinesPhilippine Genome Center Main and

its offices in Visayas and Mindanao, released last July 14 to 25, 2023.

The EG.5 variant is an XBB.1.9.2 sublineage that was recently added to the list of variants under monitoring by the World Health Organization last July 19. "The variant was initially flagged due to its increasing global prevalence and has been detected in 44 countries or jurisdictions across six continents, according to sequence submissions in GISAID [Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data]," the DOH said.

"However, currently available evidence for EG.5 does not suggest any differences in disease severity and/ or clinical manifestations compared to the original Omicron variant."

It added that limited information is available for the variant as researchers are currently characterizing it in terms of transmissibility, immune evasion, and ability to cause more severe disease.

Out of the 160 samples, about 146 or 91.25 percent were classified as XBB including the XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, XBB.1.9.1, and XBB 1.9.2 cases.

All detected XBB subvariants were local cases from Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Region 4-A (Calabarzon), Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Caraga, and the National Capital Region. (MNS)

DA says agri damage, losses due to Egay top P53M

The amount of initial damage to the country's agriculture from the effects of Typhoon Egay has reached PHP53.1 million, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported Thursday.

In its latest bulletin, the DA said the amount of damage was recorded in four regions.

“Based on the assessment of DA Regional Field Offices (RFOs) in CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region), Calabarzon and Mimaropa and Region XIII (Caraga), damage and losses have been reported amounting to PHP53.1 million affecting 2,303 farmers, with volume of production loss at 1,871 metric tons (MT) and 3,185 hectares of agricultural areas,” it said.

“Affected commodities include rice, corn, livestock and poultry. These values are subject to validation,” the report added.

The DA, through its RFOs, is monitoring the effects of the typhoon and assessing the damage and losses it caused in the agri-fisheries sector.

It also continues to coordinate with concerned government agencies, local government units and other disaster risk reduction and managementrelated offices for the impacts of the typhoon as well as available resources for interventions and assistance.

As part of its available interventions, the DA is ready to distribute rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds to affected farmers and fishers; drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry; and fingerlings assistance to affected fisherfolk from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Other forms of assistance include the Survival and Recovery (SURE)

Loan Program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) with a loanable amount of up to PHP25,000 payable in three years at zero interest; and the Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas.

‘Habagat,’ Egay-affected families top 4.5K - NDRRMC

Families affected by the combined effects of the southwest monsoon or “habagat” and Super Typhoon Egay have reached 4,554 in five regions in the country, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported Tuesday.

This is significantly higher than the 3,300 families reported on Monday, the agency said in its bulletin.

These 4,554 families are equivalent to 16,888 persons residing in 28 barangays in the Ilocos Region, Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Northern Mindanao.

As of posting, three evacuation centers were sheltering about 16 families consisting of about 38 individuals, while 12 families or 62 persons were receiving aid outside the centers.

According to the Office of Civil Defense, the affected families are a combination of those displaced and those whose livelihood have been affected but do not need to be evacuated.

In the same report, the NDRRMC said they were still validating a report that one person was injured in Western Visayas.

No fatalities were reported as of this time while eight houses were reported damaged in Western Visayas and Northern Mindanao.

Mimaropa cops on alert

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office 4-B (Mimaropa) chief Brig. Gen. Joel Doria, has placed all police units and stations in the region on alert to ensure the safety of the public amid the possible effects of the super typhoon.

"We are working in close collaboration with local government units and relevant agencies to synchronize efforts and respond effectively to the potential impact of Typhoon Egay," Doria said in a statement.

He also emphasized the activation of disaster response teams, strategically positioning trained personnel and essential resources in areas prone to the typhoon's impact.

"We have proactively implemented measures to ensure the readiness of our teams," Doria said.

To assist the public in adequately preparing for the potential impact, PRO 4-B urged the public to follow these safety precautions:

- Enhance home security: People are advised to fortify their homes by meticulously closing all windows and doors and by reinforcing the entry points with shutters or plywood.

- Assemble an emergency kit: The kit should include such vital provisions as potable water, non-perishable food items, first aid supplies, flashlights, and batteries, as well as important personal documents.

- Stay Informed: People are advised to keep abreast of the latest meteorological updates and heed the advice disseminated by local authorities. Accessing information issued by reliable local news outlets and radio stations will provide realtime guidance.

Doria urged the public to remain vigilant, closely monitor weather updates, and adhere to the guidance provided by local authorities to safeguard their well-being and that of their loved ones amid the weather disturbance.

"The public can be assured, that we are equipped and prepared to respond swiftly to any emergency situation that may arise as a result of

Egay," he said. (MNS)

A LETTER TO MY GRANDSON RIKER ON HIS BAPTISM

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Dear Riker, Your Grandma Zeny and I really love you! I think you know that!

For the last 22 years since your first cousins Taylor and Jacob were born, we have watched the both of them grow out of their diapers, learn to walk, to talk, to sing and play. We’ve watched your much older two cousins lose teeth, get braces, be in musicals, play sports – so many great, wonderful times together!

Now both your cousins Taylor and Jacob are old enough to make their very own decision to be a disciple of Jesus – to be a good Christian, so to speak – since those early days of their lives. Now, it’s your turn as our newest grandkid! Just last Sunday – July 23rd of 2023, to be precise – you were baptized at St. Charles Catholic Church situated right here in our South Bay neighborhood.

I would just like to write and direct to this letter to all three of you – your Grandma Zeny and I’s amazing and adorable grandchildren – our very own “apos” as the term is affectionately addressed in the customary Filipino. These are just a few things I truly want you three to know about your baptism that I’ve been thinking about.

First, never forget your baptism. Never! You will be surprised that some people forget that they were baptized and act like they weren’t. It doesn’t make any sense at all to me. It’s just like playing in the mud, then taking a bath and getting all clean, then putting your muddy clothes again! Jesus’ disciple Peter wrote that it is like – (pardon your old Grandpa, as this is really gross, by the way) – a dog that eats its own… vomit (2Peter 2:22). Don’t ever forget how great it is to be clean!

Second, don’t worry about what you don’t know. Some people might think you are too young to be a disciple of Jesus. They might think you have to know more about God. Don’t fret and fume about them. People in Jesus’ day didn’t understand either how much Jesus loved children.

But what’s even stranger is that 10-20 years when you are much older, you yourself will start to think, “I was so very young then; I really didn’t know very much about Jesus or about how to be a disciple. Maybe I was just simply too young and did not know enough to be become a disciple! Maybe I should be baptized again.”

Let me tell you something you three wouldn’t know for fifty years!

When you are a Granddad or a Grandmom, you will look back and think, “I really haven’t ever known much about God” because we always continue to learn and grow and figure things out until the day we die. God and Jesus are so awesome that no one can learn everything

about them, even if they studied every day of their whole life.

So, it is not really what you know, nor is it about how much you feel endearment and devotion towards Jesus – because both knowledge and love should continue to grow in you every day of your life. Your baptism makes the beginning - a wonderful commencement!

Third, remember who did what! Yes, you learned about Jesus and you decided to be baptized, but this isn’t what makes you a Christian. It is good thing you did to be baptized but if God had not loved you first and sent Jesus to die for you, you would have gotten all wet for nothing!

Your baptism is a joyful day for you! It feels like your birthday and everybody is happy for you! That’s why it is very easy to forget that God, not you, are the One doing the most important thing – something you could never do! He is washing away your sins, giving you the best gift and adopting you into His Family – forever!

Fourth, don’t forget the Gift you received. When I was a young boy, the priest in my beloved historic hometown of Sta. Ana in old Manila would talk about the Holy Ghost, and that sounded a bit spooky. Now we say the Holy Spirit. I didn’t know much about the Holy Spirit when I was baptized. In fact, I’m still learning a lot, but I’ve never forgotten that when I was baptized, God promised to give me a special gift, something that is His. He gave me – and He gives you – his very own Spirit – which is very holy – to live in you. I don’t know how He does this – but I know it’s true!

It is His Spirit in us who helps us pray and who make us grow. The results (fruit) of the Holy Spirit that God gives you, when you are baptized are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness. You can have this beautiful fruit basket in your life because God’s Holy Spirit is His special gift to you at your baptism.

Fifth, don’t forget your family. When you were baptized, God did some math on you! Yep, he “added” you. The Bible says He “adds” everyone who is baptized to His family. On earth, this family we call the church. You may get the impression that people join denominations that they like, but it’s not really true with God’s church. This is what He does when He washes away your sins and He give you, His Spirit. Your name goes right into His family Book along with everyone else whom He adds to His family.

So, don’t ever get the idea that Church is not that important! If it were not momentous, would He add you to it, would He give His life for it? God’s family – and that is you

Jesse T. Reyes

Filipino Potpourri

The Philippine Independence Day celebrations on June 12, 2023, have come and gone and everyone has pretty much moved on – a charade that happens every year. During the event’s celebration, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. (PBBM) said that “the flag, national march, and proclamation in writing affirmed the victory that was brought forth by battles won and sacrifices made, which gave the mighty Filipinos the guidance and confidence to move forward united.”

Marcos added that the “Filipinos remained defiant with the new oppressors and challenges, which affirmed that it is in the Filipinos’ core to defend what is ours… In everything we do, let us pursue excellence and integrity with the knowledge that we are living out the visions our predecessors held on to and the comfort they toiled for,” he said.

PBBM’s oratory was full of feelgood words but lacked realism. We can’t blame him for make a pitch for unity by making Filipinos feel good about the past through such words but only for a passing moment. If

we parse through his speech, we will find that they are not true in a deeper sense. Note that the line “Affirmed the victory that was brought forth by battles won and sacrifices made,” refers to battles won and not the war against Spain.

“Which gave the mighty Filipinos the guidance and confidence to move forward UNITED,” is rather hyperbolic given the fact that just about every elected president of the republic always aspires to unite the country. The bare fact is that the Philippines did not win the war against Spain nor with the Americans, much less gain its independence “through battles won.” Philippine independence was granted by the United States after nearly 50 years of taking advantage of the country’s natural resources.

Trying to achieve national unity is a charade because it will never happen, unless the country is invaded militarily. Undoubtedly, Filipinos will be defiant as Marcos alluded to, and will resort to guerilla warfare, if they have to. In peacetime, Filipinos do not give a hoot about nationalism but are strongly regionalist.

when you are baptized and He writes down and adds you to all the other children of God, all of Jesus’ brothers and sisters -is very powerful!

Sixth, don’t stop talking about what God has done for you. When your grandma and I got home after the baptismal event last weekend, the first thing that came upon us was a feeling of exhilaration – or euphoria – if you want to call it in another name. Of course, we did! It’s was such a joyous time for the two of us!

And when your mom and dad was standing and holding you up at the baptismal fountain – just before your

initiation – I could truly sense that in front of lots and lots of people, I could tell in my mind that you were expressing “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Indeed, by then – even though you were still a baby I knew that you’ve already started thinking about Jesus! Don’t ever stop! Last, remember that your baptism is a death, a burial and a resurrection. Jesus died for you because He loved you. When you are baptized, you choose to let that part of you that wants to be selfish and just do what you want to do - die. Then someone immersed you

in the water just like Jesus when He was baptized. If you had been left under the water, it would have been bad. Just like if Jesus had been buried, it would have been bad, too for all of us.

When the priest sprinkled the Holy Water on your head, it is just like the moment when Jesus came out of His grave! Wow! He was alive again! He was never going to die again. The same is true for you! It’s like being born again as a new person, one that will live forever with God.

As you grow older, you’ll start shaving and then you’ll wear glasses someday, and then a long time from now, your hair turns gray, and you

might even be a grandfather yourself – just like me, your Grandpa. Don’t ever forget your baptism – and don’t ever stop telling people what God did for you on that very special day of Sunday, 23 July 2023. One very last thing for you, our little treasure: You are the child of my child, and your life is a joy to me. I am grateful to have you in my life. As I watch through the generations, I am reminded that the bonds we form are as everlasting as the spirit. You are so loved, little Riker… May your future be filled with joy, laughter and lots of happiness. God bless you, Little Angel! With all of our love, Grandma Zeny & Grandpa Jesse

Independence Day 2023 Series: National Identity and Modern Nationalism, Final Part

Understanding this fact will go a long way to indirectly achieving “unity in purpose.”

Modern nationalism, then, ought to focus on developing regions rather than trying to take a big bite on achieving it for the country as a whole. Modern nationalism should include taking a look at the proposal for federalism but from a regional perspective. Each region should look for what is best for them because in doing so, they are actually contributing to the country by making it whole. Efforts to switch to a different form of government will always fail because Filipinos are always looking at it from “what’s best for the country.”

Bangsamoro is a case in point. When the Muslim south pushed for their autonomy, they did so by considering what is best for them. Even if there were constitutional infirmities, politicians and the Supreme Court found a cure for them. In a nutshell, if each autonomous region (as in federalism) prospers, the net sum will be a prosperous Philippines.

Filipinos need to stop killing fellow Filipinos on the altar of capitalism. The government is bent on “defending” itself and by extension, democracy from insurgent Filipinos. Insurgent Filipinos kill government forces in an effort to free them (and the country) from the

tentacles of capitalism and achieve true democracy.

A regional approach to the insurgency should be part of the agenda of strengthening the autonomy of regions. If every Bicolano (Rightist, Centrist or Leftist) works together to help improve the economy of the region, then everyone will be invested in a successful outcome. Perhaps modern nationalism then can include both regional government forces and cadres of the New Peoples’ Army as a regional self-defense force whose mission is protecting the region’s patrimony.

Think about it. Politicians themselves are often involved in harming the environment through their own pursuit of capitalism. Add the word “illegal” to fishing, mining, land conversions, and others; and for every endeavor, a politician could be behind it. Now, the NPA for sure will act as a balancing force to prevent such corrupt intentions. Why can’t regions, if they have not done so already, form a regional development board to hasten economic prosperity of the region. In Bicol, for example, each province has a tourist spot to offer but are needing capital infusion from outside the region to modernize their facilities and better protect the environment. Rather than competing with each other, the regional board

can work on securing investments for the region based on an established regional priority.

Each region should look at Taiwan, a small breakaway province of China. By prioritizing regional interest, the region, in essence, is breaking away from “Imperial Manila” and being autonomous.

Taiwan was able to stand on its own despite the towering shadow of Mainland China over its affairs. Today, Taiwan has the latest weaponry from the United States arsenal and a citizenry willing to die defending its small nation.

Philippine independence is a mirage and citizens who think otherwise are engaged in wishful thinking given the strong influences of foreign powers i.e., United States, China) to how the country is run.

Filipinos can continue to believe constitutional provisions that the Philippines “renounces war” as an instrument of national policy as envisioned by the Kellogg-Briand Pact of 1928.

In reality, the Philippines is duty bound to engage in war because of its Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States. The drumbeats are getting stronger and picking up a faster cadence that China will invade Taiwan. It will be foolish for China to do that, but delusional leaders do foolish things to their own detriment. The additional bases required under

the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) ensures that in one form or another, the Philippines will be complicit in the war that will breakout between the two superpowers.

Philippine presidents can continue to wish and say that they are pursuing an independent foreign policy per the country’s Constitution, but in truth, however, Philippine foreign policy will always be dictated by these foreign powers. All they can really do is wish that war will not break out during their term.

In fine, Filipinos need to arouse their nationalistic fervor and think of how to strengthen their regions.

The president can be more effective helping regions if the regions themselves are helping promote their own interests. Bicol, which is predominantly agricultural, is blessed with having its own state agricultural college, but it is yet to find the courage to have a new generation of modern farmers.

The challenge, therefore, is for the new generation to develop a love for agriculture. The current generation, however, has the duty to develop such fervor. Political and community leaders, parents, and teachers need to stop romanticizing marquee professions and help the new generation see the value and importance of pursuing professions in aqua and agriculture.

Professional Business Directory

MANILA -- The Department of Education (DepEd) is determined to give every student efficient internet connectivity to enable them acquire 21st Century Skills and keep up with digital technology.

During the post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) discussions held in Pasay City on Wednesday, DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa pointed out that this "direction" being taken by the agency will address various basic education issues, especially those which were caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Alam naman natin na (We all know that) we have shortages in terms of classrooms, teachers. So, we will continue hiring more teachers, building more classrooms. Of course with DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways] as a partner, we will be building disaster-resilient classrooms. But aside from that, kaya nga sila (that's why these are) perennial problems kasi ang hirap mag catch-up (because it is difficult to catch-up). So that's why there is a second track that we are looking to explore. In fact, we are starting now and that is tapping into technology," Poa said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., during his second SONA, said learning from the lessons of the pandemic,

alternative delivery modes and blended learning methodologies have been adopted to ensure unhampered learning.

Poa said the DepEd has been institutionalizing relevant and innovative reforms to recalibrate the curriculum, provide rapid and responsive delivery of education services, and ensure the welfare of learners and teachers which are all under the agency's two-track approach.

"We started this year because number one, dati po kapag ganito may bagyo, wala na kaagad pasok. Kapag may lindol or kahit ano pong man-made na disasters, wala na tayong pasok. Pero sa ngayon, (when we have typhoons before, classes were immediately suspended. During earthquakes or any man-made disasters, classes were suspended. But now), to maximize learning continuity since we are in learning recovery mode, hindi na tayo nag sususpinde ng pasok. Ang sinususpinde lang natin ay yung (we do not suspend classes anymore. What we are suspending is just the) inperson classes," he noted.

"Aside from that, we want to tap into technology to really help with congestion in our schools. We believe that by institutionalizing blended learning, ito yung mas (this is a more)

effective way to quickly decongest our schools, hindi lang yung shifting schedule tayo (not just implementing shifting schedules)," he added.

Poa said DepEd continues to provide learners with e-learning materials pointing out that basic education learners, equipped with 21st century skills not only for local employment, but also for jobs abroad.

DepEd reforms to support PBBM goal to improve quality of learning

The Department of Education (DepEd) will continue to support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s quest to provide Filipino learners with an education that secures their future.

DepEd said its MATATAG Education Agenda, as mentioned during the second State of the Nation Address on Tuesday, will turn into reality Marcos’ goals to uplift the status of Filipino learners.

In a statement on Tuesday, DepEd noted that "it has been institutionalizing relevant and innovative reforms to recalibrate the curriculum, provide rapid and responsive delivery of education services, and ensure the welfare of our learners and teachers" which are in parallel with the directives of President Marcos.

"Guided by the aspirations of the President this year, we are keen to

forge ahead and deliver results anew for the benefit of our Filipino education stakeholders," the DepEd assured.

The MATATAG Agenda involves making the curriculum relevant to produce competent and job-ready, active, and responsible citizens and taking steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education facilities and services, including plans to build more resilient schools and classrooms this year.

It also aims to take good care of learners by promoting learner wellbeing, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and giving support to teachers to improve their performance.

In his SONA, Marcos reported that 90 percent of the newly created teaching positions have been filled, while additional administrative personnel have been hired to unburden the teachers. (MNS)

Help Wanted / For Rent / For Sale

Spiritual Life

Meeting the housing needs of older adults

I just finished going through my re-certification as resident of the Congregational Tower, a 16-story building in the heart of downtown Chula Vista. I am very fortunate to be one of the residents of this beautiful place, with an apartment unit, which I call "my pent house" for the past 21 years. When my late husband and I decided to live independently from our children, we got the place that we prayed for - a unit at the top floor, thus giving us an awesome panoramic view of the skyline of the City of San Diego and Coronado. We can see from our patio, the sunset and its glorious colors, especially when there are cumulus clouds on a serene day. We particularly enjoy the fireworks coming up from so many corners of the horizon during the annual July 4th celebration. We can see the majestic Coronado Bridge upon waking up on a clear morning and the skyscrapers, the landmark which identifies San Diego as the finest place in the USA. As many of our visitors would say, "You live in a place with more than a million dollar view!"

The Congregational Tower was conceived by visionary leaders of the United Church of Christ, more popularly known as the Community Congregational Church as part of their mission and ministry in a growing community in the late 50's. It has undergone a massive make-over recently and a grand ceremony was held to inaugurate the "new" building.

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera

My Personal Testimony

Like all the other units, my unit was repainted, the flooring was changed, new air conditioners were installed, electric wirings and water pipes were replaced, new kitchen and shelves were re-built, refrigerator and new electric stove were replaced with new ones and so many more. So I practically live in a new home. All these without any increase in rent! We are blessed. All these new changes were made under the management of the Retirement Housing Foundation, a national non-profit organization whose mission is " to provide various housing options and services for older adults, low income families, and persons with disabilities, in an environment which enhances their quality of life: physically, mentally and spiritually."

It is very heartwarming to live in a place that is managed by an agency whose philosophy and values encompasses faith and belief in God, respect and dignity in the treatment of the

residents, honoring the faith and traditions of every religion and the non-religious, advocacy for public policy that enhances the lives of the residents, practice of sound business principles, serving people and employing staff without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, gender, religion, ancestry, age, marital status, physical disability, medical condition and sexual orientation, and equitable and fair treatment of its team members.

Living at the Congregational Tower makes me feel safe, secure, loved, and respected, more so that you see around you, management and service staff that are truly committed to service and dedicated to excellence. My going through another season of re-certification reflects that I love this place. God has given me a home where love and respect abide and where I enjoy a good quality of life in a peaceful environment. Thank you, God for Your faithfulness. (aurorasorianocudal@gmail.com)

God is birthing city coalitions of His Church among congregations

Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you. (Leviticus 26:8)

The Church is called to impact the world. The biblical definition "church" is not an institution or building, but rather it is made up of individuals. Jesus said "wherever two or more meet together, I am in the midst of them." The biblical word translated as "church" is ekklesia which is the original Greek meaning "the people of God."

The New Testament used this word in two different ways. Sometimes it refers to people of God gathered together in congregations. That is our traditional idea of the local church. But other times it means believers in general, wherever they might find themselves.

God calls the Church to be transformers of society through their collective influence. Jesus prayed that His Church would

be unified in order for the world to respond to Him. "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me" (John 17:23). The enemy of the Church is secularism, a religion that says there is no God. When local congregations fail to come together as a collective voice and operate instead as individual silos in their community society is given over to the evils created as a result of an unbelieving society. Conversely, when the Body of Christ - the Church puts its collective resources together to solve societal issues, our enemies; crime, poverty, sexual perversion,

Today is the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our gospel this Sunday tells how Jesus concludes his discourses on the parables about the mysteries of the kingdom with another three parables. The first two parables, the “treasure buried in the field” and the pearl of “great price” emphasize the preciousness and the immense value of the kingdom. The third parable, “a net thrown into the sea” – indicates that the kingdom is offered to all, however, only those who love God and believe in the Son whom He sent will be able to obtain and enjoy the treasures of the kingdom.

The comparison that Jesus makes between the kingdom of heaven and earthly treasures helps us to understand his call to discipleship. This call demands our renunciation of ourselves. He points out that when follow him, by renouncing many things so we may love truly, we shall receive more than what we have renounced. The first reading about Solomon is one good example of this when he asked for wisdom, “an understanding heart to judge… and to distinguish right from wrong. He found a treasure, not in power or in possession, but in wisdom. God

was so pleased in his selflessness and blessed him not only with this gift of wisdom but also with the promise that brought him to receive even material wealth and power so great that would not be surpassed in time and history.

The parable about the “net thrown into the sea” clearly shows how the kingdom of heaven is offered to all.

This is the thought of St. Paul in the second reading. God, our Father, has a plan for humanity, giving us a destiny even before we existed. His purpose of creating us is to make us be conformed into of His Son, Jesus. In order to accomplish this, He justified us, cleansing us from our sinfulness and sins and glorified us, enabling us to live

and be communion with his divine life. Nevertheless, this invitation is universal, but an open one where a loving response is demanded. The parables that Jesus mentioned in the past two Sunday allow us to remember that the response that God expects from us is our cooperation with the graces that He has bestowed and continues to shower. We need to not only receive this invitation but have to nurture and develop the seed of that he planted. This seed is no other than Jesus Christ himself, whom we should know, love and follow in our daily lives.

Let us, therefore, thank the Lord once more for the gift of the Kingdom that He has openly offered to each one of us. Let us ask his pardon and forgiveness for the many times we have squandered this precious gift that we have formally received in baptism but lives of selfishness, sinfulness and even neglect of his wonderful offer.

Let us seek the intercession of Our Lady, whose feast we are preparing to celebrate this coming week so that we may once more open ourselves to bring the seeds of the kingdom into fruition with sincere devotion and deep love for God and our neighbor.

Kung ang sarili ay nais suriin at alamin Tanong na “Sino nga ba ako?” ay dapat sagutin Magnilay-nilay!

Hanapin sa kailaliman ng puso’t damdamin Doon matatagpuan ang tunay na sarili at mithiin.

Mahalagang bahagi ng ating pagkatao Wika at kultura ng ating mga ninuno Kapag ito ay hindi malinaw at naging malabo Totoo nga na tayo ay maging ligalig at litong-lito.

Kababayang Pilipino na nang-ibang bansa Saan ka napapatungo at tila ika’y nawawala Payo ni Gat Jose Rizal, lumingon sa pinangalingan

AFP

Continued from page 4

etc. will fall by the sword of a unified Church.

God is birthing city coalitions of His Church among congregations in the city in order to fulfill John 17:23. Are you willing to be a catalyst in your community to see His Church take back your city?

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."

DSWD eyes ‘omnipresent’ disaster response ops thru new program

MANILA -- As Typhoon

Egay battered Northern Luzon and affected other areas of the country, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Friday announced the agency’s new disaster preparedness program called “Buong Bansa Handa.''

Gatchalian said the DSWD has formulated the new program based on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to come up “with failsafe mechanisms for our supply chains.”

“The goal there is to be omnipresent, so to speak,”

Gatchalian said during the 2023 postSONA discussion on Environmental Protection and Disaster Management at the Hilton Manila in Pasay City.

Through the new disaster program, Gatchalian said citizens

will “feel that the government is there, in fact, ahead, during, and right after a storm or a natural calamity.”

The Buong Bansa Handa will tap two supply chains to deliver the basic food and non-food requirements of disaster victims.

The first supply chain will feature an expanded network of warehouse facilities of local government units (LGUs), provincial governments, and other national government agencies, while the other one will be private-sector driven.

Gatchalian said the DSWD will procure the services of private sector partners in the food distribution business through framework agreements or supply agreements to complement the government-driven supply chain line.

Through this system, the DSWD will be able to “make sure

that government relief efforts or government relief packs are spread across the entire country,” he said.

The DSWD currently has over 1.3 million family food packs (FFPs) spread across the country that can be immediately distributed to local government units (LGUs) affected by Egay.

In a Facebook post, Gatchalian assured the public that the DSWD has sufficient funds to augment the resources of LGUs affected by Egay and the southwest monsoon or habagat.

He said upon the instruction of President Marcos, he ordered all DSWD Field Office (FO) regional directors to be on alert and to monitor the situation in their respective regions and identify the immediate needs of typhoon-affected families. (MNS)

Body is composed of international and local experts that oversee the decommissioning process of MILF fighters and weapons so that these are put beyond use.

“The partnership between the government and the MILF enabling the final leg of Phase 3 of the decommissioning to push through serves as a testament that both sides are sincerely committed to implementing the 9-year old agreement,“ GPH Implementing Panel Chair for the GPH-MILF Peace Accord retired Brig. Gen. Cesar B. Yano said. Acritical part of the Normalization track, the decommissioning process validates and verifies the identities of former combatants.

“As they complete the upcoming third phase this August, the succeeding steps will hopefully allow them to transform from being a combatant into a productive member of civil society,” Yano added.

During the post-SONA discussions, Galvez also lauded the President’s sincere efforts to further advance the Bangsamoro peace process. “Dalawang buwan after ng kanyang assumption ay nabuo niya

Hello Dear

Nang di malihis at makarating sa paroroonan.

Maging iisa sa damdamin, puso at diwa

Dakilang adhikain ng ating

Inang Bansa Pambansang Wika ang magbibigay pagasa Upang makamtan yaring pangarap na tamasa.

Kung kaya nga’t bahagi ng ating gawain Wikang Filipino ay dapat palawakin at pagyamanin Bigkasin sa sariling atin at damhin Mga katagang tumatagos sa puso at damdamin.

Pilipino, may pagkakamali at pagkukulang ka Subalit, marunong ka namang magmahal at kumalinga

po yung napakagandang unified Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) (Two months after he assumed the Presidency, he created the beautiful unified Bangsamoro Transition Authority)," he added.

Galvez said the Chief Executive reconciled the differences between the leaders of the MNLF and MILF and became part of the BTA.

State of nat'l emergency due to lawlessness in Mindanao lifted

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has lifted the declaration of state of national emergency on account of lawless violence in Mindanao, considering the improved peace and order situation in the region.

Marcos on Tuesday signed Proclamation 298, repealing Proclamation 55 issued in 2016 which proclaims the state of national emergency because of a “spate of violent and lawless acts across many parts of Mindanao.”

Proclamation 298 emphasizes that the lawless violence perpetrated by private armies and local warlords, bandits, criminal syndicates, terrorist groups, and religious extremists “have been significantly mitigated or reduced.”

“Through successful focused military and law enforcement operations and programs that promote sustainable and inclusive peace, the government has made

Panahon na upang taas-noo ang Wikang Filipino a y isulong at itaguyod Nang tayo sa wakas ay magkaisa na at magkabuklod-buklod.

significant gains in improving and restoring peace and order in the region,” the new proclamation said.

According to Proclamation 298, the lifting of a state of national emergency would help boost economic activity and hasten the recovery of the local economy.

A copy of Proclamation 298 was made public on Thursday.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation 55 on Sept. 4, 2016 because of lawless violence in Mindanao, including abductions, hostage-takings and murder of innocent civilians, bombing of power transmission facilities, highway robberies and extortions, attacks on military outposts, assassinations of media people and mass jailbreaks.

Duterte, in issuing Proclamation 55, explained that the acts of violence exhibit the audacity and propensity of the armed lawless groups to “defy the rule of law, sow anarchy, and sabotage the government’s economic development and peace efforts.”

Proclamation 55 was also issued because of government intelligence reports about “credible threats of further terror attacks and other similar acts of violence by lawless elements in other parts of the country, including the metropolitan areas.” (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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Can Not Speaking English Kill You?

By Peter White/eMS

For the millions of Americans with limited English proficiency, finding providers who speak their language continues to be a challenge, hampering access to quality care.

The St. Thomas Family Health Center in Nashville serves patients of all ages whether or not they have insurance. The community clinic is part of the Ascension Medical Group, a large non-profit Catholic healthcare system with hospitals and clinics in 16 states.

This popular center is located on Nashville’s west side, right next to St. Ann’s Catholic Church on Charlotte Avenue. Both minister to a largely immigrant population and have been there for more than two decades.

The clinic is open 45 hours per week and provides primary care for immigrant women and their children as well as patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes.

Physical exams, pap smears, blood tests, low-cost prescriptions, vaccines, and flu shots are all available. Spanish-speaking mothers who are pregnant or have young children chat amiably with the front office staff who are all bi-lingual. Most of the nurses and practitioners are also bi-lingual.

Culturally-Appropriate

Health Care

But St. Thomas may be an anomaly in the health care world. Fourteen million people in the US do not speak English, while 25.5 million say they speak it “less than very well.” Yet finding providers who speak at least one of the panoply of languages spoken in the US is a difficult task that prevents non-English and limited English proficient speakers from getting the care they need.

When it comes to preventive services, more people with little or no English have not had their blood pressure taken or cholesterol checked in the last two years, have not gotten a flu shot or had a physical or seen a dentist in the last year.

Cancer Screenings

Dr. Ingrid J. Hall, an epidemiologist with the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a recent study

of Hispanic adults linking English proficiency to access to healthcare services.

Hall measured differences between three groups of patients. The control group, non-Hispanic whites, had the highest percentage (84%) of regular health care. The group who were comfortable with English (78%) was second highest. Only 69% of Hispanics with limited comfort speaking English had a regular provider.

The epidemiologist led the CDC’s campaign to make more women aware of the importance of getting mammograms to find breast cancer early.

Health Literacy

“Our money from Congress goes directly to the state. Then we encourage our state partners to partner with community based organizations that are going to reach the populations that we want to reach,” Hall said at an Ethnic Media Services news briefing July 21. Regular screening and prompt diagnosis can reduce illness and death from breast or cervical cancer especially for women over 50 who account for more than 75% of those cancers.

Improving health literacy and addressing barriers to care will require a “multi-pronged” approach including education, insurance disparities, and other social determinants of health, said Hall.

Changing Demographics

Dr. Latha Palaniappan, cofounder of Stanford University’s Center for Asian Research and Education — CARE — said the demographics of the U.S. population have changed dramatically in recent decades.

From 1980 to 2019, the number of people in the US who spoke a language other than English at home nearly tripled, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Sixtyseven million people in the U.S. speak a language other than English at home.

Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese are the top 3 languages of households that have limited or non-English speakers. Fourth most common is Russian, Polish, and other Slavic languages grouped, and then Spanish, said Palaniappan, referring to US Census data.

Longer Hospital Stays

These non-English speakers are a very significant proportion of the population, said Palaniappan. And patients whose providers don’t speak their language reported receiving less health education, worse care, and lower patient satisfaction.

“The length of stay if an interpreter isn’t used at admission or discharge at a hospital stay is increased by 3 days. There’s increased thirty-day readmissions, for instance, among congestive heart failure. There’s more infections, falls, surgical site infections, pressure injuries, delays in surgery, and problems with medication management,” said the physician.

“Under section 1557 of the ACA (Affordable Care Act) health care providers are required by law to provide qualified interpreting services free of charge,” Palaniappan noted. But saying that doesn’t make it so.

Providers often rely on informal interpreters like friends or family members, but that is generally prohibited except in emergencies. Nothing is better than an in-person interpreter, but telephone or video based interpretation works and can be cost effective, she said.

Systemic Change Dr. Elena V. Rios is President & CEO of the National Hispanic Medical Association, (NHMA), representing 50,000 Hispanic physicians in the US. The mission of the organization is to improve the health of Hispanics.

Only 15 states actually have Medicaid that reimburses for language services. “So we need to change the system. We need to reimburse language services for providers, for hospitals, for clinics, for doctors offices,” Rios said.

“Language services could be helped by having more doctors or nurses, for example, from those countries that speak the languages that are needed here,” she said.

“There’s definitely a need for reimbursement at all levels but especially in the poor communities that don’t have top jobs or don’t have higher incomes. Most people don’t go to the doctor because they can’t pay for it and they don’t have insurance. So we continually need more prevention,” said Rios.

environment for foreign investors as he bared the business-related policies aimed at simplifying procedures and shortening processing periods to ensure ease of doing business in the Philippines.

Among the measures passed are the Retail Trade Liberalization Act amendments, the Foreign Investments Act, the Public Services Act amendments, and the Renewable Energy (RE) Act, which opened up sectors including air transport, telecommunications, shipping, retail, and renewable energy projects through foreign ownership.

“We have made our system of corporate taxation more businessfriendly with a lowered tax rate and improved mechanism for tax and incentives. We continue to seek ways to facilitate and expedite investments. We have recently established what we refer to as green lanes for strategic investments as a means to establish a whole-ofgovernment approach to facilitate at the highest level of government the critical investments necessary for the development and competitiveness of our economy,” President Marcos said. “Essentially what we refer to as green lanes are….since while we are waiting for the many more amendments, especially taxation, legislation, procurement, accounting all of these things that have to be modernized, we have created these green lanes to facilitate prospective investors in going through the… [inaudible]…process, going through the documentary requirements,” he added.

President Marcos joined a roundtable meeting with the Malaysian business leaders organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Kuala Lumpur during his three-day state visit to Malaysia.

Malaysian firm Farm Fresh Berhad, to make US$20M PH investment for cattle raising, milk production

Malaysian dairy company Farm Fresh Berhad is working with the Philippine government for

its planned investment of US$20 million for cattle breeding intended for milk production and is looking for 200 to 400 hectares of land available for lease.

In a meeting with the company officials in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed the idea of large-scale cattle raising in the Philippines for milk production.

“In the Philippines, when you talk about the livestock, we talk about [hog] and chicken, we don’t talk about cattle. Maybe it’s time to introduce it to the market,” the President told Farm Fresh executives.

“We are here to see what we can do to make the project successful,” the President added.

The company is currently looking for a viable area with a land requirement of 200 to 400 hectares contiguous farmland to lease to raise 2,000 milking cows.

Batangas and Laguna (specifically, the University of Philippines-Los Baños campus in Famy) are the target locations, according to its officials.

With US$20-million investment, Farm Fresh eyes to commence its operations by 2028 with an estimated employment of 200 local workers.

The company’s farm facility for milking cows is part of its new projects in the Philippines. It also has an ongoing construction of 6,000 sqm. dairy processing facility in San Simon, Pampanga, also intended for fresh milk production.

The US$5-million facility is slated to be operational this year, with an estimated employment of 50 local workers.

Farm Fresh’s investment will set up processing facilities for imported milk ingredients from Kyabram facility (Australia) and will focus on the chilled ready-to-drink market initially in Metro Manila.

A fully vertically integrated dairy producer operating across Malaysia and Australia, the company is currently in the process of registering with the Board of Investment (BOI).

Farm Fresh Milk Inc. is its Philippine subsidiary.

The company operates five dairy farms in Malaysia and one in

Australia and also maintains two processing facilities in Malaysia, and one in Australia.

With 10,309 dairy cows and bulls, Farm Fresh has so far sold 78.6 million litres of finished products.

PH, Malaysia renew vow to enhance trade, investment ties President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Wednesday their commitment to further elevate the trade and investment relations between Manila and Kuala Lumpur.

The two leaders renewed their plan to enhance the two nations’ trade and investment cooperation on the second day of Marcos’ state visit to Malaysia.

“We also agreed to enhance our trade and investment ties with each other,” Marcos said after his bilateral meeting with Anwar, emphasizing the importance of further cultivating the bonds and friendship between Manila and Kuala Lumpur.

Marcos said he and Anwar also agreed to resume the 8th Joint Commission Meeting, the two countries’ main bilateral consultative mechanism which will be hosted by Kuala Lumpur in October this year.

He said the resumption of the joint commission meeting would enable the two countries to explore synergies for future partnerships.

“We do this so that our government agencies will have an avenue to discuss priority cooperation in detail, most especially in the areas of transnational crimes, agriculture, halal industry, Islamic banking, education, tourism and culture, sports, and the digital economy,” Marcos said.

“We continue to work on the corresponding MOUs (memorandum of understanding) in these fields and will have them signed in the near future.”

Marcos said the two nations also sought closer coordination to assist the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in the development of halal industry, Islamic banking and food security.

Malaysia, he said, has made an offer to train the Philippines to strengthen its capabilities in improving the sectors that they plan to improve.

“It has been an important part of whatever success that we might enjoy today. And that has been a foothold, a further foothold for us to use to continue to develop and promote the relations between our two countries,” Marcos said.

Marcos said he and Anwar also reaffirmed their commitment to support the two nations’ activities within the context of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Brunei-IndonesiaMalaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

He said they agreed that they could explore multilateral lines to address present issues faced by and promote bilateral relations among ASEAN.

“This will be an important aspect to all the issues that ASEAN is presently facing and to all the issues that the member-states are presently worrying about,” he said.

Post-pandemic future

Prior to his bilateral meeting with Anwar, Marcos had a royal audience with Malaysia’s King Al-Sultan Abdullah and Queen Azizah.

Marcos said he discussed with the Malaysian King and Queen the

long-standing relations and strong economic linkages between the Philippines and Malaysia.

Marcos was accorded a state welcome ceremony, including a 21-gun salute, upon his arrival at Istana Negara (Malaysia’s National Palace).

He was personally welcomed by the King and Queen of Malaysia, as well as Ibrahim and his wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

During his meeting with the Malaysian King and Queen, Marcos stressed the need to examine and restrengthen the Philippines and Malaysia’s relationship as they gear toward post-pandemic recovery.

“It is time for us to really examine that relationship and restrengthen that relationship and that, for me, is the most important aspect of this visit that I have made to Kuala Lumpur, to Malaysia,” Marcos said.

“I believe that it is the way for us to refocus our efforts together to mutually beneficial initiatives for our two countries and to see how we can help one another as we face the post-pandemic future.”

Marcos said post-pandemic scenario is a very different road that

the two nations now face, compared to what they had to deal with before the pandemic.

He said the two countries’ memberships in ASEAN and the BIMP-EAGA still continue to strengthen their relationship as they come back and start to emerge from the difficult period in the last two and a half years of the pandemic.

He added the two countries must recreate and transform themselves to be competitive and be part of a new world order.

“We will play a very large part in that transformation. And that transformation is going to strengthen and made more stable by this partnership that we make with each other,” Marcos said.

“And so, it becomes more and more important for me that these partnerships we will foster on a cultural level and the people-topeople (diplomacy) now continue to be expanded and to gain stature in the way that we promote that relationship between our two countries.”

Marcos arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday afternoon for a state visit. (MNS)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. holds a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Philippines and Malaysia agreed on Wednesday to convene the next Philippines-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting to discuss priority cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, the two leaders announced in a press conference. (MNS photo)

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.

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