The Filipino Press: July 7-13, 2023

MANILA -- President Ferdinand

R. Marcos Jr. is very focused and hands-on in monitoring the progress of the administration’s flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing Program (4PH), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said Thursday.

“Nakita na po natin yung solusyon para sa kakulangan sa pabahay, at ang atin pong Pangulo ay nakatutok po rito… Almost every week naghahanap po ang PMS (Presidential Management Staff) kung ano na po ang nagagawa namin sa aming department lalo na sa pabahay, (We have already seen the solution to the housing problem, and our President is focused on this. Almost every week, the PMS has been asking our department for progress reports on the housing projects),” Acuzar said in a statement, referring to the regular reporting on the progress of 4PH to Malacañang to ensure its smooth implementation.

“Naniniwala po ang ating Presidente sa ating programa… dahil ito pong pabahay na ito ay diretso sa mahihirap ang tama. Sila po ang makikinabang dito – isang bagay na lagi pong hinahangad ng ating Pangulo (Our President believes in our housing program because it directly benefits the poor. The poor will be the ones to benefit from this

– which is always the goal of our President),” he said. He said another testament of Marcos’ focus and dedication to look after the welfare of homeless

Filipinos through the 4PH Program is his untiring efforts to inspect ongoing housing programs, and his presence in groundbreaking ceremonies across the country.

Last Monday, Marcos inspected the ongoing construction of the Crystal Peak Estates in Barangay Del Carmen, San Fernando, Pampanga which is enrolled under the flagship

4PH. The project is a 9.8-hectare multistory development to benefit more than 10,200 families in the public and private sector, including overseas

Filipino workers (OFWs) and personnel of the local government, Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“Ang site inspection na ito ay parte lamang ng proseso upang matiyak natin na maitayo ang mga Pambansang Pabahay para sa mga Pilipino (This site inspection is only part of the process for us to ensure that all Pambansang Pabahay for Filipinos will be built),” Marcos said in his speech.

The President initiated the first site inspection under 4PH in Marikina City October last year.

The President has also graced various Pambansang Pabahay events since its launching in September last year, including groundbreaking activities in Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Camarines Sur, Cebu and Quezon City.

So far, there are around 20 projects in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao that are now in various stages of ground activities and construction.

Marcos has also vowed to work for the issuance of an executive order that will mandate the use of government idle lands for housing.

He also urged Congress to prioritize the allocation of funds for Pambansang Pabahay, resulting in a significant increase in DHSUD’s

By Mark Hedin/eMS

California braces for a hot summer ahead. Extreme heat is on its way, but so is help.

As the summer season begins — with three-digit temperatures predicted for the Fourth of July holiday —the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is working to keep people safe through the wave of extreme heat.

At a June 29 press briefing hosted by California Black Media and Ethnic Media Services, Cal

OES and Listos California unveiled a package of safety guidelines prepared in expectation of climate extremes.

Alf LaMont, of LaMont Digital, presented a package of “Summer of Safety” graphics providing tips on keeping people ready for and safe during potential summer emergencies: wildfires, flooding, power outages and high temperatures. They’re printed in English, Spanish and more than a dozen other languages, and available at listoscalifornia.org.

No Sky July

“In California, we don’t actually

see a lot of our record all-time temperatures until late in the season,” National Weather Service meteorologist Brayden Murdock said, citing “June gloom, nosky July and ‘Fog-ust’ for a good portion of August.”

“Usually our strongest heat impacts wind up being more toward late August going into September,” he said. But high temperatures lead to low winds, he said, “so we don’t get that sea breeze that helps us cool down.”

“Think of it more as a marathon than an individual sprint.”

Hot, Dry Summer Ahead

And the end of 2023’s relatively cool temperatures so far, he said, will now bring increased snow melt in the Sierra. Already, the state has closed off some river stretches.

“Summers are becoming hotter and drier, and families are going to want to cool down in the water,” said Cal OES Assistant Director of Crisis Communications and Public Affairs, Diana Crofts-Pelayo. “But it is very dangerous right now. We have already seen too many people that have lost their lives. So do what you can to stay indoors to stay

cool!”

Cal OES is making mutual-aid arrangements between state and local fire agencies “on a huge push to train swift water rescue teams,” she said.

“So if you do head out on the water, many local teams will be out there, but we don’t want them to do those rescues! It’s very dangerous for them and for you.”

Tips for Summer Safety

Crofts-Pelayo cited five keys for people to focus on for summer safety:

Get alerts: calalerts.org.

Make a plan: “Have that conversation with your family to ensure that your little ones, your older ones, all know what they would do during an emergency. What emergency routes they would take, where to meet if separated.”

Pack a “go bag” in case you need to leave your home very quickly: important documents, medication, food, water, for instance.

Similarly, make a “stay box” in case you need to stay home. “It doesn’t have to be cost-prohibitive,” she said. “Think about it ahead of time and put everything together that would be necessary.”

And finally, Crofts-Pelayo said, “help others. This is a community movement.” She suggested sharing only official resources, but doing so via familiar networking channels: phone calls, social media posts and emails.

Joining Crofts-Pelayo, Murdock and LaMont at the briefing were three Listos California community partners who shared experiences from previous encounters with extreme weather conditions.

SAN DIEGO, CA -- United Way of San Diego County, 211 San Diego, and the San Diego County Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition are pleased to announce that through their collaborative efforts to provide free tax preparation services to the community, a total of $29,949,748 has been returned to San Diego County individuals and families so far this year through federal and state tax refunds.

The federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit helps low- to moderate-income individuals and families reduce the taxes they owe or increase their refund so they can put more money toward important expenses such as rent, utilities, and groceries. Taxpayers can also receive hundreds or even thousands of additional dollars back on their taxes with the state CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC).

Collaborative efforts to support the EITC Coalition

The collaborative work of the San Diego County EITC Coalition ensures San Diegans claim federal and state tax credits they earned, which is an important step toward addressing the economic inequality exacerbated by current inflation and high cost of living. This year, the Coalition completed a total of 43,464 tax returns, saving taxpayers $2.9 million in tax preparation fees which cost approximately $188 per return.

“United Way of San Diego County aims to make the greatest impact in our community by aligning with local partners to accomplish

a common goal,” says Nancy L. Sasaki, President and CEO, United Way of San Diego County. “The San Diego County EITC Coalition exemplifies this approach, bringing together diverse organizations from across the county to provide critical services to our community members that promote financial security and economic mobility, and enhance quality of life.”

“It's our responsibility, passion, and goal every year to educate and connect San Diegans to the credits they earn and deserve,” says William York, President & CEO, 211 San Diego. “We are grateful for the support of all the Coalition partners for their collaborative efforts to help local families in helping to bring awareness and encourage access to this critical anti-poverty program.”

Community outreach and education initiatives boost success of tax season While talks of cutting government

funding for tax education persist, the San Diego County EITC Coalition credits the success of the most recent tax season to broad community outreach and education efforts made possible through the collaboration of its 38 Coalition partner organizations. The collective education and outreach of these partners helped build public awareness and trust with individuals and families unfamiliar with the free services offered, including those filing with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).

Additionally, this year, materials were offered in 15 different languages to best support Coalition partners with the hard-to-reach populations they serve. Nearly a third of program participants reported having heard of the program first through Coalition outreach efforts. In fact, 211 San Diego reported a 15 percent increase in new tax filers compared to last

Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspects a housing project under the Pambansang Pabahay sa Pilipino program in San Fernando, Pampanga

Perfection | Good

By FRANCINE m AIgu E

A friend reminded me recently that perfection can be the enemy of good, meaning that wanting to do something "just right" can paralyze us from doing anything at all...and that achieving "excellence with room for improvement" while pursuing our goals can be as fulfilling as the everelusive state of flawlessness.

My friend and I happened to be discussing a community project at the time--our minds swirling with innovative ideas and fresh practices to resolve long-standing challenges--but throughout the week, I found myself applying the concept to a mile-wide range of situations.

"Perfection can be the enemy of good."

There is always time for growth, time to learn. In my heart of hearts, I've always believed that a time of evolution (of patience and will and change) was a worthy investment.

Fear of failure, I've found, can often be extinguished with the sobering thought that "failure" (like achievement) is relative, subjective, and (too often) ill-induced by others, by our own insecurities, by jealousy, by skewed standards, by too narrow of perspectives.

If we want to make a change, we have to make a start.

As one, who is big on taking calculated risks and exhausting all options in an effort to make the best decisions possible, I often wrestle with appreciating my good attempts with living up to high expectations... but, like I said, it can be paralyzing.

If my handwriting is a bit sloppy when I begin to write even the most basic (you'll throw it away by the end of the day if not sooner) "to do" list, I'll tear the page out and start again.

If I envision a theater production I want to stage but wonder if I have adequate time in my schedule to do it right the first time, I step away from the project completely.

If I consider taking a new class at the gym, I wonder if someone will recognize me--a former Miss Philippines, dance champion, and coach known for athleticism--and judge me as I catch my breath and simply "step touch" 5 minutes into body combat because I'm no longer in the shape I once was...

Sometimes, I wait to do things until the last minute because I want to be in the "perfect frame of mind," as if I can line up the stars and conjure up the right momentum for success.

It's a bit silly, right? ...but it turns out that I'm not alone in these fears and often whacky self-talk.

Many of my high-achieving friends, some of the brightest, most talented, most successful people I know, also admit to inhibiting themselves with what can be a dangerous pursuit of perfection...even in the smallest of tasks.

There's always something at stake, when we embark on any new journey. (It really shouldn't be our pride.) I know this...and when we know better, we ought to do better, right? I'm not particularly shy, easily embarrassed, nor usually concerned with the opinions of others...so how I could

I have let a perfectionist's mindset paralyze me? I made it a habit...and now I've got to remind myself to temper my pursuit of perfection with a genuine acceptance of good. When you're juggling a million things, you've just got to come to terms with the fact there are some things you will do better, accomplish faster, do well on the first try (but maybe not the second), and have come to you more naturally than others.

I understand that the same mindset that has served me well in my education, relationships, and career (overachiever's mentality) can also "do me in" and serve as one's demise, if not managed properly and assessed from time to time.

Is it wrong to want to do your best and fulfill your greatest potential?

Certainly not. My point is that the perfect moment to strive for your idea of perfection is now, and perfection can be a (life-long) marathon that takes endurance, tenacity, and patience...But if we succomb to the weight of perfection and all its related pressures, we'll paralyze ourselves from the beginning and never get to our desired goal/destination/ happiness.

So, let's jump in, my pampered friends! Whatever the goal...perfection can very well be cumulative...a series of perfectly good attempts along a long journey.

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!

PBBM to

MANILA -- President Ferdinand

R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday vowed to go after smugglers and hoarders, saying he will not allow their illegal activities to continue because they make the lives of ordinary Filipino miserable.

Recognizing the detrimental impact of onion smuggling on the country’s agricultural sector, Filipino farmers, as well as the national economy, President Marcos directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct a thorough investigation in response to the issue of onion smuggling in the country.

“’Yun ang aming…direksyon dito sa pag-imbestiga na ito. Kaya’t hindi natin basta’t pababayaan ito dahil may ginugutom na Pilipino. May namamatay from starvation and poverty (na) Pilipino dahil sa kanilang ginagawa,” President Marcos said in a media interview after he attended the Livestock Philippines Expo 2023 in Pasay City.

“Hindi maaari nilang ituloy ‘yung kanilang ginagawa. Tama na ‘yan at titigilin na natin ‘yung kanilang masasayang ginagawa dati.”

The President said he has not imposed a deadline on the DOJ and NBI inquiry but wants the agencies to finish it soon and come up with a well-established investigation result.

According to President Marcos, there’s a clear onion hoarding controlled by syndicates, noting he wants a wide-ranging investigation to include other commodities.

“Ngunit ang utos ko sa DOJ at saka sa NBI, sa kanila ay kailangan malaman ninyo na hindi lamang sa sibuyas, kung hindi pa ‘yung mga sindikato, marami talagang sindikato, na nag-o-operate pa para habulin na natin, matigil ‘yung kanilang ginagawa,” he said, stressing such illicit activity amounts to economic sabotage.

The DOJ said it would collaborate with other government agencies, including the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and other agencies to address the issue.

The department’s investigation encompasses violations of Republic Act No. 10845, also known as the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016, which specifically targets the illegal importation of agricultural products, including onions.

In addition, DOJ said it is also pursuing other offenses such as profiteering, hoarding, and smuggling, which are recognized as acts of economic sabotage.

Aside from conducting investigative and prosecutory work, DOJ said it is also enhancing the regulatory framework and is working to strengthen border controls to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

PBBM: Continuous consolidation of agricultural value chain elements to further bring down inflation President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday that the continuous consolidation of all the elements in the value and supply chain is key to further bringing down the inflation rate in the country.

In a media interview after attending the opening of the 6th edition of the Livestock Philippines 2023 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, President Marcos cited the importance of consolidating all the components of the value chain to

sustain economic growth.

The chief executive also noted that one of the biggest contributors to the headline inflation rate is agricultural commodities.

“Talagang nagtaasan ‘yan noong Enero, Pebrero, ay agricultural products ay isang napakalaking bahagi nung ating inflation rate.

Kaya naman itong mga ganitong klaseng mga komperensiya, ganitong klaseng pagsasama.. to exchange ideas na ginagawa ngayon, ito ay mahalaga dahil we are helping the agricultural (sector) — the producers of agricultural commodities to lower the price, make more efficient all their production, and also to take full advantage of the new technologies,” the President said.

“Nakita naman natin ‘yung nandoon ‘yung mga nakadisplay. Hindi lamang ‘yung mga makinarya. Hindi lamang ‘yung mga infrastructure, kung hindi pati na ‘yung mga breeding…paano ‘yung mga pag-consolidate. All of these are what we are trying to put together,” he added.

The President also pointed out that his administration has managed to stabilize the prices of sugar in the market with a clear schedule of importation.

“Like for sugar, for example, was a very, very high component of our inflation rate. Now, we have been able to stabilize the price of sugar by making a very clear schedule of importation, making a very clear schedule of assignment of the importation and where it goes to industrial (use), if it goes to food,” he said.

“This is a kind of thing that is helping bring down the inflation rate. That’s why, doing this, improving the technologies, helping our farmers at both ends of that value chain, there is an advantage because the farmers will make more money because they’re spending less because they are more efficient,” added the President, who also serves as Agriculture chief.

Coupled with these strategies, President Marcos reiterated that his administration will try to bring down prices of agricultural products by ramping up production and making it more efficient.

“And again, the value chain that I’m always talking about, ad infinitum already but it’s really the answer,” the President quipped.

Based on the figures released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the headline inflation rate further slowed to 5.4 percent in June 2023 from 6.1 percent in May 2023 as food and non-food inflation continued decelerating.

Core inflation also declined to 7.4 percent from 7.7 percent last month. The month-on-month seasonally adjusted inflation eased to 0.1 percent (from 0.3 percent in May).

The PSA also said that food inflation declined to 6.7 percent in June 2023 from 7.5 percent in the previous month due to slower inflation of meat (0.3% from 3.2%), eggs and dairy products (11.2% from 12.1%), bread and other cereals (11.0% from 11.4%), and sugar (28.9% from 31.6%).

Meat inflation decelerated as beef (4.4% from 5.3%) registered lower inflation, while chicken (-0.9% from 5.9%) and pork (-2.6% from -1.0%) recorded a deflation.

“The continuous arrival of pork

imports, through Executive Order 10, s. 2022, enhanced local supply while the African swine fever situation in the country continues to improve,” the PSA noted.

The PSA said non-food inflation, on the other hand, decelerated to 4.1 percent in June 2023 from 5.0 percent in May amid slower inflation of housing rentals (5.6% from 5.7%), electricity, gas and other fuels (5.2% from 7.1%) and further deflation in private transport (-23.2% from -18.4%) as inflation of diesel (-32.7% from -27.6%), gasoline (-24.0% from -18.5%), liquified petroleum gas (-20.2 from -19.2%) continued to decline.

“Similarly, passenger transport services decreased (11.2% from 12.4%), as inflation of road (11.4% from 12.8%) and air (24.6% from 24.9%) transport moderated, with the former owing to base effects. Meanwhile, the inflation of accommodation and food services slightly eased (8.2% from 8.3%),” it said.

In a memorandum for the President, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said that during the 2nd Inter-Agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook (IAC-IMO) Meeting of the Sub-Committee on Food Inflation, the subcommittee provided recommendations to augment local supply.

Among these included the issuance of a policy on the automatic approval of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) for onion when concerned agencies fail to act within a prescribed period, which is similar to the rules being imposed on rice under the Rice Tariffication Law.

The subcommittee also recommended the issuance of a sugar order, authorizing the importation of an additional 100,000 metric tons (MT) of refined sugar such that the imports should arrive by the third quarter of this year and the import program should be open to industrial users and consumers of refined sugar that are duly registered with the Sugar Regulatory Administration as international sugar traders.

The Sub-Committee on NonFood Inflation is scheduled to meet within the week to discuss measures to address non-food inflation.

Streamlined processes for telco, internet infrastructure OK’d President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the streamlining of processes for the construction of telecommunications and internet infrastructure to ensure the continued development of the country’s digital infrastructure.

Under Executive Order (EO) 32 issued on Tuesday, Marcos stressed the need to institutionalize a set of streamlined guidelines for the issuance of permits, licenses and certificates for the construction of telecommunications and Internet infrastructures.

EO 32 covers all national government agencies (NGAs) and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, as well as local government units (LGUs) involved in the issuance of permits, licenses, clearances, certifications and authorizations.

“No other national or local

MANILA -- The Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Wednesday defended the utilization of P125 million worth of confidential expenses in 2022, saying that it was used “appropriately” for its intended purpose.

The OVP issued the statement after the Commission on Audit (COA), in its 2022 Annual Audit Report, disclosed that the OVP had P125 million confidential expenses last year despite not having an appropriation for intelligence or confidential funds under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2022.

“The Confidential Fund has been utilized appropriately for its intended purpose and in accordance with the guidelines set by the national government,” the OVP said.

The OVP, under the leadership of Vice President Sara Duterte, has P500 million confidential funds in the 2023 national budget.

Based on the “Summary of Appropriations, Allotments, Obligations, Disbursements and Balances by Object of Expenditures,” a copy of which is available on the OVP website, the confidential expenses were tapped from the OVP’s contingent fund under the Special Purpose Funds.

The P125 million confidential expenses were also reportedly disbursed in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Assistance At the same time, the OVP answered questions on lower spending of financial assistance to sectors, saying it was due to the lower budget under the 2022 GAA.

“The decrease in the amount of Financial Assistance/Subsidy from Fiscal Year 2021 to Fiscal Year 2022 was due to a lower amount of budget/appropriation under the 2022 General Appropriations Act, in view of the anticipated election ban and transition in 2022,” it explained.

COA, in its report, bared that the OVP transferred P30.5 million to various hospitals for medical aid, a figure 81% lower than the P167 million spent by OVP for the same purpose in 2021.

The OVP also posted decreased spending in medical/burial assistance in 2022 at P304.67 million, which is lower than the P327 million spent in 2021 for the same purpose.

It, however, increased spending on sustainable livelihood and subsidy on training assistance in 2022 at P20 million, up from P7.43 million in 2021.

It also spent a larger amount for educational assistance at P936,121 which is a huge increase from P35,000 in 2021.

COA earlier flagged the OVP for the P668,197 worth of purchases for its satellite offices, which it said were non-compliant with the Procurement Law or Republic Act 9184.

The OVP, for its part, said Tuesday that this amount of procurement had passed COA's audit.

PH to launch e-Visa for foreign visitors by end of 2023

The Philippines will launch the e-Visa system for foreign travelers within the third quarter of 2023,

the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Wednesday.

In a press conference, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jesus Domingo said the e-Visa will allow foreign nationals to apply for appropriate Philippine visas online.

“This will make the visa application process easier, faster, more efficient, and convenient for foreign nationals who wish to visit the Philippines for leisure and business purposes,” he said.

The Philippine e-Visa system is currently being developed by the DFA in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz, in the same presser, expressed hopes this initiative would attract more Chinese tourists and students to the Philippines.

Citing Embassy observations, he said the expected revenge travel in China is “mainly confined to domestic travel.”

“The outbound travel is modest and I think we're getting a good share of that. But reality is that the Chinese are not yet traveling out of China with full force as they used to,” he said.

“Anecdotally, when I traveled in the airport two days ago, the International Airport of Beijing was probably 20 percent it's normal traffic,” he added.

While the number of Chinese tourists has yet to reach prepandemic levels, the DFA noted that the demand to secure visas to the Philippines is still there.

In fact, the foreign service posts in China had been operating beyond its full capacity to process and issue visas to Chinese travelers, Domingo said.

Prior to the pandemic, China ranked as the second country with the most number of visitors to the Philippines at over 1.7 million visitors in 2019 next to South Korea. SC junks motion for reconsideration on JMSU with China, Vietnam

The Supreme Court (SC) has denied with finality the motion for reconsideration and upheld its decision last January declaring the Tripartite Agreement for Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) among the China National Oil Corporation (CNOOC), the Vietnam Oil and Gas Corporation (Petrovietnam) and the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) unconstitutional.

The scuttled deal would have covered an area at the South China Sea covering 142,856 square meters.

In a statement Wednesday, the high court said it has resolved to deny the motion for reconsideration filed in the case, saying it is "merely repleaded the issues raised..which the court already passed upon".

The original decision dated Jan. 10, 2023 had declared the JMSU unconstitutional for allowing wholly owned foreign corporations to participate in the exploration of the country's natural resources without observing constitutional safeguards.

The court said that to be valid, the JMSU must be executed and implemented directly by the state, through co-production, joint venture or production sharing

agreements with Filipino citizens or qualified corporation, through small scale utilization by natural resources or through agreements entered into with foreign-owned corporations involving technical or financial assistance for large scale exploration, development and ulitization of minerals.

The JMSU in question does not fall into the said modes, the court said, since it involves foreign corporations noting that the state would lose full control and supervision under the JMSU.

More augmentation sources eyed as Angat Dam water level dips

The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) is coordinating with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to strengthen supply augmentation measures as Angat dam nears its critical level of 180 meters.

During the Laging Handa public briefing on Wednesday, NWRB executive director Dr. Sevillo David Jr. said the water agencies are looking at boosting the operations of water treatment facilities and deep wells as alternative sources to Angat Dam to augment water supply.

"At sa ngayon po, ang isa po nating tinitingnan din dito, ano iyong puwedeng mapagkunan ng tubig, huwag po sa Angat Dam lang (Currently, one of the things that we are looking at are alternative sources to Angat Dam)," David said.

Angat Dam provides 97 percent of Metro Manila’s water supply. The water level in the dam hit 181.22 meters as of July 5.

David, however, said there is no adjustment made yet for the water allocation but possible changes could be made once the water elevation at the dam dips below the critical 180-meter mark, particularly cuts in the allocation for irrigation and power supply generation.

David said the priority would be to ensure continuous water supply for domestic use of Metro Manila residents.

"Kapag bumaba po iyong level ng dam, ang epekto po nito ay mababawasan po iyong kapasidad ng mga dams natin na makagenerate po ng power lalo po kapag bumaba po iyong mga releases para po sa irigasyon (If the water level of the dam drops, the effect would be the reduction in the capacity of dams to generate power, as well as the reduction of releases for irrigation)," he said.

David said he is expecting the months of July to September, which are considered the peak of southwest monsoon or habagat season, to replenish the supply in Angat Dam.

The NWRB implemented a two cubic meters per second (cms) cut in the water allocation for Maynilad and Manila Water for July.

According to NWRB, the 50 cms allocation comes as a concerted effort to minimize water interruptions while MWSS continues its raw water recovery from its pipeline and conveyance system repairs, utilization of their water treatment plants, and ensure water availability for El Niño.

Gas aggregation key to stable power supply - PBBM

PRE-SONA. The Manila Police District-Civil Disturbance Management is deep in preparations at the Quirino Grandstand grounds in Manila on Tuesday (July 4, 2023). The unit is anticipating mass actions and rallies leading to the second State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on July 24. (MNS photo)

smugglers, hoarders: ‘Your days are numbered

OVP says P125-M confidential expenses in 2022 ‘utilized appropriately’

SAN DIEGO, CA -- The phenomenon of foreign fighters, in which volunteers leave their homes and intervene in a clash taking place in an overseas location, is hardly new. Today, many non-Ukranians want to fight for Ukraine variously for ideological, personal or political reasons.

After Russia launched its largescale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022; many countries quickly responded by imposing sanctions on Russia and by sending weapons to help Ukraine defend itself.

But so far, the US and its NATO allies have said they will not send troops.

Nonetheless, many nonUkrainians want to fight for a variety of reasons, as I have indicated above whether ideological, personal or political.

To take advantage of that support, Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky has set up the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine for those who wish to volunteer –including American citizens.

While this particular effort may be new, the concept of a foreign legion – a military force comprised of volunteers from foreign countries – is more than 190 years old.

The “Legion ‘etrangere,” or French Foreign Legion, is perhaps the world’s most well known – and infamous – foreign legion.

When it was created in 1831, its primary role was to fight France’s colonial wars. Since its formation, legionnaires born in more than 140 countries have fought under the French flag in a variety of conflicts throughout Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia. In recent years, the French Foreign Legion has deployed to Afghanistan and the Sahel regions of Africa.

Given their linage as an expeditionary force, legionaries are often among the first French troops sent into a dangerous environment. Yet each year, volunteers still travel to France in hopes of enlisting.

For some would-be legionnaires, it’s about joining a particular conflict. For instance, before the US formally entered World War I, many Americans volunteered to become legionnaires to fight alongside the Allies.

In many countries, including the US, citizens who swear an oath of allegiance to a foreign power risk having their citizenship stripped.

The French Foreign Legion sidesteps this by requiring that legionnaires take a vow of fidelity to the Legion itself – not to the country of France.

For others, joining the French Foreign Legion is about starting a new life. A legionnaire can apply to become a French citizen after only three years of service. Additionally, anyone wounded in action is “Francais par lee sang verse,” or “French by spilled blood,” and can immediately apply for French citizenship.

Legionnaires who are retired or on leave from active duty can find lodging and purpose tending to grape fields and making wine at the Legion’s own picturesque Provencal chateau.

There is, however, a dark side to what may look like romantic escapism. For one, the French Foreign Legion has often acted as a vehicle for colonial conquest and occupation.

This was famously on full display in “The Battle of Algiers,” an evocative film about Algeria’s fight for independence and France’s efforts to suppress that struggle.

Without question, many countries have taken a page from France’s playbook by allowing foreigners to serve in their armed forces. Surely, foreign fighters have played significant roles in many other conflicts. During the American Revolution, several foreign military officers, including Tadeusz Kosciuszko, Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben and the Marquis de Lafayette, made vital contributions to the struggle for independence.

Throughout the Russian Revolution, professional nonRussian troops brought valuable military expertise to the nascent Red Army.

Similarly, during Israel’s War of Independence, World War II veterans proved so indispensable that former Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion called them “the Diaspora’s most important contribution to the survival

of the State.”

Some countries don’t have a separate foreign legion, but nonetheless allow some foreigners to enlist. For instance, citizens of the European Union can join the Irish Defense Forces.

Subjects of the Commonwealth, most of which is former parts of the British Empire, can join the British Army. And natives of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau can join the US military, along with foreign nationals who possess a green card.

As in France, serving in a foreign military can often help accelerate the naturalization process. Noncitizen US service members, for example, can apply to become a citizen after just one year on the job.

Moving closer to home, so to speak – Did you, my dear folks know that Spain recruited foreign soldiers to its army, forming the Foreign Regiments (“Infanteria de linea extranjera”) – such as the Regiment of Hibernia (formed in 1709 from Irishmen who fled their own country in the wake of the “Flight of the Earls” and the penal laws).

However, little is known about the fact that most of Spain’s Foreign Legionaries’ were Filipinos…yes, our very own fellow “kababayans” from our beloved old homeland?

In the mid half of the 19th century, Spain’s expeditions to Morocco as well in the Canaries were mostly aided by Filipino soldiers that served in His Royal Spanish Majesty’s Guardia Civil.

Filipinos joined the ranks of Spanish cavalry in overrunning forts; Filipino troopers being sent to subdue Islamic separatists in Morocco. Even in Cuba, most of the Spanish Army that was stationed in Cuba, there were battalions that were composed of Filipino fighters and officers that served in the Royal Guardia Civil. Yes, even in the Peninsular War (2 May 1808 – 17 April 1814) thousands of Filipino soldiers were conscripted into the Spanish Army to support operations.

FYI: The Peninsular War was the military conflict fought in the Iberian Peninsula by Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom against the invading and occupying forces of the First French Empire during the Napoleonic Wars in Spain. It is considered to overlap with the Spanish War of Independence.

So loyal were the Filipinos to the Spaniards that a general of the Spanish Army once opined to the Spanish King, “Your Majesty, the retention of the colonies is due to the feasibility of the Filipino soldier. 100 Filipino soldiers of the Guardia civil under the command of a Spanish officer is equivalent to any other foreign forces.” Out of Spain’s many colonies, only the Philippines remained faithful to Spain the longest - ultimately, for 400 years, a half millennia. One historian declared that the Filipino soldier was the bravest of all subjects of the King of Spain at a time when the Spanish empire was at its height.

A Spanish friar named Father Delgado and responding to criticism being labeled against the Indio stated: “On the contrary, it must be said that the Indians are those who defend us from our enemies; for, in the presidios, who are the soldiers, who sail in the war fleets, who are in the vanguard in war? Could the Spaniards, per chance, maintain themselves alone in the country, if the Indians did not help in everything?”

The native Filipinos were then called Indians by the Spaniards and they also called them according to their tribes or regions.

The records of the Spaniards were full of the daring exploits of Filipino soldiers. In a letter by one Juan Grau y Monfalcon, he wrote these of the Filipinos: “Those Indians, mingled with Spaniards, serve as soldiers in war, and have proved excellent therein. Especially are the Pampanga’s valiant soldiers, who have performed and are daily, performing valiant exploits at the side of the Spanish? They were at the taking of Ternate and whenever occasion offers; they with other companies come to guard the city of Manila.”

When the British invaded Manila (1762 – 1764) they encountered stirring resistance from the Filipino defenders. Here is what the commander of the land forces of the British expedition, General

mercenaries to fight its own enemies, but yet foreigners did serve under the Philippine flag during the revolts against the Spanish and the United States. One would be surprised to hear how the “Katipunan” (officially known as the Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan or Kataastaasan Kagalang-galang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Byaan was a Philippine revolutionary society founded by anti-Spanish colonialist Filipinos in Manila in 1892) had renegade Spanish officers serving under its banner, or how a Spanish officer was part of Aguinaldo’s entourage, or how we had a black American war hero who saved the lives of dozens of Filipinos.

As I have it known earlier above,

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

forces surrendered. In 1900 he was knighted by the Queen of Spain and later went on to become one of the founding founders of Spain’s Federal Party.

Another foreigner who served with distinction in the ranks of the Filipino revolutionary forces was a Chinese named Jose Ignacio Paua. A gunsmith and a martial arts expert, he joined the revolution at the very beginning in 1896. Being a gunsmith, he was responsible for putting up one of the first Filipino weapon factories in Imus, Cavite to supply the forces of the revolution. The factory employed Chinese gunsmiths and was overseen by Paua himself. This weapons factory produced and repaired all sorts of firearms for Aguinaldo and his men, ranging from “paltiks” and “lantakas” to Spanish Mausers and European field guns. He was later called to serve the revolutionaries in battle, against the forces of the Spanish Governor General Ramon Blanco. It did not matter to Paua that the enemy had rifles and all he and his men had were bolos – he charged them and reportedly “fought like a wild cat” and achieved a heroic victory. Despite the Governor General’s superior arms and numbers, the Spaniards were forced to retreat back to Manila in shame.

After fighting the Spanish, Paua fought the Americans as well. His Tagalog regiment was well known for its Chinese-style martial arts training and struck fear in the hearts of the Americans whenever they encountered it. After the war, Paua retired peacefully in Albay and was once elected mayor of a town called Manito in that province. He died of cancer in 1926.

to captain. He fought at least eight battles against his fellow Americans, and was known for his guerilla-style method of fighting. When Aguinaldo surrendered, Fagan did not follow the example of the other Filipino officers who surrendered along with him, but instead went into hiding. The United States colonial government put a $600 price on his head and labeled him a “bandito,” offering the reward for anyone who captured him dead or alive. One day, a Tagalog hunter approached American authorities with a sack containing the severed head of a “Negro” and some personal items – some weapons and clothing, a pair of field glasses, Fagan’s commission and a West Point class ring of one of Fagan’s former captives. However, when the head was shown to his officers at the 24th Infantry Regiment, it was deemed to be too small, and they further added that it could be that of an indigenous Aeta. Some say that Fagan faked his death and lived up in the mountains with his Filipina wife until the war’s end.

Incidentally, during the FilipinoAmerican War in the Philippines, it is recorded that fifteen US Army soldiers – six of them Black – defected to Aguinaldo and the Filipinos – truly “a conflict of conscience” for African Americans even then.

Draper wrote in his journal: “Had the skill and weapons been equal to their strength and ferocity, it might have cost us dear. Although armed chiefly with bows, arrows and lances, they advanced up to the very muzzles of our pieces, repeated their assaults, and died like wild beasts, gnawing the bayonets.”

Because of their dependence on Filipino soldiers, some Spaniards worried about the possibility of revolt. Bernardino Maldanado in his report to the king warns of this danger: “They are a people of great boldness only needing a leader whom they would recognize, and they are so many in number that it is a matter that must be feared considerably, and one of which your Majesty orders us to be fearful and watchful..”

One of the finest compliments to the Filipino as a soldier might be the following Spanish saying regarding the people of Pampanga province: “One Spaniard and nine Pampanguenos is more than a match for ten men from any nation.”

Moving on, I say great armies have always relied on soldiers of fortune to bolster their numbers ever since the very first battle in recorded history (the Egyptians hired Numidian mercenaries), and sometimes even foreign officers and generals would offer their services to aid armies who fought for causes they thought were just, such as General Horatio Gates – a British officer who served in the Colonial Army of the United States fighting against his own countrymen for a principle that he believed in –the independence of the colonies.

Now, I know our beloved old homeland the Philippines could never aspire to hire foreign

before the Philippine revolts of the late 19th century, Filipino warriors were being used by Spain to fight its wars all over the world – against the Dutch, at odds with the Cubans, and even in opposition to Napoleon when he came to invade Spain. The Filipinos had earned a reputation as Spain’s bravest soldiers and the Philippines was said to be Spain’s “most loyal colony.” The seemingly indomitable Filipino spirit earned the admiration of many Spanish officers commanding Philippine regiments, and some even defected over to the side of the Katipunan when the revolution came about.

History speaks of a certain Colonel Manuel Bernal Sityar, a Spanish mestizo who had originally been in the Guardia Civil. He was the son of an Indio mother and a Spanish duke who served as a commodore in Spain’s royal navy. Sityar was the first person to suspect the existence of a revolutionary movement in the Philippines. He reported to the Governor General of Manila that certain men were signing documents in their own blood and joining an organization whose purpose was yet unknown. The authorities in Manila, probably dismissing this as some sort of a cult, ignored Sityar’s warning. Two months later, the newly-formed Katipunan attacked the Spanish armory and the first shots of the revolution were heard. Two years later, he declared, “I have served the country of my father with blood. Now I will serve the country of my mother with blood” and joined General Emilio Aguinaldo’s army. He served as part of Aguinaldo’s entourage until the revolutionary

One of the stranger foreign nationals who fought for the cause of the Filipino was a man named David Fagan of the United States 24th Infantry Regiment. Now, in this day and age, an American fighting alongside a Filipino wouldn’t be much of a shock – but in those days, the United States and the Philippines were at war. Now, you have to understand that the 24th Infantry Regiment was a “colored regiment” led by white officers, and Corporal Fagan was a black man. Being a black man, he was the subject of racism in his unit and frequently had quarrels with his officers. And just like blacks, the Filipinos were being called a bunch of “niggers,” “black devils,” “jungle bunnies,” “ladrones” (Spanish for thieves) and “gugus” by the white Americans. One day Fagan decided he wasn’t going to take any more of that stuff from his officers and decided to seek out a Filipino revolutionary officer and defected. He found General Jose Alejandrino, the commanding officer of a Filipino regiment that had suffered defeat after defeat at the hands of the Americans. Fagan gladly joined up and was soon promoted from corporal straight up

Interestingly, there were also Japanese military officers who aided the Filipinos in their struggle for independence. The leader of the Japanese volunteers in the Philippine-American War – Capt. Tei Hara –loaded arms and ammunition for the Filipinos but this shipment was lost in a shipwreck off the China coast on July 21, 1899. Japanese Imperial Army Capt. Chizuno Iwamoto served as a staff officer of Aguinaldo but returned to Japan after the fall of the Malolos Republic now officially known as the First Philippine Republic.

It’s quite sad that these conscientious and courageous foreigners who have given their labor and even shed their blood on behalf of the then fledgling Philippine nation are not recognized in mainstream history classes and that their names will probably be lost forever to antiquity, so this column’s edition is dedicated to those magnificent men who truly believed that the Filipino was worth dying for.

Finally, I say it would be genuinely premature and highly risky to dismiss the importance of foreign fighters’ altogether. Their significance has never been simply a function of their numbers and clearly cannot be measured only in terms of the capabilities gained by introducing them into an arena. Their impact is often indirect and includes political, social and psychological elements that are not easily measurable. No doubt about it, policy makers will underestimate them at their own peril. Mabuhay!

BRIDEGROOMS OF DEATH: FIGHTING FILIPINOS IN THE SPANISH FOREIGN LEGION AND AS SUCH WARRIORS IN THE PHILIPINES WHO ARE CONSIDERED AS ITS VERY OWN “FOREIGN LEGION”

The Japanese military attache to the Philippines (center in black) poses with US Army officers in a photo taken in Manila circa 1898

Col. Manuel Bernal Sityar, a Spanish mestizo was originally part of the Royal Armed Forces of Spain and defected to Aguinaldo's army during the struggle for Philippine independence

Jose Ignacio Paua was a ChineseFilipino general who joined the Katipunan, a secret society that spearheaded the 1896 Philippine Revolution against the Spanish Empire

David Fagen was an African American soldier who was part of the American armed forces before he defected to Aguinaldo's Filipino army

ASK NAPCA

Senior Assistance Center has received several calls regarding Medicaid Redetermination. We want to share some of the questions in this month’s column. If you have additional questions on Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, Social Security Retirement Benefit, Supplemental Security Income, or COVID/Flu vaccination, there are 3 ways you can reach us today.

Call our Senior Assistance Center at: (English) 1-800-336-2722, Email: askNAPCA@napca.org

Mail: NAPCA Senior Assistance Center, 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101

1. What does Medicaid Redetermination mean?

Prior to the pandemic, states were required to renew coverage for people with Medicaid coverage at least once a year and to disenroll individuals who no longer qualified for coverage. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress acted to ensure Americans did not lose access to

critical health care by preventing states from terminating a person’s Medicaid coverage, even if they no longer qualified. Now that the PHE (public health emergency) has ended, federal law requires states to restart regular Medicaid renewals. This means that over the next 12 months, everyone with health care coverage through Medicaid will renew their coverage.

2. What do I need to do for Medicaid Redetermination?

For people with Medicaid coverage:

• UPDATE your contact information with your state Medicaid agency.

• RESPOND to the Medicaid renewal form when it arrives to keep your coverage.

• CONSIDER OTHER COVERAGE OPTIONS: If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, check if you can get coverage through your employer, through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace at HealthCare.gov, or through Medicare.

3. What do I do if I lose Medicaid coverage though the Redetermination process?

If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, you can transition to another form of health coverage, such as the Affordable Care Act

Marketplace, employer-sponsored coverage, or Medicare. You can reapply for Medicaid to find if you still qualify. Some options open their own Special Enrollment Period and Signup timeframe window. Please contact us if you have any questions about the SEP.

4. I am currently enrolled in Medicaid in CA. Recently I got a part-time job, and I am worried that I may lose my Medicaid coverage after the Medicaid Redetermination process. What is the threshold for Medicaid in CA?

Medicaid is a State run program for certain people with limited income and assets. It means each state has its own eligibility. In the

case of CA, you are still eligible for Medicaid, if you are single and your income is below $1,677 per month, or • if you are a married couple and your household income is below $2,268 per month.

If you are 65 or older, you have an asset limit as well that is $130,000 for single or $195,000 for couple.

Please contact us to get the information about Medicaid eligibility or contact your local Medicaid office to check your Medicaid eligibility in the state where you live.

National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of AANHPI older adults and their families. We operate a NAPCA Senior Assistance Center for Older Adults and Caregivers and is available in 5 different languages.

Help Wanted / For Rent / For Sale

TAX CREDIT

Continued from page 1

year.

Tax returns provide much-needed financial boost in wake of economic fallout

The personal impact of the Coalition's services can be heard in the testimonials of grateful clients.

“This was my first time filing my taxes, and I was super satisfied with the service and results. Carmen, a program manager with Dreams for Change, was really helpful and friendly. She hooked me up with additional resources that I'm looking forward to following through with,” said one client. “My tax return money will help me purchase my first car. I can save what's left over for an apartment down payment and build up from there.”

Another client shared, “This refund means more money toward my savings and emergency fund,” while yet another expressed, “It means taking a step toward being a responsible citizen of the USA.”

These stories illustrate how the tax returns provide a financial boost for necessities such as food, transportation, bills, and more— especially in the wake of the economic fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tax deadlines have been extended for California residents through October 16, 2023, and San Diego County taxpayers can still call 2-11 for free tax filing assistance, based on eligibility. Eligible individuals and families in San Diego County earning $60,000 or less annually qualify for free tax filing assistance with an IRS-certified tax preparer at select

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites through the October deadline.

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY

For over 100 years, United Way of San Diego County has remained devoted to its mission of sparking breakthrough community action that elevates every child, individual, and family toward a brighter future. Today, in partnership with local organizations, leaders, and community members, UWSD uses innovation, leveraged resources, and community-based strategy to resolve inequities and transform lives.

United Way of San Diego County is passionately committed to addressing institutional disparities through the implementation of economic and educational initiatives.

Supporting United Way of San Diego County means investing in children's success from an early age and providing holistic family economic support so that all San Diegans can thrive. The nonprofit’s current programs focus on education and literacy support for early learners, college and career pathways for high school students, and tax assistance initiatives that enhance economic mobility for individuals and families.

United Way of San Diego County believes that together, we can face critical challenges and build a stronger, more equitable community. United with community partners, UWSD cultivates a collective passion for deep systemic change, and impacts the lives of San Diegans county-wide.

Learn more and get involved by visiting uwsd.org and following @ unitedwaysd on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.

Spiritual Life

Enjoying my bonus years

When I celebrated my 70th birthday some years ago, a male friend told me how disappointed he was to know that I am already a septuagenarian. He said, all the while I thought you were much younger and here you are telling the whole world that you are 70! Why do you have to mention your age? Why should you not cover it up and deny your actual age as other women do?

Of course, I took these remarks as a compliment and told him, age is just a number, what really matters is your attitude towards life and living. I don’t have to hide my age. I am proud of the bonus years God has given me.

Every time the month of July comes around, I feel that the grace of God comes in a bucket filled with blessings pouring on my whole being. I am so blest to have family and friends who makes me proud of the life I’ve lived and who assures me that I’ve made a difference in their lives. The greetings of “Happy Birthday” has filled my Facebook page. Indeed, the greetings of loved ones and friends from all over the world has made me truly happy.

I am often in the company of much younger friends who seem to enjoy my company as much as I enjoy being with them. They take me out to lunch or dinner, even to late night coffee hour just listening to good music or take me out for a walk along Coronado Beach.

I’m glad my husband, Winlove

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera My

Personal Testimony

who prefers to stay home and view sports on TV or listen to C-Span endlessly, has accepted my outgoing lifestyle. We still go out together to be with our children on family occasions and to attend Sunday worship services during week-ends, an arrangement which seem to enrich our bonus years.

I am still actively engaged with my favorite service organizations and still help people who seek my help with their problems, personal or otherwise. I am still involved in program development, fund raising activities, and community event organizing. I support and advocate progressive causes although I am in the company of friends whose political views differ from mine. Difference in opinion brings out healthy and intelligent discussions which serves as good mental exercise. This wards off dementia and the vain of old age, senility.

I visit my primary care physician regularly, who is mindful of my health and well-being. He has changed my attitude of non-

compliance to medications and he insists that I monitor the rate of my blood pressure and take my medicines regularly. He always reminds me that I am no longer a spring chicken and I should be more mindful of the nutritional quality of the food I eat and the activities I indulged in. He reminds me that prevention is better than cure. I often smile because my primary care physician doesn’t know that I am a health educator at heart and my professional life has been spent in “promoting health, preventing disease and prolonging life through organized community effort.” But I think, he knows that often, those who preach health do not practice it, hence I greatly appreciate the reminders for annual check-ups and compliance to doctor’s prescriptions. I am truly happy as I count my blessings and as I celebrate another bonus year. July 12 - This is the day that the Lord has made. I will turn 90 in July 12, 2023. I will rejoice and be glad in it! Thanks be to God.

Is there someone who needs your forgiveness today?

But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. ((Matthew 6:15)

Corrie ten Boom (1892-1983) was born in Amsterdam and raised in the Dutch Reformed Church. When the Nazis came to power in the late 1930s, Corrie and her family hid Jews behind a false wall in Corrie's bedroom. In 1944, Corrie's family was arrested and sent to Ravensbrück, one of the worst concentration camps in Nazi Germany. There, Corrie's entire family died. Corrie herself was scheduled for execution - but she was released shortly before the end of World War II because of a clerical error.

Corrie concluded that God had saved her for a purpose. She committed her life to preaching the good news of Jesus Christ, speaking in churches, tent meetings, and open-air rallies. At one meeting in Germany in 1947, she taught on God's forgiveness. Afterwards, a man came up to her and introduced himself as a former Ravensbrück guard - but Corrie needed no introduction. She remembered him well. He

Greetings in the Lord!

We are back in the Sundays in the Ordinary Season of the liturgical year. Now we are on the 15h Sunday wherein our gospel reading tells us that in revealing the nature of God and the purpose of His will for humanity, Jesus spoke in parables which are stories that are drawn from nature and common experiences in life that portray the deeper reality that requires serious thinking and desire to learn more. In order to understand its meaning, the virtue of humility is demanded so that its message may not only be understood but also be put into practice.

Today Jesus speaks about the parable of the Sower, wherein he discloses some elements of the mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Word that He sows has in itself the power to grow in the hearts of men and bear fruit “a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” His word is never unproductive in the heart and soul of a person who seeks God, as Isaiah says in the first reading: “My word shall not return to Me void, but shall do My Will, achieving the end for which I sent it.” (Is. 55, 10-11)

This is a wonderful statement of the plan of God for humanity and the

whole creation.

In the second reading, St. Paul extends the power of God’s Word and shares with us his vision of creation. Creation becomes meaningful and finds hope in the “glorious freedom of the children of God.” Jesus is the Word of God, who, by his death, was planted in the earth. However, through his resurrection, he removed the hopelessness in creation that was brought about by sin and made creation alive and more productive.

In fact St. Paul says that “the seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest. And Jesus being sown into creation, creation becomes more productive and would give more glory to God himself.

However, Jesus, the seed that is so powerful in Himself can only be productive once the soil on which He is sown opens up and cooperate with His power. This is how important it is for us to know that we really should be open to Jesus, accept Him as He is and allow Him to touch us so that we can be productive in our lives. I would like to quote what St. Augustine said in one of his writings, “God created man without his cooperation, He cannot save man without his cooperation.”

In the same manner, we are in different ways in receiving Jesus in our lives. Some of us may be likened to the soil in rocky ground, others likened to soil which is full of thorns, may be like soil which are rich and fertile, but what is important is how we can let Jesus become productive in our lives so that we can bring for more fruits in return to his graciousness and goodness to us. Let us, therefore, pray that through the intercession of Our Lady of Angels, the patroness of our parish, we would be open to Jesus so that we could bear fruit and lead lives in conformity to his Will and Plan for now and forever.

Hernaez

was notorious for his cruelty.

"I've become a Christian since the war," he said. "I know God has forgiven me for the horrible things I did, but I would like to hear it from you. Could you tell me that you've forgiven me, too?" He put out his hand.

Corrie stood there for what seemed an eternity, unable to think of anything but the horrors this man had committed. Then she remembered the words of Jesus that required her to forgive ANY sin. She silently prayed, "Jesus, help me!" ...then she took the man's hand and cried out, "I forgive you, brother!" She later recalled, "I had never known God's love so intensely as I did then."

That was the defining moment in Corrie's ministry. Over the

years that followed, she took the Christian gospel to more than sixty countries around the world and changed hundreds of thousands of lives through her speaking, writing, and the motion picture The Hiding Place, based on her autobiography.

If we want to be used in a great way by God, we must be willing to forgive those who may be a great source a pain in our lives.

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."

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BSaglit nating bigyan pansin at intindihin Kahulugan ng salitang KAPWA ay ating suriin Ito ay isang mahalaga at karapatdapat na gawain Upang atin din namang maintindihan ang sariling atin. Kapwa natin ay salamin ng ating pagkatao Sa kapwa natin nababakas kung sino tayo Tulad ng ating kapwa na nilikha rin ng Poong Maykapal Pinagkaloobang makilala ang Panginoon, umasa at magmahal.

Ang aking Kapwa ay aking Kaibigan dahil kami ay nagiibigan, Siya ay aking Kapuso: dama niyang saya’t lungkot ay dama ko rin naman Siya ay aking Kabalikat upang gumaan ang mga dala-dala namin, At ang Kapwa ko ang siyang Kasama ko sa landas ng aming lakbayin.

IT'S HOT OUTSIDE

Continued from page 1

Children Are Resilient Jacqueline Nushi, of Project Camp’s emergency preparedness center, manages pop-up camps for kids during disasters, providing support and a safe environment for families.

She said a key lesson she and other emergency managers learned was the value of empowering children with knowledge and coping skills — “a great way to build mindfulness and preparedness.”

“Children are the best when it comes to learning preparedness and taking it home to their families. They’re very resilient. It’s amazing to see them make it through what they have to make it through.”

Disaster Guides Easy to Read Nushi also wanted to endorse the printed materials Listos provides,

PBBM

Continued from page 4

permit or clearance shall be required in the construction, installation, repair, operation and maintenance of telecommunications and internet infrastructure,” the order read.

The EO directs the streamlining of processes for the construction, installation, repair, operation and maintenance of Shared Passive Telecommunications Tower Infrastructure; as well as for the erection of poles, installation of aerial and underground cables and facilities, underground fiber ducts, ground terminals and other transmission telecommunications and internet infrastructure and facilities.

Huwag malinlang kung ano ang gagamiting batayan Naiiba ba ang pagkatao ng ating Kapwa Dahil sa yaman, kapangyarihan, katayuan sa buhay Kulay ng balat, wika o kultura man?

Sapagkat ang ating kapwa at tayo ay iisa ang pagkatao Anuman ang ating gagawin sa ating kapwa atin ding madarama Dulutan siya ng kaligayahan at ang kaligayahan ay ating kamtan At kung lungkot ang ating idulot, tiyak na lungkot din ang ating abot.

Kung sakaling ang ating kapwa ay nagkamali at nagkasala, Ibahin natin ang ating Kapwa sa kanyang ginawa, Kasuklaman ang pagkakasala, subalit mahalin ang nagkasala, Sapagkat iyan ang utos ng ating Diyos na Dakila.

Isang mahalagang tuntuninang dapat nating sundin Kapwa natin ay dapat mahalin at ang mga bagay-bagay

via listoscalifornia.org.

She told of how, years ago prior to the Slater Fire in Happy Camp (Siskyou County) in 2020, she’d distributed some of their material.

“After that fire, I was at a local assistance center,” she said, when a survivor she’d counseled before the fire approached. “This information saved us!” she said. Other survivors there then chimed in with similar stories.

“The Listos materials, the disaster guides, are very easy to read, very, very to the point and cover the information in very simple language” she said. “This material is super easy, it’s not hard to read, it’s not hard to understand.”

Facing Down Natural Disasters

CORE – Community Organized Relief Effort – has worked globally from Ukraine, Turkey and all around the U.S. George Hernandez Mejia, CORE Director of Emergency Operations, said that in doing wildfire preparation in

EO 32 also mandates all cities and municipalities to set up one-stop shop for construction permits, which will provide front-line services to applicants securing building permits and other related certificates.

All covered government agencies and LGUs are enjoined to implement zero backlog policy in all applications for permits and clearances covered by EO 32, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations. They are also required to comply with the annual submission of list of pending applications and compliance to the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).

EO 32 excludes building permits issued by the Office of the Building Official; Height Clearance Permit from the Civil Aviation Authority

ay gamitin Ngunit kung baliktarin na Kapwa ay gamitin at ang mga bagay ay mahalin Tiyak at malamang na ang ating buhay ay magkabalibaliktad din.

Kung kaya ngat ayusin natin ang ating pakikipagkapwa, Buong pakumbabang mahalin ang Diyos at ang ating Kapwa, Sapagkat ito ang nagbibigay kahulugan sa buhay nating pansamatala, Patungo sa walang hanggang buhay na ating tinatamasa.

Siskyou County last year, it turned out that some of the greatest needs were simply for clear information on evacuation zones or where wildfires were burning. He also seconded Nushi’s testimony on the value of informing children.

“100% of our clients have experienced natural disasters,” said Peter Thao, of the Fresno Asian Business Institute and Resource Center, which provides disaster relief training and preparedness for farmers and small businesses.

“It’s not if, but when, a natural disaster will happen. “Always be prepared; have a plan.” Take pictures, he said, and keep your insurance agent informed of your concerns.

In addition to its work preparing Californians to prepare for extreme weather conditions, the state has also dedicated $200 million to communities to build “resilience centers.”

of the Philippines (CAAP), homeowners associations and other community clearances; clearances from other government agencies, and other requirements as mandated by the Constitution and existing laws.

The EO also organizes a Technical Working Group (TWG) on Telecommunications and Internet Infrastructure as an oversight body to ensure efficient implementation of the order.

The TWG will be chaired by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). According to EO 32, the TWG is mandated to craft the implementing rules and regulations within 60 days from the effectivity of the order. (MNS)

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

KAPWA

Ni Salvador S. Idos

Salvador S. Idos

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has agreed that the proposed gas aggregation strategy is vital in ensuring a stable and cheaper energy in the country.

This, after Marcos met with officials of the Prime Energy Resources Development B.V., (Prime Energy) at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Tuesday to discuss the firm’s plans for the country’s energy sector.

In a presentation led by Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. chairperson Enrique Razon Jr., Marcos was briefed about Prime Energy’s intent to explore and develop indigenous gas prospects, as well as to make the country’s gas market stable and competitive.

The company also discussed with Marcos its plan to supplement the current indigenous gas production with liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports through a gas aggregation framework.

“It seems that this gas aggregator idea is the key. Again, we have work to do,” Marcos, as quoted by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) in a news release on Wednesday, said during the meeting at Malacañan.

Marcos emphasized his administration’s commitment to ensuring the stability of supply and affordability, transparency

and competition in the Philippine natural gas market.

Razon was joined by Prime Energy president and chief executive officer Guillame Lucci, senior advisor Sebastian Quiniones and general manager Donnabel Cruz.

Prime Energy, the operator of Malampaya Service Contract 38 (SC 38), also gave Marcos an update on the progress made in developing the nearby fields.PCO Secretary Cheloy Garafil said Prime Energy will begin drilling two deep wells in the last quarter of 2024, with additional production from the Malampaya field expected to start by the first half of 2026.

Prime Energy told Marcos about its plan to import LNG to make up for shortfalls in Malampaya gas, noting that the added feature is the blending of imported natural gas to ensure stability of supply at a price below the international level.

Garafil said the blended gas will be made available by Prime Energy and PNOC Exploration Corp. (PNOC-EC) to all gas power plants at the same price.

“The President welcomed the drilling schedule for SC 38,” Garafil said. “President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expects a more stable and cheaper energy with the expanded development of Malampaya gas field and blending of imported liquified natural gas.”

The Malampaya gas field is the

only indigenous gas source in the country.Prime Energy, a subsidiary of Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc., is a natural gas exploration and development company. It owns the 45 percent operating interest in SC 38 covering the Malampaya deep water gas-to-power project.

The Malampaya deep water gasto-power project plays a crucial role in supplying 20 percent of Luzon's electricity needs.

In over two decades, the Malampaya Project has been instrumental in ensuring energy security of the Philippines. It has generated significant revenues of over USD13.14 billion for the Philippine Government.

Marcos signed the Renewal Agreement of Malampaya SC 38 on May 15 this year for the extension of the contract until February 2039.

With the renewal of SC 38, Prime Energy plans to commence drilling activities by 2025 in the Camago and Malampaya East fields that are in close vicinity to the existing Malampaya Platform and participate in other Service Contracts.Production from a new well in the Malampaya natural gas resource is expected by 2026.

The extension of the Malampaya natural gas field service contract will add at least USD600 million worth of investments for drilling two wells and subsea facilities, the Department of Energy said in May. (MNS)

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

Celebrate San Diego Pride 2023 with the San Diego Public Library

SAN DIEGO, CA -- The City of San Diego Public Library (SDPL) invites San Diegans of all ages to celebrate Pride at the library. From a limited-edition Pride library card to family fun at this year’s Pride festival, SDPL has a full week of events planned to celebrate San Diego’s LGBTQIA+ community and this year’s Pride theme: “Thrive.”“The San Diego Public Library is an inclusive and welcoming place that reflects the diversity of San Diego,” said Library Director Misty Jones. “We are proud to support the LGBTQIA+ community and offer programs that encourage people to share their own stories and learn from the experiences of others.”

As part of this year’s celebration,

PABAHAY

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budget under the 2024 National Expenditure Program.

“PBBM’s commitment, as we have seen in his presence, continues to inspire us at DHSUD to give it our best. I cannot overemphasize the value of this in boosting our morale to better serve the Filipino people,” Acuzar said.

The 4PH aims to address the country’s 6.5 housing need by building 1 million units annually until 2028. DHSUD, as the primary government agency in the management of housing, human settlements and urban development, is tasked to lead the program.

As of June 30, DHSUD has signed memoranda of understanding with 155 local government units around the country, and has broken ground for 28 housing projects.

Marcos cites role of private sector in gov't housing project

MANILA, July 3 (Mabuhay) --

President Ferdinand "Bongbong"

Marcos Jr. on Monday acknowledged the role of the private sector in the government's Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Project.

Marcos said that aside from the local government units, the private sector is helping the national government in achieving its goal of providing one million houses for Filipinos each year.

"Ating isinasama rin ang private sector dahil ang sinasabi natin kahit ginawa natin lahat sa pamahalaan, hindi natin kayang gawin ‘yung ating ninanais at ating pinapangarap kung hindi natin kasama at nagiging partner ang ating mga private sector na malaking naitutulong," Marcos said in his speech during a 4PH Project in Pambanga.

"And to give credit to our private sector partners, noong tayo’y lumapit sa kanila at sinabi natin 'mayroon tayong proyekto, sana kayo ay makilahok dito sa aming ginagawa' ay masasabi ko naman na tunay na Pilipino at nagsasabi 'kung anong magagawa namin, itutulong namin kaagad.' Kaya’t maraming, maraming salamat sa ating private sector partners, sa ating mga financiers," he added.

Marcos personally checked the progress of the Crystal Peak Estates, a housing development built by the Social Housing Finance Corporation

SDPL will host two family-friendly Pride-themed storytimes on Saturday, July 8, at the Kensington-Normal Heights Library and Wednesday, July 12, at the Oak Park Library. Both programs will start at 10:30 a.m. and will focus on celebrating diversity and individuality through age-appropriate stories and songs. SDPL will also offer a limitededition Pride library card. After receiving 89 submissions in the 2023 Pride Library Card design contest, this year’s winning design was created by Claude Castañeda. It features a performer, a Pride flag, music notes and a sun and moon. For the design, Castañeda took inspiration from the theme of this year’s Summer Reading Program, “Find Your Voice.” “I’d

in San Fernando, Pampanga.

The Crystal Peak Estates is a 9.8-hectare multistory project that aims to benefit more than 8,300 families in the public and private sector, including overseas Filipino workers as well as personnel from the Department of Education, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police.

The said multistory project is composed of 30 12-story buildings with a mix of 25- and 28-sqm units and features various amenities such as clubhouses, swimming pools and basketball courts.

Meanwhile, there were also housing projects in Minalin and Candaba, which were presented to the President. These projects aim to benefit over 10,000 Kapampangans, according to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

In April, Marcos said at least 1.2 million housing units had already been started by the administration under its housing program.

The administration's flagship housing program aims to address the country’s housing gap by building one million houses per year for the next six year.

In a separate interview, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar expressed confidence that the goal of having six million houses by the end of the Marcos administration is achievable.

"Opo, opo, kasi po ang gobyerno nakatutok. In fact, si Presidente po ay magbibigay ng idle lands, na mga lupa ng gobyerno po, at ang gobyerno po ay hinahanap ang lahat ng idle lands para malagyan ng pabahay at makamura ng pabahay," Acuzar said.

Housing czar says to deliver 100,000 units by 2024

The government will deliver around 100,000 housing units by next year, Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jerry Acuzar said Monday, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inspected a site in Pampanga that aims to provide homes to some 8,300 families.

During his visit to the Crystal Peak Estates on Monday, Marcos reaffirmed his vow to build 1 million homes annually under the government's public housing program.

“Hindi ganoon kabilis gumawa ng projects. Gagawa ng plano, kukuha ng lupa,” Acuzar said, noting that vertical housing units were more

like this artwork to remind everyone to continue to be true to themselves in the face of adversity and find their own voice and space within our community,” said Castañeda.

“By being visible, genuine, and by continuing to fight, I know we’ll persist in instilling change and further action for a place where we can all be ourselves and thrive.” Patrons can pick up the Pride library card for free at any library location starting Saturday, July 8, while supplies last. The card will also be available at the SDPL Lit Café at the San Diego Pride Festival at Balboa Park on July 15 and 16. Visit the SDPL Pride page for more info on the library’s Pride celebration, book recommendations and community resources.

difficult to build that horizontal row houses.

“Hindi kagaya ng horizontal, hindi puwedeng madaliin baka madaya yung construction. Dapat matibay,” he also said.

So far, at least 20 housing projects are being constructed in different parts of the country, the housing secretary added.

“In a year’s time baka maka-50 projects kami na ginagawa."

Among these projects is the Crystal Peak Estates, a 9.8-hectare housing development site being built by state-run Social Housing Finance Corporation in San Fernando City.

The President said the project was an extension of his administration's Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) program, with some 30 buildings planned to be built in the estates to help establish a community.

"Maliban sa pabahay, hangad ng programang ito na mabigyan ng isang matiwasay na komunidad ang mga maninirahan. Bukod pa riyan, siniguro din natin na ang residential units ay malapit sa mga eskwelahan, sa mga ospital, pamilihan, at iba pang mga recreational facilities," Marcos said.

According to DHSUD, Crystal Peak Estates would be composed of 12-story buildings with units ranging from 25 to 28 square meters.

"It also features various amenities for social and physical wellness such as clubhouses, basketball courts, and swimming pools. Shophouses or commercial areas will likewise be incorporated on the ground floors, providing livelihood opportunities for unit owners," DHSUD said in a statement.

Aside from Crystal Peak Estates, local chief executives in Pampanga also presented to Marcos other 4PH projects in nearby Minalin and Candaba towns.

Developments were underway for St. Andrews Residences, a 5.7-hectare project in Barangay Mandasig, Candaba where 18 midrise buildings with 5,000 units are expected to be built.

Another 7-hectare project would also be built in Barangay Santa Maria in Minalin, featuring 24 lowto mid-rise buildings with 5,016 units.

"The three projects will significantly reduce the huge housing need of the Province of Pampanga which is pegged at 91,000 units," the DHSUD said. (MNS)

Kimberly Peterson, Fil-Am MMA Fighter and Coach, Emerges Victorious with a Knockout Win in Her Debut Fight at The Commerce Casino & Hotel in LA

SANTEE, CA -- Valiant Training Center, a renowned mixed martial arts (MMA) gym, is proud to announce that Kimberly Peterson, an esteemed Adult/Youth Coach and Gym Manager, has secured her first professional fight victory with an exhilarating knockout finish. Hailing from a Filipino background, Peterson has been an integral part of the MMA community since 2014, and her recent triumph further solidifies her status as a rising star in the industry.

(Courtesy Photo)

Andrea Brillantes claims Ricci Rivero left out details of their breakup

MANILA -- Andrea Brillantes has finally broken her silence following Ricci Rivero’s recent televised interview where he claimed that there were several factors that led to them parting ways.

According to TV host DJ JhaiHo, he reached out to Brillantes for her reaction about Rivero’s statements in his interview with Boy Abunda.

“I texted Blythe, tinanong ko what’s true. Tinanong ko kung anong nangyayari kasi I want to know kung tama ba 'yung mga chika ni Ricci sa kanyang interview,” Jai Ho narrated in a TikTok video he uploaded over the weekend.

Brillantes said Rivero supposedly

Prayer to Saint Expedite

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

Amen.

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

Amen

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

neglected to provide a complete account of the entire story behind their breakup.

“Sabi ko, ‘Ano ang totoo?

Naloloka na ako sa mga nakikita ko.’ Sabi ni Andrea, ‘LOL. Nakalimutan niya atang sabihin na hubad kong nadatnan yung girl.’ At sabi ko, ‘Bakit may pa-ganung statement?

Nanggigigil ako Blythe. Sabi ko humanda naman siya sa akin kasi hindi ako papayag na maargabyado ka kasi ikaw ang anak anakan ko ever since.’”

“Ito ang sagot. Sabi, ‘Hubad sa kuwarto niya. Tulog siya. Hindi daw nila alam ang nangyari. Lasing sila, hindi niya minention. Marami pa

siyang hindi minention,’” Jai Ho added, quoting Brillantes.

According to JhaiHo, he asked Brillantes about the identity of the girl but the actress refused to name her.

“Feeling ko hindi na para pagusapan ni Blythe. Hindi naman na niya sa akin sinagot. I will give it to her. Baka hanggang doon lang 'yung gusto niya i-announce.”

During his interview with Abunda, Rivero addressed speculations on social media, clarifying that the woman seen at his place in viral photos was a companion of his friend, not his.

"'Yung cause ng break up was

'yung speculations, 'yung kumakalat sa social media, 'yung may nakita siyang girl doon sa place ko. Ilang beses naman po naming pinagusapan 'to, as in sobrang daming beses na sinabi ko sa kanya with all the evidences I have, kasi may mga conversations, even with my friends na hindi po sa'kin 'yung girl," Rivero explained.

"May papunta akong friend ng midnight tapos hindi ko naman alam na may kasama siya tapos 'yun 'yung naabutan niya that time. Alam ko po na alam niya, na naniniwala siya sa'kin kasi even after that, nag-uusap pa rin kami, nagkikita pa rin kami, maayos kami, 'yung usual us, walang away, walang taasan ng boses, 'yung maayos na pinag-uusapan namin 'yung sa'min," he added. Rivero said he and Brillantes officially broke up in May, after a year together. (MNS)