The Filipino Press: June 30 - July 2, 2023

Marcos bullish on transforming PH as ‘tourism powerhouse’ of Asia

MANILA -- President Ferdinand

R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday expressed optimism that the Philippines will become the “tourism powerhouse” of Asia in the next few years.

This, as Marcos witnessed the unveiling of the country’s new tourism slogan “Love the Philippines” during the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) 50th anniversary celebration at The Manila Hotel.

In a keynote speech, Marcos affirmed his commitment to advancing the tourism sector, hoping that the new campaign slogan would help stimulate economic activities and generate job opportunities in the country.

“What a better way to express that love than directly incorporating it into our country’s newest tourism campaign slogan, Love the Philippines. This is new branding which we unveiled today. It will serve as our guidepost for the Philippine Tourism Industry moving forward,” Marcos said.

“Allow me then to express my sincere appreciation to Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and for the DOT team because aside from the tourist destination, the campaign that you have conceptualized aims to enhance the overall experience of every traveler,” he added.

In May, Marcos approved the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 which will serve as his administration's blueprint and

development framework for the tourism industry.

Marcos said the NTDP 2023-2028 contains the government’s targets, which include the promotion of local

products and the implementation of more infrastructure projects to ensure hassle-free travel.

“The five-year plan stemmed from this admin’s determination

to implement programs that will positively transform our country towards being a tourism powerhouse in Asia in the coming years. Let us therefore strive to translate out

By Peter White/eMS

Despite higher travel costs, global tourism has increased. Experts say it will take 4-5 years for the industry to return to pre-pandemic levels.

golden vision into reality,” he said.

Marcos lauded the DOT for making the tourism industry as “a major driver of economic growth.”

He also welcomed the

“improving” figures in tourism revenues, employment, international arrivals and domestic trips, saying these indicate the country’s recovery from the onslaught of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“All of these are encouraging signs that the tourism industry in our country as a whole is headed well towards full recovery. It also conveys a strong message to the world that we are ready and fully equipped to welcome tourists, travelers as well as investors,” Marcos said.

To realize his administration’s goal of transforming the Philippines as Asia’s tourism powerhouse, Marcos urged Filipinos to be the country’s tourism ambassadors.

“I enjoin you all to be our country’s promoters, advocates, and if I may borrow a coined term in this age of social media, be our country’s top influencers,” he said.

“Indeed, the Philippines will never run out of places to discover, meals to enjoy, adventures to experience, people to meet, talents to admire. Let us take pride and celebrate the love we have of our country and our people for it is the same love that gave meaning to the establishment of the DOT and the same love that will propel our tourism industry moving forward into the future,” Marcos added.

The total number of international

SAN DIEGO, CA -- San Diego

Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is awarding grants of $250,000 to $1 million to 21 community-based nonprofit organizations regionwide, enabling them to expand essential services for vulnerable residents who struggle with basic needs. The grants stemmed from the SDG&E Community Assistance Fund, a $10 million shareholderfunded charitable initiative aimed at improving housing stability and food security. This grant program is the largest one-year charity initiative that SDG&E has ever had.

“Beyond delivering clean, safe and reliable energy service every day, SDG&E is also passionate about improving lives in the communities we serve,” said SDG&E CEO Caroline Winn. “Shelter and food are fundamental, and yet many in our region struggle with the cost of these basic needs. With these grants, we’re fortunate to have the opportunity to support the missions of so many dedicated local organizations to help expand essential services that are desperately needed right now.”

While inflation is easing across the rest of the country, prices in the San Diego metro region continue to outpace other metros. San Diego’s inflation rate is the second highest in the nation. Additionally, the San Diego housing market consistently ranks as one of the least affordable in the nation.

“The past few years have been difficult for many people in our region because the cost of living has skyrocketed,” said Anahid Brakke, CEO of the San Diego Hunger Coalition, who served on the advisory committee for the Community Assistance Fund.

“As a result, community-based organizations are struggling to keep up with a surge in demand for assistance while, at the same time, balancing their own higher operating costs with a post-pandemic drop in charitable donations. The grants from SDG&E could not come at a better time for San Diego County individuals and families.”

According to the San Diego Hunger Coalition, as of December 2022, 23% or nearly one in four residents in San Diego County, live in a household that can’t afford to eat three healthy meals a day. People of color, particularly Hispanic/Latino, Black and Native Americans, continue to experience food insecurity at a higher rate than the rest of San Diego County.

The grants will allow local nonprofit organizations to expand a wide range of essential programs, ranging from emergency rent assistance and legal advocacy for eviction prevention, to food pantries

and meals for seniors. The grant recipients serve a diverse client base, including military families, older adults, and refugees.

The Community Assistance Fund builds on SDG&E’s long history of giving back to local communities.

Over the past 12 years, SDG&E has invested more than $100 million in shareholder dollars to support workforce development, public safety, environmental stewardship, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education, among other causes.

Most of SDG&E’s charitable giving is directed to diverse and underserved communities.

For a list of the grant recipients, visit sdge.com/communityassistance-fund.

The San Diego Foundation is administering the grants on behalf of SDG&E. SDG&E has worked with the Foundation for many years to address community needs and tackle social inequities, including launching the San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund and the Black Community Investment Fund.

To ensure an open and transparent grant selection process, SDG&E and SDF convened an advisory committee of subject matter experts to review grant recommendations.

SDG&E is an innovative energy delivery company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy

The Covid-19 pandemic was possibly the worst catastrophe to hit the tourism industry: experts predict that the US alone took a $2 trillion hit in that sector.

But tourism is surging back to pre-pandemic levels and is expected to fully recover by 2027, despite unprecedented levels of street crime and homelessness in some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. “Many people around the world have been stuck at home for a year, 2 years, 3 years; there is definitely a strong will to travel at the moment,” said Dr. Frederic Dimanche, Director of Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Toronto Metropolitan University.

People are done with cabin fever. Borders and hotels are open; and tourists are returning to the Caribbean, Great Britain, and Europe. “People are experiencing a hunger for travel like we have never seen before,” he said at an Ethnic Media Services news briefing June 23.

At the same time, travel costs have gone up dramatically. Airline tickets and hotel rates are up and inflation has also increased consumer prices. “It seems like everybody’s trying to catch up on the lost revenues of the Covid times,” said Dimanche.

Climate Change

But wildfires in Canada, Australia, and California — as well

in Spain and Southern France — are putting a damper on international tourism. There are more tropical storms and hurricanes and more floods in Germany and Italy. Global warming is impacting tourism in many countries, he said. And the ongoing war in Ukraine has restricted tourists from Russia and Eastern Europe. Chinese tourists are not traveling abroad as much as they used to either, said Dimanche.

Iuliana Popa, a doctoral student in the Conrad Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston noticed a troubling trend as Covid-19 vaccine rollouts began in 2021. Although many workers had been laid off, once those jobs returned to the industry, many of those workers didn’t come back.

Hard-Hit Hospitality Workers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the hospitality industry lost nearly 8 million hospitality jobs were lost, making it the hardest-hit industry in the U.S. by the pandemic in terms of workforce reduction.

Popa and Dr. Juan Madera, the

Curtis L. Carlson endowed professor at Hilton College, wanted to explore the phenomenon of hospitality workers not returning to their jobs.

“So we designed a study where we specifically wanted to focus on the emotions of fear and anger that hospitality employees might have experienced in response to having been laid off amid all the uncertainty right after COVID-19,” Popa said.

“We wanted to evaluate to what extent they would experience fear or anger in response to this COVID-19 scenario presented to them, and what we found was that anger was a very significant predictor of their intentions to change their career.”

‘Turnover-Intention’

Popa and fellow researchers gathered data from 300 participants and conducted a hundred online surveys from workers who had been sidelined by the pandemic. This “turnover-intention” continues to impact the industry, she said.. Employers responded by increasing wages — which are now about $15/hr — but even with a base

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joins the Department of Tourism in celebrating its 50th anniversary and the unveiling of the country’s new tourism slogan “Love the Philippines” at The Manila Hotel. (MNS photo)

The Power of Hope

By FRANCINE m AIgu E

Hope. It’s powerful. And, sometimes, it’s both the most grounding and uplifting thing we can hold on to when the world looks different than we’d imagined, when our lives look and feel different than we’d imagined.

Now, we begin to turn the page on life as we’ve known it. The world has begun to reopen, and soon we must, too.

So, what has this year taught us? What has this unique time pushed us to reflect on, reconcile?

Faith. Self. Family. Connection. Goals. Skills. Peace. Quiet. Health. Career. Growth…of all sizes…in all ways…

More than anything, I hope that we have a renewed sense of purpose. Or, maybe, that’s exactly where we’re all at. Taking a moment to center on and solidify a renewed sense of purpose before we, as a world, begin again.

Grateful. I’m grateful for this time. It feels like a gift of grace. A new normal after a new normal.

But life, the world, always tests us.

Discussions (even vitriol) around the power, the safety, the value of our race swirl amongst us now. We’re

pushed to face fear, face criticism, face the timeliness and necessity of change. We are ambassadors of our culture—every choice we make, word we speak, action we take, sentiment we post. And we are ambassadors of a people who are strong, resourceful, resilient, talented, giving and so much more.

Let us be led by that always.

We’ll be tested. We’ll be judged.

We’ll be pushed to grow, speak up, ask questions, clarify…

More than anything, we have to remember that we belong. Without the inner arrow, the inner peace, the inner understanding of our value, we will be swayed into believing the words of others. But we aren’t simply who others label us to be. We don’t have to be. We are more, and it’s ok to be more.

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!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY TO ALL

to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by increasing energy delivered from low or zero-carbon sources; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; and investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE). For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.

San Diego Foundation inspires enduring philanthropy and enables community solutions to improve the quality of life in our region. Our strategic priorities include advancing racial and social justice, fostering equity of opportunity, building resilient communities, and delivering world-class philanthropy to realize our vision of just, equitable and resilient communities. For more than 47 years, SDF and its donors have granted more than $1.4 billion to support nonprofit organizations strengthening our community. Learn more at SDFoundation.org.

Plea to accept Afghans, security impact still under review - PBBM

MANILA -- The United States’ request for Afghan refugees’ temporary stay in the Philippines and its possible impact on national security are being carefully weighed, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Thursday.

In an interview after the launching of the Kanegosyo Center in Parañaque City, Marcos said the Philippine government has to be “conscious” of the potential security issues if he grants the request.

“I was really surprised when I saw some of the news reports saying there’s a deal between the US and the Philippines. We are still looking exactly at how to make it work if we can. We will find a way to make it happen,” Marcos said.

“So, there are many security issues. Of course, we have to be conscious of that. But there are even more difficult legal and logistical issues. Because if the plan, as it runs exactly as it is planned, eh ‘di maganda, wala tayong problema (that’s good. There will be no problem),” he added.

Marcos said he would make sure that the country’s security would not be compromised.

He gave the assurance, as he acknowledged that the case of Afghan refugees is “something different.”

“This is something different. This is something we have not encountered before. They are Afghans who are being resettled primarily in the United States and we are going to be the third country. That is the proposal of the United States. We will continue to study. Let’s see if there is a way we can do it without endangering the security of the Philippines,” Marcos said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo earlier said US President Joe Biden “briefly raised” the issue with Marcos during the two leaders’ bilateral meeting last May.

The request was first made in October 2022 and is for “pure processing” of special immigration visas for Afghans and their families who formerly worked for the US government and “whose lives are in danger,” Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said. Romualdez earlier said the US was proposing that the displaced Afghans be accommodated by batches of around 1,000 to 1,500 individuals per month.

Afghanistan's capital Kabul fell under the rule of the Taliban in August 2021, prompting a chaotic pullout of American forces days before the US completed its withdrawal after a 20year war.

PBBM: Kanegosyo Center to boost biz sector’s competitiveness

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday expressed optimism that the “Kanegosyo Center,” an initiative spearheaded by Cebuana Lhuillier to empower budding Filipino micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), would boost the business sector’s global competitiveness.

During the launch of the Kanegosyo Center at the Palacio de Memoria along Roxas Boulevard in Parañaque City, Marcos vowed closer collaboration and cooperation with the private sector to realize his administration’s goals of attracting more investments and transforming the Philippine economy.

“We still have a lot of work ahead of us but nonetheless, you can be assured that we are working together

very closely, down the same direction, you in the private sector and us in the government helping one another so that we can transform this economy, so as to be able to be competitive worldwide and find ourselves as an investment destination, as a thriving economy with a stable situation in our country,” Marcos said.

“That is the dream. That is the inspiration. I sincerely believe that with programs like this, with all of us working together, we can achieve that,” he added.

Marcos said he is confident that with the establishment of the Kanegosyo Center, the MSMEs would thrive and turn into “large businesses.”

He hoped that the initiative would become successful in creating an ecosystem for start-ups, helping small businesses with “good idea,” and uplifting the economy.

“It is not something that is done just purely out of business instincts. It is not something that is done para kumita lang (just to make a profit). It is something that is done para tumulong (to help). And that I think is the difference in what we see with these programs that are helping the MSMEs,” he said.

Marcos also thanked those who took part in the successful launching of Kanegosyo Center, noting that it would be helpful for the MSME sector which plays an important role in developing the Philippine economy.

He noted that MSMEs represented over 99 percent of the business establishments in the country and employed around 63 percent of the workforce.

“That’s why we can do nothing but applaud and continue to support all of the efforts such as Kanegosyo, all of the efforts of our entrepreneurs teaching our upcoming entrepreneurs on how to do business,” Marcos said.

The Kanegosyo Center is Cebuana Lhuillier’s response to Marcos’ call for a whole-of-nation approach to revitalizing the country’s small enterprises during the MSME Summit 2022.

Designed as an online one-stop shop for MSMEs, the Kanegosyo Center offers a wide range of services with an aim to promote ease of doing business in the Philippines through comprehensive, curated resources and assistive interventions.

The Kanegosyo Center’s services include the “Kanegosyo Coach” which seeks to guide MSME owners and aspiring business owners by preparing and equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the different stages of business management.

It also offers “Kanegosyo Assist” which provides entrepreneurs with access to government permits and registration processes to legitimize their businesses and help them grow.

Its “Kanegosyo Bundle” gives aspiring business owners and experienced entrepreneurs access to loans, investments, banking services and insurance to establish their enterprises.

Since the Kanegosyo Center’s pilot launch, over 10,500 aspiring entrepreneurs have availed of Cebuana Lhuillier’s coaching modules while micro and small business owners in 79 provinces have been assisted with microbusiness loans and micro-insurance solutions.

In addition, 74,111 Cebuana Lhuillier Kanegosyo members have

also availed of the online one-stop services for MSMEs.

PBBM directs PCA to accelerate coconut industry modernization, uplift lives of coconut farmers

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday instructed the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to intensify the implementation of the development plan for industry modernization and to invest in new technologies to ensure the resilience of the coconut sector.

Speaking during the 50th anniversary celebration of the PCA, the President said: “So, the PCA must intensify the implementation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan to accelerate the modernization of the coconut industry and to improve the lives of our coconut farmers and their families.”

“As we reflect upon the last halfcentury, we are reminded of the valued history of the PCA, and the challenges that it has withstood to get to where it is today.”

The President also encouraged the agency to continue uplifting the lives of the coconut farmers, empower them to improve their conditions, and free them from poverty so they could dream big for themselves and for their loved ones.

According to Marcos, the agency must also recognize the challenges that lie ahead of the coconut industry—climate change, pests, and diseases remain a significant threat to coconut trees, thus endangering the future of agriculture.

“So, let us double our efforts to tackle these issues and invest in technologies and initiatives that will not only safeguard but also ensure the resilience of the coconut sector of our agriculture,” he told PCA.

With coconut trees being a source of livelihood for generations, Marcos said it is of great necessity for the country to continue developing and improving coconut byproducts “so that we can find new uses and expand its distribution to new markets.”

Thursday’s event, he said, is a recognition of dedicated and diligent coconut farmers who work tirelessly to plant, take care of, and nourish resilient coconut trees necessary for the emergence of a stronger coconut industry.

The President also participated in the National Coconut Tree-Planting Activity in the vicinity of Coconut Palace during the PCA anniversary under the theme “Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future of the Coconut Industry.”

The PCA was created on June 30, 1973 through Presidential Decree (PD) No. 232, s. 1973, to promote the accelerated growth of the coconut and palm oil industries.

It was amended by PD No. 582, s. 1974, to include the formulation and implementation of a nationwide coconut replanting program and the distribution of free hybrid coconut seed nuts to coconut farmers.

Coconut production in the country increased by 1.6 percent from 3.20 million metric tons (MMT) in the first quarter of 2022 to 3.26 MMT in the first quarter of 2023.

Davao Region is the top coconut producer in the country, with 487.10 thousand MT or a 15.0-percent share of the total coconut production in the first quarter of 2023. Other topproducing regions were Zamboanga Peninsula with 14.9-percent share and Northern Mindanao with 13.6-percent share. (MNS)

MANILA -- The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), in its Wednesday update, said that aid provided to communities affected by the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano in Region 5 (Bicol Region) has now reached PHP105,337,234.

This is higher than the PHP101 million reported by the agency last June 26. Assistance provided includes distilled water in six-liter bottles, family food packs, kits, tents, financial and fuel assistance, hog feeds, hygiene kits, knapsack sprayer, laminated sacks, drums, malong, modular tents, nets, nylon ropes, rice, sleeping kits and tarpaulins.

The NDRRMC also reported that 144 land and air logistics assets were deployed to transport "humanitarian cargoes" in Albay.

These were provided by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), World Food Programme, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Also, 41 search, rescue and retrieval (SRR) teams from the AFP and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) are on standby while 151 SRR transport assets are available.

As of this posting, the number of affected families are placed at 10,642 or equivalent to 41,483 persons residing in 26 barangays in Region 5.

Seeking shelter in the 28 evacuation centers are 5,354 families or 18,706 individuals.

Around 408 families or 1,428 persons are being aided out of the evacuation centers.

These numbers are subject to change as validation is constantly ongoing.

Earlier, the OCD said that affected families are a combination of those displaced and those not really needing removal from their residence.

An example of this are families whose livelihood were affected but not needing evacuation.

PH Navy deploys BRP Tarlac for Albay relief mission

The Philippine Navy (PN) has deployed one of its two largest ships in the fleet, the 7,200-ton BRP Tarlac (LD-601), to transport "critical relief goods" to Albay which is affected by the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano.

In a statement late Wednesday, the PN said the landing dock was tasked to carry items provided by the Department of Health (DOH) central office last June 25.

"A total of 2.4 tons of cargo, including 100,000 respiratory masks; 2,000 units of jerrycan water collapsible; and 1,966,000 surgical masks and 102,600 N-95 masks, were delivered to Albay by sea from Metro Manila by LD-601," it added.

These cargoes were unloaded via beach landing at the Naval Forces Southern Luzon in Legazpi City last June 26.

"Using the onboard landing craft unit (LCU) which will be transported by the military trucks of Task Force 'Sagip' to DOH storage areas," the PN said.

The BRP Tarlac is one of the Navy's two Tarlac-class landing docks and was commissioned in

2016.

"Besides its primary functions, BRP Tarlac is equipped with the capability to convert seawater into freshwater and can accommodate a minimum of 500 evacuees," the PN added.

These ships have a cargo capacity of 650 tons each.

These vessels also have onboard medical facilities and personnel, including a doctor and a dentist per ship, along with 10 beds for medical purposes.

To aid in humanitarian missions, the BRP Tarlac also has an onboard LCU that can be deployed in coastal areas where land transportation is compromised.

"The successful delivery of relief goods by BRP Tarlac to Albay in response to the Mount Mayon unrest stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the PN in times of crisis," the Navy said.

DSWD commends 562 families for graduating from 4Ps Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Wednesday commended 526 households for hurdling the stage of sending their children to school through the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

“Kahit saan tayo tumingin umaabot tayo sa part ng programa kung saan ang mga anak ninyo, nakakatapos ng pag-aaral, nakakahanap ng maayos na trabaho (Wherever we look, we reached the part of the program where your children can finish their studies, can find decent jobs),” Gatchalian said in his speech during the Pugay Tagumpay ceremonial graduation of 562 beneficiaries of 4Ps in Plaridel, Bulacan.

He also recognized the existing 4Ps households for their hard work and dedication to improving their plight despite the challenges they face. “Ang araw na ito ay selebrasyon dahil sa inyong disiplina, sa inyong pagpupursigi, sa inyong paniniwala na kaya pa nating gawing mas maayos ang ating kinabukasan, iyon ang selebrasyon sa araw na ito. Bibigyan ng pugay ang ating mga 4Ps beneficiaries na ga-graduate dahil naging madali ang mga taong nakalipas (Today, we celebrate because of your discipline, perseverance and belief that we can still make our future better. That's the reason for the celebration today. We pay tribute to our 4Ps beneficiaries who will graduate despite the hardship in the past years),” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian also assured the graduating 4Ps households of continued support from the DSWD and their local government unit.

“Maaasahan po ninyo na pwede pa rin kayo pumunta sa aming regional office para humingi ng tulong at humingi ng gabay. Mayroon kaming mga programa para sa mga grumaduate na ng 4Ps gaya ng Sustainable Livelihood Program. Ang importante hahakbang tayo (You can still rely on us. You can visit our regional office to seek assistance and guidance. We have programs available for 4Ps graduates, such as the Sustainable Livelihood Program. What's important is that we continue to move forward),” he said.

Plaridel Mayor Jocell Aimee Vistan-Casaje, in her message of support, emphasized the significant impact of the 4Ps on her constituents who were able to achieve an improved and sustained quality of life.

“Today, as you graduate from the program and look back on the past years, you are witnesses to how the 4Ps has helped every Plarideleño who is here today,” she said.

Mark Anthony Isaac, a 4Ps beneficiary from Plaridel who graduated magna cum laude from Bulacan State University with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering this year, encouraged fellow recipients to pursue their dreams through 4Ps.

“Katulad ko, katulad mo kaya natin iangat ang buhay natin dahil may mga programa gaya ng 4Ps na handang tumulong para maputol ang cycle ng kahirapan at umangat ang ating kabuhayan (Like you, like me, we can uplift our lives because there are programs like 4Ps that are ready to help break the cycle of poverty and improve the quality of our life),” Isaac said.

He was also the first runner-up in the National Search for Exemplary Child in 2015.

Meanwhile, Bulacan Vice Governor Alex Castro, who also graced the event, thanked the DSWD for the program that helps fight poverty in the province.

Castro assured the provincial and local governments’ support to the exiting 4Ps beneficiaries.

“Maraming salamat sa Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Malaki ang naging tulong nito sa ating mga kababayan. Umaasa po kayo sa patuloy na suporta sa mga 4Ps beneficiaries. Ang provincial government ay mga programa at proyekto makakatulong upang tuluyang maingat ang buhay ninyo (Thank you very much to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. It is a big help to our provincemates. Be assured of our continued support to the 4Ps beneficiaries. The provincial government has programs and projects that could help for the continuous upliftment of your lives),” the vice governor said.

Estela dela Cruz Bustamante, a resident of Plaridel and one of the program beneficiaries, thanked the DSWD for the program which transformed their lives.

“Salamat sa DSWD sa pagbibigay ng pagkakataon na maging member ng 4Ps sa loob ng 10 years. Napakalaking tulong po ang nagawa nito sa aming pamilya. Bagamat hindi pa po kami mayaman pero kami ay nakakaraos na. Nawa po ay magtuloy tuloy na ang pag unlad ng pamilyang Pilipino laban sa kahirapan (Thank you DSWD for giving an opportunity to be a member of 4Ps for 10 years. It is a big help to our family. Although we are not yet rich but we can able to get through. Hopefully, the progress of the Filipino families against poverty will continue),” Bustamante said.

Apart from the 562 graduates from Plaridel, some 144,167 beneficiaries nationwide have already exited from the program after they have been assessed to have achieved a self-sufficient level in their overall well-being. (MNS)

of Muslim Filipinos gather at the Blue Mosque in Maharlika Village, Taguig City on Wednesday (June

in celebration of Eid'l Adha (Feast of Sacrifice). (MNS photo)

GOLDEN YEAR. Six couples celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with renewal of vows at the main lobby of San Juan city hall on Monday (June 26, 2023). Mayor Francis Zamora (with microphone) officiated the event and gave each couple a cash gift of PHP50,000 under the Golden Wedding Anniversary Incentive Ordinance. (MNS photo)

P105-M in gov't aid provided to 26 Mayon-hit villages

REFLECTIONS ON RETIREMENT AFTER 32 YEARS: MAKING A LASTING IMPACT AT SAN DIEGO’S LARGEST PUBLIC COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND NUMBER ONE TRANSFER INSTITUTION

SAN DIEGO, CA -- At the end of last month, I retired from the one community college I truly adore.

In just writing that sentence, I get a lump in my throat, tears in my eyes, and my heart stands still. It’s astounding to me to think those 32 years at the San Diego Community College District and of which more than three quarters of that time spent at Mesa College have passed in what seems like a blink of an eye.

Recently, I found myself slowing my walks about the campus as if to brake time. I’m deliberately stamping my memory with every springtime celebration of students, faculty, staff and alumni knowing full well that each is my last as a Mesa Olympian.

What I will remember most are staff accounts of their time at Mesa College. How what they worked on improved their lives and shaped their careers. How the relationships they developed with faculty, students and other staff members during their time on campus were forged into lasting friendships.

And I will remember the transformative power of a Mesa College graduate (I, myself is an alumnus) – on campus and around the globe – as students and alumni demonstrate their incredible creativity, expertise and passion to improve their corner of the world.

Some of my most treasured interactions have been with alumni recounting their time on campus. Their stories and laughter were certainly contagious and filled with adoration for their alma mater.

These reciprocities were symbolic of hundreds that I’ve had during my time here, and captures the Olympian Spirit felt by so many. It is THAT Mesa pride and psyche I will always treasure forever.

What I will miss the most are the daily exchange with the heart and soul of Mesa College – the faculty and staff who give their all to provide students with the best education and learning experience possible. I will miss deeply the culture of caring that defines us, and the do and dare spirit that has been part of us for almost 60 years since Mesa’s founding in January 1964 (the year I graduated from high school back in my hometown historical district of Sta. Ana in old Manila)..

Finally, I leave knowing that together we accomplished a great deal of meaningful and impactful initiatives and tasks during my occupation at Mesa College and we did it through some of the toughest of times seen in generations which included, by the way a bad COVID-19 pandemic – and we survived them all!

I’m filled with Olympian spirits and will be watching with anticipation as all of you together achieve greater prominence in the future.

Go Mesa!

Yes, after more than three decades with my cherished educational institution, I made a big decision to retire last month to focus on family and societal impact. As you might imagine, preparing for this sort of life change lends itself to deep reflection, and the word “legacy” kept surfacing. I found myself asking, “What does legacy mean to me? Did I achieve it? Do I really have anything to show for a career that spanned over half my life, much of which was on this particular place?”

I know that during that time, I worked with amazing people on their most significant challenges, served in many leadership roles and had the privilege of working with great colleagues. But is that a bequest, and is leaving a legacy an ambition that anyone can achieve?

To me, legacy simply translates to, “Did I leave it better than I found it?” where the “it” has multiple dimensions – your customers, your venture and your teams. Legacy is a collection of moments that accumulate over the course of a career or lifetime and create powerful memories for you and those you’ve crossed paths with. Whether you’re just starting your vocation or looking to wind down, here are the lessons I have learned in my life on how to make an impact that matters.

First and foremost, I say seize the moment.

When you start a new job or role, the stakes are high, and you’re expected to do what you’ve been asked and do it well. However, there’s always more if you look around. From longstanding inefficiencies to lack of integration or communication between teams, there’s always additional value to be created. And more likely than not, it isn’t in your job description to look for this.

But what if you did? What if you looked beyond the task at hand and made things better for everyone by bringing the team together to closely examine how work is getting done and how value is being created?

Take a small step back and look at the big picture. Uncover opportunities, improve processes, optimize the systems and tools that are available to you and show your leadership abilities by being the force behind it all.

Secondly, be curious!

In some part, I chose the supply chain management business because it fed my desire to always be inquisitive. Every order processing for materials and services required me to understand a different business and solve a new problem. What does this have to do with legacy? Being interested and keeping an open mind gives me access to opportunities. These chances create interesting

ASIAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE:

The author (left) is seen here receiving a complimentary book copy of "Lured by the American Dream: Filipino Servants in the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, 1952-1970" from the writer P. James Paligutan who also happened to be in a faculty position at San Diego Mesa College.

zigzags in your career, helping you venture into new spaces where you can look at roles with a fresh perspective and uncover ways to have a profound impact. Curiosity is without doubt one of our greatest superpowers.

Thirdly, tell your stories.

It’s humorous to think that when I started my career, there was a switchboard operator, a typing pool, paper timesheets and small cubbies. What’s even more amusing is to think that many of the people I have worked with during the last decade or two weren’t born when I began my calling, and they have no context for how much the workplace has changed. Looking back, one of my early mentoring relationships developed while dropping my paper timesheet off at the office on Friday

Jesse T. Reyes

Filipino Potpourri

nights on my way home from work. This now out-dated task allowed me to learn from one of our most seasoned workers through weekly conversations because we had similar timing.

Today’s associations are a hybrid of virtual and in person, but each provides moments for you to share your stories and build strong bonds. Tales about “the olden days,” accounts about problems you’ve solved, anecdotes about the evolution of your business, narratives to inspire and to connect. There is so much to be learned by listening to the amazing accomplishments of those shoulders you stand on. Some of these chronicles fade away as generations retire, but what is valuable should be memorialized through your interactions with the next progeny.

And finally, focus on people.

Don’t you – my dear folk –know that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts? As a fellow worker, you have an opportunity to positively influence others. In one of my goodbye conversations, a mentee asked what I was most proud of. It was an easy answer: seeing his success and knowing that I had been part of it by having candid conversations, keeping an eye for new opportunities and cheering him on from the sidelines.

end of the day, I hope we can all say that our time was well-spent and our impact mattered.

Last but not least, on a more personal note- and probably the most important of all – I am deeply appreciative of the support and encouragement I received from my wife Zeny throughout a very intense 56 years of government/public service in both the military and civilian sectors. I also appreciate the sacrifices Zeny and my three amazing sons Ryan, Rommel and Randy – and including also with my two beautiful daughters-in-law Abigail and Valerie and our three adorable grandchildren Taylor, Jacob and Riker made when it came to time spent away from them. I’ve joked that on every Navy deployment I have ever served I carried two suitcases -my sea bag and a sack of guilt. Funny, that sentiment goes too with my tenure at Mesa College but quite true, indeed…Ha-ha-ha-ha!

Of course, now that I’ll be home more permanently my wife pointed out the benefits of occasional separation.

You can’t win them all…Ha-haha-ha!

The ongoing saga involving the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) at the South China Sea is viewed by Filipinos as Chinese harassment given the multiple incidents involving Chinese vessels against Filipino fishermen or Philippine government vessels. The level of Filipino anger ebbs and flows during and after such incidents but display or expression of nationalism is inconsistent at best.

Most Filipinos feel it is a David and Goliath situation that engenders a feeling of resignation – that the country’s military is no match to China’s and that they need the help of a “reliable ally” like the United States for security protection.

Such a defeatist attitude was best exemplified and actually verbalized, by former president Rodrigo Duterte who wanted to pursue a foreign policy independent from the United States.

Duterte admitted that the Philippines could not afford to engage China in a shooting war and would rather pursue better relations with China to affect a better desired outcome. To prove his point, he even tried to sever ties with the United

States by threatening to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement and for that he was pilloried by mainstream media and of course, the usual antiDuterte crowd.

Actually, Duterte being from Mindanao has better clarity when it comes to issues regarding PhilippineU.S. relations because Mindanao is the only part of the Philippines that successfully fend off the colonizers, Spain and the United States both. Yet, his stance, much like the Leftist or the Makabayan block, fails to gain traction against the vocal crowd.

The vocal crowd, of course, were supporters of former Vice President Leni Robredo and also the Aquinos’ who wanted to continue the status quo with the Americans. If one would listen to Sen. Risa Hontiveros and other members of the Makabayan bloc, they consistently spout nationalistic ideas that favors the majority, concerns about protecting the environment or the nation’s patrimony. They, however, are by their lonesome and consistently being opposed by the majority. The brouhaha over the Spratlys is really the Philippines’ own doing.

LOGISTICS HUB: The San Diego Mesa College Stockroom, Shipping and Receiving Department manages supply readiness for the entire campus. The author (third from left) poses for posterity with fellow support staff employees.

Every business ‘survival is dependent on a new generation of leaders growing up behind the old to serve customers and lead the team. There is truly nothing more satisfying than those proud papa bear moments when you see someone thriving who may not have known how great they could be, knowing you helped create space for them to grow and dream bigger.

Anyone can leave a legacy. Did you fully take advantage of opportunities to leave it better than you found it? Did you seize the moment?

As my time with the San Diego Community College District in general and with Mesa College in particular came to an end, I want to express my gratitude for allowing me the opportunity to serve the public during these past 32 years.

From my first day here, I was welcomed with open arms and everyone made me feel like family.

During our time together we also experienced the pandemic which provided many logistical challenges we were able to meet head on. I thank you all for your patience during these difficult moments which saw our workstation having to do things that were outside of our comfort zone like wearing masks and limiting our in-person attendance.

CLASSIFIED AWARDS CEREMONY: The annual Classified Employee Service Awards observance honor classified (supervisory and nonsupervisory) employees for their years of service and are held in May each year. The author (right) is seen here with fellow employees from the college's School of Mathematics & Natural Sciences during last year's event.

Remember to stay curious; there are always new ways of thinking, and although there are times when you could get by with the status quo, it is so much more rewarding to try to make it better. Share your stories and those you’ve heard along the way, and always invest in and help the people around you. Winding down a long career will evoke different emotions for everyone, but at the

I was honored to share in significant moments of your lives in campus.

So thank you to everyone, as well as my co-workers and friends, for all you have done for me over the decades. I am indebted to you all, and I look forward to years of friendship well into the future. Fair winds and a following sea to all!

Mabuhay!!

Independence Day 2023 Series: National Identity and Modern Nationalism, Part 5

Why? Well, think about this. The KIG was clearly part of Philippine territory and thus the attendant sovereignty that comes with such ownership. Former President Ferdinand Marcos’ drawn baseline map under Presidential Decree 1599 signed in 1978 was legally unchallenged for 31 years. There was no protest from China or any other countries who are now referred to as claimants.

Everything drastically changed in 2009 when then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) signed into law a new baseline under Republic Act 9522 which considerably shrunk the Philippine territory relative to the KIG in the West Philippine Sea and practically excluded what is now being contested by China and Vietnam. The question is, why did Arroyo feel that she needed to draw a new archipelagic baseline?

The answer could be related to the Joint Maritime Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) that GMA signed with China and Vietnam, and/or the China-owned NBN-ZTE Broadband scandal that GMA was accused of being involved in some bribery attempt. JMSU was declared unconstitutional and was voided by the Philippine Supreme Court. The new baseline clearly favored China.

It was the Americans, however, who convinced Arroyo under the pretext that Marcos’ baseline was

illegal. Really? For 31 years nobody contested it in international court, yet here are American legal “eagles” whispering to the president that she had to do something. And that, she did and more. Perhaps she recognized that she needed the Americans to save her butt with the twin scandals bearing down on her at the time.

But it didn’t stop there. First, even before the ink dried up with the signing of the new law, China and Vietnam immediately protested the new baseline law. Think about it, why would they do that when they didn’t protest Marcos’s more expansive baseline law before? It’s quite simple. I believe that Arroyo opened the door for these countries to become claimants. And perhaps with the tacit approval of the Americans.

The new baseline law gave China license to exert its own and physically stake its claim by sending a flotilla of fishing boats to the area. The situation that the Aquino administration inherited eventually led to the standoff in 2012 that got then Sen. Antonio Trillanes to backchannel a solution as authorized by then President Benigno Aquino III. The standoff was diffused when the Philippines voluntarily withdrew its forces with the understanding that China would do the same as supposedly brokered by the Americans.

Well, it turned out that China never agreed to the deal and kept its forces

in the area. The Americans convinced Aquino to file an arbitration case before the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that was hurriedly convened at the behest of the Americans. China did not participate, and the Philippines got a “favorable” ruling. One of the documents that was submitted as part of its claim was the new 2009 Baseline Law that Arroyo signed.

In essence, the ruling affirmed the new baseline that Arroyo signed into law which practically shrunk the Philippine share of the KIG. Worse, the UNCLOS ruling and by its own action, the Philippines through Arroyo and Aquino’s acts invalidated what was rightfully its territory under the Treaty of Paris and the discovery/ claim by a Filipino explorer who rightfully laid claim to these regimes of islands.

Let’s pause for a moment and analyze why these two superpowers are keenly interested in the Kalayaan Island Group? For China, the Spratlys presents two possibilities: oil and petroleum, and an opportunity to harass a rival power. Similarly for the U.S., oil and petroleum have been a driving force but also to ensure Freedom of Navigation.

The incident in 2012 that led Aquino to file the arbitration case was obviously a ruse to get the Philippines to jumpstart a treaty that allowed the Americans back in

the country through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). With the inevitable clash between these two powers over Taiwan, it has become apparent that this was long in planning by these powers and the Philippines, through their elected presidents, were unwitting participants.

In 2014, the U.S. State Department published a study regarding “Limits in the Seas, Philippines Archipelagic and other Maritime Claims and Boundaries.” The publication of the study was clearly self-serving given that there was a pending case before the Philippine Supreme Court regarding the constitutionality of EDCA that eventually was ruled constitutional. The study reinforced the notion of the need to enforce the UNCLOS ruling with a robust military component that the Philippines didn’t have.

Given their collective actions, and the lack of nationalistic response from the citizenry are strong indications that nationalism is really dead in the Philippines or “misappropriated” to the wrong crowd. From Philippine history written by historians from Luzon, the Philippines needs a true national story that truly captures what happened as viewed from different sets of eyes throughout the country.

The Philippines is a nation that exists in immanence unable to chart its own course in history. (To be continued)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE: The author (holding "God bless our troops" placard) is seen here during a Veterans Day celebration at San Diego Mesa College.

Help Wanted / For Rent / For Sale

Spiritual Life

10 Rules for a blessed Day

Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.: Proverbs 23:12 (NIV)

I have been erceiving many inspiring messages through the email and the senders want me to share these messages to others.

Aware that many of my readers may not have their own computers, I thought of sharing some of these messages through this column.

The latest message form my niece from the Philippines is entitled "10 Rules for a Blessed Day" and it is in the form of a slide presentation. It is beautiful and inspiring. How can we make our day blessed? What can we do to make our lives a blessing to others today. Let us reflect on these 10 rules for a blessed day.

1. Today I will not strike back. If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is unkind, i will not respond in like manner.

2. Today, I will ask God to "bless my enemies". If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual . I understand that the enemy could be a family member, neighbor, a co-worker or stranger.

3. Today, I will be careful about

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera

My Personal Testimony

what I say. I will carefully choose and guard my words, being certain that I do not spread gossip, slander or malign anyone in any way.

4. Today, I will go the extra mile. I will find ways to help share the burden of another person. I will find ways to make life life more pleasant.

5. Today, I will forgive. I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way. I will also work to forgive injuries that have been inflicted upon me in the past.

6. Today, I will do something nice for someone but I will do it secretly. I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another person

7. Today, I will treat others as I

Greetings in the Lord!

wish to be treated. I will practice the golden rule "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" with everyone I encounter.

8. Today, I will raise the spirits of someone who is discouraged. My smile, my words, my expression of support can make a difference to someone who is wrestling with life.

9. Today, I will nurture my body. I will eat less, I will eat only healthy foods. I will thank God for my body.

10. Today, I will grow spiritually. I will spend a little more time in prayer today; I will begin reading something spiritual or inspirational . I will find a quiet place(at some point during this day) and listen to God's voice

There is no fear in love...

A friend is a sky-diving, mountain-climbing, hang-gliding thrill-seeker, but in the cave he felt sheer panic. He was terrified. He tried fighting his fear, but he kept picturing his dead body moldering in the cave. Finally, he told his guide he was about to lose it, and the guide said, "Hey, close your eyes and listen to my voice. I will keep talking, calmly, and guide you through this. We will be okay. I have been here before. I will get you to the other side. But you must listen to my voice. It will not work for you to let your thoughts run wild. Just focus on my voice." He did so. What freed him from panic and fear was not trying hard to quit thinking fearful thoughts. It was listening to another voice.

What voice do you listen to when you're in the cave and it's dark, when the ceiling is low and you can't back out? The Spirit longs to flow in our minds all the time. One reason why people have found memorizing Scripture helpful is that it helps us listen to the voice of our guide when we are in the cave. We set our minds on those thoughts that equip us for life. God does not want us to live in worry or fear. He wants us to live with bold confidence in his power. "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and selfdiscipline."

TOURISTS

Continued from page 1

wage double the federal minimum wage, the industry is having trouble attracting workers. Many people who once worked part time hours with tips can’t make it without a fulltime job with better pay and health benefits, said Popa.

City By the Bay Cassandra Costello, Executive Vice President, Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer, San Francisco Travel Association says the beautiful City by the Bay is “as vibrant as ever.”

“It’s the time to visit to experience our neighborhoods, our culture, and our culinary scene. There’s strong demand, both domestically and internationally, and we are a safe welcoming city ready for visitors,” she said.

Costello noted the city will

Danny

Hernaez

From Whom

All Blessings Flow

In the Bible, we see a pattern in which God rarely sends people into situations where their comfort level is high. Rather He promises to be with them in their fear. It is God's presence - not comfortable circumstances - that brings people to the best version of themselves.

Paul said that when we live in the flow of the Spirit, he does not make us timid, but instead gives us power and love. This is not the only place in the Bible where we see a close connection between receiving love and living in power. The apostle John makes the same association in one of the most famous statements in the Bible: "There is no fear in love... perfect love casts out fear."

When we live in the flow of the Spirit, we let the perfect love of God wash over us until our fear begins to leave. Modern science has confirmed what John wrote so many centuries ago. Love and fear are literally incompatible in our bodies. God wants to love you

host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in November 2023 at the Moscone Center. APEC meetings are intergovernmental forums between industry and political leaders from 21 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. San Francisco will also host the Superbowl and the World Cup in 2026. While tourism from China is down, travelers from India, Europe, Canada, and Mexico are making up the gap. India is the largest emerging market, said Costello. While international tourists are just 29% of all tourists traveling to San Francisco, they make up 62% of the spend, due to longer stays.

Is New York Dead?

If the positively sunny Costello has a nay-saying nemesis it could be New York native James Altucher.

He is the author of a best-selling Wall Street Journal book, “Choose Yourself” and since 2014 has produced a top-rated podcast of

Today is the thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The gospel message in today’s Eucharistic celebration dwells on the necessity for the follower of Jesus to give himself fully to Jesus, Our Master and Lord. This message is in fact previewed in the gospel reading that we had reflected on last Sunday. May I review what I shared in my homily last Sunday: The central message of this gospel is the reality that every Christian has been “saved by the grace of God in the person of Jesus Christ.” Hence, we should be confident in his ever reassuring presence in our lives so that we have nothing to be afraid in this mortal life, ‘for the Lord defend us unto life everlasting.’ In a world that is filled with anxieties, apprehension, fears and unpredictable and unforeseeable incidents, one may be enveloped with fear and despair. However, a staunch believer and faithful follower of Jesus, who is both loving and merciful, has really nothing to fear. We only have to fully entrust ourselves to Him assuring words when he mentioned in the gospel today “do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” ( Mt. 10, 31.)

Today St. Matthew speaks about the meaning of true discipleship, faithful following of Jesus, Our

Master. I believe that there are three elements which he would like to consider very seriously in understanding the cost of discipleship. The first of the three is the recognition and acceptance of the high price of being a follower of Jesus so that even the closest of blood relationship in this earthly life should even be considered of lesser value to the love that we must render to Jesus himself. “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” If there are persons whom each one of us would consider closest us, the family members should rank first in our earthly standards. However, Jesus demands that his disciples should love Him above and beyond blood relations. The second element that St.

PAGDURUSA

Bakit nga ba’t bahagi ng ating buhay ang pagdurusa?

May mga naghihirap, nagugutom, walang matirahan May mga biktima ng sakuna, pandaraya at karahasan May mga nagkakasakit, may mga nawawalan ng Kalayaan.

Tunay nga bang mahal tayo ng Diyos? Tanong ng iba. Kung tunay ngang mahal tayo, bakit Niya tayo pinapayagang maghirap at magdusa?

mabuhay na nagiisa Ang tulong ng Maykapal ay kakailanganin Sapagkat Siya ang may hawak ng buhay at kapalaran natin.

Matthew presents is the centrality of the cross in following Jesus. “… and whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” What does St. Matthew mean by this? In the last days of His earthly life, Jesus declared the new commandment of love for each other among his followers. However, the criterion of this love was “love one another as I love you.” His way of loving until giving His life unconditionally on the cross for the redemption of humanity is the way of the cross for which He wants each of His disciple to do. We are being asked to take the way Jesus loves as the measure of treating every other person in our lives. This leads to the third element of discipleship which is total self abnegation, or self denial. This is the hardest of all the three, but without going through this stage one can never leave behind loved ones, family relationships, nor bear the cross as demanded by Jesus Himself. “… whoever loses His life will find it.” When one finally gives himself fully to Jesus, one will find life eternal and will find peace and will not have anything to fear in life anymore. Today I wish that we would pray that we truly would be His loving and faithful disciples.

- and in loving you, to cast out your fear.

Jesus was facing adversity when he told his followers that if they had faith, they could command a mountain and it would be cast into the sea. When my focus is on the mountain, I am driven by my fear. When my focus is on God, however, I am made alive by my faith. But if I did not have the mountain, I would not know that faith could be in me. Use your imagination to picture being shepherded by the Lord in green pastures beside still waters. Is there any room for fear? God knows that you can stand that trial; He would not give it to you if you could not. It is His trust in you that explains the trials of life, however bitter they may be. God knows our strength, and He measures it to the last inch; and a trial was never given to any man that was greater than that man's strength, through God, to bear it.

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the same name. It has millions of listeners. In August 2020, Altucher wrote an article called “New York City is Dead Forever.”

He wrote the piece because New York City was facing serious threats with the pandemic and lockdowns, and said it still hasn’t recovered.

“Some of the consequences of those issues are going to be around for a very long time, if not, as I mentioned in the article, forever,” said Altucher. He noted that New York City’s population has dropped almost a million while homelessness is at the highest level since 1931 during the Great Depression.

With lower taxes, better weather, and cheaper living, other states like Texas and Florida have benefited. Overall this has been a good thing for the country because opportunity isn’t just found in one or two cities. But it’s been bad for New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and other big cities, said Altucher.

Hindi madaling unawain kung bakit tayo nagdurusa Subalit sa puso ay alam natin na ang pagdurusa ay isang pagsubok sa ating pananampalataya.

Hindi ba ninyo napupuna?

Kung kailan tayo naghihirap at saka tayo lalong napapalapit sa Kanya Ang pagdurusa ay isang paalaala na hindi natin kayang

Noong nagkatawang tao ang Panginoong Diyos Siya ay hinamak, pinako sa krus, nagdanas ng matinding pagdurusa Hindi nagreklamo, ang pagdurusa ay tinanggap ng lubusan Alam Niyang ang susunod ay kaluwalhatian sa Kanyang Kaharian.

Hindi maaring ihiwalay ang sakripisyo at pagdurusa sa pagmamahal Pagisipan natin. Paano nga ba ang magmahal?

Pagmasdan ang Krus, tanungin ang sarili at magnilay-nilay! Handa tayong ialay ang sarili upang ang iba ay mabuhay?

Sa mga sandaling tayo ay naghihirap at nagdurusa Pagkakataon na dapat tayong kumapit sa ating Pananampalataya Sa Panginoong Diyos tayo sumunod at magtiwala At ng ipagkaloob ang biyayang Siya ay ating makapling sa buhay sa kabila.

Filipino Young Leaders Program Announces 2023 Immersion Cohort

LOS ANGELES, CA -- The Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), a joint initiative of the Philippine Embassy, Consulates General in the United States, and the Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI), is pleased to announce the 2023 FYLPRO Delegates.

This year’s class marks the second in person immersion program in more than three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s cohort is the 10th batch to participate in FYLPRO’s signature immersion program.

The 2023 FYLPRO Delegates (in alphabetic order) are:

Tracy Badua, San Diego, CA

Arienne Calingo, South Bend, IN

Walbert Castillo, Las Vegas, NV

Nikki Chan, Stockton, CA

Yana Gilbuena, Oakland, CA

Trish La Chica, Milliani, HI

Athena Lao, Astoria, NY

Juslyn Manalo, Daly City, CA

Cindy Martin, Chicago, IL

Christine Melendres, San Ramon, CA

Lourdes Moldre, Vallejo, CA

Christian Osmena, Phoenix, AZ

Rey Paolo Roca, Norwalk, CA

Jan Tancinco, New York, NY

Patricia Tumang, Glendale, CA

In the 2023 application cycle, changes made last year continued to yield an even more competitive application pool in particular, raising the age limit from 40 to 45. The increased age limit gave an opportunity to those who would have aged out during the pandemic.

The immersion program selection committee also instituted a rigorous double blind review process that concluded in a final virtual interview.

“It’s only fitting that with this strong cohort, that they represent

our 10th batch,” said 2022-2023 FYLPRO President Leezel Tanglao.

“This year’s cohort continues to raise the bar across underrepresented industries, locations and advocacies. I cannot wait for them to take part in this transformative experience.”

This year’s cohort includes new regions represented with delegates from South Bend (Indiana), Las Vegas (Nevada), Phoenix (Arizona) and Stockton, California. Among this cohort are several Fulbright Scholars, an award winning children's book author, documentary filmmaker and the first Filipino American woman to become Mayor in Daly City, California.

The delegates will be traveling in a week-long immersion trip to Manila, Philippines in August, another change from previous years.

When told about the final 2023 FYLPRO cohort, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said "I congratulate the 10th batch of FYLPRO delegates, who have been chosen to embark on this transformative journey. Their selection for this program is a testament to their exceptional talent, passion, and commitment to making a positive impact in the FilipinoAmerican community and beyond. Their diverse backgrounds and remarkable talents demonstrate that Filipino-Americans have emerged as leaders and trailblazers in various fields, both geographically and professionally. I am confident that their passion, talent, and commitment will contribute to advancing the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and cultural exchange that defines the "enduring friendship" of our two

nations."

The delegates will get the opportunity to meet and interact with Philippine Government officials and leaders in the fields of business, arts and culture, and civil society.

"As we celebrate the 125th anniversary of Philippine independence, we are honored to provide a platform for our Fil-Am leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue with movers and shakers both in the Philippines and the United States. To mark the 10th batch of FYLPRO, we look forward to collaborating with our delegates in creating an impact in the lives of Filipinos all over the world,” said Ayala Foundation President Ruel T. Maranan.

FYLPRO was established in 2012 by Former Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United States of America, Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. and Mrs. Victoria J. Cuisia in cooperation with the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) to annually identify outstanding young professionals in the Filipino communities across the United States and provide the delegates with invaluable community, business, and government insights and access to distinguished network captains of industry and government.

About Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO)

FILIPINO YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM (FYLPRO) is a network of high performing, next-generation leaders who advance the Philippines and the Filipino people through their advocacy and expertise in various industries. We continually expand the pipeline of Filipino young leaders in the diaspora.

For more information, visit fylpro.org.

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

Ni Salvador S. Idos

Salvador S. Idos

tourist arrivals in the country is at 2,029,419 so far, based on the latest data from the DOT.

Solons cite DOT’s efforts to lure more travelers with new slogan

The new tourism slogan “Love the Philippines” continues to draw support with Senator Grace recognizing the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) efforts to inspire travelers to visit and relish in the Philippines’ natural beauty and unique culture.

“The Philippines has a lot to offer to become a world-class destination,” Poe said in a statement on Thursday. “Catchy tourism slogans must not be thwarted by cringeworthy travelers' experience.”

Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, said the government must services at the airports “which are not only the nation's gateway but also the first and last impression a tourist gets of the Philippines.” For his part, Deputy Speaker and Batangas (6th District) Rep. Ralph Recto also said he supports the “Love the Philippines” campaign slogan of the DOT.

He, however, said the focus “should be on the infrastructure and security which would lead tourists to rave and not rage about their time here -- matters which are outside DOT's jurisdiction.”

Recto said a slogan, by itself, is not a powerful lure that will prompt a traveler to pack and go, unless it fully captures the Philippines’ many splendored attractions.

For tourists, he said the

Philippines’ major draw are sun, sights, sea and shopping.

[But] the advantage of a catchy and clever tourism brand instantly evaporates in the heat of a congested airport, in road traffic which does not move, or in restrooms which cannot be found,” he said. “These are the harsh realities no hot advertising copy can cure.”

He said the tourism brand is only as effective as what it is marketing.

“If the country is beautiful, no tourism slogan is needed. El Nido, for example, has beauty beyond words. If the country is bad, not even the best slogan would suffice,” Recto said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. witnessed the unveiling of the “enhanced” tourism slogan during the DOT’s 50th anniversary celebration at The Manila Hotel on Tuesday.

In a keynote speech, Marcos affirmed his commitment to advancing the tourism sector, hoping that the new campaign slogan would help stimulate economic activities and generate job opportunities in the country.

Marcos expressed optimism that the Philippines will become the “tourism powerhouse” of Asia in the new few years.

On Wednesday, former DOT Secretary and now Philippine Red Cross chairperson and CEO Dick Gordon said he finds the new tourism slogan instantly appealing.

"It is catchy and easy to recall! Connects easily with the long spelling of Philippines. It also serves as a double meaning call for Filipinos to love the country because we are well endowed with

natural beauty and sights, and people share excellent traits, such as being welcoming, happy, and kind,” he said.

DOT: Improvement of airports needed for positive tourist experience

After the Philippines unveiled its new tourism slogan, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco on Wednesday underscored the importance of improving the country’s airports to provide better travel experience for tourists.

Frasco said the Department of Tourism (DOT) is coordinating with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to give recommendations on how to improve the airports’ interior and operations.

“Siyempre importante ‘yung ating mga gateways (our gateways are important) to really provide a positive tourist and traveler experience overall. Kaya naman naki-partner tayo sa (that’s why we have partnered with the) Department of Transportation as far as improving the interiors of the airports,” she said in an Unang Balita interview.

The Tourism chief said that it is the DOTr which has the primary jurisdiction over airports, and the DOT is only giving suggestions on how the facilities can be improved for travelers.

“Nag-offer tayo and ongoing na ‘yung ating Filipino brand of service excellence sa ating mga frontline tourism workers,” Frasco added.

The DOT on Tuesday launched the country's new tourism slogan — "Love the Philippines." It replaced "It's More Fun in the Philippines," the country's invitation to travelers since 2012. (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

MTS Anticipates Return to Normal Service for MTS Minibus and Access Service as Agreement Reached to End Work Stoppage

SAN DIEGO, CA -- An agreement has been reached between Transdev and Teamsters Local 542 to operate MTS Minibus routes and Access paratransit service that had been impacted by a work stoppage. All scheduled bus routes are anticipated to operate on a normal schedule on Wednesday, June 28. There may still be some missed trips on minibuses over the next few days as the system recovers and operators report for duty. Minibus routes include: 14, 18, 25, 83, 84, 833, 838, 944, 945, 946, 964, 965, 985; Saturdays: 832, 833, 838, 945, 965; Sundays: 832, 833, 838.

Additionally, due to the prescheduled trip format of MTS Access it may take a few days for staff to cover all appointment requests.

“With the passing of this vote, MTS riders across our system can begin again relying on all MTS services starting tomorrow,” said Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember, District 3. “We recognize that MTS

Minibus and Access riders depend greatly on our transit services to attend their appointments and to get around town. We thank them for their patience and understanding during this work stoppage. MTS is pleased that Teamsters Local 542 and Transdev reached an important agreement that will restore normal service for riders. We will continue to evaluate the factors that led to the work stoppage to ensure that this type of service disruption is avoided in the future.”

For specific route information, please call MTS Information and Trip Planning at 619-233-3004. For press or media inquiries related to the agreement or negotiations, contact Transdev at Mitun.Seguin@

transdev.com or 301-674-3733.

About MTS

The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates more than 100 bus routes and three Trolley lines in 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego. MTS is a leader in advancing initiatives to create a greener, cleaner and better-connected transit system in San Diego. Each weekday more than 220,000 passenger trips are taken throughout the MTS system taking people to work, school, health appointments and other essential trips. In FY 2022, MTS made more than 57 million riders. For service schedule updates, news, alerts and more information on how you can use public transportation, go to www. sdmts.com.

Physical Therapists Help People of All Ages.

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

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

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

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

About The Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association

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

What Can Accountability Do for You?

to do instead of the most important things to do. As a recent new Mind Masters member commented “I have been inconsistent and find myself jumping from one thought to another or one task to another…” Does that sound familiar? There was research done on the top characteristics of CEOs that found 81% shared very strong motivational skills of self-management and personal accountability. As small business owners , wearing all the hats, that picture doesn’t often fit. You set goals and plans, but what’s the point of making commitments,

or setting a goal if you have no intention of honoring, keeping or achieving them? If you’ve got a great goal, idea or opportunity but no personal accountability to see it through to the end, you really don’t have much! Accountability serves and protects your character, credibility and commitments. It ensures that what you want to accomplish gets accomplished. Accountability can also become more self-motivating. It is all about integrity, it’s about being as honest with yourself and others as you can be. Accountability means living by choice, rather than living by accident. It’s an opportunity to carve out the future, rather than sit back and see what happens. Without accountability there are few opportunities for breakthroughs. When you are accountable to your promises, you are your word; thus, your relationship to others (and the whole world) shifts.

Practice noticing how often you break your word and make excuses for it and how having a lack of accountability doesn’t serve you. Sometimes it means reaching out for support. As Mind Masters member and leadership coach Karl Bimshas puts it “The camaraderie that comes from

weekly accountability and celebrations (at Mind Masters) of personal or professional achievements and accomplishments gives focus and urgency to my goals. The brainstorming sessions give me a safe space to learn from and contribute to fresh ideas.”

You see, you’re not rewarded for your intentions; you’re rewarded for what you accomplish. And whatever you can do to increase your ability and your accountability will pay big dividends.

It’s already July: there are six months left in this magical year. How well do you rate on your ability to motivate yourself and stay accountable for goals big and small? 500 successful CEOs score well, they have internal advisory groups, you can do the same. How about you? Are you willing to have more accountability and increase your standing in reaching your goals? And you do have a mastermind team, right? The accountability factor is only one of several outstanding reasons to join a mastermind team. I encourage you to avail yourself of that and the many other benefits of our program. I guarantee you will get more of the right things done in achieving your most important goals.