The Filipino Press: March 25-31, 2022

MANILA, -- The adoption of the 10-point policy agenda for the country’s economic recovery is not an “exit plan” solely from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Malacañang said Thursday.

In a press statement, acting Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the policy agenda is part of the preparations for the shift to the “new normal”.

“We do not share the view that this is the current Administration's exit plan, for this forms part of the country's preparation to build resilience under the New Normal,” Andanar said.

Andanar issued the clarification after President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday signed Executive Order (EO) 166 directing all government departments and offices to adopt the 10-point policy agenda to hasten the recovery of the Philippine economy from the impact of the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic.

Under EO 166, all state departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, are mandated to ensure that all related policies, measures, and programs

are aligned with the adopted policy agenda. Andanar expressed optimism that EO 166 would also be implemented by the succeeding

administrations.

This, as he likened the new EO to the current administration’s adoption of EO 168 which was signed by former president

Benigno Aquino III in 2014 to create the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases in the Philippines.

“Unless Executive Order No.166 is modified or revoked, it would remain effective and operational,” Andanar said. EO 166 aims to sustain current

CORONADO, CA --

The 100th Annual Coronado Flower Show, a co-production of the Coronado Floral Association (CFA) and City of Coronado, and supported by the County of San Diego, will make its return April 23-24, 2022 to the iconic Spreckels Park in Coronado. Event organizers are thrilled to bring together again anthophiles (people who love flowers!), as well as plant-curious community members from around San Diego County to commemorate this major milestone, despite a two-year hiatus during the pandemic.

“As we approach our celebration to recognize our 100th anniversary, we grow more excited each day to once again bring our community together to experience the sights and scents of beautiful floral design, appreciate the carefully curated home fronts and witness the joyful moment when show exhibitors

are recognized for their artistry,” says Diana Drummey, 2022 Chair, Coronado Flower Show. “We look forward to celebrating our centennial with the City of Coronado neighbors and our wider community of friends and longtime supporters. In addition, we acknowledge a new generation of gardening and floral design enthusiasts that will take us into the next 100 years.” What to expect at this year’s show During the pandemic, many new habits and hobbies were discovered by homebodies. One obsession that social distancing inspired was a newfound love for plants and gardening. According to a recent study, 88 percent of respondents who began a plant-keeping hobby during the pandemic said it had a positive impact on their mental health. For three years, new gardeners have blossomed everywhere, creating a new passion and appreciation

for the world of horticulture and plant care. Coronado Flower Show organizers encourage these new plant enthusiasts to attend the event to not only build their skills, but also meet and learn from seasoned gardening aficionados.

Known as the “longest running tradition in Coronado,” the Coronado Flower Show offers its attendees beautiful landscape displays and a variety of floral competitions with a mission to educate the public. The show is organized using the National Garden Clubs, Inc. flower show rules. Over the two-day event, more than 4,000 attendees will gather in Spreckels Park in the center of Coronado. Visitors will enjoy live bandstand entertainment, delicious food, a beer & wine garden, as well as shopping featuring several local artists and small businesses.

In addition, before the event from April 8-10 there will be a “Home Front Judging” event to recognize and appreciate exceptional home and business gardens throughout the city. During the three-day event, over 150 local community volunteers will show up to walk the beautiful streets of Coronado to appreciate the meticulously curated gardens, home fronts, store fronts, apartment buildings, condominium complexes, churches, and school gardens. The volunteers’ results of the “Home Front Judging” event are due by April 11 and ribbon winners will be announced prior to the Coronado Flower Show weekend.

“I’ve participated in the Coronado Flower Show for over 30 years and am excited to once again take part in this year’s event,” says Carvill Veech,

By Chaplain Don Bia Dog with Dan De guzman

SAN

DIEGO, CA --

April 2022 is a special month of commemoration. A team of willing volunteers put together the 80th Anniversary of Bataan Death March, Saturday April 9, 2022, 11001200. The VFW Post 7907, Post 7907 Auxiliary, and the 80th Anniversary of Bataan Death March Committee are hosting the luncheon following the remembrance day event. The City of Poway, Veterans Park of Poway Committee, civic and military leaders, and many other individuals and organizations supported the historical event which will be held at the Old Town Poway. We are so grateful to Godfor all the untiring support of our community.

In retrospect, the Imperial Army of Japan launched a surprise attack on the Philippines, a U.S. Commonwealth, on December 8, 1941, just 10 hours after the Japanese sneak and surprise attack U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet, along with all other U.S. military bases and installations at Pearl Harbor and Wheeler Field. Japanese Imperial forces invaded the Philippines in a sneak attack on military installations in Luzon, 10 hours after Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Initial aerial bombardment was followed by landings of Japanese Imperial ground troops both north and south of Manila in the Philippines. The Commander-in-Chief all U.S. and Filipino U.S. Commonwealth forces in the Philippines, General Douglas MacArthur, consolidated all of his Luzon-based units on the Bataan Peninsula to fight against the Japanese Imperial army. By this time, the Japanese controlled nearlyall of Southeast Asia. The Bataan Peninsula

and the island of Corregidor were the only remaining Allied strongholds in the region.

On a historical note, the Philippine U.S. Commonwealth Army was created by Philippine Commonwealth Act Number 1, approved December 21, 1935. On July 26, 1941, a new command in the Far East was created, known as the United States Army Forces Far East (USAFFE). On the same date, President of the United States Franklin D. Roosevelt, issued Presidential Order (6 Federal Register 3825) which called the Philippine U.S. Commonwealth Army into the service of the Armed Forces of the United States.

During the Battle of Bataan, despite their severe shortage and lack of supplies, American and Filipino forces managed to fight the Japanese Imperial Army for three months and two days (January 7 – April 9, 1942) engaging them initially in a fighting retreat southward. They were hoping for the “promised supplies” of armaments and

economic gains, minimize the Covid-19 pandemic’s long-term adverse effects, and restore the country’s development trajectory.

It orders the government offices to strengthen healthcare capacity; accelerate and expand the vaccination program; further reopen the economy and expand public transport capacity; resume face-to-face learning; reduce restrictions on domestic travel and standardize local government units’ requirements; and relax requirements for international travel.

It also mandates the national government to accelerate digital transformation through legislative measures; provide for enhanced and flexible emergency measures through legislation; shift the focus of decisionmaking and government reporting to more useful and empowering metrics; and undertake mediumterm preparation for pandemic resilience.

The Department of Health has classified all areas in the country as low risk for Covid-19.

From March 14 to 20, the country has reported around 3,572 new coronavirus infections. Unfinished gov’t projects

foods would arrive, so they fought valiantly knowing that promise. Nevertheless, the logistical and additional troops support never arrived.

They prayed to God and cried saying, “No Mama, No Papa, No Uncle Sam.” The combined American and Filipino forces made a last stand. The delay tactics worked and cost the Japanese valuable time and prevented immediate victory across the Pacific. With no hope of reinforcement of forces and supplies and the mounting casualties caused by injuries, famine, and diseases, the 78,000-80,000 American and Filipino warriors finally surrendered on Thursday April 9, 1942, to the Japanese in Bataan, Philippines. It was known as the “Fall of Bataan.” Following their surrender, tens of thousands of U.S. and Filipino warriors were forced to become Prisoners of War (POW) to the Japanese. The American and Filipino service members faced horrifying atrocities, conditions, and treatment as POWs. They reluctantly surrendered on Holy Thursday April 9, 1942. The Holy Week turned into unholy horrors. April is the hottest and driest time of the year in the Philippines. The infamous walk was dubbed as the “Bataan Death March,” the forcible transfer by the Imperial Japanese Army of American and Filipino Prisoners of War. It was a notorious trek by the Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines started from Saysain Point, Bagac, Bataan and Mariveles to Camp O'Donnell, Capas, Tarlac, via San Fernando, Pampanga. The starving and sick prisoners were forced to march. Thousands died. The starving and ill-treated Prisoners of War were force-marched 63 miles (101

Our Beloved Pampered Pinay Laid to Rest

Francine Antoinette Maigue, our beloved Pampered Pinay was laid to rest on Wednesday, March 16 at 1pm at Greenwood Memorial Park.

Francine

Maigue,

Francine’s memorable service was attended by family, friends and dignitaries from across the country. Her celebration of life started with two days of viewings.

As you enter the Greenwood Memorial chapel lobby, you are greeted by family surrounded by gorgeous flowers, strength and hope bracelets, pins that had her name and the Lung Cancer ribbon and large photos of Francine with her famous quotes. “You are who you are, wherever you are, and that’s always more than enough.” And “Success is subjective. Happiness is a decision.”

Centered at the front of the chapel amongst a sea of white flowers, Francine in her elegant white casket with white silk bunting and ornamented silver handles, laid beautifully in her scarlet red gown. Lovely photos of Francine from her debut and Miss Philippines adorned with gorgeous flower arrangements were displayed throughout the chapel. The Garden Chapel was filled with Francine’s loved ones sharing stories and exchanging hugs. Connecting with one another just like Francine had connected with each of them during her very successful 41 years of life. Friends and colleagues took turns in telling stories of her life as a young performer, her fruitful teen years as a competitive dancer, her college experience at UCLA, her tremendous work in the community, her true kindness and soulful generosity. Within the crowd you saw Council Members, City Mayors, Assembly Members, successful entrepreneurs, Francine’s Oncologist, Chemotherapy Infusion Team, Radiology Team, the team from The American Lung Association, members from The Filipino Womens Network, Sharp Medical Board Members, San Ysidro Health, her friends and fellow performers from the San Diego Theatre community, old teachers, Francine’s students young and old, the range of mourners was so vast. She touched so many and they came in droves to celebrate her. One of Francine’s talented mentees, Melanie Jimenez sang an emotional rendition of “The Journey.” Her loving godsisters, Krystine and Katherine Sahagun shared a duet called “For Good.” The songs’ lyrics were so fitting of what so many felt Francine meant to them.

“It well may be

That we will never meet again

In this lifetime

So let me say before we part

So much of me Is made of what I learned from you

You'll be with me

Like a handprint on my heart

And now whatever way our stories end

I know you have re-written mine By being my friend” Francine’s Funeral day started with a rosary by Father Angelo from San Jose. Beautifully colored rosaries were given out but not before they were blessed by Fr. Angelo. Followed by a heartfelt welcome by her older sister, Theresa Maigue Bendorf. Theresa was followed by Ruth Sahagun, Francine’s aunt by choice. She quoted scripture that was so poignant. Next was Francine’s best friend from Grad School. Merve Aldatmaz shared stories of their time at Harvard and how Francine traveled to Istanbul to be her Maid of Honor at her wedding. And even though they lived on opposite sides of the country, she was the best aunt to her two little girls. Marily Mondejar, president of the Filipino Womens Network raved about Francine being the face of Global Pinay Power. How her grace, charisma and pure passion for Filipino women empowerment catapulted their initiatives to the forefront. Former Assembly Member Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher was next at the podium. She described Francine, her District Director of eight years as being “The best person!” She was kind, so hard working and ensured that anyone that needed help, got the help they deserved. The speakers closed with Francine’s nieces each taking turns at the mic. Jewel Maigue Bendorf recited Francine’s poem “The Fight” and shared that her Ninang called her Sunshine. Trinity Maigue Bendorf, Francine’s angel, living up to her Ninang’s expectation of also being a poet, wrote and recited a poem she wrote herself entitled “My Family.” She described her family so lovingly. “I’m from “hi besfren” greetings to “11:11 make a wish” messages.

I am from the best family in the world.

I am from the family that was kind enough to share Francine Antoinette

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Maigue with the world.”

Last was Francine’s princess,,Thalia Maigue Bendorf. She vowed to uphold her Ninang’s legacy. “So Ninang, I make this promise to you. your unfinished projects, every poem, every song, every book, every dreams, will not stay only as a fraction of your imagination but instead … will soon become a REALITY.

And although you are already so well known and loved, for those that don’t already … I will make sure that the world will know your name. Your work down here is not done yet, it’ll just be fulfilled by the people you have raised and molded to step up to the plate and be the next generation of world leaders and creatives.

I’m not entirely sure how I can do this without you… but I know that I can because of the compassion, hard work, dedication, respect, and love you instilled in me. I know I can, because you did.

On behalf of all the people you have inspired, the next generation, our Mystic Fam, FilAm Bayanihan, UCLA/Harvard besties, Team LGF, your loyal Pampered Pinay readers, Francine Maigue fans WorldWide, most importantly from your Mama, daddy, Kuya J, Ate, your dude, your angel, your sunshine, and your princess… we love you and we thank you.

I’ll finish what you started. The world will know the Legacy of Francine Maigue.”

The next surprise came when Francine’s sister, Theresa stood at the center aisle holding one white rose. Because Francine and Theresa were known as dancers, some suspected that maybe a tribute performance was to be expected.

But as soon as “The Journey” song by Lea Salonga started to play and Theresa started moving her graceful hula hands, the cameras came out and the tears started to flow. Francine’s nieces joined in during the chorus.

Then more and more of Francine’s friends and dance students united in the most beautiful surprise flash mob like style dance ever. To end, each dancer took turns blowing a kiss to their friend, teacher, mentor, aunt, sister.

Father Angelo then asks Francine’s family to say their final farewell.

A tearful farewell as you would expect as Francine has been taken way too soon. As the family sat back down, Fr. Angelo says a prayer and blesses Francine one last time. He then asks the pallbearers to come up. They consist of her brother in law Jason Bendorf, nephew Jordan Maigue Bendorf, cousin Miguel Maigue Carlos, uncle and close family friend Menard Sahagun, godson Kevin Sahagun and close family friend Nathan Mojica. As the pallbearers start their way with Francine down the aisle, the sounds of Francine’s cousin Lara Maigue’s original song “Let God” echos in the large chapel. They make their way outside where Francine is met by a horsedrawn carriage. The white horse, white carriage, white flowers and white casket was a vision to behold.

As the carriage starts on the pathway through the grounds of Greenwood Memorial Park, Francine’s many mourners follow behind as the beautiful music fills the air. “Let God”, “Pie Jesu”, “Light of the Million Mornings”, “Time to Say Goodbye”, “My Love My Life” and “Tulog Na”are songs heard during the procession.

As the horsedrawn carriage comes closer to the mausoleum, the crowd gathers. As the pallbearers bring Francine into the beautiful marble mausoleum, you can’t help but marvel at the gorgeous stain glass windows that adorn the building.

Alas the queen is at her resting place. Fr. Angelo offers a final prayer then blesses the sarcophagus. The cross that laid atop of the casket is given to Francine’s parents.

After a tearful final goodbye, Francine is ready to be placed in her beautiful marble resting place. Her sister as she did many times before, helped Francine get ready for any event or performance. This wouldn’t be any different, as Theresa lovingly placed the veil on the casket for Francine’s swan song. As her parents placed two white roses atop her casket, the memorial adjourns.

To our beloved Pampered Pinay.

Your place in this world will be forever missed. But rest assured that the legacy you built will live on.

Resort announced that its outdoor pool venue Retreat Pool & Cabanas will officially open on Friday, March 25 for the 2022 pool season. Retreat will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for hotel guests and a limited number of day passes will be available for purchase online and on-site at the Retreat hostess stand.

Retreat features an expansive pool deck with two pools, a swim-up bar, lazy river, hot tub, daybeds, cabanas, poolside gaming, spa treatments and a full-service Pool Bar & Grill. The Pool Bar & Grill menu features seasonal bites and a full bar serving everything from fresh mojitos, margaritas to champagne-infused cocktails.

Guests can also enjoy other oneof-a-kind amenities including relaxing spa services in a private luxury cabana and the only poolside gaming venue in all of San Diego at Retreat Casino. Retreat Casino offers an indoor outdoor gaming experience with a view, that’s only steps away from the pool.

Antoinette

our beloved Pampered Pinay was laid to rest on Wednesday, March 16 at 1pm at Greenwood Memorial Park.

Philippines remains at ‘very low risk’ for COVID-19 while nearby countries on ‘severe outbreak’

MANILA -- The Philippines has remained under the “very low risk” category for COVID-19 as neighboring countries like Vietnam, Singapore, and Brunei experienced a “severe outbreak” of infections, independent monitoring group OCTA Research said Thursday.

In a tweet, OCTA Research fellow

Dr. Guido David said data as of March 22 showed the Philippines’ average daily attack rate (ADAR) decreased to 0.43 on March 22, with a seven-day average of 478 cases.

ADAR pertains to the incidence showing the average number of new cases in a period per 100,000 people.

Meanwhile, the country’s growth rate in new cases from the previous week as compared to the current week also went down to -15%.

The Department of Health (DOH) announced on Tuesday that all regions in the country remained at “minimal risk” in terms of COVID-19 case classification as the number of infections slowed down.

Despite the improving numbers, OCTA fellow Ranjit Rye said there is a possibility that the infections might increase due to the massive gatherings during campaign sorties.

“Nakikita natin na talagang tatatas ang mga kaso, maraming mahahawan pa rin pero hindi tayo magkakaron ng surge kagaya ng nakikita natin in the past likely because marami nang immunized sa ating bansa o dumadami pa,” he said.

However, South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Brunei all remained under the “severe” category, with South Korea still recording the highest ADAR in East Asia countries at 778.50.

Malaysia eased from the “severe” category recorded on March 18 to “very high” with an ADAR of 69.22.

Japan and Thailand, meanwhile, also fell under the “very high” category with an ADAR of 33.18 and 35.32, respectively.

Moreover, Laos recorded an ADAR of 17.27 which placed it now under “high” risk for COVID-19, while Indonesia maintained the “moderate” classification with 3.08 ADAR.

Aside from the Philippines, countries like China, Myanmar, Cambodia, Taiwan, and Timor Leste are at “very low” risk for COVID-19, according to OCTA.

Asked if the Philippines would no longer experience the more transmissible Omicron variant surge like in other countries, Rye said, “Mahirap na tayong bumalik do’n sa panahon na ‘yun kasi unanguna, marami nang bakunado lalo na sa National Capital Region (NCR). Pangalawa, maraming nahahawaan na so may natural immunity.”

In mid-February, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the country has already crossed past the crisis stage when it comes to the surge caused by the Omicron variant.

In the Philippines, the NCR and 47 other areas were placed under Alert Level 1 from March 16 to March 31.

Under Alert Level 1, intrazonal and interzonal travel is allowed regardless of age and comorbidities. All establishments, persons, or activities, are allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at full on-site or venue/seating capacity provided it is consistent with minimum public health standards.

The Philippines on Wednesday recorded 407 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the nationwide COVID-19 tally to 3,675,384.

The DOH said a total of 3,572,224

patients recovered from the viral disease, while the number of deaths climbed to 58,563.

Rye then called on the public not to be complacent and take their primary COVID-19 vaccine series and booster shots, on top of continuous observance of minimum public health standards.

As of March 21, DOH reported there were 65.2 million Filipinos now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, while more than 70.4 million individuals received their first dose.

There were also around 11.6 million individuals who are already boosted against the viral disease.

No slowdown in vax drive amid local campaigns -- Palace Malacañang on Thursday assured that there will be no slowdown in the government’s Covid-19 vaccination drive despite the election campaigns for local posts that will kick off on Friday.

Acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said the vaccination drive should not stop to help maintain the continued decline in the number of Covid-19 cases in the country.

“This occasion is likewise a good reminder that there will be no slowing down of our Covid-19 vaccination drive as we remain on track with our goal of having 90 million fullyvaccinated Filipinos before the end of June 2022,” he said in a press statement. To date, over 65.1 million individuals or 72.41 percent of the government’s target population are now fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Meanwhile, 11.5 million have received their booster shots.

Earlier, the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) said plans are in place to ensure that the Covid-19 vaccination drive would continue as it anticipates that local government units (LGUs) will have less output due to the campaign and election.

NVOC co-leader Dr. Kezia Rosario said involving the private sector would help in getting more people vaccinated.

Andanar, also secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), expressed confidence that the public would remain “vigilant” as the local election campaign period begins. He enjoined the public, especially those attending campaign-related events, to observe protective measures to keep Covid-19 infections and restrictions down.

“We, therefore, ask everyone from the candidates to the general public to strictly comply with health and safety protocols and the guidelines set by the Commission on Elections in the conduct of their political activities, including campaign rallies and inperson campaigning,” he added.

In its weekly case bulletin, the Department of Health recorded a total of 3,572 new Covid-19 cases from March 14 to 20, 13 percent lower than the cases reported last week.

This figure brings the nationwide tally to 3,674,694 Covid-19 cases.

Elderly, immunocompromised may benefit from 4th COVID jab

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) vaccine expert panel recommended a second booster jab for elderly and immunocompromised Filipinos because they need it more, the head of the group said Thursday.

“Of course hindi naman natin ine-expect na magwa-wane yung immunity agad-agad doon sa general healthy population pero yung mga immunocompromised, yung medyo may edad, yung may mga maraming

sakit na especially mga chronic na mga sakit, ay hindi sila masyadong magandang mag-mount ng immune response,” Dr. Nina Gloriani said.

“So for additional protection, dahil nakikitang nagwa-wane na yung immunity, ni-recommend natin na magbigay ng second booster for these people, special population,” she said.

Gloriani explained that those with comorbidities and those with high exposure to COVID-19 will be prioritized for the 4th COVID-19 dose, if it is approved by the government.

“Ang rekomendasyon namin una, yung mga moderately to severely immunocompromised and then yung mga may comorbidities nga, elderly tapos yung may mataas na exposure, na posibleng ma-expose sa COVID na, of course umiikot pa ang COVID ‘no, pwedeng pang may mag-emerge na variants.”

Learners' vax card not required for in-person classes -- DepEd

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday reiterated that students are not required to have a coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination card before they are allowed to join the progressive expansion of the limited face-to-face classes in the country.

At a Facebook livestream on Wednesday, DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones, however, clarified that instead of a vaccination card, students will have to bring a written consent from their parents.

“It is not necessary and we don’t want to deprive children of this opportunity, pero (but) the teachers, we prefer them to be fully vaccinated… or undergo the usual tests to make sure our children will not be exposed,” she said.

Briones said they are also in constant coordination with the Department of Health and local government units for any developments on the alert status of different areas in the country.

Moreover, DepEd Assistant Secretary Malcolm Garma stressed that although they are in full support of pediatric vaccination, they do not want to force it to students given the limited supply of vaccines for children.

“We are campaigning of course, but we are not insisting on it,” Garma said.

The DepEd noted that physical distancing, wearing of face masks, and access to proper sanitation play vital roles to ensure a safe learning space amid the transition to the new normal.

Briones urged parents and students to be prepared for the expected global shift in learning methodologies, saying that the progressive expansion of limited face-to-face classes under the new normal will be different from prepandemic.

“The face-to-face that we are implementing is not going to be like the face-to-face that you are used to, where you are with the teacher, where the children move around as they please. The world will be different, much how the world operates including the Philippines will be online, will use a very high level of technology, so our children have to be prepared, not only by face-to-face but also they have to prepare for online, for technology, for the advances in science and technology,” she added.

Meanwhile, 14,396 public and private schools -- that will be home to 2,600,773 learners -- have been nominated for inclusion in the progressive expansion, as of March 22.

Currently, a total of 10,196 (9,994 public; 212 private) schools are already conducting limited face-to-face classes. (MNS)

Governor Newsom Proposes $11 Billion Relief

Package for Californians Facing Higher Gas Prices

SACRAMENTO, CA -- As oil and gas companies continue to rake in record profits, Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled the details of his proposal to deliver $11 billion in relief to Californians facing record-high gas prices.

“We’re taking immediate action to get money directly into the pockets of Californians who are facing higher gas prices as a direct result of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine,” said Governor Newsom. “But this package is also focused on protecting people from volatile gas prices, and advancing clean transportation – providing three months of free public transportation, fasttracking electric vehicle incentives and charging stations, and new funding for local biking and walking projects.”

The Governor’s proposal calls for $9 billion in tax refunds to Californians in the form of $400 direct payments per vehicle, capped at two vehicles. This package also provides $2 billion in broader relief including: $750 million in incentive grants to transit and rail agencies to provide free transit for Californians for 3 months. As a result, roughly 3 million Californians per day who take the bus, subway, or light rail won’t have to pay a fare every

time they ride. Up to $600 million to pause a part of the sales tax rate on diesel for one year.

$523 million to pause the inflationary adjustment to gas and diesel excise tax rates. The package also calls for $500 million in active transportation for projects that promote biking and walking throughout the state.

Additionally, this proposal fast-tracks a $1.75 billion portion of the Governor’s historic $10 billion ZEV package to further reduce the state’s dependence on oil and save Californians money, including the investments in more ZEV passenger vehicles and building more charging infrastructure throughout the state – especially in low-income communities.

The tax refund will take the form of $400 debit cards for registered vehicle owners, and individuals will be eligible to receive up to two payments.

An average California driver spends approximately $300 in gasoline excise tax over a year.

The Newsom administration will meet with the Legislature to negotiate the details of the proposal in the coming days. Once approved through the Legislature, the first payments could begin as soon as July.

Governor Newsom has allocated billions of dollars in direct relief to Californians over the past two years, including $12 billion in direct checks through the Golden State Stimulus, $5.2 billion in rent relief, and $2 billion in utility relief. Since 2019, the Administration and Legislature have added significant expansions of the Earned Income Tax Credit, including expanding the credit to taxpayers with ITINs, expanding the credit to every Californian working full time at minimum wage, and adding the Young Child Tax Credit. Additionally, the Governor’s historic $37.6 billion climate package provides the resources needed to forge an oil-free future and bolster the state’s clean energy economy.

The proposal provides up to two $400 rebates per vehicle, for owners to support families with more than one vehicle in use. Eligibility will be based on vehicle registration, not tax records, in order to include seniors who receive Social Security Disability income and low-income non-tax filers. The Governor’s proposal does not have an income cap in order to include all Californians who are facing higher prices due to the cost of oil.

STRATEGIC PURCHASE: U.S. FIRM MOVES TO BUY MASSIVE SHIPYARD NEAR THE FORMER SUBIC NAVAL BASE

SAN DIEGO, CA –Mabuhay!

Until its closure in 1992, the Subic Naval Base was the largest U.S. overseas center in the world at 678 square kilometers – about the same size as Singapore – when it still existed.

But now, it seems the Americans are set to return to Subic Bay as U.S. private equity firm Cerberus moved to acquire the debt-laden Hanjin Subic Shipyard, whose parent company is South Korea’s Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction.

According to Reuters, Hanjin Subic Shipyard owes at least five Philippine lenders $412 million. In 2019, it defaulted on loans worth $1.3 billion.

Observers are calling Cerberus’s $300-million acquisition of Hanjin Subic Shipyard as a “strategic purchase.”

“The U.S. equity firm’s $300-million purchase of the well thought out shipyard could herald a restored U.S. naval presence in its ex-colony,” wrote Gabriel Honrada for Asia Times. Sources revealed the Philippine Navy also plans to lease 300 hectares from Cerberus for its own naval base.

Ever since the Spanish occupation of the Philippines, Subic Bay was considered highly strategic, owning to its deep harbor and its access to the South China Sea. Like Manila Bay, its entrance is protected: Grande Island is to Subic Bay what Corregidor is to Manila Bay – an unsinkable fort.

According to Reuters, at least eight foreign firms expressed interest in acquiring the Subic shipyard in 2019. These included two unnamed Chinese corporations and Australianbased global ship building company Austal. Next month, a deal is set to be finalized on April 15, 2022.

But the U.S.’s move to establish a presence in Subic could also be a counter to China’s proposal to develop two strategic islands within the entrance of Subic Bay.

In August 2019, China’s Sanya CEDF Sino-Philippine Investment

Corp. proposed to expand Grande Island and Chiquita Island, which are located at the mouth of Subic Bay and has a distance of three kilometers from the Hanjin Shipyard. At the time, the proposal was rejected by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority or SBMA because it allegedly violates the Philippine Constitution.

At the time, SBMA Chairman Wilma Eisma spurned the Chinese plan because it would entail building up to 80 high-end housing units on the water surrounding the islands.

Hanjin Subic Shipyard was completed in 2009 during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It became one of the largest shipyards in the Asia Pacific region. In 2015, the Philippines were recognized as one of the world’s top 10 shipbuilders because of Hanjin. At the height of its operations, the dockyard employed around 35,000 workers and built 123 large cargo container vessels, bulk carriers and transporters for crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas and mineral ore.

Now, allow me to digress a bit and provide you all – my dear folks – a brief history of Subic Bay: No doubt about it that referring to “Subic Bay” can be confusing. There are several places in Zambales Province, Philippines that share the name. Subic Bay is a large basin located on the Western coast of Luzon, the northern island of the Philippine archipelago. Located northwest of Manila, Subic is smaller than Manila Bay and never saw the level of shipping traffic as in Manila. Subic is also a town north of Subic Bay. Subic Bay was also the name of the former U.S. Naval Reservation located along the shore of the cove. When I use “Subic” and “Subic Bay” I mean the then naval enclave which included the air station, the naval station, and other command units within the overall complex. The U.S. Naval Base, Subic Bay was an approximately 262 square mile naval area located on the Southeastern point of the province of Zambales in the Philippines.

was a town of 60,000 people that continued to grow in the following decades. Olongapo was legally a part of the U.S. naval station after World War II and remained under American jurisdiction until 1959. After Olongapo obtained its autonomy from the United States its culture, economics, and politics stood connected with Subic Bay’s growth. The sounds of American sailors, civilians, and military infrastructures defined the histories of Subic Bay and Olongapo City.

It has been thirty years on since the Philippine Senate vote that brought the curtain down on the giant U.S. naval base at Subic Bay. As I have indicated above, for much of the twentieth century, the U.S. Naval Station Subic Bay, and its companion U.S. Air Force base at Clark, some 50 kilometers to the north, had been a critical node of America’s military operations in the Pacific. Blessed with abundant deep

Although most of its physical infrastructure sat along the water’s edge, the base’s borders extended inland into the jungle and mountain terrain around the bay. At its largest, the naval reservation encompassed approximately 26,000 water acres and 36,000 land acres. The base also shared a border with Olongapo City, which in the mid-twentieth century

Jesse T. Reyes

Filipino Potpourri

In 1998, less than six years after the closure of Subic, the Philippines and the U.S. signed a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), laying out the rules for American personnel deployed in the islands. The VFA also led to the establishment of the “Balikatan” military exercises, which has since been held more than 35 times. In 2014, in the wake of a new round of aggressive Chinese action in the South China Sea, during which it began building Mischief Reef and other Spratly Island features into fortified artificial islands, the VFA was supplemented by an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement EDCA), which permitted the Americans to rotate conventional forces through Filipino military bases. At around the same time, Navy ships started berthing again at Subic.

the way of specifics was publicly disclosed by either side. Yet a readout of the meeting between the two noted that both factions had agreed to undertaken “a number of new initiatives” to ensure the alliance “is postured to address new and emerging challenges.” These included developing a joint vision statement, concluding a Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) and resuming projects under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). While these are far from surprising individual initiatives, taken collectively, they hold significance in that they suggest an effort to outline an agenda to modernize the alliance amid new challenges.

water anchorages, and commanding close access onto the strategic South China Sea, it had played in every American military deployment of the century, from the about 1900 Boxer Rebellion in China to Operation Desert Storm (Aug 2, 1990 – Feb 28, 1991) in the Middle East.

But the inevitable conclusion of the Cold War, concerns about the in country behavior of U.S. troops, and the unexpected eruption in June 1991 of Mount Pinatubo, which severely damaged the facilities at both bases, spelled the end for the huge American naval facility.

On September 16, 1991, the Philippine Senate rejected a proposed extension of the basing agreement by a 12-11 vote. The addon had prompted an impassioned debate in which the bases were attacked as symbol of the country’s continued colonial-like dependency on the United States, which had ruled the Philippines as a colony prior to its independence in 1946. After considering putting the bases agreement up to a popular referendum, President Corazon Aquino gave the U.S. until the end of 1992 to vacate the site.

On November 24, 1992, the Stars and Stripes were lowered in a solemn ceremony at Subic Bay, and the Philippine national flag hoisted in their place. The base’s closure ended an American military presence that began with the capture of the Philippines from Spain in 1898. Today, the fateful Senate vote is marked by a monument located in front of the boxy building that once housed the U.S. base headquarters. The memorial features the hand prints of the twelve senators, topped by a Virgin Mary-like figure releasing a bird into the sky. An inscription read, “Let the Dozen Hands pay tribute to the Magnificent Twelve Senators of the Republic of the Philippines, who on September 16, 1991, stood up and declared “No” to the RP-US Military Bases Treaty, thus finally ending more than four centuries of foreign military presence in the country.” Sad to say, the U.S. military absence from the Philippines was to be short lived, if I may say so. In February 1992, the Chinese government promulgated a law asserting its claim over a vast swath of the South China Sea. Two years later, it occupied Mischief Reef, in the eastern part of the disputed Spratly Islands close to the Philippine island of Palawan, in the face of opposition from Manila, and began erecting structures on the coral banks. Facing this rising power to the west, the Philippines turned once again to its treaty ally and former colonial master for support.

The campaign for the removal of the U.S. bases, and the subsequent return of the American military to the Philippines, encapsulates the nation’s complicated relationship with its former colonial master. As the most visible sign of America’s residual presence in the Philippine archipelago, the U.S. military existence continues to be a focus for the periodic eruptions of resentment against American influence. This burst forth in the protests that greeted President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to pardon an American Marine convicted for the 2015 killing of a Filipino transgender woman at a hotel in the town of Olongapo, which sits adjacent to the former Subic Bay base. At other times, Duterte has himself been harshly critical of past American activities in the Philippine islands.

At the same time, many Subic Bay locals still lament the closure of the U.S. naval base, which once provided employment for tens of thousands and supported a thriving economy. Finally, in 2019, Subic was converted into a somnolent free trade zone.

Last September 2021, the defense chiefs of the United States and the Philippines met in Washington, D.C. in the latest high-level consultation between the two treaty allies since President Joe Biden took office. While the talks were part of a process of ongoing interactions, they also signaled efforts to chart out new agenda items for the U.S.-Philippine alliance that bear watching for both countries and the region more generally in the context of lingering challenges for both sides.

The American-Philippine alliance – enshrined in the 1951 U.S. – Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty and part of a wide range of U.S. engagements with Filipinos and a long history dating back in 1898 – has remained a key piece of U.S. defense arrangement in the AsiaPacific, despite facing its own ups and downs over the decades. The rise of President Duterte had seen an uptick in friction between the two allies, with the Filipino head of state reversing Philippine positions on issues such as the South China Sea, strengthening ties with China and Russia and threatening to nix areas of cooperation, including the Visiting Forces Agreement.

American President Joe Biden’s entry into office presented an opportunity for both sides to recalibrate their relationship, including in the area of defense.

While consultations on this score have been ongoing since the administration took office, signs of renewed optimism entered the public sphere during U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s trip to the Philippines in July of last year, during which both camps agreed to a restoration of the VFA.

The talks took place as part of a series of dialogues between Washington and a visiting Philippine delegation led by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, which officials indicated engagements with American agencies including the White House, State Department and Pentagon as well as segments of the think-tank, business, and FilipinoAmerican communities.

Unsurprisingly, not much in

The references to a joint vision statement and a bilateral maritime framework both point to new areas of collaboration within the alliance, even, though, no further specifics were publicly disclosed. If reached, a U.S.-Philippine shared vision statement of some kind would provide an opportunity for both parties to align broadly on priority areas of collaboration, as Washington has done in the past with other Asian allies and partners, such as Thailand, rather than working through narrow issues in a transactional fashion.

A formalized bilateral maritime framework would take into account the shifting dynamics within the alliance and in the region, including Washington’s evolving military presence, China’s maritime posture, and Philippine capabilities, which the Pentagon has already been evaluating as the Biden team shapes its overall approaches to China and the Indo-Pacific, which have also yet to be publicly disclosed.

The references to BSD and EDCA are the two items that signal more continuity but are nonetheless notable for their own sake. The testimonial to the BSD is a nod to a high-level mechanism that situates defense-related issues within the overall alliance in the spirit of comprehensive cooperation in the face of challenges such as the pandemic and climate change –which could be boosted as well with a new “2+2” ministerial conference going to be held next year (a “2+2” meeting was introduced in 2012 but has rarely been held since). The recommendation to resume EDCA activity speaks to both, one of the tangible manifestations of unrealized defense cooperation amid U.S.Philippine alliance tensions under Duterte as well as a potential avenue for advancement in security ties. To be sure, advancing this will not be without its summons. New challenges – whether they are joint vision statements or new infrastructure projects under EDCA – will need to be properly prioritized, resourced, and overseen to ensure progress. And even if advancement is achieved on these specific items, their implementation will also occur amid the management of broader issues within the alliance, which include not just Duterte’s impulses, but also shifting domestic and regional dynamics such as intensifying U.S.-China competition and the upcoming Philippine national elections in May and U.S. midterms in 2022. Unexpected developments could also intervene, not just on issues within the region such as the South China Sea but also with respect to fallout from events such as the disastrous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, which has already intensified terrorism fears in Southeast Asia.

Yet the emerging effort to chart out a U.S.-Philippine defense agenda to address a new, diverse array of challenges is nonetheless worth being attentive to. Even as American policy makers build out new partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region such as those with Vietnam, progress in some of Washington’s older treaty alliances, such as the Philippines, could have further implications not just for both sides, but also for Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region more generally. The Philippines’ Department of

The United States Navy’s golden chance to return to Subic Bay, Philippines

Photomap of the former Hanjin Subic Bay Shipyard in the Philippines

Professional Business Directory

He said these projects are taking time to be completed precisely because they require studies and detailed planning.

well as completed projects such as the Bohol-Panglao International Airport and the Bicol International Airport among others.

won’t become ‘white elephants’ Unfinished infrastructure projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program are not going to be white elephants because they underwent thorough assessment by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) before they were approved, Malacañang said.

Acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar made this comment after presidential bet Senator Ping Lacson’s remark in a recent presidential debate asking Filipinos to discern whether or not the “Build, Build, Build” program is successful if only 12 out of the 118 projects were accomplished.

He dismissed as “speculations” that these projects would be abandoned for various reasons.

“Lahat ng project na ginagawa ng gobyerno lalung-lalo na iyong mga big-ticket projects ay pinagaralan ng NEDA. Iyong ating mga ekonomista diyan sa NEDA ay mga professional, sila ay nandiyan hindi lang para magdesisyon lang nang ganun-ganun lang (All projects done by government, especially big-ticket projects were thoroughly reviewed by NEDA. Our economists in NEDA are professionals and they’re there not to make hasty decisions like that),” Andanar said in an interview on Daily Tribune’s “Straight Talk” program on Tuesday.

“Kapag sinabi mong maging isang puting elepante, eh ibig sabihin noon ay hindi siya napagaralan nang husto (When you say white elephant, it means they was not thoroughly assessed). And I would beg to disagree na magiging white elephant itong malalaking projects na ito sapagkat iyon nga, nandiyan iyong ating checks and balance natin eh – hindi lang sa NEDA nandiyan din iyong Congress (that these big projects will become white elephants because they went through checks and balances–not just the NEDA but also Congress),” he added.

He emphasized the importance of “Build, Build, Build” in helping generate jobs and livelihood amid the pandemic-induced recession.

“Doon pa lang makikita mo na, the 6.5 million to 7 million or 8 million jobs na nailikha ng BBB ay isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit naging inclusive iyong ating economy (As you can see, the 6.5 million to 7 million or 8 million jobs created by the BBB is one of the reasons why our economy has become inclusive),” he said. Asked to name an infrastructure project where Duterte should be remembered, Andanar said there were “too many to mention.” He cited ongoing projects such as the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) and NLEXSLEX Connector Road Project as

“The infrastructure program of this government has never been this good kung titingnan mo iyong (if you look at) history. But moving forward, dapat kasi itong mga (these) Build, Build, Build projects na mga ito, [they] should be there regardless of who is the one sitting as president kasi ito naman ay para sa lahat ng mga kababayan natin (because these are for all of our countrymen),” he added.

Andanar said continuing and completing projects handed down from the previous administration must also be considered part of the Duterte administration’s accomplishments.

“The maturity of a bureaucracy and the maturity of a country is also measured by the continuity of the programs,” he said.

Earlier, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar insisted that the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program was a success. He said if there were infra projects that were not implemented, it is because the government went for the projects with “high rate of returns.” Villar, who is currently running for senator in the May polls, also attributed the success of his campaign to the infrastructure program. He is currently top 12 in recent senatorial surveys. (MNS)

to the benefit of the Filipino people and the economy.

In conclusion, I say Cerberus’s $300-million strategic acquisition of Hanjin Subic Shipyard is a tussle for a General Douglas MacArthur’s “I shall return” American presence in the Philippines…Period!

Spiritual Life

Significance of Palm Sunday

On Sunday, April 10, 2022

, most Christian churches will celebrate Palm Sunday, referred to in the Bible as the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Bible scholars point out that the triumphal entry is one of the few incidents in the life of Jesus which appears in all four Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Apparently, the triumphal entry was a significant event, not only to the people during the day of Jesus, but to Christians throughout history. And we still celebrate Palm Sunday to remember that event when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a borrowed donkey's colt.

The story goes that on that day, the disciples spread their cloaks on the donkey for Jesus to sit on, and the people came out to welcome him waving branches of palm trees. The people shouted and called him, "The King that comes in the name of the Lord", as he proceeded to the temple, where He taught the people, healed them, and drove out the money-changers and merchants who made His Father's house a "den of thieves". Praise was lavished on Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem. Like a king, he ascends to His palace, the temple, his spiritual palace. Unfortunately, the people did not recognize him as the Messiah.

They thought that He was coming as a deliverer who would lead them in a revolt against Rome. These are the ones who hailed him as King with their many hossannas, recognizing him as the Son of David who came in the name of the Lord. But when He failed to meet their expectations. when he refused to lead them, the crowd quickly turned on him . Within just a few days, their hossannas changed to cries of "Crucify Him". . Those who hailed him as a hero would soon reject and abandon him.

The Bible scholars say that "The story of the triumphal entry is one of contrasts and those contrasts are the application to believers. It is the story of the King who came as a lowly servant on a donkey, not a prancing steed, not in royal robes, but on the clothes of the poor and humble. Jesus Christ comes not to conquer by force as earthly kings, but by love, grace, mercy, and His own sacrifice for His people. His is not a kingdom of armies and splendor, but of lowliness and servanthood. He conquers not nations, but hearts and minds. His message is one of peace with God, not of temporal peace. If Jesus has made a triumphal entry into our hearts, He reigns there in peace and love. As His followers, we exhibit those same qualities, and the world sees the true King living and reigning in triumph in us."

We are now in the fourth Sunday in Lent, half way in our preparation for the celebration of the Paschal Triduum whereby we seriously consider our own personal disposition for the renewal of our baptismal vows on the Eucharistic celebration during Easter Vigil. In the past three Sundays of Lent we have reflected on the reality that due to the victory of Jesus over the devil after his forty days and nights of prayer and fasting in the desert, we, his disciples can also withstand all kind of trials in that the devil may throw into our path of following Jesus in the world today. His transfiguration at Mt Tabor, revealing his divine nature and the forgiveness that he showed in his encounter with the Samaritan woman should have made us realize the mission of salvation that he offers to each one of each who willingly give ourselves in response to his invitation to follow him.

The Sunday where we hear about the story of the man born blind presents Christ as the light of the world. The Gospel confronts each one of us with the question: ‘Do you believe in the Son of man?’ ‘Lord, I believe!’ (Jn 9: 35. 38), the man born blind joyfully exclaims, giving voice to all believers. The miracle of this healing is a sign that Christ wants not only to give us sight, but also

open our interior vision, so that our faith may become ever deeper and we may recognize him as our only Savior. He illuminates all that is dark in life and leads men and women to live as ‘children of the light’.

In the second reading Paul highlights our new life in Christ. “You were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.’

Without Christ we live in profound darkness; we are indistinguishable from the darkness itself. We are often blind to the needs of others, the future, giving in to secret addictions, fruitless habits, and doubts about God’s power. But Christ gives us light and new life. In the Gospel, Jesus meets man blind from birth.

Jesus proclaims, “I am the light of the world” and heals the man’s blindness. The astonished man rejoices, saying, ‘I was blind but now I see.’ While the Pharisees are

skeptical and throw the man out of the village, Jesus proclaims, ‘I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see.

Many of us still are living like blind men and women, but we do not accept of own blindness. Neither do we approach Jesus who is the light of the world and who can heal our blindness for so many reasons. One of these reasons is the fact that besides the fact that we do not accept our blindness, it is hard for us to believe in Jesus and his capacity to heal our blindness, nor do we expend the necessary efforts to wash ourselves just as the man born blind obeyed Jesus without any question when He asked him to “go and wash in the Pool of Siloam.” He did wash at the Pool of Siloam and came back already able to see.

On this fourth Sunday of Lent, we are made aware that Jesus is indeed the light of the world and only Jesus can make us see again and lead us out of the darkness that will continue to blind us from the truth of Him and the righteousness that go along with following Him in his invitation for total conversion. Let us make this Sunday an occasion to accept Jesus as our healer who will guide us into the Kingdom of the Light where His Father lives with Him in the unity with the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

My prayer: Almighty God, as we remember the triumphal entry of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, prepare our hearts and minds to receive the message of hope, peace and love that will not waver or change. Enter our hearts and abide in us forever. Amen.

A rush hour existence

In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. (Psalm 18:6)

Many of us live a rush hour existence: running here, there and everywhere, never quite catching up to our to-do list, seldom taking time to slow down and reflect. We get so used to the frenetic that when silence does come, we grab whatever device is within reach and fill it with screen time.

Underneath the surface, there are a myriad of emotions, dreams, and disappointments waiting to be heard and understood. But we often choose to stay busy and entertained instead of listening to what our hearts are saying. As a result, we miss out on taking our hearts to Jesus with vulnerability and trust. We stay stagnant spiritually.

We have a lot to learn from King David. "What so distinguished David was that he took a broad spectrum of emotion straight into his relationship with God ...

Continued from page 1

kilometers) to a prison camp at Camp O’Donnell. During this infamous trek, the prisoners were forced to march 85 miles in six days, with only one meal of rice during the entire journey, reaching the prisoner of war camp, 5,000 to 18,000 Filipino deaths and 500 to 650 American deaths during the march.

The march was characterized by severe physical abuse and wanton killings.

The survivors' suffering did not end -- over twice as many POWs died in the firsttwo months of imprisonment at Camp O'Donnell as did on the Death March. Thousands later died of malnourishment, disease, exhaustion, physical abuse, or were executed in this and other Japanese POW camps as a result of their captors' merciless brutality. Worse still, the majority of those who survived the March later perished in transit on "hell ships" to Japan or in POW camps in Japan.

Upon General MacArthur’s return to the Philippines in October 1944, defeating the Japanese forces and liberating the Philippines, the U.S. flag once again was hoisted and flown in over Corregidor.

The USAFFE received four Distinguished Unit Citations (later changing it to a U.S. Presidential Unit Citation) and also the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.

Danny Hernaez From Whom

All Blessings Flow

His emotions showed in tears, shouting, singing, and even intense dancing."

David dared to look at His own heart and tell God about it; once He got things off His chest, he was filled with hope again. He believed His heart was safest in the hands of God. Do you?

Will you get off the highway, find a rest stop, get back in touch with your heart and tell God exactly how you feel? That's not flaky spirituality; it's having a real and authentic relationship with your Heavenly Father. It's being an emotionally secure man or woman instead of an emotionally detached media zombie.

The USAFFE was formally dissolved in the lead-up to Philippine independence on 4 July 1946. The 80th anniversary of Bataan Day or Day of Valor (also known as "Corregidor Day") is a non-working holiday in the Philippines. This national observance commemorates the Fall of Bataan and Corregidor in 1942.

Twenty years after the Fall of Bataan, General MacArthur’s final speech to the Corps of Cadets at West Point, he asked these wouldbe soldiers to remember throughout their careers and lives their motto of “Duty, Honor, Country" — which hallowed motto he and his comrades of three wars had held including the soldiers of Bataan and Corregidor to while “bending under soggy packs on many a weary march, from dripping dusk to drizzling dawn, slogging ankledeep through the mire of shell-pocked roads, to form grimly for the attack, blue-lipped, covered with sludge and mud, chilled by the wind and rain, driving home to their objective.” He recalled “filth of murky foxholes, the stench of ghostly trenches, the slime of dripping dugouts, those broiling suns of relentless heat, those torrential rains of devastating storms, the loneliness and utter desolation of jungle trails, the bitterness of long separation of those they loved and cherished, the deadly pestilence of tropical disease, the horror of stricken areas of war, their resolute and determined defense, their swift and

And now may the Lord bless you, and may the Lord keep you, and may the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and may the Lord be gracious unto you and give you His peace. May you walk in the blessed assurance that your steps are being ordered of the Lord and that His angels are going before you to make certain that your life reaches its spiritual destiny. May the prayers that you pray, be reward to you according to your faith, for God is a faithful God, and He will open the windows of heaven and bless you with blessings you cannot contain, in Jesus' name. Amen. <(((><

sure attack, their indomitable purpose, their complete and decisive victory — always victory, always through the bloody haze of their last reverberating shot, the vision of gaunt, ghastly men, reverently following the password of Duty, Honor, Country. He concluded by saying “the soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.”

I (Dan) am reminded of a story a dear friend shared to me about his father serving in the U.S. Navy in World War II on an island in the Pacific of a U.S. Marine regiment that placed the following inscription above the entrance of a temporary cemetery: “We Gave Our Todays, In Order That You Might Have Your Tomorrows”

May God blessed us with the vision, understanding, and determination to make those tomorrows worthy of the sacrifices of our hero dead, and survivors — may the world never forget that all future wars and conflicts will again and always cost the lives of the men and women of our Armed Forces, in order to keep the “light of liberty and freedom” shining throughout the world. We will never forget the valor, sacrifice, and tenacity of the WWII warriors who fought against the enemies of freedom around the world especially in the Philippines. We will pass on the legacy they (WWII heroes) behind to the present and future generations.

Masking Up Helps, but Getting Vaccinated Critical to Keeping Kids Safe

Dr. Jay Yeh, Medical Director, Pediatric Echocardiography Laboratory, UC Davis Health

Whether or not kids should wear masks in school remains a heated topic with strong opinions on both sides. Adding to this conversation is the state’s latest masking guidance, which went into effect on March 12. Schools are no longer required to enforce a mask mandate and instead are maintaining masking as a strong recommendation to keep students, teachers and school staff safe. Some school districts have even chosen to continue to keep mask requirements in place, and masks continue to be mandatory in certain high-risk settings like healthcare facilities and public transit.

Despite the latest guidelines and varying views, many families are choosing to continue to mask up to protect themselves against COVID-19. While masking remains a key tool in protecting ourselves and our families against this deadly virus, as a doctor and parent myself, I think the big question to consider is: Have you and your kids been vaccinated yet?

The reality is, getting vaccinated offers the safest protection against contracting COVID-19. Children 5+ are eligible for vaccination, so if you have not yet done so, I strongly urge you to get your kids vaccinated today. And if they are 12+, make sure they get their booster when eligible. Vaccines are overwhelmingly

safe thanks to the rigorous safety trials that included people of different genders, ethnicities, ages and pre-existing conditions, as well as the ongoing efforts to monitor safety as millions of people receive the vaccine.

The pandemic is still here, and real-world evidence continues to show that the vaccine is preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. In fact, based on the latest data collected March 3, 2022, unvaccinated Californians are 17 times more likely to die and nearly nine times more likely to be hospitalized from COVID-19 than fully vaccinated and boosted Californians.

Generally, children may have lower rates of COVID-19 and are less likely to spread the virus than adults, but it is still possible for children to become severely ill and experience serious complications from the coronavirus. It’s simply not worth the risk. Children eligible for the vaccine should get vaccinated as soon as possible to significantly reduce their risk of becoming sick or spreading the virus to someone else, including younger children or older relatives in the home.

If your children are vaccinated and you feel better keeping them masked up, follow your instincts and know that you are not alone. As a

health expert, I strongly recommend keeping kids masked up if they feel comfortable doing so. Masking in schools has been a successful strategy to keeping schools open and our kids in the classroom for a better learning environment. It’s worth noting that California represents only 1 percent of the nation’s school closures despite educating 12 percent of the nation’s students.

Safe in-person instruction is essential, particularly for vulnerable populations. It is important to take the necessary steps to ensure that there is low risk of catching COVID-19 in school for students and staff alike. We must remain vigilant and prepared to adjust with conditions of the virus. If transmissions increase again, be prepared for schools to follow public health guidance around COVID-19 mitigation efforts including testing.

We may be in a new phase of the pandemic, but COVID-19 remains a threat. Schedule a vaccination or booster appointment today at Myturn.ca.gov or by calling 833422-4255. Support is available in over 250 languages via the state’s vaccination hotline.

Take precautions to protect yourself against COVID-19 and keep your family, friends and community safe and healthy. Together, we will end the pandemic.

housing development in San Ysidro, and will be located next to the newly extended UC San Diego Blue Line connecting families to universities, hospitals, and countless places of work. Contract terms include a 99-year lease of the land by MTS to Affirmed. Construction is estimated to begin by early 2024, and will take approximately 21 months to build.

“Building affordable housing near mass transit is critical to helping families succeed,” said Nathan Fletcher, MTS Board Chair, and Chair, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “This development is yet another example of MTS taking leadership to address the region’s housing shortage, climate action goals, and provide workingclass families more opportunities to thrive.”

The MTS Board of Directors chose Affirmed Housing Group, a leading provider of affordable housing throughout California, to begin planning and construction of the project. This transit-oriented development (TOD) will be replacing an existing MTS parking lot, and will be home to families making 30-60 percent of the area’s median income.

“Beyer is an inclusive, transit-

oriented development that adds critically needed affordable apartments to San Diego’s housing inventory and raises the bar on urban livability for hardworking families and individuals,” said Jimmy Silverwood, executive vice president for Affirmed Housing. “In addition to providing beautiful, quality housing that residents can be proud to live in – coupled with extra support to help residents live their best lives – Beyer’s proximity to reliable transportation and substantial off-site amenities fosters more sustainable living and vibrancy within the local community. MTS’ leadership in addressing key social issues that impact the region has been exemplary, and we are proud to be their partner on Beyer’s development, as well as others.”

The property will feature studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments. The Beyer Blvd. project is part of a larger effort by MTS to redevelop top-tier park and ride locations into transit-oriented housing developments. Other properties MTS is in the process of

more than

bus routes

Trolley lines in 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego. Frequencies and spans have been restored to near-pre-COVID-19 levels. Updated schedules can be accessed on the MTS website. MTS asks that people wear face coverings at all times and practice physical distancing when possible.

Ma. Conchita “Connie” Pasion Pinpin was born on September 6, 1939 in Santa Ana, Pampanga, Philippines to Lino Pasion and Marceliana Salac. Her siblings are Rosa, Loreta, Aquelina and Antonio. She was married to Felipe “Philip” Pinpin on February 7, 1963. Philip also grew up in the same town in Pampanga. They built their first home in Sanville, Quezon City where their children James and Ness grew up. James is married to Judy Hom and they have given Connie her life’s jewel and only granddaughter Natalia. Ness has lived a significant amount of her life with Connie and Philip as a devoted daughter, and especially the last 2 years where she came back from the Bay Area to help with James and Judy to take care of their parents during their time of need. Connie has also been a mother to a lot of her nephews and nieces especially Fatima Rana and Stanley Bautista.

Connie was called “Cos” in her youth due to her love for the Cosmos soda. Her nickname changed to “Chit” in her early adult life and was highlighted in her fabled “Chit’s Orchids and Lugaw House” garden restaurant at Visayas Ave. in Quezon City. She settled with her nickname “Connie” when the family immigrated to the United States in 1984, specifically in San Diego, California.

Connie and Philip traveled worldwide, and through 43 states of the US during their 58 years of marriage with their home’s walls in Paradise Valley filled with pictures of their travels. They were partners in crime where they’ve hit every resort and casino in San Diego and their travels to play poker and occasionally

golf. Connie and Philip would also hold a yearly pilgrimage to the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas with their son James. Along with their travel pictures were pictures of their granddaughter Natalia whom they doted on as they were her number one fans through all her ballet and oboe recitals and also included a yearly attendance taking her and her friends to the Del Mar Fair. Connie loved orchids and had a lucrative orchid nursery and landscaping business in Manila. She started her career as a school teacher at the Cecilio Apostol Elementary School in Caloocan City. She merged her green thumb with her love for cooking by establishing Chit’s O & L, which was a restaurant surrounded by an orchid garden. Her eatery became a favorite by celebrities and government officials alike favoring aside from her assorted lugaw dishes, her “Chili Crab Singapura” which she picked up during a visit to Singapore,

her Lapu-Lapu fish head soup, and her grilled bbqs and liempo. Her son James’ high school friends and classmates still fondly remember her sponsoring their basketball team and their weekly after competition feasts at the restaurant.

Continuing their entrepreneurship in National City, California, Connie and Philip established Philippine Travellers as a travel, courier and insurance agency. Finding the right life insurance provider, it became their mission and service to sell the lowest cost and highly secured insurance policies to their family and friends. Through their business, Connie and Philip met and gained numerous friends and colleagues and became a pillar of both the Fil-Am journalistic and civic communities until their retirement. Connie was a devout Catholic and would go to church every Sunday with Philip rain or shine. She would pile up the whole family to go to church whenever their children and their grandchild would visit them. She raised both her kids to go through Catholic elementary and high schools. After surviving a bout with breast cancer, Connie devoted herself to teaching Catechism at her home church, St. Rita Catholic Church. As she battled leukemia and even as she was bedridden, Connie would still attend Mass using the Internet. But if the true test is for actions to speak louder than words, then her generosity with her extended family and with friends were of no end. Connie throughout her life and even until recently found numerous ways to support her siblings and their children in the Philippines. Whether it’s fixing the roof of her ancestral home resided by his younger brother’s family, to

Coronado resident and longtime Coronado Flower Show participant.

“I look forward to meeting up with old friends and encourage new flower enthusiasts to join in the fun of this 100-year tradition by entering their own flower arrangement, plant or cut flower.” Veech is a flower arranger, a Master Flower Show Judge, and has participated in the Coronado Flower Show since 1990. She has won countless awards and ribbons from “Best Picture Box” to “Best Designers Choice,” and much more.

“We’re thankful to our wonderful sponsors, including Coronado Floral Association, City of Coronado, and the County of San Diego for making this year’s 100th celebration possible.

The Coronado Flower Show has always been volunteer-driven, and with the support of the community we’re able to continue the city’s most cherished springtime tradition,” says Drummey.

For up-to-date details about this year’s event and ways to get involved, visit coronadoflowershow. com. Sponsorships are also still available. If you’re interested in sponsoring the 2022 show, contact info@coronadoflowershow.com to get involved.

“This legislation ensures traffickers are sentenced to prison, establishes increased penalties for repeat offenders, and prevents traffickers from receiving early parole,” said DA Stephan. “We continue to attack human trafficking, the sexual exploitation of young people, and labor trafficking on several fronts. This change to the law will give prosecutors across the state another tool that has more serious consequences for those who would prey on some of the most vulnerable in our communities.”

Under current California law, human trafficking is defined as a “non-serious” and “non-violent”

sending a number of nephews and nieces through school, her good work would be the one thing she would be silent about. Her true friends would be loyal to her, and her to them to the very end. And most have gone ahead of her and even Philip, but now, they may congregate once again in the life after.

Connie was gregarious and outspoken throughout her life. She was always the center of a conversation and had a story to tell to anyone she could talk to making her an instant favorite to all her Filipina nurses during her numerous hospital visits. She was the core of her family’s strength and was a fighter until the very end until she lost her prolonged battle with leukemia.

We now take comfort in knowing that Connie and Philip are back together once again, and they are seeking out their next adventure.

crime, falling into the same category as other low-level felony crimes such as vandalism, theft and drug sales.

Southern California has the notorious distinction of being one of the nation’s top destinations for human trafficking. The state consistently ranks number one in the nation in the number of human trafficking cases reported to the national human trafficking hotline. By definition, human trafficking charges apply to those who are sexually exploiting or attempting to sexually exploit children and those who use force, fear, fraud, deceit, coercion, violence, duress, menace or an unlawful threat of injury on an adult that results in the substantial and sustained deprivation of the adult victim’s liberty for the purposes of obtaining forced labor, services, or sexual exploitation.

Both state and federal law enforcement agencies, including the California Attorney General, define human trafficking as “modernday slavery.” This label is welldeserved as traffickers control every aspect of a victim’s life. Traffickers are exploiters of the worst kind,

frequently targeting the most vulnerable and abused of society for their own financial and sexual exploitation. Women, children, and minorities are particularly vulnerable for exploitation, as are members of the LBTQ community.

Last week, the DA announced a new outreach campaign aimed at raising awareness that boys are often victims of human trafficking. The month-long campaign’s goal is to broaden the public perception of who is vulnerable to being sexually trafficked. Officials hope that bringing attention to this issue will improve screening, identification, and services for boys who are victims of sex trafficking. The campaign is appearing on billboards, bus transit posters, on social media and in public service announcements on radio.

A study by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice estimated that as many as 50% of the commercially sexually exploited children in the United States are boys. The bill will be heard next in the State Senate’s Public Safety Committee.

CALIFORNIA -- United Ways of California is urging Californians to file before the April 18 tax filing deadline. According to the most recent data from the Franchise Tax Board (FTB), filing for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is down 5% among Californians this tax season compared to this day last year, and while nearly 4 million California residents claimed the tax credit last year, less than 35% of those eligible have filed for the credit this year. Thousands of dollars in tax credits are available to California residents – and all they have to do is file their taxes to receive them. There are numerous no-cost tax filing options available and Californians are encouraged