The Filipino Press: October 14-20, 2022

PBBM's recent US trip opens 56K jobs in IT-BPM sector

MANILA -- At least three American-based information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) firms have heeded President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.'s call to expand their operations in the Philippines, Malacañang announced on Thursday.

The expansion of the country’s IT-BPM sector will benefit around 56,000 Filipinos who are looking for jobs, the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) said in a press statement.

“This, as US-based information technology and business process management firms in the country started expanding their operations, resulting in thousands of job opportunities for Filipinos,” the OPS said.

The OPS noted that Marcos, in a meeting with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), had been informed that IT-BPM companies Concentrix, Sutherland, and Alorica are now embarking on a “hiring spree” in the country amid their expansion plans.

Citing the DTI report, the OPS said the three IT-BPM firms have initially presented their job requirements for their planned expansion in their areas of operation.

Concentrix is expected to open at least 30,000 new jobs for unemployed Filipinos, the OPS said.

Sutherland, the OPS said, is also eyeing hiring an additional 15,000 personnel for its planned expansion

in the provinces of Ilocos, Tacloban, General Santos City, Cagayan de Oro, and Aklan, as well as in Lucena City.

The OPS said Alorica likewise pledged to open around 11,000 job openings.

This developed after Marcos

on Sept. 23 (Manila time) held roundtable discussions with IT-BPM chief executive officers (CEOs) in New York City to woo them to help his administration develop the industry.

“The DTI said that the local ITBPM industry reacted positively to

the statement of the President during his roundtable meeting with the chief executive officers in the ITBPM sector in New York City last September,” the OPS said.

“The DTI also reported that during their recent roadshow with the Business Process Association of

the Philippines (BPAP), the IT-BPM sector's primary trade and advocacy group has committed to increasing seats or jobs by at least one million,” the OPS added.

The Philippines’ IT-BPM sector is one of the best performing and employment generating businesses

in the past four years.

The sector’s promising growth trajectory is a product of its global leadership in voice-based services, as well as its continuing improvements in non-voice and complex process outsourcing.

It is targeting to boost its revenues by as much as 10 percent this year and create over 1.1 million jobs in the next six years.

Marcos’ Sept. 18-24 working visit to the US bore fruit after securing USD3.9 billion in investment pledges which are expected to generate around 112,285 jobs. (MNS)

PBBM to attend Asean Summit in Cambodia

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summits and related meetings in Phnom Penh in Cambodia next month, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday.

"These will be the first Asean Summits to be held in person since the onset of the pandemic, and the first to be attended by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. since he assumed the Presidency," the agency said in a release.

The agency said preparations are underway for the meetings, which are set from Nov. 10 to 13.

Last Oct. 5, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary and Philippine Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM)

45th Concert of Philippine Music & Dance at the Joan Kroc Theatre

SAN DIEGO, CA-- The SAMAHAN

By Tony InocenTes, sr.

NATIONAL CITY, CA -- After 6 FilAm candidates championed successful election campaigns at the ballot box in the San Diego South Bay Region in November 1998, there was great hope that a new dawn had risen for our community empowerment agenda.

The community was suddenly empowered with representations on a city council, 2 elementary school districts, the high school district, the Community College board, and a water district. But instead of sunshine this future became dark, and their success has yet to be repeated in the following 24 years.

This coming November 8th, opportunity is knocking at the South Bay FilAm community door again. But, it can be compared, as perhaps, an old game show. This is because the coming election offers us doors 1, 2, 3, or 4. Choosing door 1 will deliver cause for great celebration again. However, door number 4 will deliver a disaster. A disaster that will set back the FilAm empowerment movement a quarter of century and recovery could take a decade or much longer.

Ditas Yamane and Marissa Acierto are two Filipina Americans appearing on the ballot for the National City Council, District 3. Unfortunately, or fortunately, they are running for the same seat and they are the only 2 candidates running. This outcome guarantees a FilAm will be on the National City Council in 2023. Check their individual platforms and

background in this week's issue.

Robert Moreno and Mae Case will be running for newly created Southwestern Community College District Seats. Moreno is a candidate for the District 1 seat and Mae Case is running for the District 4 Seat. Both Moreno and Case losing their races will open a disastrous door number 4 erasing over 2 decades of representation and successes on the SWC board.

The FilAm community has had representation on the Southwestern Community College Trustee’s Board for 24 years. The dynamic Kirin Macapugay the newest FilAm on the SWC Board of Trustees has decided against seeking re-election.

Moreno or Case not winning a seat November 8th, will set the empowerment agenda back a quarter of a century. Moreover, it will likely take 8-12 years, or longer, to regain

what would be lost.

Robert Moreno, a third generation FilAm, he is a former investigative writer for the Chula Vista Star News and Council Aide to Chula Vista Councilmember Jill Galvez, he graduated from Sweetwater High School, Southwestern College and San Diego State University. Moreno is running for the new District 1 seat with constituents in National City, Northwest Chula Vista and part of Paradise Hills. His opponent Gonzalo Quintero is a former appointed National City Councilmember who afterwards went before their voters and lost the public election. In my opinion Moreno’s candidacy gains momentum from appearing on the same ballot in National City as Yamane and Acierto.

Filipino American Performing Arts and Education Center presents its 45th Concert of Philippine Music & Dance on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 2 pm and at 7 pm, at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre, at 6611 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92115. General admission ticket at $20 per person, Student at $15 and VIP ticket at $35 for reserved seat may be purchased online at https://siningsamahan45.eventbrite. com. Tickets may also be purchased directly from SAMAHAN members. Contact at samahanphildance@ gmail.com or call (619) 470-6024. Discounted rate is offered to group of 10 or more (for prepaid tickets only), Titled “Sining SAMAHAN – The Art of Coming Together”, the concert showcases the Filipinos’ cultural music and dances from various villages and regions in the Philippines. The twohour program features a rich repertoire of traditional dances and live music performed by SAMAHAN’s talented performers in vibrant traditional Filipino attire. Showcased in the first half of the concert, are the indigenous cultural dances and rituals of the Kalinga tribe of the Cordilleras in Northern Luzon, the Maranao in Mindanao, the Sama and Tausug of the Sulu Archipelago. Their dances and rituals are traditionally performed with the beats of flat and bossed gongs called Gangsa and Kulintang and bamboo or “gabang”. The Pakaraguian Kulintang Ensemble of SAMAHAN, foremost Kulintang ensemble in Southern CA, provides the Gangsa, Kulintang and bamboo percussion music. The Maranao repertoire

features the cultural dances and rituals taught by master artists and cultural bearers to SAMAHAN’s creative committee members during their field research in Mindanao in 2019. The Sama and Tausug indigenous dances were learned by SAMAHAN artists who conducted research in TawiTawi, Philippines and Eastern Sabah, Malaysia. SAMAHAN’s field research was sponsored by the Dr. Lolita Diñoso Carter Endowment through The San Diego Foundation.

Featured in the second half of the concert are the European or Western influenced dances, such as the Maria Clara dances, and the rural dances of the folks in the country side in central regions of the Philippines. These dances are performed with live music accompaniment by the SAMAHAN Rondalla String Ensemble. The exhilarating dances and lively music of the SAMAHAN Rondalla

and Pakaraguian Kulintang Music Ensembles promise an enjoyable evening!

Through the Concert of Philippine Dances and Music, SAMAHAN shares with the audience the exquisiteness of Filipino folk dances and music. The Filipinos’ dances and music performed in rituals, courtship, and festivals, depict the people’s rich culture, customs and traditions. The diversity of their dances and music reflects the interconnectedness with Asian and Western traditions throughout the history of the Filipinos, from the Indian, Chinese, Indochinese, Indonesian, Malay, Spanish, to the Americans.

The Concert is made possible in part by the California Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, the Dr. Lolita Diñoso Carter Endowment through the San Diego Foundation and the contributions of individual donors.

Ditas

Pampered Pinay: Fall Faves

By Francine Maigue

The chill in the air and refreshing rainy days fill me with excitement as they remind me…IT”S FALL! Time for my favorite tastes, looks, and smells! Here are just a few of my fall style faves—from work wear to cinnamon scented sweets:

WORK WEAR

I love layers, and fall presents the perfect opportunity to combine different textures and colors. I especially love combining a pencil skirt with a sweater and finishing off the look with comfy and stylish booties (sure beats stilettos!).

MAKEUP

Taking our cue from Mother Nature herself, this season’s colors of crimson, gold, and auburn look just as great on our face as they do on our fall leaves! Try combining golden toned eyeshadow with auburn eyeliner, peachy cheeks, and deep crimson lips.

HAIR Ladies, rejoice! Dolling up our hair this season is as quick as adorning our locks with a headband. From crocheted beauties to jewel and feather-trimmed metal bases (even 80’s-inspired, wide-band stretchers), anything goes! Getting ready in the morning just got a little bit faster!

TABLE SETTING

Decorating is a snap this fall. For a quick and chic centerpiece, simply place a vanilla scented candle in the middle of jewel-colored cranberries. Really…could it get any easier?

TEA TREAT

It’s tempting to dig into the decadent drinks and pastries that tease us around this time of year. Navigating through the calorie-laden options and intoxicating aromas can be tough.

What

Turkish

YOUR fall faves,

pampered friends?

The answer is simple:

DESERVE

week

ways

pamper

Best Western Plus Marina Gateway Hotel management and staff led by general manager Manuel Soltero (5th from left) invite you to come and visit their newly upgraded hotel located at 800 Bay Marina Drive, National City, CA 91950. The hotel features 149 rooms and 24 suites with California coastal ambiance. Clean rooms, friendly staff and your home away from home feeling makes this one of Southbay's top hotel. Call (619)259-2800 and ask for their holiday specials. (photo by Zen Ply)

Analysis of the 1998 election indicated that the 6 FilAm candidates with overlapping constituencies helped in bringing the success to others on the same ballot. FilAm voters supporting FilAm candidate A voted for other FilAm candidates after casting votes for their favored.

Mae Case, is a first generation FilAm, employed as a Communications Professional. Case is running for the new District seat number 4. District 4 includes voters in East Chula Vista to the Otay Mesa Border and into the South San Diego east of Beyer Way area. Mae Case is running in a very competitive race with two others seeking to fill the new District 4 seat. Case will be running agains Humberto Gurmilan and Corina Soto.

Gurmillan, is a communications professional, he presently serves as the Press Secretary to County Supervisor Nora Vargas, and he is a former San Ysidro School Board Member and President. He was the top vote getter in the 2018 San Ysidro School Board

elections. Corina Soto, is a former Professor at SWC and President of their employees association.

Both FilAm Candidates, Moreno and Case, stand very good chances of winning in what will likely be close races. However their victories will not come without strong voter turnout from within the community and support for their elections.

The best elections outcome in decades for the South Bay Filipino Community is within reach.

Door number one is the 2022 winning door! It will come with wins to the National City Council and both Southwestern Community College District seats.

Door number four provides a win on the National city Council, but the loss of any representation by a FilAm on the Southwestern Community College Board. This would be a disastrous blow to our community empowerment agenda.

So can the community unify once again? It’s your choice, your vote, pick a door. In 1998 the slogan from the community was “Ang Botong Pinoy Ay Malakas At Nagkakaisa!”

Together we will all learn on November 8, 2022 if this is still valid.

About the Writer Tony Inocentes Tony Inocentes is a FilAm independent award winning featured columnist that has been sharing his political viewpoints with the Filipino Press since 1996. Tony is the first FilAm to run for California State Assembly in 1983 and was elected as the first FilAm to a USA water district board, the Otay Water District, 19942002. He is the founder of digital PR firms, Chemeria Consultancy, ePolitical USA, and CandiMall GOTV Store, a non-partisan digital campaign toolbox with locations in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Portsmouth, VA. He serves as Chief Consultant for 37 publicly elected officials in the USA, of which 7 are Mayors from Southern CA. He is credited for inventing political robo calling and robo polling. He is semi-retired and has residences in Chula Vista, CA, Cebu City, Cebu, and Catarman, Camiguin PH, He and his wife Joan are raising their youngest 9 year old son Amorico DelRey Inocentes. Tony’s father is originally from Castillejos, Zampbales, PH.

Anti-crime efforts in full swing under Marcos admin -- DILG

MANILA -- The government remains committed to pursuing an intensified anti-criminality drive and maintaining peace and order in the country, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Wednesday.

DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. made the remark following the latest Pulse Asia Survey results which showed high ratings for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., particularly in the areas of fighting criminality and law enforcement.

He said the 67 percent rating in fighting criminality and 62 percent rating in law enforcement are solid proofs that the government, through the Philippine National Police (PNP), has made significant strides in cracking down on crimes and in maintaining peace and order.

“Natutuwa po kami na napapansin at napapahalagahan ang aming mga ginagawa sa DILG at sa PNP. Makaasa kayo na mas lalo pa naming paiigtingin ang pagtugis sa kriminalidad at pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan at kaayusan sa buong bansa (We are happy that the efforts of the DILG and the PNP are being noticed and appreciated. Rest assured that we will continue to fight crime and maintain peace and order in the country),” he said. The Pulse Asia survey was conducted from Sept. 17 to 21, 2022, and had 1,200 respondents nationwide. It had a 2.8 percent error margin and a 95 percent confidence level.

Abalos lauded PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. and the entire police force for their meritorious contribution to the President’s high rating as both areas are under the purview of the PNP.

The latest accomplishment of the PNP in its anti-drug drive is the seizure of nearly one ton of shabu worth PHP6.7 billion in an operation in Manila on Oct. 8.

The police then found the belongings of a cop identified as M/ Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr. of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Group and “incriminating documents” suggesting that he is one of the co-conspirators in running the drug den.

This led authorities to launch a follow-up operation culminating in the arrest of Mayo who was allegedly caught in possession of two kilos of suspected shabu worth P13.6 million.

Abalos also feted the PNP for its swift action that foiled the escape attempt of three persons under police custody from the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame last Oct. 9, who also briefly took former senator Leila de Lima as hostage.

The PNP conferred Headquarters Support Service (HSS) Director, Colonel Mark Pespes, with the Medalya ng Kadakilaan for his heroism in neutralizing the hostage-taker.

Also awarded the medal were Pat. Lorenze Ian Matias, Chief Master Sergeant Jimmy Ferrez, and Corporal Rizza Pagaduan as well as three members of the elite PNP Special Action Force detailed with the PNPHSS identified as Capt. Michael Gobway, MSgt. Denver Lou Ngo-oc, and Cpl. Marvin Banigon.

Meanwhile, Abalos said the latest crime situation report from the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management showed that index crime volume decreased from 10,701 in July to Oct. 8, 2021 to 9,961 in the same period this year.

He said this includes focus crimes which dropped by 7.03 percent or

from 10,640 in 2021 to 9,892 in 2022, with murder dropping by 4.81 percent, homicide dipping by 15.26 percent, physical injury by 16.47 percent, rape by 31.14 percent and carnapping of motor vehicles decreasing by 40.95 percent.

In the area of non-index crimes, Abalos also noted a drop from 50,740 crimes in 2021 to 48,769 in 2022 across the country.

Non-index crimes are violations of special laws such as reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, reckless imprudence resulting in physical injury, and reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property.

Promote vax drive on assembly days, DILG urges village chiefs

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday urged officials of the country's 42,046 barangays to take advantage of the barangay assembly days set for this month to encourage their constituents to get vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“We call on the Punong Barangays (PBs) and other officials to fulfill their mandate and conduct Barangay Assembly Days. I hope the barangays use this opportunity to talk to their constituents and encourage them to be vaccinated and boosted against Covid-19,” DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said in a statement.

“Use this as an avenue to inform your constituents of the undertakings and accomplishments of your barangays and discuss issues and concerns and plans for the future,” Abalos said.

Abalos said barangay chiefs must take advantage of the barangay assembly to discuss the advantages of getting boosted and vaccinated against Covid-19 and invite the citizens to partake in government vaccination campaigns such as PinasLakas.

He likewise said they must inform the public that Covid-19 booster shots are now accessible in their workplace, transportation terminals and drug stores, among others.

As of Oct. 11, records from the Department of Health show that 20,195,895 Filipinos have been administered with Covid-19 booster shots while 73,342,216 have complete initial vaccination status and 70,756,003 had their first dose.

Abalos said the barangay assembly may be conducted through face-toface, online, or blended modes.

According to the Local Government Code and Proclamation 599, series of 2018, barangays are required to conduct barangay assembly for each semester of the year on any of the Saturdays or Sundays of March and October to hear and discuss the semestral report of the Sangguniang Barangay concerning its activities, finances and issues.

For the second semester of 2022, the Barangay Assembly Day theme is “Barangayanihan: Barangay at Mamamayan Sama-sama sa Pagtaguyod ng Bayanihan Tungo sa Mas Ligtas at Maunlad na Pamayanan,” which is in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s call for unity in community-building.

Probing threats vs. journos

As this developed, Abalos pledged to look into the death threats directed at TV5 broadcast journalists Ed Lingao and Lourd De Veyra.

A certain “Seth Corteza of Metrosun” recently tweeted “Balita ko

may dalawa pang kasama sa kontrata na itutumba pero di ko alam ang eksaktong oras at petsa o lugar. Sila Ed Lingao at Lourd ng TV5 (What I know is there are two more persons included in the contract that must be killed but I don't know the exact date or place. They Ed Lingao and Lourd of TV5).”

“We will have this looked into by the (Anti) Cybercrime (Group) and we will have this traced,” Abalos said.

Abalos reiterated his appeal to members of the media not to hesitate in reporting to authorities threats to their life. “Our office is always open for the journalists. If there is a threat at all, just let us know. That is a priority (of the DILG),” he added.

Lingao said the tweet came a day after radio broadcaster Percival Mabasa, also known as Percy Lapid, was shot dead by two assailants in Las Piñas last Oct. 3.

DILG gets award for 'outstanding' accounting practices

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has been named as among the "outstanding accounting offices" for 2021 by a group of government accountants.

In a letter from the Association of Government Accountants of the Philippines (AGAP), its national president and Budget Undersecretary Tina Rose Marie Canda said the DILG was chosen by the Commission on Audit (COA) as one of the awardees for its quality, timeliness, and accuracy of calendar year (CY) 2021 financial reports.

This makes the DILG the firstever big national government agency (NGA) to win the award for its observance of the highest standard of quality in complying with stringent government rules on financial reporting.

In a statement on Thursday, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. thanked the AGAP for the award which he said is a testament to the agency’s commitment to quality, timeliness, and accuracy in its finances from the Central Office down to the regional and field offices.

“Our sincere appreciation to AGAP for this award. Rest assured that the DILG will continue to promote transparent, sound, and excellent fiscal management in the Department from the Central Office down to the field offices,” Abalos said.

He also commended Assistant Secretary for Administration, Finance, and Comptrollership Ester A. Aldana and all DILG accounting personnel all over the country for demonstrating integrity and commitment to respond to the challenges and demands of ensuring sound and efficient fiscal management and operations within the department.

Abalos said the award signifies that the DILG accounting office truly embodies core values of dedication to public service, integrity and innovativeness, leadership by example, good governance, client focus, and organizational competence and effectiveness.

“Malaki ang responsibilidad ng ating accounting offices dahil sa kanila nakaatang ang pagsisiguro ng masinop at maayos na paggastos ng pondo ng opisina. Dahil sa award na ito, pinatunayan ninyong kayo ay tunay na matino, mahusay at maaasahan (Our accounting offices have a great responsibility because

NTC to release SIM registration rules within 60 days

MANILA -- The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) will immediately issue the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the recently signed SIM Card Registration Law after its publication, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said on Thursday.

In a Laging Handa briefing, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said the NTC is already working on the IRR of Republic Act 11934.

“[RA 11934] will require 15 days to be effective after its publication in the Official Gazette. So, once na mangyari po iyon, iyong IRR ay mailalabas po ng NTC within 60 days (Once that happens, the IRR will be released by the NTC within 60 days),” Uy said.

The main focus of the IRR, he said, is to clarify and expand the details of the law including penalties for violations.

“Katulad ng violation ng mga data privacy ay may kaukulang penalty (For example, data privacy violations have corresponding penalties), I think if I’m not mistaken, from PHP500,000 to PHP4 million,” he said.

Uy said the IRR will also detail the process of registration such as allowing online registrations or requiring the physical appearance of registrants, and which IDs will be accepted.

Following the release of the IRR, he said mobile users will have 160 days to register their SIM cards with valid government-issued IDs.

He said those who fail to register their SIM card may result in termination of their mobile service.

“Wala pong multa. Puputulin lang ang linya nila (There won’t be a fine. But their service will be cut off),” he said.

With about 144 to 150 million prepaid SIM cards already issued by local telecommunications companies (telcos), he noted that online registration will be necessary to cope with the expected influx of registrants.

“Iyan po ang ideal situation ‘no–online po lahat ng registration at submission ng mga verifiable documents katulad ng passport or driver’s license, SSS, GSIS or PhilHealth cards (That’s the ideal situation—the registration and submission of verifiable documents such as a passport, driver’s license, SSS, GSIS, or PhilHealth card should be online),” he said.

Mobile users, he said, will be free to register as many SIM cards as they wish as long as they present their identity with valid documentary requirements.

“Ang importante po is iyong SIM card ay properly identified iyong owner. Kasi alam na po natin na hindi naman po sa lahat ng lugar ay may signal po ang bawat telco (What’s important is the proper identification of the SIM card owner. Because we know not all places have coverage with every telco),” he said.

For individuals with no valid IDs such as a driver’s license or passport, he suggested securing an ID from PhilHealth, SSS, or PhilPost for their ease and fast issuance.

“Aabutin po nang medyo matagal kung mag-a-apply sila ng national ID dahil medyo mabagal po ang produksiyon (It may take a while if they apply for a national ID because production is a bit slow),” he said.

He reminded telcos of their responsibility to secure the identity of their subscribers as the “primary repository” of data.

“Makikita natin po na matagal naman silang may hawak ng information na iyan dahil sa mga postpaid accounts na hawak nila. So ang ginagawa lang po natin ay iniexpand lang iyong coverage (We know that they have been storing such information for a while for postpaid users. So, what we’re doing is just expanding its coverage),” he said.

On Monday, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed RA 11934 and noted its importance in curbing the increasing number of text scams and spam messages in the country. (MNS)

Online registration preferred mode for SIM card registration, says DICT chief

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy on Thursday said the SIM card registration process would preferably be done online.

According to Uy, physical registration will be difficult as people would tend to flock to registration sites.

"The preferred mode will be online po dahil sa dami po at hindi po kaya na i-physical [physical registration is not feasible]," Uy said at a televised public briefing.

"'Yan po ang ideal situation, online po ang lahat ng registration at submission ng mga verifiable documents katulad ng passport or driver's license or SSS, GSIS or PhilHealth cards upang maverify. Mahirap po ang on site registration dahil madudumog po ng mga tao ang locations na 'yan at di ho kaya. May 144 to 150 million po ang mga prepaid cards na na-issue," he added.

On Monday, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 11934 or the SIM Registration Act, which mandates all public telecommunications entities (PTEs) or direct sellers of SIM cards to require users to present a valid identification document with a photo upon purchase.

From the effectivity of the law, all existing postpaid and prepaid SIM users will be required to register within 180 days, or about six months, to avoid deactivation.

Uy said an individual can register multiple SIM cards as long as he or she is properly-identified.

"Wala naman pong limitasyon, ang importante po is 'yung SIM card, properly-identified 'yung owner," Uy said.

Uy earlier said Filipinos will be able to use government identification cards such as passports and driver’s licenses when registering their SIM cards if they don't have national ID.

Uy said the National Telecommunications Commission is already crafting the implementing rules and regulations for the new law.

"It (new law) will require 15 days ho to be effective after publication sa Official Gazette," said Uy.

"So once mangyari po 'yun, 'yung IRR malalabas po ng NTC within 60 days at ang palugit po ng registration ay 180 days o anim na buwan po," he added.

DFA eyes to open 800K to 1.1M passport slots up to December

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has opened up more passport appointment slots starting this week up to December 2022.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Wednesday said at least 803,000 slots were made available as part of DFA's efforts to improve current consular services.

On top of this, the DFA is planning to open around 300,000 more slots before the end of the year, he added.

In a DFA event in Parañaque City, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Henry Bensurto Jr. said slots were only good for two weeks prior to the opening of more than 800,000 appointment slots.

"I think it was very important to stretch, streamline and tinker the process, the system itself to allow us to open the slots all the way to December. So that's how we were able to do it essentially," he told reporters.

Aside from easing the passport backlog, the DFA also unveiled on Wednesday its refurbished facilities in Aseana, including new escalators and elevators.

DICT links remote islands via ‘BroadBand ng Masa’

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) continues its rollout of the BroadBand ng Masa Project (BBMP) by providing free Wifi connection to three islands in the southern part of Mindanao.

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said these are the islands of Sacol, Pangapuyan, and Tictabon.

He said Sacol Island, the largest of the three in the Zamboanga Peninsula, has a population of 12,000.

“Ito po ay katuparan ng pangako ni President [Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.] na abutin natin ang mga liblib na lugar sa buong bansa (This is to fulfil the promise of President Marcos to reach the most remote parts of the country), and we thought it would be best to start from the farthest,” Uy said.

These areas, he said, have no access to mobile cellular services and lose electricity during the evenings.

“They have to take a PHP200 ‘banca (boat)’ ride from that island to Zamboanga City in order to attend classes or in order to speak to their relatives abroad,” he said.

The BBMP equipment was installed with the help of locals and DICT engineers, following a request from Majority Leader Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep. Mannix Dalipe.

In areas with limited or no access to power, the project includes the installation of solar and gas-powered generators.

“There was one mother who was … napaiyak ‘no dahil finally raw ay nakakausap niya iyong anak niya na nagtatrabaho sa Middle East at hindi na siya kailangan maghintay pa na makaipon ng pera upang makabiyahe sa Zamboanga City (There was one mother who cried because she’ll finally be able to call her child working in the Middle East and she won’t have to wait until she has saved enough to travel to Zamboanga City),” Uy said.

To date, he said about 30 percent of the Filipino population has no access to internet connectivity, with the DICT aiming to connect more geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) through the BBMP.

“Last month, we also installed in

CCTV CAMS. A worker installs closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on a concrete post along the Aguinaldo Highway corner Agustina Village, Barangay Zone I-A, in Dasmarinas City, Cavite on Wednesday (Oct.

CCTV cameras will be used

the area's security situation

ensure efficient traffic management

GOVERNOR GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINES (FROM 1913 TO 1921)

FRANCIS BURTON HARRISON AND ALL OTHER “FILIPINOS” IN THE U.S. WHITE HOUSE

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Mabuhay!

October is Filipino American History Month. Those of you, who are acquainted with me, even a little bit, know that I am passionate about the subject of Filipino American history. Truly, I say the Filipino American community is diverse across socioeconomic status and opposite generations. Our group is distinct because of our mixed racial and ethnic origins. But we are united by Filipino American history, a saga of struggle against colonialism and racism, a record of resilience in the face of grave injustice and a chronicle of advocacy for equality.

In 1983, the late Fred Cordova of the Filipino American National Historical Society wrote a book called “Filipinos: Forgotten Asian Americans,” a pictorial essay that documented the chronicle of Filipinos in America from 1763 to 1963. He used the word “forgotten” to highlight that Filipino Americans were “invisible” in American history books during that time.

Though Filipino Americans were the first Asian Americans to arrive in America in 1587 (33 years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock in 1620), little was written about the history of the Philippines or of Filipino Americans in the United States. So although the U.S. had a long record with the Philippines (including the Philippine-American War, the American colonization from 1899-1946, and much of World War II being fought in the Philippines), American history books have typically glared over any mention of the Philippines.

In addition to this, when the field of Asian American Studies emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, most literature concentrated on the experience of East Asian Americans (particularly those of Chinese and Japanese descent). In the 1980s and 1990s, some authors wrote about how common it was for Asian American organizations to exclude Filipino Americans from leadership positions; others reported that Filipino Americans often felt marginalized or discriminated against within pan-Asia institutions.

Decades later, scholars have described how many Filipino Americans often branch out to shape their own ethnic associations, or how Filipino Americans tend to form coalitions with Latina/o and Black communities with whom they sometimes feel more connected than any other Asian American ethnic groups. In April of 2016, the New York Times released a video on Asian Americans, as part of the “Conversations on Race” series. The film features 12 Asian Americans of diverse ethnic background (e.g., Koreans, Indians, Vietnamese, etc.) talking about their experiences with

race and racism. Not one Filipino American was included. While

Filipino Americans are the second largest Asian American ethnic group (comprising about 1 at out of every 5 Asian Americans), the exclusion symbolizes that we are still forgotten in many ways. Perhaps this is why Filipino Americans have advocated for the month of October to be acknowledged as Filipino American History Month; the date has been celebrated every year since 1988; it has been recognized by President Barack Obama and the U.S. Congress. The occasion commemorates the many ways that Filipino Americans have contributed significantly to American history from serving in World War II to strengthening our labor movement.

On the other hand, I also want in our history to recognize (and their stories be told) of Americans who have been positively ”Filipinos” so to speak -in every sense of the word, for that matter.

Taft and Harrison are the important streets in Manila that have withstood renaming by thoughtless local and national legislation.

Having served as governors-general of the Philippines -Taft from 1901 to 1903 and Harrison from 1913 to 1921, they are fair game in the anticolonial rewriting of street names.

Looking back at their lives after they left Malacanang Palace -- William Howard Taft (1857-1930) rose to become the 27th president (19091913) and 10th chief justice of the United States (1921-1930).

Francis Burton Harrison (1873-1957), more attached to the Philippines, served as special adviser to Presidents Manuel L. Quezon, Sergio Osmena, Manuel Roxas, and Elpidio Quirino.

I remember both of them particularly Francis Burton Harrison, who is buried in the Manila North Cemetery back in my beloved old hometown of Manila.

He was “tall, trim and handsome,” according to American journalist and historian Stanley Karnow, had a “pedigreed blueblood” and traced his ancestry to Lord Fairfax, a prominent Cromwell ally during the English Civil War. In the Philippines, however, he presided over the rapid “Filipinization” of government administration (according to Karnow), as the tally of American officials dropped from 3,000 to a few hundred, just as the number of Filipino administrators more than doubled over 13,000.

His pro-Filipino stance made him a popular figure in the Philippines but also the object of criticism of conservative Americans who viewed his liberal governance as not supportive enough of U.S. interests.

In Washington, D.C., Harrison and his family lived at Scott Circle while he was a member of the

U.S. Congress. He lived what seemed to be a fairly quiet life as a representative of New York, until Manuel Quezon nominated him to become the next Governor General.

Almost as soon as he arrived in Manila at the start of his term, he immediately announced that “every step we take will be with a view to

the ultimate independence of the islands and as a preparation for that independence.” “Americans he once said “had no justification for holding those people in bondage.”

Many years later he returned to the Philippines to become Adviser to the Commonwealth Government. Sometime around September 1926,

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

at Quezon’s prodding, the National Assembly passed Commonwealth Act No. 79, conferring Philippine citizenship to Harrison. “It is not necessary for me to state that no American has contributed more to the cause of Philippine selfgovernment and independence than the Honorable Francis Burton Harrison and that he deserves the eternal gratitude of our people,” Quezon wrote to Gil Montilla, then Speaker of the National Assembly.

Harrison would continue to serve the Philippine Commonwealth Government in formal and informal capacities over the next few years, including the war years while the government was in exile in Washington, D.C. In his last will, he left instructions that he be buried in the Philippines. Following his death in 1957, his remains were transferred to the Philippines.

It’s a shame that Harrison is best remembered today for a busy Manila street rather than the immense role he played in shaping Philippine history for better and for worse. Of course, Harrison was not liked by his fellow Americans in the old homeland of ours who had to give up their prominent positions to qualified Filipinos. Considered a great friend to Filipinos, as I have earlier pointed out - Harrison is the only American governor-general awarded Philippine citizenship and following his last wishes, he was buried in the storied Manila North Cemetery.

Less remembered in textbook

history is the man who appointed Harrison to the job. Woodrow Wilson, president of the United States from 1913 to 1921. Wilson’s post-White House home is now a museum that preserves an early work of Guillermo Tolentino, the Filipino National Artist for Sculpture.

Historians sought out Tolentino’s actual work, “Pax” (Peace), and saw it in the former U.S. president’s bedroom at the Wilson House.

Since public historian/academic ‘ Ambeth R. Ocampo wrote about it in 2000,more research has been undertaken by fellow “kababayans” Titchie and Erwin Tiongson, who run a vlog and Facebook page on “Filipiniana” in their part of the world called “Philippines on the Potomac.” The couple shared with Ocampo letters from Guillermo Tolentino with Edith Bolling (Mrs. Woodrow Wilson) that were misfiled in the Library of Congress because of the misspelling of Tolentino’s name. Mrs. Wilson and Tolentino corresponded with each other from 1919 to 1957, the year of Wilson’s last letter preserved by Tolentino’s daughter, Marikit Imson.

From my own perspective, the remarkable story of Tolentino’s meeting with Wilson in the White House is worth retelling. While he was already set on a career making monuments and mausoleums, Tolentino aspired to become a classical sculptor trained in Europe. His first stop was the United States,

Pope Francis presided over the last consistory when 21 new cardinals were given their red hats. He was on a wheelchair. The surreal view of him surrounded by new cardinals gave the impression that Francis is perhaps truly contemplating retirement. One of the things he talked about was to reform the current set up where a retired living pope still wears the cassock and is called pope emeritus. Francis wants retired popes to go back to their old names and just “fade away.”

Which brings up a very important point. Who will succeed him? Clearly, he is old and ailing. Two cardinals are emerging as popepossible (papabili): Cardinal Antonio Tagle (Philippines) because of his closeness to Pope Francis, and Cardinal Peter Erdo (Hungary). The betting is on Erdo as the likely pick of the College of Cardinals. If Francis will have his way (through the cardinal electors where two thirds of them are allied to him), it will be neither of the two. My two cents tell me that it will be a huge upset win for the newly minted

Cardinal Robert McElroy of San Diego, California.

Tagle, a Liberal albeit progressive minded from a conservative country who was promoted in 2019 when Pope Francis appointed him as the head of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. Pope Benedict was the one who promoted him cardinal. Pro-poor and advocate for missionary work, his current position is where the pope wants him to be. He joins other newly elevated cardinals as the face of the “new” Church who will tend more to the poor with Asia as his field of dreams.

The Philippines 87% Catholics but also that many percentages of the population being poor. It is also a percentage where the trajectory of new converts is going the opposite direction especially after the recently completed presidential election when 31 million Filipinos (presumably overwhelmingly Catholics) voted against the pick of Catholic leaders. Along with the newly appointed cardinal, Jose Advincula, Archbishop of Manila;

he brought his young son “Kiko” to meet the Commonwealth President Manuel Quezon. In his diary he wrote, “’Kiko’, having born here, could upon reaching the age of 21, choose whether he wished to be an American or a Philippine citizen – in which respect he had a wider choice than myself.” About a month later,

Call for synodality part of a bigger strategy, Part 2 of 2

the two Filipino cardinals will need to find a way to redirect their evangelizing.

Archbishop Peter Ordo is a conservative of the Latin Rite and aligned with Pope emeritus Benedict. He is probably the last person Francis would want to succeed him. Erdo as the Archbishop of EsztergomBudapest covers a large following of Catholics and is a staunch defender of the Catholic Doctrine. He is perfect where is currently assigned to provide a buffer to a German group espousing a progressive group called the “Synodal Path” who has been making waves for a more progressive interpretation of Church dogmas.

The problem in that part of Europe is that many Catholics have left disgusted with the thousand cases of sexual abuse by Catholic priests. The synodal consultations that were to take place have been postponed “because of the pandemic,” and are being rescheduled. The German Church synodal path wants to give lay people more prominent roles in church leadership (as Pope Francis has envisioned) and vocally calling for women to be ordained priests and eliminating mandatory priestly celibacy thus opening the door for priests to marry. They also want for the Church to declare that same-sex marriage is not sinful.

Pope Francis is not too keen

on the aggressive synodal path consultations being taken by the German group. The Vatican even served a warning that the “Synodal Path” is a “threat to church unity at a universal level” and stressed that the group “lacks the authority to compel bishops to make changes on doctrine or morality.”

According to Pew Research, the numbers are alarming in Europe, United States, and Latin America where religious conversions are climbing and the numbers affirming affiliation with the Catholic religion are nose diving. Western democracies are predominantly Protestants and a goldmine for conversions. McElroy’s near split image with Pope Francis’s liberal bent makes him the perfect choice to lead the institution into the new millennium.

Noteworthy is Cardinal McElroy’s selection besting Bishop Salvatore Cordileone, Archbishop of San Francisco; and Bishop Jose Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles – the largest Catholic community in America - and who also serves concurrently as President, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Cordileone and Gomez are both perceived as critics of Pope Francis and promoters of conservative values, of selfambitions.

The future of the Catholic

Church in the United States is bleak with more episcopal jurisdictions closing. The projection is that in 2050, the Catholic community in the nation will dwindle to a very small number. American Catholics are mostly immigrants, and the country is currently divided with what to do with the huge influx of Latin America asylum seekers. McElroy’s view on immigration is critical to recapture those who left (wars, famine, economics) and those who are coming as refugees, migrants, and immigrants seeking a better future.

Which brings us to Cardinal Robert McElroy, lone choice pick from North America. “The West has lost its synodality,” said Pope Francis a couple of months ago. The pope was not only alluding to the clergy scandals in the United States with Canada included, but also developments in the UK and Germany akin to the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Christianity is in precipitous decline in the West and McElroy’s stay in the U.S. makes him a lonely voice. Rome is a bigger pulpit.

The good news is that there are two geographical areas where a significant increase in the number of religious conversions is taking place: Asia and Africa with Africa the most.

The new cardinal picks (including Tagle) form a powerful block to

form new converts into the new face of the Church. Africa happens to be the place where St. Augustine of Hippo wrote his “City of God,” in response to the sacking and burning of Rome, the seat of Christianity, in 410 AD by the Visigoths.

But St. Augustine’s concept of a “City of God” is not necessarily an actual location of a jurisdiction. To him, the modern concept of a city is manmade and is a reflection of the love of self, of earthly desires. A city made by God is a city of love formed in heaven, according to him. The distinction between the two cities becomes more critical as the Catholic Church tries to survive through achieving synodality.

It is worth noting that all paths that lead to a synodal Church go through Jesus, the WAY, the LIFE, and the TRUTH. The first commandment says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is followed by the second commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Pope Francis’ political instincts are clearly trained for the long haul. He knows that significant changes in the Catholic Church take centuries to mature. With climate change, wars, migration, poverty, and indifference literally destroying the world, he needs a successor who will espouse his legacy.

Governor General of the Philippines Francis Burton Harrison

Guillermo Tolentino's sculpture of "Pax"(Peace)

Gravesite of F.B. Harrison at the Manila North Cemetery

Philippines' National Artist for Sculpture Guillermo Tolentino

U.S. President Woodrow Wilson and First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson

Help Wanted / For Rent / For Sale

Spiritual Life

Let’s clear the air and restore sanity in politics

One of my greatest disappointments during political campaign season is the fact that democracy with its promise of freedom and civic participation has been trampled upon with reckless abandon by the behind-the-scenesattack dogs of the candidates, with the candidates themselves admitting that they “approved this message.” I happen to know some of the candidates – decent, wellmeaning civic minded citizens who have chosen a life of public service, but they end up being slandered as unfit to serve. Some of us shrug our shoulders and say, that’s politics. But should it be?

After November 8, everybody will just be thankful that it’s all over. Whoever wins is lucky. He/ She survived the campaign. It’s time to clean the environment with all those campaign materials, to clean the air that has been polluted by bad language, and to restore sanity in politics. We would like our children to grow up in a political environment that is honest, truthful and trustworthy.

Times are normal again and we can just hope that the promised CHANGE or the moving FORWARD would be delivered by whoever is elected as Mayor, State Assembly Representative, School Board Member, Superior Court Judge or City Council member. Congratulations to all the winners. God bless America.

There are two things I expect from the winners – to be humble in victory and to be grateful to the

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera

My Personal Testimony

electorate. They have been voted to serve and they must serve well. Perhaps. people voted for them because they identified with their values and they are confident that their candidate is the best person for the position he or she aspired for. They have to keep their promises and they have to do their jobs and do it well Public office is a public trust and we the electorate have put our trust on them!

My prayer for all those who ran for office, winners and losers alike, is this – Almighty God, we have made a significant decision in our political life. We have voted for the candidates that we believe could serve as our representatives in government. We have made our decision and we thank you for enabling us to participate in the election process as citizens of this country.

We pray for both the winners and the losers. We pray that the winners be humble in victory and the losers be magnanimous in defeat. Give all those who ran in

this election a heart that listens, a heart that cares. All of them tried to present the best of themselves and their ideals. For those who won, please give them the courage to change the things that they can change, the serenity to accept the things they can not change and the wisdom to know the difference.

May they serve you with a humble heart, fully aware that their position is entrusted to them by the thousands of men and women who believed in their talents and capabilities. And for those who failed in their quest for public office, grant them peace that passes all understanding, the peace that only comes from you. Remove any bitterness in their hearts and make them realize that they are still valued as members of our community, Amen.

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12:48, (NIV)

When difficulty or danger invades your life, where do you run?

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination. (Proverbs 18:10-11)

The world of the Bible could be divided into the open countryside and fortified cities. People living in the countryside were exposed to the dangers of thieves, roving bandits, and invading armies. When an alarm was sounded, people would scramble for safety to the fortified cities with their high walls, strong towers, and well-defended gates. You had to run quickly and get there before the gates were closed.

These verses ask us to reflect on where we find our sense of safety when the hazards of life come upon us. The "rich man," Scripture says, trusts in his possessions. For him, possessions provide comfort and protection, security and provision.

Scripture's judgment is clear: it's all in his imagination. Believing that things other than God can make you safe is to buy into an illusion that can be shattered in an instant. Jesus

Danny Hernaez From Whom All Blessings Flow

makes this point about a rich man who trusted in his wealth. "You fool," God tells him, "This very night your life will be demanded from you" (Luke 12:20).

The righteous person, however, trusts in God. In the face of difficulty, trial or danger, they run to God for safety. In Scripture, God's "name" stands for His power and authority to act. In Him, His people find their fortified tower, well-defended by God our lover and redeemer. In Him, we are truly safe regardless of anything else that may invade our lives.

When difficulty or danger invades your life, where do you run?

Jesus didn't come as a king, but as a helpless infant (Luke 2).

Although he was perfectly God and perfectly human at the same time (John 1:14), he lived his life as a humble laborer. After he began his ministry, he demonstrated humble service to others in the miracles he performed, as well as in his instruction to his disciples. When the time came for him to die, he submitted to his Father's divine will (Mark 14:36). And now, seated in power at the right hand of God, he intercedes on our behalf (Acts 5:29-32). As the perfect model for godly leadership, Jesus set the perfect example of humility. Ask God to help you follow Jesus' example as you seek to demonstrate the kind of humility that will cause others to see Jesus in you.

San Ysidro Health’s Founding Mother Celebrates 99th Birthday & A Rich Legacy of Activism

CHULA VISTA, CA – As the nation recognizes and celebrates National Hispanic Heritage month, San Ysidro Health raises attention to its last living founding mother. Strength, wisdom, perseverance, courage, and love for the community are some words that only scratch the surface in describing San Ysidro Health’s Founding Mother Mrs. Carmen Martinez. Born on September 25, 1923 – Mrs. Martinez has more than 99 reasons to celebrate this year.

On Monday, September 26, San Ysidro Health hosted its 16th Annual Clasico de Golf fundraiser at the San Diego Country Club (88 L Street, Chula Vista, CA 91911) and at 3:30 pm a special 19th hole reception

celebrating Mrs. Carmen Martinez’ 99th birthday took place. Congressman Juan Vargas was onsite and presented a proclamation in honor of Mrs. Martinez’ rich legacy of activism.

In search for medical services for their children, Mrs. Carmen Martinez and six mothers living in San Ysidro, a largely Mexican American community, came together in 1969 with a common mission that would set the tone for health and well-being in their community for generations to come. Born out of a standalone “casita” serving 40 patients per day - several decades later, the founding mother’s legacy is alive and well within San Ysidro Health’s thriving, expanding network of community

clinics, program sites and caring employees.

Mrs. Martinez embodies strength and inspires those around her and the community she calls home. For her many contributions to advancing the health and wellbeing on the community, Mrs. Martinez was recently recognized by Southwestern Community College and bestowed an honorary degree. In the words of Mrs. Martinez, “If I could do it, you can do it too!”

Join San Ysidro Health in celebrating the birthday of it’s Founding Mother by making a $99 gift for children’s health in honor of our Founding Mother’s 99th birthday by texting ‘BIRTHDAY99’ to 41444.

Ang mga rehistradong botante na nakatanggap ng kanilang balota para sa Ika-8 ng Nobyembre na Pambuongestadong Pangkalahatang Eleksyon ay maaari nang ibalik ang mga ito simula Lunes sa isa sa mga bagong opisyal na stand-alone drop box ng Tagapagrehistro.

Papunta na sa 1.9 milyong mga rehistradong botante ng County ng San Diego ang mga balotang pangkoreo para sa Ika-8 ng Nobyembre na Pambuong-estadong Pangkalahatang Eleksyon at ilan sa mga botante ay maaaring natanggap na ang kanilang balota kasing aga ng Sabado.

Ang mga botante na pipiliing ibalik ang kanilang mga balota sa isa sa mga lokasyon ng opisyal na ballot drop box ng Tagapagrehistro ay makikita ang mga bagong dinisenyo, secured na mga stand-alone box.

Ano ba ang itsura ng mga opisyal na ballot drop box ng Tagapagrehistro?

Ang mga opisyal na ballot drop box ng Tagapagrehistro ay pula, puti at asul na tinatampok ang logo ng Tagapagrehistro kasama ang seal ng County. Lahat ng mga box ay may tatak na “Official Ballot Drop Box” at gawa sa high grade, heavy gauge na stainless steel.

Ang bawat ballot drop box ay dinisenyo upang maiwasan ang pisikal na pagkasira at hindi awtorisadong ma-access sa mga balotang pangkoreo.

Ang mga box ay mayroong doublelocking access doors, anti-pry door jambs, at iba pang anti-theft construction measures. Ang retrieval team ng balota ng Tagapagrehistro ay responsable sa pangongolekta ng mga balota sa loob ng box.

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

Markahan ang inyong balota sa ginhawa ng inyong tahanan, i-seal ang nakumpletong balota sa loob

ng inyong pagbabalikan na sobre, petsahan at pirmahan ang inyong pangalan sa sobreng pagbabalikan, at ibalik ito sa koreo o sa isa sa 141 mga lokasyon ng opisyal na ballot drop box ng Tagapagrehistro sa buong county. Tandaan, kinakailangan ang inyong pirma para mabilang ang inyong boto.

Ang mga piling drop box ay makikita sa labas at available ng 24 oras kada araw hanggang sa ika-8 ng gabi sa Araw ng Eleksyon, Ika-8 ng Nobyembre. Lahat ng iba pa ay nasa loob at ang access para sa mga ito ay available sa panahon ng mga oras ng operasyon ng individual facility.

Dahil dito, dapat i-check ng mga botante ang oras ng operasyon ng bawat lokasyon bago sila lumabas para ibalik ang kanilang balota. Hanapin ang pinakamalapit sa inyo sa pamamagitan ng pagbisita sa online locator tool ng Tagapagrehistro.

Bumisita sa sdvote.com.

PBBM

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Leader Ma. Theresa Lazaro participated in the Asean Joint Consultative Meeting and Related Meetings in Cambodia, where meetings with Asean dialogue partners were also discussed.

The senior officials exchanged views on cross-sectoral and crosspillar issues of concern, Asean’s post-pandemic economic recovery initiatives, the application of TimorLeste to become a member of Asean, accession of countries to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and various regional and international issues.

In a separate forum Thursday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo reaffirmed Manila's commitment to working with Southeast Asian states to strengthen Asean bodies to help maintain a peaceful and stable region.

"As we prepare now for the Asean summit in November, the Philippines has recommitted to the formulation of an Asean community vision that strengthens our institutions and mechanisms and enables Asean member states to craft regional policies and implement programs and activities with a certain degree of independence from external

JESSE REYES

arriving in Washington, D.C. in the spring of 1919 with only $7 in his pocket. He was provided with a letter of introduction from Alfredo Roa, secretary to Philippine Resident Commissioner Teodoro Yangco, to a Filipino who was working in Old Pierce’s Mill, a Rock Creek Park restaurant. Tolentino was offered a job as a waiter and dishwasher by Florence Blake, and he saved $3 that summer.

One night, Tolentino had a vision; the light from a street lamp produced shadows on the wall of his rented room that formed the image of a woman and a child standing on a rock that was atop a German military helmet. Tolentino got up; sketched the vision hurriedly, and later worked on it as a sculpture that was to become “Pax.” When it was completed, he showed it to his boss, Mrs. Blake, who remarked: “You should give it to the President of the United States.” To make this happen, Mrs. Blake arranged to introduce Tolentino to one of the regular diners, Miss Edith Benham, the secretary to the First Lady.

On the appointed day, Tolentino set “Pax” on a table facing the corner where Miss Benham would

influences," he said. (MNS)

PBBM receives Norway, Denmark, Turkey, Spain envoys' credentials

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Thursday received the credentials of four new diplomats from Norway, Denmark, Turkey, and Spain.

Marcos shared on his Facebook page several photos of the ceremony on the presentation of credentials of the four newly-appointed ambassadors to the Philippines at Malacañan Palace in Manila.

Ambassadors Christian Halaas

Lyster (Norway), Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin (Denmark), Niyazi Evren Akyol (Turkey), and Miguel Utray (Spain) signed the Palace guest book and had a separate meeting with Marcos, based on the photos uploaded on Facebook.

During the presentation of credentials, Akyol conveyed to Marcos the Turkish government's commitment in supporting the Philippines' peace process in Mindanao, state-run Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM) said in a separate Facebook post.

RTVM said Utray also assured Marcos of Spain's continued cooperation with the Philippines in different areas of mutual interest such as international security, health, and food security.

sit and covered it. Nervous before the meeting, Tolentino dropped a tray full of glassware that Mrs. Blake did not deduct from his salary.

Finally, when Miss Benham arrived, she said: “Let’s see it. It seems that everybody is talking about it now.” Tolentino unveiled the sculpture and Miss Benham declared that she would arrange for Tolentino to present “Pax” to the American President.

Weeks later, while sweeping the floor of the restaurant, Tolentino received an envelope from the White House with the message: “President Woodrow Wilson wishes to see you at 9 am August 18, 1919 at the Blue Room.” Three days later, Tolentino would experience the most precious five minutes of his life – “an account of this meeting between Mr. Tolentino and the American president appears in a 1927 issue of Philippine Education Magazine (‘with the statue under my arm…I walked up the White House steps, and was shown into the blue room.’) President Wilson seemed ‘greatly pleased’ and promised ‘he would do anything to help’ Mr. Tolentino and his plans for further studies.

And he did in fact help arrange Mr. Tolentino’s art scholarship at the Ecole de Beaux Arts”…and the rest as they say is history.

Before his new post, Lyster served as Norway's deputy director general for security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was also stationed in different countries, including Denmark and Malaysia.

Mellbin, meanwhile previously served as Danish ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, permanent representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency, and commissioner general for Denmark at EXPO 2020.

In September, the Royal Danish Embassy expressed optimism that Denmark's relationship with the Philippines will further improve under the leadership of Mellbin.

Akyol also served as consul general in Bulgaria, as well as Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs' head of Department at the Directorate General for Energy and Multilateral and deputy directorgeneral for Southeast Asia and Pacific Region.

Utray, on the other hand, will also concurrently serve as ambassador to Palau, Marshall Islands and Micronesia.

Utray has been a member of the Spanish diplomatic corps since 1990, serving diplomatic missions in Mexico, Africa, Honduras, Turkey, Australia and Scotland. He was also a director of International Relations at Instituto Cervantes. (MNS)

Love of country comes in many forms, if I may say it - sometimes it is in the shape of a stranger from a different shore who fiercely loves his adopted country. Like other dispositions, it is everywhere and always, a personal choice –reflected in how one lives, how one dies, and at least in Harrison’s case, where one seeks (and maybe finds) perpetual rest. The proper response to Harrison’s heritage and also to all of those other “Filipinos” in the White House then is to learn our history, tell your story and empower your community. We as Filipino Americans need to read this narrative together and then answer this question: how do we form Filipino American communities for the future where our youth understand the legacies we need to live up to?

As we mark this special month of October, there’s no doubt about it that we celebrate the countless ways Filipino-Americans have lent their unique voices and talents to changing our country for the better. Their immeasurable contributions to our Nation reaffirm we are all Americans, indeed – always to be bound to each other in common purpose and by our shared hopes for the future.

San Ysidro Health’s Founding Mother Mrs. Carmen Martinez (third from left) posed with members of her tight knit family during the celebration tendered on her behalf at the Country Club in Chula Vista. (photo by Zen Ply)

Basilan, in the cities of Lamitan and Isabela,” he said.

However, he noted that “100 percent” connectivity throughout the country may not yet be possible due to the DICT’s limited budget, with the BBMP currently being rolled out in GIDAS with large populations that have no access to the internet.

Once Starlink begins its rollout in the country, he said the installation of free Wifi hubs will be easier and faster.

“Mas mapapadali po dahil instead of setting up a building/tower, we just have to bring the satellite dishes there (It will be easier because instead of setting up or building a tower, we just have to bring satellite dishes there),” he said.

DENR pursues sustainable 'green, blue' economy

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) spent the first 100 days under the new administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. pursuing sustainable management and development of the environment while creating "green" jobs and ensuring investments and revenue for the government.

In an accomplishment report dated Sept. 29, the DENR said it has been pursuing a "blue" and "green" economy, refering respectively on the fisheries and marine sectors, and agricutlure and forestry sectors, into which strategies to address climate mitigation and adaptation are incorporated.

The DENR said it has prepared four resiliency roadmaps and Investment Portfolios for Risk Resilience (IPRRs) for the climatevulnerable provinces of Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, and Siquijor, as well as climate-vulnerable city of Metro Iloilo.

By December 2022, 12 more

resilience roadmaps are expected to be completed for nine climate vulnerable provinces and three major urban areas.

For the "green"economy," the DENR said from July to August 31, it developed 646 hectares of forestland and produced 702,470 seedlings benefitting 3,605 CBFMPeople's Organization (PO) members nationwide, and provided Enterprise Livelihood equipment to POs in Regions 5, 6, 9, 10, and Cordillera.

A total of 944 Forest Extension Officers and 154 Technical Staff have also been hired under the Enhanced National Greening Program, while a total of 1,937 jobs were generated and 1,548 persons were employed in nursery establishment, seedling production, plantation establishment, maintenance and protection, the DENR said.

The agency also strengthened the government's Anti-Illegal Logging and Forest Protection Program by renewing a total of 3,215 forest patroller contracts to implement the Lawin Forest Protection and Biodiversity System.

Also, 163 lawyers/legal researchers/legal assistant contracts were renewed to speed up the resolution of forestry-related cases, it added.

For the "blue economy," the the DENR said from July 1 to Sept. 15, 2022, it monitored 50 priority water bodies with 44 of them passing the water quality standards for Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and 42 waterbodies passing the water quality standards for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). Still part of its Clean Water Program, pursuant to Republic Act 9275 or The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004, the agency also monitored 268 esteros/water bodies, of which 156 exhibited significant improvements in BOD, while 160 other water bodies showed water quality improvements in DO.

A total of 2,365 estero/river rangers were also hired to monitor,

protect, clean up, and rehabilitate the bodies of water draining to the Manila Bay, the DENR said in its report.

As to Boracay Island in Malaybalay, Aklan, the DENR hired a total of 40 Boracay Environmental Lawin patrollers and 22 support staff for the Boracay Action Plan.

Some 19 Lawin patrollers/beach watch patrollers in Panglao and and 19 personnel in Siargao were also hired to protect beaches designated as Green Economy Model sites, the installation of signage for no build zone, and other activities.

The DENR has also issued one Community-based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA) to the Kawasan-Inuralan Farmers Association, Inc. covering a total area of 49.36 hectares in Region 10; and two Provisionary CBFMAs to the Singclot National Greening Program Consumers Cooperative covering 136.57 hectares and the San Isidro Upland Farmers Consumers Cooperative covering 356.66 hectares in Region 9.

Responsible mining

In the mining sector, the DENR said the Mines and Geosciences Bureau has issued 797 mining permits/contracts from July to Sept. 15, 2022.

Currently, 79 mining projects are being planned to start near-term and/ or medium-term mining operations that will bring in total investments of PHP430 billion, revenues of PHP93.14 billion, and jobs to 16,275 individuals, the agency said.

"All priority mining projects are expected to earmark a total of PHP6.904 billion in Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programs expenditures," the DENR added.

The DENR also monitored the handling of infectious wastes in 42 treatment, storage, and disposal facilities.

Of these, four facilities were found non-compliant, hence, issued with Notice of Violations. (MNS)

STAy SAFE EvERyONE

$3.6 Million Grant available to Chula Vista based Small Businesses/ NonProfits

By Brin BalBoa

CHULA VISTA, CA -- Mark Thursday, October 27, 2022 as an important deadline if you are a small business or a nonprofit organization that serves the City of Chula Vista.

The City of Chula Vista and the San Diego Foundation have partnered up to create the Small Business and Nonprofit Relief Fund, through the funding and support from the American Rescue Plan of the Federal Government and local funding from the San Diego Foundation. $3.6 million is being allocated towards small businesses and nonprofits as an effort to offer resources and relief to those who may have been impacted during COVID-19.

“The City of Chula Vista is proud to partner with the San Diego Foundation and the Small Business Development Center to once again offer grant funding to those small businesses affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19,” said Kevin Pointer, Principal Economic Development Specialist for the City of Chula Vista. “We are also fortunate that through this partnership, we can cast a wider net by making funding available to more small businesses, as well as expand the program to nonprofits. Chula Vista is here to support the backbone of our community— small businesses and nonprofits.”

Program details include:

* Application window: Aug. 29 at 9 a.m. through Oct. 27 at 5 p.m.

* Eligible small businesses can receive up to $10,000 and eligible non-profits can receive up to $100,000.

* The grants are not firstcome, first-served; applicants should focus on accuracy and completeness over submitting early.

* Small businesses must be located in the City of Chula Vista. If a nonprofit, must be located in or serve the City of Chula Vista.

* Small businesses must have

been in business prior to April 1, 2020.

* Applicants can be selfemployed workers, independent contractors, sole proprietors, homebased businesses, and corporations with no more than 100 employees.

* To be eligible, small businesses must have net profits under $150,000 or gross revenue under $250,000 (as reported for 2019).

Visit https://sdivsbdc.org/cv-stimulus/ for more information on how to apply and further details on eligibility. In addition to their informative website, SBDC holds workshops, on-demand training, office hours, and more resources for businesses and nonprofit orgs who are in need of help for no cost.

“The SBDC is excited to partner with the City of Chula Vista and the San Diego Foundation on the Chula Vista Small Business and Nonprofit Relief Fund,” said Danny Fitzgerald, Regional Director of San Diego’s Imperial Small Business Development Center. “The SBDC is providing support with outreach, assistance in completing the applications, and support in managing the application process. The SBDC and the San Diego Foundation continue to partner to ensure the grant programs are equitable,

ensuring those most in need receive the funding.”

In addition, SBDC is providing multilingual assistance for those who are interested in applying. Resources are available in several languages such as Spanish, Farsi, Mandarin, and more. The Filipino Press’ Editor in Chief, Susan delos Santos and Van Le from the Asian Business Association San Diego and SBDC have collaborated together in making the relief grant more accessible for those who understand Tagalog better.

“This is the second grant program the city has launched since the start of the pandemic to help our small businesses recover from the economic impacts they continue to face,” said Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas at a Friday news conference. “I encourage our Chula Vista small businesses, home-based businesses and nonprofits to apply.”

It is important to celebrate and acknowledge the work that small businesses and nonprofit organizations do for Chula Vista –they bring communities together, help build community identity, and showcase the city’s diversity. Supporting these businesses and organizations is vital and a must. Fill out an application now and submit it before Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 5:00 pm PST.

FILIPINO ARTISTS OF SOUTH BAY EXHIBIT NOW OPEN

CHULA VISTA, CA -- As part of the Chula Vista Public Library’s Filipino American History Month celebration, Create Chula Vista announces a new art exhibit, “Filipino Artists of South Bay,” which will run through January 2023. The exhibit features works from visual artists of Filipino descent who reside or grew up in Chula Vista and the South Bay area. It represents the breadth of artistic talent from the Filipino community in the region, and includes paintings, photography, and illustrations. The exhibit will be located in three City facilities: the Civic Center Library at 365 F Street, the South Chula Vista Library at 389 Orange Avenue, and

the City Hall lobby, 276 Fourth Avenue.

Artists include Karen Alleluia, Vince Alvendia, Matthew Beltrano, Signe Ditona, Jamie Espino, Jeffrey Estana, Primo Gallanosa, Iz Inocencio, Jon Lardizabal, Jack Levesque, Ronald Santiago Recaido, Nadine Saldana, T. Jay Santa Ana, Clarissa Tong, and Farrah Karram Wright. Their art offers a wide range of themes, from whimsical illustrations depicting family life to abstract meditations and deeply personal reflections. The exhibit is intended to showcase the diversity of the experiences of Filipinos in our region through the language of art.

The Civic Center Library and the

South Chula Vista Library are open Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The City Hall lobby is open Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.

The Filipinos Artists of South Bay exhibit is an extension of the new Heritage Museum exhibit located in the Civic Center Library which provides a glimpse of the journey of Filipino migrants from the Philippines to South San Diego County. For more information, please contact Erwin Magbanua, Principal Librarian and Cultural Arts Manager, at (619) 6915138, or emagbanua@chulavistaca. gov

Megaworld International launched successful Road Show in San Diego

Top photo shows Marivic Acosta, (4th from left, sitting) Executive Vice-President and Managing Director of Megaworld International during the post presentation of the company's Road Show event held recently at the Marriott Hotel in Miramar area. Also in the picture are Katrina Benfer, VP and Territory Head of Megaworld International North America 4 Region with husband Paul, Regional Administrative officer. Country Managers Femie Cupit and Michelle Medina of Megaworld International North American 4 Region, invited guests and current investors/ condo units owners to get updates on latest investment opportunities in the Megaworld portfolios. Ms. Acosta stressed the importance of investing in real estate as one of the most bankable investment tools and wealth creator over time as it belongs in a robust and resilient industry. Megaworld extends its reach in 60 different countries and has 11 different offices to serve its ever growing clientele . It focusses on Township Development concept where people can live, work, play and enjoy their home as a haven. Ms. Acosta's visit in San Diego is part of the Megaworld Road Show Tours that started in Philippines, Canada, US and more. To find out more about Megaworld, you may visit their website www.megaworldinternational.com (photo by Zen Ply)

they are entrusted with ensuring the prudent and proper spending of office funds. Because of this award, you have proven yourself to be truly sensible, efficient and reliable),” said Abalos.

Aldana, who received the award on behalf of DILG, said AGAP was “an institution that promotes the interest of government accountants and improves the practice of government accountancy.”

“It is gratifying, motivating, and

reassuring to see all the awardees whose respective accounting offices were chosen by COA. Your collaborative efforts and resolve contributed greatly in the pursuit to come out with quality, accurate, and truthful financial reports,” Aldana said in her opening message during the recently conducted awards rites in Quezon City.

She said the awardees are chosen based on the recommendation of COA, whose criteria for judging include unqualified COA findings, and the accuracy and timeliness of submission of financial reports.

Aldana urged heads of agencies,

local chief executives, agencies, bureaus, and departments to be “models and be the embodiment of adored and respected public servants.”

Aside from DILG, other AGAP awardees include one corporate government sector, 22 NGAs, and nine local government units.

The AGAP is an association of over 10,000 accountants, budget officers, supply officers, cashiers and all personnel belonging to the Finance Group from national government agencies, local government units, and government-owned or -controlled corporations. (MNS)