The Filipino Press: October 21-27, 2022

PBBM wants more incentives for Filipino scientists

MANILA -- President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Friday directed the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to look for ways to grant additional incentives to Filipino scientists.

Marcos gave the directive during the eighth annual Balik Scientist Program Convention, to entice more Filipino scientists to stay in the country and share their knowledge and expertise.

"As we take advantage of the many opportunities available to us under what is becoming the new normal, it is important to highlight the critical role of the DOST, with the help of the participating Balik Scientists, to address the perennial issues in the country through research and development initiatives," he said in a keynote speech delivered at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

"You must continue to strengthen the implementation of the Balik Scientist Program and find ways to provide more incentives to encourage more Filipino scientists to come back to the country and share their expertise," Marcos added.

The DOST's Balik Scientist Program encourages Filipino scientists, technologists, and experts to return to the Philippines and share their expertise in order to promote scientific, agro-industrial, and economic development, including the development of the country's human capital in science, technology, and innovation.

The program aims to reverse the effect of the so-called "brain drain," improve science and technology capabilities, accelerate the flow of technologies, and promote knowledge sharing.

The enactment of Republic Act (RA) 11035 or the Balik Scientist

Act in June 2018 also paved the way for DOST to grant returning Filipino scientists with competitive benefits such as daily subsistence allowance, health insurance, and roundtrip airfare.

Science & innovation as 'instrument of progress, prosperity' Marcos thanked the scientists,

especially those who returned to the country, for their "remarkable" contributions to the country.

Considering himself a "frustrated scientist," Marcos assured all the Filipino scientists that his administration would continue giving the support they need to compensate

for their "dedication, service, and sacrifice for our motherland."

He also vowed to use science as an "instrument of progress and prosperity," as he acknowledged that the world is becoming "more dependent" on technology.

"It is very heartwarming to see

that you have chosen to return to the Philippines to use your expertise to help improve the lives of Filipino people and I know that this decision in many cases has meant a potential loss of opportunities," he said.

"You may always be assured that I and my administration will extend all support in making science and innovation an instrument of progress and prosperity for the Filipino. I suppose with the words that I’m saying you will be able to detect that I am a frustrated scientist," Marcos added.

'Short-, medium-, long-term' benefits Marcos likewise lauded the DOST for its efforts in creating opportunities for emerging Filipino scientists.

He also expressed hope that the agency will continue providing "short-, medium-, and long-term" benefits for returning scientists and their families.

"These benefits include allowances, education assistance for their minor children, and participation in grantsin-aid projects, amongst many others. And perhaps, we will take even more initiatives because in this technological world, once again, we look to our scientists, we look to science to solve our problems, to show us the way to the future," he said.

This year's Balik Scientist Program Convention carries a theme, “Kasangga sa Paglinang ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Maunlad at Matatag na Kinabukasan,” highlighting the select Balik Scientists’

SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom, with The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), today announced that 12 organizations, funding 14 projects were awarded a total of $53 million in grants to create more residential care options for older adults and adults with disabilities, including people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. A total of 402 beds or units will be created with these funds. This new investment follows $47 million that was awarded to five organizations this past August.

“California is making significant housing investments to support some of our most vulnerable residents –low-income older adults and adults with disabilities – to live with safety and dignity in their communities,” said Governor Newsom. “We are supporting local communities to acquire, renovate and upgrade properties throughout the state –providing, not just a place to call home, but helping individuals stay out of homelessness. In California, we’re doubling down on our efforts to deliver more housing and services in record time and at a fraction of the price.”

Grants were awarded through the new Community Care Expansion (CCE) Program, which, through Governor’s Newsom’s budget, will provide a total of $570 million for the acquisition, rehabilitation, and construction of adult and senior care facilities serving Supplemental Security Income/ State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) and Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)

applicants and recipients, as well as other community-based residential care settings, such as permanent supportive housing and recuperative care sites.

“These significant and timely investments will provide new housing options that will support older adults and adults with disabilities in California,” CDSS Director Kim Johnson said. “We must continue to combat our homelessness crisis. Through this effort, we are breathing new life into old facilities and acquiring and building new facilities that will support some of our most vulnerable residents, including people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.”

Funding is being issued in the following amounts to these 14 additional projects:

Integrated Elder Care, Inc. has been awarded $11,589,180 to rehabilitate an existing licensed

Residential Care Facility for the Elderly in Redlands (San Bernardino County) that will prioritize SSI/SSP and CAPI applicants and recipients who are over the age of 50. The project will add 52 beds.

Senior Coast Living has been awarded $9,079,550 to acquire and convert an existing motel in National City (San Diego County) into a licensed Residential Care Facility for the Elderly that will serve SSI/SSP and CAPI applicants and recipients. The project will add 68 beds.

The JWCH Institute, Inc. has been awarded $8,287,727 to acquire and renovate a licensed Adult Residential Facility in Azusa (Los Angeles County). The project will add 96 beds.

East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation has been awarded $4,986,000 to construct a new building with Permanent Supportive Housing units for formerly homeless individuals and households in Oakland (Alameda County). The project will add 30 units.

Native Directions and Home CA have been issued awards for two projects, one in Shingle Springs (El Dorado County) for $4,548,890 and the second in Rescue (El Dorado County) for $4,597,895. These funds will be used to construct two separate licensed Adult Residential Facilities to serve Tribal members in the San Joaquin Delta area with long-term housing and linkages to supportive services. Each project

By Peter Schurmann

Nature, for all its majesty, is fragile. It can also be deeply healing. Which is why, during the Covid pandemic, millions flocked outdoors to escape prolonged lockdowns, with local habitats and the animals that call them home feeling the brunt of the impact.

That is nowhere truer than in the 125,000 acres and 73 parks that make up the East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD) which at the height of the pandemic saw record numbers of visitors.

“As we bring ourselves to these parks, we need to understand the history and the sensitivity of these parks to our presence,” says Dee Rosario, the first Filipino American and first Asian American board member with EBRPD, the nation’s largest urban regional park district. “These are our lands. They belong to everyone. But with that ownership comes responsibility.”

Rosario was part of a panel of speakers during a media briefing co-hosted by EMS and EBRPD on ways to encourage better stewardship of public parks.

His own affinity for nature followed a college visit to Humboldt in far northern California, where Rosario recalls the “awe” he felt at seeing the redwoods for the first time. Thirty-seven years later, Rosario is among a cohort of dedicated individuals at EBRPD working to strike a balance between rising demand for recreational use and the “intricacies and delicacy” of local habitats.

Data show a 400-fold increase along some of the more popular trails that crisscross EBRPD’s parks, with visitors frequently venturing off trail — to the detriment of nesting birds

and other wildlife, including a number of endangered species — or violating park regulations on things like drone flying. In one instance, a visitor crashed their drone into the nest of a bald eagle, destroying the nest and likely leading to the demise of the nesting chicks.

According to Rosario, the rise in visitors is accompanied by an increasing mix of people to the parks and changes in how parks are used. Whereas once people flocked to open spaces in search of solitude today many visitors come with family. “This is something parks have to recognize,” says Rosario. “How do we meet the needs of diverse cultures while balancing the needs of the environment.”

Becky Tuden is the Environmental Services Manager with EBRPD. She says climate change, along with a prolonged drought and increased fire risk, are among the stressors already taxing local habitats and threatening biodiversity. Many of EBRPDs parks also abut urban or semi-urban areas. Add to this the steep and sudden

increase in the presence of people and it can lead to harmful outcomes for what are already fragile ecosystems.

“Biodiversity is really important… and the added pressure of so many people aggravates the system’s incredible biodiversity.”

Among some of the more harmful activities Tuden and her colleagues have witnessed are increasing amounts of litter, as well as letting dogs off leash in areas where that is prohibited. A dog owner herself, she says individually it isn’t a problem. What dog owners don’t realize is that “there are 25 million other visitors, half of who own dogs.” The damage done by hundreds and even thousands of our beloved canines romping through sensitive habitat is a major challenge, notes Tuden.

Despite the dire warnings, speakers were eager to stress that they welcome the park’s increased popularity while acknowledging “we need to go further” on public facing messaging around

Source of

Community

Award-Winning

BALIK SCIENTIST PROGRAM. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. graces the 8th annual Balik Scientist Program Convention at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Friday (Oct. 14, 2022). Marcos directed the Department of Science and Technology to look for ways to

incentives to Filipino scientists. (MNS photo)

Pampered Pinay: Let’s Talk About Stress, Baby

By Francine Maigue

This month is all about reevaluating our habits—taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle, my pampered friends.

Some people lash out. Some people shut down. Some people eat.

What do you do when you're stressed?

Dance was my first love, my favorite catharsis, my most effective stress reliever. Recently, though, I've danced far less and found a new, more dangerous form of relief…food. (Dun, dun, dun…)

…but I'm not eating all time…

I'm not a big snacker…I’m not a particular fan of munching and crunching while I problem solve. I go into “mission mode” and like to work through whatever “stressors” present themselves. It's the eating after that gets me into trouble.

I love my work…sometimes so much that I put off eating to have a meeting, rush to an appointment, finish up a project, follow up with folks, or resolve an important issue. I get so focused that I, literally, wonder where the time went—and discover

I've missed a meal…or two…in the process. What happens when I finally finish up? I want to celebrate, socialize, and (insert embarrassingly loud stomach growl) EAT.

I, unintentionally, let my body go hungry for too long, then load up on food later. Eek. Starving your body, allowing it to go into survival mode, slowing down your metabolism…then giving it large portions of rich food?

Obviously…not the best choices.

In chats with friends this week, I've come to learn that I'm not alone.

Unfortunately, there are (too) many of us putting off meals then enjoying (too) big meals later.

Company. Comfort. Control. I guess they’re what we really crave when we allow ourselves to indulge in food as a means of relieving stress.

Finally giving myself a moment to sit down for a proper meal has also come to mean finally giving myself the opportunity to catch up with family and friends, rewarding ourselves for a job well done, and asserting a sense of

control over a schedule that I allowed to make me miss meals in the first place. Clearly, the “Go ahead and eat that, you deserve it,” talk is the start of precarious journey around calorieladen comfort foods.

…So here are three simple steps

I'm taking this week (and, hopefully, beyond) to help keep myself and my health in check:

1. I eat and split my meals with a friend. We save on calories and costs…and we hold each other accountable for taking the time to eat when we ought to, as well as selecting healthier food choices. Good company. Good savings. Good food. #goodtimes

2. I give myself the freedom

to snack…on crunchy veggies, some fruit, nuts. Gotta fuel that metabolism!

3. When possible, I prepare my lunch (yay for baon) and plan a mini picnic. It gets me away from my desk for a moment, gets me walking and exploring our beautiful city, and gets me eating proper portions on a reasonable budget. Plus, taking in San Diego’s gorgeous views is an instant de-stressor—great for the body, mind, and soul. I re-charge and return to my work more productive and effective than ever. What's not to love?

Habits are hard to break. Healthy habits can be hard to adopt…but what matters is that we try. Make your health a priority, my friends. What healthy choices are you making this week?

Check back every week for ways to pamper yourself and those you love. Why? The answer is simple: YOU DESERVE IT!

MARISSA ACIERTO candidate for National City Council, District 3 receives Endorsement from Olongapo City Mayor, The Honorable ROLEN PAULINO, Jr. at his visit last September 2022 to San Diego County, CA

NATIONAL CITY, CA -- The original Olongapo City Association, USA, Inc., currently headed by Connie Leyva, a prominent community leader, held a gala at the Pechanga for the delegation of the sister team “Olongapo, Philippines” of the city of National City. The Olongapo Mayor, The Honorable Rolen Paulino, Jr. endorsed candidate Marissa Acierto, National City Council, District 3.

The City of National City and City of Olongapo has been sister cities for the past 17 years. The Olongapo delegation of the sister team made sure that they do a courtesy visit at the NC City Hall and meet Mayor Alejandra Sotel0-Solis and her team.

Marissa Acierto was born in the U.S. Military Base in Subic Bay, Olongapo City, Philippines. Her father, Mithi, was stationed back in the USA when Marissa was four years old. Marissa grew up in National City and attended National City schools.

Marissa’s late grandfather, Nemesio Acierto, was an elected Councilman in two cities – Olongapo City and Subic Bay, Zambales. Nemesio was a Grandmaster Mason. Marissa’s father Mithi is also a Mason who was born and grew up in Cavite. Marissa carries on her family’s legacy of public service as she is the greatgrandniece of Philippine President Elpidio Quirino from the Ilocos region. Elpidio Quirino was the 6th President of the Philippines.

Vote for Marissa Acierto

on November 8th 2022 as Councilmember, District 3 of National City, California. This is a Historic Election as it is the

first election to be held during the redistricted areas of National City. (Paid for by Marissa Acierto for City Council, District 3, 2022)

Hello Dear Readers, Do you have stories, pictures, achievements, events or business leads to share? Feel free to email us at filpressads@aol.com We love to hear from you! Let our Fil-Am voices be heard, our achievements inspire our community, our pride & joy spread everywhere.Visit us at www.thefilipinopress.com

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The Olongapo City Mayor, The Honorable Rolen Paulino, Jr. endorsed Marissa Acierto, National City Council, District 3 candidate , during his recent visit in San Diego.

will add 30 beds.

Self Help Enterprises has been awarded $4,051,471 to construct prefabricated mobile homes for residents experiencing homelessness in Goshen (Tulare County). The project will add 36 units.

Progressive Care, Inc. has been awarded $2,054,597 to rehabilitate an existing licensed Adult Residential Facility in Whittier (Los Angeles County) to expand capacity for SSI/SSP and CAPI applicants and recipients. The project will add 28 beds.

The Berkeley Food and Housing Project has been awarded $1,180,325 to convert an existing shelter in Berkeley (Alameda County) into a licensed Adult Residential Facility. The project will add 15 beds.

The County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness has been awarded $1,001,338 to renovate an existing licensed Adult Residential Facility in Santa Barbara that will prioritize individuals

eligible for SSI/SSP and CAPI who are at risk of homelessness. The project will add 9 beds.

Xencare II, Inc. has been issued awards for two projects in Fresno. One project has been awarded $661,106 to convert an existing residential structure into a licensed Residential Care Facility for the Elderly. The other project has been awarded $620,013 to construct a licensed Residential Care Facility for the Elderly. Each project will add 3 beds.

PathPoint has been awarded $191,480 to renovate and expand an existing licensed Adult Residential Facility in Santa Barbara. The project will add 2 beds.

Housing Consortium of the East Bay has been awarded $157,465 in predevelopment funds to develop schematic designs for one-bedroom Permanent Supportive Housing units for medically vulnerable seniors in Oakland (Alameda County).

The Governor’s multibilliondollar homeless housing investments will provide more than 55,000 new housing units and treatment slots

in the coming years. Building on last year’s historic $12 billion investment to help get the most vulnerable people off the streets, the state budget this year invests an additional $3 billion in behavioral health housing, homeless emergency aid, and encampment rehousing strategies, creating a package totaling over $15 billion in funding.

how to better care for these treasures.

“What we need is a way of communicating to people to help them better protect the parks,” Tuden noted.

The Western Snowy Plover weighs in at a whopping 1.5 oz. Yet despite its diminutive stature this slight bird has survived along California’s beaches for thousands of years. Today there are fewer than 3,000 in the wild, with loss of habitat a key driver of their decline.

EBRPD Wildlife Program Manager Doug Bell says the plover is one of four critically endangered species that rely on EBRPD’s parklands as important breeding grounds. Signs warning visitors to steer clear of areas where plovers are known to congregate are routinely ignored, he explained. That can cause birds to avoid the areas entirely, further eroding what little habitat they have left.

“Just the mere act of hiking across the terrain can disturb the wildlife,” says Bell, a Bay Area native.

The other critically endangered species include the ridgeways rail and

The endangered western snowy plover has survived along the California coast for thousands of years. It is among a number of endangered species that depend on EBRPD lands.

least tern, as well as the salt-marsh harvest mouse, which can swim for over two hours and can drink water saltier than the ocean, among its other talents. Bell says most visitors are likely to dismiss this adorable little super mouse with its tent of piled up twigs as just another “rodent.

And he adds that aside from the park’s increased number of visitors,

the pandemic’s economic toll drove many families to abandon their pets, including a large number of cats that were let loose in the parks. That’s led to an “overpopulation of feral cats, threatening other endangered species.”

Bell also echoes Rosario, noting that as more diverse communities engage with the parks some are bringing with them practices that can be detrimental to the health of the

local ecology. That includes religious communities that traditionally release fish, turtles or other animals into local waterways to commemorate an individual’s passing.

Such practices can introduce invasive species, as well as harmful diseases or toxins that can cause significant die-off of native species, explained Joe Sullivan, who manages the EBRPD’s 10 fishing reservoirs and four fishing piers.

“We want people to come out and enjoy these resources, but people release pets — goldfish, turtles, etc. — and these have consequences,” he said, sharing a gruesome image of a river clogged with dead frogs to drive home his point.

Rainbow and steelhead trout along with the California red legged frog are among the federally endangered species that Sullivan and his team are working to protect.

“It is a delicate balance,” said Tuden of the effort to protect habitat while welcoming the increase in recreational visitors. “Imagine you’re a guest,” she urged visitors, “follow the rules and try to be sensitive.”

Operation Samahan is now called OPSAM Health NATIONAL CITY, CA - Operation Samahan wants to update the public of its recently unveiled its new name and logo, it is now called OPSAM Health. The new website is www.opsam.org. You can still book your appointments by calling 1-844-200-2426. The clinics are open from Monday thru Friday from 8am-5pm. OPSAM Health's core services include family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, behavioral therapy and dentistry. Other specialties include Cardiology, Diabetology and Endocrinology. Diagnostics include Echocardiogram and Colpascopy for women. For vaccinations, they offer COVID-19 and Monkey Pox. For Monkey Pox vaccinations which are available in the National City clinic and Mira Mesa clinic located at 10737 Camino Ruiz , San Diego, Ca 92126, one must be 18 years old and older and for eligibility and information, you may call 1(844)200-2426 to set up an appointment .

Dee Rosario is the first Filipino American and Asian American Board Member for the East Bay Regional Park District.

Marcos to appoint DOH chief once Covid situation is ‘normalized’

MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos said Thursday he would only appoint a Department of Health (DOH) Secretary after the country’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic situation is “normalized.”

In an interview with reporters, Marcos maintained that the Philippines must first be lifted from its state of public health emergency and state of calamity before he could appoint a health chief.

“We have to get away from the emergency stance of the DOH because we have to open up businesses. We have to make the Philippines more hospitable to travelers – both business and tourists – and it does not help if we are still under a state of calamity, if we are the only country that still has mask protocol… Kailangan pa nating ayusin ‘yun (We still need to fix that),” he told reporters at the Manila Hotel.

“We must treat the pandemic no longer, we must treat Covid no longer as an emergency but something that we will have to manage forever. It’s like flu, like pneumonia. Nandyan lagi yan pero mag-ingat tayo para hindi tayo magkasakit (It’s always there but we must be careful not to get sick), and that is (the) way we should be handling Covid.”

Marcos acknowledged that it would be difficult to immediately lift the state of public health emergency and state of calamity as it would directly affect the DOH’s current handling of the health crisis.

“We cannot remove ourselves yet from the way we are handling it dahil halimbawa pag tinanggal ko yung state of calamity, hindi makukuha ng ating mga health workers yung kanilang benepisyo na nasa batas, hindi tayo makakapag-import ng vaccine, yung sa procurement, masyadong mabagal ang magiging procurement (We cannot remove ourselves yet from the way we are handling it because if we lift the state of calamity, our health care workers won’t get the benefits due them, according to the law. We won’t be able to import vaccines, procurement would be slow),” he said.

The President said the government is in the process of finding ways to normalize the Covid-19 situation to encourage investors to do business in the country.

“Sa ngayon, naghahanap kami ng paraan para nga ma-normalize na natin at hindi na natin kailangan sabihin na ang Pilipinas state of calamity pa rin, para masabi natin sa ating potential investors, ‘Pumunta kayo rito sa Pilipinas, maayos na’ (As of now, we’re finding ways to normalize the situation so we don’t have to say that the Philippines is still in a state of calamity, so we can tell investors ‘Visit the Philippines, it’s all right here’),” he said. “Paabutin natin ‘dun (Let’s try to get there) and then we will normalize also all the reorganization of the government.”

Despite the detection of the Omicron XBB subvariant and XBC variant in the country, Marcos said it is time to treat the pandemic differently from during its onset in 2020.

“I want the people to understand that this is the government’s work. Not everything is a crisis so i-normalize natin ang trabaho ng gobyerno (let’s normalize government work),” he said.

He noted that deaths due to Covid-19 have been minimal, and mostly among those with co-

morbidities.

“What we have to understand about Covid and the way that we are treating it is that the risk factor of getting Covid in 2022 is very, very different from the risk factor of getting Covid in 2020 or 2021 and that is indicated by the hospitalizations and the rate of the death,” he added.

On Tuesday, the DOH reported the detection of 81 cases of the XBB subvariant and 193 cases of the XBC variant.

However, the DOH reassured the public that currently available vaccines against Covid-19 remain effective in preventing severe and critical cases.

In July, Marcos appointed Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire as the officer in charge of the department.

Marcos still needed at DA

He said the same rule applies to the Department of Agriculture (DA), which he heads “for now.”

"There are things that a President can do that a Secretary cannot, especially because precisely the reason that you gave. The problems are so difficult that it will take a president to change and turn it around," Marcos said.

He said DA officials are supportive of his decision to remain as DA chief, adding that issues hounding the agriculture sector are "deeply embedded."

"...The reason that I stay on up to now I have actually raised the subject with some of the -- some of the staff and the employees and the secretaries in the DA, and they asked me not to," he said.

"Very deeply embedded ang mga problema natin sa agrikultura. Ito ay nangyari sa nakaraang napakaraming taon. Kaya’t hindi ganoon kabilis, hindi ganoon kadali na ibalik sa ating magandang sistema dati. Kaya’t (Our problems in agriculture are very deeply embedded. It has been happening for the past years. That’s why it’s not easy to bring it back to the system like before. That’s why) I think I am still needed there,” he added.

Resolve 1.4M VaxCertPH backlog, DILG tells LGUs Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. on Thursday urged local government units (LGUs) to immediately address the 1.4 million backlog in the registration of vaccination records in the Vaccination Information Management System (VIMS) that is needed for the issuance of VaxCertPH.

VaxCertPH is the government’s official digital vaccination certificate program, which is based on the centralized data in the VIMS.

“This has long been an issue in our LGUs as we try to improve the inventory of Filipino citizens who have registered for VaxCertPH. We implore our LGUs to work double time in addressing their backlogs in the VIMS,” Abalos said in a statement.

He noted that the VIMS has a total backlog of 1,460,582 vaccination records as of September 22 – a total of 334,317 of which were due to missing records; 308,386 were not recorded for lack of manpower; 243,300 were due to late submission; 122,897 had incomplete data; 109,806 had missing data fields; 94,575 had operational and procedural issues; and 75,831 had issues with Internet connections,

among others.

“Tuloy tuloy po ang ating kampanya sa pagpapabakuna kaya kailangang maitala na po ang vaccine records ng ating mga mamamayan upang hindi ito tumambak pa (Our vaccination program is a continuing campaign, that is why we need to register our people’s vaccine records to avoid backlogs),” Abalos said.

He underscored the importance for LGUs to ensure that the digital records of their vaccinated constituents are updated, especially because VaxCertPH is among the most widely recognized vaccination certificates globally, being accepted in 94 countries and territories.

VaxCertPH is among the few vaccination certificates compliant with international standards, including the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines on digital documentation of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) certificates, the Digital Infrastructure for Verifiable Open Credentialing, and European Union Digital Covid-19 Certificate standards.

Thus, VaxCertPH is accepted among the top trading, investment, tourism, and Filipino migrant destinations, and partner countries of the Philippines.

In an urgent memorandum issued earlier, Abalos reminded all local chief executives and LGU VaxCertPH focal persons that the records of all vaccinated individuals should be accurately uploaded to the VIMS on the same day, or within 24 hours of an individual’s inoculation.

LGUs are likewise directed to provide capacity building and technical support and coordinate other immediate concerns on the VaxCertPH project with their counterparts at the Department of Health and Department of Information and Communications Technology in the regions and assign human and financial resources for the encoding of line-list data, the rectification of records, and setting up of VaxCertPH booths in strategic places in the LGUs.

Abalos also directed all concerned DILG officials and personnel to closely coordinate with their respective LGUs to address the concerns and provide the necessary support for the swift and efficient implementation of the program.

“Tulungan po natin ang ating mga LGUs na ma-address ang causes ng backlog para sa mabilis at maayos na implementasyon ng programang ito (We must assist our LGUs in addressing the backlog causes to facilitate the speedy and efficient implementation of this program),” he said.

Complaints vs. erring barangay officials

As this developed, Abalos urged the public to file their complaints against erring elective barangay officials before their respective local legislative councils that have jurisdiction over barangay-related cases under existing laws.

“While the DILG exercises general supervision over local governments as the alter ego of the President, the task of disciplining erring barangay officials is with the Sangguniang Bayan or Sangguniang Panlungsod where the barangay belongs,” he said, citing Section 61 of the Local Government Code (Republic Act 7160).

VP Sara wants more job opportunities for G12 graduates

MANILA -- Vice President Sara Duterte expressed hopes on Wednesday that the business sector would provide more job opportunities for Grade 12 graduates, during the celebration of the 48th Philippine Business Conference and Expo Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries.

In a speech, Duterte said this is crucial not only for the lives of the young graduates but also for nationbuilding as a whole.

"We have also just signed the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act – Joint Operational Guidelines with the Department of Labor and Employment. The operational guidelines are a crucial step in the implementation of RA 11261, or the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act. We expect more first-time jobseekers, especially our K-12 graduates, to be given the opportunity to process their pre-employment requirements immediately and costfree," she said.

The Vice President, who is also the concurrent chief of the Department of Education (DepEd), said graduates, once ready for employment, may be considered valuable assets for the country's workforce.

"We are a nation comprised of young, able, and ambitious human resources. Each year, thousands of graduates join our workforce," she added.

The education chief even urged the sector to sit with the Education department for cooperation, considering the challenges posed by job mismatch.

"I invite you to come sit with us during our education stakeholders’ convergence next month to uncover opportunities for collaboration and public-private partnerships. We need transformational leadership from the business sector," Duterte said.

The DepEd earlier said it will start its curriculum review for the Senior High School program, particularly for Grades 11 and 12 in November to improve strategies and ensure employability for graduates.

In a separate ambush interview, Duterte said the DepEd is now considering the suggestions from the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Labor and Employment.

"We are still continuing our meetings and discussions on how to make Grade 12 graduates ready for employment. Mayroon pa kaming mga ginagawa na kailangan natin ayusin sa K-12 program. But nagpauna na po ako sa ating mga business sector na kapag ready na po sila, sana ay mabigyan sila ng first priority sa hiring ng ating businesses (We are now doing some necessary adjustments on the K-12 program. But I have initially told our business sector that whenever they are ready, they should be granted priority in business hiring)," she said.

Moreover, the Vice President insisted the DepEd is "aware of the schools' poor performance" in the international assessments, hence, the need for review and intensified multi-sectoral collaboration.

For now, Duterte empahsized the importance of pushing for in-person classes to address learning gaps among learners.

She added that public schools are prepared for its full implementation

come Nov. 2.

"Meron tayong mga (We have) public schools, [that] were just waiting because they were allowed the options from August to November 2, lahat sila, yung ready na, na nag-aantay lang ng mandatory face-to-face ay mag-shift na sila to Mandatory five days inperson classes (all of them, those which are ready, are just waiting for the mandatory face-to-face for them to shift to five days in-person classes)," she said.

Under DepEd Order 44, all public schools shall implement full five-day in-person classes starting Nov. 2, except for those granted exemptions by the regional directors, or disaster-affected areas.

Sara Duterte: Face-to-face classes ‘best option’ for students

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Wednesday highlighted the importance of face-to-face classes, calling them the “best option” for students in basic education.

During the 48th Philippine Business Conference and Expo, Duterte mentioned the recently issued DepEd Order (DO) No. 44, which granted private schools the option to continue implementing blended learning modalities—a combination of face-to-face classes and distance learning—for the rest of the school year.

Under DO 44, private schools may continue holding either fiveday face-to-face classes, a blended learning modality, or full distance learning starting November 2.

“DepEd is cognizant of the current situation of private educational institutions due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We allow them to recoup their investments in online learning technologies, the development and institutionalization of best practices in blended learning, and the unfortunate closure of small private schools,” Duterte said.

However, Duterte reminded the parents, the guardians, and the learners “not to miss the abundance of materials... the five-day in-person classes or in-person learning is still the option for basic education.”

Public schools will proceed with the full implementation of inperson classes next month, except for those that are expressly provided an exemption by the Regional Director, those whose classes are automatically canceled due to disasters and calamities, and those implementing Alternative Delivery Modes.

On Tuesday, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers called on the DepEd to reveal the number of public schools appealing to be exempted from the five-day face-toface classes starting November 2.

They said they received reports that there are schools, particularly in the National Capital Region and other urban areas, that wish to be exempted as “their facilities and human resources simply cannot make it happen.”

In response, DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa said that they “can’t go on record yet” as to how many public schools appealed to be exempted because the DO 44 was only issued two days ago.

DepEd: No changes yet on full face-to-face classes despite detection of Omicron XBB

There are no changes yet

regarding the implementation of five-day in-person classes in public schools in November despite the detection of the COVID-19 Omicron XBB subvariant and XBC variant, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Wednesday.

In a public briefing, DepEd spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa was asked if the full implementation of face-to-face classes will push through starting November 2, or if there will be any amendments to it, considering that the Philippines has already recorded 81 cases of Omicron XBB subvariant and 193 cases of the XBC variant.

“Sa ngayon, wala pa tayong any advice on any change. In fact, kaka-issue lang natin ng DO 44 nung Monday. Tayo naman po sa [DepEd], of course, we will always take our cue from the advice given by the DOH pagdating sa mga health guidelines or any health concerns,” he said.

“Sa ngayon, wala pa tayong pagbabago na maa-anunsyo doon sa amendatory DO na na-issue natin just two days ago,” he added.

Poa was referring to the DepEd Order (DO) No. 44, which allowed private schools to continue holding five-day face-to-face classes, a blended learning modality, or full distance learning starting November 2.

Public schools, meanwhile, are mandated to proceed with the full implementation of in-person classes next month except for those that are expressly provided an exemption by the Regional Director, those whose classes are automatically canceled due to disasters and calamities, and those implementing Alternative Delivery Modes.

Additionally, with the detection of XBB and XBC, Poa said that they are continuing their coordination with the Health department and other government agencies to monitor the health situation in schools.

He also reiterated that DepEd is letting local government units be the ones to provide data on COVID-19 infections in schools “to give accurate numbers to the public,” amid reports of COVID-19 cases in several educational institutions.

“Ayaw po natin ng conflicting numbers or figures ang binibigay natin and because all cases from schools have to be reported to the LESUs o ‘yung local epidemiology and surveillance units ng ating LGUs,” Poa said.

“We will defer po pagdating sa school level on the COVID cases sa ating mga LGUs dahil sila din ang nagve-verify ng mga na-report na COVID cases at sila rin po ang nagfo-follow up,” he added.

Both students and teachers may participate in face-to-face classes regardless of their vaccination status.

DepEd: Removal of Mother Tongue as subject not yet final

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday clarified that the removal of Mother Tongue as a subject is not yet final, pending the release of the final curriculum for the Kinder to Grade 10 (K-10) program.

DepEd Spokesperson Michael Poa made the remark after Education Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III said Monday that the department

QUIET TIME. This family opts to avoid the All Saints’ Day crowd by visiting the tombs of their loved ones at the Novaliches Public Cemetery in Quezon City on Friday (Oct. 14, 2022). The dangers posed by the Covid-19 pandemic have altered the observance of the Catholic tradition in

years

things are expected to return to normal this year

photo)

NATIONAL BREAD. A total of 70,000 pieces of the Filipino bread pandesal and other food items are distributed for free at Kamuning Bakery Café along Judge Jimenez St., Quezon City on Sunday (Oct. 16, 2022). Aside from celebrating World Pandesal Day, owner Wilson Lee Flores says it is his way of giving back to the community. (MNS photo)

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Every age has its highlights, some more agreeable than others. Turning 65, for instance, brought me to the safe harbor of Medicare, and 66 are when I started drawing Social Security. But 75, which I reached this month (October 18th), feel like a different and more daunting milestone. It brings with it a sense of quiet dislocation, as if I’d travelled a long distance to a destination much closer to the end of the line than I’d expected.

How close? I was surprised to learn that the life expectance of the average American male has dropped to 75.1 years, pulled down by the weight of COVID deaths. Does that mean I’ll be checking out a month after my birthday? No, but I’m at a tangibly different station than I was even five years ago.

I can’t say I didn’t see it coming. Life’s one guarantee is that it will end, and so there has to be a time between the peaks of youthful vigor, when I really could carry three cases of Coke down a flight of stairs, and the day when I’m the one getting carried out. I’m nearing the far end of that in-between time.

So how does it feel? Old age, to call it by name, is encrusted with metaphors. The fuel earning light is on. The hourglass is running out. My expiration date is showing. Like Alaska, this may not be the end of the world, but you can see it from here.

I prefer folksier comparisons. My late father, a story-telling Visayan government worker and his friend, “Mang” Floro, a local businessman, used to discuss the phenomena of aging at our house in the historical district of .Sta. Ana in old Manila. They once decided they were like old cars, still running but with rusty brakes and faulty ignitions. Another time, and this one’s my favorite, too – they concluded that they weren’t really old people at all, just young people who had something wrong with them.

As a self-proclaimed historian who has learned a great deal from talking to old people, I also appreciate the bemused irony in one of Garrison Keller’s monologues: “I’m not that old but I know a lot because I used to hang out with old people back when there used to be real old people. Now everyone is sort of my age or younger, and most people don’t know much more than I do.”

But aging has multiple dimensions. The physical side of the ledger is undeniably one long column of debits. Our looks are the first to suffer. Once our bodies produce the generation, or not, they no longer have any evolutionary reason to attract the opposite sex, and so they wilt like flowers – more slowly, perhaps, but just as surely. The ruling dynamic is deterioration. As gravity asserts its domination,

skin sags, eyelids droop and hair falls out.

There are mounting deficits on the social side of the ledger as well.

Old people get to witness ourselves going rapidly out of style, losing more and more cultural literacy every day. I couldn’t tell a meme from a trope if one bit me, and the “celebrities” trotted out on the latenight talk shows are unrecognizable to me as Andy Devine and Shirley Booth would be to my children.

Current music genres, from hiphop to K-pop, seem just as alien.

As the dense fog of fogeydom sets in, I find myself going back to the albums of my youth. Remember the Beatles? How about the Association or perhaps Petula Clark?

As our long slide into irrelevance continues, the world returns the favor. Younger people question how someone so old and removed from the action could have anything useful to say. I can’t blame them, because I had the same doubts about my elders at their age A friend of mine is an expert on teaching cultural diversity. As recent social movements have focused new attention on issues of racism and pluralism in our country, she might have been an obvious source for inquiring journalists, but the retired professor’s phone has been largely silent. “I’m 71,” she said. “I’m not the first one they call anymore.”

There is comfort in knowing that the same irrelevance will one day overtake every millennial on the planet – if they’re lucky.

Some of it is our own fault. I think I understand why we old people are so often, to be frank, boring. A pernicious dynamic accompanies retirement for many of us. As the insistent demands of our jobs recede, we have less to keep our minds occupied. As the just-as-insistent demands of our physical decline multiply, the mental vacuum is filled by concerns about our body’s aches and pains. Something always hurts. Our world’s contract and we lose all sense of proportion. Troubles we would have weathered with relative ease a decade ago balloon into crises and the broad horizons of our youth pull forward to a closing circle of possibilities. I find the dynamic cautionary, and I hope to avoid it for the duration. Want to hear about my aching knee or my latest hearing test? OK, but I’ll keep it brief.

There are, to be fair, credits on the ledger as well, beginning with a surplus of leisure. If it’s all downhill from here, we might as well coast. I am responsible to no one but myself for how I spend my days. MY wife may argue the point, but I do have considerable latitude. My choice has been to keep working, although at a slower pace. A collection of my Filipino Potpourri columns I hope to publish at some time in the future. My long-running weekly column remains too interesting to end just

yet.

Old age also brings with it certain permissions. If we happen to be a little late, act a little eccentric or seem a little forgetful, younger people generally respond with tolerance. Some slippage is to be expected. Our poor brains, after thinking all those millions of thoughts every day for so many years, could hardly avoid showing signs of fatigue.

Our cranial synapses are physical connections, after all, and they wear out as inevitably as spark plugs.

Not that some of us don’t resist.

I was gifted with a pretty good perception. When a word, a name, or an event gets stuck in the folds of my gray matter and refuses to drop onto my tongue, I sometimes take it personally. A couple of years ago, my wife, a woman known for her candor, said, “When you start losing

it, dear, you’re going to be a real pain in the ass.” Not yet, honey, but soon enough.

Perhaps the purest pleasure of aging is grandchildren. My wife and I will have three comes December this year. The fierceness of my love for them takes me by surprise. Looking at them, watching them grow, and being a steady and benevolent presence in their lives –those are the sharpest joys I know.

Truly, the continuing challenge we face is one of adjustment. The typical response to aging has a trajectory comparable to the stages of grief. First, come disbelief. How could this be happening to me? Have I really become one of those fossils I used to observe at a distance?

Then there’s fear: fear of losing our mobility, our marbles, and

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

finally our pulse. As presumably the only creatures on Earth who can envision the future, we see the end approaching, and fear grades into anger. How dare this happen o me? Why can’t I be like I was? Finally, there’s a grudging acceptance. After attending enough memorial services for contemporary friends, after witnessing the unstoppable growth of grandchildren, mortality and its attendant pains become a default state. We live with an accelerating sense of loss, but it’s pointless to grumble about the indignity of aging. It is manifestly the natural order. Whatever our birthdate, each of us is a timeless spirit set astride a dying animal. As my late-lamented father, who made it to 93, often said,

“If we all lived forever, we’d be standing on each other’s shoulders. I say we should live instead with as much humor and honesty as we can muster. The fact that we are old is far less important than the fact that we are alive.

Aging is a terminal trip to progressively stranger territory, the landmarks thinning, and the signposts faint. There are no personal precedents for any of this. In time we all become autumn trees, shutting down, cell by cell, in preparation for the coming winter. Will there be spring? Is there a season of light on the far shore of the dark sea that lies ahead? One of these days, I’ll be dying to find out. Amen to that!

Discerning the synodality path for Filipinos,

others because of corporate greed. Poverty and health disparities are everywhere. Political divisions are tearing countries apart and societal divisions are engulfing religions as well.

reforms can be viewed as an internal struggle within the Holy See’s that invite’s the Catholic faithful’s support as it exorcises its own demons.

The global perspective of democracy today is bleak, and in many parts of the world, it is in retreat. The war in Ukraine tops the list. Many Europeans, the United States included, believed wrongly that Hitler’s rise would not happen again given the overwhelming desires of nations to march to democratization after the world war. For the first time, the president of the United States warned the world that the possibility of Armageddon is now a high possibility because of Vladimir Putin’s threat to use nuclear weapons.

In the United States where many democracies were patterned, democracy is in peril because of the assault on the very heart of it in Washington, D.C that was instigated by the then sitting president. Today, many candidates who are “election deniers” in reference to the former president’s claim that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him, are potential winners in the upcoming midterm elections. Thus,

the specter of repeating the January 6th assault on Capitol Hill or other state capitols is very real.

Trump, along with other global leaders (Bolsonaro of Brazil, Orban of Hungary, among others) that espouse a far-right agenda threatens the very fabric of democracy with the rise of ultra-nationalism. Ultranationalism benefits a few to the detriment of the majority.

The war in Ukraine and conflicts in Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, and Africa have displaced and sent millions of people elsewhere as refugees. The rise of ultra-nationalistic policies (or support of it) has kept many of these refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants stranded in other countries.

Climate change is creating havoc around the world from severe flooding, drought, and creating more powerful hurricanes and super typhoons and the world can only cower in fear. The pandemic has exposed many inequities in the world but has also made billions for

Thus, Pope Francis’ call for synodality should be viewed as the Catholic Church taking the lead in trying to unify the world as one religion walking together that Jesus Christ envisioned it to be as told by his apostles. But, as churches and society become more secular, the challenge for global unity becomes more difficult and almost unattainable.

The call for synodality is not a call for democratization of the Catholic Church but an effort for all citizens, races, religions, beliefs to journey together and enjoy the blessings of God. By starting at the smallest unit of the episcopal jurisdiction, it espouses a bottoms-up approach that gives everyone an opportunity to be heard.

Is this a religious rebellion against a secular world? It could be but its character is anchored in morality, ethics, and love of God. Religions and politics have been intertwined throughout the history of mankind and rebellions against authority have been anchored or were religious in character. Pope Francis’ church

The call for synodality is in itself a political move meant to address the institution’s survival as it sees itself threatened in Europe and the Americas. Despite gains of Catholic adherents, Asia and Africa are political targets of rebellions.

In the Philippines where over 80% of the population are Catholics, the Catholic Church there seems to be in the wrong side of the rebellions being waged by the New Peoples Army (NPA) and Moro/Muslim secessionists. Judging from the last presidential election where the Church leadership took an active role in the electoral campaign despite the Pope’s call for synodality, the focus is not on the marginalized segments of society, but rather, a share of political power that smaller organic religions enjoy.

Looking at the rearview mirror, newly designated cardinal, Jose Advincula, Archbishop of Manila admitted, “Our local Church is far from being with the Church of the poor that we aspire to be. The Church does not know the poor and the poor do not know the Church.” It was a stinging rebuke to the bishops,

priests, nuns and deacons who clearly served a different master at a critical junction when the Pope was calling for synodality, to journey with the poor.

The Philippine case has always been baffling because Church’ role in the presidential election was framed as an effort to elect a moral leader to defeat the ghost of Martial Law that was seen as the embodiment of Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s candidacy. Clearly, however, the church leaders were rebelling against the then incumbent president, Rodrigo Duterte whose daughter was the running mate of Marcos, because of the bloody war on illegal drugs and the perceived disrespect towards the clergy.

The final tally was 30 million for Marcos and about 15 million to the former vice president, Leni Robredo. Put in the context of the Catholic population of the Philippines, tens of millions of Filipino Catholics did not follow the clergy’s lead. Stated differently, it was a huge blow to the Pope’s call for synodality and an anti-Catholic vote from Catholics.

In the Philippine case, however, this may not be a conundrum because these same Catholics are probably back to their normal routines of going to church on Sundays and other special days of obligation.

Why? Well, there is a lack of synodality among Filipino Catholics that stems from a number of reasons including historically incomplete conversions to the Catholic faith, and the lack of understanding of what kind of democracy is needed given its culture and history of foreign subjugation.

Every Catholic voter complains of graft and corruption but keeps electing the same Catholics who are corrupt and who fail to foster an ethical ethos of citizenship. It is a classic case of pointing a finger to someone without realizing that the other fingers are pointed at him. It is also a case of religious piety with dualistic personality where regardless of the gravity of sin, one cannot separate itself from it. Think of the deadly sins: Pride, lust (for power, opposite sex), wrath, envy, greed, gluttony, and sloth.

In my view, the Philippine Catholic Church needs to reinvent itself starting from the very beginning before foreign powers dominated the cultural directions of the country. Whether it is the Spanish or the American colonization, the nation’s collective spirit as we see today, has been cowed by those in power who dictate how the Bible is interpreted, and how democracy ought to work. To be continued…

I

TURNED 75. DO I FEEL IRRELEVANT? SOMETIMES … BUT OLD AGE HAS ITS PERKS AND PRIVILEGES

Help Wanted / For Rent / For Sale

Spiritual Life

It is our right and duty to vote

As immigrants in this great country, we come to a point in our lives when we have to make a decision to become U.S. citizens. After several years as permanent residents we look forward to becoming a naturalized citizen so that we can enjoy the benefits of citizenship.

I became a permanent resident of the United States in 1992, upon being petitioned by one of my daughters who invited me and my husband to spend our retirement years with her and her family. When I arrived I started looking for a job commensurate with my training and experience. However, I could not land a job that I find suitable because I was considered overqualified or I lack local experience. This negative experience challenged me to engage in volunteer work and to observe the participation of Filipinos in civic affairs. One day, I was invited to join a group of volunteers to go to Sacramento to celebrate “Immigrants Day”. It was an opportunity for us to acquaint ourselves with the workings of the California State Legislature and to know our rights and privileges as U.S. Citizens. During the orientation, my eyes focused on a quotation that was etched on the wall of the conference room. “If you want to enjoy the benefits of citizenship, be a citizen.” The whole day spent at the State Capitol encouraged me to learn more about the election process. I

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera

My Personal Testimony

wished that someday Filipinos will be well represented in local, state and federal government and will be elected in leadership positions in decision-making bodies. That was almost 20 years ago.

When I was elected as Chairperson of the Council of Philippine American Organizations (1997-98), my desire to see Filipinos or at best candidates who will not leave Filipinos behind got more intense. I got involve in local political campaigns. I found out that as the head of a non-profit organization I could not endorse candidates so what I did is to register voters and encouraged people to vote. I went out of my way to promote the registration of voters. My passion for civic engagement led me to join other organizations such as the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) and the Asian and Pacific American Coalition (APAC). NaFFAA

has its FilAm Vote Program in collaboration with the San Diego County Registrar of Voters. It is my dream to have qualified Filipinos running for elective position in San Diego County and beyond. We have several Filipino candidates who are vying for some key positions this coming election in different areas of San Diego. Their commitment to serve is commendable and about time for our community to continue to step up and be counted.

Here are the requirements to register to vote: Be a US citizen, a resident of California, not serving prison term in state or federal level for conviction of a felony, must be 18 years of age or older on Election date, must be mentally competent.

We urge all eligible voters to register via the Internet www.sdvote. com visit the Registrar of Voters office located at 5600 Overland Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123 . Toll free (800) 696-0136.

What do you love most about your church?

Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,' it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. (1 Corinthians 12: 14-15)

Have you ever walked into church and thought, "I don't belong here"?

Maybe it is because no one dresses like you, or likes the same kind of music. Maybe there is some area of theology or practice in your church that you feel deeply convicted needs to change.

Perhaps it's time to seek another church.

Or, it could be that you are exactly where you are supposed to be.

In the verse today Paul seems to anticipate that some Christians will walk into a church and say, "I'm a hand, and I don't see any other hands here, so I must be in the wrong place." Maybe God has called you to that church because they are incomplete without you!

We need to be especially aware of our tendency to leave a church because we feel different from

Danny Hernaez From Whom All Blessings Flow

most of the people there. When we were younger, we have been taught to seek out people that are like us, so when we walk into a church, we treat it like our high school cafeteria and sit with the people who seem to be most like us.

There may be a few of you who really do need to find a new church, but please do this very reluctantly with lots of prayer and wise counsel. For people who want to hit the eject button now, you may be missing out on the beauty God intended for His bride. Your uniqueness may be just what your church needs!

What do you love most about your church?

Lord Jesus Christ, how we thank you for your willingness to give up

so much to become human. Thank you for your choice to become poor so that we might be rich in you. You know, Lord, how easy it is for me to receive your blessings, but then hold onto them. Help me to be a person who imitates your act of generous giving. As I have received financial blessings from you, may I share them freely with others. As I have been gifted by your Spirit, may I serve people in your church and in the world. As I have received the outpouring of your love, may I love others in my life: at work, at home, at church, and wherever I might be. Help me this very day, Lord, to be rich in you by giving away your blessings to others. Amen.

Greetings in the Lord!

In view an emergency, I could not write articles to share in the past two weeks. I am now resuming sharing my Sunday reflections beginning this week.

For the past Sunday we have been reflecting much on prayer. Last Sunday we talked about the need to be persistent, patient and preserving in praying for our needs. Today we continue our reflections on prayer with a parable that is very challenging. Even before the parable is told, Luke already states its purpose: “Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else.” The gospel is about pride and how it can lead to contempt for others as contrasted with humility which draws God’s favor. The parable presents two people who prayed in the temple: the Pharisee and the tax collector.

The Pharisee’s prayer is almost a parody of the thanksgiving psalms. Instead of praising God for his mighty works, the Pharisee extols himself, congratulating himself for his own deeds, which he presents to God some details. Worse, he despises “the rest of humanity –greedy, dishonest, adulterous – or even like this tax collector, “as if he were the best and the perfect one. The tax collector stands at a distance, too ashamed even to raise his eyes to God. He prays with a humble and contrite heart” “O God, be merciful to me a sinner.” He knows very well that before God nobody is righteous, no one has cause to boast. His prayer is much shorter than that of the Pharisee.

Jesus tells us that that it the tax collector who went home “justified” and forgiven and not the

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

Pharisee. Why was it the outcast who experienced God’s mercy and not the righteous man? Here is the simple answer: The tax collector asked for mercy and so he received it; while the Pharisee did not bother to ask, erroneously thinking that he had no need for mercy as he did not consider himself a sinner. Jesus explains” :Whoever exalts himself will be humble, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted. The warning against self-exaltation is a constant theme in his teaching. The first reading from Sirach in fact elaborates on this: The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds.” Although the religious man had much to brag about, it was the tax collector’s heartfelt cry for mercy that was heard. The Responsorial Psalms puts it simply: “The Lord hears the cry of the poor.” This assures us that when we count ourselves among the lowly, brokenhearted, or crushed in spirit, God hears and rescues us from all our distress. Truly it is much better it is to humble ourselves than to brag about our righteousness.

In the second reading St. Paul inspires us with his humility. Though he had “competed well, finished

the race, and kept the faith,” he does not single himself out for “the crown of righteousness” that awaits him. Rather, he considers it to be Jesus’ gift for “all who have longed for his appearance,” a reward for their faith and faithfulness. And, those who had deserted him during his trial before the Roman court, he shows no contempt but rather, mercy for them and he begs that it “not be held against them.” For St. Paul, I was God’s mercy that made all the difference” “To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen” It is this humility – believing that anything good in us comes from God, and not ourselves – that in the end enables God to exalt us and bring us safely home to his heavenly kingdom.”

Sometimes it is true that as the parable presents there are some people who claim to be “religious” be could be the ones who could be led to exalt themselves. This is the right time to examine ourselves once more whether we accept the fact that our Church is a church of sinners, especially sinners who are humble enough to accept themselves and pray for God’s mercy and forgiveness. Pope Francis himself reminds us that our Church must be “a poor Church of the Poor,” but such poverty is not only one of material possessions but the realization of our sinfulness and the need to seek for God’s mercy.

It is worth remembering that every time we recite the Rosary we invoke a prayer which runs this way” “Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of your mercy. Let us learn to be humble and contrite and continue to pray for God’s mercy and forgiveness now and forever.

activities, accomplishments, research contributions in different sectors, including health, agriculture, aquatic, industry, energy, and emerging technologies.

Inspire Filipino youth Marcos also urged the DOST to develop more initiatives that will inspire Filipino youth to pursue scientific and technological courses. He told the agency to provide full support to Balik Scientists' research projects and inventions to inspire younger generations to dedicate their talent, knowledge, and energy to the country.

"The Balik Scientist Program will have a very important part to play because we can always present to our young people, our young students, look at this Filipino who has made a name for [himself] and who has done a lot of good work and his or her good work has helped very, very many people," he said.

"That role that they will play as a model for our young people is not an unimportant factor. So, let us

also encourage our young people by showing them what career in science, research and development in what the work that is being done by our Balik Scientists and to motivate them to inspire them and explain to them that you can do this too," the President added Marcos also enjoined the participants in the annual convention to continue working with one another in employing science and innovation for the benefit of the Filipino people.

"I encourage everyone here present to continue searching for more avenues to work with one another in employing science and innovation for the benefit of our people. We can no longer do what we used to do, the pandemic changed everything and that is why we must innovate, and that again is where science comes in," he said. "After all, even if we belong to different fields, we perform different tasks, we share a unified goal of achieving a brighter and more progressive Philippines for us all."

Gov’t to make PH ‘viable option’ for business: Marcos

The national government is “unwavering” in its commitment to make the Philippines a viable option for businesses for both local and

foreign investors, President Ferdinand R. Marcos said Thursday.

Speaking before the business community, Marcos reiterated his promise that government will take the necessary steps to strengthen the relationship between businesses with the government, consumers, and the general public.

“...We recognize the fact that our businesses cannot thrive alone. Thus, it is my commitment to foster a sound environment where businesses can flourish and continue to be a driver of our economic growth,” he said in his speech during the 48th Philippine Business Conference and Exposition (PBC&E) of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) at the Manila Hotel.

“I reiterate my vision of improving our business climate and elevating the status of the Philippines as a top investment destination through various endeavors,” he added.

Marcos assured that his administration will continue to help ease doing business in the country by enhancing its digital infrastructure to streamline application processes of business permits, licenses, and other documentary requirements.

He said the government is also committed in developing the country’s renewable energy sector to ensure adequate power supply and alleviate rising electricity costs.

By revising the Renewable Energy Law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations, he said the government aims to secure energy supply in the

country and attract foreign investments for renewable energy development.

“It is necessary that we make these changes because the technology for renewable energy has moved forward so quickly that we have to catch up with our regulations, with our monitoring of our renewable energy sector,” he said.

Marcos also promised to push

infrastructure development with a special emphasis on public-private partnerships (PPPs) in key projects.

Citing government data, he said there are a total of 74 PPP projects in the pipeline as of August this year, with a combined estimated cost of PHP2.25

trillion.

However, he said there is a need to “do more” and invite investors to do business in the country.

Drivers of success

Meanwhile, Marcos lauded the business community for being crucial in the country’s post-pandemic recovery.

“Indeed, you will be the main driver of our success as we emerge from the setbacks posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the shocks that the economy, the world economy has suffered in the past few months,” he said.

He also expressed hope that they would help provide solutions to steer the nation towards “a more progressive, more economically agile community.”

“I look forward to see you forge new ties here and it is exciting to see the solutions that you will create to

broaden our horizons ahead — one that will be teeming with opportunities that our people rightfully deserve,” he said. “After today, once deals have been closed, policies have been agreed upon, and bonds have been renewed, forged, all of us can proudly tell the world: The Philippines is indeed open and ready for business again,” he added. The 48th Philippine Business Conference and Exposition, organized by the PCCI, seeks to jumpstart dialogue on key policy measures and programs concerning business and the economy that are vital in navigating the Philippines toward full recovery and growth.

During the event, conference chairperson and chief executive officer of EMS Group of Companies Ferdinand Ferrer handed over 10 conference resolutions to the President.

Ferrer said the resolutions “reflect the private sector’s commitment to provide meaningful solutions to

priority pressing issues and concerns that will help us deal with the significant challenges and opportunities in the years ahead.”

“These resolutions will help us achieve food security; move towards a science-based and transparent health system; support new investments and generate more employment; establish and maintain qualification standards in all levels of our educational system; deepen cooperation and expand participation in the international fronts; implement a nation-wide reliable and competitive digitalization program; address climate change; assure reliable and affordable power supply to sustain the economy; provide world-class integrated transport systems, and minimize barriers to the free flow of goods and services,” he said.

Marcos also led the presentation of awards for the Most Business-Friendly local government unit and Most Outstanding Chamber. (MNS)

was set to get rid of the 50 minutes of Mother Tongue subject for Grades 1 to 3 to decongest the existing curriculum.

Poa, however, said that the DepEd was still in the process of consulting with stakeholders, the academe, and other government agencies over a review of the K-10 curriculum.

“‘Yung pagtatanggal sa Mother Tongue [as a subject], wala pa po namang final niyan,” he said.

“Hindi pa po talaga tapos ang ating review. Once magkaron na tayo ng final na curriculum, doon po tayo maglalabas ng anunsyo kung ano ‘yung mangyayari sa mga programa, hindi lang sa Mother Tongue, pero pati na rin sa ating learning competencies,” he added.

Densing had said on Monday that there was no need for a Mother Tongue subject because it was students’ everyday language in school, in the community, and within the family. The Mother Tongue subject would instead be reallocated to DepEd’s national reading and national math programs, he added.

Densing said that without the Mother Tongue as a subject, the curriculum would be anchored on the following subjects: English, Filipino, Math, Araling Panlipunan, Good Manners and Right Conduct, Physical Education, Music, and Arts.

Blended learning out in public schools, OK in private schools

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday said the mandatory daily face-to-face classes in all public schools will push through as scheduled on November 2, while private schools may continue with bleanded learning.

In a statement, the agency said all public schools must adhere to the full implementation of DepEd Order (DO) No. 44, except for those having “alternative delivery modes” due to calamities and disasters.

“After the said date, no public school shall be allowed to implement purely distance learning or blended learning, except for those that are expressly provided an exemption by the Regional Director, those whose

classes are automatically canceled due to disaster and calamities,” it said.

The DepEd underscored the need for in-person classes for the holistic well-being of learners in the country, after over two months of transition since August 22, as indicated in DO No. 44.

“The Department of Education maintains its confidence in the benefits of holding in-person classes to promote academic development and the overall mental health and well-being of our learners. Several published studies point to the indisputable fact that in-person classes remain the best option for basic education,” the DepEd said.

The latest data shows that around 90 percent of 47,000 public schools nationwide have been conducting in-person classes alongside distance learning modalities during the transition period.

Blended learning options

Besides disaster-affected schools, the DepEd will also allow the provision of learning mode options for private schools beyond November 2, considering the challenges they face.

“DepEd is cognizant of the current situation of the private sector due to the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (Covid-19) – the amount of investment in online learning technologies, the development and institutionalization of best practices on blended learning, and the unfortunate closure of small private schools because of losses,” it added.

Allowed options for private

schools include “five-day in-person classes; blended learning modality’ three-days in-person and two days distance learning and four-days in-person then one-day distance learning; and full distance learning”.

The DepEd also vowed to speed up the review of blended learning modalities to “address learning issues.”

Earlier, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte said learning gaps were incurred during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic when pure distance learning was being implemented.

However, Duterte thanked Filipinos as the support was continuously provided, especially for the pushing of a gradual transition to in-person classes nationwide, which the DepEd considered the “biggest” achievement of the department for its first 100 days.

“We are still facing so many challenges in the education sector, and we will keep on working hard with the aim of providing accessible, quality, and inclusive basic education for all. We thank the Filipino people for their trust. Your support is essential for the success, not only of the Department but more importantly of our learners,” she said.

Last week, the DepEd ranked third among the most trusted agencies in the government during the third quarter of 2022, according to Pahayag 2022.

The independent and noncommissioned survey was launched by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. last September 16 to 20. (MNS)

Section 61 stipulates that a verified complaint against any elective barangay official shall be filed before the Sangguniang Panglungsod or Sangguniang Bayan concerned whose decision shall be final and executory.

“Sa halip na idulog niyo sa DILG ang inyong mga reklamo sa inyong mga kapitan o mga kagawad sa barangay, ilapit niyo ang mga ito sa inyong mga sanggunian para mas mabilis itong ma-aksyunan (Instead of lodging your complaints against your barangay officials with the DILG, raise your concerns with the provincial or municipal council for faster action),” he said.

“Ang inyong mga sanggunian ang may kapangyarihan na humawak sa mga reklamo ninyo laban sa mga opisyal ng inyong barangay. Bukas ang kanilang tanggapan sa sinumang may mga verified complaints (Your councils have the authority to address complaints against your barangay officials. Their offices are open to anyone who has) verified complaints.” (MNS)

Current vaccines could still protect vs. serious illnesses due to XBB, XBC -- health expert

MANILA, Oct 20 (Mabuhay) -COVID-19 vaccines that are currently administered in the country could still protect the population against serious diseases brought by infections of the Omicron XBB subvariant and XBC variant, an emergency medicine expert said Thursday.

Dr. Ted Herbosa, chairman of the University of the PhilippinesPhilippine General Hospital Department of Emergency Medicine, said vaccines remain effective in preventing severe and critical illnesses due to COVID-19, or even death, especially among the vulnerable sectors. “Importante pa rin na magpabakuna tayo kasi ang findings naman ay lahat naman ng variants na ‘to are still naa-apektuhan pa rin ng effect ng bakuna. Useful pa rin ang ating mga primary vaccines at binibigay na booster para ma-prevent pa rin itong XBB at XBC,” he said in a public briefing.

The Philippines has already recorded 81 cases of Omicron XBB

subvariant and 193 cases of the XBC variant as of Tuesday.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), the XBB is a recombinant of two Omicron subvariants, while the XBC is a recombinant of the Omicron BA.2 and Delta (B.1.617.2) variants. Both the XBB and XBC have “potential immune-escape characteristics.”

Herbosa said this immune evasion ability is a concern for health professionals, thus the call for continuous vaccination and wearing of face masks in indoor spaces.

“Isang kinabahala ng mga eksperto dito ay the fact na nare-reinfect ‘yung na-infect na. So nagkakaron siya ng tinatawag namin na immune-escape. Kahit ikaw ay may antibody na o nabakunahan na or nagka-previous infections, apparently, nagkakaron pa rin ng symptoms,” he said.

Based on the DOH’s national COVID-19 vaccination dashboard, at least 73.4 million Filipinos are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, while 20.3 million have received their booster shots.

The DOH said they are continuously implementing surveillance and monitoring activities to ensure that threats of possible outbreaks due to XBB and XBC would be addressed.

DHSUD, sectoral groups tackle inclusive PBBM housing program

Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD) Undersecretary Garry De Guzman met leaders of sectoral groups, including urban poor, to tackle housing projects implementations, highlighting the inclusivity of President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino: Zero ISF 2028 Program.

De Guzman, officer-in-charge of the DHSUD, led the dialogue with the urban poor group Kalipunan ng Masang Pilipino (KAMPIL), Pilipino Drivers Transport Academy Philippines (PDTap), and Philippine Association of Detective and Protective Agency Operators (PADPAO) on Oct. 18.

"This engagement with sectoral groups underscores the inclusivity of the administration’s housing program. That every Filipino family can take part in the Pambansang Pabahay Program," he said in a news release on Thursday.

The dialogue was focused on

the policy formulation on how the DHSUD can help the members of the groups in their quest for their dream homes. In a consultative meeting at the DHSUD Central Office, De Guzman, assisted by Assistant Secretary-designate Sharon Faith Paquiz, addressed queries regarding the program raised by the leaders of KAMPIL, PDTap and PADPAO.

He also acknowledged the inputs from the sectoral groups, even as he expressed DHSUD's readiness to assist them in capacitating their group on estate management and payment collection efficiency.

Under the program, sectoral groups may tie-up with host local government units in managing the housing units for their members.

“We also see your groups as one of the key partners in providing affordable homes to middle-income and low-income earners,” De Guzman said after learning that sectoral groups have established business relationships with local developers.

Orlando Marquez, PDTAP National President, expressed his support to the housing program citing the benefit for their homeless members which include jeepney, bus, taxi, van, and tricycle drivers.

Meanwhile, the PADPAO team requested technical assistance from DHSUD to access development loans from the Development Bank of the Philippines which has already entered into an MOU with DHSUD in support of the housing program.

Speaking for low-income earners and informal settler families in Teresa, Rizal province, KAMPIL Chairperson Jervino Maglunob assured DHSUD that they are more than willing to participate and ready to implement the project, applying their best practices in building homes for its members.

DHSUD is enjoining more sectoral groups to join the call to address the country’s housing backlog pegged at more than 6.5 million units in accordance with President Marcos' Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino:Zero ISF 2028 Program which aims to build 1 million units every year in the next six years.

To date, the DHSUD has conducted groundbreaking ceremonies in several areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and engaged LGUs to support the program. (MNS)

SAN DIEGO, CA -- With increasing housing, gas and living costs, people are encouraged to find out if they have unclaimed monies they are entitled to. That’s why the San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office is doing all it can to reunite $1,056,186.10 in county refunds with its rightful owners. See if your name is on the list at sdttc.com.

Each year the TreasurerTax Collector and other County departments have thousands of dollars

that are owed to taxpayers. Refundsowed could be a result of overpaid taxes or from other instances in which individual and organizations are doing business with or receiving services from the County. Unclaimed monies consist of warrants/checks that remain uncashed for a period of more than six months, usually resulting from warrants/checks that are returned as undeliverable by the postal service.

The most common types of unclaimed monies include, but are not

limited to, supplier payments for goods or services.

After several years of no claim being received the funds are escheated. While the County works to return these monies to the rightful owner, some refunds remain unclaimed.

“With the cost of living what it is, and the holidays approaching, I’m sure people can use this money. My staff and I are working hard to return this money to the citizens of San Diego,” said Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan

San Diego City Council District 6 Candidate Kent Lee Meets with Mira Mesa Fil Am Community Members

SAN DIEGO, CA – Coming out of the pandemic and an unprecedented time of increased anti-Asian sentiment and hate crimes, the recent coming together of community members have been more important than ever. These meetings are especially significant when productive dialogue can be made about why and how representation matters, especially for Asian and Pacific Islanders (API’s), including the Filipino community.

Recently, San Diego City Council Candidate Kent Lee participated in a Meet & Greet at Mira Mesa Community Park. Hosted by Mira Mesa high school teacher and college professor Jacquilin Magat-Lapid who teaches Filipino language, this event was an opportunity for more than 50 community members to meet Kent Lee.

Kent Lee is running for San Diego’s first Asian-influenced council district, which includes the communities of Mira Mesa, University City, parts of Scripps Ranch, and Kearny Mesa, where the Convoy Asian Cultural District lies.

Residents of various generations, both young and old, had a chance to meet Kent Lee. Attendees included Myrna Ablana, Briar Rose Duco,

Maria Fontimayor, Grace Almazar, and Analyn Thomson, who discussed with him the pressing issues of their community.

“Kent Lee has an established relationship with the Filipino community, and is a genuine leader who is committed to do the job right,” said Jacquillin Magat-Lapid, Filipino language teacher.

"The campaign is spending the last few weeks before the election meeting District 6 neighbors through phonebanking, going door-to-door, and hosting friendly, free meet and greets so that voters can learn more about myself and why I'm running," said San Diego City Council District 6 Candidate Kent Lee. "I’m grateful for friends like Jacquilin who hosted this meeting, complete with Filipino cuisine, as a way to connect with

Kent Lee has served as the executive director of Pacific Arts Movement (Pac Arts), one of the largest media arts organizations in North America. Under Kent’s leadership, Pac Arts broadened its programs to showcase many of the best Asian American - including multiple Filipino American - chefs throughout San Diego.

Kent served as a co-chair of the San Diego Asian Pacific Islander Coalition API Coalition of San Diego, volunteered on the Mira Mesa Community Planning Group for the last nine years, and plans to serve as a voice for the API community at San Diego City Hall.

Learn more about Kent Lee and is campaign here: www.kentleeforsd. com

ATTENTION POLITICAL CANDIDATES Reach your constituents during this election season with us

Filipino Press email

at filpressads@ aol.com . We will deliver your message

McAllister. “The average refund is $755, and that can go a long way for those who are the rightful owners and who need it.”

To view a list of the 1,398 unclaimed refunds, go to TreasurerTax Collector’s website.

Alternatively, hard copies of the list are available at any one of the following Treasurer-Tax Collector office locations:

MAIN OFFICE – COUNTY ADMINISTRATION CENTER: 1600 Pacific Hwy, Room 162, San Diego, CA 92101

CHULA VISTA BRANCH OFFICE: 590 Third Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910

·EAST COUNTY BRANCH OFFICE (NEW): 10144 Mission Gorge Road, Santee, CA 92071

SAN MARCOS BRANCH OFFICE: 141 East Carmel Street, San Marcos, CA 92078

KEARNY MESA BRANCH

OFFICE: 9225 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92123

If you are owed money, follow the instructions on the unclaimed money page of the website to file a refund claim by November 30, before the money is rolled into the county’s general fund.

You can email your claim to refunds@sdcounty.ca.gov or call 1-877-829-4732 for more information. Anyone can sign up to receive emails when new unclaimed money lists are posted.

“We want all of this money returned to San Diegans, so tell your friends and family to go to sdttc.com to check the unclaimed money list,” said McAllister.

The smallest refund amount available is $10, and the largest refund amount is $255,574.

Every year, the Treasurer-Tax Collector makes a strong effort to reunite San Diegans with money they have overpaid on taxes or fees. In the past five years, the office has refunded more than $383,300.

Current state law says countywide money that is unclaimed for three

years and property tax refunds that are unclaimed for four years must be turned over to the County’s general fund.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A JOB? Looking for workers? Looking for Renters or Room for Rent?

Check our weekly classifieds. Opportunity awaits you. Weekly.

Conversation with Marities D. Vitug A leading Filipina investigative journalist and UCSD Fellow

By Joe Gar Banzos

Women have always played outsize roles in national affairs and family matters in the Philippines. The Philippines, also known for women of beauty and grace, has an uncelebrated history of consequential women leaders. Marites Danguilan Vitug - because of her fearless and acclaimed journalistic work - belongs to a storied class of consequential Filipina women. You may have a rare opportunity to meet and engage Ms. Vitug in-person.

Filipino Press is sponsoring a meet/greet conversation with Ms. Vitug on Nov. 11 at 6PM in San Diego. Seats are limited. If you wish to attend please reserve a seat; you may reach out for details to susands4@yahoo.com

UCSD Fellow

Marites Danguilan Vitug is a University of the Philippines graduate and a visiting fellow at the University of CA San Diego, Pacific Leadership Fellows Program. In announcing her 2022 fellowship, UCSD recognizes her achievement - “a leading Filipino investigative journalist and author, editor-at-large of Rappler and chair emeritus of the Journalism for Nation Building Foundation. She was editor of Newsbreak magazine, a trailblazer in Philippine investigative journalism.” This is high praises from UCSD. For more on the UCSD Pacific Leadership Fellows Program https://ccgt.ucsd.edu/fellows/index.

html Trailblazing Publications

Ms. Vitug is known for her original and well-researched work. UCSD mentions many of her trailblazing publications. “Her books include “Rock Solid: How the Philippines Won its Maritime Case against China;” “Shadow of Doubt: Probing the Supreme Court,” which exposed critical weaknesses in the country’s highest court; “Power from the Forest: The Politics of Logging”; and “Under the Crescent Moon: Rebellion in Mindanao” with Glenda M. Gloria” These books are celebrated for incisive reporting and compelling narrative. Her work is big news in the Philippines. Ms. Vitug is a fearless writer.

Honor and Excellence

Ms. Vitug embodies the noble aspirations of her Alma Materthe University of the Philippines. She completed her degree in A.B. Broadcast Communication at the University of the Philippines. She continues to pursue lifetime learning

that have taken her to top learning institutions in the world.

Her educational pedigree includes a diploma in world politics from the London School of Economics; a Nieman fellow at Harvard University and a recipient of distinguished fellowships from the Australian National University, University of Kyoto and the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo.

Continuing Passion

Ms. Vitug brings the rigor of facts-based research to her reporting. The UCSD Pacific Leadership Fellows Program, in awarding the fellowship, gave credit to her passion and discipline. She has won the National Book Award and various awards for reporting on Philippine justice, security and political affairs, including the Courage in Journalism Award from the US-based International Women’s Media Foundation.

Ms. Vitug hosts a series of podcasts, “The Great Asian Pushback,” which featured personalities who shared their stories of defiance and hope in countries where democracy is under threat, produced by the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats. She also sits on the advisory board of Analyzing War, a U.S.-based journal.

For inquiries and more details on the meet/greet event on Nov. 11th you may also reach out to joe garbanzos j3garb@gmail.

neighbors.”