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APRIL 9-15, 2020
T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R
Volume 31 - No. 15 • 12 Pages
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Over 600 Filipinos abroad infected with COVID-19 by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
THE Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, April 9, announced that 13 more Filipinos abroad have contracted the novel coronavirus (COVID19), bringing the official count of overseas cases to 607. According to the agency, the additional cases are from the Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe. The DFA also reported four new fatalities, raising the death
DATELINE
OFWs A total of 742 Overseas Filipino Workers returned home on Thursday, the DFA said. Of the number, 439 were seafarers on board Norwegian Joy and Regent Splendor from California. Meanwhile, 303 were from Kuwait — the group being the latest batch of OFWs who benefited from the ongoing amnesty program of the Kuwaiti government. “The arrival of 742 Filipinos from the United States and
toll to 72. Of the cases, 171 Filipinos abroad were able to recover, while 364 remain under treatment. “While it is still early to claim success, reports today record yet another reduction in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases among our kababayan abroad at 13 cases from the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe; of which 7 have recovered and 4 [have died],” the DFA said in a statement. DFA welcomes over 700
USA
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GRIM WARNING. A coffin like this in photo at the corner of Loreto and G. Tuazon Streets in Barangay 436, Zone 44, Manila has become a common sight in many parts of Luzon since the entire Luzon was placed under an enhanced community quarantine. It bears the warning: “Please stay at home or stay inside this coffin.” PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
Duterte eyes selling gov’t assets if COVID-19 funds not enough by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Fil-Am front-liners in the East Coast perish in fight against coronavirus AMONG the highest number of casualties in this global public health crisis are on the front lines and since the coronavirus outbreak across the globe began, over 100 doctors and nurses around the world have died. In the 10 states covered by the Philippine Consulate General in New York, the reported number is less than 10, according to Consul Arman Talbo who also issued a correction on earlier media reports that said 40 doctors and nurses have died because of COVID-19. The number as of press time stands at 22 deaths in the community and that includes the front-liners. This number only represents the deaths reported to the Consulate by different sources in the community. But because of some restrictions and some deaths have been unreported, it is hard to get an accurate figure.
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Fil-Am designers shift from dress making to sewing masks to fill shortage FOR several Filipino American designers, the spring season usually brings in orders for wedding dresses, debutante gowns, and outfits for other special occasions. But amid the coronavirus pandemic, cities like Los Angeles have ordered the closure of nonessential businesses and put large gatherings on hold. Instead of sitting idly by, designers are re-shifting their focus and putting their sewing machines to work to meet the national demand for face masks, including those for front-line health care workers. “It was natural for me to do this because of my training. I knew the need firsthand because most of my California brides are Filipina nurses. Many of my regular Filipino clients are in the health care industry, whether as doctors, operators of home care, rehab, or spa businesses,” Oliver Tolentino, a celebrity couture designer based in Beverly Hills, California who spent the earlier months of the year designing attire for red carpet events, told the Asian Journal. His masks are made of polyethylene fabric — a common material used for surgical face masks — mimicking the pattern used by ma-
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President Rodrigo Duterte holds a meeting with some members of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on Wednesday, April 8. Malacañang photo by Toto Lozano
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said he would consider selling government assets as a “ast resort” to generate funds to help address the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the country. “What is the endgame? We will run out of money. I’ll sell all the property of the government. That Cultural Center of the Philippines, PICC [Philippine International Convention Center], the land there — really,” he said during a televised address past midnight on Thursday, April 9. “If there is nothing else I can do and we are about to sink and really sink, I will sell the assets of government and use it to help people,” he added. According to Duterte, the P300-billion
fund allocated for the government’s response against COVID-19 is still being collected. Quoting netizens, he said: “Nasaan na ang P300 billion na pera namin (Where’s our P300 billion)? Wala pa po ‘yan. Kokolektahin pa po ‘yan, (It’s not there. We still need to collect it).” Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, meanwhile, earlier said that the government is looking to borrow some $5.6 billion (P282 billion) from the Asian Development Bank and World Bank if government funds are not enough during the outbreak. He added that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has provided some P830 billion in liquidity while assuring the public that the country had the money to fight the pandemic. Duterte also warned landlords not to evict their tenants or demand their rent during the
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PH COVID-19 cases now over 4,000 by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
THE Department of Health on Thursday, April 9, recorded 206 new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Philippines, bringing the official count to 4,076. The agency also announced 21 new deaths, raising the death toll to 203. On the other hand, 28 new patients recovered from the virus, bringing the total number of recoveries to 124. According to the DOH, there are at least 10 laboratories nationwide capable of conducting coronavirus tests as of April 7 and at least 69 more labs are being prepared to fully handle tests. Mass testing is expected to begin on April
14, however the DOH stressed that mass testing would still be for patients under investigation, symptomatic persons under monitoring, and high-risk patients such as health workers, pregnant women, and those with other medical conditions, such as cancer and diabetes. DepEd Sec tests positive for COVID-19 Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones on Thursday announced that she contracted the virus. “As a government official and Cabinet member, and as a Filipino, it is my duty to announce that yesterday late afternoon, April 8, 2020, I was informed by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine that I am positive
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15 Filipino tycoons among the world’s billionaires by AJPRESS FIFTEEN Filipino tycoons landed on Forbes’ 31st annual ranking of the world’s billionaires, with former Senator and real estate tycoon Manuel Villar leading the pack. Forbes said this year’s roster was made up of 2,095 billionaires across the globe, noting that it was 58 fewer than those recorded in 2019, and 226 fewer than just 12 days earlier before March 18 when the list was finalized. “The richest people on Earth are not immune to the coronavirus. As the pandemic tightened its grip on Europe and America, global equity markets imploded, tanking many fortunes,” the business magazine said. Villar, the richest Filipino, ranked 286th globally with a $5.6 billion (about P280 billion) fortune. Among his businesses are AllHome Corp., Golden Haven Inc., Starmalls Inc., Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. Real estate tycoon Manuel Villar is the richest Following him in 565th place is port terminal opera- among 15 Filipino billionaires who made it tor and integrated gaming tycoon Enrique Razon, Jr. onto Forbes’ annual ranking.
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Inquirer.net photo
The Barangay Piñahan Chapel in Quezon City joins in the natiowide simultaneous ringing of bells on Wednesday, April 8 in solidarity with an interfaith prayer service against COVID-19. Philstar.com photo by Boy Santos
Catholics, Muslims join in prayer vs pandemic by ROBERTZON
RAMIREZ
Philstar.com
MANILA — The nationwide observance of Holy Wednesday was not what Filipinos have been used to, but amid a lingering health crisis, its aim could not have been more timely: solidarity. Various religious groups across the country united in an online inter-faith prayer for health workers and other frontliners and for the healing of the nation from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Before the prayer proper, dubbed “Buklurang Panalangin ng Pagkakaisa Para Sugpuin ang COVID-19,” a Qur’an and a Bible were displayed on a podium, followed by church bells simultaneously pealing nationwide. A Facebook page, Dominus Est., said chaplains, priests, pastors and Ai’mah of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also joined in the pealing of bells and in the prayers. Live-streamed on the official Facebook page of government-
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http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678
april 9-15, 2020 • laS VEGaS aSiaN JOUrNal
From The FronT Page
Over 600 Filipinos abroad... PAGE 1
Kuwait today is a testament to President Rodrigo Duterte’s commitment to protect and promote the welfare and well-being of overseas Filipino workers. Whether on land or at sea, the DFA assures you that the government is working tirelessly to reach everyone — leaving no
one behind,” said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Sarah Lou Y. Arriola. “Filipinos who require emergency assistance should immediately contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate or send a message through DFAOUMWA’s OFW Help Facebook
page. The DFA, together with its over 90 Foreign Service Posts across the globe, stands ready to provide the necessary assistance,” she added. According to the DFA, a total of 9,628 Filipinos have returned home amid the pandemic, of which 6,680 are seafarers while 2,948 are land-based OFWs. n
Duterte eyes selling gov’t... PAGE 1
enhanced community quarantine in Luzon. “Huwag niyong pilitin ang mga tao kasi talagang mag-eengkwentro tayo. Wag ‘nyo akong piliitin to go against the law (Don’t push people because we will really clash. Do not push me to go against the law),” he said. “It’s not the time for you to pressure other people because of your right. Talagang mageengkwentro tayo (We will really clash),” he added. n
Catholics, Muslims join in...
PAGE 1 run PTV starting at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, the inter-faith prayer saw a Muslim imam, a Catholic priest, a Protestant and an Aglipayan, among others, reading their respective prayers. Shortly after reading verses in the Qur’an and in the Bible, representatives from various groups read prayers for healthcare frontliners, for the Philippine National Police (PNP) and AFP, and for those afflicted with COVID-19. The groups comprising various religions prayed for the safety of the frontliners – to spare them from getting infected with the coronavirus and to give them knowledge and wisdom to come up with the treatment for COVID-19. The groups also prayed to spare from harm and to protect PNP, AFP and other security officers working double time in maintaining peace and order in the country amid the extended enhanced community quarantine. n
Fil-Am designers shift from dress making to... PAGE 1 jor manufacturer 3M with pleats, a nose wire and garter. “I use non-toxic glue to seal floral wire (or ‘twisties’ used to seal bread loaves) [on] the top of the mask so it can fit snugly around the nose. I sew the pleats at the side and double-stitch the garter to secure it,” Tolentino added. Once he posted a photo of himself making masks on social media, he started receiving messages from followers from around the United States and back in the Philippines asking whether he would sell his creations. However, he said he will be donating them and not charging. Kristine Amarillo, who has her LA-based line Tale for Esther, began production with fabric she already had on hand after her own family members and friends who are nurses and caregivers desperately said they needed face protection. “My sister is a nurse and she was very disappointed to find out that the CDC recommends only wearing surgical masks if you are directly taking care of a suspected COVID patient and wear the N95 respirator only when intubating a patient during a code blue. This is brought upon by the worldwide shortage of PPEs,” Amarillo said. Her sister’s hospital was reportedly following those recommendations so fellow nurses have been worried since individuals can also have the virus but be asymptomatic. “The thought of having these health care workers — especially having a family member — battle this pandemic with little protection pushed me to help. I gathered whatever materials I have and started making masks,” she added, describing the creation of washable and re-usable masks with pocketing in the inner lining so the health care workers can change the filter daily. So far, she has made over 100 pieces and has shipped them to contacts across California and in Florida, Hawaii and Montana, and will continue producing until her fabric runs out. While business for Alexis Monsanto, also a couture designer, hasn’t entirely slowed down since clients have events later this year, he turned his atelier along Melrose Avenue in LA into a production line for making medical grade masks.
Oliver Tolentino, a celebrity couture designer in Beverly Hills, California, is donating the masks he makes from home. Contributed photo
Kristine Amarillo, who runs her line Tale for Esther, made masks for family and friends in the health care industry.
“I currently have orders for weddings but I’ve pivoted my production to the facial masks to help meet the demands in the market,” he said, sharing stories of nurses having to reuse their PPE or get creative to shield themselves. As of the beginning of April, he and his crew of five sewers have produced 1,400 washable masks, following standards by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), using 100% Egyptian cotton with an 800 thread-count for the outer
layer and an inner layer of polypropylene. Of that number, 800 will be donated to various organizations, including Downey Rehab Facility, Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team, and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation locally in LA, while the remaining 600 will be shipped around the country. Each mask is packaged in plastic to ensure cleanliness. Last month, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced “LA Protects,” a partnership with the fashion and PAGE 4
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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 9-15, 2020
Fil Am front-liners perish in fight against... Pinay detective in Santa PAGE A1 Dr. Leo dela Cruz, CarePoint (Christ) Hospital (Jersey City Among the doctors who have perished due to the coronavirus is Dr. Leo dela Cruz, a physician from Jersey City. He treated COVID-19 patients at CarePoint Hospital (formerly Christ Hospital) in Jersey City. died on Tuesday at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, New Jersey. Dela Cruz, a geriatric psychiatrist, has been a low-key member in the community. He was a board member of Jersey City-based community organization Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League (PACCAL). Araceli Buendia Ilagan, Jackson Memorial Hospital (Miami, FL) Araceli Buendia Ilagan, a 63year-old ICU nurse, was the first Filipino American nurse reported to die from complications of COVID-19. She worked at Jackson Memorial Hospital for 33 years, treating some of the hospital’s most critically ill patients. She started developing the symptoms on March 24, while working a shift. Three days later, she died. “During her long and storied career, she also mentored and trained other nurses, and was a champion for the profession,” a statement released by JMH said. “As we battle this global public health crisis, caregivers throughout the world are bravely serving on the frontlines, often putting their patients’ lives before theirs. These medical professionals — people like Araceli — are the true heroes, and we salute them all.” Daisy Doronila, Hudson County Jail (Kearny, NJ) Daisy Doronila, a nurse at the Hudson County jail in Kearny died on Sunday, April 5 of complications related to the coronavirus. Doronila worked at the county jail for more than two decades. She was initially diagnosed by her private doctor with strep throat and was admitted to a hospital later on after developing fever and dry cough. Eight days later, she was on a ventilator fighting for her life, her daughter posted on Facebook. A single mom who lived in Nutley, Doronila recently celebrated her 60th birthday. In a tweet, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy honored Doronila for her service to the state as “she gave tirelessly to her family and community.” Divinia ‘Debbie’ Accad, De-
Rosa becomes first line-of-duty death related to coronavirus in CA by AJPress
Araceli Buendia Ilagan
Daisy Doronila
Divina ‘Debbie’ Accad
Noel Sinkiat
troit VA Medical Center (Detroit, MI) Divinia Accad, a long-time nurse at the VA’s John D. Dingell Medical Center in Detroit, died Monday, April 6 of complications related to COVID-19. The 72-year old nurse was hospitalized with pneumonia and spent 11 days at a Taylor hospital before she died. Her son Mark Accad said he hopes her death raises awareness of the risks that health care workers face during the pandemic. “She sacrificed her life for our troops. I want my mom to be known for what she did,” Accad told the Free Press. Noel Sinkiat, Howard University Hospital (Washington, D.C) Noel Sinkiat was a year away from retirement from his job at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C, where he had worked for 41 years. The 64-year-old Sinkiat is the second known Fil-Am nurse in the U.S. and the first member of the 155,000-member of National Nurses United to fall victim to the coronavirus. “It was so fast,” Lourdes Gerardo, Sinkiat’s wife, told the Washington Post. The couple had just returned from a trip to the Philippines where they celebrated a reunion with classmates from his high school. He went back to work
Dr. Leo Dela Cruz; Christ Hospital (Jersey City, NJ)
and did his usual 12-hour shift at Howard. Sinkiat began experiencing flu-like symptoms on March 22, which he initially thought was his allergies acting up. He went to an urgent care facility near their home in Olney, Maryland where he was tested for COVID19 his wife told The Post. The result came back positive after he died. His wife brought him to a hospital on March 27, with his health rapidly deteriorating. Doctors had to intubate him within an hour, his heart failed and they could not resuscitate him, according to SF Gate. (Momar G. Visaya/AJPress)
A FILIPINA American detective of the Santa Rosa Police Department, who became California’s first line-of-duty death related to the novel coronavirus, was honored with a procession of patrol cars through the North Bay on Friday, April 3. Marylou Armer, 43, was a 20year veteran of the department and succumbed to the illness on Tuesday, March 31 after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier in the month, the department confirmed in an email with the Asian Journal. A resident of American Canyon in Napa County, she was also the county’s first death related to COVID-19. In addition to the procession featuring patrol cars from across the state, the police department on Friday honored her by wearing blue. “Marylou was a bright light in this organization. She was a thoughtful and committed public servant who loved helping people and loved the people she worked with,” police chief Rainer Navarro said in a video shared on Twitter. Armer was a member of the police department’s domestic violence sexual assault team at the time of her death. She began her career in Santa Rosa as a field evidence technician in 1999 and was sworn in as a police officer in May 2008. Before moving to Northern California, Armer grew up in San Diego and joined the National City Police Department’s Explorer program. “She’s a very caring person and wanted to be there to help the community,” her sister Marites Lau, who lives in Riverside County, told NBC San Diego. ”We never thought that this COVID-19 is the one that’s going to put her in the hospital and take her away from us.” In July 2013, Armer and another officer arrested a woman on suspicion of drunk driving when a male passenger came at them and attacked Armer, resulting in serious injuries to her head and face. She recovered and returned to duty.
“She was naturally just a hard worker and a fighter,” Police Capt. John Cregan told the Napa Valley Register. Colleagues also remembered how Armer would bring lumpia (Filipino fried spring PAGE 4
Marylou Armer, a 20-year veteran of the Santa Rosa Police Department, died on March 31. Photo courtesy of SRPD
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Fil-Am designers shift from dress making to...
RIZAL LOCKDOWN. A police officer checks the proof of identification presented by a driver at a checkpoint in Antipolo City, Rizal on Monday, April 6. Acting Governor Reynaldo San Juan Jr. ordered a lockdown in the entire province starting Monday to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus disease. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
PH COVID-19 cases now over...
PAGE 1 for SARS-COV-2, the causative agent for COVID-19,” she said. Briones also said that she was tested twice for the virus. Her first results came back negative. She had herself tested again, however, following a Cabinet member’s announcement that he contracted
the disease. “The first was on March 13, after a number of my [Executive Committee] members were exposed to a patient who tested positive for COVID-19. Similar with other Cabinet members, I was tested to ensure that there was no threat to my functioning as Edu-
cation Secretary, and to protect my fellow Cabinet members and the President,” she said. “I received the result on March 16; it was negative,” she added. Briones assured that she will continue working and presiding over meetings of DepEd while in isolation. n
15 Filipino tycoons among the...
PAGE 1
with a $3.4 billion (about P170 billion) net worth. He runs the International Container Terminal Services, Inc., the biggest port yard operator in the country, and Solaire Resort & Casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. Siblings Hans, Herbert, Henry Jr., Harley and Teresita Sy all made it into this year’s list, as well, with their net worths estimated at $2.3 billion, $2.2 billion, $2.1 billion, $2.1 billion and $2 billion respectively. Elizabeth, their
sister, also placed with her $1.6 billion net worth. In the eighth and ninth place are tobacco magnate Lucio Tan and property tycoon Andrew Tan with their respective estimated fortune of $1.9 billion and $1.8 billion. Also included are businessmen Roberto Ongpin ($1.8 billion), and Jollibee founder Tony Tan Caktiong ($1.5 billion) as well as San Miguel Corp. president and Eagle Cement chair Ramon S. Ang ($1.5 billion), Robert Coyiuto Jr. ($1.4
billion), and Eduardo Cojuangco ($1.1 billion). Forbes’ list was topped by Jeff Bezos, the man behind e-commerce giant Amazon, with a $113-billion fortune. His ex-wife Mackenzie came in 22nd with a net worth of $36 billion. Trailing behind Bezos are Microsoft founder Bill Gates with $98 billion, Bernard Arnault of LVMH with $76 billion, and Warren Buffet with $67.5 billion. Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg landed at No. 7 with $54 billion. n
PAGE 2 garment industry to make protective gear and other medical supplies for frontline workers. The initial target for the initiative is the manufacturing of 5 million non-medical masks for people who need protection — grocery store workers, non-medical staff in hospitals, and others providing essential services during the COVID-19 crisis, according to the mayor’s office. “I have fabric vendor connections, factories and friends willing to pitch in financial help to pay labor cost to the contractors. It’s made in Los Angeles and in doing so, I’m keeping the operators on their livelihoods instead of them getting laid off,” Monsanto said, adding that he’s in touch with the offices Garcetti and California Governor Gavin Newsom who have a list of hospitals and facilities in dire need. Monsanto said he will continue pushing out 1,500 to 2,000 a week and move to sell them as this week, LA issued guidance directing residents to wear face coverings — such as a bandana, scarf or other cloth — when leaving their homes. The city, however, said medical grade masks should be reserved for front-liners. The CDC on Friday, April 3 also updated its guidance for Americans to cover their faces in public areas where social distancing is hard to maintain, such as the grocery store, because the virus can “spread between people interacting in close proximity.” Joey Galon said he was starting to get “stir crazy” staying in and
Alexis Monsanto uses 100% Egyptian cotton with an 800 thread-count for the outer layer of his masks. He and his team have made 1,400 masks to date.
was compelled to create with his hands since orders for formal attire have ceased. Galon’s designs are washable, breathable and decorative, using lace and sequin embellishments or whimsical patterns like snake print or florals. However, they should only be used by those who are stepping out for an activity like going to the market and not those who work in the medical or other essential fields. “For me, one challenge has been keeping up with the demand of the orders,” he said, sharing that one local company has ordered 100 masks while groups in Hawaii and Atlanta have requested as well. “It’s a simple template and pattern but it’s amazing how many hundreds of orders are coming in. I’m just a one man show, not a manufacturer with a lot of machinery.” He added that he’s also look-
Pinay detective in Santa Rosa becomes first... PAGE 3 rolls) to staff potlucks or even on any given day. “It wouldn’t last a half hour,” Blaine Hunt, a retired officer, told the Napa Valley Register. She could never make enough of it to make the whole department happy.” Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday, April 2 released a
statement in light of Armer’s death and ordered flags at the Capitol to be flown at half-staff. “Jennifer and I are terribly saddened to learn of Detective Armer’s untimely death,” Newsom said. “Amid the current fight against COVID-19, Detective Armer selflessly and courageously served her community and the people of California.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and members of the Santa Rosa community as they mourn her loss.” Armer is survived by her husband and daughter. The Peace Officers Research Association of California has set up a fundraiser for Armer’s family. n
Hawaii designer Kini Zamora made a YouTube tutorial video showing individuals staying at home how to make masks using cloth fabric and other easy materials.
ing to work with the mayor’s office for fabrics to join in the LA Protects effort. Other Fil-Am small businesses have also shifted to mask making. Handbag designer Gina Alexander announced her efforts to produce medical grade masks. Manahan+Co, an apron company, is selling masks and will donate $1 of the proceeds to Pilipino Workers Center. ELLERALI, a brand that uses upcycled fabric, has donated 100 masks to hospitals and is selling masks that include a pocket for extra filter protection and a slit for a removable nose bridge. Hawaii-based designer Kini Zamora, who’s known for his stint on “Project Runway,” told the Asian Journal that he knew people would need to fill their time under quarantine, so he decided to record a series of “howto” videos on YouTube. The first release in mid-March was a tutorial on how to make a personal mask using cotton fabric, elastic and basic tools from the comfort of their homes. By making their own masks, Zamora said, it would prevent regular individuals from buying the ones reserved for front-liners. He and his team also started making dozens of masks for health care professionals in the Honolulu area before he closed down his workshop. “I love that everyone is just collaborating and so many designers are coming on board every single day to help with the efforts. It’s not just designers, but everybody at home who’s pulling out their sewing machines,” Zamora said. “That was my intent when I created the YouTube video to make sure that people are keeping busy at home and helping out.” (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 9-15, 2020
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Dateline PPalace: hiliPPines COVID front-liners real-life heroes by Catherine
VaLente ManilaTimes.net
AS the country commemorates Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Thursday, April 9, Malacañang urged Filipinos to honor the front-liners in the country’s battle against the coronavirus pandemic as “real-life heroes.” Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles said it was only fitting to Medical front-liners outside Ospital ng Tondo wait to test patients for possible COVID-19 ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan honor all medical and healthcare infection. wing alas singko ng hapon, pupersonnel and other frontliners, as Nograles said. “It is only appropriate, there- munta po tayo sa mga pintuan at he noted that the extension of the Luzon-wide enhanced community fore, that tomorrow, on [Day of bintana at palakpakan natin ang quarantine (ECQ) “means that for Valor], we honor all of them with a mga bayani na nagtatrabaho sa the next few weeks we will be simple gesture of gratitude that we ating mga frontlines (every 5 p.m, dependent on our frontliners and hope to carry on for the duration of to go to their doorways or their windows to applaud our heroes relying on them for our health, se- the ECQ,” he added. Nograles, also the spokesman who are working in the frontcurity and safety.” “While the majority of us are of the Inter-Agency Task Force lines),” Nograles said. The Palace official also lauded in the comfort of our homes, for the Management of Emergwe will be relying on them to ing Infectious Diseases, asked the all artists and designers who crego to work so that we can con- public to go to their doorways or ated makeshift personal protective DISINFECTION TENT. The Manila City government has put up disinfection tent to sanitize market-goers before entering the Central Market tinue to buy essentials like food their windows on Thursday to ap- equipment for the country’s medialong Andalucia Street in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Wednesday, April 8. The national government has extended the implementation of the enhanced and medicine. Napakalaki po ng plaud the medical workers, police, cal frontliners, as well as those who community quarantine until April 30. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon hinihingi ng taumbayan sa ating military, and workers from the pri- initiated fundraising campaigns mga frontliners; paulit-ulit natin vate sector, local government units through Facebook. “In the weeks that we have consinasabi — at hindi tayo magsa- distributing relief goods, and the fronted this challenge before us, sawang sabihin (The nation is de- members of the media. “Inaanyayahan po namin ang we have all been witnesses to acts manding so much from our frontliners, and we will never get tired ating kababayan simula bukas (We of generosity and charity that have of saying)… they are our real-life urge our countrymen beginning shown the true spirit of ‘bayaniheroes, our real-time heroes,” tomorrow), [Day of Valor], na tu- han,’” Nograles said. n The Philippines urged “forThe continued strengthening by Pia Lee-Brago of regional relations, according bearance” and “good” behavior Philstar.com to the DFA, is especially critical in to each and every government MANILA — The Philippines on light of the Association of South- and to extend the forbearance by ritCheL mendioLa technologists, clinical analysts, for the duration of the national Wednesday, April 8, expressed east Asian Nations (ASEAN)- and behavior to people under AJPress and respiratory therapists. state emergency. deep concern over the reported China joint commitment to col- their respective jurisdictions. Pharmacists, laboratory techThe department is set to THE Philippines has temporar“COVID-19 is a very real threat sinking of a Vietnamese fish- lectively tackle the ongoing crisis nicians, X-ray/radiologic technicome up with guidelines that ily suspended the deployment of ing vessel by China in the South brought about by the COVID-19 that demands unity and mutual cians, nursing assistants/aides, will “amend, clarify, and/or China Sea late last week, saying pandemic, as declared in the trust. In the face of it, neither fish health care professionals abroad operators of medical equipment, provide program support to Manila’s similar experience re- Statement of the Special ASEAN- nor fictional historical claims are amid the coronavirus pandemic supervisors of health services this resolution pursuant to lawvealed the trust lost in a friend- China Foreign Ministers’ Meet- worth the fuse that’s lit by such to guarantee that the country and personal care and repair- ful orders.” itself has a sufficient number of ing on COVID-19, issued on Feb. incidents,” the DFA said. ship. men of medical-hospital equipPresident Rodrigo Duterte on Vietnam accused the Chinese medical front-liners. The Department of Foreign Af- 20. ment are also included. Monday, April 5 signed an orThe Philippine Overseas EmThe DFA reminded that ASEAN Coast Guard of sinking the fishfairs (DFA) said the incident hapThis comes as the country’s der giving a special allowance to pened during the coronavirus “stood by China” when it was ing boat near the Paracel Islands ployment Administration last health care system is becoming front line health workers during disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis fighting the coronavirus, which on April 2 and lodged an official week approved the resolution to suspend sending Filipino health overwhelmed with COVID-19 the enhanced community quarthat is “a crisis like no other in was first detected in the central protest to Beijing. Chinese maritime militia and care workers abroad until the cases and reports that hospitals antine in Luzon. the past; not just in its potential Chinese city of Wuhan in Decemdo not have sufficient medical The provision includes a oneChinese Coast Guard vessels re- current crisis is over. calamitous scale, but in the hope ber last year. personnel. time allowance — an extra 25% Signed by POEA Governing “The ASEAN’s support proved portedly harassed, rammed and to contain and stop it by unstintPOEA chief Bernard Olalia of monthly basic pay — to reguing cooperation and fullest trust well merited as we had no doubt beat up Vietnamese fishermen in Board chairman and Department of Labor and Employment said that those affected by the lar, part-time or casual health it would when China extended the Paracels regularly. among all countries.” At midnight of June 9 last year, (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello suspension in deployment will workers. “Our own similar experi- extensive assistance to countries be mobilized if necessary to re“There is a need to recognize ence revealed how much trust like the Philippines and as far a Chinese fishing vessel rammed III, the resolution calls for priplace, substitute or reinforce the the heroic and invaluable conin a friendship is lost by it; and afield as Italy to combat COVID- and sank a wooden Filipino fish- oritizing the “human resource existing health care workforce tributions of our public health how much trust was created by 19. We remain deeply apprecia- ing boat, the F/B Gem-Ver 1, allocation for the national health in different medical facilities na- workers throughout the country, Vietnam’s humanitarian act of di- tive. In our small way we had anchored in Recto Bank (Reed care system at the time of the nationwide. who bravely and unselfishly risk tional state emergency.” rectly saving the lives of our Fili- helped when the crisis in Wuhan Bank). After the collision, the He also said that negotiations their lives and health by being at Among the professions that are Chinese vessel turned off its sigpino fishermen,” the DFA said in was at its worst,” it added. The creation of new facts in nal lights and sailed away as the temporarily barred from leaving of bilateral labor agreements for the forefront of the national efa statement. the country are medical doctors/ government-to-government de- fort to address the public health “We have not stopped and will the water will never give rise to Filipino boat sank. The 22 Filipino fishermen, physicians, nurses, microbiolo- ployment of health care workers emergency,” the president said not stop thanking Vietnam. It is legal right anywhere or anytime, are also temporarily suspended in his order. n with that in mind that we issue according to the DFA, alluding to abandoned in the water for gists, medical biologists, medical this statement of solidarity,” it artificial islands constructed by hours, were rescued by a VietKaragdagang kaalaman sa Filipino (Tagalog) ay makikita rin sa website ng namese vessel. n China. added. Lalawigan ng Clark Kagawaran ng Halalan sa: www.clarkcountynv.gov/vote.
Philippines concerned over China’s sinking of Vietnamese vessel
DOJ: Only disciplinary proceedings vs LGU officials halted, NBI probes will continue MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation will continue its probe into local government officials who may have violated the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said. This was after President Rodrigo Duterte suspended disciplinary proceedings against government officials amid the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine. Administrative Order No. 29 dated April 7 states that the suspension applies to all appeals, petitions for review, and administrative disciplinary cases filed against governors and members of the sangguniang panlalawigan, mayors, vice mayors, and members of the sangguniang panlungsod and presidential appointees. But Guevarra explained that the NBI is conducting investigations into matters that are criminal in nature, and not disciplinary cases where it has no jurisdiction. “The NBI is not engaged in disciplinary actions against government officials. Its mandate is to investigate crimes,” he said in a message to reporters.
“The Bayanihan law... specifically directs the Department of the Interior and Local Government to file administrative cases, and the DOJ to investigate (through the NBI) and prosecute local government officials who wilfully violate or contravene the mandatory provisions of the Bayanihan law,” he added. Disciplinary proceedings halted In his order, Duterte noted that the mobility of people has been heavily restricted because of the quarantine, which took effect last March 17 and is supposed to end on April 30. “The reglementary periods for the commencement of appeals, petitions for review, and administrative disciplinary cases, filing of pleadings, appearances, motions, notices, and all other papers shall be deemed interrupted during the entire duration of the ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) until the lifting thereof,” the order read. It however does not apply to urgent cases that are “necessary to enable the government to act expeditiously on matters affecting the current public health emergency.”
NBI investigations On March 31, NBI Director Eric Distor mobilized bureau agents to look into possible violations of the Bayanihan law or RA 11469 committed by LGU officials. This was after Duterte told Congress in his weekly report that the “NBI is investigating and filing charges against local government officials who wilfully disregard, contravene, or violate national guidelines on community quarantine.” Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto is one of the local government officials facing a fact-finding probe by the bureau. NBI wrote to Sotto and asked him to explain “alleged violation of Section 6(a) of the Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. (e.g. continuous tricycle operation).” But Sotto already said on March 19 that the Pasig local government will comply with national directives which include suspension of mass transportation across Luzon. RA 11469, meanwhile, was signed into law on March 24. Sotto filed his reply to the NBI on Tuesday, April 7. (Kristine Joy Patag/Philstar.com)
DOJ starts probe of Pimentel by Jomar
CanLas
STATE OF NEVADA - COUNTY OF CLARK I, JOSEPH P. GLORIA, the duly appointed Registrar of Voters for the County of Clark, State of Nevada, do hereby certify that the All Mail Ballot Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2020. All active voters will receive a mail ballot. In order to ensure you receive your mail ballot for the primary election, your residential address or mailing address must be current. You can update your registration information online at the Secretary of State’s website at www.RegistertoVoteNV.gov. A list of the DROP-OFF locations and business hours are listed below if you prefer to deliver your ballot in person. All inactive voters will be receiving a notice in the mail asking them to update their information in order to be listed as active voters and receive a mail ballot for the 2020 Primary Election. We will also be providing an information guide to voters through the mail and on our website, www.clarkcountynv.gov/vote, to provide information related to same day registration at our Election Center, located at 965 Trade Dr., North Las Vegas, NV 89030. Any questions related to the election can also be made via phone at (702) 455-VOTE (8683). WITNESS MY HAND and SEAL this 2nd day of April 2020. JOSEPH P. GLORIA Registrar of Voters
MAIL BALLOT DROP-OFF LOCATIONS FOR THE JUNE 9, 2020 PRIMARY ELECTION, CLARK COUNTY, NV THROUGH JUNE 5 (FRIDAY) (Only the Clark County Election Dept. will be available on May 25, Memorial Day)
Through June 5, if you wish to drop-off your own voted mail ballot in-person, you may do so ONLY at the places listed below at the times indicated.
DROP-OFF LOCATIONS THROUGH JUNE 5 (FRIDAY)
DATES AND HOURS
CLARK COUNTY ELECTION DEPARTMENT 965 Trade Dr., North Las Vegas
UP TO MAY 22, MON.-FRI.: 8am-5pm CLOSED: Sat. and Sun., only up to May 17 MAY 23-JUNE 3, EVERY DAY: 8am-6pm *JUNE 4-5, THURS.-FRI.: 8am-8pm
CLARK COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER 1st Floor, Rotunda, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy., Las Vegas
MONDAY-FRIDAY: 8am-5pm CLOSED: All Saturdays, Sundays, and May 25, Memorial Day Holiday
BOULDER CITY, CITY CLERK City Hall, Upstairs, 401 California Ave. Boulder City
MONDAY-THURSDAY: 7am-6pm CLOSED: All Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and May 25, Memorial Day
HENDERSON CITY CLERK City Hall, Front of Bldg., 240 Water St., Henderson
MONDAY-THURSDAY: 7:30am-5:30pm CLOSED: All Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and May 25, Memorial Day
LAS VEGAS CITY CLERK City Hall, 2nd Floor, 495 S. Main St., Las Vegas
MONDAY-THURSDAY: 7am-5:30pm CLOSED: All Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and May 25, Memorial Day
MESQUITE CITY CLERK City Hall, 10 E. Mesquite Blvd., Mesquite
MONDAY-THURSDAY: 8am-5pm FRIDAY: 8am-3:30pm CLOSED: All Saturdays, Sundays, and May 25, Memorial Day
NORTH LAS VEGAS CITY CLERK City Hall, 8th Floor, 2250 Las Vegas Blvd. North, N. Las Vegas
MONDAY-THURSDAY: 8am-5:45pm CLOSED: All Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and May 25, Memorial Day
JUNE 8 (MONDAY) On this date, if you wish to drop-off your own voted mail/absent ballot in-person, you may do so ONLY from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the CLARK COUNTY ELECTION DEPARTMENT, 965 Trade Dr., North Las Vegas.
JUNE 9, PRIMARY ELECTION DAY (TUESDAY) On Election Day, if you wish to drop-off your own voted mail ballot in person, you may do so ONLY at the places listed below at the times indicated. DROP-OFF LOCATIONS ON JUNE 9 PRIMARY ELECTION DAY, OPEN 7:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M. CLARK COUNTY ELECTION DEPARTMENT, 965 Trade Dr., North Las Vegas
ManilaTimes.net
THE Department of Justice has started its preliminary investigation of the criminal complaint filed against Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III who was accused of violating quarantine protocols. DOJ Prosecutor-General Benedicto Malcontento has issued an order to start the investigation and assigned Assistant State Prosecutor Wendell Bendoval to the case. Bendoval is expected to issue a subpoena against Pimentel. The case against Pimentel was electronically filed by former University of Makati College of Law Dean Rico Quicho after a social media firestorm erupted on March 24 when Pimentel accompanied his pregnant wife, Kathryna, to the Makati Medical Center, despite being a person
PH stops deployment of Filipino health workers
*WALNUT COMMUNITY CENTER, 3075 N. Walnut Rd. *WHITNEY RECREATION CENTER, 5712 E. Missouri Ave.
INDIAN SPRINGS COMMUNITY CENTER, 715 W. Gretta Lane, Indian Springs
*WINDMILL LIBRARY, 7060 W. Windmill Ln.
LAUGHLIN LIBRARY, 2840 S. Needles Highway, Laughlin
*SEARCHLIGHT COMMUNITY CENTER, 200 Michael Wendell Way, Searchlight
MOAPA VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER – OVERTON, 300 N. Moapa Blvd., Overton SANDY VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER, 650 W. Quartz Ave., Sandy Valley *BOB PRICE RECREATION CENTER, 2050 Bonnie Ln. *DESERT BREEZE COMMUNITY CENTER, 8275 Spring Mountain Rd. *DR. WILLIAM U. PEARSON COMMUNITY CENTER, 1625 W. Carey Ave. *ENTERPRISE LIBRARY, 25 E. Shelbourne Ave.
ManilaTimes.net photo
released a statement confirming that Pimentel went to its Bonifacio Global City branch on March 16. Quicho said Pimentel committed several violations. The National Bureau of Investigation is also conducting a separate criminal probe against the former Senate president. n
*VETERANS MEMORIAL LEISURE CENTER, 101 N. Pavilion Center Dr.
CLARK COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS – LOGANDALE, 1301 Whipple Ave., Logandale
MOAPA TRIBAL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 1 Lincoln St., Moapa
under investigation for Covid-19. Pimentel tested positive for the coronavirus. His visit to the hospital triggered a storm of criticism. The hospital also censured the senator for exposing MMC medical workers to the virus. The criticism grew when S&R
*SILVER MESA RECREATION CENTER, 4025 Allen Ln.
BUNKERVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER, 200 W. Virgin St., Bunkerville
MOAPA COMMUNITY CENTER, 1340 E. Highway 168, Moapa
Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III
*SAHARA WEST LIBRARY, 9600 W. Sahara Ave.
*HOLLYWOOD RECREATION CENTER, 1650 S. Hollywood Blvd. *MOUNTAIN CREST COMMUNITY CENTER, 4701 N. Durango Dr. *PARADISE RECREATION CENTER, 4775 S. McLeod *PASEO VERDE LIBRARY, 280 S. Green Valley Pkwy.
DATED March 31, 2020
CLARK COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER DROP-OFF LOCATION ON JUNE 9 PRIMARY ELECTION DAY, OPEN 8:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M. CLARK COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER, 1st Floor, Rotunda, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy., Las Vegas
CITY CLERK DROP-OFF LOCATIONS ON JUNE 9 PRIMARY ELECTION DAY, HOURS OF OPERATION VARY BOULDER CITY, CITY CLERK, City Hall, Upstairs, 401 California Ave., Boulder City 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. HENDERSON CITY CLERK, City Hall, Front of Building, 240 Water St., Henderson 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. LAS VEGAS CITY CLERK, City Hall, 2nd Floor, 495 S. Main St., Las Vegas 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. MESQUITE CITY CLERK, City Hall, 10 E. Mesquite Blvd., Mesquite 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. NORTH LAS VEGAS CITY CLERK, City Hall, 8th Floor, 2250 Las Vegas Bl. North, N. Las Vegas 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. *Date and locations updated from previous publications.
JOSEPH P. GLORIA Registrar of Voters
PUB: April 2, and 9, 2020 Las Vegas Asian Journal
6
http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678
APRIL 9-15, 2020 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL
OPINION
Harassing the heroes
FEATURES Philstar.com photo
AROUND the world, songs have been performed for them. In the Philippines, the Department of Tourism has put together a video cheering them on. Pope Francis, in his homily to mark the saddest Palm Sunday of his ministry, hailed the “real heroes” in this dark hour of humanity – “they are not famous, rich and successful people; rather, they are those who are giving themselves in order to serve others.” The pontiff need not spell out who he was referring to; in Rome and the rest of Italy, and nearly the entire planet now affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, health workers are on the frontline of a battle against an unseen, deadly enemy. Many are ill equipped for the war, but soldier on nevertheless, carrying out their sworn duty to save lives even at the risk of losing their own to COVID-19 and endangering their loved ones. So why are health workers suffering not just discrimination but even violent attacks in the Philippines? One health worker was splashed with bleach. Others have complained of being kicked out of their rented dwellings by landlords worried about COVID-19 contagion. Most people understand the great risks being taken by health professionals in this battle, and are aware that physicians account for nearly a
tenth of all the COVID-19 cases in the Philippines. That same awareness, unfortunately, makes people consider health professionals as top risks for spreading the coronavirus. Such concerns are behind people’s efforts to avoid health professionals in public places. The avoidance is in fact encouraged in this season of physical distancing. Discrimination and violent attacks, however, are unconscionable. This also goes for similar maltreatment of confirmed COVID-19 cases, who forgo their privacy rights and publicly identify themselves to facilitate contact tracing and prevent more infections. Both the national and certain local governments are moving to stop the harassment and discrimination. Appealing to people’s best nature may not be enough; those who commit such acts must be identified and penalized. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Magdasal po tayo ng sama-sama: Lenten reflections and prayers as we all carry the cross of the coronavirus
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS SEMANA SANTA. For the first time in my lifetime, my family will not be able to go to church for the mass of the palaspas, stations of the cross, washing of the feet, seven last words, retreats and recollections, salubong, confession, Visita Iglesia, Easter Sunday mass — traditions that we all share as Filipinos and as Catholics during Holy Week. This is because of the “social distancing,” “shelter in place”, “stay at home” orders implemented in almost all states in America to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 that is transmitted faster when people gather together in especially in an enclosed space, just like how it is in churches in observance of Lent. The churches may be closed for now, but thank God we have online services to attend mass, and participate virtually in most of these traditions. But wherever we may be, Lent is a good time to reflect on our faith and the meaning of the promise of Easter as we all feel
Philstar.com photo
like we are on the Good Friday — the Biyernes Santo of our lives. Many of us may be wondering or asking God why He would allow the pandemic to happen, kill so many lives and disrupt our own life as we know it. We have no answers, except that we believe as Christians that everything — including crises such as the coronavirus or a recession — work together for our good. This Lenten Season, allow me to share poignant messages from Pope Francis and other prayer warriors as we all navigate our life during these challenging and heartbreaking times, and also a prayer from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines that I wish we can all say together and offer up to the Lord in faith. “It is not the time of your judgment, but of our judgment: a time to choose what matters and what passes away, a time to separate what is necessary from what is not. It is a time to get our lives back on track with regard to you, Lord, and to oth-
ers.” —Pope Francis “This virus is teaching us that from now on, living wages, guaranteed health care for all, unemployment and labor rights are not far left issues, but issues of right vs wrong and life vs death.” — Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II Oratio Imperata against the spread of coronavirus God our Father We come to you in our need To ask your protection against the 2019 N-Corona Virus, That has claimed lives And has affected many. We pray for your grace For the people tasked with studying the nature and cause Of this virus and its disease And of stemming the tide of its transmission. Guide the hands and minds of medical experts That they may minister to the sick With competence and compassion, And of those governments and private agencies That must find cure and solu-
tion to this epidemic. We pray for those afflicted May they be restored to health soon. Grant us the grace to work for the good of all And to help those in need. Grant this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son. Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen. Mary Help of all Christians, pray for us. St. Raphael the Archangel, pray for us. St. Rock, pray for us. St. Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us. Sr. Pedro Calungsod, pray for us. *** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos.
AJPress illustration by Kendrick Tan
Filipino health care workers on the coronavirus front lines Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA SEVERAL years ago, I produced a special TV report on the topic, “What would happen if Filipino health care professionals in the U.S. do not report for work?” The point I wanted to make was the vital role that Filipino doctors and nurses, and other health-care professionals, play in America’s health-care system. In the face of the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, it would be heartless to even contemplate that possibility. Filipino doctors and nurses are now in the thick of the deadly struggle against the pandemic, like soldiers sent to the front lines. And, like soldiers, some of them may not come back alive. We should all hope and pray that no harm will befall them and that they will continue the good fight, despite the lack of rest and sleep and, worse, despite the lack of adequate protection against the unseen foe. So many lives depend on them. I feel personally concerned because some members of my family could be involved in the struggle. My elder sister, Dr.
Evangeline Garcia, is a medical practitioner in Maryland. Because she is 84 years old, she has been advised to stay home. I should thank the Lord for that, although, knowing her, she will probably want to go to the front lines. I recall that during the first Iraq War, as a reserve Lt. Colonel in the US Air Force, she volunteered for active duty. Mercifully, Saddam Hussein’s forces surrendered before she could be dispatched to the battlefront. But she was actively involved in caring for trauma victims following the 9/11 attack in New York. One of my daughters-in-law, Anne Marie, is a nurse. Born and raised in New York, she is now doing her share, attending to patients in the San Francisco Bay Area. However, her younger sister, Allison, and her mother, Sonia, who are also both nurses, reside and work in New York. New York City, from the latest reports, has become the epicenter of the pandemic in the U.S. As of the latest count, there were 29,158 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the city and over 52,000 in New York state. But these are only the figures that have been officially reported to health authorities. Who knows how many there are who have not yet been accounted for but are — or could be — infected? Of the confirmed cases, as of this writing, 517 have died in New York City and 728 in the
state. Dreadfully, the numbers could grow exponentially tomorrow and before this column goes to press. A January 2008 analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data indicates that, of the 215,000 Filipinos residing or working in New York, 3 out of 10 are nurses or health care professionals. Many of the rest are their spouses and children. Like many Filipinos, I have relatives and friends in New York and I’m worried about their safety. At Seton Hospital in Daly City, one of the largest medical facilities in Northern California, 60% of the employees are Filipino. Many of them are nurses. According to Philippine government records, the Philippines is the largest exporter of nurses in the world. As of 2019, one-third of foreign-born nurses in the U.S. are Filipino (that figure does not include my daughter-in-law and her sister because both are native-born New Yorkers). Since the mid-60s, when U.S. immigration law favored the entry of professionals, some 160,000 Filipino nurses have joined the U.S. health-care system. The latest figures indicate that Filipino nurses account for 17.6 percent of registered nurses (RNs) in California. The Golden State is one of the hardest-hit by the pandemic. According to official records, as of 2016, the Philippines provided the third-largest number
of actively licensed foreign doctors in the U.S. at 13,507, next to India and the Caribbean. I also know of several Filipino doctors who had a medical practice in the Philippines but not in the U.S. due to licensing issues. And I understand that some of these doctors have become RNs. Also, according to records, the University of Santo Tomas College of Medicine accounts for the largest number of Filipino doctors in the U.S. (4,545), followed by the University of the Philippines (2,044) and the University of the East (2,070). I believe my elder sister, a UST alumnus, and a first cousin, Dr. Eriberto Tanpiengco (Far Eastern University College of Medicine), were among the earliest doctors from the Philippines to join the American medical corps. The fact is that Filipino nurses and doctors are among the largest number of health care professionals in the world. This also means that many of them are on the coronavirus global battlefronts. Wherever the diaspora has dispatched workers from the Philippines, a significant number likely comprises of health care professionals. The two European countries that have reported the largest number of coronavirus cases, Spain and Italy, also have large Filipino populations, with an estimated 150,000 in Spain and 108,000
in Italy (plus undocumented Pinoys whose estimated numbers vary from 20,000 to 80,0000). In the United Kingdom, where even Prince Charles and Prime Minister Boris Johnson have been found positive for the coronavirus, Filipino nurses make up the largest number of foreign RNs at 10,719, according to a parliamentary report dated April 8, 2019. A 2004 report of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) indicates that the UK is the third most preferred destination for Filipino nurses, with Saudi Arabia and the U.S. ranking first and second, respectively. Also, according to the POEA, of the 2.3 million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) officially accounted for in 2018 (excluding the undocumented), 25% are health-care professionals. That’s a whopping 575,000 conceivably out there on the world’s pandemic front lines. Needless to say, this massive drainage of health-care professionals has resulted in a decline in the availability and quality of health services in the Philippines where the coronavirus has also become a major threat. We would, understandably, wish that these health-care professionals were in the Philippines, attending to our countrymen. Years ago, I asked a younger brother of mine, Dr. Vic Makabenta, if he wanted to join my
sister and me in the U.S. to continue his medical practice. His response embarrassed me. He said there were more than enough doctors in America and he was needed more urgently in the Philippines. He worked as an assistant provincial health officer in Biliran sub-province until he died in his mid-40s. But we cannot begrudge those who chose to work overseas. They have their own valid reasons, mainly economic. We should only pray for their safety as they minister to the sick and dying in the midst of the contagion. Newsweek reported that, as of March 27, more than 50 doctors had died from coronavirus in Italy. A BuzzFeed News report dated March 26 stated: “Health care workers fighting the coronavirus outbreak across the country are getting sick and dying, nurses and doctors say. And despite the fact that they’re essential to fighting the epidemic, no one in the US seems to be keeping track. “At least 35 California health care workers on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak have already tested positive for COVID-19, state officials reported on Wednesday.” Who knows how many of these heroes and heroines are Filipinos…or relatives and dear friends? We can only pray that the numbers are few. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)
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Dateline PhiliPPines
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 9-15, 2020
Smokers, vapers ‘more vulnerable, likely to die’ from COVID-19 — DOH by John
eriC MenDoza ManilaTimes.net
THE Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday, April 8, warned smokers of cigarettes, tobacco products or electronic cigarettes that they are most likely to develop complications brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19) that may lead to their death. “Smoking is known to weaken the immune system, making it less able to respond to infection,” said Health Special Assistant Beverly Ho. Forty-two percent of Filipino men are smokers, while one
million are “vapers”, according to data from the Department of Health (DOH). Men are also more likely to contract the novel coronavirus than women. “That’s why there is a need to remind them that they are more vulnerable to Covid-19,” said Ho in Filipino. She also cited the World Health Organization (WHO), which said that smokers were more likely to contract the virus. “The act of smoking means that the fingers and possibly contaminated cigarettes are in contact with the [smoker’s] lips,
which increases the possibility of the virus to be transmitted from hand to mouth, making smokers more vulnerable to Covid-19,” she said. Exhaled air through smoking and vaping is also not safe, said Ho, as “some form of spreading by air is playing a role in transmission of the coronavirus.” Which is why the DoH reminds the general public to avoid “second hand smoking” from cigarettes and vapes, regardless of the virus. “Because of this, we requested smokers to stop smoking for their health,” she said. n
IATF approves release of P5 billion aid for workers by ritChel
MenDiola AJPress
THE Philippine Department of Labor and Employment will be receiving P5 billion in additional funding for programs designed to help formal sector workers affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The aid package for formal sector workers was approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases through Resolution No. 21 issued Monday, April 6, according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles. “The recommendations of the Department of Labor and Employment for the social amelioration
program for the formal workers sector as presented are hereby approved,” he announced Tuesday, April 7. “For this purpose, the IATF supports the approval and immediate release of the requested budget by the Department of Labor and Employment amounting to P5 billion,” he added. The additional fund will be for DOLE’s COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP), a one-time P5,000 assistance for affected formal workers; Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD), an emergency employment program for displaced workers; and the Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP) sa OFWs
program, a program that aims to provide relief to migrant workers. DOLE said that the additional P5 billion it requested will help more workers affected by the pandemic. Previously, the agency expressed hope that it can provide cash aid to more than 350,000 formal and informal sector workers by utilizing the P1.5 billion budget earlier allocated for CAMP and TUPAD. “Provided that the beneficiaries of the aforementioned shall be separate and distinct from those already covered by social amelioration programs by other agencies of the national government,” Nograles said. n
TV personality Piers Morgan calls PH health workers in UK ‘unsung heroes’ in pandemic fight by iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net
VETERAN broadcast journalist Piers Morgan paid tribute to Filipino healthcare workers in the United Kingdom employed under the country’s National Health Service (NHS). On his popular program “Good Morning Britain” on Tuesday (Manila time), Morgan highlighted the “extraordinary workforce” of Filipino nurses and other workers around the world working to save people’s lives especially amid the coronavirus pandemic. “There’s a lovely Filipino lady who works for me, Corinne, she was out with her friends on Zoom yesterday. And she said all of them are in the NHS. I didn’t realize all of her friends are in the NHS, and I asked her, ‘What do they do?’ She sent me this list and I’m just going to say them because we forget about this extraordinary workforce that comes from all around the world to work for the NHS and I just want to give them a little shout out.” Morgan took time to mention the names of Corinne’s friends one by one, many of who are Filipinos in very important posts in different UK hospitals. “Erin, nurse manager at Guy’s Hospital and Nightingale Hospital; Ayesha who is a senior staff
nurse at the intensive care unit at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital which is where [Prime Minister] Boris Johnson is. Terifa and Venus, nurses at the infectious diseases team at Northwick Park Hospital. Princess who is a nurse at St Mary’s Hospital. Louis who is a nurse at Queen Alexander Hospital in Portsmouth and the whole team at Cheston Allergy Department at St Mary’s Hospital,” the broadcaster, who is known to be very opinionated and hardhitting, said with both admiration and gratitude. The 55-year-old TV personality – who had his own show, “Piers Morgan Live,” on CNN from 2011 to 2014, and sat as judge in “America’s Got Talent” and “Britain’s Got Talent” – regarded these Filipino health workers as “unsung heroes.” “An amazing number of Filipinos work in our NHS as unsung heroes like so many. But I just want to give them a shout out [for] helping everybody right now. I have a friend going through this with her mom and [is] just [receiving] outstanding care,” he went on. Morgan further said he hoped views towards immigration would change with this realization. “It’s worth bearing in mind when we’re talking about immigrants in this country. These are the immi-
reyes ManilaTimes.net
OFFICERS and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will donate part of their salaries to help the government raise funds to address the health crisis. The pooled money will be used to purchase medical supplies and equipment, according to Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman. “The percent deduction will be equitable according to rank,” Arevalo said in a statement. AFP chief Gen. Felimon San-
tos Jr will make the biggest donation — P10,848 — while the lowest ranking soldier, a private, an airman or an apprentice seaman, will donate P100. The donations will be deducted from their salaries in May. The military aims to raise nearly P17 million from its 125,000 personnel. “Since their salaries for the month of April are already out for payment, the donation — deductible from their base pays for the month of May — will be available by the third week of April,” Arevalo said. “With this amount drawn
Inquirer.net photo
National ID system pushed to ease delivery of social services by Divina Joy
Dela ManilaTimes.net
Cruz
A LAWMAKERs pushed for the immediate implementation of the National Identification (ID) System to help the government deliver services to the people in times of crisis such as the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. House Committee on National Defense and Security Chairman and Iloilo 5th District Rep. Raul “Boboy” Tupas said the current crisis shows “how badly” the country needs the National ID System in mapping out beneficiaries of financial aid, especially those in the informal sector and the poor in rural and urban areas. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is currently struggling to identify to the 18 million poor families qualified to receive the P5,000 to P8,000 financial aid under the the social amelioration program provided in the Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act in response to the economic impact of Covid19 crisis. “A national ID system complements the roll out of the social amelioration measures. It rein-
forces the targeting system of the DSWD and provides government the means to map out the informal sectors,” Tupas said. Republic Act 11055 or an Act Establishing the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) has been signed into law in 2017. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) had started registration of some sectors under the Philsys in November 2019 and had initially targeted to complete enrollment of all Filipinos by mid-2020. Tupas said the National ID System must push through this year, giving priority to the informal sector workers, minimum wage earners, indigenous peoples, farmers, fisherfolk, livestock raisers, drivers, athletes, household helpers, persons with disabilities, seniors, and solo parents. “These segments of our population are the ones who faced great difficulties because of Covid-19 quarantine measures. Many of them simply had no ID to present,” he said. “Lack of identification also means zero or little access to basic public services, including banking and financial transactions. Many are among the unbanked or outside of the fi-
nancial system just because they have no IDs,” he added. Tupas also pointed out the immediate need for job order, contract of service, and casual employees to acquire a National ID as they could easily lose their jobs due to the unstable or unsure nature of employment. He said employees who have member IDs from the Government Service Insurance System or the Social Security System do not urgently need the National ID. He also pushed for registration of newborn babies under the PhilSys. Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte, deputy speaker and co-author of the House version of the PhilSys bill, has pointed out that the National ID System would help the government identify beneficiaries of financial assistance. Aside from the National ID System, he also pushed for the “Bangko sa Barrio” (Bank in Villages) bill to ease delivery of emergency aid. The proposed measure would facilitate access of “unbanked Filipinos” to financial services, especially those living in remote villages without branches of private or state-run banks. n
Piers Morgan Photo from Instagram/@piersmorgan
grants currently saving people’s lives. Coming here and actually enriching our country and doing an amazing job,” he said. “So thank you to all the Filipinos who are here doing all of this amazing work and to every other immigrant working in the NHS currently. I hope at the end of this we have perhaps a different sentiment and a different feeling about what immigration has done for this country,” Morgan sa. According to UK’s Department of Health, there are 55,242 people who tested positive for Covid-19 across the country as of April 7, with 6,159 deaths recorded. n
AFP officers, men donate salaries by DeMpsey
File photo shows Philippine Statistics Authority employee showing the sample of the Philippine National ID.
from our individual base pays for a month, we hope to help augment scarce government resources,” Santos said. “Through this humble gesture of AFP solidarity and unwavering support to the government it is sworn to protect and defend, we aim to share the burden in the nation’s fight against this contagion.” he added. Santos backed the extension of the enhanced community quarantine until April 30. “We shall carry out our tasks with the same fervor and undiminished dedication we had since Day 1,” he said. n
VIRUS BUSTERS. A sanitation team disinfects the Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital in Manila on Tuesday, April 7 as the government announced the extension of the community quarantine in Luzon. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike Alquinto
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april 9-15, 2020 • laS VEGaS aSiaN JOUrNal
http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678
VEGAS&STYLE
Journal Fil-Am restaurants band together to feed Arnold Clavio & Ali Sotto as media front-liners SF’s front-liners, low-income families by Ricky Lo
by AJPress
registered nurse workforce and are thrown into the front lines In light of the coronavirus pan- of this fight against the virus. As demic, Filipino Americans around the state’s health care system is the country — particularly small anticipated to be overwhelmed business owners and those in with the uptick in positive cases, the health care field — are trying many Fil-Am nurses, doctors and to navigate how to survive on a scientists worry about how they daily basis. can come home and be with their Fil-Am restaurants, which have families in fear of transmitting been staples in their communities the virus. for years and have even garnered To address some of the local awards and mainstream attraction, San Francisco community’s pressare reporting a decrease in rev- ing issues, non-profit economic enue following cities’ restrictions development and arts organizathat limit serving food through tion Kultivate Labs is spearheadtake-out and delivery. Owners are ing a new effort to raise $100,000 stressing over whether those op- to help stabilize 10 Fil-Am restautions will be enough to cover rent, rants and spread the Filipino spirit payroll and other expenses in the of community and hospitality. coming months. “Two weeks ago we released On the medical side, families a survey to our network of entreare affected personally as Fil- preneurs and we found that all of Ams make up 20% of California’s them are scared. It’s expensive to start a restaurant. Some of them have leveraged their homes for financing and are afraid of losing them. We also have others that are afraid of becoming homeless. The economic impacts of COVID-19 are devastating,� Desi Danganan, Kultivate Labs’ executive director, told the Asian Journal. The survey found that 40% of Filipino businesses have laid-off their staff and 67% of these businesses only have two months until they are insolvent. Called #FilipinosFeedTheFrontlines, the campaign’s funds will in turn provide 10,000 meals for health care work-
Philstar.com
alive.� Kasi with so many deaths around the world with COVID-19, mapapaisip ka, why am I still alive and COVID-free? Maybe God has a bigger plan for me. And I am willing to obey Him. Prayer of St. Francis, “Make me an instrument of your love.� Anyway, may radio duty ako for now. I have a solo program sa Super Radyo DZBB 8-9 am. Monday to Friday. May segment ako na Finding Mayor. Hinahanap ko ang mga local official na nawawala in the midst of this crisis. Then Ali will join me from 9 to 10 a.m. Ali Sotto: These days, even before my alarm goes off at 4 a.m., I get up from a restless sleep, trying to quell the fear and worry we all feel these days. To quiet the demons, while the house is still dark and quiet, I pray and offer the day to God. Only then am I ready to overcome the pressure of the workday. The level of difficulty and sheer volume of issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic add to the challenge. Even after the program ends at 10 a.m., the work goes on because one has to
LIKE the other front-liners (health-care workers, security guards, barangay officials, et al), they also take risks oftentimes at the expense of their loved ones. It’s a task that they have to do fair weather or foul, come hell or high water. ClichĂŠ, yes, but true. The objective is to deliver the stories, especially updates on the raging virus, right into your sala. They are the media fron-tliners, among them Arnold Clavio and Ali Sotto, two anchors of GMA news TV’s “Radyo na, TV Pa.â€? Some media guys have opted to do remote broadcasting (including Cnn’s Chris Cuomo who is doing it direct from the basement of his home ). But Arnold and Ali do it the normal way — straight from the GMA Studio. How is your daily routine? Arnold Clavio: Kahit temporarily off the air ang Unang Hirit, A sample meal under the #FilipinosFeedTheFrontlines campaign nagigising pa rin ako ng 4 a.m. Photo courtesy of The Sarap Shop every morning. Yun na ang body clock ko siguro. Then, I say a little ers and scientists and Filipino Grand, FK Frozen Custard, Manila prayer, “Thank you Lord. I am still PAGE 11 seniors and low-income families Bowl, Ox and Tiger, and IVSF Cain the South of Market (SOMA) tering and SF Chicken Box. “Many of us are concerned neighborhood. “Filipinos believe in ‘Ka-pwa,’ about the implications this has the idea of interconnectedness on our individual and community and shared empathy. We’re al- health. We are experiencing colways finding ways to help others,â€? lective trauma on so many levels shared Danganan. “#Filipinos- from financial loss to loss of our FeedTheFrontlines is our way of loved ones. It takes a lot of courage connecting the dots in our com- to choose a path where we fully munity, from the heroic efforts rely on ourselves for stability. And of our healthcare workers to the now more than ever is our resilmost vulnerable of society like our ience being stretched,â€? said Krisseniors to our Filipino businesses ten Brillantes, co-founder of the that are on the brink of collapse.â€? Sarap Shop, which serves a menu The participating restaurants of Filipino comfort classics. The tiers for pitching in include: have been involved with the UnDSCVRD night Market network $10 for a meal; $20/month to send of businesses or are part of the two meals to the front lines; $50 Kusinerio Alliance of Filipino Food, for a family of 5; and $100 to feed Danganan said. They include: a staff of 10. As of this writing, the Senor Sisig, Mestiza Taqueria, campaign has received $11,630, Little Skillet, Sarap Shop, Lumpia and the first $5,000 in donations Arnold and Ali risk life and limb, just like the rest of front-liners, to deliver the news right into Company, nick’s on Mission and GMA photos PAGE 10 your sala.
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Community Journal
Love as the center of gravity Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette aDeva Maglaya THIS Holy Week when the churches are empty because of mandatory shelter-in-place isolation and forced social distancing caused by the Wuhan China coronavirus pandemic that has affected more than 150 countries, it is a good idea to tune out cold turkey from the media-driven hysteria and go deep into the silence. Turn off your TV. Shut down all electronic devices. In a word —UNPLUG. Instead, dig into the roots of our Christian faith. There, we shall find the courage, the peace and the quiet assurance that THIS TOO SHALL PASS. Consider the life of Saint Paul. Paul, aka Saul of Tarsus, lived more than two thousand years ago. He had something to say about what does matter in life. He spoke about a special kind of love that in Greek is called Agape (ahgah-pay). Agape is unconditional love, a kind of love that has no agenda or motivations, a kind of love that is exemplified in God sending His only Son, a kind of love that if emulated by humans, sets us apart from all of God’s creatures, makes us a little closer to the angels and truly created in God’s own image and likeness. But Paul didn’t start out as a defender of the Christian faith. He was, in fact, an avid persecutor feared by early Christians. As a Jew and a Pharisee who was also an educated man and a class above because he was a Roman citizen, he used everything in his power and position to quash the growth of the church persecuting the members of the then budding Christian church. Saul was his Jewish name. Paul was his Roman name. Paul stood by watching the cloaks of the stone throwers, tacitly approving the stoning to death of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Paul was a young, rising brilliant star of his time eager to make his mark in the Judaic tradition. At first, Paul was hot and bothered by the intensity of the love and fervency of the Apostles and early believers. This start-up movement was a threat to his career track and his
“… And now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is LOVE.” Judaic core belief system. Paul thought he was going to make it his life’s work to eliminate Christ’s early followers and eradicate what Christ himself has started. If murder and mayhem were the tools to get it done, he was going to use them. But God had other plans for Paul. On his way to Damascus on a mission to arrest and persecute Christians, a blinding light shone on him. He fell off his horse while Jesus’ voice is heard asking him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” This dramatic, miraculous conversion when he temporarily became blind was a critical juncture for the Christian church. Inspired by the Holy Spirit who suffused his entire being when the scales of his blindness fell off his eyes, Paul’s teachings and writings have an eternal shelf life - true today, as it was then, and will be for much of human history. In the quiet of your soul during this holy season amid these troubled times, read the gospels. Also, you just might discover the exquisite beauty, range and depth of human emotions made known to God, contained in the Psalms, all 150 of them. And then read Paul. You’ll be surprised at the clarity and current relevance of many of his writings to today’s unfolding story. He has a wealth of wisdom to share with anyone seeking meaning in a confusing world seemingly hell bent on self-immolation. In a swirling fast-paced technological world full of self–love, vanity, illusions and artifice that only tend to distort and act as centrifugal forces pushing God away as the center of our lives, Paul’s directives make absolute sense. His words have the power to keep us all centered, as they were intended to be, not on ourselves, but on God. Ironically, it’s like being in the eye of the storm where there is peace while swirling forces rage about in the periphery. This one below, if etched in many hearts and minds and lived out in our daily rounds through thoughts and more specifically in even the tiniest of actions, particularly in couples, already married or planning marriage in the foreseeable future, could remarkably bring
down the alarming rate of break-ups and a whole universe of heartaches among couples. This has the power to preserve FAMILIES, the last best hope of humanity on steroids. These days, the very structure and integrity of the family unit are heavily assaulted from many fronts with popular culture, insane power hungry globalists, Hollyweird, media and the internet leading the charge at a time when the church has been rendered weak by internal abuses and scandals in the not so distant past. Thankfully, the persecutions of Christians around the world which was at a terrifying, alarming rate and intensity is coming down with the ascent of conservative leaders among Christian countries. With unceasing prayer and fasting among millions on bended knees, good people will bring forth a strong and fervent resurgence of a stronger Christian faith in most parts of the world. FEAR NOT. Let not our hearts be troubled. As history will bear and as written in the song, “Canticle of the Turning,” which is based on the Blessed Mother Mary’s “Magnificat,” it is when the church is at its most vulnerable, when the forces of heaven align to defend itself and go on the offensive in subtle yet dramatic ways. The blood of early Christians spawned the rise of the early Church. Now as then, the pattern remains the same. History does repeat itself. Marriage as a bedrock institution between man and a woman is in serious danger, as man-made laws masquerading as civil liberties, are enacted to challenge it, all in the name of political correctness. There is a growing pushback against political correctness and the often times wanton moral depravity the lies of political correctness seek to promote. With courageous, right leaning Christian leaders who will defend the Christian faith, more and more people are emboldened to call a spade, a spade and think and act accordingly. The courage to confront the evil in our time is getting stronger as people quietly humble themselves before God and ask for His grace and mercy not PAGE 11
Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS FOLLOWING our columns about COVID-19 the past several weeks in this paper since the Wuhan outbreak, we received dozens of questions from our readers, which we have organized, consolidated, and answered below: I am confused, mask or no mask? If you do not have to go out, stay home, which is the safest sanctuary from any outbreak, epidemic or pandemic. This will prevent you from being exposed and become a carrier who can infect countless people, geometrically, and rapidly, including your family. If you have to go to the grocery, drug store, etc., wear a mask, covering nose and mouth, a cap, large goggle on top of your prescription glasses, and gloves. When you get back home, wash all these in your garage with soap and warmest tolerable water. Wash your hands and face in your bathroom or take a shower. Some people use two cotton ball plugs for their nose underneath their mask. The visit to the grocery/drug store, etc., should be as short as possible. Again, masks are protective, not only for you but for others too, on top of social distancing of at least 6 feet and good hygiene. Since the Wuhan epidemic, as early as February 7, we have been advocating the use of masks and gloves. The authorities finally recommended everybody to wear a mask when outside. Do people have the right to stay out and enjoy life? Being interviewed on TV, a young arrogant man on the beach teeming with other students on their spring break a couple of weeks ago invoked his civil rights to justify his refusal to stay home or do social distancing. Only a brainless, selfcentered, inconsiderate individual would think that way and be reckless. Yes, he had the right to get infected and kill himself, but he did not have the right to infect and kill others. Some of those students later tested positive for COVID-19 and, who knows, how many dozens or hundreds they had transmitted the virus to. This is the major reason why this pandemic has infected and killed so many. This twisted thinking is a graver threat to society and to freedom and democracy than COVID-19.
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 9-15, 2020
Your COVID-19 queries Can I get the virus from mail and packages? The SARS-CoV2 virus responsible for COVID-19 pandemic, can stay in the air for 2 hours after an infected person sneezes or coughs, and land on surfaces within 10 feet. The virus could be sprayed into the air by talking or breathing, and highly contagious. On copper and wooden surfaces, it stays active for up to 4 hours. On cardboard and paper, this virus could survive up to 24 hours, about 2-3 days on ATM machines (screen and keypad) and likewise on plastic and metal surfaces. All mail and packages go through dozens of hands before they get to you. It is best to wear gloves when picking up your mail, or wash your hands well with soap and water, then leave your mail in a box in your garage for one full day. Gloves must likewise be washed with soap and water or peroxide, or 75% alcohol. I purchased UVC lamps about a year ago. I was using it to sterilize rooms and closets. Now, I use it inside our laundry room to sterilize my mail, clothes, masks, caps, gloves, shoes, and practically anything else. UVC lights have been routinely used in sterilizing OR, ER, ICU rooms, etc. for more than a century. UVC light is also used to sterilize CPAP mask, tubing, etc., and surgical instruments in hospitals and clinics. The food industry uses it also to sterilize food items before shipping them out. Can I get infected by touching money? Most definitely yes, if the paper money and coins have been recently (with 4 hours) touched by a cashier or people who are infected without even knowing they are carriers because they have no symptoms. One of the dirtiest things on earth is money because it goes from one person to the other, handled millions of times, including by those with poor personal hygiene. They are loaded with microorganisms. It is best to have the exact amount when you go to drive-by burger stands or even in groceries, so they don’t hand you back any change which could be contaminated. What disinfectants can be used for SARS-CoV2 virus? Three more popular EPA-registered disinfectants are Clorox, alcohol at least 75%, and peroxide 3%. Most homes have these. It is best to allow the disinfectant to be left on the surface for at least 15 minutes to dry. A DIY disinfectant is easy to do. Mix four (4) teaspoon bleach (like chlorine) in a quart of
water, or simply use 75% to 91% rubbing alcohol sprayed or wiped directly on surfaces. None of these should be taken or applied on the body. They are poisons. Is vinegar useful as disinfectant? Vinegar is good for cleaning but NOT for sterilizing. Surfaces cleaned with cooking vinegar will have much lesser bacteria. For cleaning, mix 1 part vinegar and 4 parts water. To clean vegetables, 4 tbsp of vinegar in 1 gallon of water may be used. Half a cup or one cup of vinegar into the kitchen sink drain once every two weeks will deodorize it. Orange peel or lemon peel will also help. Vinegar will not be effective for the SARSCoV2 virus. Will various oils, fruit juices, herbs, prevent COVID-19? No, none of those or any drinks or remedies known to man will prevent nor cure COVID-19, except for discipline and practicing the wise strategy of staying home, omitting non-essential travels, social distancing, using masks and gloves when outside, washing hands with soap and warm water frequently, not touching the face, and, as recent news suggests, perhaps using preventive medication like hydroxychloroquine, which is now being tried, would prevent infection with the virus. Beware of scams and scoundrels promising prophylaxis or cure – pills, potion or lotion against COVID-19 – in exchange for your money. Will alcoholic drinks destroy this virus? Most alcoholic beverages have 20 to 50 percent alcohol in them, too low in alcoholic content. However, there are drinks that have more than 75% alcohol in them, and theoretically, could destroy viruses: Spyritus Stawski – 96%; Bruichladdich x4 quadrupled whisky – 92%; River Antoine Royale Grenadian Rum – 90%; Hapsburg Gold Label Premium reserve Absinthe – 89.9%; Pincer Shanghai Strength – 88.88%; Valcan 176 Vodka – 88%; Good ol’ Sailor Vodka – 85%; Sunset Rum – 84%; Devil Springs Vodka – 80%; and Bacardi 151 – 75.5%. The ten drinks sound like they will also kill the drinker besides the virus, and faster. Seriously, alcoholics or those who imbibe a lot are not immune to COVID-19 or any viral infection. What did you mean with “Fight COVID-19 with COVID”? We used mnemonic to make the COVID-19 Task Force recommenPAGE 11
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Bravo, Bela and other home quarantine stories Fil-Am restaurants band together to... by Ronnie
CaRRasCo ManilaTimes.net
IF WE understood right, Bela Padilla’s online fund drive intended to help Metro Manila-based informal workers affected by the enhanced community quarantine was just the first wave of her efforts. The 28-year old Viva Artist Agency talent and Kapamilya actress set up the “Pagkain Para sa Pinoy” page on March 15, three days after Metro Manila was virtually placed on lockdown to mitigate the spread of Covid-19. Her original target was to raise P1 million until end of March, which she wanted evenly split among the cities and one municipality in Metro Manilla. Informal workers include street vendors who have no means to make a living for the duration of the quarantine. By Day 2 of her fund drive Bela already reached her goal, with an excess of P300,000. The next day, she received an anonymous call with a P2-milion donation. Having made a total of P3.3 million (supposedly P200,000 per
Bela Padilla is getting ready for a second wave of helping out Metro Manila-based informal workers amid the continued lockdown from the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army
city), Bela opted to spend it as follows: P1-million worth of relief goods sent to Caritas Manila; another portion for those based in Quezon City and Pasay; and yet another chunk for those in Manila and Makati (this third leg mobilized with the company of some members of the Philippine Army). Earlier, heard that Bela already
closed the page after it had served its purpose. But with a sizeable excess, the actress is mulling over another wave. Indeed, one does not have to be in government to be able to extend help to those who badly need it. All it takes is a good heart, tenacity and a sense of resourcefulness. Bravo, Bela!
Pinoy celebrities turn to the internet to observe Holy Week at home by niña
Guno Inquirer.net
LIKE many Filipinos, celebrities have sought new ways to observe Holy Week during the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Stars such as Judy Ann Santos, Kim Chiu and Joey de Leon are among those who have turned to the Internet to practice their faith this Maundy Thursday. Santos and her husband Ryan Agoncillo, as well as TV host Bianca Gonzalez and PBA player JC Intal, participated through video call in an online recollection led by Fr. Tito Caluag on Thursday morning. The recollections, aired on ABS-CBN channels, will run until April 11. Fr. Tito Caluag holds a recollection over video call with celebrity couples Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo, and JC Intal and Bianca Gonzalez. Actress Kim Chiu meanwhile shared on Instagram Stories that she attended a retreat Thursday afternoon through the Facebook Live broadcast of St. John Bosco Parish in Makati
PAGE 8 have been matched $1 for $1 by private sector partners. (Donations can be made at https://www. kultivatelabs.com/frontlines) The hospitals and facilities that will receive the food service are: Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley6North, NICU, Emergency Depart; Chan Zuckerberg BioHub; Laguna Honda Hospital; Seton Medical Center in Daly City; Sutter Health Mills-Peninsula ER, Infection Prevention; Stanford HospitalPatient Care, Case Management and Social Work; University of San Francisco COVID19 Screening Tents, COVID19 Mobile Clinic, OB-GYN, and Charles Chui’s Lab. “Partner hospitals were engaged through organic outreach. Many people in our community are leaders in these hospital departments and were proactive in reaching out to care and morale boosters for their units with meals,” Brillantes said. Organizations SOMCAN, United Playaz and Westbay are helping bring the meals to the vulnerable groups in SOMA. The restaurants plan to have prepackaged, refrigerated meals that can be warmed up when the health care professionals and families need, whether during a break time or at the end of their shifts. Brillantes added that the food businesses in the campaign are practicing strict food safety prac-
The Sarap Shop preps to-go boxes for delivery.
tices and that meals will be prepared in certified commissary kitchens. Chefs and staffers will be donning proper protective gear throughout the process and will make no-contact deliveries. “We hope this campaign pro-
Photos courtesy of The Sarap Shop
vides some inspiration and a boost of energy that we are not alone in this and we will get through it together and that all we have worked so hard for to date will not be wasted,” Brillantes added.
Fr. Tito Caluag holds a recollection over video call with celebrity couples Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo, and JC Intal and Bianca Gonzalez. Image: screengrab via Facebook/@dzmmteleradyo
The church will also have an online retreat on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. “Let us all pray for the world’s healing and Lord’s forgiveness,” Chiu encouraged. TV host Joey de Leon and his family led the prayers in the Way of the Cross on the “Eat Bulaga!” Facebook page Wednesday night. He has also been on a virtual Visita Iglesia on Instagram by posting pictures of churches he has been to in previous trips.
Music, too, is a form of prayer, and singer Jona performed the worship song “Oceans” by Hillsong United for Star Magic’s YouTube channel. Rica Peralejo meanwhile has a Lent workbook for those who want to reflect on their own, which can be downloaded on her blog. With or without the internet, certainly one can find solemnity as parts of the world come to a standstill during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Sarap Shop packs meals for front-liners and low-income families in San Francisco at a certified commissary.
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EntErtainmEnt
(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com
Arnold Clavio & Ali Sotto as media...
PAGE 8 be continuously wired to the news updates. How far is your home from the GMA studio and how do you get to work? Arnold: Malapit lang, mga 10minute drive. Ali: I drive to work, my 40minute commute cut down to 20 because there’s hardly any traffic. It feels so surreal driving through makeshift barricades and checkpoints — like scenes from a sci-fi movie. Aside from you, who else and how many are on board? Arnold: Yung mga ‘senior anchor’ lang ang naka-home quarantine dahil vulnerable sila sa COVID (Mike Enriquez, Jimmy Gil, Long Tall Howard). Kaya naghahati kami sa morning slot nina Melo del Prado, Joel Reyes Zobel, Weng dela Peña, Orly Trinidad, Kiko Flores and Rowena Salvacion. Ali: The senior anchors (like Mike Enriquez and Don Manolo Favis) have been enjoined to stay home. The music and showbiz entertainment programs have been temporarily halted to give way to the special coverage of COVID-19. There are others who have also opted to just stay home. What kind of protection do you observe (I notice that you and Ali don’t wear face masks while on air)? Arnold: Bago ako mag-on-air, naka-N95 mask ako. Kaya lang we need to remove it kasi di kami maiintindihan sa ere. Regular naman dini-disinfect yung microphone, table and console namin. May suot din ako na virus shield and we practice physical distancing. Ali: We don’t wear masks while we are on air since we are about three meters apart anyway. I make sure that the microphone has been disinfected, and there’s alcohol and hand sanitizers nearby. I don’t linger at the station. Soon
after the show ends, I get in the car and leave. (For Arnold) Do you have enough episodes of your Tonight show to replay during this crisis? Arnold: We have. Naabutan nga ng enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) yung aming anniversary episode. Ten years na kami. Inuuna lang namin yung most viewed episodes. Pati sa ‘Alisto,’ meron pa naman. How do you protect and keep yourself fit during this crisis (medications, food rationed by station, meds, exercise, sleep) for you to be up to the challenge of the job? Arnold: I am diabetic. So I’m also vulnerable. Thankful lang ako dahil temporarily off the air din ang ‘Saksi’ so I have enough sleep for now (seven to eight hours) daily. Tuloy yung maintenance ko for my blood sugar. May Vitamin C. Done immune booster injection na rin. Regular din akong nilalagyan ng wife ko ng “essential oil” and will join her sa yoga niya one of these days. Licensed yoga instructor kasi yun. And a lot of walking sa bahay. Also, to keep my viewers and followers updated, I have a “cooking show” called ‘Kusina ni Igan’ sa aking Instagram (@akosiigan) at Facebook (@Arnold iGan Clavio). Mga lutong bahay ni Pepper Bae with a twist. Simple. Masarap. Madaling lutuin. Spin-off sa segment ko sa ‘Unang Hirit (UH).’ Plan ko rin simulan ang YouTube account. It’s a new experience and I enjoy it a lot with due respect sa ating magagaling na chef. But I am doing it para mag-entertain ang mga kababayan natin na naka-lockdown sa bahay at sa mga iniidolo nating front-liners. Daming oras! Ali: I have a Power Plate, an elliptical trainer and a recumbent bike at home, so that’s how I do my cardio these days. Sometimes,
Love as the center of... PAGE 8
only this Lenten season but through all seasons. Strong family units built on LOVE are so essential in creating strong societies from the ground up. Each generation builds upon and learns from the ones that came before it. The passage below is a favorite among couples and wedding planners and for good reason. These words are more than the pretty, superficial veneer of rituals in weddings. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians 13, are words to live by telling us what really matters as he did then to members of the early church who were probably just as lost, confused and disconcerted as most of us probably are. Set your hearts on the greater gifts. I will show you the way which surpasses all the others. If I speak with human tongues and angelic as well, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong, a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and, with full knowledge, comprehend all mysteries, if I have faith great enough to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give everything I have to feed the poor and hand over my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous, it does not put on airs, it is not snobbish. Love is never rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not prone to anger; neither does it brood over injuries. Love does not rejoice in what is wrong but rejoices with the truth. There is no limit to love’s forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure. Love never fails. … And now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is LOVE. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com
Your COVID-19 queries
PAGE 9 dations easier to remember. We called on society to fight COVID-19 with COVID: Cover face to scratch, sneeze or cough; Omit non-essential travels; Voluntary quarantine; Intensive hand washing; Distancing socially. This DIY strategy needs wisdom, discipline, optimism, sacrifice, patience, and compassion, to lessen the spread, flatten the curve, and end this pandemic much sooner. We are now nearing that final spike. Is the COVID-19 virus hard to “kill”? No, the SARS-CoV2 virus responsible for COVID-19, is very easy to deactivate and destroy. We cannot kill viruses because they are not alive, as I stated in my column last week. A virus is a protein molecule covered by a protective “envelope” of lipid (fats) all around it. Simple foamy soap and water, preferably warm/hot, destroy the protective fats and DNA of the virus easily and destroy it, and so with those listed disinfectants commonly found at home. Only the carelessness, indifference, arrogance, and stupidity of some of us (and the lack of responsibility and the dishonesty of the Wuhan authorities in China) are the reasons why this outbreak in Wuhan turned into an epidemic, then into a devastating pandemic that is projected to infect more than 1.5 million and kill almost 100,000 worldwide before it is wiped out. Are healthcare workers more vulnerable to COVID-19? Yes, because they are on the front lines, dealing with COVID-19 patients. They are over-worked, tired, sleep-deprived, stressed out physicians, nurses and other responders, many of them with inadequate personal protective equipment due to shortage of PPE, since the national emergency was declared by President Trump on March 1, 2010 and restricted nonessential travels and WHO officially naming it a pandemic on March 11, 2010.
In Spain, about 15% of the COVID-19 deaths were healthcare providers. There are countless other physicians, nurses, allied workers in the U.S. and in other nations who have died taking care of COVID-29 patients. They are the courageous and admirable front-liners who have put themselves in harm’s way, true to their oath, and brave death to serve their sick fellowmen. They are our wonder heroes. The youngest physician who died from COVID-19 was in her mid-30s. What a tragedy. What a waste. When all of us, the entire society of man, follow those simple COVID rules with discipline, the viral spread would be effectively controlled sooner, and millions of lives around the world would be saved, including those of our selfless medical saviors, our soldiers on the battlefield. After COVID-19 is defeated, the World Health Organization and the United Nations must conduct an investigation on the origin, the 44-delay in reporting to WHO (first case November 17, 2019 reported December 31), the death of the whistleblower, and all pertinent mysterious matters surrounding the first nCorona virus outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei, China, in order to prevent another global catastrophe, or a worse one, from ever happening. Let us pray for our unsung heroes worldwide, because billions of lives around the globe depend on them, and May God bless all peoples on earth. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
I even join an online retro dance class with my zumba instructor Yoko. While I do take vitamin and mineral supplements, I prefer getting my nutrition from fresh fruits and vegetables, and we are lucky to have a stand still selling near our village. I haven’t been able to do my groceries since the ECQ began because the queues are so long! It’s a good thing that our subdivision has a great Viber chat group where you can source almost anything you need. Unless I am engrossed in a K-drama I can’t let go of, I am able to get the required six to eight hours of sleep. (For Arnold) Does your experience in covering crisis situations (Tacloban flooding, etc.) help in coping with the current situation? Arnold: More than 30 years na ako sa industry as a journalist, I can say yes it helps. But Ricky this is a different battle. Invisible at walang pinipili. Yung ibang calamities ay may limited time kaya madali tayong makabangon. Typhoon, isang araw lang dadaan. Flashflood, after a few days huhupa. Earthquake, seconds lang alam mo na ang damage. Volcanic eruptions, confined and contained ang epekto. But COVID-19? Our world stops. Our lives, tumigil. Uncertainty is around us. Walang assurance if this will end on April 30. Only God knows and only Him can cure us. So, let us take this lockdown as an opportunity to be a better person. Let us bring back humanity. Can I share what Mother Teresa said? “A life not lived for others is not a life,” she said.
LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 9-15, 2020
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Dayanara Torres is now cancer-free, wants to visit PH by Jan
Milo Severo Philstar.com
MISS Universe 1993 Dayanara Torres announced recently that she is now cancer-free. In an Instagram Live with friend Pops Fernandez, Dayanara said she has beaten melanoma or skin cancer. “I had Melanoma cancer and it was found out last year. I started treatment for a year and I thank the Lord and everyone for all the prayers. It’s amazing, the amount of love, support, and prayers that I received,” Dayanara said. “Last week, on Monday, I had my last test and everything was negative. I’m done with treatment, it took me a year and then now for the next two years, I’m going to be doing tests every three months just to be safe,” she added.
Last February 2019, the Puerto Rican singer and beauty queen revealed that she was diagnosed with skin cancer. Dayanara, who has been popular in the Philippines for passing her crown to Sushmita Sen of India during the Miss Universe pageant held in Manila in 1994, said she misses the Philippines and she wanted to visit soon. “I’d love to visit the Philippines... it’s one of those things that’s always at the back of my mind that I have to go back and this crisis happens, and it makes me realize that if you want to do something, do it. As soon as this is over, I definitely need to go back. I miss everybody,” Dayanara said. Dayanara became an actress in the country and was paired with
Dayanara Torres Photo from Instagram_@dayanarapr
her ex-boyfriend Aga Muhlach in several movies. She was also a pioneer host of ABS-CBN’s Sunday variety show “ASAP.”
John Lloyd gets out of hiatus to boost COVID-19 front-liners’ morale
John Lloyd Cruz
ABS-CBN photo
ON-leave Kapamilya actor John Lloyd Cruz has a brief message of support for the front-liners in the battle against novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In a fan page account, John Lloyd said in a video how thankful he is for all the frontliners in this fight against COVID-19. “Maraming salamat sa inyo. Sa lahat ng front-liners, mabuhay kayo. Mabuhay kayo,” John Lloyd said. “Kulang. Kulang itong efforts… para pasalamatan ang mga frontliners natin sa kanilang serbisyo. Maraming salamat sa
inyo,” he added. The award-winning actor is also set to make an appearance in “Mamatay Kang Hayup na COVID Ka!,” an online event that aims to raise funds for COVID-19 relief. Viewers of the event are encouraged to pledge donations. This online telethon will run 24 hours a day for 10 days. Apart from John Lloyd, performers include Aia de Leon, Caliph 8, Gloc 9, Johnoy Danao, Leanne & Naara, Curtismith, Juan Miguel Severo, Reese Lansangan, Rhian Ramos and Donita Rose.
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april 9-15, 2020 • laS VEGaS aSiaN JOUrNal
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