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Work on 14 projects at EDCA sites to begin
by MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN Philstar.com
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MANILA — Work is expected to begin soon on 14 U.S.-funded projects at four new sites where American military personnel would be given access under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar said spadework on at least seven of the 14 projects is seen to commence this year. For the rest, work is expected to begin next year as actual expenses are still being determined.
“On the new sites, identified na rin yung mga projects to be constructed in those areas. We’re looking at construction of facility and mess hall, rehabilitation of runway, construction of additional billeting facilities, acquisition of generators, electrical, installation of electrical system, construction of pier with water supply,” he told reporters in an interview on Wednesday, May 24.
“We are also looking at an HADR warehouse, meaning humanitarian and disaster response, construction of HADR
New cultural landmark rises in Historic Filipinotown
LOS ANGELES – A longstanding nonprofit serving the Filipino community will inaugurate its new offices, meeting rooms, community kitchen, and event space with a grand opening Friday, June 9, from 3-7 pm.
Since 1972. Search To Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) has been providing programs for youth and families including mental health education, counseling, youth programs, small business support, cultural enrichment, and affordable housing in Historic Filipinotown.
A mixed-use space, with permanent supportive housing, replaces SIPA’s headquarters in its 3200 W. Temple St. location for 30 years. SIPA entered into a partnership with nonprofit Linc Housing in June 2020 to develop the property into community center on the ground floor commercial space.
Fil-Ams continue to have low vaccination rates among Asian groups in LA County
DESPITE having arguably the highest number of health workers per capita in the community, Filipino Americans rank below other Asian populations in terms of vaccination rates.
There are three possible contributing factors that may have led to low vaccination rates among Filipino Americans, including those residing in Los Angeles County.
Among these are: the high exposure to COVID-19 misinformation through social media; historical trauma and distrust toward the government, and doubts on safety and efficacy of vaccines.
Social media dilemma
“It took us a while to get the vaccine. I always watch videos and read items in social media about the vaccine. At first, we didn’t want to get it because we read from the internet that
PAGE A4 hangar and with electrical and water facilities, and of course construction of billeting for our personnel, barracks complete with amenities. We are also establishing command and control fusion system,” Aguilar added.
“So they’re ongoing, the projects have been identified and ready for implementation –maybe depending on the release of the budget,” Aguilar said.
The four new EDCA sites are the Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo
Board of supervisors proclaims Philippine Independence Day in Los Angeles County
ard of supervisors proclaims Philippine Independence Day in Los Angeles County by AJPRESS Solis, reads in part, “The Board of Supervisors recognizes the importance of this day to Filipino residents in Los Angeles County and the contributions made by Filipino employees who are a vital part of our County workforce and continually dedicate themselves to serving our communities.”
THE Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors proclaimed June 12, 2023 as "Philippine Independence Day" in the county.
The motion, authored by Chair of the Board Janice Hahn and coauthored by Supervisor Hilda L.
“The histories of Los Angeles County and of the Philippines are inextricably linked, and Filipino immigrants have shaped our region over generations.
We’re honoring those historical ties and also saying to our Filipino community: LA County is celebrating with you,” said Chair of the Board Janice Hahn. “I’m especially thankful for the role that our Filipino employee groups like the LA County Filipino American Employees Association and the Filipino American Employees Association of DPSS play in the life of our County government, and I wish them a very happy celebration of
Philippine independence next month.” Los Angeles County, which has the largest Asian American population of any county in the nation, is home to more than 340,000 Filipino Americans.
“This June 12 will commemorate the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day, marking the historic day when the Philippines declared independence from Spain. I am proud to represent a vibrant PAGE A2
