062620 - Northern California Edition

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Volume 19 - No. 25 • 14 Pages

T h e F i l i p i n o A m e r i ca n C o m m u n it y N e ws pap e r

Volume 18 - No. 17 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

J un e 2 6 - j u ly 2 , 2 0 2 0

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Trump signs order temporarily freezing DATELINE USA All California residents worker visas, prefers ‘merit-based system’ required to wear face from the AJPress NEWS TEAM across America

coverings in public

The California Department of Public Health on Thursday, June 18 released updated guidance that requires Californians to wear a face-covering in high-risk settings. A growing body of scientific research has shown that people with no or few symptoms of COVID-19 can still spread the disease and that the use of face coverings, combined with physical distancing and frequent hand washing, will reduce the spread of COVID-19. “Science shows that face coverings and masks work,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

CERTAIN foreign workers will be barred from seeking employment in the United States as President Donald Trump on Monday, June 22 signed an executive order that places a temporary freeze on work visas through the end of the year.

Those affected include the H-1B visas for tech workers, H-2B visas for low-skill jobs, H-4 visas for spouses of certain visa holders, J visas for those in work and student exchange programs and L visas for “intracompany transfers.” According to a White House proclamation, the administration would be “moving to a merit-based immigration system” but the president also cited

Trump, Biden campaigns to address AAPI community during virtual presidential town hall by Christina

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Critics of the new addition to the curriculum argue the state should not impose academic decisions

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M. Oriel

AJPress

CA Senate votes in favor of ethnic studies requirement for Cal State Univ. students UNDER new state legislation passed last week, students attending California State University (CSU) schools will now be required to take courses in ethnic studies. Starting in the 2021-2022 academic year, the CSU is required to offer courses focusing on race and ethnicity, particularly implementing comprehensive courses on Native Americans, African Americans, Asian

the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as a reason to preserve jobs for Americans. “American workers compete against foreign nationals for jobs in every sector of our economy,” the White House wrote, adding that the “economic shocks” reverberating across the country are “likely u PAGE 2

MANILA MARKS 449TH YEAR. Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso (center) and Vice Mayor Dra. Honey Lacuna (right) lead the wreath-laying ceremony at the shrine of Rajah Soliman along Roxas Boulevard on Wednesday, June 24. Manila is celebrating its 449th founding anniversary. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

WITH the United States presidential election less than five months away, the campaigns of President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden will court Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voters — considered the fastest-growing segment of eligible voters in the United States — in a virtual town hall on Saturday, June 27. Biden will be present to directly make his pitch, while former Governor of Guam Eddie Baza Calvo will serve as a surrogate for Trump in the livestreamed event hosted by APIAVote in partnership with community organizations. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.), chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, will provide remarks. Journalists Amna Nawaz of PBS News Hour and Vicky Nguyen of NBC will moderate. “This two-hour event will allow the candidates and campaigns to present their vision in how that addresses the concerns of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander folks,” APIAVote Executive Direc-

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SC junks quo warranto petition vs ABS-CBN Fil-Am leaders in California denounce racist COVID-19 moniker used by Trump by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

THE Supreme Court on Tuesday, June 23, dismissed Solicitor General Jose Calida’s quo warranto petition against broadcast giant ABS-CBN on the “ground of mootness.” “I was able to confirm with Chief Justice [Diosdado] Peralta that the Supreme Court dismissed today during their en

banc meeting the quo warranto petition filed by the Solicitor General against ABS-CBN Corporation on the ground of mootness,” said SC Public Information Chief Atty. Brian Keith Hosaka. He also confirmed that the court still hasn’t issued a resolution on the franchise case of ABS-CBN Convergence, which operates ABS-CBN Mobile. ABS-CBN Convergence expired on March 17, before the

franchise of ABS-CBN Corporation did. “The complaint against ABSCBN Convergence remains pending,” Hosaka said. “Let us wait for the resolution of the court on this matter, as for the reason for their action,” he added. Malacañang, for its part, said it respects the High Court’s decision. u PAGE 2

Fil-Am DACA recipients breathe a sigh of relief as US Supreme Court halts ending of program by Rae

Ann Varona AJPress

A U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Thursday, June 18 stopped President Donald Trump’s administration from rescinding a program that protected more than 800,000 young undocumented immigrants, or “Dreamers,” who came to the U.S. as children from deportation. In a narrow 5-4 vote, the court held that the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) effort to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was “arbitrary and capricious” in that it violated the Administrative Procedure Act. “I woke up to my Slack notifications going off like wildfire,” Set Hernandez Rongkilyo, an un-

documented Fil-Am filmmaker and community organizer, told the Asian Journal. Originally from Caloocan, Philippines, Rongkilyo came to the U.S. from Japan with his family when he was 12 years old. It wasn’t until he began school at the University of California, Los Angeles when he met other undocumented people. In the days leading up to the ruling announcement, Rongkilyo had been organizing with a group of undocumented people across the country. Like many, he was also protesting with the Black Lives Matter Movement taking place with a backdrop of the still current COVID-19 pandemic. “I was shocked, but I was so tired. I didn’t even have time

to process emotionally,” added Rongkilyo, admitting that he wasn’t expecting a decision to go in favor of undocumented immigrants. While the ruling does not provide permanent protections, the decision has been a sigh of relief for the hundreds of thousands who have grown up in the U.S. from a young age — many of whom are approaching their 30s. Of the current 650,000 DACA recipients in the U.S., roughly 200,000 recipients are in California with about 85,000 in Los Angeles. The majority come from Mexico and other Central or South American countries, but many were also brought from Asia including the Philipu PAGE 2

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

In response to President Donald Trump’s usage of a racist term related to the coronavirus, Filipino American Assemblymember Rob Bonta (DOakland) and California Medical Association President Dr. Peter N. Bretan, M.D. released a joint statement denouncing the president’s choice of words. Trump recently used the racist term “kung flu” at his rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday, June 20 as a reference to the COVID-19 virus’ origins in China. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Asian and Asian Americans in the United States — and even across the globe — have been the targets of harassment, violence and hate incidents because of the virus’ original association. “President Trump’s racist dog whistle remarks have no place in our politics or in the house of medicine. Comments like those made by the president last weekend at a political rally in Tulsa, OK fuel racist stereotypes about COVID-19 that have harmful impacts in our communities and in the practice of medicine,” Bonta and Bretan wrote in their statement. As Bonta and Bretan noted,

community members and leaders of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community have denounced the use of “Wuhan virus,” “Chinese virus,” and “kung flu” as a contributor to the string of anti-Asian hate since the beginning of the pandemic, as previously reported in the Asian Journal. When Trump used the term at his Saturday rally, it was met with raucous applause from the 6,200 supporters in attendance. “These remarks promote hatred toward the API community,” they continued. “Asian-Americans have been at the forefront of providing quality health care to all Californians. While Californians of Asian descent make up 14% of our state’s population, we comprise 28% of the state’s physicians. The president’s rac-

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Filipino American Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Oakland)

June 26-July 2, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

From the Front Page

Trump signs order temporarily...

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[to] require several months to return to” pre-pandemic economic output. The suspension announced on Monday follows the abrupt halting of visas for certain family members of green card holders, which was placed on April 22 and was also a response to the pandemic. Those working in essential industries, like health care, medical research, food processing and university professors, however, were exempt from that measure. Though the suspension is temporary, the White House proclamation also noted that it would direct the departments of Homeland Security, State and Labor to draft offshoot regulations that will provide more permanent action that the administration hopes will lead to a “merit-based system.” These changes would affect a great number of workers including hospitality workers but will also end permits for many asylum seekers and those hoping to-

contend in the lottery system for H-1B visas. Without providing clear projections, the White House says that 525,000 “American jobs” will be saved by these measures. But CEOs and workers at major tech companies such as Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Uber, Twitter and Box say that the new measures do more to harm the U.S. economy than save it, denouncing the president’s freeze as “unbelievably bad policy” that would undermine American competitiveness. Silicon Valley reacts Tech companies routinely rely on H-1B visas to recruit computer engineering from other countries, a tactic that has hoisted Silicon Valley as the capital of tech innovation. Each year, the U.S. offers about 85,000 H-1B visas each year, and according to Business Insider, Google and Amazon each received roughly 9,000 H-1B visa applications. Microsoft President Brad Smith wrote in a statement,

“Now is not the time to cut our nation off from the world’s talent or create uncertainty and anxiety. Immigrants play a vital role at our company and support our country’s critical infrastructure. They are contributing to this country at a time when we need them most.” Mirroring Smith’s statement, Apple CEO Tim Cook took to Twitter to express disappointment “by this proclamation,” saying that, “Like Apple, this nation of immigrants has always found strength in our diversity, and hope in the enduring promise of the American Dream. There is no new prosperity without both.” Jessica Herrera-Flanigan, Twitter’s vice president of public policy and philanthropy for the Americas, said in a statement that the “proclamation undermines America’s greatest economic asset: its diversity. People from all over the world come here to join our labor force, pay taxes and contribute to our global competitiveness on the world stage.” n

SC junks quo warranto petition... PAGE 1 t Roque. “Meanwhile on the issue of “We leave it to the SolicitorGeneral as the petitioner to de- renewal of ABS-CBN franchise, cide on his next legal steps,” said we consider this a prerogative Presidential Spokesperson Harry of Congress, which is presently

deliberating on the matter,” he added. Calida on February 10 filed a petition before the SC for the cancellation of ABS-CBN’s 25year franchise, alleging that the TV network reportedly violated rules set by Congress. “We want to put an end to what we discovered to be highly abusive practices of ABS-CBN benefitting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers. These practices have gone unnoticed or were disregarded for years,” he said in a statement. ABS-CBN went off-air after the broadcast of its primetime news program “TV Patrol” on May 5 after the National Telecommunications Commission issued the network a cease-and-desist order. The order directed ABS-CBN to shut down its various TV and radio broadcasting stations nationwide “absent a valid Congressional Franchise as required by law.” Republic Act No. 7966, which granted the network a 25-year franchise to operate TV and radio broadcasting stations expired on May 4, 2020. n

Fil-Am DACA recipients breathe a sigh of... PAGE 1 t pines. According to Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice), an affiliation of five independent civil rights organizations, at least 16,000 DACA recipients are of Asian American or Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent. Between 2012 and 2017, at least 3,880 Filipinos were granted DACA protection, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Raymond Portolan, an undocumented Fil-Am living in Atlanta, Georgia echoed many in calling the decision a sigh of relief after years of uncertainty. “Yesterday was a momentous victory for the immigrant rights movement and a huge blow to the Trump administration’s efforts to dehumanize and undervalue DACA recipients like me. I am still reeling from the absolute surprise that I felt yesterday when the Court handed down its decision,” Portolan, who works as an immigration paralegal, told the Asian Journal. He added, “For weeks, our communities have prepared for the worst and yesterday’s decision rendered a collective sigh of relief. Our work, however, is not over.” Given that the ruling was based on procedural requirements, the Trump administration may try again by presenting stronger justifications. Trump did say on Friday, June 19 that his administration would be “submitting enhanced papers shortly.” However, many experts said after the ruling that it is unlikely that it would do so before the upcoming presidential elections in November. Conservative Chief Justice John Roberts — in joining the high court’s four liberal Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Elena Kagan, and Sonia Sotomayor — wrote in his opinion, “The appropriate recourse is therefore to remand to DHS so that it may reconsider the problem anew.” “We do not decide whether DACA or its rescission are sound policies. We address only whether the agency complied with the procedural requirement that it provide a reasoned explanation for its action,” he added.

THE FACES OF DACA. Nearly 4,000 Filipinos are reported to have received DACA protections in the United States, including (L-R) Set Hernandez Rongkilyo, a documentary filmmaker in Southern California; Veronica Velasquez, a physical therapist at a Los Angeles community hospital; and Raymond Portolan, an immigration paralegal in Atlanta, Georgia. Contributed photos

Justice Sotomayor was the only justice to take an added stance shared by many DACA advocates in arguing that the move to rescind protections may have been motivated by discrimination against immigrants. The dissent, which included Trump appointees Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, dismissed the ruling as being politically charged. “Today’s decision must be recognized for what it is: an effort to avoid a politically controversial but legally correct decision. The court could have made clear

that the solution respondents must seek came from the legislative branch,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in his dissent. On Twitter, President Donald Trump said, “These horrible & politically charged decisions coming out of the Supreme Court are shotgun blasts into the face of people that are proud to call themselves Republican or Conservatives. We need more Justices or we will lose our 2nd. Amendment & everything else. Vote Trump 2020!” In a following tweet, he asked, u PAGE 3

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USA

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • June 26-July 2, 2020 ateline

California extends special-enrollment deadline to give consumers more time to sign up for health care coverage during COVID-19 pandemic

HATID TULONG. Finally, these locally stranded individuals (LSIs) from Bicol Province will be reunited with their families through the government’s “Hatid Tulong” Program as they board a Philippine National Railways (PNR) train at Tutuban station in Manila. Over 53,000 LSIs have already benefited under the “Hatid Tulong” program which provides either land, air or sea transport to those stranded in various areas due to lockdown measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Fil-Am leaders in California denounce racist... PAGE 1

ist rhetoric that he casually uses as an applause line is a direct threat and attack on California physicians, our API population and all people who believe in inclusivity, fairness and common decency.” In recent times, racism directed toward those of Asian descent has been a secondary issue that the AAPI has grappled with in addition to the COVID19 virus itself. After the recent killings of unarmed Black individuals by police, the Asian community has also been undergoing its own period of reflection: how the AAPI community stand as one against racism and also promote inclusivity and stand in solidarity with other communities, Bonta and Bretan said. “Millions of Americans have all spent time in recent weeks reflecting on our nation’s ongoing history of racial injustice and intolerance, and how these wounds have perpetuated institutional and systemic racism in subtle and overt ways,” they

said. “Our nation has its own anti-API history, from the Chinese Exclusion Act in the late 1800s through the internment of Japanese-American families during World War II. We must all do better when it comes to acknowledging and reckoning with our history. Part of our civic duty requires that we clearly speak out against prejudice and hatred, whether it comes from the house next door or the White House.” Trump has yet to respond to the backlash, but White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway — who is married to Filipino American attorney George Conway — defended the president on Wednesday, June 24 after previously calling the term “highly offensive” in March. At a press gaggle at the White House on Wednesday, Conway was asked whether or not she would tell the president that his use of “kung flu” was offensive. Conway shot back saying, “I speak to the president daily on many topics. We don’t always

All California residents required... PAGE 1

and restarting our economy.” Governor Newsom also addressed why he took this action now. “Simply put, we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered – putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease. California’s strategy to restart the economy and get people back to work will only be successful if people act safely and follow health recommendations. That means wearing a face covering, washing your hands and practicing physical distancing.” “As Californians venture into our communities more, wearing face coverings is another important way we can help protect one another,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health. “Combined with physical distancing and frequent hand washing, wearing cloth face coverings when we are with others outside of our household will reduce the spread of COVID-19, which is still a very real threat across our state.” The latest guidance mandates the use of cloth face coverings by the general public statewide when outside the home, with limited exceptions. Californians must wear face coverings when they are in the situations listed below: • Inside of, or in line to enter, any indoor public space; • Obtaining services from the healthcare sector in settings including, but not limited to, a hospital, pharmacy, medical clinic, laboratory, physician or dental office, veterinary clinic, or blood bank; • Waiting for or riding on public transportation or paratransit or while in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle; • Engaged in work, whether at the workplace or performing work off-site, when: — Driving or operating any public transportation or paratransit vehicle, taxi, or private car service or ride-sharing vehicle when passengers are present.

When no passengers are present, face coverings are strongly recommended. — While outdoors in public spaces when maintaining a physical distance of six feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence is not feasible. The following individuals are exempt from wearing a face covering: • Children aged two and under; • Persons with a medical, mental health, or developmental disability that prevents wearing a face covering; • Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication; • Persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines. • Persons who are obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service; • Persons who are seated at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service, while they are eating or drinking, provided that they are able to maintain a distance of at least six feet away from persons who are not members of the same household or residence; • Persons who are engaged in outdoor work or recreation such as swimming, walking, hiking, bicycling, or running, when alone or with household members, and when they are able to maintain a distance of at least six feet from others; • Persons who are incarcerated. Prisons and jails, as part of their mitigation plans, will have specific guidance on the wearing of face coverings of masks for both inmates and staff. More information about the state’s COVID-19 guidance is on the California Department of Public Health’s Guidance web page. (AJPress)

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agree on everything, and that’s why I work here.” But she justified the president’s word choice saying, “My reaction is that the president has made very clear he wants everybody to understand, and I think many Americans do understand, that the virus originated in China. And had China been more transparent and honest with the United States and the world, we wouldn’t have all the death and destruction that unfortunately we’ve suffered.” n

SACRAMENTO – Covered California announced on Tuesday, June 23 that it would be giving consumers more time to sign up for health care coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic by extending the current special-enrollment deadline through the end of July. “Covered California is committed to helping people get access to the health care they need, and while California is reopening parts of the state, there is still a lot of uncertainty out there due to the pandemic,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. “We want to make sure that people have a path to coverage, whether it is through Covered California or Medi-Cal, and giving people more time to sign up is the right thing to do.” Covered California initially opened the health insurance exchange to any eligible uninsured individuals, who needed health care coverage amid the COVID-19 nation emergency, from March 20 to June 30. The new deadline means that anyone who meets Covered California’s eligibility requirements, which are similar to those in place during the annual open-enrollment period, can apply for coverage through July 31. The most recent data shows that 175,030 people have signed up for health care coverage between March 20 and June 20,

which is more than twice the number who signed up during the same time last year. Every year, Covered California provides eligible consumers the opportunity to sign up for health care coverage outside of the traditional open-enrollment period if they experience a qualifying life event. These can include events like losing your health insurance, moving, getting married or having a baby. Overall, 242,600 people have signed up for coverage since Jan. 31, when Covered California ended its open-enrollment period, through June 20, which is nearly twice as many as seen during the same time period last year. People who sign up through Covered California will have access to private health insurance plans with monthly premiums that may be lowered due to federal and new state financial help that became effective in 2020. After selecting a plan, their coverage would begin on the first day of the following month — meaning individuals losing job-based coverage would not face a gap in coverage. The latest data from California’s Employment Development Department shows that 6.3 million unemployment claims have been processed in the state since the pandemic started. “We know that when people lose their jobs, they often lose

the health care coverage that was protecting them and their families,” Lee said. “While Californians who lose coverage can always sign up outside of open enrollment, we want to make sure even those who have lost work and did not have insurance have access to the health care in the middle of a pandemic.” Medi-Cal and Off-Exchange Coverage In addition, consumers who sign up through CoveredCA. com may find out that they are eligible for no-cost or low-cost coverage through Medi-Cal, which they can enroll in online. Those eligible for Medi-Cal can have coverage that is immediately effective. California has suspended Medi-Cal renewal reviews through the end of the public health emergency, ensuring that those already enrolled can continue their coverage and freeing up resources to quickly process new enrollments. The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) also received expanded authority to expedite enrollment for seniors and other vulnerable populations, expand the use of telehealth and take other steps to make it easier to access care. “The ongoing challenges of COVID-19 make it vital that we help Californians get into and stay in Medi-Cal and Covered

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June 26-July 2, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USA

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NY man charged with sex crimes committed in PH LAX introduces thermal screening to check passengers for coronavirus symptoms by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

A GARDEN City, New York man on Friday, June 19, was indicted by a federal court in the United States for traveling to the Philippines with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, sexual exploitation of a child, distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. The indictment was filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York charges, after an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York. Thomas Blaha, 64, traveled from New York to the Philippines in September and October of 2019 to engage in sexual activity with a 13-year-old female in

exchange for money. He also enticed the victim to produce sexually explicit images of herself and send them to him in exchange for money. Government agents obtained search warrants in December 2019 for Blaha’s Facebook account as well as his residence in Garden City, New York and electronic devices. The court filings said the searches revealed hundreds of images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. “It’s alleged Blaha made trips to the Philippines to sexually abuse a 13-year old female who was being exploited for money,” said Peter C. Fitzhugh, special agent in charge of HSI New York. He stressed that crimes involving the sexual exploitation of unwitting children are the most

heinous and will not be tolerated, regardless of where the sexual acts occur. Fitzhugh also vowed that the HSI will stop at nothing to put an end to child victimization worldwide. Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney Richard P. Donoghue said: “The defendant allegedly traveled halfway across the globe to sexually exploit a minor that he had enticed through Facebook and create child pornography.” “The Department of Justice is committed to protecting children from online predators by identifying such offenders and prosecuting them to the full extent of the law,” he added. Blaha, if convicted, will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and up to a maximum 170 years imprisonment. n

CA Senate votes in favor of ethnic studies requirement... PAGE 1 t

Americans and Latino Americans. In order to graduate, students would need to take one 3-credit course, according to AB 1460. For the CSU — which is the largest public four-year university system in the United States — the bill was designed to broaden students’ understanding of non-white racial and ethnic groups, which the bill’s cosponsors argue are misrepresented in existing school curricula. “For over 400 years, we have sanitized and white-washed history,” said California Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) when presenting the bill on Thursday, June 18. The state Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of the bill in the 30-5 vote; the bill now heads back to the Assembly — which passed the bill last year — to approve minor amendments made by the Senate before it heads to the desk of Gov. Gavin Newsom for his approval. Proponents of AB 1460 cite the uproar and civil unrest following the police killing of

George Floyd as a reason to rethink the ways that academia portrays the experiences of marginalized communities in America. However, critics of the bill, namely those within the CSU, argue that the California Legislature should not enforce course decisions on academic institutions. “The CSU requirement avoids setting a dangerous precedent for legislative interference and keeps the higher education curriculum setting process within those institutions,” said Toni Molle, director of public affairs at the CSU, which has also been plagued by insufficient budgets and an uncertain future due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CSU is currently in the middle of its own reforms, including a proposed Ethnic Studies and Social Justice requirement that would broaden students’ understanding of communities of color as well as the Jewish, Muslim and LGBT+ communities. CSU Chancellor Timothy White is expected to bring this proposal before the CSU Board of Trustees on July

21 for a vote. According to White’s proposal, the CSU’s Ethnic Studies and Social Justice plan comprises much more comprehensive courses that consist of other disciplines like humanities, arts and social sciences. Courses could focus on a wide range of topics like class, sexuality, religion and immigration as long as there’s a social justice bend to the course structure. The CSU — which comprises 23 campuses and more than 484,000 students — is known for making strides in ethnic studies education, leading the charge for other universities and university systems. In 1969, San Francisco State University established the College of Ethnic Studies, the first college devoted to studying the history and contemporary issues of ethnic minorities. A year before that, in 1968, Cal State Los Angeles became the first college in the nation to establish a Chicano studies program as a way to serve its growingly diverse student body and faculty. (Klarize Medenilla/ AJPress)

Fil-Am DACA recipients breathe a sigh of...

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“Do you get the impression that the Supreme Court doesn’t like me?” Trump also said he’d soon release a “new list of Conservative Supreme Court Justice nominees” by September. ‘The fight does not end here’ Veronica Velasquez, a Fil-Am physical therapist at a Los Angeles community hospital, was getting ready for work early Thursday morning when she found out about the news. “I found out the great news, cried a little, then treated a full day of COVID patients,” Velasquez told the Asian Journal. “Today I was reminded of the power of my mere presence. While many wanted me, a Brown Filipina undocumented womxn, out of the country… I AM STILL HERE. Despite the constant barriers/doubts, I am here to stay,” Velasquez wrote in an Instagram post on the day of the decision under her handle @thisptlife. “Not only that, but I am here to provide care as a healthcare worker. I am here to help/heal the community as an essential worker. I am here to combat against a global pandemic,” she added. Despite the small victory, the Supreme Court ruling is not an ending point and Dreamer advocates are eager to continue pushing for more concrete changes. “While I am so happy, I must

also remember that the fight does not end here. We gotta keep pushing for more,” Velasquez wrote. She added, “We must continue to fight to: abolish ICE and the police, close down ICE detention centers, create a path to citizenship for all 11 million undocumented people.” The DACA program was created in 2012 under then-President Barack Obama and provided renewable deportation protections of two years, though no pathway to citizenship. Aside from being able to stay in the U.S., recipients were able to work legally which allowed many to pursue higher education and pursue other career goals. However because it was an executive order, the program was subject to opposition which ended up being the case under President Trump. In September 2017, Trump announced plans of rescinding the program on claims that its adoption was unlawful and that courts did not have the power to review its decision. Lower courts blocked the rescission and the Supreme Court took the case last fall. “From the get-go in 2012, we’ve been saying that this is an executive order and that the next president could take it away,” said Rongkilyo. “When we experience these ‘Band-aid’ solutions, it’s easy for us, including myself, as someone impacted, to sometimes feel complacent.”

In moving forward from the ruling, he said it’s important that people recognize the vulnerability of the DACA program. Also important is continuing to engage in other present issues that impact minorities and people of color. “We need to be bold in what we are asking for,” said Rongkilyo. Like Velasquez, abolishing ICE and local law enforcement, and being an ally to Black Americans were issues he said still need to be addressed. When it comes to Filipinos speaking up, Rongkilyo emphasized that deportation is not an issue that is remote from the Filipino community and encouraged Filipinos to embrace the idea of solidarity. How the police impacts communities, for example, is also something Filipinos should be concerned about. “We need to be in solidarity with the movement for Black lives because we can’t act like this issue does not impact our community,” said Rongkilyo. For now, DACA recipients may continue to renew their permits which they are encouraged to do. In the meantime, the fight for permanent legislation continues. “We will continue to fight until DACA recipients like me have a permanent pathway to citizenship,” said Portolan. “We dodged a bullet, but DACA was and always will be a temporary solution to a greater issue.” n

by AJPress TRAVELERS at Los Angeles International Airport will be asked to undergo another screening before getting to the security checkpoint to help slow the spread of coronavirus. Starting on Tuesday, June 23, thermal cameras will be deployed at two locations inside the Tom Bradley International Terminal –– at the main entrance on the departures level and inside the terminal near select international arrivals –– with both arriving and departing passengers screened. The cameras are designed to rapidly identify people with body temperatures of 100.4 degrees or more, which is the current guideline for detecting a fever set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “A world-class airport isn’t defined just by our historic investments in a reimagined LAX and an improved traveling experience –– it’s also about worldclass safety,” said Mayor Garcetti on Monday. “This project reflects the best of this city’s innovative spirit, and it will help keep travelers healthy and set a new industry standard.” The voluntary program, which is being tested in the international terminal first, will have signage alerting passengers where this trial will take place. If a voluntary participant is identified as having an elevated body temperature, a medical professional near the camera operator will approach the identified person and request a secondary screening using a handheld, non-contact thermometer, according to the airport.

Thermal camera technology is being tested at LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal to help identify travelers with an elevated body temperature.

The cameras are designed to rapidly identify people with body temperatures of 100.4 degrees or more. Photos courtesy of Los Angeles World Airports

Departing guests who are identified as having an elevated body temperature will be advised that they should not travel. Passengers on arriving international flights identified as being potentially ill may be referred to CDC staff on site. These thermal camera temperature checks will not replace other safety measures in place. To protect guest privacy, the cameras will not store, transmit, or share any data or images taken. Guests who decline to participate will have the opportunity to use a different pathway. The airport will work closely with multiple partners to evaluate the technology including the Transportation Security Admin-

istration (TSA), airlines, CDC, and LA County Department of Public Health, and results from this program will be shared with these partners and leading airports around the world in an effort to set new standards for the industry. In addition to the cameras, the airport added signage directing guests to practice social distancing, wear a face covering at all times, and wash their hands frequently. LAX has increased deep cleaning throughout the airport focusing on “high touch” areas, and has installed more than 250 hand sanitizer stations. Shops and restaurants are also offering contact-free experiences. n

California extends special-enrollment deadline... PAGE 3 t California health coverage. The goal is to make it easier to access needed care and services during these difficult times,” said Will Lightbourne, recently named as the new director of the Department of Health Care Services. DHCS oversees Medi-Cal, California’s version of Medicaid, which provides coverage for about 13 million Californians. The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) and the California Department of Insurance have also extended the special-enrollment period through July 31, 2020, which applies to all health plans on the individual market, including off-exchange health plans. This will ensure consumers enrolling in the entire individual market in California will have access to coverage during the pandemic. “We want to make sure that Californians can access comprehensive and affordable health care coverage options when they need it,” said DMHC Director Shelley Rouillard. “The DMHC continues to work closely with our state partners and the health plans we regulate to protect the health and safety of the people of this state. Taking this important action to extend the special-enrollment period will help those impacted by the COVID-19 emergency.” “With Californians continuing to experience job loss and, with it, the loss of employer-based insurance, the ability to access individual health insurance coverage is even more critical,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. “Substantial federal and state premium subsidies are available through Covered California to continue to keep quality, essential coverage within reach, especially during these extremely challenging times.” All Covered California and Medi-Cal Plans Offer Telehealth Options All health plans available through Covered California and Medi-Cal provide telehealth options for enrollees, giving individuals the ability to connect with a health care professional by phone or video without having to personally visit a doctor’s office or hospital.

All screening and testing for COVID-19 is free of charge. This includes telehealth or doctor’s office visits, as well as network emergency room or urgent care visits for the purpose of screening and testing for COVID-19. In addition, Medi-Cal covers costs associated with COVID-19 in both its managed care plans and with fee-for-service providers. Covered California health plans will help cover costs that arise from any required treatment or hospitalization. New State Subsidies Help Californians Lower Their Health Care Costs Californians who sign up for coverage may be able to benefit from a new state subsidy program that expanded the amount of financial help available to many people. The subsidies are already benefiting about 625,000 Covered California consumers. Roughly 576,000 lower-income consumers, who earn between 200 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL), are receiving an average of $608 per month, per household in federal tax credits and new state subsidies (which averages $23 per household). The financial help lowers the average household monthly premium from $881 to $272, a decrease of 70 percent. In addition, nearly 32,000 middle-income consumers have qualified for new state subsidies, with an average state subsidy to eligible households of $504 per month, lowering their monthly premium by nearly half. Many of those eligible for the new middle-income state subsidies are an estimated 280,000 Californians who are likely eligible for new state or existing federal subsidies but kept their “offexchange” coverage. They are also eligible to switch to Covered California and benefit from the financial help. During this special-enrollment period, Covered California, its health insurance companies and Certified Insurance Agents will be reaching out to these Californians to let them know how they can save money on their premiums, which will help them keep their coverage in challenging financial times. Staying Safe While Getting

Help Enrolling Covered California is working with the more than 10,000 Certified Insurance Agents that help Californians sign up and understand their coverage options through phone-based service models. “We continue to be in a different world right now, but social distancing does not mean you cannot get personal help,” Lee said. “Health insurance is just a phone call away, and our agents and staff stand ready to help people get the coverage they need.” Consumers can easily find out if they are eligible Medi-Cal or other forms of financial help and see which plans are available in their area by using the CoveredCA.Com Shop and Compare Tool and entering their ZIP code, household income and the ages of those who need coverage. Those interested in learning more about their coverage options can also: • Visit www.CoveredCA.com. • Get free and confidential assistance over the phone, in a variety of languages, from a certified enroller. • Have a certified enroller call them and help them for free. Call Covered California at (800) 300-1506. Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or nocost Medi-Cal program. Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California’s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.

Trump, Biden campaigns to address AAPI community...

PAGE 1 t tor Christine Chen said in her remarks on Monday, June 22, kicking off a week-long virtual leadership summit with sessions highlighting how to engage AAPI communities. Saturday’s event is the fourth time APIAVote has hosted the Presidential Town Hall as an opportunity for campaigns to address issues relevant to the AAPI community. During the 2016 election cycle, former President Bill Clinton served as a surrogate at the event for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid. “This is also a time for them to listen to this community and understand our needs and interests as a growing electorate,” Chen added. In a 2018 Asian American Voter

Survey released by APIAVote and AAPI Data, 46% of total Asian Americans surveyed said they were not contacted by the Democratic Party, while 56% said they received no communication from the Republican Party. The same survey found that 22% of Filipinos surveyed said they had a “very favorable” impression of Trump, while 38% said “very unfavorable.” Meanwhile, 32% of Filipinos said they had a “somewhat favorable” impression of the Democratic Party and 28% said “somewhat favorable” of the Republican Party. Though AAPI voters have been often overlooked by the major political parties, the bloc may continue to show influence in key races and districts. The number of eligible Asian American voters will reach a new

high this year as more than 11 million will be able to cast their ballots, according to Pew Research Center analysis of Census Bureau data released last May. The data added that in the past 20 years, the electorate grew by 139%, in part due to naturalized immigrants. The Trump campaign in May launched “Asian Americans for Trump,” co-chaired by Fil-Am Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes and Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee. In addition to “AAPIs for Biden,” a group of Filipino Americans formed a nationwide “Fil-Ams for Biden” following the former vice president’s performance on Super Tuesday. Registration for the town hall can be done at https://www.apiavote.org/townhall. n

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • June 26-July 2, 2020

Dateline Philippines

Pres. Duterte: OFWs facing repatriation could exceed 100,000 PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, June 22, said that the number of overseas Filipinos facing repatriation could exceed 100,000 in the coming months due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). He noted reports from cruise line companies saying 29,963 more seafarers are expected to be repatriated. Likewise, foreign service posts of the Department of Foreign Affairs said 17,830 land-based overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) showed interest in being repatriated. “Barring any complications, this would bring the total number of repatriates to 93,675,” Duterte pointed out in his 13th report to Congress. “However, due to the continu-

ing impact of the pandemic, the number of repatriated Filipinos could reach 100,000 or even higher in the coming months,” he added. Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque cited the Department of Labor and Employment’s data that showed 50,105 Overseas Filipino Workers have been transported back to their home provinces from May 15 to June 14 by planes, boats and buses. He also defended the government from critics saying that repatriated OFWs are being treated like “garbage” in the country. “Inuwi po natin lahat ng manggagawa natin. Binigyan namin ng libreng PCR testing, binigyan natin ng libreng pamasahe sa eroplano, sa bus, at sa barko (We’re bringing home all our workers and we give them free PCR testing and we shoulder their ride home),” Roque said in late May.

“Hindi po ‘yan garbage-like treatment. VIP treatment po ‘yan (That’s not garbage-like treatment. That is VIP treatment),” he added. Duterte in his report also mentioned that the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures ProgramAbot-Kamay ang Pagtulong (CAMP-AKAP) program has released P1.5 billion as the first tranche of its funding assistance. He added that overseas Filipino health workers who returned to the country are covered by CAMP-AKAP, with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) processing their online applications. The Department of Labor and Employment, meanwhile, over- CLEAN-UP FIRST. A worker splashes water in cleaning a modern jeepney at the terminal in Uniwide in Parañaque City on Monday, June 22. Around 1,500 modern jeepneys and 3,600 public utility buses were allowed to travel at the start of the second phase resumption of public sees the distribution of the assis- transport subject to health and safety protocols. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan tance to affected workers in the country through the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) and the DOLE regional offices. n

MANILA — “Small” amounts of money entered local bank accounts of a person with ties to a German payments firm, escalating the Philippines’ probe of billions in cash missing on the company’s books that has spawned into a global accounting scandal. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is now investigating “certain individuals” because of transactions that showed “monies entered the local account of a person in the Philippines who has links with Wirecard,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said on Wednesday, June 24. “We can’t really say for now if it’s really money laundering because the amounts involved are small,” he said in a text message. More information will be available in “a few days.” Whether the amounts are connected to the missing $2.1 billion from the company at the center of an accounting scandal remains unclear, cash which no less than Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said to have not entered the local financial system based on “initial” central bank report. Four years since $81 million was lost in a cyber-heist involving a local bank, the Philippines

is finding itself involved in another controversy, which has fast evolved since fake bank documents brought Wirecard AG’s external auditors looking for missing cash here in Manila. The lenders allegedly involved, BDO Unibank Inc. and Bank of the Philippine Islands, already denied holding the 1.9 billion euros said to have been diverted to escrow accounts. They were backed by Diokno last week, who said the lenders were used “in an attempt to cover the perpetrators’ track.” That said, BDO and BPI have also either suspended or fired employees found to have forged bank documents to show the subject funds were being kept in the Philippines. The Anti-Money Laundering Council, the secretariat of which did not respond to request for comment on Wednesday, already said it stands ready to assist foreign counterparts that may look for the money, which Wirecard is now saying potentially did not exist at all. Up to today, the ongoing investigation has centered on the “spurious” documents reproduced by certain bank workers. “Upon consultation with the

BSP governor, I have directed the NBI to investigate certain individuals who are reportedly involved in the Wirecard case in Germany…,” Guevarra said, without citing names of those under probe. Search on for Wirecard COO Apart from the investigation, authorities are also looking for Jan Marsalek, the company’s erstwhile chief operating officer, who was dismissed on Monday by Wirecard and now appears to be staying in the Philippines. Immigration records showed Marsalek, in fact, entered Manila last March 3 but departed after two days in March 5. “However, there are some indications that he may have returned recently and may still be here,” said Guevarra, who has supervisory powers over NBI and the Bureau of Immigration (BI). “I have ordered the BI to conduct an immediate investigation,” he pointed out, saying authorities found “something curious in the BI database.” He did not elaborate. Asked if his office will ask a local court to issue a hold departure order against Marsalek if NBI agents locate him here, Guevarra said: “Too early to answer that.” (Ian Nicolas Cigaral/Philstar.com)

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

DOJ asks NBI to set up system to monitor ‘Small amounts’from Wirecard-linked person entered PH –DOJ spread of false information online by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

MANILA — The Department of Justice asked the National Bureau of Investigation to set up system to monitor the spread of false and malicious information on social media. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said on Wednesday, June 24 that the department asked the NBI “to establish a system of monitoring the spread of false and malicious information in social media.” The bureau is also ordered to establish the source and determine if there is a pattern or scheme, and take appropriate action to preserve evidence for potential prosecution. This comes a day after Vice President Leni Robredo again was subjected into a fake news social media post that claimed her office sent spoiled food to a Quezon City hospital and her spokesperson paid the hospital staff to not speak about it. Robredo and Diliman Doctors Hospital denied the incident. Robredo asked other social media users to take screenshots of fake news posts on Facebook and Twitter “because we will go

after them.” Guevarra said that Robredo or her office has not reached out to the DOJ on potential filing of complaint, “but we’ll be ready to help should the VP wish to pursue the matter.” Fake news on social media Back in February, Guevarra said he directed the NBI to conduct a case build up against unnamed people “on the alleged deliberate spread of misinformation and fake news about... and false reporting of the [COVID19].” The directive was meant to avoid “causing undue panic and alarm.” This was the DOJ order that led to the NBI summoning dozens of social media users, including a Facebook user who commented on the government purchase of a P2-billion private jet. When NBI summoned the social media user early April, the bureau indicated that the person is being investigated on a possible violation of the Revised Penal Code, which explains “unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances.” It remains unclear whether the decades-old rule applies on social media posts.

The Bayanihan Act contains a provision on penalizing those who spread “false information” on social media regarding the COVID-19 crisis. It is yet to be known whether the Bayanihan Act is still in effect, as the Constitution holds that “in times of war or national emergency,” lawmakers may grant powers to the president “which shall cease upon the next adjournment of Congress.” The Congress’ first regular session ended on June 5. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque previously told Philstar.com that the government adheres “to the view that the sunset clause prevails” on the Bayanihan Act. This means that the measure “shall be in full force and effect only for three months, unless extended by Congress,” and would be effective until June 25. Guevarra has also not indicated the potential offenses that may be filed against individuals who may be found spreading malicious social media posts. Calls for decriminalization of cyber libel again rang following the conviction of veteran journalist Maria Ressa on the charge. n

June 26-July 2, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • June 26-July 2, 2020 ateline hilippines

My people are clean: Duterte stands by Duque by Catherine

S. Valente Manilatimes.net

‘BUSINESS AS USUAL’. Unlike other fathers who won’t let this day pass without celebrating Father’s Day, this man has to earn a living first by selling guavas to motorists along Katigbak Parkway in Manila on Sunday, June 21. Father’s Day was first celebrated to honor fathers on the third Sunday of June in 1910. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

‘Great Lockdown’ to cripple PH economy –IMF by Prinz

Magtulis Philstar.com

MANILA — “A crisis like no other” would sink the Philippine economy to its worst contraction in 35 years, signaling a deeper fallout from the coronavirus pandemic that triggered the global “Great Lockdown” crippling economic activity, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Wednesday, June 24. On an update to the agency’s World Economic Outlook last April, the Washington-based lender now sees gross domestic product (GDP) shrinking 3.6% in 2020, a turnaround from the 0.6% growth seen just two months ago. When compared to the 6.3% growth forecast last December 2019, when the outbreak was not anticipated, the latest projection paints a greater deterioration for the local economy, which similar with the rest of the globe, has faced the tough balancing of public health and economic goals. “It is mostly attributable to larger-than-expected supply disruptions related to COVID-19 and weaker demand in major trading partners,” said Yongzheng Yang, IMF representative to the Philippines, in an e-mail. Compared with other multilateral institutions that also lowered their GDP outlook, IMF’s 2020 figure for the Philippines is better than the Asian Development Bank’s 3.8% slump, but more pessimistic than the World Bank’s 1.9% reduction.

The Duterte administration is resigned to a contraction this year, albeit much tempered at 23.4%. Regardless of which forecast is realized, the economy is poised for its worst performance since 1985 when GDP slipped 6.5%. The recovery next year would also be slower than expected. From 7.6% growth seen last April, the Philippines is now projected to grow 6.8% in 2021, below the government’s 8-9% target. “We expect the resolution of COVID-19 to be more gradual, and hence the impact of the pandemic on economic growth to be larger and longer than previously anticipated,” Yang said. Global phenomenon To be fair, the bleaker outlook for the Philippines reflects a global phenomenon. On average, the global economy is likely to shrink 4.9% this year, worse than the 3% forecast last April as an intensified pandemic “necessitated stringent lockdowns resulting in even larger disruptions to activity.” Emerging economies would contract 3%, while the smaller group of five Southeast Asian economies known as Asean-5— of which Philippines is included— would see GDP down 2%, figures showed. “In countries with high shares of informal employment, lockdowns have led to joblessness and abrupt income losses for many of those workers (often where migrants work far from home, separated from support networks),” the lender said.

Movement restrictions used to counter the virus spread were so stringent that consumers were left with no safety net. Firms, faced with “precipitous demand declines,” also pulled back investment plans. With growth essentially scratched off this year, IMF said more people would be thrown back to poverty. “In countries with high shares of informal employment, lockdowns have led to joblessness and abrupt income losses for many of those workers (often where migrants work far from home, separated from support networks),” the lender said. Vaccine an economic booster The IMF, on its report, however made clear that its forecasts are not set in stone and drew up two scenarios that underscored the “considerable uncertainty” surrounding the pandemic. One scenario depicted a “second global COVID-19 outbreak” in 2021 that would essentially delay recovery to 2022, while another was more optimistic of a faster rebound. “Medical breakthroughs with therapeutics and changes in social distancing behavior might allow healthcare systems to cope better without requiring extended, stringent lockdowns. Vaccine trials are also proceeding at a rapid pace,” IMF said. “Development of a safe, effective vaccine would lift sentiment and could improve growth outcomes in 2021, even if vaccine production is not scaled up fast enough to deliver herd immunity by end of 2021,” it added. n

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte stood by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and other officials of the Department of Health, who are being investigated in connection with their alleged slow response to the coronavirus pandemic. Duterte vouched for Duque’s integrity amid calls for the latter’s resignation. In his taped address to the nation, the President said he was willing to place his reputation on the line to prove that there were no anomalies on the side of Duque. “My people here are clean, and I still believe in them. I will stake my reputation as President. There are no anomalies taking place,” he said. The Office of the Ombudsman ordered last week an investigation into supposed “irregularities and anomalies” in the DoH’s pandemic response measures. Among the issues raised against Health officials was the slow acquisition of medical

equipment for frontliners. “With due respect to the Ombudsman, iniimbestiga pa niya pero ako, kung ako lang ang tanungin, (the Ombudsman is still investigating but if I were to be asked) I believe in the honesty and integrity of my people,” Duterte said. Duque clarified that the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers had been placed as early as February. “Talagang namroblema lang po tayo sa supply. Kasi nga po, at that time, marami na pong mga ibang mga bansa na nauna po sa atin dahil nauna rin po silang nagkaroon ng mga kaso ng Covid-19. So, nag-antay po tayo (We really had a problem with the supply. Other countries were able to place orders earlier because they were the first to have Covid-19 cases. So we had to wait),” he said. He said orders placed in February arrived in March. Duque added that it took time for the Philippines to acquire sufficient numbers of medical equipment because there was a global shortage.

Duque said the DoH would submit its response to the ombudsman. Malacañang on Tuesday said the President’s public show of support for Duque would not affect the probe by the Office of the Ombudsman. Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. maintained that the Office of the Ombudsman is an independent body. “Tuloy pa rin po ang imbestigasyon. Kaya nga sabi ni Presidente ‘with all due respect to Ombudsman Martires.’ Alam po niyang independiyente at Constitutional office ang Ombudsman at hindi po niya hinahadlangan ang imbestigasyon na ito (The investigation will continue. That’s why the President said ‘with all due respect to Ombudsman Martires.’ He knows the Ombudsman is independent and he will not hamper this investigation),” Roque said. “Ang sinasabi lang niya, kampante siya na lahat ng tauhan niya sa gabinete ay mapagkakatiwalaan (All he is saying is that he is confident that all of his people in the Cabinet are trustworthy),” he added. n

PNP boosts drive vs illegal drugs by Darwin

Pesco Manilatimes.net

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) had intensified its anti-drug operations despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa said on Monday, June 22. The PNP chief added that the anti-illegal drugs offensive was in compliance with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to the police. “I also echoed the guidance of President Rodrigo Duterte for PNP units to seize every opportunity to be on the offensive against illegal drugs,” Gamboa said in a press briefing. He recently held a command conference, in which he instructed police officials to initiate operations against high-value targets. He said the top 10 most wanted drug personalities in each locality would be the target. The PNP chief added that antidrug operations would continue amid the pandemic. “Hindi pwedeng aatras kami kasi baka may COVID d’yan (We will not down despite the threat of COVID),” he said. Throughout the strict lockdown period, Gamboa said the PNP re-

lentlessly pursued its law enforcement function. Authorities seized P22 million worth of shabu (crystal meth) and 50 drug suspects were arrested from June 15 to June 20 this year. Earlier, the police seized billion-

peso worth of drugs in Bulacan. “Nakakatuwa despite COVID19 maraming accomplishments sa illegal drugs (I’m happy that despite COVID-19, we have many accomplishments on illegal drugs),” Gamboa said. n

June 26-July 2, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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Opinion

Features

Mental health in a pandemic

WITH no vaccine or cure in sight for the coronavirus disease 2019, people are focused on protecting public health and economic health. But there is another health aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic that isn’t getting enough attention: mental wellness. Around the world, health professionals are reporting a spike in mental problems since people were forced into lockdowns at home to contain the pandemic and millions lost their livelihoods. This is apart from the suffering of those who lost loved ones to COVID-19 or who were themselves infected with the coronavirus. In the Philippines, suicide prevention hotlines have reported a doubling of calls for help since March when Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon were placed under enhanced community quarantine. The calls for help cut across age groups, from youths to senior citizens, according to mental health advocates. Philippine society has traditionally paid little attention to mental wellness, even as suicides continue to rise especially among the youth. The focus on public health during the pandemic provides an opportunity to give special attention to mental wellness and the full implementation of Republic Act 11036 or the Mental Health Act, which was signed

into law on June 20, 2018. The implementing rules for RA 11036 were released last year. Under the rules, communitybased mental health care facilities must be set up apart from hospitals dedicated to mental health so that counseling and other services can be accessed at the grassroots. The community facilities can be set up in outpatient care centers, for example, or even in halfway houses. All regional, provincial and tertiary hospitals are mandated to provide psychiatric, psychosocial and neurologic services, including hotlines and other mechanisms for suicide prevention, with special attention on the youth. Over two years, mental health subjects will be included in the school curriculum and mental health programs must be integrated into the education system as well as workplaces. Under the law, those seeking mental health services are assured of privacy as well as protection from stigma and discrimination. Barangay personnel will be given training for community-

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective Gel Santos-Relos BEFORE Donald Trump was elected president of the United States in 2016, the nations and people of the free world looked up to America to lead the global community in matters of shared concerns like peace, human rights, hunger, the threat of nuclear arms, climate change, protection of the environment and pandemics. That was then. But now, a big majority of people living outside the United States do NOT trust Trump to do the right thing in world affairs, with fewer than one-third expressing confidence in him. Surveying 32 countries, “a median of 64% say they do not have confidence in Trump to do the right thing in world affairs, while just 29% express confidence in the American leader,” according to Pew Research Center. The study finds that “antiTrump sentiments are especially common in Western Europe: Roughly three-in-four or more lack confidence in Trump in Germany, Sweden, France, Spain and the Netherlands. He also gets especially poor reviews in Mexico, where 89% do not have confidence in him.” Comparing the view and confidence of the world, in the United States and in Trump’s predecessor, Pew Research Survey revealed that “in nearly all nations where trends are avail-

PeaceMaker

based mental health promotion, and to act as first responders in emergency cases. The Philippine Council for Mental Health is tasked to develop a national multisectoral strategic plan for mental

health promotion. The mental health problems now emerging amid the COVID pandemic should give urgency to the full implementation of the Mental Health Act. (Philstar.com)

International confidence in US leadership plummets under Trump, especially during the war against the coronavirus pandemic able, Trump receives lower ratings than his predecessor, Barack Obama. As reported by the Center in 2017, international confidence in the U.S. president plummeted after Trump’s inauguration, while favorable ratings for the United States also declined.” The current medical emergency that has hit the global community just reinforced the mistrust and confidence in Trump, whose incompetence, ignorance about science, denial of facts, and selfish interests have pulled the country down with him in his quagmire. Imagine the United States is now in the same level as his Russian and Brazilian counterparts, Vladimir V. Putin and Jair Bolsonaro, both of whom, according to a report by the New York Times, have “followed what critics call a comparable path in their pandemic response that leaves all three countries in a similarly bad spot: they were dismissive at the outset of the crisis, slow to respond to scientific advice and saw a boom of domestic cases as other parts of the world, notably in Europe and Asia, were slowly managing to get their outbreaks under control.” Consequently, as the officials of the European Union are now “racing to agree on who can visit the bloc as of July 1 based on how countries of origin are faring with new coronavirus cases — Americans, so far, are exclud-

ed.” This news was based on the draft lists reviewed by The New York Times. The Times reported that the “EU is prepared to block Americans from entering because the United States has failed to control the scourge.” While the United States provides the EU nations with tourists that boost the bloc’s economy, the consideration leaned headily on what would keep the people of the bloc more protected from a resurgence of the COVID-19 infection, unless the future numbers change for the better in the future. “Countries on the E.U. draft lists have been selected as safe based on a combination of epidemiological criteria. The benchmark is the E.U. average number of new infections — over the past 14 days — per 100,000 people, which is currently 16 for the bloc. The comparable number for the United States is 107, while Brazil’s is 190 and Russia’s is 80, according to a Times database,” the report said. As the country’s highest leader, Trump is responsible for the American lives lost and for the continued upswing in the number of confirmed cases in the United States. Had he acted on warnings of the U.S.’ own intelligence agencies and the World Health Organization on the possible escalation to being a pandemic of the coronavirus instead

of calling it a “hoax” fabricated by the Democrats to kick him out of office; Had Trump not been consumed by his “economic numbers” that he needed to boast for his re-election bid and instead followed the country’s top epidemiologist Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S.’ own health officials and scientists on the need for protective gears, social distancing, and not rush to open the U.S. economy to help mitigate the spread and not overwhelm our health systems, then more lives could have been saved. But NO. Trump continues to defy science, facts, data by pushing through with his failed comeback campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he wanted a big crowd of adoring fans with no masks just to show off and energize his base. And he really thought not doing more testing will save lives because there would be no measure of confirmed cases? How stupid is this prescription! This is not like his sex scandals whereby when he pays people to be quiet, the scandal never happened! We are talking about the lives of the American people here, for God’s sake! Trump’s approval rating in the U.S. Here in the United States, President Donald Trump’s job approval rating has fallen to 39 percent, down among ALL party groups, and

especially so for his handling of issues that matter to the American people. According to the Gallup Poll conducted during the period May 28-June 4, this finding includes drops of seven percentage points among Republicans (to 85%) and independents (to 39%), and nine points among Democrats (to 5%). Moreover, Republicans’ approval of Trump is the lowest it has been since September 2018 (also 85%). On specific issues, Gallup Poll reports: Forty-seven percent of Americans approve of President Trump’s handling of the economy, a decline from 63% in January and 58% in February. Approval of Trump’s handling of the economy had not been under 50% since November 2017, when 45% approved. Americans are also increasingly critical of the president’s response to the coronavirus pandemic itself. Currently, 42% approve of the way Trump has handled the matter, down from 50% in the prior reading in late April, and 60% just after coronavirus infections spiked in many areas of the country in mid-March. Also, 41% of U.S. adults approve of the president’s handling of foreign affairs, seven points lower than the previous measure in February. The current approval rating on foreign

affairs nearly matches the 40% average approval on this issue throughout his presidency. Public anger over the Floyd killing and racial injustice more generally have proven to be a significant challenge for the president, in addition to the ongoing challenges for society and the economy arising from the coronavirus. His current level of approval would make another term as president unlikely, given the historical relationship between job approval ratings and incumbent reelection. With five months to go before Election Day, there is still time for those ratings to improve and get back near the 50% level associated with incumbent reelection in the past, but also time for them to get worse and give the president even longer odds of winning a second term. ENOUGH, AMERICA. We need to wake up. We cannot afford four more years of this madness, selfishness and disrespect to the lives of Americans in Trump’s own reality show. *** 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.

In memory of Eduardo ‘Danding’ Cojuangco:

Industrialist, political leader, sports patron, a great Filipino

Former Speaker Jose C. de Venecia, Jr. WE first met the late visionary industrialist Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco some 50 years ago in 1969, when we were both elected to the House of Representatives. We served until 1972 as our term was abruptly terminated when martial law was declared. Some of our colleagues in the pre-martial law House were Cornelio Villareal of Capiz, Jose B. Laurel Jr. of Batangas, Nicanor Yniguez of Leyte, and Ramon Mitra Jr. of Palawan, who all became speakers of the House; as well as Jose Zulueta of Iloilo and Neptali Gonzales of Rizal, who both became Senate president. Ambassador Cojuangco and we would sometimes find ourselves at different sides of the political fence but we have kept our friendship and respected each other’s political convictions.

Philstar.com photo

In 1992, when Danding ran for president, we were a close political colleague of his fellow presidential contender, then former Defense Secretary Fidel V. Ramos who is our provincemate in Pangasinan. We co-founded with Ramos, hero of the Edsa People Power Revolution, and the late Senator and Foreign Affairs Secretary Raul Manglapus the Lakas-NUCD-UMDP, now Lakas-CMD, which became Ramos’ campaign vehicle that catapulted him to Malacañang. Danding founded and served as chairman of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), which is still running strong up to this day. In 1998, when we ran for president, Danding backed another presidential aspirant, the then incumbent Vice President Joseph Estrada, who won the presidency. We landed second in the field of ten candidates.

President Estrada and we have also remained friends up to this day. When we were privileged to have served five-times as speaker of the House, the Nationalist People’s Coalition under Danding was our ally in shepherding and passing socio-economic and political reform laws, including some of our humble landmark initiatives – the Bases Conversion Law, which converted the former U.S. military bases into Filipino industrial parks and satellite cities, and the Build Operate Transfer (BOT) Law, and which was later adopted by various countries around the world. In early June of 1992, following the intense electoral battle among seven presidential candidates and our own desire to reach out to those who slugged it out with Ramos in the presidential race, we sought a meet-

ing with Danding and he warmly received us in his New Manila residence. Ramos was then leading in the national canvassing being conducted jointly by the Senate and the House of Representatives. Danding, a true cavalier and statesman, fully understood that a post-election crisis would not be good for the country and made it clear that he would do his part in avoiding possible political chaos. On our invitation, he later met with Ramos in our then Dasmarinas Village residence. In that meeting, Danding chose the path of reconciliation, solidarity and cooperation without setting any conditions. He gave paramount importance to the country’s interests, more than any other consideration. Danding’s contributions to national development have carved a wide and unique niche

Eduardo“Danding”Cojuangco Jr.

in our country’s history. The San Miguel Corporation, which he and his incomparable associate, Ramon Ang, successfully established into the largest food, beverage and industrial conglomerate in the Philippines

Photo courtesy of San Miguel Corporation

and Southeast Asia is truly a pride and honor of the Filipino people for all generations and an inspiration for Asians. Certainly, Danding Cojuangco is one of the great Filipinos of our time. n

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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Trump extends and expands proclamation ‘suspending’ immigration

Immigration Corner Atty. Michael Gurfinkel, ESQ ON June 22, 2020, President Trump issued another Executive Order (EO) or Proclamation, extending his April 22, 2020 proclamation to December 31, 2020, and expanding its scope to also include H-1B, H-2B, J-1, and L-1 non-immigrants and their derivative spouses and children from entering the U.S., as they may compete for jobs with unemployed Americans caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some highlights are: 1. The ban on entering the U.S. until December 31, 2020 applies to: a. Immigrant visa applicants (both employment- and familybased cases) as well as H-1B, H2B, J-1, and L-1 non-immigrants and their derivative spouses and children who are outside the U.S. on the effective date. Therefore, it would not affect people in the U.S. applying for adjustment of status, change, or extension of status. b. The person does not yet have an immigrant (or non-immigrant) visa that is valid on the effective date of the proclamation, meaning an immigrant or non-immigrant visa has not yet been issued in their passport. c. They do not have any other kind of official travel or entry doc-

ument, such as advance parole, boarding letter, etc. that allows them to enter the U.S. in lieu of having an immigrant or non-immigrant visa. 2. This proclamation does not apply to: a. Existing green card holders, who may be outside the U.S. on a trip or vacation b. Any alien seeking to enter the U.S. on an immigrant visa as a physician, nurse, or other healthcare professional, who will help in combating COVID-19, or recovering from COVID-19, including their immediate family c. Aliens coming to perform temporary labor or services that are essential to the U.S. food supply chain. This could mean people who will pick or harvest fruits and vegetables. d. Spouses and children of U.S. citizens and members of the Armed Forces and their families, and aliens whose entry would be in the “national interest.” The proclamation will expire December 31, 2020, and could be “continued as necessary,” meaning this ban could go on until Trump believes the U.S. unemployment situation is under control. Many of us hoped Trump’s original April 20, 2020 proclamation would expire in 60 days. But now, he’s extending it through the end of the year and including non-immigrant workers and their families. Tens of thousands of people applied for their H-1B visas on April 1, 2020, hoping to have their visas issued by October 1, 2020. That will not happen, at least until

next year, assuming Pres. Trump doesn’t further extend this ban. In addition, people who have waited years for the priority date on their employment or family-based petitions to become current, are now left in limbo if they are outside the U.S., because they cannot be issued immigrant visas under this proclamation. If you or a family member may be affected by these changes in immigration or your case is subject to this proclamation, you may want to consult with an attorney to evaluate your situation and the effects of Trump’s proclamations on your case. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and reenactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw, Twitter @GurfinkelLaw and YouTube: US Immigration TV Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

Angel inspires body positivity with latest physique By Ratziel

San Juan Philstar.com

Angel Locsin as seen in “Iba ‘Yan”

ACTRESS Angel Locsin is inadvertently sparking conversations of body positivity among Filipino netizens after pictures highlighting her curvaceous figure surfaced online. Online users argued that Angel’s proactive stance in helping out her countrymen through humanitarian projects before and during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is proof that weight and body image should not matter. Angel’s healthy, curvy figure can also be seen and admired on her new public service program “Iba ‘Yan,” which she hosts and operates alongside a dedicated team in order to feature inspiring stories of unrecognized heroes. Here’s what netizens are saying about Angel LocABS-CBN photo sin and the power of body positivity. n

CASE REVIVED AFTER NVC TERMINATES IT FOR FAILURE TO APPLY FOR VISA WITHIN ONE YEAR – FULL STORY ON CITIZEN PINOY. Khalidha (second from right) was petitioned by her mother Shami (center) in 2004. In 2011, the National Visa Center (NVC) sent a notice that Khalidha’s visa was available and gave her one year to reply. However, Khalida never received any notice, until she finally received one advising that her visa petition had been terminated, for failure to respond to the NVC within one year. The family went to two lawyers, to a U.S. senator, and to a congressman, but none were successful in reviving the case. Finally, a Filipino co-worker (and fan of Citizen Pinoy) suggested they consult with leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. After going through hundreds of pages of documents, and diligently reviewing the case history, Attorney Gurfinkel was able to convince the NVC to reopen the case and issued visas for the entire family. Watch this success story on an encore of CITIZEN PINOY on Sunday, June 28 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

celebrity world By Ferdie Villar

Legendary movie queen Susan Roces heads list of glorious July celebrity birthday celebrants SUSAN Roces, the original and legendary Queen of Philippine Movies, heads the roster of July birthday celebrants this summer. Inday Susan, as she is called by her close relatives and friends, celebrates her 79th birthday on Tuesday, July 28. Madam Roces is the widow of the late and undisputed King of Philippine Movies Fernando Poe Jr. Other birthday celebrants are: July 1: Former Miss RP-USA Rea Oblea, former beauty queen Violet Recinto, Filipina singer Vivian Arcega; July 2: Former First Lady and former Ilocos Norte Congresswoman Imelda Romualdez Mar-

Legendary Queen of Philippine Movies Susan Roces heads the list of July celebrities celebrating their birthdays in the glorious month of July. She turns 79 years old on Tuesday, July 28.

Rey Benitez Satorre, owner of Health Professionals Inc. in Daly City, celebrates his birthday on Thursday, July 23.

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June 26-July 2, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Features

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http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

Friday, June 26, 2020

OMETHING

ILIPINO

From Bukidnon to West Point: Filipino nuclear engineering graduate shares US Military Academy journey pine Military Academy in 2015 before being accepted to West Point the following year, becoming the lone Filipino member of the batch. An original member of the PMA Mabalasik Class of 2019, Peñaflor said he was looking forward to his homecoming to the Philippines. “We Filipinos are globally competitive. We’ve been sending Filipino cadets to the West Point since 1913,” he told the Asian Journal when asked about what getting in and graduating from the top military academy in the United States meant for him. U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the 1,107 Class of 2020 graduates, including Peñaflor, who gathered for the military academy’s annual commencement exercises. The graduation ceremony was The 24-year-old Peñaflor is thankful to the Fil-Am families and organizations in the tri-state a little bit surreal for him since for helping him survive his four years at West Point. there were no personal guests and the cadets were seated about a meter apart at the Plain Parade Field. They were also not allowed to bring cellphones and smartwatches for security reasons. Family and friends were not allowed to attend the event, which was broadcast online and monitored closely by his family in Bukidnon. When it was over and done with, it dawned on him how quickly it happened. “Yun na pala yun, parang rehearsal lang (That was already it, it felt like a rehearsal),” he said laughing. Peñaflor with some of his fellow cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Photos courtesy of Jesson Peñaflor He expressed a tinge of (USMA) at West Point on Saturday, June 13 with a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering. CADET Lieutenant Jesson Peñaflor, who comes from Peñaflor graduated from the the town of Kalilangan, BukidUnited States Military Academy non spent a year at the PhilipBy Momar

G. Visaya

AJPress

sadness since he had always thought of bringing his parents in for his graduation so they could see the fruit of his hard work and sacrifices. The opportunity to study at West Point came through the Foreign Service Academy program between the PMA and USMA, which counts among its alumni two presidents of the United States, Ulysses Grant and Dwight Eisenhower; NASA astronauts; and a number of Fortune 500 CEOs. Peñaflor is grateful for the chance. “I did this for my family,” the eldest of three children said, adding that his father Jose Peñaflor was an enlisted Army sergeant in the Philippines. “Honor and glory. I want to really help my family, and for the Filipino people, especially the service members and uniformed personnel, our frontliners right now.” His first assignment upon his return to the homeland will be a six-month stint at PMA. After that, he is unsure about the path he has to take yet and is planning to join either the First Scout Rangers Regiment or the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) unit of the Philippine Army. He also corrected the misconception among friends and family when they learn that he studied nuclear engineering, explaining to them that he did not study nuclear weapons or how to make bombs. “Pinag-aralan namin mostly is about the use of nuclear ener-

The new West Point graduate will go back to the Philippine Military Academy for a six-month stint before joining the Special Rangers or the CBRN unit of the Philippine Army.

gy, sa mga power plants, how to shield from nuclear radiations. We talked about weapons, but not as in-depth as power usage and energy consumption,” he revealed. The 24-year-old graduate studied mechanical engineering at Mindanao State University for three years prior to his PMA stint. At West Point, he was influenced by an upper-class student about nuclear engineering because it might have a possible future in the Philippines. Asked what the biggest lesson learned from this experience, he replied, “The biggest obstacle here is yourself. Once

you overcome yourself, not even the devil can stop you. Just push yourself hard. You can use your motivation, ako nga ang sinasabi ko sa sarili ko, nakakahiyang umuwi kung hindi ko matapos ito (I tell myself it’s going to be shameful if I don’t finish).” West Point journey Peñaflor was 20-years-old when he started as a plebe at West Point and he had to go through major adjustments and changes, from food to climate to his study environment. While he was already a stickler to punctuality, he still had to adjust. PAGE 12

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(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • June 26-July 2, 2020 eatures

Health@Heart Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS THE massive poverty in the Philippines, compounded by frequent natural calamities, causes untold tragedy to the almost 110 million Filipinos, especially to the more than 3.5 million of them who are indigent members of society. As could be expected, medical care is absent, if not scarce, in many areas of the country. The Montero Medical Missions, founded by a renowned Fil-Am surgeon and medical leader, Dr. Juan M. Montero of Chesapeake, Virginia, is a humanitarian foundation, among others, which seeks to minister to the medically underserved Filipinos in various remote towns in the Philippines. His vision includes a floating medical clinic. The concept of floating hospital first started in the New York area in October 1866 with “a series of charitable excursions, initially conducted by steamboat tycoon John Starin for the benefit of newsboys, war veterans and the needy.” Impressed with the MMM and its vision of a floating medical clinic, I conducted an interview with Dr. Montero, which follows: What is Montero Medical Missions? Montero: The Montero Medical Missions is a non-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt international faithbased (interfaith) humanitarian organization based in Chesapeake, Virginia. I initiated this long overdue project with hopes of a public-private partnership. We are dedicated to the promotion of world friendship through the universal language of the healing arts. How would you accomplish this? Montero: The plan is to create and work with a consortium of corporations, foundations, health institutions, service organizations such as Rotary, Lions clubs, churches, tourism industry, etc. MMM was created in July 2011 with a mission and vision to combine the work of medical missioners and those of Peace Corps volunteers. In spite of its limited funding, this concept has worked beautifully so far, in the service of the poor. What is MMM’s Floating Medical Clinic? Montero: The Floating Medical Clinic, a vision of MMM, is a novel healthcare delivery system best suited for archipelagic countries like the Philippines which has 7,106 islands. This project we are proposing is a 19-meter long Trimaran, fiberglass, shallow draft, with solar panels to be built at Evercat Asia boat building company in Mactan, Cebu. In November 2018, during our visit to this company arranged by my good friend Dr. Shawn Espina, a local general/trauma surgeon, we were quoted the price of 16 million pesos ($300,000). This FMC can accommodate 60 persons.

Floating Medical Clinic PG&E reminds customers to keep balloons secure during

Being shallow draft, it can land on beaches where mission work gets started, including performance of minor surgical procedures [bumps/lumps] under local anesthesia. Since it will cost more today, we plan to raise $500,000. Why a Floating Medical Clinic? Montero: We are embarking into this venture for two main reasons. Firstly, to serve the many far-flung coastal communities in their health care needs and create sustainable projects such as Eyesight 20/20, Prosthesis, Dental Care, Women’s Heath, Diabetes Screening, Feed and Educate the Children. Secondly, in times of calamities, i.e. typhoons, earthquakes, etc. these same communities can readily get assistance with needed medical care and supplies. Many of my contemporaries, expatriate health professionals whom I call a vanishing breed, are always wanting to help the homeland together with their counterpart fellow countrymen and colleagues, and this vehicle surely can be an answer because of its affordability and flexibility, let alone it would be fun. What would this FMC do for the people? Montero: The Floating Medical Clinic will give them hope for a more convenient and improved answer to their health care needs. The seamstress who has abandoned sewing for losing clear vision can now return to her job right after being examined by an optometrist and fitted with a correct prescription eyeglasses. The leg amputee with new prosthesis becomes productive again. This is bringing medical care to their doorstep. Most of these people do not have cars. Who would be the beneficiaries of the FMC? Montero: The occurrence of an average 22 typhoons yearly in the Philippines is more than enough reason to have such a novel project and be a leader in this aspect of healthcare delivery wherever it is needed. Besides post-natural disasters, those less fortunate folks in far-flung coastal communities who seldom, if any, get medical attention would benefit from this program. The country’s dream of a universal healthcare will be enhanced by this unique FMC safety net. How will the FMC actually function? Montero: Dr. Espina is the head of a group of multi-specialist group of physicians in Cebu, many of whom are veteran medical missioners. He and his colleagues could use this clinic on water, and oversee the operation of the FMC through a calendar of medical service events year round. When not in use for medical or relief mission purposes, the FMC can accommodate tourists for whale-shark sightseeing, scuba diving adventures, etc., to add to the revenue. For strategic reason, the docking headquarter will be in Liloan, Cebu. Who would finance the operation of the FMC?

Montero: The Montero Medical Missions is currently in the process of communication for potential partnership with the PH Merchant Marine Academy, PH Coast Guard Auxiliary and School for Seafarers. Once established, it will definitely lower down the cost of operation, which initially should come from our major fundraising efforts both in the U.S. and PH, then eventual creation of an Endowment Fund for its sustainability. When MMM sponsors an FMC medical mission, we get supplies/equipment from the World Medical Relief warehouse in Metro Manila thru the kindness of its Executive Director, Dr. David Zarate, who also sits on MMM Philippines Advisory Board. Any other partnership in the offing? Montero: I am communicating with my personal friends, like Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Rev. Pat Robertson and son Gordon of 700 Club, Investment banker Steve Cuunjieng, Mr. Andy Koval of Tacha Foundation and others for potential partnership, like the various medical associations in the Philippines and in the U.S. The naming rights of this novel healthcare delivery system would be in play if requested. The Filipino United Network-USA (www. fun8888.com), a United States humanitarian foundation, is endorsing the MMM and its Floating Medical Clinic. What is your timetable for the FMC? Montero: The major determinant for this is our success in our fundraising. It will take eight months to finish the construction of the Floating Medical Clinic. We are approaching potential major gift donors both in the U.S. and in the Philippines. We will utilize social media to the maximum in its promotion, i.e. email, constant contact, website campaign, Facebook, Twitter, PowerPoint presentations, teleconferences, etc. This novel humanitarian project will provide doorstep delivery of medical care to the poorest of the poor. I am most optimistic in this venture because failure is not an option in serving our country and our suffering fellowmen. How do people contact MMM? Montero: Google Montero Medical Missions, view it on YouTube, and see it on Facebook and Twitter, for more information. Email us at AceDocJmm@ aol.com. Let us all roll up our sleeves, support, and rally behind this wonderful humanitarian endeavor in the service of our helpless underserved fellowmen in pain and not wait for surgery to open our heart! * * * Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United NetworkUSA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: philipSchua. com and FUN8888.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.

From Bukidnon to West Point: Filipino nuclear...

PAGE 9 “Iba ang punctuality ng US Army, lalo nasanay ako sa Filipino time,” he told the Asian Journal, laughing. “Dito, pag sinabi nilang alas singko may formation, dapat five minutes before nandun ka na. If you are on time, you are late,” he shared. (U.S. Army punctuality is different, specially since I was accustomed to Filipino time. Here, if they say there is a formation at 5:00, you should be there five minutes before 5:00.) “I was one of the first plebes in my class na nag-walk ng punishing hours, kasi na late ako ng 30 seconds,” he revealed. Punishment tours, or “hours” as the cadets call them, are punishments given to cadets where they walk a specified number of hours as a penalty for their infractions, from being late to class or having a dirty room. There was also a dearth of Filipino food in the area, which is why he is thankful to the “foster families” that brought them food. It was one of the first major adjustments he made. “Pagkain, walang kanin, walang Filipino food. Malaking adjustment yun (Food, no rice, no Filipino food. That was a big adjustment),” he admitted. He expressed gratitude for the foster families from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut that helped them, along with Fil-Am organizations such as FALCONN and PMA Alumni Association Northeast Group. The families would also bring him to gatherings, including picnics and gala events. “They were my home away from home. Wala kaming pamilya dito kaya sila yung naging family namin dito for four years (We had no family here so they became my family for four years),” he said. “Sila yung source ng Filipino food namin, malaki yung role nila that’s why

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Peñaflor with some of his West Point classmates.

I survived West Point (They became our source of Filipino food, they played a big role that’s why I survived West Point).” Long-term plans Studying at West Point gave Peñaflor a different perspective and he hopes to be able to use that in the future. He has set lofty goals for himself. “I want to have a star, I want to reach General position if possible. But if I can be president [some day], why not, di ba? It’s not out of the table. Pero as of now, gusto ko lang mag-serve,” he said, mentioning the name of former President Fidel V. Ramos, one of the most famous West Point graduates from the Philippines. Peñaflor now joins the ranks of West Point alumni from the Philippines, including Vicente Podico Lim, the first Filipino graduate of West Point, Brigadier General Danilo Lim, and former Defense Secretary Gen. Rafael Ileto. He said he observed many things that if applied to the Philippine setting, the system in the

Photo courtesy of Jesson Peñaflor

Armed Forces would improve. Among those he cited is the empowerment of enlisted personnel. “Here, they are the backbone of the U.S. Army. Maybe giving more influence and responsibilities to non-commissioned officers (NCOs) would strengthen the military. And if they want to study, they can enlist. Para maattract yung mga youth natin na hindi makapagaral (So they can attract the youth who can’t afford to go to school),” Peñaflor shared. The new graduate has promised himself to work hard and make his way up if he wants to implement these changes. For now, it’s one step at a time as he looks forward to his homecoming. “Hopefully, I can also be an inspiration to the youth, lalo na yung mga nag-a-aspire to serve the country through the military (Hopefully, I can also be an inspiration to the youth, specially those who are aspiring to serve the country through the military),” he quipped.

shelter-at-home birthday, graduation celebrations

Power outages from wayward balloons can put the damper on physically distanced, drive-by graduations SAN FRANCISCO – With the advent of shelter-at-home celebrations, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) reminds its customers to celebrate responsibly if their birthday drivebys or social-distancing graduation ceremonies include metallic balloons. Metallic balloons have a silvery coating, which conducts electricity. If the balloons make contact with power lines, they can short transformers, melt electric wires and cause power outages, all of which pose public safety risks. “Between remote work, Zoom calls, home schooling and frequent handwashing, the last thing customers need are rogue balloons causing power outages. Graduation season is upon us, and PG&E is asking customers celebrating with metallic balloons to ensure they’re secured with a weight that prevents them from floating away and hitting a power line,” said Walt Posey, PG&E’s director of Electric Operations Safety. During the first four months of 2020, metallic balloons striking electric lines caused 94 power outages in PG&E’s service area alone, disrupting electric service to more than 44,000 homes and businesses. During the recent Mother’s Day weekend, for in-

stance, a wayward balloon took 3,500 customers out of power in Vallejo for more than an hour. Another Mother’s Day outage in Pleasant Hill knocked out power to 4,700 customers. That’s a lot of sad moms. As customers look for creative ways to celebrate milestones during the pandemic, metallic balloons are becoming increasing prevalent during drive-by parades and other social distancing get-togethers. Here’s a sobering example of what can happen when metallic balloons become loose and hit utility power lines: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=_jzefJfBbNA. In order to significantly reduce the number of balloon-caused outages and to help ensure that everyone can safely enjoy graduations, Father’s Day and other shelter-at-home celebrations, PG&E reminds customers to follow these important safety tips for metallic balloons: • “Look Up and Live!” Use caution and avoid celebrating with metallic balloons near overhead electric lines. • Make sure helium-filled metallic balloons are securely tied to a weight that is heavy enough to prevent them from floating away. Never remove the weight.

• When possible, keep metallic balloons indoors. Never permit metallic balloons to be released outside, for everyone’s safety. • Do not bundle metallic balloons together. • Never attempt to retrieve any type of balloon, kite, drone or toy that becomes caught in a power line. Leave it alone, and immediately call PG&E at 1-800-7435000 to report the problem. • Never go near a power line that has fallen to the ground or is dangling in the air. Always assume downed electric lines are energized and extremely dangerous. Stay far away, keep others away and immediately call 911 to alert the police and fire departments. Other tips can be found at pge.com/beprepared. Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www. pge.com/ and www.pge.com/en/ about/newsroom/index.page. (Advertising Supplement)

GRADUATE. Kylee Ocampo Chiva, daughter of Ryan and Mimi Chiva, gradated from Woodrow Wilson in Daly City. She was awarded for Safety Patrol of the Year and was a recipient of the Future Empowerment Scholarship Award. Ky l e e w a s a l s o student of the month of her alma mater in May and June.

Legendary movie queen Susan Roces heads...

PAGE 8 cos, movie actress Vilma Valera, former Mutya ng Mindanao Vicky San Diego Rufino; July 3: Duggan’s Serra Mortuary Special Assistant to the President Teresa Proano; July 4: ABS-CBN Auditing Head Millet Santos Mortiz, Filipina singer Pam Serrano; July 6: Former Vice President and TV Patrol host Noli de Castro, Asian Journal office manager Greg Michael Nitro, the late movie actress Liberty Ilagan; July 7: Former Miss Universe 4th runner-up Venus Raj; July 8: San Jose religious leader Maria Cruz Back; July 11: San Jose fashionable lady Susan Pacifico, Dr. Jun Sison; July 12: Former banker Gualbert Picache who now resides in Danville, CA; July 13: Ma Mon Luk Noodle House owner Tonette Wong Arce; July 14: Regal Films president Roselle Monteverde Teo; July 15: Broadcast journalist and former Channel 2 TV host Julius Babao, former Miss RP-USA Theresa Burch; July 16: Well-loved Filipina nurse Rachel Forneas Satorre, former Miss International and fashion model Melanie Marquez; July 18: Asian Journal Publications publisher and Chairman of the Board Roger Lagmay Oriel; July 19: Oracle Development Manager Walter Back, Star Cinema actor Diether Ocampo; July 20: French-Filipina actress Solenn Heussaff of GMA Pinoy TV, celebrity couple Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto, Star Cinema actor and dancer/TV host Rayver Cruz; July 22: Filipina ballerina Nickie Munoz Roco; July 23: Star Cinema actor Zanjoe Marudo, Health Professionals Inc. owner Rey Benitez Satorre, actress-TV host Eugene Domingo of Kapuso Channel 7; July 25: Philippine Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo; July 28: Dr. Celso Espiritu, Founder/Executive Vice President of Carousel Productions (which runs the Miss Earth Beauty Pageant) Lorraine Schuck, movie actress Sunshine Cruz; July 29: Senator Cynthia Aguilar Villar, Asian Journal Northern CA bureau chief Joseph Peralta; July 30: Handsome actor Troy Montero, Philippine Airlines former sales manager Herminie R. Lavarias, actor/rapper Andrew E; July 31: ABS-CBN movie/television reporter Mario Dumawal, movie/entertainmnent writer and artist manager Ethel Ramos. To all July birthday celebrants, Many Happy Returns of the Day!

Imelda Romualdez Marcos, former First Lady and former congresswoman of Ilocos Norte, celebrates her birthday on Tuesday, July 2.

Troy Montero, handsome and debonair actor in the Philippine movie industry, celebrates his birthday on Thursday, July 30.

Sarah Geronimo, known as the Pop Princess in the Philippine entertainment world, celebrates her birthday on Saturday, July 25.

Teresa Proano, Duggan’s Serra Mortuary Special Assistant to President Dan Duggan, will celebrate her birthday on Friday, July 3.

Rachel Forneas Satorre, a well-loved nurse in the Filipino community, celebrates her birthday on Thursday, July 16.

Susan Pacifico, San Jose fashionable lady, celebrates her birthday on Saturday, July 11.

Solenn Heussaff, a French-Filipina actress of GMA Pinoy TV, celebrates her birthday on Monday, July 20.

Herminia Lavarias, former sales manager of Philippine Airlines in San Francisco, celebrates her birthday on Thursday, July 30.

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Features

June 26-July 2, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

Mayor Breed launches second summer Applications open for Bayanihan COVID-19 Relief Fund of San Francisco Museums For All Initiative to include free online and digital resources through ‘Museums from Home’ in addition to free or reduced admission to local museums and cultural institutions for San Francisco residents who receive public benefits

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor London N. Breed on Wednesday, June 24 announced the second summer of the “San Francisco Museums For All” initiative, which will build upon last year’s program to provide free or reduced admissions to local museums and cultural institutions for low-income San Franciscans who receive public benefits, including Medi-Cal and CalFresh. The City’s reopening plan and timeline was updated on Monday, June 22 to allow for indoor museum programming to begin as early as June 29. As some indoor museums reopen with modifications, the San Francisco Museums For All program will work with museum partners to provide free or reduced admission to museums and cultural institutions for San Franciscans that receive public benefits through the summer. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many local museums and cultural institutions have shifted to online or digital programming. As such, the program is also being updated to include “San Francisco Museums From Home,” a catalog of resources that provide free online access for members of the public to exhibits, activities, and interactive programs at over a dozen local museums and cultural institutions. “As San Francisco works to safely reopen and help people get back to work, I am excited that many of our local museums will continue to open their doors to all San Franciscans, regardless of their income, so everyone has the opportunity to access our City’s world-class arts and cultural institutions,” said Mayor Breed. “As families continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus, expanding this initiative to include free online programming will help connect even more families and children to the arts.” Nearly one in four San Franciscans receive public benefits from the San Francisco Human Services Agency (HSA). With thousands more San Franciscans applying for public benefits through HSA in the time since Mayor Breed declared a local emergency due to coronavirus, and nearly one in five San Franciscans experiencing unemployment, the number of

EMPLOYMENT

families eligible for San Francisco Museums For All is expected to increase dramatically. Admission fees at many museums and cultural institutions can range from $20 to $150 for a family of four to visit, creating a barrier for many people to access the cultural and educational benefits that these institutions offer. The San Francisco Museums For All program aims to break down that barrier to open doors of opportunity for families, especially low-income families, to experience arts and cultural education programming. In its first summer, more than 25,000 San Franciscans participated in Museums For All program, visiting museums and cultural institutions including SF MoMA, the California Academy of Sciences, the de Young Museum, and nearly a dozen others. A full list of last year’s participating museums and cultural institutions is below. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while indoor museum programs are able to reopen as soon as June 29, residents are strongly encouraged to visit the museums’ websites or contact museums directly for more details on each institution’s reopening plan. “We are joined in a common experience as residents of a great city when we visit San Francisco’s history and science and art museums,” said Trent Rhorer, Executive Director of the San Francisco Human Services Agency. “I’m proud that at this moment, when so many are experiencing setbacks, the city’s cultural institutions are sustaining their commitment to a common goal of inclusion.” The San Francisco Museums For All program was created in collaboration with Treasurer José Cisneros’s Financial Justice Project, which works to ensure that lower-income residents receive discounts on fines and fees that place a disproportionate burden on low-income families, and to streamline eligibility processes for these discounts. It was also created in collaboration with San Francisco Grants for the Arts and the San Francisco Arts Commission. “No one should be excluded from the rich cultural life our city because of the size of their wallet,” said Treasurer Jose Cisneros. “San Francisco Museums For All en-

sures our cultural institutions are open and accessible to everyone.” “I greatly appreciate the museums joining us in this effort,” said Matthew Goudeau, Director of Grants for the Arts. “It’s been a challenging time for most of these institutions, yet they have stepped up in significant ways to partner with the City to expand access to their spaces, whether in-person or virtual. Together, we will continue to remove barriers that prevent all people, regardless of income, from enjoying the best of San Francisco’s cultural offerings.” “The Arts Commission is excited to support San Francisco Museums For All in its second year, ensuring all San Franciscans have access to diverse cultural experiences, and the transformative power of art,” said Rebekah Krell, Acting Director of Cultural Affairs for the San Francisco Arts Commission. When museums that participate in San Francisco Museums For All reopen, residents who currently receive Medi-Cal or CalFresh benefits from HSA can receive free or reduced admission at participating museums for up to four individuals when they present their Electronic Benefits Transfer or Medi-Cal card and proof of San Francisco residency. Participating cultural institutions include Asian Art Museum, Cable Car Museum, California Academy of Sciences, Cartoon Art Museum, Children’s Creativity Museum, Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, Chinese Historical Society of America, Conservatory of Flowers, de Young Museum, Exploratorium, GLBT Historical Society Museum, Legion of Honor Museum, Museum of Craft and Design, Museum of the African Diaspora, Randall Museum, San Francisco Botanical Garden, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), San Francisco Railway Museum, SF Recreation & Parks Japanese Tea Garden, The Contemporary Jewish Museum, The Presidio and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. More information can be found at the San Francisco Museums For All website (https://www.sfhsa. org/san-francisco-museums-all), by calling 311 or emailing sfmuseumsforall@sfgov.org.

EMPLOYMENT

SERVICES

IN partnership with community groups, organizations and foundations, as well as more than sixty individual donors, Filipino Advocates for Justice has raised awareness and funds for the Bayanihan COVID-19 Relief Fund. The power of community members coming together to organize in a crisis has led to more than $175,000 raised funds, surpassing the original goal of $150,000 set in April. The Relief Fund was created to provide direct cash assistance to current and former FAJ members and program participants, with priority given to eligible seniors, caregivers and other residents in Alameda and Contra Costa counties who are most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the community partners and donors to the relief fund include AECOM Asian Pacific Fund, Avila and Associates, Alisa Delos Reyes, James and Gretchen Sandler Foundation, National Domestic Worker Alliance, Cora

Tellez, Alameda County District 2 Supervisor Richard Valle, Asian Health Services, Union Bank Foundation, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, APALA–Alameda Chapter, CA Domestic Worker Coalition’s ‘Rapid Relief Funds for Dignity, Healthy and Safety’, East Bay Community Foundation’s ‘COVID-19 – A Just East Bay Response Fund’, The Morrison & Foerster Foundation, and Sama Sama Cooperative (Sayawan Event). In the first round, which closed in early May, FAJ received more than 250 applications to the fund. More than 200 individuals and families were awarded $500 in direct cash assistance, totaling over $110,000 in disbursements to community members so far. In the last few weeks, the FAJ has been in contact with hundreds of community members. The recipients’ gratitude in response has been tremendous and heartfelt, leading to many re-engaging with FAJ’s programs and

campaigns. Virtual meetings and spaces have been added to existing programs and services. The Kapwa Ko Wellness group on Facebook has been created to provide mental health and wellness services for Kapwa Ko and other Tagalog-speaking members. The TAYO (transitional age youth to 25) group has also created its own Instagram handle (@FAJ_Tayo) for its growing base which also runs the Queer Collective monthly meetings. Please connect with the FAJ on social media to engage deeper on campaigns for worker and tenant protections, voter education and mobilization and immigrant rights and racial and economic justice campaigns. Applications for a second round of disbursements will be available from July 1 to July 10 to disburse the remaining funds. For those who wish to get more information or apply, send an email to info@filipinos4justice. org.

Tarzana native serves aboard USS Porter By Petty

Officer 3rd Class Justin Whitley

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain – A 2014 Raseda High School graduate and Tarzana, California native is currently serving aboard the Arleigh Burkeclass destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) Petty Officer 3rd Class Neil Vallejo is an information systems technician aboard the destroyer. As an information systems technician, Vallejo helps maintain the ship’s computer network, set up, maintain, and monitor all radio frequency communications that cover multiple frequency ranges to ensure services such as voice, data, or IP services are available while at sea. “My favorite part of the job is that everyone knows each other and we have all each other’s back when it comes down to hectic situations, the camaraderie we have with one another, the friendships and family members that are built will last a life time,” said Vallejo. According to Navy officials, maintaining maritime superiority is a vital part of a Navy that is present today and prepared for tomorrow. The impact affects Americans and their interests around the world, as more than 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water and 90 percent of all trade travels by sea. The foundation of the Navy the nation needs includes a focus on warfighting, warfighters and the future of the fighting force. “The Navy has taught me to live on my own and learn responsibilities. How to work as a team to get things done as well as fight-on during tough situations,” said Vallejo. As a member of the U.S. Navy, Vallejo, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations

Petty Officer 3rd Class Neil Vallejo

of sailors who will follow. “I joined the Navy to serve my country, explore new ports, and meet new amazing people,” said Vallejo. “Serving in the Navy means that I am protecting my family, friends, and loved ones back home. That I serve my country proudly with honor, courage, and commitment.” (From Navy Office of Community Outreach)

SERVICES

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • June 26-July 2, 2020

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June 26-July 2, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160