5.2.24-5.8.24

CHINA ATTACKS PHL SHIPS AGAIN, CHIDED BY US, EU, UK

Experts predict ‘armed conflict’ next as Beijing readies 3rd carrier

By ALFRED GABOT, Editor in Chief

MANILA – As China beefs up its defense budget and military and readies a new aircraft carrier in what analysts claim as preparation for possible war, China Coast Guard ships attacked Philippine vessels again in West Philippine Sea with water cannons destroying parts of one of two vessels.

Docu links Marcos to drugs, is disputed; Senate probes

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

MANILA -- Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) documents linking President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to illegal drugs which were leaked to media is being investigated by the Senate.

Besides the president, the documents also named actress Maricel Soriano as being involved in the illegal drug trade.

While the source of the leak has not yet been determined, former PDEA investigation agent Jonathan Morales admitted

By Gilda P. Balan, Correspondent

NEW YORK -- Asian hate crimes have gone down in New York, the Philippine consulate said last week.

“Hate crimes” in general still occur but those targeting Asian immigrants have not only gone down, they are “not happening”

anymore, Philippine Consul General in New York Senen Mangalile was quoted as saying in a Philippine News Agency (PNA) story written by Joyce Anne Rocamora.

Mangalile’s claim should be taken with a grain of salt,

by Cherie M. Querol Moreno

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - Last year Asian American Recovery Services – Healthright 360 Program Director Junior Flores and his team relocated from its offices for 22 years on busy Mission Street in Daly City, accessible to walk-ins, to the Mission Road building further south that had housed the AARS administration from 2007 till 2013.

“There were a lot of transitions and it was an opportunity for me with the staff that  Page 10

Cavite solon passes away in California

PHL swelters in dangerous heat wave

QUEZON CITY — The government’s weather bureau has warned of possibly even hotter weather this May despite “weakening” of the El Niño phenomenon.

This as several areas, including Metro Manila, are sweltering in dangerous heat levels as high as 53 degrees heat index in Zambales, forcing suspension of face to face classes, dwindling power supply due to massive of electricity, among others.

There were some reports of deaths due to the sweltering heat but none so far has been confirmed.

At least 35 areas across the country are expected to experience danger level heat indices at press time, the weather bureau warned.

The highest is at 48°C in Pili, Camarines Sur while a 47°C heat index is ex-

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda

pected over Dagupan City, Pangasinan, and 46°C in Aparri, Cagayan.

Heat index is the apparent temperature felt by the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) pegged heat indices from 41 °C to 51°C under the danger level category.

Heat indices of 42°C to 45°C are likely in Quezon City, Pasay City, Laoag City, Batac City, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Echague, Isabela; Subic and Iba, Zambales, Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; Baler, Aurora; Coron, and Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; San Jose, Oriental Mindoro; Daet, Camarines Norte; Legazpi, Albay; Mas-

bate City, Masbate; Roxas City Capiz; Iloilo City, Iloilo; Catbalogan, Samar; Tacloban City, Leyte.

PAGASA Weather Specialist John Manalo said in a televised briefing that based on previous data, hottest temperatures in the country are usually recorded in May.

“Kung ico-compare natin iyong El Niño years, kasi isa sa nagti-trigger nitong matataas na heat index na ito ay iyong El Niño natin, although weakening na siya ngayon pero nagpe-persist pa rin po ang effect niya,” Manalo explained.

“Usually during May po talaga may pinakamatataas na temperature and heat index na nao-observe,” he added.

El Niño’s impact is also worse this year than in the previous years, Manalo said.

PAGASA on Saturday recorded the highest heat index in the country’s history in Iba, Zambales with 53 degrees Celsius, which is considered under “extreme danger” category.

New Affordable Homes for Sale in Mission Bay

148 Below Market Rate Condominium for middle-income, first-time homebuyers. One-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom homes priced from $260,000 - $501,000 without parking will be available. Applicants must be a first-time homebuyer and earn no more than the income levels listed below:

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Two People $126,850

Three People $142,650

Four People $158,500

Five People $171,200

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Marcos, party gird for 2025 polls

CONSOLIDATING FORCES. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (le�) leads the oathtaking of new members of the Par�do Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) in Pasay City

PASAY CITY – This early, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is gearing up for the 2025 elections.

This as his political party, the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), is starting to “consolidate forces” in preparation for the 2025 midterm elections.

Speaking at the oath-taking of new members of the PFP in Pasay City, Marcos said that as chair of his party, he is already meeting with other key national parties to forge alliances for the elections.

“In my capacity as the head of the party, I’ve been talking to all of the other different parties and say, ‘Ano bang plano? (What is our plan?) What can we do? Are we working together? Are we not? Are you in the opposition? Or are you with the majority?’” he said.

Marcos, currently the PFP chair, said he wants PFP to prepare as early as now to allow them to properly plan their steps, from

the filing of candidacy in October up to the official election season next year.

October is the start of filing of the certificates of candidacy for those running in the May 2025 midterm elections.

“Today, we are witnesses to the beginning of that process. The beginning of that process wherein all of us are starting to consolidate our forces, our political forces, so that we can prepare ourselves properly for the next election,” he said.

About 33 political figures, including 11 governors and 14 vice governors, took their oath before Marcos as new members of the PFP.

PFP National President, South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., meanwhile, said they are currently in talks with three other national parties for possible alliances and coalition ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.

“Meron na tayong tatlong national party, meron for alliance at merong for coalition. ‘Yung isa sa tinitignan namin ngayon ay yung isang national party na magme-merge talaga sa Partido Federal ng Pilipinas. Kapag sinabi mong merge, talagang pag-iisahin na (We are now in talks with three other national parties to establish alliances and coalition. One of the parties that we are in talks with is a national party that will merge with the Federal Party of the Philippines. When you say merge, it means to be merged as one),” Tamayo told reporters in an interview on the sidelines of the oath-taking event.

He, however, did not identify the parties.

When asked if it includes the political party of Vice President Sara Duterte, Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), Tamayo answered in the negative.

However, he noted that PFP remains open to partnering with HNP again.

Marcos and Duterte ran and won convincingly in the 2022 presidential elections behind the coalition that includes PFP and HNP.

Sandiganbayan finds ex-QC councilor guilty of graft

QUEZON CITY - The Sandiganbayan has found former Quezon City councilor Dante de Guzman guilty of four counts of graft in connection with illegal purchases of P7.98 million worth of raincoats, tents, and sports supplies from 2008 to 2009.

In a 104-page decision, the Sandiganbayan sentenced de Guzman to six to eight years of jail time for each of his graft convictions, on top of the penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office and civil liability of at least P6.4 million payable to the Quezon City government.

The anti-graft court said the purchases were received by de Guzman’s office but were never distributed to intended beneficiaries because the area coordinators stated in the distribution list were not the area coordinators at that time as testified by prosecution witnesses Rebecca Pacunla and Edward Gallardo.

Pacunla and Gallardo also told the anti-graft court that they did not receive such supplies.

The Sandigabayan cited that the documents related to the purchase were falsified, and the signatures in them were forged.

“The names of the area coordinators in the distribution list for the tents, the distribution list for the kiddie raincoats and rainboots, and the distribution list for the food supplies, are the same, but the signatures above the names for each distribution list are different, indicating that someone just wrote signatures above the names to make it appear that the area coordinators received the pertinent items,” the Sandiganbayan said.

“The previously-mentioned distribution lists appear to have been prepared and falsified to conceal the non-distribution of the subject items,” the court

added.

As a result, the Sandiganbayan said the Quezon City government suffered an undue injury in the amount of P6,411,261.01, representing the amounts paid by the Quezon City government for the subject items which could no longer be located or accounted for “because of accused de Guzman’s negligence.”

De Guzman, however, was acquitted of four counts of falsification of public documents and four counts of malversation of public property due to the failure of the prosecution to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt

Court administrator seeks transfer of Quiboloy cases to Metro Manila, gun licenses revoked

MANILA – The Offi ce of the Court Administrator (OCA) has recommended to the Supreme Court (SC) the approval of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) request to transfer the child abuse case against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy from a court in Davao City to Metro Manila.

Court Administrator Raul Villanueva, however, declined to disclose where the case against Quiboloy was suggested to be transferred.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) revoked the fi rearms registration and license to own and possess fi rearms (LTOPF) of fugitive Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy. The standard and requisites for issuance of and obtaining LTOPF stipulate

Docu...

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to the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs this week that he was the signatory of the document.

Morales, who now heads anti-drug advocate Laban ng Pamilyang Pilipino, also insisted that the contents were accurate.

Morales said the documents currently circulating on social media showing Marcos as among the targets of an anti-drug operation in 2012 was legitimate, stressing that he was the one who processed it.

that “the applicant has not been convicted or is currently an accused in a pending criminal case before any court of law for a crime that is punishable with a penalty of more than two years.”

Legal disability for gun ownership also includes “pendency of a criminal case with imposable penalty of two years.”

“Wherefore, foregoing considered, the LTOPF and fi rearms registration of Apollo Carreon Quiboloy are hereby revoked,” the resolution states, as read by PNP spokesperson Col Jean Fajardo said.

“Further, next of kin, nearest relative or legal representative of Apollo C. Quiboloy or any other person is directed to deliver the same and the fi rearms shall be confi scated for proper disposi-

“Ako ho ‘yung imbestigador na humarap doon sa confidential informant at ‘yung confidential informant na yun kinunan ko ng statement kasi ‘yung kanyang mga ipinakikitang litrato masyado mabigat ‘yung mga involve, merong artista, merong politician, merong civilian,” he said, adding that Marcos was one of the persons in the photos showed by the informant.

He said the information relayed to them by the informant led to the issuance of Authority to Operate and a Pre-Opera-

tion.”

Fajardo said the revocation of the permits is based on Section 4G of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Fajardo said the camp of Quiboloy has been given six months to surrender the fi rearms to the PNP, after which those not surrendered will be considered loose weapons and will be subject to police confi scation.

She warned that anybody found in possession of the subject fi rearms after the deadline will face illegal possession charges.

Quiboloy is facing sexual and child abuse charges in Davao City while a non-bailable qualifi ed human traffi cking case was lodged against him in Pa-

tion Report in March 2012.

In the same hearing, PDEA Director General Moro Virgilio Lazo maintained that there were no such documents as claimed by Morales on the PDEA Plans and Operations Reports Management Information System or Pormis.

“There are no such documents, your honor... Siguradong-sigurado po kami. Walang dokumento na ganyan,” he said.

Eight other PDEA agents who were former colleagues of Morales supported Lazo’s statement that no such document was ever made, and there was no interview of an informant based on Morales’ testimony.

The Senate committee headed by Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa took issue with a vlogger named Maharlika who addressed the former PNP chief directly in her vlog by saying the probe should focus on President Marcos, whom she referred to as ‘bangag,’ or high on drugs.

The president’s alleged drug use is not new, but it has again come to the fore when former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez said during several fora that Mr. Marcos should “undergo a credible hair follicle drug test.”

The president has said on multiple occasions that he would not dignify the rumors on his alleged illegal drug use.

Rodriguez said, “That’s not dignifying, it’s heeding the call and clamor of the Filipino people.”

He added that “if you have nothing to hide, it’s simple. Just undergo a credible

sig City.

The KOJC leader was also indicted in the United States in November 2021 for conspiracy to engage in sex traffi cking by force, fraud and coercion, and sex traffi cking of children, and is currently on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s wanted list.“

Quiboloy is facing sexual and child abuse charges in Davao City, while a non-bailable qualifi ed human traffi cking case was lodged against him in Pasig City.

DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano earlier said the department is seeking a transfer of the Davao cases against the controversial pastor to a Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC), instead of the Pasig City court due to concerns over the latter court’s caseload.

hair follicle drug test.”

Former president Rodrigo Duterte has also called Mr. Marcos ‘bangag’ on multiple occasions, but has also somewhat retracted his statements by saying the drugs the president was using were legal, and for various ailments.

Duterte has also dared Mr. Marcos for both of them to undergo a drug test in public.

Instead of a hair follicle test, the former president said he and Mr. Marcos should take a blood test to be conducted by an independent doctor.

Speaking in the vernacular, Duterte recently said, “I dare him (Marcos) to have his blood tested in Luneta Park by an independent entity or doctor. I will do the same.”

The PDEA had cleared the president of alleged drug links, but this was after he had assumed office.

The PDEA report saying Mr. Marcos was a user of illegal drugs was made during the Duterte administration.

It can be noted that during his administration, then president Duterte had admitted to being a regular user of Fentanyl, a potent pain killer which is listed as an illegal drug.

But the former president said he was taking the drug “on doctor’s orders” due to the various motorcycle accidents he suffered in the past.

And until legitimate drug tests are taken by the concerned parties, the cloud of ‘bangag’ will continue to hang over them.

131 LGUs under state of calamity due to El Niño

SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro –Some 131 local government units (LGU) have declared a state of calamity as the country continues to grapple with the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

Task Force El Niño spokesperson and Presidential Communications Office Assistant Secretary Joey Villarama said the LGUs currently under a state of calamity include Occidental Mindoro, Antique, Sultan Kudarat, Basilan, Maguindanao

del Sur, Maguindanao Del Norte, and South Cotabato.

“Kalat kalat po iyan sa buong Pilipinas (These LGUs are all over the country),” he said.

Citing data from the Department of Agriculture, Villarama said El Niño has so far caused P4.39 billion worth of damage to 77,731 hectares of agricultural lands.

But he said the effects of El Niño this year, in terms of agricultural damage, is still lower compared to the worst El Niño year in history in 1997, wherein 667,000 hectares of land were damaged.

“So if you compare it 77,000, maliit pa po dahil po sa measures na ipinatupad po ng gobyerno before the onset of El Niño (it is still lower because of the mitigation measures of the government before the onset of El Niño),” Villarama said.

Bong Pineda, scion transfer voters registration in San Fernando

mayorship of San Fernando, Pampanga’s capital.

So, it seems, according to political observers here.

This as businessman Rodolfo “Bong” Pineda and his daughter, Board Member Mylyn Pineda Cayabyab, who was a former mayor of Lubao, filed their transfer of voters registration in the City of San Fernando.

The younger Pineda was also accompanied by her husband Archen Cayabyab who also filed his voter registration in the City of San Fernando.

Paano Ginagastos ang Iyong Dolyar na Buwis ng Transit? Mayroon Kaming mga Sagot!

Iniimbitahan ka ng Citizen’s Watchdog Committee (CWC) na magbigay ng iyong opinyon sa 2000 Measure A expenditures, kasama na ang mga resulta ng taunang compliance audit para sa Fiscal Year (FY) 2023.

Sumali sa amin sa taunang pampublikong pagdinig:

Miyerkules, Mayo 8, 2024 sa ika-5:30 p.m. (tiyak na oras)

In Person: VTA Headquarters, 3331 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95134 – Conference Room B-106

Sa Zoom: us02web.zoom.us/j/86546319855

Webinar ID: 865 4631 9855

Makipag-ugnayan sa Opisina ng Lupon ng Kalihim para sa mga tanong: Magbibigay ng mga serbisyo sa wikang pasensyas at interpreter kapag hiniling nang hindi bababa sa limang araw bago ang pagpupulong. Tatanggapin ang mga nakasulat na komento hanggang 10:00 a.m. Mayo 8 sa pamamagitan ng email.

in San Fernando, the provincial capital.

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Is the powerful political Pineda clan eyeing the

In a short interview with SunStar’s Ian Ocampo Flora, the elder Pineda said he “hopes for better future for San Fernando.”

Increased gas flux observed in Kanlaon Volcano

BACOLOD CITY – An increase in the sulfur dioxide (S02) emission reaching 2,707 tons has been observed in Kanlaon Volcano, one of the country’s active volcanoes, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

The volcano has been emitting an average of 1,300 tons per day this year, while a high average of 3,098 tons was recorded last January 19.

In an advisory, Phivolcs noted that although Kanlaon’s volcanic earthquake activity has remained at a baseline average of three per day, increased seismicity has been recorded several times this year.

“The volcano is continuously releasing sulfur dioxide. Although this volume is quite significant since Kanlaon normally spews out very minimal SO2 of about 50 tons per day, this does not mean this will lead to a magmatic eruption which is driven by magma coming from deep down the volcano,” Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said.

He explained they still have to look at other parameters such as the increasing number of volcanic earthquakes and they do not see that at the moment.

“The overall monitoring parameters indicate that degassing of deep magma may be driving increased hydrothermal activity beneath the edifice, causing increased volcanic gas emission, swelling of the edifice, and occasional volcanic earthquake activity,” the advisory states.

Bacolcol said this means it appears like there is a lot of sulfur dioxide gas coming out of Kanlaon Volcano because magma from deep down is releasing it.

“This is making the volcano inflate and causing occasional earthquakes around it.”

Meanwhile, Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 1 (low level unrest).

Phivolcs advises the public to be vigilant and refrain from entering the 4-km. permanent danger zone due to increased chances of sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions without warning.

Handa na ang mga Resulta ng Awdit! Nag-atas ang komite ng pag-awdit ng pinansyal na mga rekord ng Measure A Program at iskedyul para sa FY 2023 (Hulyo 1, 2022 - Hunyo 30, 2023). Ang Crowe LLP, na isang independyente at sertipikadong pampublikong accounting rm, ay nagsagawa ng compliance audit at nag-isyu ng unquali ed (“malinis”) na opinyon tungkol sa pagsunod ng Measure A Program sa ballot, nagpapangyari itong ika-17 magkasunod na awdit na nakakatanggap ng malinis na opin yon. Available ang mga resulta ng awdit sa website ng VTA sa vta.org/cwc-fy23audit at sa Tanggapang Pang-administratibo ng VTA sa 3331 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95134 sa Building B Main Lobby.

Narito ang Kwento sa Likod Nito!

Noong Nobyembre 2000, inaprubahan ng mga botante ng Santa Clara County ang Measure A, isang kalahating sentimong buwis sa benta para sa espesipikong mga proyektong pagpapahusay ng pampublikong transit capital at mga pagpapatakbo. Nagsimula ang pangungulekta ng buwis noong Abril 2006. Kasama sa mga pangunahing aktibidad para sa FY 2023 ay ang BART Silicon Valley Extension project ng VTA, Eastridge to BART Regional Connector project, at mga pagsisikap ng Caltrain Electri cation.

Sumali sa pag-uusap!

Comelec cancels Rep. Pichay’s COC in ‘22 polls

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has canceled the certificate of

candidacy (COC) of former Surigao del Sur first district Rep. Prospero Pichay Jr. for the May 2022 national and local elections (NLE).

In a resolution dated April 30, the seven-man panel granted the Motion for Reconsideration filed by petitioner Romeo Momo for false misrepresentation in the respondent’s COC.

The petitioner noted that Pichay Jr. has stated in his COC that he is eligible to run for public office even after being found guilty of grave misconduct by the Ombudsman in the decision of Tutol et al. vs. Pichay Jr. dated July 4, 2011, which carried an accessory penalty of disqualification to hold public office.

“The alleged false misrepresentation made by

Asian...

Prospero A. Pichay, Jr. in his COC was his act of deliberately answering “NO” to the question “(h)ave you ever been found liable for an offense which carries with it the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification to hold public office, which has become final and executory?” the ruling said.

In granting the motion for reconsideration of Momo, the Comelec en banc ruled that based on Section 7, Rule III of Administrative Order 7, or Rules of Procedure of the Office of the Ombudsman, as amended by AO 17 dated March 15, 2003 and Memorandum Circular 01, series of 2006, the Ombudsman decision is immediately executory and inclusive, which meant that the decision was to be strictly enforced and properly implemented even if an appeal, motion for reconsideration, or petition for review has been filed.

“Only a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) or a Writ of Preliminary Injunction, duly issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, stays the immediate implementation of Ombudsman decisions,” it added.

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however, as no hard data was presented to back it up.

The consul general told visiting Filipino newsmen: “I will say that there is no Asian hate crime prevalence in New York, just hate crimes and that’s driven by the mental health issue of the perpetrators.”

In his talk with the journalists at the Philippine Center in Manhattan, Mangalile further said that during the pandemic there’s really…they’re pinpointing Asians, but now it’s not happening.”

But he seemed to be-

At the same time, the resolution declared the votes garnered by Pichay as stray.

It also reversed and set aside the resolution of Comelec’s former First Division dated Feb. 15, 2022, which dismissed Momo’s petition seeking to deny due course or cancel the COC of Pichay.

The Comelec also cited the SC case of Cobarde-Gamallo vs. Escandor, which upheld the validity of the immediately executory nature of Ombudsman decisions, which states that Section 7, Rule III of the Rules of Procedure of the Office of the Ombudsman.

lie his own claim by adding that “everybody has to be aware of their surroundings and take personal precautions as always.”

The PNA story said that at its peak, a 2021 Stop Asian American Pacific Islander Hate study listed Filipinos as third among Asians who were subjected to hate incidents and crimes, behind Chinese and Koreans.

Asian hate crimes in New York state reached 31 in 2020 (the first year of the pandemic), rising to 140 in 2021, stated a 2023 US Commission on Civil Rights report. Of the 2021 total, 131 took place in New York City.

Asian American organizations have often said that hate crime incidents were generally underreported because the victims refused to inform authorities of their experience.

Filipino journalist Marivir Montebon, who works in Queens, said she was not aware of hate crimes against specific ethnicities in the first quarter of this year. “But it doesn’t mean that there’s none,” she was quoted as saying in the story.

A New York City resident said the consul general’s claim that hate crimes against FilAms had totally stopped “seems a little bit exaggerated.”

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to https:// www.cavshate.org/.

Ex-president Duterte, Tito Sotto, Rep. Tulfo top senatorial survey

QUEZON CITY -- If a recent survey is to be believed, fFrmer president Rodrigo Duterte, former Senate president Vicente Tito Sotto, and ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo were the top picks as potential senatorial candidates for the 2025 midterm elections.

The three personalities held a threeway tie in the first quarter 2024 senatorial survey by research and analytics firm Oculum, securing 52% to 53% of voter preference.

Trailing behind at fourth to seventh places are former Manila mayor Isko Moreno (45%) former senator and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao (43%), Sen. Bato Dela Rosa (41%), and Sen. Bong Go (40%), based on the survey.

The seventh to 11th places are a threeway tie between doctor-vlogger Willie Ong, Sen. Imee Marcos, Pasig City May-

or Vico Sotto, and Sen. Pia Cayetano, all picked by 35% of respondents.

The survey underscored the importance of public visibility and perceived

competence in affecting voter preferences for candidates, Oculum said.

“High awareness often correlates with higher voting preference, but this is not

universally the case, as seen with some well-known candidates with lower voting intent percentages,” Dr. Joseph Mercado, Oculum chief statistician said.

Enrollment of overseas Filipinos’ online voting gadgets

BUTUAN CITY, Agusan del Norte

– The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will start in January 2025 the threemonth registration period for gadgets that will be used by Filipinos living or working abroad for the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS) in the May 2025 midterm polls.

The Comelec will be implementing for the fi rst time the internet or online voting method for overseas Filipinos in

select nations.

Postal voting will also be implemented in Philippine posts where there are internet voting restrictions.

“We will be having the enrollment of gadgets beginning January 2025 until April 13. Upon enrollment of gadgets, the registered voter will be given a passcode,” Comelec chairman George Garcia said.

“This will help make sure that the

one who will cast the vote is the actual owner of the device and is the registered voter,” he added.

The one-month voting period for Filipino voters abroad will be on April 13 to May 12, 2025.

As of Jan. 15, the Comelec reported 1.096 million registered overseas voters. The registration period is open until Sept. 30.

CHINA...

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The incident was promptly denounced by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and several countries while the Philippines maintained its coolness while the biggest war drills in years of the Philippines and the United States called Balikatan 2024, participated also by Australia and France, with 14 country observers was ongoing in West Philippine Sea, from Palawan to Zambales, Ilocos Norte and Batanes near Taiwan.

The China Coast Guard ships fired water cannons at the Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal some 200 kilometers from Luzon and within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone on Tuesday as the Philippines heightens its assertiveness in the disputed waters.

Prompted by the incident, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro disclosed the Philippines is weighing a new approach in the region to counter China’s dangerous maneuvers.”

The Philippine Coast Guard said the Chinese attack occurred as one of its ships and a fisheries agency vessel carried out a “legitimate patrol.”

Video supplied by the Philippine Coast Guard showed two larger Chinese vessels firing water cannons from opposite sides of the Philippine ship.

“The Philippine vessels encountered dangerous maneuvers and obstruction from four China Coast Guard vessels and six Chinese Maritime Militia vessels,” Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said in a statement.

He said the Philippine Coast Guard ship suffered “damage to the railing and canopy.” but no injuries were reported.

In another report, four China Coast Guard vessels and 6 maritime militia vessels had carried out the “dangerous maneuvers and obstruction” during a mission to resupply Filipino fishermen near Bajo de Masinloc, Tarriela said.

About 12 nautical miles from Bajo De Masinloc, the Chinese Coast Guard blasted water cannons at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel BRP Bankaw, Tarriela said .

He said two Chinese ships also used water cannons on both sides of the PCG’s BRP Bagacay at about 100 yards from the shoal, “resulting in damage to the railing and canopy” of the Philippine vessel.

Tarriela warned that the next China aggressiveness could be fatal to Filipinos.

While the water cannon attack by the China Coast Guard (CCG) was not the first time, its increasing aggressiveness against Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has shown it could be “fatal,” Tarriela said.

“If you are going to look at how it bent the railing of the Philippine Coast Guard vessel because of the water, obviously that would be very fatal,” Tarriela said.

The United States said the US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 could be invoked for the US to act if the Chinese attacks would be fatal to any Filipino.

US President Joe Biden has repeatedly said that American support for the Philippines is “ironclad.” Biden made the same

assurance to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a trilateral summit with Japan in the White House on April 12.

Despite the fresh incident, the Coast Guard official added, “We are not going to be deterred we are not going to yield despite all the harassment and provocative action. Hindi kami mapipigilan ng China (China cannot deter us),” he added.

Meanwhile, the Chinese warships spotted during the maritime exercise of the naval forces of the Philippines, United States, and France in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) have violated the notice to mariners (NOTAM), a Balikatan official said.

Balikatan executive agent Colonel Michael Logico said a report on the incident will be sent to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) for possible diplomatic response.

“May na-violate sila syempre (Of course, they violated it),” Logico said when asked if the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) violated NOTAM with their presence.

He said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) approved the NOTAM, which was requested by the Balikatan organizers to ensure safety during the conduct of the maritime activity including a gunnery exercise.

“That NOTAM is for their safety because we are also conducting gunnery exercises in the area. So for them to enter into our training area knowing fully well that we are conducting these types of activities, it was a big risk on their part for them to do that,” Logico said.

Chinese PLAN Navy vessels with bow numbers 167 and 793 were seen during the conduct of the exercises, according to Logico.

Logico said the supposed live-fire event for the integrated air missile defense drill was scrapped.

“Instead of doing the live-fire, we will shifting to live-virtual constructed activity,” he said.

Logico attributed the change of plans to an “unforeseen logistical problem” that made the “live-fire a little problematic without going to specific details.”

The exercise was supposed to feature the Philippines’ SPYDER air defense missiles and its American equivalent, which would be one of the highlights of three-week “Balikatan” exercises set from April 22 to May 10.

Meanwhile, the PN’s landing dock BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) demonstrated its capabilities through the successful well-deck operations and amphibious landing exercises held in the vicinity of Campong Ulay Point, Rizal, Palawan.

These activities are part of the ongoing “Balikatan” exercise.

“Following a successful launch, LCU (landing craft unit) 1 and LCU 2 reached the designated beach landing site on 30 April 2024 around 0843H. Participating as the landing force and command group were the 9th Marine Battalion, the 3rd Naval Construction Battalion, and Marine Reservists assigned to Naval Reserve Center-West,” “Balikatan” Combined Information Bureau chief Lt. Col. John Paul Salgado said.

He added that this exercise showcased the Navy’s ability to effectively deploy troops and equipment from ship to shore,

a critical skill for various maritime operations.

Filipino and American troops will use several high-powered weapons systems in the counter-landing live-fire exercises at the La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag, Ilocos Norte on May 6 as part of the Balikatan exercises.

“Counter-landing live-fire” refers to a military tactic aimed at preventing or repelling hostile forces from establishing themselves in the country’s territory.

In an advisory, the Combined Joint Information Bureau Exercise “Balikatan” said the event would feature joint counter-landing fires.

The military assets to be used in the exercises include 105mm and 155mm howitzers from the Philippine Army and Marines, four tanks from the Armor Division, a fast attack craft from the Philippine Navy, .50 caliber platforms from the US Marine Corps along with their Javelin anti-tank missiles, and multirole anti-armor anti-personnel weapons systems, and the US Air Force MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle and B-52 heavy bomber.

About 16,000 American and Filipino troops will participate in this year’s Balikatan, which will run from April 22 to May 10.

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Absolute immunity for a president? Absolutely not!

That the Supreme Court would even spend time listening to the arguments of the lawyers of former president Donald Trump that he had absolute immunity for his acts during and after his term is both mind-boggling and ridiculous.

While all presidents should have some degree of immunity for all their official acts, there must still be a system of checks and balances.

The operative word is absolute.

To grant absolute immunity not just to Trump but all presidents who come after him is foolhardy.

It would mean that a president can declare World War lll, order the killing of his or her political opponents, even insist that he/she is entitled to billions of dollars in gifts from foreign and local leaders.

It would also mean that a rogue president can supersede all the acts of Congress and the Supreme Court itself.

The worst possibilities must be considered.

In granting a president absolute immunity, he or she can dispense with the Constitution, and create their own.

A rogue president can install himself in power for life, and further set the stage for his anointed heir to assume the presidency when his time is up. Just like North Korea.

The Philippines under the father of the current president had the absolute immunity that Trump craves. The dictator Ferdinand Marcos went to the extent of issuing a presidential decree making any insult against himself and his family an offense punishable by imprisonment.

In agreeing that all presidents have absolute immunity from suit, the Supreme Court also grants Trump a major political victory, one which could pave the way for an easier path to a return to the White House.

The allies of the US would distance themselves from the country, perceiving our president as being no different from the likes of North Korea’s Kim, China’s Xi, and Russia’s Putin.

The US would cease to be a bastion of democracy.

It is, therefore, quite worrisome that some SC justices appear to be not only considering, but leaning heavily towards granting the president absolute immunity.

One and only one person stands to gain from a mistake that the SC would commit if it agrees to the argument of Trump’s lawyers, and that is Trump himself.

He is facing a number of cases which could all be dismissed if the high tribunal votes to grant a president absolute immunity.

We would not put it beyond Trump to somehow find a way to have cases on crimes he allegedly committed before becoming president be included in the absolute immunity argument.

For one, he can have the E. Jean Carroll case that he lost retroactively dismissed, and the fiscal judgement issued by the court be deemed null and void.

Should he find his way back to the Oval Office, Filipinos should be concerned. Trump could order all Filipinos, even FilAms, to be deported simply because he despises everyone who is not white.

Now, more than ever, it is clear that the only one standing in Trump’s way is Joe Biden. Trump the wannabe absolute dictator must be stopped at all cost.

Leading recovery...

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stayed. We wanted to maintain the spirit of AARS and that is culturally-responsive services. We have been able to keep our autonomy in developing programs and selecting funding opportunities.”

San Mateo programs include:

• Separate women and men’s residential facilities for to help support adults in life free from addiction;

• Sister-to-Sister Leadership Conference for girls engaging in at-risk behaviors to hear from contemporaries who have experienced and overcome the same;

• PIONEERS (Pacific Islanders Organizing & Nurturing Everyone to Rise & Serve) providing mental health services, substance use disorder and treatment and outpatient services;

• Essence of MANA, an outreach and prevention program for the Samoans and Tongans in North San Mateo County;

• Pioneer Court Outpatient program provides youths and adults caring individual or group counseling and care coordination; and

• ODASA, the outpatient substance use treatment program provided by bilingual and bicultural staff trained in current evidence-based therapeutic approaches and has an understanding of the social and cultural realities of Asian American clients.

• More programs https://www.healthright360.org/parent-program/asian-americanrecovery-services/

Flores counts the his top accomplishments as “Developing programs and secure funding for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander services and in the process developing Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Leaders who have become the face of AARS at local and national events,” and “maintaining the Filipino focus for ODASA, being able to always hire and retain Filipino clinicians.”

He encourages anyone who needs or knows someone who needs help with substance use to call 650-243-4850 or ODASA (415) 377-0140.

With Healthright 360 Divisional Director Razelle Buenavista, Flores forms the Filipino American leadership of AARS/Healthright360.

Buenavista oversees the 14 behavioral health and prevention services in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties.

The social work alum of San Jose State has garnered some 25 years of experience and expertise in the field of social social services. She is candid like Flores in that she attributes her “passion to advocate for the underserved…from” being “mentored and counseled by Filipino counselors from Filipinos for Affirmative Action during challenging times” in her youth.

Buenavista has proclaimed her commitment to “empowering the next generation of social workers and community healers.”

In her remarks at the grand reopening, she presented the Daruma Doll, less a toy than a talisman to the Japanese. Often given as a gift of encouragement. the round figure is modeled after Bodhidharma, founder of Zen Buddhism.

“Its eyes are blank white for the owner to fill out when a goal is achieved,” she explained. “It’s round and hollow, so it always bounces back, it never falls,” she continues, a perfect metaphor for AARS’ mission, modeled by workers whose own stories prove the power of caring and compassionate support. - Adapted from original reprinted with permission from INQUIRER.NETUSA

Rob Bonta: Attorney for the people

California’s Attorney General Robert Andres Bonta has the distinction of being the First Fil-American to be elected to the California State Legislature and to be Attorney-General of the State of California.

Appointed Attorney-General by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2021, Bonta ran for the post the next year and won handily over his Republican opponents.

“My job,” he said at a recent interview, “ is to enforce the law in Callifornia.”

Born in Quezon City, Philippines to parents Warren and Cynthia Bonta, he was barely two months old when the Bontas moved to the United States.

They first lived in a trailer at the United Farmers Workers headquarters at Nuestra Senora Reina de la Paz near Keene, California before moving to Fair Oaks, a suburb of Sacramento.

Bonta studied at the Bon Vista High School, where he graduated valedictorian. He got his B.A. in history , cum laude, in 1995, went to Oxford for a year to study politics, economics and history, proceeded to Yale Law School, where he graduated Juris Doctor in 1998.

He was admitted to the California State Bar in 1999.

The first and only one in the Bonta family to take up Law, Rob Bonta bared that he had always wanted to be a lawyer after reading “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

His interest in social justice and civil rights was inspired by his father who was active in the labor and Civil Rights Movement.

Though he hadn’t planned to enter the field of politics, having worked for the ACLU, his work was cut out for him.

His private law practice had enabled him to handle cases in areas such as civil rights, crime, insurance, patent infringement, legal malpractice, contracts and frauds. He was certainly prepared to be Attorney-General of his State.

Since assuming the post, he has traveled to different parts of the State to see for himself what his office can do to serve California families by making their lives better and improving their human condition.

Updated Lifestyle for Longevity now available at Amazon

As an author, columnist, evangelist and founder of FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST) I’m glad to announce that the updated “LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY” subtitled “How to be HEALTHY Emotionally, Financially, Physically, Sexually and Spiritually” is now available at Amazon.

Foreword was written by Dr. Jason Nilo Reyuso, M.D. from Baguio City, Philippines The back cover includes our group picture with boxing icon and former senator Manny Pacquaio during our visit and courtesy call at the Philippine Senate Hall in Pasay City, Philippines in February, 2918 which coincided with the approval of Senate Bill No. 1270 declaring every first Monday of January as “National Bible Day in the Philippines.”

Those who joined me in the Philippine Senate Courtesy Call were Prof. Alfred G. Gabot, past president of the National Press Club of the Philippines, Regent, Pamantasan Ng Maynila and incumbent Editor-in-Chief, Philippine News Today; Roberto Indong, Evangelist and Minister. TOWN PROPER CHURCH OF CHRIST in Calasiao, Pangasinan, Philippines; and John Paul Agustin. Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, who co-authored Philippine Senate Bill No. 1270 with Senator Villanueva, is a very good role model for those who desire to practice lifestyle for longevity.

The updated LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY (476 pages) is dated May 5, 2024 (now in its Eighth Printing) to commemorate the 50th Wedding Anniversary with my beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing. Copies are now available at Amazon in Hardcover, Paperback and E-book.

The updated LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY includes my article/column “Amazing SB-10 Health Food Supplement” which described how I got better and deeper sleep; attained normal blood pressure from 101/68 to 118/72 ranges and normal blood sugar level from ranges 97 to 110, after taking 3-5 days of SB-10 food health supplement.

My column reprinted in the updated LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY also highlighted what broadcaster Bing Formento shared in his special program on the testimonials of those who had tried SB-10 and experienced benefits and were helped on health issues like Insomnia or lack of sleep, Arthritis, Pain, Allergies, Vertigo, Constipation, Asthma, Impotency, Lack of Energy, Cold, Sores, Goiter, Cataract, Diabetes, Migraine, Fever, Bad Breath, Hypertension, Fatigue, Stress, Acne, Eczema, Menstrual Cramps, Dandruff, Eye Floater and other ailments or health problems.

Also reprinted in the updated LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY is my message/ sermon entitled “Effective and Proven Ways of Sharing the Gospel to Our FRANCS,” I delivered at the Sunday morning Worship Services of the EAST FOOTHILL CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Jose, California last March 17, 2024. Here are some comments and reviews on the book:

“This book is a good resource for useful tips and advice for people to live by and maintain healthy and balanced lifestyle,” wrote STEPHANIE PHONG TULIAO, Doctor of Pharmacy, Daly City, California, USA.

“I highly recommend this book for optimum health and balanced life,” said ATTY. JUNAS T. SAGURIT, President, Asian Christian University, Bugallon , Pangasinan, Philppines.

“Many adverse phenomena beyond our control affect our daily lives. Through his guidebook, Art Madlaing gives us power to control a most vital aspect of our existence ---health,” echoed JUANITA ROBERTON, Christian woman and retired Professor, City College, San Francisco, California.

“This book can encourage, motivate and help you to be healthy emotionally, financially, physically, sexually and spiritually,” said DR. JASON NILO REYUSO., M.D., Baguio City, Philippines.

Partnership to Boost Feeding Program

Nutrition affects not only children’s physical growth but also their school performance and educational outcomes.

According to the Philippine Statistics Office, of the 108.67 million household population in 2020, 33.4 million (30.7%) were under 15 years of age (young dependents) and the school-age population (5 to 24 years old) accounted for 42.78 million (39.4%).

Future leaders of the country will come from this young population. The human resources that the country will need for economic growth in the coming years will come from this young population. Therefore one of the most important investments should be for the education and health of the youth.

The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) aims to strengthen school-based feeding program to address malnutrition. According to the PDP the government, state universities and colleges, and private sector shall intensify the development of safe, affordable, nutritious, and energy-dense food products to address malnutrition.

These food products include enhanced Nutribun; sesame seeds-based, and rice–mongo-based complementary foods developed by the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI).

There are programs to ensure proper nutrition for undernourished children in public day care, kindergarten and public elementary school.

An important legislation to combat malnutrition among Filipino children is Republic Act No. 11037 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on June 20, 2018. Known as the Masustansyang Pagkain Para Sa Batang Pilipino Act of 2018, it establishes a comprehensive National Feeding Program and institutionalizes the feeding programs of the DSWD and the Department of Education.

Some of those who were in the elementary grades in the 1970s are familiar with the government feeding program in public schools where pupils get nutribuns. Nutribuns were considered ready-to-eat complete meals to fight malnutrition among pupils in targeted schools. These were round and compact breads unlike the soft and fluffy breads commonly sold in the local bakeries. These were distributed as part of the school feeding program.

In 2020, the DOST-FNRI launched the “Enhanced Nutribun” or e-Nutribun. As the name suggests, it is an improved version of the 1970s nutribun. Reformulated by DOST-FNRI taking into consideration the nutrient requirements of children, it is one of the government’s responses to address hunger and malnutrition.

The enhanced and reformulated nutribun has more macronutrients and micronutrients such as iron and vitamin A. Unlike the former nutribuns that weighed 170-190 grams, the e-nutribun weighs 160-165 grams. It is softer and each piece has 504 calories and protein. There are variants of the e-nutribun: the squash, carrot and sweet potato which is a good source of natural fiber, energy, protein, iron, calcium, potassium, and zinc.

This year, the e-nutribun got another boost as San Miguel Foods and DOST-FNRI signed a memorandum of agreement a memorandum of agreement formalizing their partnership to develop a standard premix for enhanced nutribuns to support government’s nutrition program for children.

DOST-FNRI’s network of adaptors, makers of enhanced nutribuns to be distributed to children beneficiaries, will use the premixes.

With the agreement, sufficient and standardized nutritional values in every nutribun are assured while allowing cost-effectiveness for the adaptors.

Scholars have taken over The Global Urdanetanians (TGU), a non-profit 501-3C!

After 11 years of successfully existing as a non-profit organization (501-3C) based in Southern California, The Global Urdanetanians (TGU) is now ran by the association’s scholars who are now professionals after earning their college degrees via the association’s scholarship program.

The new set of officers who were TGU scholars are Samuel S. Parinas, president, Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Masters of Arts in Education major in English Communication; Harold Mercado, Executive vice President, Bachelor of Science in Education major in PEHM; Marvin S. Gabayan, Vice President for Admin, Bachelor of Science in Criminology; Raymund S. Dulla, vice President for Operations, Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Masters in Management major in Environmental Planning; Jayson L. Tabal, Sub-Secretary, Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English; and Teofilo D. Serafica Jr., Assistant auditor, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.

The young officers are ably supported by the rest of the members who have been with TGU for some time now: Secretary - Rosalinda Locquiao; Treasurer- Myrna Calix; Assistant Treasurer - Rey Soliven Escudero; Auditor - Diana S. Gunnell; Public Relations Officers - Elpidio Reasonda Estioko, Edita Bergado-Sison, and Elizabeth Duzon; TGU Scholarship Program – Chairman - Rockin Ramil San Juan; Co-chairman -Mia Adanar/ Fe Ranada, Elizabeth Duzon, Armando Sanchez, Elpidio Angeles, Jr.; and TGU scholars.

Special Events USA - Chairman - Fe Gonzales Sepulveda; Co-Chairman - Edita Bergado-Sison, Cynthia Cortez; Assistance and Support Group - Lolay Gozon-Celeste, Greta Ricarte Escudero, Flora Aquino-Sanchez, Choly Susana Campos-Tolentino, Rachel Ann Abalos-Parayno, Michael Dela Cruz; Board of Directors/Advisers – Urdaneta Mayor Julio RAMMY Parayno III, Dr. Clare Adalem, Fernando Pando Dela Cruz, Gen. (Ret.) Sid Lapeña, Ramil San Juan, Fe Gonzales Sepulveda, Ron Sera, Gus Castillo, Menchu Madriaga, Nestor Calix, and Armando Sanchez.

Chairman of the Board is Past President Yvonne San Juan-Sera.

Full of enthusiasm with the mission to giving back to the community, the projects of the new set of officers (the young professionals who were former TGU scholars) are: TGU Scholarship - To provide financial assistance and support to deserving students of Urdaneta City empowering them to pursue their educational goals and unlock their full potential; The Wish Project - To fulfill the heartfelt wishes and dreams of individuals under terminal health conditions or hardships, fostering hope and joy; TGU Cares: Planting for Greener Tomorrow - To promote environmental sustainability and stewardship by organizing tree planting initiatives, cultivating a greener landscape, and inspiring a collective commitment to preserving our planet for future generations; and the TGU Feeding Program - To alleviate hunger and food insecurity within our community by offering nutritious meals for all individuals and families in need.

With this, I would like to acknowledge our sponsors who generously subsidized the education of their scholars for a minimum of four years until they graduated from their college degrees. If not for them, the scholarship program should have failed.

Yvonne San Juan-Sera, Ron Sera, Rey De Vera, Bernadette De Vera, Norma T. Agulo, and Cynthia Cortez for scholar Samuel S. Parinas; Melinda Gonzales Ajlouny for Harold Mercado; Yvonne San Juan-Sera and Ron Sera for Marvin S. Gabayan; Al Sepulveda, Fe Sepulveda, and Maria Buscemi for Raymund S. Dulla; Dr. Clarita Adalem for Jayson L. Tabal; Julie Agojo, Gus & Girly Castillo, Alfredo Gonzales, and Lino “Jun” & Jennifer Caringal for Teofilo D. Serafica Jr.

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YOU can order copy of the updated “LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY” subtitled “How to be HEALTHY Emotionally, Financially, Physically, Sexually and Spiritually” through Amazon in Hardcover ($32.95 per copy plus shipping and handling), Paperback ($25.95 per copy plus shipping and handling), E-book ($14.95 per copy). To commemorate our 50th Wedding Anniversary, my beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing and I are offering an

San Miguel Corporation President and CEO Ramon S. Ang said that nutrition is an advocacy SMC has been focused on for many years. “This partnership will combine the research and development being done by DOST-FNRI, and the technical know-how and production capabilities of San Miguel Foods. Ultimately, this will benefit many children, especially those in disadvantaged communities who do not get enough or proper nutrition,” he said.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said partnerships with the private sector are vital to advance the programs and technologies DOST produces to address malnutrition. He took cognizance of the various efforts of SMC and RSA to promote science and technology to stimulate na-

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Other sponsors include Paz de Guzman-Fontamillas, Fatima Ingram, Cerlito G. San Juan, Fabro Family (Flor, Dom, Dado, and Gloria), Gilda Bravo, Nestor & Myrna Lopez Calix, Nestor & Magi Flores, Joe & Cynthia Cortez, Rey & Bernadette De Vera, Abelle Ann Ave, Gerry Casison, Julie Agojo, Alex Gonzalez, Norma Torres-Agulo, Gina Rafanan, Sandra Arrelano Parish, and Anonymous.

The TGU scholars are VENUS E. CEA, Licensed Professional Teacher, Bachelor of Sec- (Continue on page 20)

LA County launches $25-M initiative to boost economic mobility for small businesses

LOS ANGELES - The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), in partnership with communitybased organizations, kickED off Small Business Month with the Los Angeles Region Small Business Summit - bringing together free local resources, services, and programs to help businesses grow and thrive all in one place!

From expert panel discussions to a bustling resource expo and beyond, the summit will also connected local small businesses to newly launched programs and opportunities now available to sup-

port the startup and growth of local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits including the Economic Mobility Initiative - a $25 million investment launching and available to attendees for the first time at the inaugural event.

This Small Business Summit, the first of five countywide, also featured all participating community-based organizations hosting information and direct outreach to local business owners and non-profits in attendance.

US to start programming CHIPS Act funds for PHL

MANILA – The United States will be soon programming specific funding allocations for the “Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors” or CHIPS Act for the Philippines with the ongoing study of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

This was disclosed by visiting US Department of State Assistant Secretary Ramin Toloui.

Toloui is on a two-day visit in Manila, his fourth stop in his official trip to Asia, to deepen US economic ties with Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam.

Toloui said the OECD study will help the US to program specific allocations to target priority areas under the CHIPS Act.

To recall, the Philippines is one of the

countries chosen by the US as partners under the CHIPS and Science Act, wherein the US government earmarked USD500 million for the International Technology, Security, and Innovation (ITSI) Fund to be spent over the next five years in the partner countries.

The CHIPS Act aims to diversify US’ semiconductor supply chain, by strengthening the sector in the partner countries to make it conducive for US companies to invest in these nations.

“Before the study is made public, we will be able to use the results of the interim report to actually make some funding decisions, and those should be available in the next couple of months,” Toloui told reporters.

“The purpose of the fund is to try to target select set of priority areas that are important to catalyzing larger volumes of private sector investment in this sector,” he said.

Applying for Asylum in the United States

There are two types of asylum application in the United States. First is the Affirmative Asylum Application wherein any person inside and residing in the United States who is not in Removal Proceeding may apply with USCIS. The second type of Asylum application is Defensive application. This will happen when a person is charged with inadmissibility ground and will use asylum as a defense.

Most Filipinos may qualify for asylum based on persecution by the government, based on abuse and based on threat to life by the New People’s Army. Substantial proof of threat to life must be provided to qualify.

What are the bases of asylum claim?

To be eligible for asylum in the United States, you must demonstrate that you have been persecuted or have a fear of persecution in your home country due to your race, religion, nationality, social group, or political opinion. You must also be inside the United States and prepare an application within one year of your arrival. You should supplement your application with evidence proving your claim, such as: Your own testimony, Statements by witnesses, Newspaper and other reports discussing your case or the human rights situation in your country, and Expert witness statements.

3

What are the instances that you may not be eligible for asylum?

You may not be eligible for asylum if:

• You have been convicted of a particularly serious crime in the United States

• You have been firmly resettled.

• You are a danger to the security of the United States

According to nypost.com, asylum seekers are three times more likely to be approved in California or New York than in Texas or Florida.

What is the filing deadline for asylum?

You must file your asylum claim within one year of your arrival to the United States. If you filed late, you will only be qualified for Withholding of Removal.

Is there a filing fee for asylum?

No, there is no filing fee for asylum.

Will I get a work permit?

If your asylum claim is not acted upon within 180 days, you may file an application for work permit.

What happens if the USCIS denies the application?

You may renew your asylum application with the Immigration court for a second chance.

Note: This is not a legal advice.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

1. PETITION FOR CAREGIVERS

Our Law Firm entered into agreement with Care Home Facilities in the U.S. to process applicants for Caregivers in the US

The US official said that for the ITSI Fund, the current priority activities for the semiconductor industry are assembly, testing, and packaging.

“The Philippines has been a significant player in the assembly, testing, and packaging component in downstream manufacturing component of the semiconductor supply chain, with semiconductors demand poised to continue to grow,” Toloui added.

He said there has been a lot of interest in terms of wafer fabrication lab, “but the time has to be right for it”.

The Philippines has been keen in attracting investments in wafer fabrication plants that will enable the local industry to prototype integrated circuit (IC) designs.

You may qualify if you six months experience as Caregivers

Applicants Inside the United States or in the Philippines or other countries may qualify.

Bankruptcy Basics

We also process Bankruptcy cases.

1. Bankruptcy will actually improve your credit within one year because your unsecured debts are discharged. Although the bankruptcy will be in your records for 10 years, not filing bankruptcy will make your credit even worse until most of your debts are paid.

If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse, which could lead to deportation and family separation.

Chris Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers. He has practiced immigration law, bankruptcy, and income tax representation since June 1999. His contact phone is 1-877-456-9266, email: info@CCLlaw.net Website: www.crispinlozanolaw. com/ with offices in Hayward and Cerritos, CA.

California’s population is increasing

SACRAMENTO – California’s population increased by 67,000 people last year to 39,128,162, according to new data released today by the California Department of Finance (DOF).

The state’s population growth can be attributed to an increase in legal foreign immigration and natural population increasing. This is the fi rst year since 2020 that the state has seen a net increase.

“People from across the nation and the globe are coming to the Golden State to pursue the California Dream and experience the success of the world’s 5th largest economy. From the Inland Empire to the Bay Area, regions throughout California are growing –strengthening local communities and boosting our state’s future,” Governor Gavin Newsom said.

With the improvement of federal legal immigration processing backlogs, rebounding legal immigration levels – not including people seeking asylum at the border – and mortality rates returning to long-term trends, a stable foundation for continued growth has

returned. Net domestic migration has receded to its lower rates of the 2010s, and DOF estimates California is likely to experience continued positive population growth.

LEARN MORE HERE

The report contains preliminary year-over-year January 2024 and revised January 2021 through January 2023 population data for California cities, counties, and the state. These estimates are based on information through January 1, 2024. Signifi cant changes over the year include:

The population increased in 31 counties, largely in the Bay Area, Central Valley, and the Inland Empire. Los Angeles County and Orange County grew by 0.05 and 0.31 percent in population, respectively.

Five counties had growth above one percent: Sutter (1.9 percent), Imperial (1.8 percent), Glenn (1.4 percent), Yuba (1.1 percent), and San Benito (1.1 percent) due to housing gains. The next largest in percentage growth were San Joaquin (0.96 percent),

Madera (0.9 percent), Tulare (0.9 percent), Monterey (0.8 percent), and Merced (0.7 percent) counties.

Nine of the ten Counties with populations over 1 million saw increases in population comprising 72 percent of the state’s total population. Riverside County led with an increase of 13,800.

The top fi ve cities where housing production drove population growth include: Paradise (16.1 percent) in Butte County, Lathrop (5.4 percent) in San Joaquin County, Emeryville (5.0 percent) in Alameda County, Orland (4.9 percent) in Glenn County, and Shafter (4.3 percent) in Kern County.

EXPLORE

THE DATA

California is the 5th largest economy in the world. The Golden State, which has the most equitable tax system in the entire country, is #1 in the nation for new business starts, #1 for access to venture capital funding, and the #1 state for tourism spending, manufacturing, high-tech, and agriculture.

Banda Vallarta Show Take Center Stage at Carson’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration on May 4

CITY OF CARSON -- An all-afternoon fiesta featuring live entertainment and a variety of fun activities will mark the City of Carson’s 47th annual Cinco de Mayo celebration scheduled Saturday, May 4.

“The City of Carson is thrilled to once again celebrate the historic occasion of Cinco De Mayo with an inperson grand fiesta for the entire community to enjoy,” said Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes.

The fiesta will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Carson Park, located at 21411 Orrick Avenue in Carson.

The event is open to people of all ages, and admission is free.

Banda Vallarta Show and Vilma Diaz y La Sonora Lo Mejor de la Cumbia Colombiana will lead this year’s entertainment line-up along with Mariachi Santa Monica. Also featured are local talents from in and around the surrounding community.

Aside from non-stop entertainment, the fiesta also features a wide variety of food booths, game booths, arts and crafts, a car show, and cultural displays.

Cinco de Mayo is more than a celebration of a single, glorious moment in the long history of Mexico’s struggle for independence with their victory over the French at the “Batalla de Puebla,” in Puebla, Mexico on May 5, 1862. It is a reaffirmation of self-determination, a universal aspiration shared by freedom-loving people throughout the United States and the world.

For more information on the event, contact Carson Park at (310) 830-4925.

Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel makes waves again in long PHL visit

By Jennifer T. Santos

The first and only Filipino American Miss Universe title holder R’Bonney Gabriel is back in the Philippines!

And she’s staying for weeks making waves again in the native land of her Filipino father. She was here only last February, reunited with her family and visited her dad’s home street in Malate.

The FilAm beauty queen from Texas says she made sure to stay long to know more about her second country and to learn to speak the local language.

She’s here mainly for the coronation of the Philippines’ Miss Universe winners set on May 22 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Since arriving in Manila last month, R’Bonney Gabriel has explored Division, the posh Fort Bonifacio Global City, and has gone as far as Sultan Kudarat in Mindanao.

On Instagram, the Miss Universe 2022 shared a reel where she walked around Uptown Bonifacio in her all-black outfit.

“Hello Philippines!” she said in the caption.

“Happy to be back, this time for longer,” she added, tagging talent agency Empire/Mercator.

The beauty queen also posted her shopping for fabrics or textiles in Divisoria which the market is famous for. She said she did some shopping in Divisoria while still young in Manila.

She said she bought a lot in Divisoria, saying she enjoyed making “tawad” or haggling for cheaper price which the market is known for.

In her post, she showed herself riding

(three-wheel motorcycle) to complete her design project shopping list — portable sewing machine.

“Today is a success!” she declared.

“Today, I am headed to Divisoria to

ing to GMA News.

“So excited, let’s work!” she commented on the post, the network reported.

a “taxicle” as she moved around the market.

Inside Divisoria’s famous 168 Mall, R’Bonney found some novelties, including a stray cat and different inexpensive fabrics, thread and zippers she could use for her new design projects.

“Salamat po!” she was heard telling a store attendant after the purchase.

Before calling it a day, she passed by Abad Santos Avenue onboard a trike

pick up some fabrics,” she said in her video blog (vlog) before her trip to the market.”I actually used to come here a lot when I was a kid visiting the Philippines. I always remember coming to buy like Juicy Couture purses and different clothing.”

In a separate post, Empire/Mercator posted headshots of the beauty queen, hinting that R’Bonney is now accepting work engagements in the country, accord-

R’Bonney Gabriel is set to host the coronation night of the Miss Universe Philippines pageant, organizers announced.

“HOMECOMING QUEEN! Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel pays tribute to her Filipino roots by serving as host for The Coronation of Miss Universe Philippines 2024! Mabuhay, R’Bonney!” the Miss Universe Philippines Organization announced.

The beauty queen also attended the premiere night of the film Under Parallel Skies. She also did guest appearances on television shows in Manila.

Following her reign as Miss Universe, R’Bonney already made known that she would be going back and forth between New York and Manila.

“I definitely want to capitalize on this year and keep the ball rolling and I will stay in New York I was living there in the Miss Universe apartment and it’s a huge fashion center so I want to do modeling of course and continue my sustainable fashion brand,” she said then in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

R’Bonney added: “I love public speaking a lot. I want to continue it in New York and also in Manila, Philippines. Split my time back and forth.”

Vice Ganda sets return to movies, Metro film festival

Asia’s Unkabogable Phenomenal Superstar Vice Ganda is set to return to the big screen once again after a two-year hiatus, creating excitement among fans with the announcement of her new movie, And The Breadwinner Is.

Vice Ganda’s comeback movie marks the first collaboration between Star Cinema and The IdeaFirst Company. It is also the first time for Vice Ganda to be working with award-winning director Jun Robles Lana.

“First time naming magsasama and ang saya-saya ko talaga. Highlight ito ng career ko hindi lang this year, pero ng movie career ko. Isa ito sa pinakamalalaking highlights (This is the first time we are together in a movie. It was so much fun. This is the highlight of my career, not

just for this year but for my movie career. This is the biggest highlight),” she said. Jun expressed excitement working with Vice Ganda for the first time, promising viewers a different cinematic experience filled with comedy, drama, and heartfelt moments.

“It is everything na inaantay ng mga tao sa isang pelikula ni Vice, ‘yung nakakatawa at riot na comedy and so much more. Kung nakita natin si Vice magpatawa, makikita rin natin siya mangurot ng mga puso (It is everything that the filmgoers look for in a movie of Vice. It is funny, and a riot of a comedy. If we have seen Vice make us laugh, we will andalso see him touch our hearts, he said),” he said.

With Lana’s directorial style combining with her comedic brilliance, Vice

hopes to fulfill her dream of doing a film that will resonate with viewers long after its release.

“Nagkaroon na ako ng fair share sa box office kahit paano. Gusto ko magkaroon sa filmography ko ‘yung inilaban sa international film festival. Dream ko ‘to. I have been praying for a movie na may internal value. ‘Di ba mayroon din mga pelikula na hindi tumabo sa takilya pero has an internal value sa Philippine cinema at sa kamalayan ng mga taong nakapanood sa kanya. Dumarating ang panahon na binabalikan siya dahil sa uri ng pelikula niya. I want to experience that now (I have seen my fair share of box office hits. I want to have a filmography that can be shown in an international film festival. That is my dream. I have been

praying for a movie that has value. There are movies that don’t make it in the box office but have value in Philippine cinema and in the consciousness of people who watch the movie. There are times that we remember a movie because of how good it is. I want to experience that now),” he said.

The movie’s writers, Daisy Cayanan Mijares and Jumbo Albano, shared that And The Breadwinners Is will relate the experiences of a family’s breadwinner and explore their joys, pains, struggles and hopes.

Vice thanked the viewers who supported her movie career and made her the highest-grossing Filipino movie actor of all time whose movies have raked in a gross total of P4.6 billion in the box-

Don’t look now but former couple Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto are reuniting in a new film with an uncanny title “Un/happy For You.”

An announcement on their home studio ABS-CBN, mother company of Star Cinema, disclosed that the new movie will be be released this year.

In an ABS-CBN report, Garcia said he and Julia have grown as individuals since they worked on a project together.

“Nung nalaman ko ‘yung project, sabi ko yes agad kasi ang tagal na rin kasi nung agwat nung panahon na nag-work kami before kasi mga teenager kami,” he said.

“Ngayon, I can say nag-mature na rin kami, lumaki na kami, literal. Exciting lang, nagkanya-kanya kaming journey parang ngayon magbabalikan kami sa pelikula,” he added.

Julia, on the other hand, said that “Un/

happy For You” was the right material and that it also came at the right time.

“Over the years, there were several attempts to coming together. ...At some point, when a good material comes along and a great team, of course, being reunited with Josh is such an exciting idea,” said the actress, who is now linked to actor Gerard Anderson.

“It almost felt like maybe it was already the right time, it’s the right mate-

rial, we’re both in a good place in our life. I’m happy na magkakatrabaho tayo uli,” she added in the ABS-CBN report. Joshua and Julia admitted in the ABSCBN report that they are navigating their “familiar yet new” work environment for their new film.

“Para siyang familiar at new place at the same time, this feels familiar pero bago rin because parang when we’re regetting to know each other,” Julia said.

Cavite Rep. Barzaga passes away in California

LOS ANGELES/DASMARINAS

CITY - Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr., a veteran lawmaker and mayor died on April 27 in California. He was 74.

Barzaga, a lawyer and accountant, served as a member of the prosecution panel in the 2012 impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona and was also instrumental in the investigation into the franchise application of ABS-CBN which Congress eventually denied.

The nation’s leaders and members of Congress mourned the passing of the colorful lawmaker.

Speaker Martin Romualdez will act as

caretaker of Barzaga’s district. Romualdez expressed his condolences to the family and loved ones of Barzaga whom he described as “a great legal thinker.”

Barzaga was the president of the National Unity Party. He left the US to undergo an open-heart surgery in October last year.

In a statement posted on the lawmaker’s Facebook page, his family said Barzaga, who served also as mayor of Dasmarinas in Cavite, passed away in California.

“Throughout his life, Cong. Pidi dedicated himself to serving the people of the Province of Cavite and the City of Das-

With a very anemic housing inventory, are we to say that foreclosures looming around us? The recent homebuyers that have taken this low down pay risky loans will lead the pack of property defaults. These are the same high-risk loans that created the big bubble in the mid to late 2000s’. I don’t see the scale to be as large but for buyers who are looking for deals, they will come but you will have lots of buying competition for these properties.

Underwater homeowners — owing more on their mortgage than their home’s current fair market value (FMV) — are more likely to be delinquent on their mortgages than those in a positive equity position.

Nationally, 5% of mortgages originated in 2022 are underwater as of Q3 2022, and an additional 19% of mortgages originated in 2022 have less than 10% equity. Most of these no- and low-equity mortgages are FHA-insured and VA-guaranteed loans, which have little to no down payment requirements.

A seller typically needs at least 10% equity to be able to sell and cover the 5%-6% broker fees as well as pay for any necessary repairs, improvements or other seller concessions demanded in a buyer’s market.

Without at least 10% equity in a property, a traditional sale is not possible, and foreclosure follows when mortgage payments are not paid. As this dynamic snowball in 2023-2025, a rise in real estate owned (REO) property will occur as the number of bank-owned properties balloons.

Generally, when going into foreclosure season, mortgage lenders are without staff to properly manage pricing at trustee’s sale or work out payment moratoriums for recently unemployed homeowners. Thus, the lender starts foreclosure and bids on the property for the debt rather than accept a market price at the auction a 3rd party bidder is willing to pay. The result is the lender becomes the owner, and the property becomes classified as REO inventory.

Real estate agents are preparing to work with REO properties and maybe short selling might be coming back. Preparing to invest as a real estate syndicator who purchases REO property at a steep discount for a long-term rental property investment; becoming a property manager of REO property to ensure regular income when traditional listings are sparse; and acting as a listing agent of REO property by making contacts with mortgage servicing companies which will soon see their REO inventory rise to an unmanageable number.

January 2023 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which shows there were a total of 31,557 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings — default notices, scheduled auctions or bank repossessions – up 36 percent from a year ago, and up 2 percent from the prior month.

” The uptick in overall foreclosure filings nationwide points toward a trend that may suggest more increased activity is on the horizon as we enter the new year,” said ATTOM CEO Rob Barber.” While both completed foreclosures and foreclosures starts have stalled slightly over the past month, the annual increase in overall activity seen over the past 21 months may indicate a more substantial trend that could continue into 2023.”

Lenders repossessed 3,896 U.S. properties through completed foreclosures (REOs) in January 2023, up 6 percent from last month but down 19 percent from last year – the first annual decrease in completed foreclosures since June 2021.

States that had at least 100 or more REOs and that saw the greatest annual decreases in January 2023 included: Florida (down 53 percent); Maryland (down 23 percent); Michigan (down 22 percent); New Jersey (down 15 percent); and Texas (down 14 percent).

Counter to the national trend, only 3 states with 100 or more REOs in January 2023 saw an annual increase, including: New York (up 76 percent); Pennsylvania (up 12 percent); and California (up 4 percent).

mariñas with unwavering commitment and passion,” his family said.

“His dedication to education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation transformed lives and shaped the future of his constituents. He will be remembered for his compassion and relentless pursuit of justice,” they added.

Barzaga is survived by his wife, Dasmariñas City Mayor Jenny Barzaga, and three sons.

Barzaga began his political career as mayor of the municipality of Dasmariñas, then the richest town of the country, in 1998 until 2007. He was elected as congressman

of Cavite’s second district in 2007.

As part of the 10-member prosecution team in Corona’s impeachment trial, Barzaga handled Article 2, alleging that the Chief Justice committed betrayal of public trust due to his failure to publicly disclose his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth, as required by law.

Other issues where Barzaga took on an active role were: Sulpicio Lines, the socalled Alabang Boys, and Meralco. He was also one of the 70 lawmakers who voted to deny the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN in 2020.

Rising delinquencies change the housing landscape.

Those major metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with a population greater than 200,000 that saw the greatest number of REOs included: Detroit, MI (783 REOs); Chicago, IL (206 REOs); New York, NY (149 REOs); Philadelphia, PA (100 REOs); and Riverside, CA (66 REOs).

Highest foreclosure rates in Delaware, Illinois, and Michigan Nationwide one in every 4,425 housing units had a foreclosure filing in January 2023. States with the highest foreclosure rates were Delaware (one in every 2,109 housing units with a foreclosure filing); Illinois (one in every 2,279 housing units); Michigan (one in every 2,617 housing units); New Jersey (one in every 2,858 housing units); and Maryland (one in every 2,967 housing units).

Among the 223 metropolitan statistical areas with a population of at least 200,000, those with the highest foreclosure rates in January 2023 were Fayetteville, NC (one in every 1,322 housing units with a foreclosure filing); Bakersfield, CA (one in every 1,522 housing units); Cleveland, OH (one in every 1,557 housing units); Detroit, MI (one in every 1,575 housing units); and Laredo, TX (one in every 1,953 housing units).

Other than Cleveland and Detroit, among the metropolitan areas with a population greater than 1 million, those with the worst

foreclosure rates in January 2023 included: Chicago, IL (one in every 2,074 housing units); Riverside, CA (one in every 2,123 housing units); and Las Vegas, NV (one in every 2,341 housing units).

Foreclosure starts increase monthly in 31 states including the District of Colombia

Lenders started the foreclosure process on 20,752 U.S. properties in January 2023, down 1 percent from last month but up 75 percent from a year ago.

Those states that saw the greatest number of foreclosures starts in January 2023 included: California (2,513 foreclosure starts); Texas (2,136 foreclosure starts); Florida (1,725 foreclosure starts); New York (1,375 foreclosure starts); and Illinois (1,309 foreclosure starts).

Among those major metropolitan statistical areas with a population of at least 200,000, those with the greatest number of foreclosure starts in January 2023, included: New York, NY (1,370 foreclosure starts); Chicago, IL (1,156 foreclosure starts); Los Angeles, CA (774 foreclosure starts); Houston, TX (629 foreclosure starts); and Philadelphia, PA (612 foreclosure starts).

Thanks for your inquiries, call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group for your home mortgage needs, call 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net CABRE 01021223 NMLS 238636

Fencer Catantan books Olympic slot after ruling Asia-Oceania qualifier

MANILA – Samantha Kyle Catantan booked the Philippines’ 12th slot to the Paris Olympics and ended the country’s three-decade absence in fencing.

Catantan beat Kazakhstan’s Sofia Aktayeva, 15-14, in the women’s foil final of the Asia-Oceania Zonal Olympic Qualifier in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates on Saturday to make it to the Summer Games slated July 26 to August 11.

On her way to the finals, the 22-year-old outclassed Israa Al Siyabi of Oman in the quarterfinals, 15-4; and stunned world No. 34 Hong Se-na of Korea l in the semifinals,15-3.

“I can’t thank my family, friends, coaches, teammates, and everyone who supported me enough. But most importantly, I want to thank everyone who never left my side -- those who believed in me when I had doubt, pushed me when I felt weak, and celebrated with me through every progress and setback,” Catantan posted on Facebook on April 25.

Walter Torres, the last Filipino fencer in the Olympics, competed in the 1992 Barcelona Games.

Catantan’s feat was also a boost to the Philippine Fencing Association (PFA), which was accused of being “unfair and unjust” after former Ateneo de Manila standout Maxine Esteban opted to become a citizen Ivory Coast to achieve her Olympic dream.

Esteban, 23, qualified for the African continental

zone.

The PFA previously released a statement that Catantan has produced better results in international tournaments since 2017.

Catantan played for the University of the East (UE) high school team and led the Junior Warriors to a ninth straight title in her final year in 2020.

She was Most Valuable Player in all her five years with UE in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

She went on to secure a full scholarship with Pennsylvania State University in the United States and played in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1.

In 2022, she delivered a gold in the Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The other 11 Filipino Olympians are pole vaulter Er-

nest John Obiena; boxers Eumir Felix Marcial, Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas; weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, Erleen Ann Ando and John Febuar Ceniza; gymnasts Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan and LeVi Jung-Ruivivar; and rower Joanie Delgaco.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino praised Catantan for rising beyond adversity and proving herself deserving of the Paris spot.

“She really fought for it to the end and I’m really happy to see her success just like the other Paris-bound Filipino athletes before her,” Tolentino said in a statement. (With Jean Malanum/PNA)

Still the queen, POC chief tells dejected Hidilyn Diaz

MANILA – The country will always be proud of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz despite her failure to qualify for the Paris Olympics.

“You’re still the queen,” Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino assured Diaz, who missed out on a fifth straight Olympic stint. “You are still our champion. You deserve all the honor and respect for giving our country its first gold medal.” Diaz, 33, finished 11th in the women’s 59 kg category of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Cup, the final Olympic qualifying event, in Phuket, Thailand on Wednesday night.

The 59 kg Olympic slot for the Philippines went to 25-year-old Elreen Ando, who finished seventh overall.

Only one representative per country per weight category in the top 10 will make the Olympics.

“’I’m sorry, Cong, I’m sorry,’ she repeatedly told me,” Tolentino said, as posted on social media.

“You don’t have to say sorry, again, anak (child). You’re still the queen, a legend,” he told a tearful Diaz. Diaz bagged silver in 2016 Rio de Janeiro (53 kg) and gold in Tokyo in 2021 (for the 2020 edition) in the 55 kg.

She was a wildcard in 2008 Beijing where she wound up 11th and didn’t place in 2012 London, where she was also the flagbearer. She competed in the 58 kg both times.

Health coverage among California children given emphasis

By Jun Nucum

The risk of leaving California children behind in ensuring their health coverage when they need it most remain as budget constraints due to deficit undermine the state’s investments in early childhood development even if after the Legislature approved multi-year continuous Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) coverage for children ages 0-5 two budget cycles ago.

Coupled that with the nagging problem that nearly 284,000 children in California have been disenrolled during the Medi-Cal eligibility renewal process required by the federal government for Medicaid beneficiaries, many because of administrative snag and not because the children no longer qualify.

It is for this reason that a briefing Ensuring the Youngest Kids Get Continuous Health Care Coverage was conducted to learn about the importance of ensuring children ages 0-5 get and are able to keep their health coverage, how gaps in coverage and issues with Medicaid renewals affect families, and the potential impact of both nationwide.

Among the speakers in the briefing were President of The Children’s Partnership Mayra E. Alvarez, Executive Director, Georgetown Center for Children and Families Joan Alker, 77th California Assembly District Assemblymember Tasha Boerner and AltaMed Chief Health Correspondent and Medical Affairs Officer Dr. Ilan Shapiro.

In a nationwide scale, half of U.S.

children get health coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a similar stateadministered program that provides health insurance for children whose household income is too high for Medicaid but too low for marketplace coverage.

Alker reported that federal researchers estimate that three out of four children who would lose their Medicaid during redetermination would still be eligible.

“This is much higher than for adults, because children have higher income eligibility, and likely don’t have another coverage source,” explained Alker. “We are about to hit 5 million fewer children on Medicaid nationwide. In 2023, we had 4 million total uninsured children nationwide. Even if half of these children are becoming uninsured for procedural reasons, this is a national crisis.”

Alker, shared that in the rate of unenrollment from Medicaid around the U.S., some states are more aggressively purging people, including children, from their Medicaid programs.

“The two states with the most children losing coverage are Texas, with 1.3 million fewer children on Medicaid since redetermination — comprising nearly one in four of the children losing coverage nationwide — and Florida, with nearly half a million fewer children on Medicaid,” Alker revealed.

“The good news is that we’re seeing a national breakthrough in policies that allow continuous coverage. Oregon, Washington and New Mexico are now implementing a Section 1115 waiver from the federal government to cover children from birth to age six. Eight other states, and the District of Columbia, are also pursuing this,” Alker continued. “In this year’s budget and his State of the Union speech, President Biden proposed to Congress that states be offered an option to cover infants from birth through age six” as well as an option to allow three years of continuous coverage after that through age nine.”

Currently, continuous coverage like this is only possible if states undergo the complicated process of applying for a Section 1115 waiver.

“California was earlier to pass continuous coverage, but hasn’t implemented it. These states are catching up,” Alker added. “Let’s not fall behind. Children and families shouldn’t have to worry about

losing health care.”

For her part, California Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-77) admitted that she has “been fortunate to be elected to the Assembly since 2018, and we’ve had ever larger budgets, and this is the first time many of us have had to cut it.”

“Against a deficit estimated at $73 billion, continuous coverage for children is at risk of being cut,” Boerner stressed. “The Legislature has until June 15 to pass the state budget, while the greenlight may not be determined until August.

Meanwhile, a nationwide annual redetermination of Medi-Cal eligibility, temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 federal emergency, resumed in April 2023. Since then, hundreds of thousands of Californians are being disenrolled. A third of these are youth.

Boerner confirmed that statistics on the number of Californians, including children, who are losing their healthcare and notes that often they are unenrolled due to clerical error and not because they are no longer eligible.

“92% of these disenrollments are due to procedural or paperwork reasons as of November 2023, compared to a nationwide average for procedural disenrollment of 71%,” shared Boerner. ““Oftentimes, families that still qualify for coverage but lose it due to procedural reasons — like missed renewal notices due to old contact information, inadequate language assistance, difficulty gathering all required documentation, and timely renewal applications not marked as received due to staffing shortages — find out about their lack of coverage while having a medical emergency, or going in for basic necessary services. This is unacceptable.”

Out of 40 million Californians, 40%, or over 15 million, relied on Medi-Cal when redetermination began while nationwide, over 90 million Americans — over one in four — were on Medicaid.

Boerner indicated that she was pushing the Department of Finance to certify multi-year continuous Medi-Cal enrollment for children aged zero to five.

“When we cut the red tape, people get the preventative care they need, and they’re not just ending up in the ER, with sick children that may have lasting, costly impacts from those illnesses,” Boerner explained.

Those who lose Medi-Cal for procedural reasons have 90-day retroactive coverage, i.e. can have medical bills paid for if issued within the 90 days before their coverage starts again.

5.2 million Californian children — over half of the state’s 9 million children

— had Medi-Cal or CHIP as of October 2023, and three-fourths of these were children of color.

Since redetermination began, over a million Californians of all ages have lost coverage, including 284,000 children.

“Babies see a doctor up to seven times in the first year of life alone. Health during those first few years of life, when 90% of brain development occurs, requires frequent and timely visits and screenings, and even short gaps in health coverage — known as ‘churning’ — can disrupt that care,” disclosed Mayra Alvarez, president of The Children’s Partnership.

During the pandemic, when redetermination froze, churn rates for California children dropped from 7.5% to 1%.

“The numbers don’t capture the true impact of lost coverage. Last year, we held focus groups statewide where we heard directly from parents. One Spanish-speaking parent in Fresno described their confusion and shock when they took their sick daughter to the doctor and were told they weren’t covered,” Alvarez continued. “Other families said their children didn’t have any coverage for months, and all visits had to stop. No child should be without that coverage.”

“Without greenlighting continuous coverage, the commitments our state has made to deliver on the promise of healthy early development for all children are broken promises,” Alvarez added.

Shapiro has seen what happens when the opportunity in that zero-to-five age gap, with the brain developing, to help those children grow to be the healthiest they can is cut down as a practicing community pediatrician at AltaMed, a community clinic network which serves about 500,000 patients, including 120,000 children.

“Many children I see come with chronic problems that create a wave through the entire community. If they have asthma and low oxygen, or developmental delays, the parents need to take care of them, the kid misses out on school and social development,” Shapiro continued. “If we don’t give proper vaccine protection, we see what’s happening now — problems with infectious diseases we have not seen in decades, like measles.”

“If we continue opening that coverage gap, we can’t be there for them,” saddened Shapiro. “If we want to have a healthy California and a healthy country, it’s in our hands to protect the base and future of our community by ensuring continuous coverage. These are our children.”

Being fat is no joke as stigma surrounding it persists

As 2 out of 5 Americans adults are obese and are getting fatter: one-third of US residents are considered overweight or obese by traditional BMI standards including about 20 percent of children.

The rise in weight comes amid a culture mandating thinness, as new weight loss drugs promoted by celebrities and influencers claim anyone can be thin.

In a briefing Can We Ever Escape Our Phobia of Fat? speakers discussed the history of stigma surrounding fatness; the seeming demise of the body positivity movement and the push towards an anti-diet culture; the impact of new weight loss drugs; the role of social media in creating negative self-perception and unhealthy dieting behaviors among teens and young adults; and childhood obesity’s link to school bullying.

Joining the briefing were Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, and author of “Fat is a Feminist Issue” Dr. Susie Orbach, Senior Scientist at the CHEO Research Institute with the Healthy Active Living & Obesity Research Group Dr. Gary Goldfield, and race, politics, and social issues commentator and an awardwinning journalist Jasmyne Cannick.

For the longest time, weight has always been a target for shame and bullying; the stigma of fatness continues, even amid a body positive culture.

Orbach maintains that fat shaming is not a new phenomenon as she wrote her book “Fat is a Feminist Issue,” published in 1978during the second wave of the women’s liberation movement when they investigated everything.

“But nobody had really looked at the fact that we were living in a visual culture that

By Jun Nucum

was pressing us to be smaller and smaller and smaller,” explained Orbach, one of Britain’s best-known psychotherapists, who worked with the late Princess Diana. “The idea of fatness was so scary to people. The book was a call to not be frightened about our appetites, not be frightened about food, to throw away diets, to dare to occupy our bodies, to live in our bodies.”

Orbach admitted that women all over the world are now obsessed with the Western ideal of beauty offering as an example the case of Fiji, where shortly after television became available in the 1990s, a significant number of women became bulimic, hunched over toilet bowls in an attempt to look like the women of the 1990s era TV comedy “Friends.”

Orbach also revealed that businesses have millions by convincing people they are overweight and unattractive, and discusses some of the consequences of exporting thinness as a beauty ideal.

Goldfield noted that social media is playing an ever-increasing role in how teenagers view and shame their bodies.

In this month’s column, we selected general questions about Medicare and other social benefits from the calls and letters we received and would like to share the information. If you have additional questions about Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, Social Security Retirement Benefit, Supplemental Security Income, Social Benefits for Seniors, or COVID/ Flu vaccination, there are 3 ways you can reach us today: Call our Senior Assistance Center at: (English) 1-800-336-2722, Email: askNAPCA@napca.org, Mail: 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101

<Q1> I just turned 65. Can I sign up for Medicare?

Yes. Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 or older.

If you have been receiving Social Security benefits for at least 4 months prior to turning 65, you’ll get Medicare automatically. If not, you must actively sign up. When you first sign up for Medicare during your 7 month-IEP (Initial Enrollment Period), you will have Medicare Part A (hospital/inpatient coverage) and Part B (medical/outpatient coverage), which is known as Original Medicare or Traditional Medicare.

You must pay a monthly premium for Part B and/or Part A (almost all beneficiaries don’t have to pay a Part A monthly premium if they or their spouse have at least 40 Social Security work credits). You still have to pay 20% coinsurance and deductible. If you

“Social media is as addictive as drugs,” stressed Goldfield, noting that platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook have aggressive algorithms that keep kids glued to their devices for 6 to 8 hours a day.

“The prevalence of problematic social media use is rising and rising: we have a very serious public health problem on our hands. And adolescence is a period where body image is more important for self-esteem than in any other life period. It’s also a period of time where social validation and need for acceptance and sensitivity to social rejection is also more pronounced,” Goldfield added. “We’re bombarded by these unattainable beauty ideals. But whether it be influencers or celebrities or just the average person posting, almost all of them have been photo edited. So they’re not projecting reality.”

“Kids who look up healthy ways to lose weight will be fed non-stop all kinds of unhealthy ways to lose weight that will take them down a rabbit hole that has been shown scientifically to contribute to disordered eat-

ing and full-blown eating disorders,” revealed Goldfield.

A research study helmed by Goldfield concluded that teens who went on a “social media diet” significantly improved their selfimage. The study compared a group of teens who were asked to reduce their consumption of social media by 50%, and a placebo group, which had no restrictions.

After just three weeks, body esteem had significantly improved in those who had reduced their social media consumption. Those in the placebo group experienced no changes in self-perception.

“Limiting social media clearly seems to have benefits on body perception,” viewed Goldfield.

Blogger Cannick discussed the shift away from the body positivity movement, and the new anti-diet movement, fueled in part by food companies seeking new marketing techniques to push unhealthy food. Cannick also discussed new weight loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, which are taking the celebrity and

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want to fill this expense gap, you can choose to purchase either Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage plan) or Medigap (also called Medicare Supplement Insurance).

Lastly, there is Medicare Part D, prescription drug coverage. Part D covers prescription drugs. If you have Original Medicare and want prescription drug coverage, you should purchase a stand-alone drug plan; however, many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage.

<Q2> What are Medicare Advantage Plans and Medigap?

If you have Part A and Part B, you can join a Medicare Advantage Plan, sometimes called “Part C” or an “MA plan.” MA plans must offer, at minimum, the same benefits as Original Medicare. Unlike Original Medicare, MA plans can offer additional benefits such as dental or vision coverage and have annual out-of-pocket maximum limits. Many MA plans provide Part D coverage as part of their benefits package. You have to pay a monthly premium for MA, but some MA plans have $0 monthly premiums. So, you can save significantly on your health care costs. However, MA plans typically have network restrictions, meaning that you will likely be more limited in your choice of doctors, hospitals, and service areas. Plans may require a referral for specialist visits or prior authorization from your plan. If cost is your prior concern or

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As

ondary Education, English – 2018; RAYMUND S. DULLA, Registered and Licensed Architect, Bachelor of Science in Architecture 2020’ Master in Management major in Environment Planning – 2023; HAROLD S. MERCADO, Licensed Professional Teacher Bachelor of Secondary Education, PEHM – 2018; SAMUEL S. PARINAS, Licensed Professional Teacher, Bachelor of Arts in Communication – 2018, Masters of Arts in Education major in Communication ArtsEnglish – 2024; TEOFILO SERAFICA JR. , Bachelor of Science in Accountancy – 2018; DANNY M. SUAN, Licensed Professional Teacher/Licensed Librarian, Bachelor of Science in Library and Information Science – 2018; JAZEL C. CASTANEDA, Licensed Professional Teacher, Bachelor of Secondary Education, Mathematics - 2019; JOHARA EGAR, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy – 2019; MARK ERVIN GATCHALIAN, Licensed Professional Teacher , Bachelor of Secondary Education, General Science – 2019; MARVIN GABAYAN, Registered Criminologist, Bachelor of Science in Criminology – 2019; HANA A. QUERO, Registered Criminologist, Bachelor of Science in Criminology – 2019; ANDREA C. LLEMOS, Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy – 2020; JEREMY CARPIO, Licensed Professional Teacher, Bachelor of Secondary Education, Mathematics - 2022; JEZREEL T. CAYETANO, Registered and Licensed Civil Engineer, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering – 2022; CHRISTIAN DELA CRUZ, Licensed Professional Teacher , Bachelor of Secondary Education, General Science – CUM LAUDE 2022; JEVIE T. MOLINA, Licensed Professional Teacher, Bachelor of Secondary Education, General Science – 2022; JAYSON L. TABAL, Licensed Professional Teacher, Bachelor of Secondary Education, English – 2022; JERIMAE BENAGEN, Registered Mechanical Engineer, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering – 2023.

The first scholar of TGU in partnership with the Pangasinan Brotherhood – USA (PB-USA) was Marcelino Ordanza, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and is now gainfully employed as an RN at a university hospital in the United Kingdom (UK). Ordanza was a scholar under the term of founding TGU president Lino F. Caringal, Jr. and the rest of the scholars were during the term of past president Yvonne San Juan-Sera.

The scholars have shown that being poor should never be a hindrance to college education! In fact, it breaks the cycle of poverty and makes recipients successful and become worthy members of society!

As a sign of gratitude, the scholars have these to say: President Samuel S. Parinas – “Maraming salamat, The Global Urdanetanians (TGU) for sending me to school. Without the scholarship, I might still be in college right now and trying to finish my degree, but with your help, I am now working as a professional in my chosen field. I am forever grateful to all of my sponsors. I will do my best to give back to others, to pay it forward as they say. I will begin it through leading the TGU Officers and Board for the coming years with the other scholars and members.”

Executive Vice President Harold Mercado – “I’m forever in debt to TGU for all the opportunities and support I have received. You became my stepping stone, my support system, my constant reminder in life, and my family. I will never be who I am without TGU.”

Vice President for Admin Marvin S. Gabayan – “It will always be an honor to be a part of this organization. As one of the products of TGU, we are always grateful for the opportunity that TGU has given to us. TGU is more than an organization, it is a family for us.”

Vice President for Operations Raymund S. Dulla – “I’m forever grateful that TGU chose me to be one of their scholars. They have given us the opportunity to realize our dreams, and to give back to our families. Thank you TGU.”

Sub-Secretary Jayson L. Tabal – “I have the utmost gratitude for the priceless chance you have given me to continue my education and change my life. My path has been illuminated by your unfailing support, and I will always be grateful for the doors you have opened and the dreams you have made possible. Thank you very much, TGU, for your unwavering belief in me!”

What Nelson Mandela has said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” is now happening… these TGU scholars are now the change agents of society, the TGU way!

Elpidio R. Estioko was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist here in the US. He just published his book Unlocking the Chain of Poverty: In Pursuit of the American Dream which is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Xlibris Publishing. For feedbacks, comments… please email author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com).

Being fat ...

(From page 19)

influencers’ world by storm.

“As a black woman, my body shape, my body weight is different from that of a white woman of the same age and same height,” admitted Cannick, noting that she works in an industry where looks play an important role in the ability to be employed as weight also has a tremendous impact on her career and notes that looks can be as important as professional experience when it comes to jobs in media.

“People used to say to me all the time, ‘you need your own TV show.’ And I would say, ‘I’m too fat for that, because we like our anchors and we like our reporters on television to have a certain look, and I didn’t have that look,” admitted Cannick, the award-winning journalist.

(From page 19)

you live in an urban area, MA plan may be a good option. Medigap (also called Medicare Supplement Insurance) is a private health insurance policy to fill cost-sharing gaps such as 20% coinsurance in Medicare Parts A & B and only those enrolled in Original Medicare can purchase a Medigap plan. Medigap offers neither prescription drugs nor additional benefits such as dental or vision. If you want additional coverage, you’ll need to purchase the plan you want to add separately. You will need to pay monthly premiums for Part B and Medigap plan (and if applicable, additional coverage plans), totaling about $400 or more per month. Original Medicare supported by Medigap (with/without a prescription drug plan) would be a good choice for those who need recurring care for a chronic condition, travel a lot, or live in rural areas.

<Q3> Do you know that you may also be eligible for energy cost assistance?

Through a Looking Glass...

Such includes stopping gun violence, fighting hate, protecting civil rights, stopping transnational criminal organizations, helping victims of crime, standing up to powerful interests which hurt consumers, getting justice for workers, tackling underground economy and standing up for immigrant communities.

Bonta considers affordability, housing, cost of living and public safety among his state’s biggest problems.

Dubbed the “Attorney of the People”, he has striven throughout his political life to get justice for Californians.

Because of his dedication to his work, he considers balancing his work and his family his greatest challenge.

Fortunately, he is married to an understanding wife, Mia, who is also a public servant, as Assemblywoman, and they have three offspring: Reina, Iliana and Andres.

Californians are certainly blessed to have Rob Bonta as their AttorneyGeneral and we Filipinos are proud to call him one of our own!

tional development.

During the pandemic years, SMC also supported the reduction of hunger and malnutrition in the country through feeding program and production of nutribuns which were distributed to disadvantaged communities via feeding kiosks at identified Petron service stations.

SMC’s nutribuns which were distributed to needy communities during the pandemic had a high content of dietary fiber, iron and iodine. The nutribuns were made of quality ingredients that included San Miguel products such as King Hard wheat flour and Star margarine. Compared to the regular pan de sal, the nutribun had 85 grams of dough with 250 calories or equivalent to 1 ¼ cup of rice.

With the partnership between SMC and DOST-FNRI, SMC has again shown its malasakit for the Filipino people. It is another testament to the conglomerate leader’s vision for a better Philippines through investments not only in infrastructure, agriculture, energy but also in the health of future generations for it is the youth who has the most to look forward to. To quote Jose Rizal, “The youth is the hope of our future.”

In recent years, there has been a seismic shift in the way women view their bodies fueled by celebrities like Lizzo, Ashley Graham, Selena Gomez, and others. “Lizzo made her name by saying, ‘Hey, I’m a plus size girl, and I’m going to wear what I want to wear, even if it’s no clothes. And I’m going to show my complete entire butt on social media,” mentioned Cannick. But recently, the singer revealed she was tired of all the nasty comments about her size, and was stepping down from social media.

Lizzo has also started to use Ozempic, and has recently posted photos of a much-slimmer self. She has also released her new line of shapewear, Yitty. Cannick perceives the singer’s shift away from embracing her large body as the beginning of the diminishment of the body positivity movement.

“Can we dare to live from our bodies? Can we dare to know our appetites, really know them, and stay present for our hungers? And can we also develop our emotional appetites so

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is a federally funded program that helps low-income households to meet their immediate home energy needs. This program provides your household with an annual cash grant to help you pay for your home heating and cooling costs. The grants are paid either directly to you or to your energy company. To be eligible a household must have an income that does not exceed the greater of 150% of the federal poverty guideline(e.g., $2,555 for a two-person household) or 60% of the state median income level. Enrollment periods may not be year-round, and the open period depends on the state. The application processes and agencies vary depending on the area where you live. Please call us to see if you are eligible.

National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of AANHPI older adults and their families. We operate a NAPCA Senior Assistance Center for Older Adults and Caregivers and is available in 5 different languages.

autographed copy of the updated LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY at a discounted price of $15 (with FREE shipping and handling) through our BOOKS MINISTRY. For every order of the updated “LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY,” you’ll also receive autographed copy of the original “HISTORICITY OF JESUS” subtitled “Facts and Evidences for Agnostics, Atheists and Believers.” This Special Offer is only good in the United States.

For your autographed copy of the updated “LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY” at a special discounted price plus the FREE autographed copy of “HISTORICITY OF JESUS,” just send $15 (in check or money order to: ART G. MADLAING, 730 Madrid Street, San Francisco, California USA. Tel. (650)438-3531 or (415)584-7095 or email:artmadlaing@ hotmail.com

(ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE #00635976) in California since 1981. He is the founder of MOLBILE SIGNING SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST) and ACAPINOY. Art is active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California USA.)

Daly City eyes tighter linkages with Quezon City

SAN FRANCISCO (PNA) – Sustaining decades-long ties, California’s multicultural city of Daly intends to forge closer linkages with Quezon City, its sister city in the Philippines.

Talking to visiting Filipino journalists at her office on April 29 (San Francisco time), Daly City’s Filipino-American Mayor Juslyn Manalo said she was look-

By Joyce Ann Rocamora

ing at ways to increase exchanges with the Philippine city, including on progressive leadership and social development.

Daly and Quezon City are in talks for the “next steps” of their relations, with the latter interested in knowing more about her city’s wastewater management model, Manalo added.

Daly City is also interested to share its firefighting apparatus and add to Quezon City’s equipment.

“We’re looking at ways to support Quezon (City) with some of our firefighting apparatus that we can actually give over since they will be kind of getting the new firefighter apparatus and they were very open to that saying there has been a lot of fires,” she said.

Meanwhile, the official hopes to host Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte in the future.“I had a really amazing conversation with her and I know that she’s also very progressive in her programming and (we know) there’s a lot, so in any way that

we can also exchange we’re looking at that,” she said.

The Quezon City-Daly City sister city relations were established on Aug. 8, 1994 to promote cooperation in the fields of the environment, human resources and community development, science and technology, education and sports, tourism development, and trade.

The two renewed the sister city ties during the regular session of the Daly City Council on July 10, 2023.

‘Inspiring possibilities’

Manalo’s election as the first female Filipino-American mayor in Daly City shows the breadth of connections between the Philippines and the United States.

At present, she leads 100,007 constituents of diverse nationalities, at least 34 percent, or over 34,002 are of Filipino descent.

This number also makes Daly the city with the highest concentration of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in the US.

“I grew up here in Daly City, a very diverse community and I serve all of my community. But I’m so proud of my Filipino heritage,” she said.

“With 34 percent of our kababayan (countrymen) here, I think it’s important to have representation. I am the first Filipina and so long overdue,” she added.

Back in high school, Manalo said she was already surrounded by a large community of Filipinos but she always wondered why there was no female Filipino representing them in the office.

“I didn’t think I was gonna be it, (that it) would come into fruition that I would be it and so we know that we need to create a pipeline so that the younger generation can see this as a pathway,” she shared.

Early in her career, she became a community service worker providing direct service to Filipino World War II veterans.

Among her priorities is helping low- to moderate-income families find, defend, and sustain their housing.

Heart of Hope

The food we eat is metabolized and automatically turned into various chemical substances (amino acids, minerals, hormones, etc.) that our body needs for our organs to work properly, and the waste products excreted.

Chocolates and other “pleasure food items” (beans, eggs, low-fat meats, nuts, desserts) induce our brain to release happy (pleasure) hormones like endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. Low levels of these hormones cause depression or anxiety.

The natural chemical transformation in our digestive system is also the reason why those individuals with arthritis suffer joint pains almost as soon as within a couple of hours after eating inflammatory food items like the so-called nightshades (potato, tomato, paprika, pepper, eggplant, tobacco).

Bread, pasta, rice, soft drinks, milk, fruits, noodles, crackers, cereals, beans, popcorn, cookies, desserts, and other starches are carbohydrates that are readily transformed into glucose (blood sugar). Diabetics watch their food intake, all being careful about the carbs, and conscious of their caloric intake. Among Asians, eliminating or minimizing rice in our diet helps in the treatment of diabetes and in weight management. Abnormally high blood glucose level (hyperglycemia) harms blood vessels, eyes, heart, kidneys, and nerves, and could acutely cause diabetic acidosis, unconsciousness, coma, and death. The opposite, too low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia), leads to mental confusion, weakness, and sudden collapse. If any of these two conditions are not treated promptly, death could en-

Foods are chemicals

sue. Hypoglycemia is more emergent of the two. Glucose is a vital chemical that gives us energy, essential to the brain, a major fuel that runs our body.

Gluten and Lectins

We were raised eating oatmeal (the world-famous Quaker Oats) every morning. I enjoyed oatmeal a lot, sometimes I ate it for snacks when I was growing up. Almost everyone considers oatmeal a healthy food item, but clinical studies revealed otherwise. Oatmeal contains harmful lectins and often contaminated with gluten. Almost all types of bread are made with wheat (a whole grain), which contains very large amount of lectins, like raw legumes (soybeans, peas, lentils, beans, peanuts). Lectins (hemagglutinins) are “anti-nutrients” (prevents absorption of many minerals, like calcium, iron zinc, and phosphorus, which are essential to health). Lectin also causes chronic inflammation, especially in the gut and joints, and contributes to overweight and obesity. It contains phytohemagglutinins that cause red blood cells to clump together. Lectin negatively affects the immune system and the microbiome intestinal flora, injures the gut linings, which results in bloating, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, and diarrhea, among many individuals. Boiling, stewing, soaking in water for several hours, can inactivate most lectins.

The good side of lectin includes acting as antioxidants and slowing down digestion to reduce absorption of carbohydrates, which prevents sharp rise of glucose and insulin levels. Studies are underway to look at the use of the nontoxic side of lectin in small amounts to help gut cell growth for patients who are unable to eat for long periods, and as an anti-cancer agent, because it appears to kill cancer cells.

The three ancient grains that do not contain lectin and gluten-free are Millet, Teff, and Sorghum, which are common

food staples in Asia and Africa. These are the healthier grains.

Any food item with wheat, barley, and rye, like bread, have gluten. Gluten is unhealthy because it causes an autoimmune response called celiac disease, which damages the small intestines. The lining of the gut becomes “permeable, permitting undigested gluten, bacteria, and other substances to go through the lining and into the blood stream to cause inflammation.” Gluten ataxia is a “rare neurological autoimmune disease that cause the body to attack parts of the brain in response to gluten.”

Avocado and celery

One of the healthiest superfoods is avocado. It is delicious and a most-nutrition packed food, containing a hearty dose of fiber, good fats, potassium, folate, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and vitamins C and K. Avocados could help enhance cardiac health, boost weight loss, and keep the gastrointestinal tract running smoothly. One avocado (about 136 grams) contains 227 calories and 2.7 grams of protein. It could be eaten when ripe and added to other fruits-veggies smoothies.

Celery, a popular crunchy snacks, has antioxidant properties, vital minerals and vitamins, and phytonutrients. It is an anti-inflammatory food, good for those with arthritis, and known to reduce the risk for cancer, purifies blood, and cardio-protective. Celery also promotes neurogenesis and prevents memory loss, through its content of flavonoid called luteolin, which calms brain inflammation. Apigenin, a bioactive flavonoid in celery is believed to support neurogenesis, the growth and development of nerve cells.

Bacon/eggs: bad?

Eating bacon every day is unhealthy because it contains a lot of sodium, cholesterol and fat, all of which increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. In

general, eating red meat regularly is not healthy because studies have shown it is associated with high incidence of cardiovascular diseases and cancer, compared to those who abstain or minimize it to once a week intake. To live a healthy life, we do not really need to eat red meat at all. Chicken meat, without the skin, is a healthier alternative.

Eggs one a day or less is safe. Egg white (no yolk) may be eaten as much as one wants; its has no cholesterol of fats, which the yolk has a lot of. The recommendation is no more than 7 eggs a day, preferably not fried.

All processed meats (bacon, ham, hamburger, hot dogs, other deli meats) are unhealthy, linked to cancers, especially colon and rectum. Burnt (high-heat) grilled meats are suspected to be associated with pancreatic cancer.

Smoothies, made with all varieties of berries, celery, pineapple (collagen protein powder added), are a good breakfast drink, also good for snacks, especially for those with arthritis, to reduce inflammation and joint pains.

Indeed, foods are drugs!

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua. com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

Recipe of the Week

Igado with Olives

Ingredients:

1 kilo lean pork, slice thinly

1/2 kilo pork liver, slice thinly, rinsed, marinate in 1/4 cup vinegar

1 medium size onion, peeled, chopped

1/2 head garlic, crushed, peeled, chopped

1 cup cooked chick peas

1 cup cooked green peas

10-15 pieces green olives

1 medium size green or red bell pepper, trimmed, cut into strips

1/2 cup vinegar

1/3 cup soy sauce

1 tbsp. crushed peppercorns

6-8 pcs. bayleaf

1/4 cup olive oil

cooking oil

salt

Cooking procedure:

In a sauce pan or wok, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant. Add in the pork and stir cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Add in the vinegar and soy sauce, lower heat and cook uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes. Add about 2 cups of water, the peppercorns and the bay leaf, bring to a boil and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the pork is tender. Then add in the liver cook for another 5 to 10 minutes or until the liquid is reduced to an oily sauce and almost dry. Season with salt and sugar to taste. Add in the chick peas, green peas, bell pepper and olive oil cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. When done keep at room temperature, best serve on the next day for the flavors to develop, Reheat to warm touch only when serve.

Mingay Beach: An off-the-grid getaway

By Leilanie Adriano

LAOAG CITY – Off the beaten path is the majestic cove of Mingay located in the quaint village of San Julian in Sta. Praxedes, Cagayan.

The cove is described by both locals and visitors as a hidden gem, and unique for being both a recreation and economic place, being located in a fi shing village. It is also where the lush forest meets the open sea.

Realizing its great potential for eco-tourism, the local government of Sta. Praxedes led by Mayor Esterlina Aguinaldo decided to offer overnight stays for visitors looking for a rest disconnected from modern-day distractions. No electricity, no internet, just a moment of peace with nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

“Mingay is indeed a true gem that can be handed over from generations,” said Aguinaldo as she enjoined everyone to promote responsible travel practices while nurturing the local

community and the environment.

Apart from tents, at least three solar-powered teepee houses with basic amenities are available in the area for an overnight stay.

Aguinaldo said the local government also set up picnic tables and tents for rent. Showers, restrooms, and swings are also available.

Pre-booking however is a must with no walk-in accommodations for overnight guests to ensure their safety and security, according to the Santa Praxedes Tourism Facebook page.

How to get there

There are two ways to reach the cove. With the aid of Google map or waze, pin Mingay Beach in Barangay San Julian, known by locals as the “greenest garden of the north”.

From the drop-off point in Sitio Mingay, trek downhill for about 40 minutes.

The cove can also be reached by a 30-to-40-minute boat ride after coordinating with the local tourism office. Boats for hire are available at the Taggat blue lagoon in Claveria, Cagayan.