021023 - Northern California Edition

The loneliness of immigrant elders

THE recent mass shootings in California put a tragic spotlight on the isolation and invisibility of many immigrant elders in the state.

Both shooters in the two mass killings in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay, California were Chinese and neither fit the profile of a mass killer. Both were over 65.

“Is it any surprise that within our communities there are people, elders who have been made invisible, treated not even as human beings, who feel isolated and yes, experience mental health issues like any other community?” asked Helen Zia, an author and activist.

Zia was one of five speakers at a Feb. 3 EMS virtual briefing who shared perspectives about the isolation and invisibility of immigrant elders spotlighted by the tragedies, and a call to action for the rest of society.

For her latest book, “Last Boat Out of Shanghai,” Zia interviewed a few hundred Asian seniors about their lives

Alex Eala eyes French Open, Wimbledon stints

ALEX Eala eyes to see action in the 2023 French Open qualifiers in May as she is looking to participate in more Grand Slam tournaments this year.

Coming off her first Grand Slam stint as a pro in the 2023 Australian Open last month, the 17-year-old Eala on Tuesday, February 7 bared that she is seeking to qualify at Roland Garros set from May 28 to June 11.

“My next target right now is to try and qualify for the French Open. I have to budget my tournaments because as a 17-yearold, I only have 20 tournaments allotted,” said Eala during her homecoming press conference at Globe Tower.

“My last tournament was Thailand; that was my 15th tournament. So, until Roland Garros qualification, I have five more, until my birthday in May, when it resets.”

The U.S. Open girls’ singles champion, who turns 18 on May 23, said she is also looking to compete at Wimbledon.

“Well, I think for a tennis player the goal is really to join the grand slams. So those are

Survey: ‘Very good’ satisfaction rating for Marcos

VP Duterte rated as ‘excellent’

by JANVIC MATEO Philstar.com

MANILA — A majority of Filipinos are satisfied with the performance of President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte in their first six months in office, a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed.

The satisfaction ratings of the two highest officials were among the data presented during the 2023

SWS Survey Review held at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati on Tuesday, February 7.

In his presentation, SWS vice president Jay Sandoval said Marcos obtained a “very good” net satisfaction rating of +68 in their latest survey conducted from Dec. 10 to 14. He said it was up from the “very good” +63 that the President obtained in a similar survey on Sept. 29-Oct. 2.

PH embassy in Turkey reaches out to 248 Filipinos in quake-hit areas

by ARIC JOHN SY CUA ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine embassy in Ankara, Turkey said it had reached out to Filipinos in the earthquake-hit areas.

Philippine ambassador to Turkey Maria Elena P. Algabre, with a team, spent a day contacting 248 Filipinos that were hit by the quake, especially in Gaziantep, Hatay, Adana, Mersin and Sanlıurfa. The embassy also set up a command center to coordinate its actions with Filipino community leaders and

Turkish authorities.

"The embassy has been receiving confirmed and unconfirmed reports of Filipinos, experiencing varying levels of distress," the Philippine embassy wrote in a statement on its social media platforms on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023 (Turkish time). "The embassy will act swiftly on all confirmed reports," it said.

According to the embassy, the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs of the Department of Foreign

PH appeals ICC’s revival of ‘drug war’ probe

by TETCH TORRES-TUPAS Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Philippine government has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to reverse the January decision of its pre-trial chamber (PTC) which authorizes the resumption of investigation on abuses and deaths related to the Duterte administration’s brutal war against illegal drugs.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra confirmed that the notice of appeal was filed by the government last February 3.

The five-page appeal registered the Philippine government’s disagreement to and rejection

of the PTC’s reasons for reviving the “drug war” probe. The PTC concluded that the Philippine government is not undertaking tangible, concrete steps to investigate abuses and deaths in the conduct of the anti-drug campaign.

The Philippine government requested the ICC to suspend the implementation of the PTC’s decision pending final resolution of its appeal, which was signed by Guevarra and Assistant Solicitor Generals-Myrna AgnoCanuto, Henry Angeles, Marissa

Duterte, meanwhile, obtained a net satisfaction rating of “excellent” +77 in December, up from “excellent” +73 in October.

SWS classifies net satisfaction ratings of at least +70 as “excellent;” +50 to +69 as “very good;” +30 to +49 as “good;” +10 to +29 as “moderate;” +9 to -9 as “neutral;” -10 to -29 as “poor;” -30 to -49 as “bad;” -50 to -69 as “very bad” and -70 and below as “execrable.”

 PAGE 2

by DANIZA FERNANDEZ Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Philippine-United States alliance is “rock solid,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said on Friday, February 3.

Manalo made the remark after he met with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who visited Manila “I had a very good first meeting with [Defense Secretary] Austin. There’s no doubt—PH-U.S. Alliance is rock solid,” Manalo posted on Twitter.

“We identified key initiatives to improve mutual understanding of our priorities & challenges and to strengthen our relationship in ways that would secure our peoples,” he added.

Austin, meanwhile, stressed that the U.S. “remains determined to support regional peace & prosperity in the [Indo-Pacific].”

“We deeply value our ironclad alliance & working shoulder-to-shoulder with such an indispensable ally & friend,” the U.S. official wrote on Twitter.

During Austin’s visit, the Philippines and the U.S. agreed to have four new additional Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites across the archipelago.

The Philippine Department of National Defense

Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 detected in PH

by GAEA KATREENA CABICO Philstar.com

MANILA — Philippine health authorities have  detected the first confirmed case of the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5, which is said to be the most contagious variant of the virus causing COVID-19.

The  Department of Health said in its latest COVID-19 biosurveillance report  that 196 out of the 1,078 samples sequenced last week were  classified as XBB, including one case tagged as XBB.1.5.

World Health Organization COVID-19 technical lead Maria Van Kerkhove earlier said that XBB.1.5—an offshoot of the Omicron XBB subvariant— is the “most transmissible

subvariant that has been detected yet.”

The European Center  for Disease Prevention and Control classified XBB.1.5 as a variant of interest.

Estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed the Omicron subvariant now accounts for 66.4% of cases there from January 29 to February 4.

“According to the rapid risk assessment done by the WHO, there is moderate-strength evidence for increased risk of transmission and immune escape,” the DOH said.

“However, currently available evidence for XBB.1.5 does

Survey: ‘Very good’ satisfaction...

The net satisfaction rating is the rounded off difference between those who said that they were satisfied and those who declared they were dissatisfied with the performance of a particular government official.

The polling firm has yet to release the percentage of the respondents who were

satisfied or dissatisfied with the two officials, as well as the geographic and socio-economic breakdown of the responses.

In his presentation, Sandoval also noted that overall satisfaction with the administration was at “excellent” +74 in December. In terms of specific issues, satisfaction with the government’s efforts to help the

poor was at “very good” +64, campaign against illegal drugs at “good” +46, fighting corruption at “moderate” +12 and fighting inflation at “neutral” +1.

The October 2022 survey had 1,500 respondents and a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percent, while the December 2022 survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of +/- 2.8 percent.

PH embassy in Turkey reaches out to...

Affairs are processing aid for the Filipinos affected.

It warned, however, that Turkish authorities have closed off roads leading to the quake-hit areas.

Algabre said Filipinos in Turkey can reach the embassy through telephone and Whatsapp (+905345772344), through email at ankara.pe@dfa.gov.ph, or on its Facebook page (facebook.com/

PHinTurkey). They are advised to keep watch on the Facebook page for its advisories, that include 112 Emergency helplines of the Turkish government and lists of shelters and staging points of local government units (LGUs) in each of the affected Turkish provinces.

No Filipino casualties were reported in the magnitude 7.8 earthquake, so far.

"Our deepest condolences

goes out to the families and loved ones of all those affected in Kahramanmaras, Gaziantep, Hatay, Osmaniye, Adıyaman, Malatya, Sanlıurfa, Adana, Diyarbakır, and Kilis," the embassy's statement wrote, citing the areas worst hit by Monday's tragedy.

More than 5,000 people were reported to have been killed by the tremor, said to be one of the strongest in recent years.

DFA: Philippines-US alliance ‘rock...

said that the “expansion of the EDCA will make our alliance stronger and more resilient and will accelerate the modernization of our combined military capabilities.”

Meanwhile, China said that U.S. actions “escalate regional tension and undermine regional peace and stability.”

The Philippines and China have an ongoing maritime row in the West Philippine Sea.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that the Philippines has rights on the West Philippine Sea, invalidating China’s nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea.

Despite the ruling, Filipino fishers continue to experience aggression and harassment by China.

Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 detected...

not suggest any differences in disease severity and/or clinical manifestations compared to the original Omicron variant,” it added. XBB.1.5 is still reported

under XBB by the WHO and will remain classified under Omicron until there is enough evidence showing its virus characteristics are significantly different.

Philippine health authorities

also detected 454 cases of Omicron subvariant BA.2.3.20, 79 cases of XBC, 28 cases of BA.5, and seven cases of BA.2.75. One hundred sixty samples were classified as other Omicron sublineages.

PH EMBASSY OFFICIALS MEET WITH AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP. Philippine Embassy officials led by Charge d’Affaires Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon, Jr. recently met with the American Jewish Committee leadership to discuss the priorities of the Marcos administration, as well as regional issues and Philippine-Israel relations. Photo above shows Charge d’Affaires Ascalon (standing, 4th from right) with other Embassy officials and members of the American Jewish Committee led by Randall Chafetz (standing, 5th from left) and supported by Nissim Reuben (standing, 3rd from right). Also attending was a representative from the Embassy of Israel, Nadav Zysblat (standing, extreme left).

Photo courtesy of PH Embassy

Mayor Breed launches Housing For All plan

Housing for All sets the course for the implementation of San Francisco’s ambitious plan to allow for 82,000 new homes over the next 8 years

SAN FRANCISCO –

On Tuesday, February 7, Mayor London Breed launched Housing for All, a strategy to fundamentally change how San Francisco approves and builds housing. Housing for All is the implementing strategy for the recently certified Housing Element, which sets the goals and policies to allow for 82,000 new homes to be built over the next 8 years. Housing for All consists of administrative reforms, legislative actions, and government accountability actions.

To initiate Housing for All, Mayor Breed issued an Executive Directive Tuesday to City Departments detailing the immediate actions of this strategy. The Housing for All Executive Directive consists of three areas of focus:

• Creating Accountability and Oversight for Implementation of the Housing Element

• Requiring Administrative Departmental Actions

• Setting Initial Legislative Actions and Timelines.

The immediate actions in

the Executive Directive lays the groundwork for the City to unlock its housing pipeline, accelerate the approval of new housing projects, and create additional capacity for all types of housing across San Francisco.

“San Francisco has the opportunity to make a

transformation in how we build housing for everyone in our city – for workers, for seniors, for families, everyone,” said Mayor Breed. “With our approved Housing Element, we have the plan. Now we need to put it into action, which require us to change our thinking and do things totally different than we have in the past. Housing for All is about doing the long, hard work to deliver on our commitments to be a city that can embrace and tackle an ambitious goal of 82,000 new homes built in 8 years. We can and should be a city that is a leader on housing.”

The Housing for All Executive Directive takes place immediately and directs Departments to do the following:

Create Housing Element accountability, oversight

Directs the creation of a centralized authority and oversight for the implementation of Housing Element policies and actions, including a centralized Interagency Implementation Team to which all departments are accountable and convening city leadership,

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VALENTINE STAPLE. Flower bouquets are sold from P150 to P700 at a shop inside the Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Tuesday, Feb. 7, just a week before Valentine’s Day. Vendors expect the prices of flowers to increase to as much as P1,500 as the occasion nears.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

PH appeals ICC’s revival of ‘drug war...

Dela Cruz-Galandines, and Hermes Ocampo. No argument was offered but Guevarra said they will be filing an appeal brief before the end of February.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch Senior Researcher Carlos Conde said he is optimistic the appeal would not change anything to stop the resumption of the drug war probe, adding that it seems the government is just going through the motion of exhausting the remedies available to it.

He said it would be better if the Marcos administration would cooperate with the probe.

“Instead of undermining the ICC and its important work of accountability, the government should really just cooperate. Just because it’s no longer a state party to the Rome Statute doesn’t mean it cannot cooperate,’ Conde said.

Earlier, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said ICC investigators will not be welcomed in the country unless they will not impose and respect the justice system.

He asserted that the country has a functioning justice system and said the decision of the ICC to resume its “drug war” probe is an “irritant.”

In granting the request of Prosecutor Karim Khan to resume the probe into the Philippines’ war on drugs, the ICC said the information and materials submitted by the Philippine government “do not amount to tangible, concrete and progressive investigative steps in a way that would sufficiently mirrors the Tribunal’s investigation.”

Alex Eala eyes French Open, Wimbledon...

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my goals for this year, go get into as many grand slams as I can,” she said.

Eala, who is currently the Women’s Tennis Association’s world No. 217, earned her career-best ranking of No. 214 and she is eager to keep rising in the rankings and compete in more pro circuit tournaments this year.

“Well, that depends on a lot of factors. I have to defend points and hopefully gain points if I can and it also depends on who joins the tournaments and who backs out,” Eala said. “So, give or take. I hope so. I really don’t know because it would be my first French Open professionally.”

The Rafael Nadal Academy scholar made her first appearance in French Open as a junior in 2021, reaching the semifinals in singles and ruling the doubles with Russian partner Oksana Olegovna Selekhmeteva.

The first Filipino to win a Grand Slam singles title reached the main draw of the Thailand Open but she lost to sixth seed  Tatjana Maria of Germany, 2-6, 2-6, in the WTA 250 event in Hua Hin last week.

Eala also made her first Grand Slam appearance as a pro in the 2023 Australian Open qualifying round, suffering an early exit at the hands of Japan’s Misaki Doi last month. (Lance Agcaoili/Inquirer.net)

The loneliness of immigrant...

– first as refugees, and later as exiled immigrants. “So many have gone through war, starvation, civil war, great trauma, witnessed terrible, terrible things,” Zia said. Many had never told their stories before, even to their grown children.  When asked why, they said because they didn’t think anybody wanted to hear.

The recent killings

triggered memories that many immigrants have tried to forget, and the news brought panic and fear. Perfectly understandable, Zia says.

Working into their ‘golden years’

“Why are people still working in their seventies?” asked Rita Medina, Deputy Director of State Policy and Advocacy at the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles (CHIRLA), referring to the Latino and Asian farm workers spotlighted in Half Moon Bay.

Medina says many older farmworkers continue to work “into what should be their golden years” because they have to. “It’s a large number of folks we’re talking about.” The 2019 American Community Survey estimated there are about 17,000 undocumented seniors in California who can’t collect social security.

Estimates put the number of undocumented farmworkers at around half of the roughly 162,000 who work in the state.

CHIRLA knows domestic workers, farm workers, street vendors, and construction workers who have waited more than a decade to adjust their immigration status. Since many have worked “under the table” or had low-wage social security jobs, Medina says SSI benefits for many wouldn’t be enough to sustain them even if they got green cards.

“They continue to be undocumented. Some of them are alone here in this country, and their bodies are physically breaking down because of the work that they’re doing. Knee problems from bending in construction, back problems from working as a domestic worker,” Medina said.

California recently passed a health care law that will provide medical insurance to everybody in California regardless of their status. That is good news but it doesn’t start until 2025.

Hidden traumas

Laura Som is a Cambodian Chinese refugee who came to Los Angeles when she was 10-years-old along with thousands of other Cambodians escaping the Pol Pot regime.

“Long Beach has the largest Cambodian population in the nation. Many of these refugees experienced extreme violence and trauma during the genocide. Many had and have PTSD, including myself,” Som said.

As she grew up, Som watched the mental health of the elders in her community deteriorate “from the aftermath of wars, extreme violence and neglect by the mainstream community. Some of the symptoms of these traumas are hatred, violence, rage, and depression. Little has been done to shield young children from it,” she said.

Degreed in biochemistry, Som founded the Maye Center

in Cambodia Town in Long Beach to provide culturally appropriate therapies for mental health wellness for refugees and immigrants.   Noting her community ended gerrymandering in Long Beach, Som says Cambodian seniors don’t speak English but overcame their fear and organized for the good of everyone. Transforming trauma into activism overcomes fear, especially when community initiatives are successful, Som says.

“And so for us, we break the stigma by saying seniors are relevant.”

The stigma of mental health

Dr. Brett Sevilla is a clinical psychiatrist and medical director of the Asian Pacific Counseling and Treatment Centers (APCTC) which serves predominantly monolingual Asian immigrant families in Southern California. Sevilla said families who have members with mental illness often consider it shameful and will first try to contain the problem and keep the person at home.

“If they eventually do see a psychiatrist, the person is often severely impaired, angry about being accused of being crazy, and the family is exhausted. Medications may be rejected or not taken consistently, as Western medication is believed to be too strong or even a cause of mental illness.”

Sevilla’s agency overcame these barriers by locating their offices in Asian enclaves, placing staff in local schools, providing culturally affirming services in the client’s native language, and linking families to community resources for practical support.

A decade ago, Linda Yoon, co-founder of the Yellow Chair Collective providing culturally appropriate therapy to Asian Americans in Los Angeles, fell into working with seniors at a Korean housing complex.

“One of the tasks that I was given was doing assessments, wellness checks, for every single resident.” Yoon said.

She said a lot of the residents were older women who lived alone and they would talk to her about their traumas, all the challenges they were going through, and things they just never shared with their children.

“And a lot of them end up kind of crying, really sharing something and then also feeling embarrassed because I was such a young worker that they were sharing something so intimate. There was just so much hidden trauma, isolation and loneliness that I was able to witness,” Yoon said.

She often complains with colleagues that children and families get the lion’s share of resources and they could use more—it’s part of the stigma of being invisible seniors. (Peter White/Ethnic Media Services)

Alex Eala AJPress file photo by Troi Santos

photo

SKILLED OFFICERS. Ninety-three cops from the National Capital Region Police Office show off their skills after completing their tactical motorcycle rider course at the NCRPO grounds in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City on Tuesday, Feb. 7. Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, who graced the closing rites, told the graduates that every training is an opportunity to learn and improve and they should always equip themselves with operational readiness. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Mayor Breed launches Housing For All...

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staff, policymakers, affordable housing advocates, and industry experts to collaborate on an Affordable Housing Implementation and Funding Strategy.

Require administrative departmental actions

Charges all City Departments with the responsibility for achieving the goals and actions set forth in San Francisco’s Housing Element. This includes requiring the Departments to complete a Housing Delivery Performance Assessment and Improvement Plan as well as certain additional steps related to removing barriers to housing.

Set initial legislative actions and timeline

To ensure that the city acts promptly to reform the policies and processes that pose the greatest barriers to housing production, relevant departments are directed to complete the following Housing Element initial implementing actions, including to:

• Reform restrictive zoning controls

• Reduce procedural requirements that impede housing production

• Revise inclusionary housing requirements

• Remove barriers for officeto-residential conversions

• Create new funding mechanisms to unlock the housing pipeline

• Standardize and reduce

impact fees. Each of these legislative actions has specified timelines, with some being introduced within the next two weeks. The executive directive can be seen at https://sf.gov/ sites/default/files/2023-02/ Executive%20Directive%202301_Housing%20for%20All.pdf.

San Francisco city officials and Senator Scott Wiener expressed their thoughts and congratulated Mayor Breed on the launching of Housing For All.

“I congratulate Mayor Breed on this urgently needed plan,” said Senator Scott Wiener. “Weeks ago, San Francisco adopted an historic Housing Element that will begin to reverse the decades of inaction that created our severe housing shortage. This plan is a bold step to ensure the city is held accountable to meeting that goal.”

“San Francisco needs to act quickly to change how we get housing approved and built,” said District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey. “For too long we’ve ignored our need for housing for the people who live and work in this city, which contributes to so many of our city’s greatest challenges. Mayor Breed’s Executive Directive sets the course for what we need to do, and I look forward to working with the Mayor, city staff and my colleagues to pass the laws necessary to get this city moving in the right direction when it

Balikatan exercises to begin in April

by Franco Jose c. Baroña ManilaTimes.net

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Monday, February 6 that the 38th iteration of the annual Balikatan Exercises has been scheduled for this April.

"The AFP and the U.S. Armed Forces are once again holding the 38th iteration of the annual bilateral Balikatan exercises.

Although this is a bilateral activity, the AFP takes the lead in planning and execution, supported by the U.S. Armed Forces with other like-minded nations as observers," AFP spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar said in a statement.

comes to housing.”

“This is the next step in bringing the Housing Element’s vision to life,” said Rich Hillis, Director of Planning. “We take our responsibility to deliver on these commitments seriously, and I’m excited to begin this critical implementing work in lockstep with our partner agencies.”

“The Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development has worked closely with the Planning Department to develop policy objectives that reinforce its practices and programs that support the construction of new affordable housing, housing preservation, and community stabilization,” said Eric Shaw, Director at the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development. “We look forward to continuing our work in collaboration with the state and with our agency and community partners to accelerate delivery of San Francisco’s affordable housing pipeline.”

“Everyone knows San Francisco’s exceptional permitting timeline is a major hurdle to building more homes in the city,” said Jane Natoli, San Francisco Organizing Director of YIMBY Action.

“Mayor Breed’s executive order gets to the heart of that and other problems under our control and we applaud the efforts to streamline housing production.”

(SF Mayor’s Office Release)

Balikatan 38-2023 will result in the development of the AFP capability not only in the conduct of external defense operations but also in fulfilling its obligation in working with other countries in the region against terrorism and other threats," Aguilar added.

The number of personnel who will take part in this year's Balikatan to be held in the second week of April is still being finalized.

However, the AFP said the maneuvers will be held in areas under the Northern Luzon Command, the Visayas Command and the Western Command.

This year's Balikatan is projected to include field training composed of combined and live-fire exercises and military operations in urban terrain.

Balikatan is an annual exercise between the AFP and the U.S. Armed Forces' Indo-Pacific Command geared at enhancing both forces' interoperability.

Last year, 8,900 members of the AFP and the U.S. military joined the Balikatan, considered one of the largest-ever iterations of the Philippine-led annual exercise that took place across Luzon from March 28 to April 8, 2022.

At least 3,800 AFP members and 5,100 U.S. military personnel trained shoulder-to-shoulder.

They focused on maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Aguilar said the AFP is grateful for the support extended by Senators Francis Tolentino, Francis Escudero and Sherwin Gatchalian to implement the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement where the Philippines and U.S. both agreed on four new locations as EDCA sites.

"This manifestation of support is in line with our treaty obligation

as contained in the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951," he added.

Since the signing of EDCA in 2014, Aguilar said the agreement has continuously facilitated the conduct of military exercises and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations in support of the AFP mission.

"Likewise, with the threat of climate change, our partnership with modern and well-equipped countries such as the United States of America will develop the capability of our troops in executing HADR operations during natural calamities and disasters," Aguilar said.

"In addition to capability development, our engagement with a friend and a long-time ally also brings economic activities and opportunities that will benefit the people of the host local government units. This will further improve business confidence that will provide the economic stability that investors seek," he added.

The EDCA is a supplemental agreement to the previous Visiting Forces Agreement. It was signed by the Philippines and the U.S. on April 28, 2014.

The agreement allows the U.S. to rotate its troops in the Philippines for extended stays.

Marcos confident inflation rate to go down  amid drop in prices of fuel, agriculture products

by Kristina Maralit ManilaTimes.net inflation rate... we have already taken some measures so that the supply will be greater and so that will bring the prices down but that will take a little time," Marcos said in a video statement on Tuesday, February 7.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. maintained confidence that the inflation rate will go down with the drop in the prices of fuel and its byproducts and imported agriculture products. The Chief Executive issued the statement after the country's inflation rate for last January rose to 8.7 percent, a 14-year high.

It was the fastest recorded surge since November 2008, dislodging the 8.1 percent registered in December 2022.

"As I said, the importation of many of the agricultural products, which have been a large part of the (increase in)

"And my continuing estimate or forecast is that by – we can see the lowering of inflation by the second quarter of this year," he added, while further pointing out that steps taken by his administration to address the issue "have not yet gone through the system."

Citing the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) January 2023 World Economic Outlook Update, Marcos said high inflation is a global problem that will continue to be a challenge to all countries, but

that he remains optimistic that "this is going to be as high as it's going to get" and vowed for the results of the government's interventions to be felt "down the road".

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) had said that the high inflation rate was mainly driven by increases in housing rentals, electricity and water rates, as well as in the prices of vegetables, milk, eggs, fruits and nuts.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), meanwhile, noted that the government's economic cluster has identified measures meant to keep food price movements consistent with its inflation and food security objectives, with u PAGE 7

SITE VISIT. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (2nd from left) leads the inspection of the Air Traffic Management Center in Pasay City on Monday, Feb. 6. Accompanied by Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines chief Antonio Tamayo (not in photo), and (from left) Senators Joel Villanueva, JV Ejercito and Grace Poe, the group said  it was  satisfied after the inspection but will still wait for the final report on the system glitch that caused massive flight disruptions on Jan. 1. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Continuing recruitment

THERE has been no lack of news reports along with warnings issued by government agencies. Yet Filipinos continue to fall for human traffickers who recruit workers for cryptocurrency scamming syndicates overseas.

Some of the victims have been rescued in countries particularly Myanmar, whose borders with Thailand and Laos are favored by lawless elements including opium traders and now cryptocurrency scam rings. Philippine authorities have also intercepted potential victims before they can leave the country.

Editorial

immigration officials. Other victims were offered jobs supposedly in business process outsourcing companies in Thailand and Cambodia, but found themselves working in cryptocurrency scam operations.

Last month, Bureau of Immigration officers intercepted six Filipinos – three at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Jan. 20, and another three at Clark International Airport in Pampanga on Jan. 31. The six, who all initially claimed they were traveling as part of a group tour, were about to board flights to Thai capital Bangkok, with three of them saying their final destination was Laos.

Those bound for Laos said they were offered jobs as a customer service representative for P40,000 a month, sales representative and cook supposedly in an investment company. The other three said they were initially promised jobs in a cargo company, but were later told they would work as encoders and e-games staff with salaries of $1,000 a month.

All six said they met the recruitment agents through social messaging apps – a common story among human trafficking victims, according to

Babe’s

Eye View

NO doubt the visit, the 2nd visit in fact of U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, underscores the strong partnership between the United States and the Philippines, coming as it is on the heels of the previous highlevel visits of top-ranking U.S. government officials that include Vice President Kamala Harris, State Secretary Antony Blinken and a congressional delegation led by Senator Ed Markey in just a little over six months since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office.

The Pentagon informed us at the Philippine embassy in Washington, DC that Secretary Austin had wanted to include the Philippines in his itinerary, with South Korea as the original destination. We are pleased with the planned visit, especially since we have a new Defense Secretary, Charlie Galvez. The U.S. Defense chief had also indicated he had not had the opportunity to meet President Marcos. The timing was perfect since we had also just finished the Bilateral Strategic Dialogue with the United States which we hosted in Manila the other week.

Following his arrival, Secretary Austin immediately proceeded to Camp General Basilio Navarro in Zamboanga City, where he met with officials of the Armed

A Senate probe has shown that the crime rings force their foreign trafficking victims not only to operate scams but also to work long hours, with their movements restricted and their passports confiscated. Those who resist working or attempt to flee are subjected to beatings and verbal abuse.

Authorities have advised the public to be wary of illegal recruitment through social messaging and even dating apps, and to coordinate with the Department of Migrant Workers before signing up for overseas employment. Probers are also working to ferret out immigration employees reportedly colluding with human traffickers.

The skills required for these jobs require a certain level of education that should make potential recruits aware of the risks of human trafficking. But the involvement of fellow Filipinos in the recruitment plus the promises of attractive pay and benefits probably help dispel fears of potential victims. Authorities must come down hard on these recruiters and any coddlers in government.

In the meantime, those hoping to work overseas must heed the warnings of authorities about the risks of finding employment through social

messaging. And if a job offer seems too good to be true, trust your instincts; it’s probably a scam, or a human trafficking racket. (Philstar.com)

Secretary Austin’s visit reinvigorates US-PH relations

Forces of the Philippines, including the commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom).

He described the visit as “heartwarming” because of the enthusiastic welcome he received from the local soldiers and officials – several of whom attended U.S. military institutions for advance courses – who engaged with him. Of course, the U.S. troops stationed in Zamboanga were also elated at the visit of the former U.S. Army four-star general whose name is legendary among American soldiers, having served as commanding general of U.S. Forces in Iraq.

The courtesy call of Secretary Austin on President Marcos was very timely, and the discussions were very straightforward to a certain extent. The President expressed his deep appreciation for the continued assistance of the U.S. to the Philippines on many aspects of our bilateral relations, especially on the modernization of our armed forces.

As President Marcos himself said, “…the future of the Philippines and, for that matter, the Asia Pacific, will always have to involve the U.S. simply because those partnerships are so strong,” adding that we can only properly navigate geopolitical issues, especially in the Asia Pacific region, “with the help of our partners and our allies in the international sphere.”

Part and parcel of the entire relationship between the United States and the Philippines is our military alliance as underscored by the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). There is absolutely no doubt that the visit of Secretary Austin has reinforced all these agreements, particularly EDCA with four new locations to be added to the existing five that have been previously designated. While details have yet to be finalized, the new EDCA sites will be in very strategic locations.

As described by Greg Poling who is director for the Southeast Asia Program and Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Washington, DC-based thinktank Center for Strategic and International Studies, EDCA “allows U.S. forces to construct facilities at agreedupon Philippine military bases for the use of both countries… and was meant to facilitate the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the long term while allowing U.S. forces the access necessary to fulfill its alliance commitments in the short term.”

Part of the agreement threshed out during the visit of Secretary Austin is the allotment of $82 million by the U.S. for infrastructure investments at five current EDCA locations which will support economic growth

MADRID — Last month, I received an invitation from the Spanish embassy in Manila to present at this year’s Tribuna España-Filipinas (SpanishPhilippines Forum), an annual gathering that brings together top government and business officials from both nations.

In particular, I was asked to join a panel to discuss how the two countries fit into, and can maximize cooperation, amid the seismic geopolitical shifts in the Indo-Pacific region. Among my co-panelists are no less than Emilio De Miguel Calabia, Spain’s ambassador at large for the Indo-Pacific, as well as our own Ambassador Jose de Vega, among the country’s most distinguished diplomats.

and jobs generation in local communities. Discussions about additional locations have been ongoing for the past several months, and one important component would be humanitarian and disaster response (HADR), especially since the Philippines is very vulnerable to natural disasters. We have over 7,600 islands and many of these would require disaster resilience, which is really one of the main reasons why we have agreed to the EDCA as the U.S. would be able to

help us develop these areas into becoming disaster resilient.

Definitely, the agreement will also help us in our efforts to be more prepared to deal with natural disasters that may come our way.  As we have seen for ourselves, weather-related disasters are becoming stronger and inflicting so much damage on people and property, with lives also lost in the process.

According to latest reports, the global economic losses due to natural disasters amount to over $313 billion in 2022 alone.

The 2022 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime released late in January also showed the connection between economic losses due to climate crisis and human trafficking. The report included the Philippines. (Philstar.com) * * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

EDCA: Marcos Jr.’s game-changer move

The timing of the event couldn’t be any better. On one hand, Spain has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent decades. Once liberated from self-imposed isolation and economic stagnation under its former caudillo, Gen. Francisco Franco, the southern European nation has gradually joined the ranks of the world’s most prosperous and democratic nations.

Things are not looking too bad for the Philippines either. Notwithstanding the dearth of inclusive development, the country now possesses one of the fastest-growing economies on earth. Despite our often-broken politics and heavily polarized democracy, global investors are giving the country a second look.

After decades of playing a relatively marginal role in regional affairs, the Philippines is now at the very center of an ongoing geopolitical scramble

in the 21st century’s most vital, dynamic, and contested region.

It’s not so much our geographical location, which made ours a prime real estate in the Cold War era, but more of our geopolitical positioning, which has placed the Philippines in an unprecedented strategic “sweet spot” amid the ongoing New Cold War.

And, dear reader, this brings us to President Marcos Jr.’s decision to not only “fully implement” but also expand the parameters of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). By all accounts, this is his most consequential decision yet, with major implications for not only the Philippine-U.S. alliance, but also for Sino-American competition in the 21st century.

At once, Mr. Marcos may have caught both critics and allies by surprise. After all, many in both opposition as well as pro-Duterte camps expected him to follow in the footsteps of former president

Rodrigo Duterte. But as I have been explaining in these pages, and in a whole series of writings for publications around the world over the past seven months, Mr. Marcos is ending up more like his father rather than “Tatay Digong” in matters of grand strategy.

Just like the late Filipino caudillo, Mr. Marcos has reached out to all major powers under the banner of an “independent” foreign policy. But just like Marcos Sr., he is also solidifying the Philippines’ bilateral alliance with the U.S. as his ultimate leverage. After all, the Philippines fell into what I have described as China’s “pledge trap” under Duterte. Not only did Beijing fall short of implementing any significant infrastructure investments over the past decade, but it has also refused to offer any meaningful compromise in the West Philippine Sea.

During his much-vaunted trip to China last month, Mr. Marcos only managed to secure vague and generic promises of expanded cooperation. The $22.8 billion in pledges he took home may have been just a repacked version of what was offered (but largely unfulfilled) to Duterte six years earlier.

Alone, the Philippines has little leverage vis-à-vis China, though. Mr. Marcos’ big move on EDCA, which would grant the Pentagon extensive access to key bases facing both the West Philippine Sea and Luzon Strait, has placed the Philippines at the center of the Pentagon’s “integrated deterrence” strategy against China. At once, the Philippines is vital to America’s efforts to constrain Beijing’s designs across both the South China Sea as well as on Taiwan.

Even more, the Philippines has increased its joint military

exercises with the U.S. from 300 last year to 500 this year, while the number of participating troops in the annual Balikatan joint exercises, which will take place in Ilocos Norte, is set to increase from around 8,000 to as many as 16,000. For anyone who understands basic strategy, it’s very clear that the expansion of the bilateral alliance is meant not to provoke, but to instead prevent a conflict with China. Recent history clearly shows that weakness invites bullying, while preparation and strength prevent aggression. As the ancient Romans counseled, “If you want peace, prepare for war.” (Inquirer.net) * * *

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. * * * rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph

WARM WELCOME. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (left) welcomes United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III during a courtesy call at the President’s Hall in Malacañang Palace on Thursday, Feb. 2. During the meeting, Marcos emphasized the importance of further bolstering the cooperation between the Philippines and the United States.  PNA photo by Rey S. Baniquet

More holistic approach to protect Pinoys’ mental health – Sen. Bong Go

by cecille Suerte Felipe Philstar.com

MANILA — Sen. Bong Go remains firm in advocating for greater government interventions that will effectively address mental health issues, expressing his concern over the spike of suicide cases in the country, particularly at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In separate ambush interviews in Orion, Bataan and Valenzuela City on Friday, February

3, and Saturday, February

4, respectively, Go, who chairs the Senate committee on health and demography, underscored the gravity of mental health problems and its impact on communities, especially the youth.

Based on studies, rates of suicide cases nationwide have drastically increased in past decades, especially among the youth. Because of this, the senator filed Senate Bill 1786, which mandates public higher education institutions (HEIs) to establish mental health offices, including the hiring, deployment and training of additional HEIbased mental health service personnel.

Out of the 28 million student population in public schools in 2021, 404 youths committed suicide; 2,147 attempted suicide; 775,962 sought guidance counseling, 8,000 of whom are victims of bullying, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

“According to studies, reported suicide rates are rising. Since the pandemic started, many have been depressed. Not only students, but also our OFWs because of being quarantined, away from their families… It’s saddening. This needs to be addressed,” Go said in English and Filipino.

“From my end, I’ve filed Senate Bill 1786, which mandates public higher education institutions to establish mental health facilities.

This means that counselors

should focus on schools because we need to care for many of our students. They may be depressed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The more that we should focus on this,” he added.

The mental health offices shall set up campus hotlines with dedicated and trained guidance counselors to provide assistance to the whole HEI community, especially students.

The bill also stated that special attention shall be given to those identified to have mental health problems or conditions, especially those at risk of committing suicide.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the public HEIs, through their mental health offices, shall then initiate and sustain a heightened campaign to raise public consciousness about mental health.

Still in line with his advocacy to support Filipino children’s psychological well-being, Go supported fellow Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian’s measure that, parallel to his bill, aims to establish mental health and well-being centers in every public school.

Go serves as co-author of Gatchalian’s SB 379, or the proposed Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which will provide mental health services, emotional, developmental and preventive

programs and other support services.

Meanwhile,  Sen. Francis Escudero on Tuesday, February 7 said the Department of Health (DOH) should lead a nationwide study on suicide cases among students to enable the government to get a bigger picture of the current mental health state of Filipinos.

Alarmed over reports of suicide cases among students, Escudero, who chairs the Senate committee on higher, technical and vocational education, said a comprehensive study is needed to have a holistic and effective approach to addressing the problem in general.

“The data we have found is not enough. This is my call: the DOH should look at the current mental health situation in our country, not only among students – elementary, high school or college – but also among ordinary Filipinos from various sectors, whether employed or unemployed. It is important to get those data, so that we will know how to remedy or solve this problem,” he added in Filipino and English.

The Bicolano senator noted that the move would also supplement the recent survey conducted by the DepEd on the effects of the pandemic on the mental health of elementary and high school students.

Marcos confident inflation rate to go down...

These short-term measures include augmenting supply such as the temporary easing of import restrictions, price monitoring, and targeted social support, while medium- to long-

term priorities include ensuring food security through higher agricultural productivity and ensuring energy security by pursuing the energy transition and development program.

With gains in military capability, Ph ranks 16th in Asia Power Index

by Kaycee Valmonte Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines ranked 16th out of a list of 26 countries in Australian Lowy Institute’s 2023 Asia Power Index.

The index measures power based on its resources – such as economic and military capability, resilience, among others – and the influence it has over other states, non-state actors  and international events. The United States retained its top spot with China trailing by a few score points, followed by Japan, India  and Russia.

While the Philippines maintained its rank from the 2021 edition of the index, its overall score declined by 0.4 points to 12.8 from 13.1 out of 100. This is far behind the U.S.' score of 80.7, China's 72.5, and Japan's 37.2 score.

“The Philippines’ strongest measure is defense networks, where it places ninth, reflecting the extent of its bilateral military cooperation with treaty ally the United States,” the Lowy Institute noted.

The score for defense networks is measured by a country’s regional alliances, its global defense partnerships  and its regional defense diplomacy.

Military capability

The index also  noted that the

Philippines’ military capability has improved two places in the 26-country ranking to place at 17th. The Lowy Institute said the country inched up its future resources score or the measurement for its “projected distribution of future economic, military, and demographic resources.”

“The Philippines exerts more influence in the region than expected given its available resources, as indicated by the country’s positive power gap score,” the think tank said.

When it comes to arms trade, the institute reported that South Korea is the Philippines’ “most significant” arms trade partner with deals worth around $692 million. The U.S. comes in second with $384 million, followed by Indonesia with $180 million, and Australia with $16 million, and trading numbers with Japan total $6 million.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is currently undertaking a modernization program, with countries such as France, Israel, and India offering to give new technology to the country.

Gaining diplomatic influence

The Asia Power Index also reported the Philippines posted gains in diplomatic influence, which refers to a country’s

diplomatic network, multilateral power and its foreign policy thrust.

The Philippines logged a 2.0 score in diplomatic gains over the past year. The five countries the Philippines hold the most number of diplomatic dialogues are China, Australia, Cambodia, South Korea  and the United States.

Meanwhile, the countries the Philippines would hold high-level bilateral and plurilateral defense diplomacy meetings include the U.S., Australia, Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit last week paved the way for the U.S. to reaffirm its support for its oldest treaty ally in Southeast Asia, such as promising assistance for the AFP's modernization and to expedite the implementation of their Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement by adding four more sites.  This means U.S. troops will soon have access to nine Philippine military facilities.

The two countries also agreed to restart joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea.

The Lowy Institute named the U.S. as the Philippines’ top joint training exercise partner with 47 joint exercises, followed by Indonesia with 26, Malaysia at 24, Brunei with 22 and Thailand with 21.

MERIENDA FAVORITE. Both raw and ready-to-eat corn are sold for P120 for four pieces in this makeshift stall along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City on Tuesday, Feb. 7. The corn sold here came all the way from the provinces of Pangasinan and Bulacan. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Filipino American musician Steve Lacy wins Grammy for Best Progressive R&B Album

The multitalented “Bad Habit” musician’s win adds to the expanding list of Fil-Ams finding success in the popular music circuit

By KLARIZE MEDENILLA AJPress

ON Sunday, Feb. 5, the rising alternative R&B artist Steve Lacy won the Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album for his highly popular album, “Gemini Rights” — his first-ever Grammy Award.

“It’s dope, to have it be mine. I didn’t have to change. I just have to be myself and get better at being myself and continuing to work hard,” Lacy told reporters shortly after winning the award at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

During the ceremony, Lacy — who was nominated for for Grammys in total — also performed performed his universally acclaimed single and chart-topping, viral hit “Bad Habit,” which was also nominated for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance of the year.

Lacy, 24, is half Black and half Filipino American and has been an assiduous singer-songwriter-producer since the early 2010s.

But he skyrocketed to international popularity in 2022 with the release of “Bad Habit” and “Gemini Rights,” his second studio album that peaked within the Top 10 of the Billboard 200.

Born Steve Thomas LacyMoya, Lacy is the son of a Black American mother and a

Filipino American father and was born and raised in Compton, California. Lacy was raised primarily by his mother, and when he was 10 years old, his father passed away. Following the ceremony, Lacy posted a photo of him and his mother on Instagram with a humble thanks to the fans and The Recording Academy. “My mommy and i had the best time at the grammys. Thank u y’all [sic] for ur love and support. It means the world to me. i wake up and get paid to be myself. what a dream? still waking up from that one,” Lacy wrote.

Coco’s ‘pamana’ from Susan Roces

by TESSA MAURICIO-ARRIOLA ManilaTimes.net

STOP any Filipino on the street and say the words, "Pag kailangan ng gamot," ten to one — no matter the age — that person will burst out singing, Wag mahihiyang magtanong..."

[All together now] "Kung may RiteMed ba nito? May RiteMed ba nito?"

Lyrics to the jingle of the country's most affordable pharmaceutical line, the catchy ditty is very much ingrained in local pop culture and permanently so with its original singer — the late but forever beloved Queen of Philippine Movies, Ms. Susan Roces.

Lacy’s interest in music began at an early age and in 2011, he formed an alternative R&B band called The Internet along with friends Syd Bennet and Matt Martians — who were members of Odd Future — and Patrick Paige II and Christopher Smith; Lacy served as the lead guitarist of the band.

In 2013, The Internet’s third album, “Ego Death,” would earn Lacy’s first Grammy nomination at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. Lacy was also nominated for Grammys for Best Urban Contemporary Album in both 2016 and 2020.

The beautiful, talented and famously kind-hearted Tita Susan quietly passed on last year on May 20 at age 80. Spared from a lingering illness, she succumbed to cardiac arrest only a day after being hospitalized for chest pain and difficulty breathing. Wife of the late and legendary Fernando Poe. Jr. — the king to her queen — she is survived by her daughter Sen. Grace Poe Llamanzares, and her brood in real life.

In show business and more so in the eyes of the public, Tita Susan is also survived by the day's reigning King of Philippine Prime Time TV, Coco Martin. To him, her loss is as heartbreaking as real life, tightly bonded as Cardo and Lola Flor on and off-cam, thanks to the longestrunning series on TV, "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano."

Perpetually humble despite all his success — a significant part perhaps owed to "Lola Flor's" wisdom and guidance — Coco will never assume he has the right to any legacy Tita Susan had built and left behind, despite their closeness.

Case in point, on a very special day last Monday, February 6, Coco, still mourning Ms. Susan's death, recalled how he — just like every motorist or passenger whizzing by the Quiapo area — wondered in longing whose face

billboard

seemed to be hers forever.

Palaisipan sa akin kung sino ba ang papalit sa kanya? Kasi mahirap siyang palitan. Wala akong maisip, wala akong idea kasi nag-iisa talaga siya, eh. Parang siya lang ang puwedeng magsabi, 'Gagaling ka, giginhawa ka,' na maniniwala ka sa sasabihin niya," he recalled.

The story explained why a somewhat emotional and jittery-looking Coco Martin walked through the doors of Luxent's ballroom before his speech, where the entire team of RiteMed executives waited to welcome him. That Monday, he was officially named Tita Susan's successor for the brand and advocacy she dearly loved.

Coco clarified, however, that he cannot regard himself as a successor but as someone who has been fortunate enough to be part of Tita Susan's life and deeply honored with the task of carrying on her devotion to empowering quality and affordable healthcare for the masses.

"

Alam naman natin kung gaano kabigat ang responsibilidad na aking kakaharapin. Siyempre po dahil ito sa aking lola, kay Tita

Susan. Alam naman natin kung gaano ni-re-respeto at minamahal ng lahat ng Pilipino si Ms. Susan Roces. Kaya nakakatakot kasi isang napakalaking obligasyon ito para sa akin," Coco confided in the audience. Involving Ms. Susan in every way he considers and approaches the ambassadorship, he always keeps in mind that the revered actress would never endorse any product or line she did not trust. Alam [ni Ms. Susan] 'yung responsibilidad niya sa mga Pilipino. Kaya ngayon, bawat galaw ko pinag-iisipan ko talaga na ayokong makasira sa napakagandang reputasyon na iniwan ni Tita Susan."

Valuing the RiteMed endorsement not as a project but as a challenging and meaningful "pamana" from Ms. Susan, Coco added, "Hindi ako nangangako, pero gagawin ko ang lahat para maitama ko ang sarili ko at maging karapat-dapat sa pagtitiwala niyo sa akin." Such then goes RiteMed's new TVC and, eventually, an adjustment to Ms. Susan Roces and RiteMed's contribution to pop culture, courtesy of this generation's hero of the masses, Coco Martin: "Ang sabi ng lola ko, 'wag mahihiyang magtanong..."

Georgina advises fellow moms:

by KATHLEEN A. LLEMIT Philstar.com

IF there's anyone who knows what she is talking about staying fit and healthy while managing a demanding business with several branches, it is modelentrepreneur Georgina Wilson.

After having three kids, all in their toddler years, and cofounding the lifestyle brand Sunnies Studios in 2013, it is safe to say that Georgina speaks about maintaining good health based on her experience.

So, how does a busy mom of three takes care of her household and her role as brand director of Sunnies Studios?

"I know what my body needs and I really think you should listen to your body. Sometimes, we get so caught up with everything that we need to do, but your body is so intelligent. It can tell you that it's time to rest, to calm down. As a mom, I think you really need to be smart about the decisions you make in a day," said Georgina in an exclusive sitdown interview organized by Promil and Wyeth Philippines Inc. for  Philstar.com's Lifestyle and Entertainment show "Slam Book."

Her pieces of advice are not breakthrough; in fact, several famous people and even everyday people ascribe to the motto of "Eat healthy and stay active."

Wilson  added that joining parenting groups and reading articles on raising kids, taking educational classes, as well as supplementing her kid’s diet with Promil  have helped her and her kids.

For Georgina, these are quite manageable. Check out how she does these with these tips:

1. Wake up early and walk around your neighborhood.  Georgina attested to the power of 40 minutes of exercise by walking in the morning. She said that it helps you get your

daily dose of Vitamin D, which is an essential vitamin that helps supports healthy bones, manage calcium levels, reduce inflammation and support the immune system and glucose metabolism.

2. Eat right!

The model entreprenuer stressed that the Philippines is not lacking in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, thus moms or everyone in general should not find it difficult to eat a balanced diet.  "I believe in eating right. I am a huge proponent of nutrition. I believe every bite counts so don't eat the wrong things," she

said.

It is also important for her case because she needs to be in top shape due to the demands of her work and her family life that can easily deplete her energy.

3. Sleep the right way.

It's a no brainer, but Georgina believes this should be among the top lists simply because the body needs its rest to recharge for another day's worth of activities.

"I also really do believe, do the right amount of sleep. My brain doesn't work when I don't sleep right. So, be in bed by 10 p.m. For me, it's eight hours," she said.

‘Your body is intelligent. Listen to it!’

Georgina Wilson

Photo from Instagram/@ilovegeorgina

Steve Lacy

Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

In show business and more so in the eyes of the public, veteran actress Susan Roces is also survived by the day’s reigning King of Philippine Prime Time TV, Coco Martin. ABS-CBN photo would eventually replace the veteran actress' picture with the famous RiteMed checkmark on the

that

Atty. Gurfinkel answers immigration questions from Kapamilya in Las Vegas in Part 2 of Citizen Pinoy’s ‘Your Tanong, My Sagot’

LEADING U.S. Immigration

Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel continues to answer immigration questions from Pinoys who made the trek to Radiant Beauty

Skincare Med Spa in Las Vegas. It can be said that the place where one goes to get clearer skin also became the venue to get clearer answers to their

immigration concerns for that day. • Roland wants to know if his wife can petition her half-

City of Alameda inaugurates Bohol Circle Immigrant Park

ALAMEDA – Local government officials and the Filipino American community gathered in this Bay Area islandcity on January 21 for the official opening of the Bohol Circle Immigrant Park, considered the first recreation park in the United States named after a Filipino American community organization.

Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer joined the historic opening of the waterfront park at Alameda Landing, which was also attended by U.S. House Representative Barbara Lee, California State Senator Nancy Skinner, Filipino American Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge Benjamin Reyes II, Alameda City Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, and Filipino American Alameda City Vice Mayor Tony Daysog.

In his remarks, Consul General Ferrer commended the Bohol Circle Inc. (BCI) for leading the efforts in the waterfront park project. Consul General Ferrer said, “Today’s unveiling of the Bohol Circle Immigrant Park is a testament to the organization’s commitment to communitydriven leadership and service,

the perseverance and resilience of its members, and the spirit of pakikipagkapwa and bayanihan.”

The BCI spearheaded a campaign for the naming of Alameda’s new waterfront park after the organization, which led to the passage of a City Council Resolution in November 2022 that approved the name Bohol Circle Immigrant Park.

The BCI, a mutual aid

organization formed by Boholano immigrants in 1936, is recognized by the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) as the oldest extant Filipino American organization in the U.S. The BCI established its main center in Alameda in 1965, after pooling money to buy land and build a physical space for Filipinos and Filipino Americans.

“We recognize the unfailing support of Bohol Circle officers and members, past and present, and the Filipino American Community in the Bay Area, who through the years, have provided encouragement and support for the project’s implementation. Certainly, we would not have come this far without the crucial support of the Alameda City Council and the assistance of the Parks and Commissions Committee,” Consul General Ferrer added.

The Philippine Consul General also paid tribute to all immigrants, “women and men, PAGE 10

brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, February 12 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM Eastern Time) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

Andi inspires fans with her fitness journey

SIARGAO-based actress Andi Eigenmann proved she is, indeed, a fit momma!

The 32-year-old celebrity mom wowed fans with her recent post about her fitness journey. She shared some glimpses of her body transformation through an Instagram story. She also posted photos of herself on Instagram, looking fit and happy, saying that she enjoys her ”journey towards wellness.”

“Keeping in mind that a healthy self is all about balance,” she said.

She also shared that she’s happy taking care of her body and physical health.

“I’m happy to make it a duty to care for my body because as I grow older, I’ve found that when I take good care of my physical health (inside and out), it spills over into other aspects of my being that are, in hindsight, more of a priority to me,” she explained.

Eigenmann gave valuable advice to her followers,

“A good TIP to begin: keep a good mindset and lay- out your priorities to allow yourself to stay in this for the long run. Jumping into things can often lead to exhaustion early on,” she said. “Hope you will be inspired to join me in this too!”

The celebrity mom has been sharing photos and videos showcasing her surfing skills.

Eigenmann has two kids with professional

Andi Eigenmann

Photo from Instagram/@andieigengirl

Bohol Circle Immigrant Park is located at 2901 Fifth Street, off Mitchell Avenue in Alameda. Photos from San Francisco PCG

Flanked with the flags of the Philippines and Bohol Province, Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer gives his remarks during the official opening of the Bohol Circle Immigrant Park in Alameda, California last January 21.

surfer, Philmar Alipayo— Lilo and Koa, and one daughter, Ellie, with her previous relationship with actor Jake Ejercito. She got engaged to Alipayo in December 2020.

Consul General Neil Ferrer, Robert and Kathleen Fotheringham of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Vice Consul Adrian Baccay.

Atty. Gurfinkel answers immigration...

brother. • Rowena wants to petition a housekeeper from the Philippines. She needs to know what the requirements are and how long the process will take.

• Cora, who is a green card holder, would like to petition her six siblings. She wants to know if it is better for her to become a

U.S. citizen first. • Jessica, who came to the Q and A session with her mother, Marosa, wants to know why it is taking so long for her siblings to get an interview date at the U.S. Embassy in Manila even if they are already Documentarily Qualified.

Tune in to Part 2 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot,” with

Health @Heart

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

OSA hazardous

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) “recommends the use of home sleep apnea testing or polysomnography for adults with daytime sleepiness or unrefreshing sleep, or other signs and symptoms that raise suspicion of moderate to severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).”

liberties like the right to choose in order to save lives, we will never be ready and prepared for any future epidemic or pandemic. We have had more than a million lives lost to COVID-19 in the United States. If the government and our people continue to do the same in the next killer infectious disease we may encounter, and not learn from our COVID-19 experience, many more millions will die, and the U.S. economy may not survive (to recover) the next time around.

Strictly speaking, to prevent transmission and save lives, the medical protocol calls for separation of those who have been vaccinated, those wearing masks and doing social distancing, those who are not carriers or infected FROM those refusing the above mitigation measures and demanding to have the freedom to choose what “to do with my own body,” as guaranteed by the First Amendment.

the questions of

Kapamilya from Las Vegas, Nevada on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, February 12 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM Eastern Time through select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)

OSA is a condition where a person involuntarily holds his breath for a prolonged period of time (a dozen or hundred times) while asleep, resulting in low blood oxygen level, depriving vital organs of essential oxygen. OSA increases the risk for heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. About 80 percent of these individuals do not even know they have OSA. The incidence of OSA around the world is about 936 million – 22 million in the United States, and about 4 million in the Philippines. In the U.S., OSA is estimated to be at 27 percent among men and about 16 percent among women. Obesity is a factor. Undiagnosed OSA is dangerous to health. Whether snoring or not, if you usually have unrestful sleep, tired when you wake up and feeling “blah” or fatigued by early to mid-afternoon, consult with your physician, who would evaluate you and possibly refer you to a Pulmonologist-Sleep expert for a sleep study or home sleep apnea (self) testing.

Lessons from COVID

The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. As of February 4, the average daily infection rate was 40,680, average daily death rate of 458 (a day!), average hospitalization rate at 30,815, and 10 percent positivity testing rate, according to the New York Times tracker.

The current dominant subvariant, responsible for most COVID-19 infections is XBB.1.5, causing 66 percent of the cases, followed by the BQ.1.1, 20 percent. The original omicron variant is gone, leaving its subvariants: XBB.1., BQ.1., and BQ.1.

With the arrogant posture and carelessness of a number of politicians and some people inspiring society to lower its guard, COVID-19 will linger with us for an unforeseen future.

As long as we, as a nation and as a people, refuse to adhere strictly to science and the principles epidemiology in dealing with infectious diseases like COVID-19, and are willing to temporarily give up some civil

Lower COVID mortality

Recent studies have shown that those in health care (physicians, nurses, techs, aides, etc.) have a significantly lower COVID infection rate, hospitalization, and deaths, compared to the general population.

“Obviously, some of this is due to higher income, access to care, and other socioeconomic factors, but it's also likely much of this protection came from workplace policies, such as use of personal protective equipment, vaccination requirements, infection prevention protocols, and other protective measures.”

reported Mathew Kiang, ScD, MPH, of Stanford University School of Medicine in California, and colleagues, in MedPageToday.

Indeed, personal hygiene, masking distancing, and especially vaccination, are effective in preventing infections and deaths, even with the current XBB.1 and XBB.1.5 subvariants.

Life is precious, and we’ve got only one. Let’s not play Russian Roulette with it.

Dangerously unprepared

All countries are “dangerously unprepared for future pandemics,” according to a report in Geneva (Reuters) by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) published on recently, “calling on countries to update their preparedness plans by year-end.” The COVID pandemic has so far killed more people than any earthquake, drought or hurricane in history, says the IFRC in its World Disaster Report 2022.

In the United States, the main problem is the conflict between strict implementation of the evidence-based longproven epidemiologic protocol in fighting infectious disease and the constitutional rights of the people, who are invoking the freedom to choose (not to use mask, not to social distance, not to get the vaccines) and co-mingle with the rest of the population, many with subclinical COVID-19 or viral carriers, spreading the viruses to others.

Since the physical (geographical) separation of these two groups are not realistic, practical, nor feasible, the only option are federal mandates for these mitigating measures, especially vaccination. Those who refuse should stay home and not mingle with the rest of society until the pandemic is contained. This is an epidemiologic protocol to follow if we are to prevent the death of a million or more people. We must be understanding and compassionate enough to agree to temporarily waive our civil rights and follow the mandates to help save lives.

Of course, I am talking strictly medical and scientific here (no politics), highlighting the same principles and practices in infection wards in all medical centers around the world, [which is] strict isolation. Unless we are willing to do this constitutional sacrifice and implement strict epidemiologic protocols, our efforts in our war against any infectious disease in the future will certainly fail (as we did with COVID-19) to prevent a million deaths or greater. Doing the same and expecting a better result is certainly being foolish, if not stupid, to say the least.

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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

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The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

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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. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today. SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

City of Alameda inaugurates Bohol Circle...

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past and present, who have now become an essential part of the economic, social and cultural fabric of these United States,” and cited the contributions of Filipino Americans in U.S. history and society.

Consul General Ferrer said, “From the Filipino World War II veterans who gallantly fought in the tropical jungles of Bataan 80 years ago, whose heroism was immortalized through the conferment of America’s highest civilian award, the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal; to the Filipino American farmworker movement led by people such as Larry Itliong and the Delano manongs, who used their voice to amplify the call for better and fairer labor conditions in California and the rest of the nation; and to the Filipino doctors, nurses, first responders, and economic frontliners who have shown grit and determination to save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic: May their example and legacy serve as a guiding light for the community to remain united and resilient in the face of challenges in these unprecedented times.”

Consul General Ferrer gave a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco to BCI President Myrna Cajilog and Past President Robert Balandra. For their contributions in Alameda, the BCI also received similar commendations from U.S. House Representative Lee, California State Senator Skinner, California State Assemblymember Mia Bonta, and Alameda County Supervisor Lena Tam.

According to FANHS National Board Member and City College of San Francisco’s Philippine Studies Department Chair Dr. Lily Ann Villaraza, the Bohol Circle Immigrant Park in Alameda is the first park in the U.S. that was named after a Filipino American community organization.

Other parks in the U.S. that were named after a Filipino or Filipino American are all located in the Bay Area and the Pacific Northwest: the Jose Rizal Park in Seattle, Washington;

Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel answers

Roland, Rowena, and Cora (clockwise from top right).

Jessice (center) and her mother, Marosa, (left) asked Atty. Gurfinkel (right) about a delay in her siblings’ Embassy interview.