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DATELINE DATELINE Palace Midler Trump toslams nominate for Duterte retired Fil-Amcriticism Navy Rear Admiral for assistant defense secretary FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

MALACAÑANG on Sunday, November 24, slammed singer-actress Bette Midler for describing President Rodrigo Duterte as one of the world’s most detestable leaders as well as lumping him together with the likes of U.S. President Donald Trump and Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.

PRESIDENT Donald Trump plans to nomi“She, however, has no right as she innate a retired Filipino American Navyisvetercompetent andassistant a gulliblesecretary talking head well, an to be the for as strategy, onplans matters foreign leaders has andconcerning capabilities for the U.S.she Departnoment personal knowledge of,� the said White presidential of Defense (DOD), House spokesperson Salvador Panelo. February 26. announced on Wednesday, “She should beNavy circumspect as an infl uencer Retired U.S. Rear Admiral Victorino and should refrain from giving one-sided G. Mercado — who was born in the U.S.and and judgmental comments on internal affairs of whose family comes from Batangas, Philipanother sovereign state, especially if her referpines, according to the Philippine Consulences are falseinnarratives coming from theserves poate General Honolulu — currently litical opposition and some biased media outlets as deputy assistant secretary of defense for whose is to besmirch President Rodrigo plansagenda and posture, the “principle civilian ad-

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Governor Newsom of Record number announces Early Childhood naturalized immigrants Policy Council and in a team eligible to vote 2020 to develop master plan for early learning and care

WASHINGTON — At a time when U.S. immigration policy issues have become controversial, a record number of immigrants are eligible to vote in the presidential election this year, a new report says.

SACRAMENTO – Governor The Pew Research Center Gavin reportNewsom released onlast Friday, NovemberFebruary 22, announced the selecWednesday, 26 shows that tion diverse experts, practitioners and partheofsize of the immigrant electorate has ents to guide California’s efforts Eligible on early learnnearly doubled since 2000. voters ing and care.

The Governor 20 are U.S. citizens aged 18today and appointed older. members of the new Early Childhood Mexican andstate’s Filipino immigrants are the Policy Council and advisory includlargest groups among committees, foreign-born eligiing national practitioners, and parents. ble voters,experts, the report says.

He More also announced the creation of an immiEarly than 23 million naturalized Childhood Research Teamare to eligible develop ato grants inAction the United States Master Plan for Early Learning and Care, which

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Also published published inin LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY Also

US wants newer, stronger Firing VP akin to EJK — Lagman defense ties with PH — Duterte

by JESS

DIAZ Philstar.com

OPPOSITION Rep. Edcel Lagman of Albay on Tuesday, November 26, likened to an extrajudicial

by RITCHEL MENDIOLA killing President Duterte’s AJPress removal of Vice President Leni Robredo as co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD).

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said the United “The summary the president govas States has beendismissal reachingof out to vice the Philippine ICAD co-chair anystronger valid reasons ernment for without newer and defenseand tiesdue since process is akin to an killing. Agreement Like EJK the termination of extrajudicial the Visiting Forces victims, criticized the Duterte (VFA)Robredo betweenfought the twoand countries. administration’s bloody on drugs,� “It came to the fore war na yung alitan koLagman sa kanila, said. tinanggal ko ‘yung VFA, sila naman ngayon ang He claimed theafter president red Robredo lapit ng lapitthat (that my rift fiwith them andtothe hide from her data on thethey anti-drugs campaign. termination of VFA, are now trying to make

Her dismissal “is similar to the extrajudicial killing of some victims to silence them and cover up incriminatory information known to them,� he said.

Lagman belongs to the opposition Liberal Party (LP), which Robredo chairs. amends),�

Duterte said in a speech delivered at Another LP leader, Jose on Christopher MalacaĂąang’s Rizal Hall Tuesday, Belmonte March 3. of Quezon City,also whorevealed is the party’s secretary Duterte that he had a general, meeting said viceAmbassador president was she might Sung have withthe U.S. tofired the as Philippines “discovered cant information the root of Kim as wellsignifi as Ambassador of the on Philippines to our drug trade.â€?Romualdez, but dismissed thenation’s U.S. Jose Manuel “What was important to herholding was putting a stop to the possibility of the U.S. him accountthe killings.

That’s why she talked the right peoable over the reported deaths of to drug personaliple, withdue the to right asked the tiescoordinated in the country hisagencies, war against illegal right questions. Why was she suddenly removed?� drugs.

Belmonte He alsoasked. reiterated to Kim that he needed to get Another congressman, Rodriguez of Cathings done with the VFARufus to prove a point that he

gayan de Oro City, said Robredo’s removal was “rather unfortunate.� “President Duterte’s experiment in appointing her was doomed from the very start. The VP is leader of the opposition, a lawyer and an advocate is saving the country from illegal drugs. of human rights.

Her views on the anti-illegal campaign “Sinabi ko sa kanya (I told him),drugs ‘I don’t...

Iyang were diametrically opposed the current thrusts of extrajudicial killing, wala to akong pakialam diyan the administration,� he said.

(I don’t care about extrajudicial killing). You can Rodriguez Duterte’s Boys was therebring on thesaid charges you “All want, butClub I will stick to fore worried, to say the least, on her entry into the my guns. I will kill anybody (who) will tend to depicture.� stroy my country,’� Duterte said. “To them, herit appointment was totally “How could be wrong, when can it unacceptbe wrong able.

So it’s now usual,� pag magsabi akobusiness (when Ias say), ‘Do he notadded. destroy my The militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan country because I will kill you?

Who can debate (Bayan) saidThat the ispeople are awaitingofRobredo’s rewith that? the preservation my people,â€? port on the drug war. (With Rhodina Villanueva) â–

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PNP says Robredo did Several Fil-Ams not commit ‘missteps’ to general asadvance drug czar

election for Congress, state, local seats

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

CONTRARY to Malacaùang’s reasons for

by CHRISTINA ORIEL as cofiring Vice President LeniM.Robredo AJPress Committee on chair of the Inter-Agency Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD),Americans the Philippine SEVERAL Filipino vying National Police November 26, for seats on on theTuesday, federal, state and local saidlevels they will did advance not see Robredo make elecany to the general “missteps� during herfollowing 18-day stint the tion in November the as March administration’s 3rd primary. anti-drug czar. “During her stay23rd as co-chair of ICAD, Diswe For Texas’ Congressional haven’t noticed any report or mistrict, really Filipina American Gina Ortiz steps,� saidsecured PNP spokesman Bernard Banac Jones the Democratic nomiin an interview nation with with 66%ANC’s of the“Early votes Edition.� on Tues“But in theMarch continuing discussion, she of day night, 3. In November, course, thereeither is thatTony exchange of ideas and will face Gonzales or Raul insofar as discussion on a higher Reyes, both Republicans wholevel, will the adPNP is not involved anymore so we vance toreally a run-off in May. leave Ait to the higher authorities,� he addformer Air Force intelligence ofed. ficer, Ortiz Jones first ran for the seat According Presidential that coverstothe southwestspokesperson portion of the Salvador Panelo,the Robredo committed sevstate during 2018 midterm election eralbut ‘missteps’ including seeking the was narrowly defeated by advice incumof certain foreign institutions and person-

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NEW OFFICIALS. President Rodrigo Duterte swears in the newly-appointed government ofďŹ cials during the oath-taking ceremony at the MalacaĂąang Palace on Tuesday, March 3. Congratulating the newly appointed ofďŹ cials, the president reminded them of their primary obligation to serve the country LINKED TOGETHER. President Rodrigo Duterte joins other leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Republic of Korea President with integrity, impartiality and be duty-bound to defend the Constitution. They must also obey all laws and discharge their duties with utmost efďŹ ciency, Moon Jae-in as they pose for a family photo prior to the start of the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit at the Busan Exhibition and Convention honesty and competence.

MalacaĂąang photo by Albert Alcain Center on Tuesday, November 26.

MalacaĂąang photo by Arman Baylon

Robredo satisfaction remains ‘good’anew – SWS Drilon saysseeks House to blame for SEA Games mess Senate As PH independent policy,budget Senate bill seeksratings to teach GMRC Panelo of employing diversionary tactics such as accusing Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno of irregularities in the preparation of of 2019 the Philippines is the sole the national budget. representative of pointed the country Drilon, however, out in foreign affairs.

I do not inthat there are only three oppotend to go against theSenate tide. I sition members in the clarity.

We want clar—just notwant enough to delay the pasity. of And hope that once and sage theIbudget. for all, the honorable Supreme Furthermore, he said that even shed light on this purely ifCourt the budget was delayed, most of law,� ofquestion the funds used Senate for the PresiSEA dent Vicente Sotto IIIwere saidfrom in an Games infrastructure interview with Rappler. separate loans. vote after the “IThis really do comes not understand Senate last month previously the relationship between the debatedand whether the president blunders the budget delay,� had the Drilon said.power to unilaterally revoke agreeSome ofinternational the mishaps experiments. enced before the official launch of is slated file of a petithe Sotto regional sportstoevent include tion before the Supreme Court members of foreign delegations within the week. to the sporting event complain-

questions Duterte’s power to end treaties

by AJPRESS

SENATOR Franklin Drilon on

by RNovember ITCHEL MENDIOLA Tuesday, 26, said AJPress he House of Representatives is o blame for the mishaps in this PHILIPPINE Rodriyear’s SoutheastPresident Asian Games go Duterte’s decision to scrap which the country is hosting. the Visiting to Forces Agreement According the opposition with thethe United States may face senator, House of Represensome legal as severatives was challenges late in submitting al senators week voted on a he proposedthisnational budget asking the Supreme nresolution December, containing some Court to determine the Senate’s P95 billion in pork barrel that furoledebates. in treaty This abrogations. eled delay, some In a 12-0-8 vote, the congressmen claimed, led Senate to the on Monday, March 2 adopted a SEAG blunders. resolution thatany would the “If there was delay,seek it was high court’s ruling on whether because of them,�

Drilon said in there needs to be Senate conFilipino. currence in treaty some termination.

Last December, memto the bers“Iofrespectfully the House adhere of Represenrule that, the by President atives were yes, accused Presidential Spokesperson Salvador ing about awful accommodations

Senate passes resolution for ABS-CBN Hontiveros: ‘China-made’ blackouts can cripple PH

by PAOLO

ROMERO Philstar.com

by RITCHEL ENDIOLA MANILA — M The Senate ad-

AJ Press opted on Wednesday, March 4, a resolution expressing the SENATOR Hontiverostoon opinion of Risa the chamber alMonday, November low ABS-CBN and25, its warned subsidhat iaries“China-made to continue blackouts� operating could the country’s withparalyze the issuance of a econproviomy, vitalpermit communications system sional by the National and even the electoral system.

Telecommunications Commission (NTC) until Congress decides on the network’s apAccordingfortothe her, with China plication renewal of its controlling 40 percent of the Na25-year franchise. tional Grid Corp. of thewas Philippines The resolution a con(NGCP), it has the capability to solidation of four similar meaundermine national security sures filed over the last and sev“even the government.� eral topple days after House leaders Hontiverosthat gaveit out warnindicated wastheunlikely ing after deliberating on the u PAGE A2

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and delayed transportation after their arrival in the Philippines, inadequate food served to the athletes, and unfinished venues.

Senatorsnot who sided with the ‘Apology enough’ Senate President Sen. Christopher include “Bong� SenGo, atehis President Pro-Tempore for part, said that the orgaRalphof Recto, Senate Majornizers SEAG this year will be ity Leader Juan Miguel Zumade “answerable� for “apparbiri, Senate Minority Leader ent ineffi ciencies� that happened inFranklin the past Drilon, few days.and Senators Francis Pangilinan, Risa Honti“They said before, the preparaveros, Panfilo Joelthat Viltion, venues, andLacson, everything lanueva, Juan Edgardo Angara, will be used for the games were Nancy Binay, Richard Gordon almost ready and complete. As and Manuel “Lito� Lapid. of October 30, 2019, PHISGOC Senators Christopher “Bong� stated that preparations are 90% Go, Ronald dela Rosa, Aquilino complete. How come these have Pimentel III, Imee Marcos, Rahappened?� he said in Filipino mon “Bong� Revilla Jr, Francis on Monday, Nov. 25.

Tolentino and Cynthia Villar “To all the parties, remember, abstained, while Senators Manone’s failure is the failure of us all. ny Pacquiao and Pia Cayetano Let me remind everyone that you PAGE A2 will be answerable to u the Presi-

u PAGE A2

by RITCHEL MENDIOLA AJPress

by MARION RAMOS Inquirer.net

PHILIPPINE Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni�

Robredo SENATOR Panfi lo Lacson has herinstitutionalizing “good� satfimaintained led a measure isfaction rating theconduct fourth good manners and in right quarterasofa2019, according to (GMRC) separate subject for a newfrom Social Weather to Stations pupils kindergarten Grade survey.

3(SWS) to counter the negative effects According of the internet to on the the survey attitude reof leasedFilipinos.

Tuesday, March 3, 59% young ofInrespondents satisfied filing Senate were Bill No. 1185, with Robredo’s Lacson said no lessperformance than Educawhile 23% Leonor were dissatisfied, tion Secretary Briones had translating to “technology a net satisfacpointed out that withtiongood rating of +36,iswhich clasout manners a disaster� sifies as “online “good.�or technologyand that Robredo’s latest score driven pedagogy� couldnet not inculwassocial three points above the cate values and skills among +33 she received in Septemyoung students. ber 2019.

Strong values SWS noteda that her ratings By having separate GMRC rose due to the thestudents increases in subject, he said would be able to understand “human dig-

satisfaction points in Metro Manila (+25), Mindanao nity, respect for oneself and (+38), giving and the comoneself to Visayas others in (+48), the spirit of bined with for a steady scoreand in community, the effective Balancedevelopment Luzon (+33). holistic of the deciRobredo’s satisfaction sion-making skills of the child.â€?rating remained “It is the aim of at this“moderateâ€? act‌ to betlevel in our Metro while ter mold youthManila, to have strong her rating in Visayas, Mindanvalues and moral foundation which ao and Balance will contribute in Luzon shapingstayed a respectable society,â€? read a portion

“good.â€? spokesman, Barry Gutiof Her Lacson’s bill, a copy of which errez, said the is was furnished thelatest mediarating on Sunproof that people day, November 24. were satisfied with the vice president’s “The teaching method shall be work or with the Interagency actual situational, rather than Committee thereby on allowing Anti-illegal conceptual, the Drugs (ICAD). [students] to directly relate to the Robredo served as ICAD lessons, readily incorporate them in practice and make such behavu PAGE A3 ior commonplace,â€? he added. â–

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MARCH 6-12, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

US wants newer, stronger defense... Trump to nominate retired Fil-Am Navy Rear...

PAGE A1 t he added.

Following Duterte’s order, Foreign Affairs Secretary Tedoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin, Jr. sent the U.S. a notice to terminate the two-decade old VFA on February 11. The treaty is said to be terminated 180-days after the notice.

Romualdez, for his part, said there are ongoing negotiations between Manila and Washington to craft “something similar” to VFA. However, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo stressed that the discussions are only “exploratory talks” since Romualdez was not given the authority by Duterte to negotiate with Kim to craft a new military agreement between the two countries.

The annual Balikatan, Filipino for shoulder-to-shoulder, considered the largest exercise between Filipino and American soldiers, is still scheduled to proceed this May.

“It will push through as scheduled. That is within the 180-day period so it will continue as scheduled,” Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, said at a press briefing on Wednesday (March 3).

The joint drill is set to include 6,529 Americans, 4,302 Filipinos and 44 Australians military personnel.

With the termination of the VFA, large-scale exercises like this would no longer be covered.

‘No potential president among new politicians’ Duterte said that he has not seen a potential president among the new crop of politicians.

“Wala pa ako nakita na new crop politicians dito sa ating bayan, frankly wala ako nakita, wala akong nakita na pwede talaga maging presidente (I have not seen anyone among the new crop of politicians in our coun-

try, frankly none, I have not seen anyone who can become president),” he said Tuesday.

“Alam mo, sa totoo lang, presidente ka, di ka marunong pumatay at takot ka mamatay, huwag ka na magpresidente. Wala mangyayari sa iyo. Wala mangyayari sa bayan (If you are president and you don’t know how to kill or die, do not run for president. Nothing will happen to you or the country),” he added.

The president also admitted that he is scared for the next generation.

“I am just protecting our grandchildren...I’m trying to protect the generation of Filipinos especially the next batch, our children,” he said.

He added, “The problem is I cannot gamble the next generation. It would be difficult. I have a lot of grandchildren. I have 11.

I am nervous about what will happen to them tomorrow so let us help each other.” n

As PH seeks independent policy, Senate...

PAGE A1 t were unable to vote.

“They did not want to offend the president... That is the reason why they abstained because if you feel that a resolution is wrong, then you vote against,” Sotto said.

‘Independent policy’ Malacañang reiterated Duterte’s desire to have an independent foreign policy on Monday, stressing that the Philippines is prepared to face the consequences that may arise out of the termination of

any executive agreement or international treaty.

“The position of the president is to have an independent foreign policy. And that means if any treaty or agreement is abrogated, then necessarily certain consequences will follow,” said presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a press briefing.

“The president has already said that he has studied that.

So we are prepared for whatever consequences that may arise out of the abrogation or termination of any executive agreement or treaty,” he added.

This comes after six United States senators reportedly want the U.S. Trade Representative office to consider revoking Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) on the Philippines’ exports to the U.S., according to Business Mirror.

Currently, the U.S. is the Philippines’ biggest export market, third-largest trading partner, and fourth-largest import source.

According to the American senators, the U.S should refrain from entering into future trade negotiations with Manila until the country’s “human rights

u PAGE A3

PAGE A1 t visor” to the deputy under secretary of defense who provides counsel on campaign and contingency plans.

As assistant secretary for strategy, plans and capabilities, Mercado’s responsibilities will increase as he will act as the primary adviser on national security issues and defense strategies to the defense secretary, deputy defense secretary, under secretary for policy and principal deputy under secretary of defense.

After a 35-year career with the U.S. Navy, Mercado retired in the summer of 2018 before transitioning to his previous post with the DOD. Throughout his career, he has completed tours and assignments across the world, asea and ashore. His

Filipino American Victor Mercado will be nominated by President Donald Trump to be an assistant secretary of defense for strategy, plans and capabilities.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Dept. of Defense

final assignment as an active duty service member was as the director of maritime operations for the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Mercado graduated from the

Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, earning his master of science in systems technology in joint command control and communications.

He is also a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, earning a bachelor of science in mathematics and computer science in 1983.

Following his retirement, Mercado has been celebrated as one of the highest-ranking Filipino Americans who has served the U.S. Navy.

In a retirement ceremony on August 7, 2018, Philippine Consul General Joselito A. Jimeno of Hawaii recognized Mercado’s efforts in “fostering the good relationship between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress) n

Senate passes resolution for ABS-CBN...

PAGE A1 t to pass the network’s application before Congress goes on a break next week.

What was initially put on the floor was Senate Concurrent Resolution 8 authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Sens.

Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, Sonny Angara, Sherwin Gatchalian, Lito Lapid and Joel Villanueva.

However, a discussion ensued on the type of resolution that the chamber should pass.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon last month filed a joint resolution seeking to extend the franchise until 2022 and later, a concurrent resolution seeking the same.

A joint resolution, if passed by both the Senate and the House and signed by the President, has the effect of law. A concurrent resolution passed by both chambers expresses the sentiment of Congress.

Sen. Pia Cayetano filed Senate Resolution 344 expressing the sense of the Senate to authorize the NTC to grant ABSCBN and its subsidiaries a temporary permit. The resolution was signed by Sens. Ronald dela Rosa, Christopher Go, Imee Marcos, Bong Revilla, Francis Tolentino, Cynthia Vil-

lar, Zubiri, Pacquiao, Angara, Villanueva, Gatchalian and Binay.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III expressed exasperation as to why the NTC was asking some form of authority or prodding from Congress before it would issue a temporary permit when the agency has been doing so in the past several years, even to controversial franchise applications.

“This has never happened before… Are they afraid to displease somebody?” Sotto said.

He described President Duterte – who has repeatedly vowed to shut down ABS-CBN – as “a wonderful man.”

Sotto said the NTC in 2015 issued 338 provisional permits to franchises which lapsed before Congress could approve them; 471 in 2016; 259 in 2017; 155 in 2018 and 300 in 2019.

“Why are we making our lives difficult by trying to pass a concurrent resolution? Why not simply pass a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate? But I’ll tell you this.

If we are adopting a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate, as simple as that, I will sign the resolution. I did not sign the proposed resolution simply because it is a concur-

rent resolution which does not have the effect of a law… it’s useless. There’s no counterpart in the House,” Sen. Panfilo Lacson said.

During the previous hearing of the committee on public services chaired by Poe, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the NTC can issue a provisional permit under the principle of equity.

Guevarra, however, added it would be better if Congress issues a resolution on the matter.

Drilon said the resolution, though just an expression of the sense of the Senate, “would give some degree of legal stability” if Congress could issue authority to the NTC. House tackles franchise next week The House of Representatives is set to start hearing the franchise renewal application of broadcast giant ABS-CBN next week.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano announced that the House committee on legislative franchises has set a preliminary hearing on March 10 on 11 bills seeking renewal of the network’s 25-year franchise.

Cayetano explained that the

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A

MARCH 6-12, 2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

Arroceros, Manila’s last lung, declared a permanent forest park

by Gaea

Katreena Philstar.com

CabiCo

MANILA — The city government of Manila has declared Arroceros Park, the capital’s last forested area, a permanent forest park.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso signed on February 27 an ordinance declaring a parcel of land along Antonio Villegas St. in Ermita a “permanent forest park.”

Dubbed as the “last lung” of Manila, the 2.2-hectare park is home to 61 tree varieties and 8,000 ornamental plants. It also hosts 10 bird species.

Moreno said the city would allocate P1 million for the upkeep of Arroceros Park.

The city government would also designate “peace officers” and would create the Arroceros Forest Park Governing Committee, which will formulate a plan

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

Oust me, speaker dares lawmakers

tives Electoral Tribunal and was replaced by Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo.

Abra Rep. Joseph Bernos reTHE dispute over the top post placed Yap as head of the Commitat the House of Representatives tee on Games and Amusements. took a turn for the worse on MonNo lawmaker objected to the day, March 2 as heads rolled and changes.

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano Yap said he had no idea what dared lawmakers to remove him if happened during the weekend they no longer wanted him in his because he was out of town. post.

Ungab said he accepted his “I cannot predict what’s going fate: “I believe that the only guide to happen on the floor, which can to a man is his conscience and the happen anytime and any member truth will always prevail no matter can make any motion,” Cayetano Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano ManilaTimes.net file photo what. I have served my country told reporters on the sidelines of “But if you’re going to contin- and people well to the utmost of File photo shows a man taking refuge under the trees of Arroceros Forest Park amid searing an event at the Southern Police heat in Manila. The 2.2-hectare park, considered the city’s “last lung,” is home to about 60 tree District. ue your intrigues, umalis na lang my ability. I accept my fate and so species and a small population of birds belonging to six different species.

“But very clear naman ‘yung kayo sa posisyon niyo, and then be it.”

Inquirer.net photo by Richard Reyes sinabi ko last week na kung ayaw doon kayo bumalik pagka naging Leachon, meanwhile, believed for the maintenance and opera- fense. Those who violate the ordi- niyo na sa’kin, hindi niyo kayang speaker si Congressman [Lord Al- that his removal was in connecnance for the third time will pay a suportahan ‘yung mga reporma lan] Velasco (just leave and come tion with the alleged insertions in tions of the park.

Ordinance 8607 prohibits the P5,000 fine or face imprisonment na tinutulak ko, palitan niyo na ‘ko back when Congressman Velasco the 2020 budget.

“But I’m perfectly okay. I will cutting of trees and the dumping not exceeding one year depend- (What I said was very clear: If you becomes speaker),” he said.

Last week, Cayetano said he always be mighty proud of my acno longer want me and you canof waste within the area of the for- ing on the court’s discretion.

Moreno earlier said he would not support the reforms I initiated, might remove heads of commit- tions, as I was taught that there est park. Any form of excavation keep the park and even expand remove me.) So, definitely they tees if they continue to disrupt the is never a wrong time doing the is also prohibited. right thing. They can rob and take Violators will be slapped with a it as part of his ambitious plan to will either have to ask me to re- work in the chamber.

Replaced away all of our positions, espeP2,500 fine for their first offense transform Manila into a “green sign, or they have to move that all Heads indeed rolled on Mon- cially from PDP-Laban (Partido seats are vacant,” he added. and P3,500 for their second of- city.” n But he said if majority of law- day, as a number of committee Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng makers wanted him to stay, the heads were removed from their Bayan), but we’ll never bow down to this masked leadership of tyr“coup plotters” must support his posts.

During the plenary session, Se- anny. It will be always a nice feelleadership.

“If the majority says stay ka nior Deputy Majority Leader Rep. ing putting a hard fight for a friend muna, because maganda ‘yung Jesus Crispin Remulla nominated and our cause,” he said.

“But if I may ask Cong[ressman] ginagawa mo, then sabi ko, choice and elected the new committee Lray still, why is his reply to my ngayon n’ung mga nagku-coup. leaders.

Davao City Third District Rep. challenge to him only met with the study said. come from locally established Kung kaya niyo ako suportahan, The study also revealed that companies while 50 percent kaya niyo magtrabaho, wala tay- Isidro Ungab was removed from purely name calling and this reanother 14 percent of respon- come from multinational firms ong pag-uusapan (If the majority his chairmanship of the Commit- taliation of removal. It’s quite says you stay because we like your tee on Appropriations. He was re- obvious that he was hit hard and dents have alleged that they have that operate in the Philippines. lost a business opportunity to a Most of the respondents are reforms, then the coup plotters placed by Anti-Crime and Terror- then purposely evaded the issue competitor who paid bribes to ranking officials in the execu- will have to make a choice. If you ism Community Involvement and about his ‘pork barrel’ insertions of almost P6 billion pesos in the outbid them. tive, finance and internal audit can support me, if you can do your Support party-list Rep. Eric Yap. Oriental Mindoro Rep. Salvador 2020 General Appropriations Act The outcome of the study was departments, and have high- work, we have nothing to discuss.) similar to what the Philippine level knowledge of the economic Continue where you are,” Cayeta- Leachon was booted out as chair- (GAA), including the Iconic CapiPAGE A5 man of the House of Representano added.

Corruption Perceptions Index crimes that occurred in firms. of Transparency International The study also revealed that found, which saw the Philippines’ external perpetrators of fraud rank drop from 99th to 113th. and other economic crimes could “This is concerning as busi- have contributed to losses that

by Christina Mendez that the review concerning travel acknowledged the Philippines’ efnesses operating in the Phil- range from $5 million to $50 milPhilstar.com restrictions and protocols to and forts in implementing necessary ippines may be more likely to lion over the past 24 months. from the Philippines shall be regu- measures as the country is among contemplate paying bribes as a MANILA — The government larly conducted by it,” he said.

Other than financial losses, the nine that have been able to feasible option to take in order there are intangible losses such has partially lifted the travel ban The Philippine government has contain the spread of COVID-19. to win business opportunities as loss of public trust, damage to imposed on Filipinos who want to imposed travel bans to all Filipinos Despite this, the health chief against competitors,” it added. brand, low employee morale and tour South Korea, following an as- who want to tour Hong Kong and stressed that “the Philippines needs The 2020 global survey cov- credit loss that may have long- sessment of the Interagency Task Macau, but Filipino workers and to be ready anytime for whatever ered 5,000 respondents across term impact on firms.

Force on Emerging Infectious Dis- students are allowed to go there. possibility the virus may cause our 99 countries, including 101 firms “Areas of asset misappropria- eases (IATF), presidential spokesDiplomatic officials and their country and our people.” from the Philippines. It was found tion, customer fraud and bribery man Salvador Panelo said on Tues- families are also exempted from Panelo said Duque summarized that over the past 24 months, $42 have been the most prevalent in day, March 3. the travel ban in the affected coun- the government’s response to the billion in losses were incurred the local scene,” said the report.

The IATF came out with the tries.

COVID-19 as follows: incident because of fraud and other eco- “And this poses an imminent decision after the team led by Because of the outbreak of the management, planning and multinomic crimes. threat to the continued resilience the Department of Health Central disease in Hubei province in China, sectoral coordination; surveillance Out of the 101 respondents to of a strong economy such as that Office discussed the circumstances the Philippine government has im- and risk assessment; laboratory the Philippine survey, 50 percent of the Philippines.” n brought by the coronavirus disease posed a total travel ban on China, and diagnostic capacity; clinical 2019 (COVID-19). canceling direct flights from and to best practice management; suc“The IATF has approved to al- the country. cessful repatriation of all 49 Fililow Filipinos to travel to South KoMeanwhile, Panelo also an- pinos from Wuhan; positioned rea, except to the whole of North nounced that the Department of resources, such as personal proGyeongsang province, including Foreign Affairs is preparing for the tective equipment; risk commuDaegu City and Cheongdo county, repatriation of 148 Filipinos from nication and community engagewhere the virus outbreak is con- Macau via a chartered flight, while ment; imposition of travel ban on centrated,” Panelo said. the Overseas Workers Welfare Ad- China, Hong Kong and Macau and Panelo, however, maintained ministration is arranging to repatri- selected areas in South Korea, and that all Filipinos who intend to visit ate 48 of its active members there operational logistics. other parts of South Korea shall via one commercial flight.

‘Missing’ South Korean found execute and sign a declaration, The DOH also reported that the “The IATF, composed of its signifying their knowledge and member agencies, is on top of “missing” South Korean man who understanding of the risks involved the situation apropos the COVID- arrived in Cebu from Daegu last in their trip. A health advisory 19 and the Office of the President Feb. 25 has been found. pamphlet shall likewise be given to recognizes its concrete efforts DOH Assistant Secretary Ma. them upon their departure. in battling the virus as we aim to Rosario Vergeire said the foreigner The government will continue protect the safety and health of our is now being monitored as he is to impose the ban on the entry of people,” he said. undergoing quarantine in a “rentforeign nationals from the aforeed space” in Cebu.

No new cases in 4 weeks mentioned areas into Philippine Vergeire said this means the 26 During the Cabinet meeting territory. This was implemented last Monday, Health Secretary Koreans who came to Cebu a day last week following the rapid in- Francisco Duque III reported the before the Philippine government crease of COVID-19 cases in South government’s efforts to contain the imposed a partial travel ban in Korea. spread of the virus in the country, South Korea are all accounted for.

The government task force, ac- especially to avoid local transmisAside from this man, eight other cording to Panelo, was guided by sion.

Koreans are also undergoing quarthe Health Security Risk AssessDuque provided updates to the antine. ment Matrix, which evaluates the President and the Cabinet, particuVergeire noted none of them hazard, exposure and context rela- larly that the Philippines does not have manifested symptoms of COtive to the risks involved, before the have new positive cases of COVID- VID-19. partial lifting of the travel ban was 19 in the last four weeks.

Flight cancellations implemented.

AirAsia Philippines on Tuesday “This means that as of present, “The IATF has also agreed that the Philippines has zero cases of started canceling some of its flights there are to be no new imposition persons suffering from the virus,” between the Philippines and South of travel restrictions or lifting of the Panelo said.

Korea in compliance with the same as regards other countries Duque proceeded to report that government’s directive imposing or jurisdictions. The IATF assures the World Health Organization has PAGE A5 by diVina

noVa Joy dela ManilaTimes.net

Cruz

Fraud incidence remains high among Philippines companies

by Czeriza

ValenCia Philstar.com

MANILA — Incidence of fraud and other economic crimes among Philippine companies remains high, with asset misappropriation proving to be the most damaging for firms, according to the 2020 Global Economic Crime and Fraud Survey (GECS).

The newest result for the Philippines is the third local edition of the global survey conducted by multinational consultancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the first two being in 2016 and 2018.

At a briefing on Tuesday, March 3, PwC bared that corruption and bribery were among the top disruptive economic crimes committed in the Philippines.

“This year’s results reveal that this particular type of fraud is picking up again over the last 24 months, moving up by three notches from fifth last year, to 21 percent in 2020, from 18 percent in 2018 and 25 percent in 2016,”

Government partially lifts travel ban on South Korea

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 6-12, 2020

A

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS Marso 6, 2020 Mga Responsableng Entidad: Lungsod ng Alameda Community Development Department 950 West Mall Square, Second Floor Alameda, California 94501 510-747-4349 County of Alameda Housing & Community Development Department 224 W. Winton Avenue, Room 108 Hayward, CA 94544 510-670-5280 NOT FOR WEAK HEARTS. Tourists get a high from cliff-jumping on Sunday, March 1 at Polipol Island in Bani, Pangasinan. Visitors flocked to the beach as temperatures climbed, signaling the start of the hot and dry season.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

Oust me, speaker dares...

PAGE A4 tol Building Phase 1 worth P750 million with the convention center at Pili, Camarines Sur, where his son is the provincial governor; thereby bloating his district budget to more than P7 billion. his might be the billion-peso reason also why they removed Cong[ressman] Sid Ungab as Appropriations committee chair who couldn’t stand their abuse in the 2020 GAA preparation,� he said, referring to Rep. Luis Ray-

mund Villafuerte Jr. “Very clear in here, they go amuck on a self created scenario of alleged coup of House leadership to have a reason to dishonor the term-sharing agreement with Cong[ressman] Lord Velasco in order to perpetuate their throne so with their protection for self gain budget insertions for succeeding 2 years in Congress,�

Leachon added.

Controversy started last week when Cayetano claimed that

there was an attempt to unseat him, tagging Velasco behind the plot. Velasco’s camp has denied any coup plot, saying he would honor the term-sharing agreement brokered by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Under the term-sharing deal, Cayetano would hold the speaker’s post for 15 months or from July last year to October this year. Velasco would get the remaining 21 months until the end of the 18th Congress. n

Government partially lifts travel ban...

PAGE A4 travel restrictions due to the current public health situation.

The budget carrier is canceling selected flights between Manila and Seoul-Incheon, Cebu and Seoul-Incheon, Kalibo and SeoulIncheon as well as Kalibo and Busan, until March 28.

AirAsia said flights to South Korea from Clark, however, will continue normal operations as well as selected flights from Manila, Cebu and Kalibo.

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific started canceling all its flights between the Philippines and South Korea last Tuesday, which will last until April 30.

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines, for its part, began cutting back on the number of flights last Sunday. PAL is retaining a number of flights to/from Seoul and Busan to serve travelers not covered by the ban.

Contingency measures The Philippine government is readying contingency measures to cushion the impact of COVID19 on local employment.

In an interview with “The Chiefs� aired on Cignal TV’s One News on Monday night, March 2, Labor As-

sistant Secretary Dominique Tutay said various government agencies are already discussing measures to address the possible displacement of workers due to COVID-19.

Tutay said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has received reports that establishments in Boracay are resorting to flexible working arrangement since there are only few tourists coming to the island. “Most likely to be affected are workers in the tourism industry, so an emergency meeting has been called to discuss the possible employment losses,� she added.

She said establishments are also encouraged to adopt telecommuting working arrangement, if possible. “We are reminding our employers to be compassionate and allow workers to take a leave of absence if they get sick or if their family members are suspected of having the virus,� she added.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) previously projected that at least 7,000 workers could lose their jobs amid the spread of COVID-19.

The TUCP said many enterprises would be forced to close

down or implement retrenchment to cope with business losses as a result of the outbreak.

Facility assessment Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has ordered an assessment of its existing facilities for possible use as temporary quarantine areas in case of an outbreak of COVID-19.

Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista directed field offices in the country to identify centers and residential care facilities in their jurisdictions that may be temporarily transformed into quarantine areas, the agency said in a statement on Tuesday, March 3.

The country has designated the Athletes’ Village in New Clark City in Tarlac as its national quarantine center, serving those repatriated from China and Japan.

The DSWD said it is looking at possible assistance that may be provided to the 445 Filipinos who were repatriated from Japan last week.

They were among those aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Yokohama that was placed on lockdown last month due to confirmed COVID-19 cases. n

Ang Paunawang ito ay dapat makatugon sa dalawang magkahiwalay pero magkaugnay na mga iniaatas na pamamaraan para sa mga aktibidad na isasagawa ng Awtoridad ng Pabahay ng Lungsod ng Alameda, ng Lungsod ng Alameda at ng County ng Alameda. Ang Lungsod ng Alameda at ang County ng Alameda ay nagkumpleto ng isang pinagsamang pagrepasong pangkapaligiran.

PAGHILING NG PAGLABAS NG MGA PONDO Sa o malapit sa ika-24 ng Marso, 2020 ang County ng Alameda ay magsusumite ng isang kahilingan sa United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) para sa pagpapalabas ng mga pondo ng HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) sa ilalim ng Title II ng Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, na sinusugan, at ang Lungsod ng Alameda ay magsusumite ng isang kahilingan sa United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) para sa pagpapalabas ng mga pondo ng Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) sa ilalim ng Title I ng Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 at para sa pagpapalabas ng mga pondo ng HUD Section 8 sa ilalim ng Title 1 Section 8 ng United States Housing Act of 1937, na sinusugan ng Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, upang magsagawa ng isang proyekto na kilala bilang 1245 McKay Avenue Project para sa layuning pahintulutan ang Alameda Point Collaborative na baguhin at maiangkop muli ang apat na umiiral na mga gusali para magamit bilang Alameda Senior Housing at Medical Respite Center na may address na 1245 McKay Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501.

Ang iminungkahing aksyon sa 1245 McKay Avenue Project ay kabilang ang muling pagpapaunlad at angkop na paggamit ng mga ari-arian na pag-aari ng United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) para sa layuning magpatayo ng senior housing, isang 50-kamang medical respite program, isang maliit na pangunahing klinika sa pangangalaga sa kalusugan, at resource center, at dalawang yunit ng pabahay ng tagapag-alaga.

Ang klinika ay binalak na gagamit ng humigit-kumulang na 8,000 square feet ng lugar sa loob ng Gusali 1 na may sampung silid para sa pagsusuri. Ang Resource Center ay sasakop sa humigit-kumulang na 1,000 square IHHW QJ *XVDOL $QJ NDPDQJ 0HGLFDO 5HVSLWH SURJUDP D\ PDJELELJD\ QJ SDQVDPDQWDODQJ SDQJDQJDODJD sa nagpapagaling at mga serbisyong pangsuporta sa Gusali 1 para sa mga taong walang tirahan sa Alameda County na may kumplikadong mga kondisyon sa kalusugan. Ang Senior Housing program ay matatagpuan sa PJD *XVDOL $ % & DW ' $QJ \XQLW VTXDUH IRRW QD PD\ SLQDKXVD\ QD PHGLNDO QD 6HQLRU +RXVLQJ program ay magsisilbi sa mga nakatatandang walang tirahan na may mga kondisyon sa kalusugan na nakatira sa Alameda County.

Ang kabuuang gastos sa pagpapaunlad ay tinatayang $60,156,148. Kung magkakaroon ng pagpopondo, plano ng proyekto na magsumite ng mga aplikasyon para sa tatlong uri ng pagpopondo ng HUD: hanggang sa $500,000 mula sa HOME Investment Partnership Program; hanggang sa $1,000,000 ng mga Community Development Block Grant Fund; at humigit-kumulang na 25 mga Project-Based Voucher para sa mga sambahayan na may mabababa at lubhang mabababang kita. Ang mga kabayaran sa tulong sa pabahay ay gagamitin para sa mga gastos sa pagpapatakbo para sa mga yunit ng PBV sa 1245 McKay Avenue Project. Ang tulong sa pabahay ay ibibigay para sa isang paunang termino ng kontrata na hanggang sa 20 taon na may opsyon na magpatuloy muli ng hanggang sa isang karagdagang 20 taon, napapailalim sa taunang paglalaan mula sa Pederal na pamahalaan at pagpapasiya ng AHA na ang may-ari ay sumusunod sa kontrata ng Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) at iba pang naaangkop na mga inaatas ng HUD. Ang tinatayang kabuuang halaga ng pagpopondo ng subsidy sa pag-upa ay $7,494,000 sa 20 taon, batay sa isang contract rent na $1,549 at isang tenant rent na $300 para sa 1245 McKay Avenue Project sa panahon ng paunang termino ng kontrata ng Housing Assistance Payments (HAP). Ang pagpapatupad ng kontrata ng HAP ay napapailalim sa isang pag-aaral sa makatuwirang renta, at nakasalalay sa pagkakaroon ng mga pondo ng Section 8 na inilaan ng pamahalaang pederal.

PAGPAPASIYA NA WALANG MALAKING EPEKTO Ang Lungsod ng Alameda at ang County ng Alameda ay nagpasiya na ang proyekto ay hindi magkakaroon ng malaking epekto sa kapaligiran ng tao. Dahil dito, ang Isang Pahayag ng Epekto sa Kapaligiran sa ilalim ng Pambansang Batas sa Patakaran sa Kapaligiran (National Environmental Policy Act, NEPA) ng 1969 ay hindi iniaatas. Ang karagdatang impormasyon tungkol sa proyekto ay nakapaloob sa Rekord ng Pagrepasong Pangkapaligiran (Environmental Review Record, ERR) na nasa talaan ng Awtoridad ng Pabahay ng Lungsod ng Alameda sa 701 Atlantic Avenue, Alameda, California, 94501 at maaaring suriin o kopyahin Lunes hanggang Huwebes sa pagitan ng mga oras na 8:30 A.M. at 5:00 P.M. MGA KOMENTO NG PUBLIKO Sinumang indibidwal, grupo, o ahensiyang hindi sumasang-ayon sa pagpapasiyang ito o nais magkomento sa proyekto ay maaaring magsumite ng mga nakasulat na komento na ipapadala kay Lisa Fitts sa Awtoridad ng Pabahay ng Lungsod ng Alameda sa 701 Atlantic Avenue, Alameda, California, 94501. Lahat ng komentong natanggap bago lumampas ang Marso 23, 2020 ay isasaalang-alang ng Lungsod ng Alameda at ng County ng Alameda bago ang pagsumite ng isang kahilingan para sa paglabas ng mga pondo. Dapat tukuyin ng mga komento kung aling Paunawa ang tinutugunan nila.

SERTIPIKASYON NA PANGKAPALIGIRAN Ang Lungsod ng Alameda ay nagsesertipika sa HUD na si Debbie Potter sa kanyang kapasidad bilang Direktor ng Muling Paggamit at Pagpapaunlad na Pangkabuhayan at ang County ng Alameda ay nagsesertipika sa HUD na si Linda Gardner sa kanyang kapasidad bilang Direktor ng Pabahay ay sumasang-ayong tanggapin ang hurisdiskiyon ng mga Pederal na Hukuman kung ang isang aksyon ay dalhin upang ipatupad ang mga responsibilidad na may kaugnayan sa proseso ng pagrepasong pangkapaligiran at na ang mga responsibilidad na ito ay natugunan. Ang pagtanggap ng HUD sa sertipikasyon ay tumutugon sa mga responsibllidad nito sa ilalim ng NEPA at mga kaugnay na batas at awtoridad at nagpapahintulot sa Awtoridad ng Pabahay ng Lungsod ng Alameda upang gamitin ang mga pondo ng programa.

MGA PAGTUTOL NA ILABAS ANG MGA PONDO Ang HUD ay tatanggap lamang ng mga pagtutol sa paglabas nito ng mga pondo at ang sertipikasyon ng Lungsod ng Alameda at ng County ng Alameda para sa isang panahon na labinlimang araw kasunod ng inaasahang petsa ng pagsumite o sa aktuwal na pagtanggap nito ng kahilingan (alinman ang mas huli) kung ito ay nasa isa sa mga sumusunod na batayan: (a) ang sertipikasyon ay hindi isinagawa ng Opisyal sa Pagsertipika ng Lungsod ng Alameda o ng County ng Alameda; (b) inalis ng Lungsod ng Alameda o County ng Alameda ang isang hakbang o nabigong gumawa ito ng desisyon o pagpapasiya na iniaatas ng mga regulasyon ng HUD sa 24 CFR Bahagi 58; (c) ang tumanggap ng gawad o ibang mga kalahok sa proseso ng pagpapaunlad ay naglaan ng mga pondo, nagtamo ng mga gastos o nagsagawa ng mga aktibidad na hindi ipinahihintulot ng 24 CFR Bahagi 58 bago ang pag-aproba ng isang paglabas ng mga pondo ng HUD; o (d) ang ibang Pederal na Ahensiya na umaakto alinsunod sa 40 CFR Bahagi 1504 ay nagsumite ng isang nakasulat na pagpapasiya na ang proyekto ay hindi kasiya-siya ayon sa pamantayan ng kalidad na pangkapaligiran. Ang mga pagtutol ay dapat ihanda at isumite alinsunod sa mga iniaatas na pamamaraan (24 CFR Bahagi 58, Sek. 58.76) at dapat ipadala sa U. S. Department RI +RXVLQJ 8UEDQ 'HYHORSPHQW 'LUHFWRUV RI WKH 2IÂż FH RI &RPPXQLW\ 3ODQQLQJ DQG 'HYHORSPHQW DW VD 2IÂż FH of Public and Indian Housing, sa One Sansome Street, Suite 1200, San Francisco, CA 94104. Dapat kontakin ng mga posibleng tututol ang HUD upang maberipika ang aktuwal na huling araw ng panahon ng pagtutol.

NAGPAPATUNAY OPISYAL Debbie Potter Direktor ng Muling Paggamit ng Base at Pagpapaunlad na Pangkabuhayan Linda Gardner County ng Alameda, Direktor ng Pabahay MGA TADHANA PARA SA MGA TAONG MAY KAPANSANAN Kung ang sinumang taong may interes sa paglahok sa programang Blokeng Gawad sa Pagpapaunlad ng Komunidad (CDBG) / HOME ay isang taong may kapansanan gaya ng nilinaw ng Seksiyon 504 ng Batas ng 1974 sa Rehabilitasyon na nag-aatas ng isang kaluwagan upang lumahok o magkainteres, ang isang kahilingan para VD NDOXZDJDQ D\ PDDDULQJ JDZLQ ND\ /LVD )LWWV R PDJSDGDOD QJ HPDLO VD OÂż WWV#DODPHGDKVJ org. Ang naturang kahilingan ay dapat kabilang ang isang paglalarawan ng kaluwagang hinahangad, kasama ang isang pahayag ng kapansanan na nangangailangan ng kaluwagan. Anumang kahilingan para sa kaluwagan ay dapat suriin at ang isang sagot ay dapat ipagkaloob sa loob ng limang araw ng trabaho pagkatapos matanggap ang naturang kahilingan. Ang paunawa ng anumang kaluwagan na iginawad ay ipagkakaloob agad sa humiling.

0DQJ\DULQJ NRQWDNLQ VL /LVD )LWWV VD %RVHV 7<< 756 R PDJSDGDOD QJ HPDLO VD OÂż WWV# alamedahsg.org upang humiling ng anumang ibang makatwirang kaluwagan na maaaring kailanganin. Ang tagapag-ugnay ng Seksyon 504 ng CDBG/HOME ay si Tonya Schuler-Cummins. Ang isang kopya ng pamamaraan ng karaingan ng 504 ay matatagpuan online sa www.alamedahsg.org.

MGA IPAGKAKALOOB SA MGA RESIDENTENG HINDI NAGSASALITA NG INGLES Ang Lungsod ng Alameda ay may ugnayan ng mga empleyadong nagsasalita ng 45 wika na maaaring kumilos bilang mga tagasalin para sa mga residente na naghahangad ng impormasyon na nauukol sa mga pederal na programa. Kung binigyan ng paunawang maaga ng limang araw ng trabaho, makikipag-ayos ang Lungsod upang makakuha ng isang interpreter. Mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa Lungsod sa (510) 747-4349 (Boses), 711 (TYY/ 756 R HPDLO OÂż WWV#DODPHGDKVJ RUJ PATAKARANG WALANG-DISKRIMINASYON Ang pederal na batas ay nagbabawal ng diskriminasyon sa pabahay batay sa lahi, kulay, relihiyon, kasarian, bansang pinagmulan, edad, katayuang pampamilya, at kapansanan. Ang Batas sa Patas na Pagtatrabaho at Pabahay ng California ay nagbabawal ng diskriminasyon sa pabahay sa mga katulad na batayan, gayon din sa kasarian, kinikilalang kasarian, pagpapahayag ng kasarian, oryentasyong sekswal, katayuang marital, angkan, pinagkukunan ng kita, at impormasyong henetiko. Ang AHA ay lubos na susunod sa lahat ng pederal, pangestado, at lokal na mga batas na walang diskriminasyon, at sa mga tuntunin at regulasyon na namamahala sa patas na pabahay at pantay na pagkakataon sa pabahay at pagtatrabaho.

A6

MARCH 6-12,2020 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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

O PINION COVID’s economic costs

FEATURES

ABOUT one percentage point may be shaven from this year’s gross domestic product growth in the Philippines as a result of a slowdown in economic activities due to the 2019 coronavirus disease contagion, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said on Monday, March 2.

In a growing number of countries, the COVID-19 threat has shut down factories and top tourist destinations and cancelled international gatherings. Japan’s temporary closure of schools further stoked speculation that the Tokyo Olympics from July to August this year might also have to be postponed. In Rome, the biggest draw for travelers — Pope Francis — has taken an unprecedented weeklong leave while nursing a cold and cough.

The international travel and tourism industry is reeling from COVID-19. Also affected are the numerous travel-related downstream enterprises. With three of the world’s manufacturing powerhouses badly hit – China, Japan and South Korea — global supply chains have been seriously disrupted, with the Philippines also feeling the impact. Stock markets have been battered

and the oil-producing countries, which host millions of overseas Filipino workers, are seeing drastic reductions in demand.

A vaccine is still about a year away, while the virus continues to spread. No one knows how long the global uncertainty will last. Governments must be on emergency mode to deal not just with the public health threat but also with the economic impact of the contagion. Unemployment and underemployment could spike, not only within the country but also abroad, affecting workers’ remittances and the Philippines’ consumption-driven economy.

The country is fortunate that it doesn’t have to resort to lockdowns of entire cities to contain the COVID-19 threat. So local production can continue and consumption can be stimulated. The work to create jobs and livelihood opportunities government together with the private sector can for those who may be affected. In this contagion,

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

economic displacement is as much a concern as public health. (Philstar.com)

Don’t fear and panic: Coronavirus Q&A and the facts according to the World Health Organization The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS KABABAYANS all over the world are among so many people now in a state of fear over the threats of coronavirus. We’ve seen madness over face masks, panic buying of canned goods, bottled water and other food supplies, scare over traveling either domestically or internationally, and paranoia over being with a person sneezing or coughing, especially if they “look Chinese.”

This is understandable because we just need to protect ourselves and our families from this pandemic, especially when we are hearing confusing and nonsensical statements from government officials who either downplay this health emergency and even use this for political warfare and expedience, especially during this presidential campaign season.

We need to be empowered during these challenging times, and so let me share with you important information from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Please read and share with your family and friends.

What is a coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory

Demand and Supply BOO CHANCO IT can’t be avoided. Indeed, if only China did it before half of Wuhan’s 11 million population left for the Chinese New Year celebration, we probably wouldn’t see as wide an infection as we are seeing now, geographically.

In Rome, the coronavirus has brought its tourism sector to its knees. Tourist cancellations have reached 90 percent in Rome for March due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that the cost of lost revenue to Rome restaurants is €3 million a day, with “thousands of jobs” at risk.

Cancelled hotel reservations, coupled with numerous cancelled events, has so far led to the loss of €1.5 billion to the tourism sector in Rome. That’s according to Stefano Fiori, president of the tourism section of Unindustria, quoted in Corriere della Sera.

In Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo

Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

How does COVID-19 spread?

People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus.

The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than one meter (three feet) away from a person who is sick.

Studies to date suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the air. The WHO is assessing ongoing research on the ways COVID-19 is spread and will continue to share updated findings.

What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of disease?

Protection measures for everyone Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 out-

break, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. COVID-19 is still affecting mostly people in China with some outbreaks in other countries. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following: • Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

• Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

• Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

• Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.

• Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses.

Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

• Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Travel ban

Abe has already ordered all elementary, junior high and high schools to close until the end of March. Hokkaido has declared a state of emergency. Summer Olympics is at risk.

In Singapore, some hotels are closing some floors to save on electricity and manpower, and have told their staff to use their annual leave by the end of May due to the lack of guests. Other cost-cutting measures include reducing restaurant opening hours and shortening times for services such as in-room dining.

Some 20 countries have confirmed their first cases in the past week. New outbreak clusters have formed across Europe and the Middle East.

The Lonely Planet website noted that while many countries have not yet reported COVID-19, that could change quickly and hightraffic areas such as airports and train stations pose higher risks.

Gloria Guevara, president of the World Travel and Tourism Council and former tourism minister of Mexico, said travel bans will not stop the spread of the coronavirus.

But who can blame government officials from taking drastic measures? We are dealing with a new and unknown virus. We don’t have a cure nor a vaccine.

The only way to slow down the spread of the virus is by isolating sick people. Problem is, as many as 80 percent of those who carry the virus show no symptoms, but can pass the virus on to other people.

To avoid infection, the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) currently recommends forgoing all non-essential travel to China, the epicenter of the outbreak, and South Korea.

The tourism industry is, of course, badly affected. Tourism stakeholders are running to their governments for help.

In Indonesia, the government has set aside $21.5 million to help lift tourism businesses, according to its minister of finance, Sri Mulyani Indrawati.

Airlines and tour operators will be given incentives to encourage special discounts for foreign tourists. Some budget has been allotted for promotional activities and improving tourist areas.

• Why? Droplets spread virus.

By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

• Stay home if you feel unwell.

If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance.

Follow the directions of your local health authority.

• Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent the spread of viruses and other infections.

• Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

• Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area.

They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.

Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading: • Follow the guidance outlined above. (Protection measures for everyone) • Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover.

• Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical fa-

cilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.

• If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers.

• Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

Who is at risk of developing severe illness?

While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others.

Should I wear a mask to protect myself?

People with no respiratory symptoms, such as cough, do not need to wear a medical mask.

WHO recommends the use of masks for people who have symptoms of COVID-19 and for those caring for individuals who have symptoms, such as cough and fever. The use of masks is crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone (at home or in a health care facility).

WHO advises the rational use of medical masks to avoid unnecessary wastage of precious resources and misuse of masks (see Advice on the use of masks).

Use a mask only if you have respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing), have suspected COVID-19 infection with mild symptoms, or are caring for someone with suspected COVID-19 infection. A suspected COVID-19 infection is linked to travel in areas where cases have been reported, or close contact with someone who has travelled in these areas and has become ill.

The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing.

Is there anything I should not do?

The following measures ARE NOT effective against COVID2019 and can be harmful: • Smoking • Taking traditional herbal remedies • Wearing multiple masks • Taking self-medication such as antibiotics In any case, if you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early to reduce the risk of developing a more severe infection and be sure to share your recent travel history with your health care provider. ***

Indonesia Transportation minister Budi Karya Sumadi also said the government would inject additional incentives of up to 50 percent for flight tickets to 10 tourist destinations.

Total support for airlines, including aviation fuel discounts and reduced aircraft passenger services fees, will be funded by the Ministry of Transportation, Angkasa Pura Airport Authorities and AirNav. The Indonesian central government will provide grants to 33 district and city governments in the 10 tourist destinations in return for waiving hotel and restaurant taxes for the next six months, said Sri Mulyani.

Here, the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Congress of the Philippines has launched a domestic tourism campaign. They promise to come up with packages that cuts airfare and room rates to entice locals to go and fill the gap left by foreign tourists.

It is a good idea, but I remain skeptical of its success. That’s because I haven’t seen those packages being marketed and the Holy Week is just around the corner.

I have messaged Jojo Clemente, who heads TCP, for details and his response was sketchy.

Our hotel owners are reluctant to bring down their rates to match those in hotels in Bali, Indonesia or Phuket, Thailand or Halong Bay in Vietnam.

So far, only 37 hotels and resorts are joining the marketing campaign directed at local travelers. Of this number, only 12 out of the 300-plus resorts on Boracay are offering discounted room rates.

Even in the best of times, our hotel rates are uncompetitive, which is why my family has often chosen to go abroad instead. I hope they are not just waiting for government handouts.

Forget the shopping spree as a domestic tourism ploy. The DOT folks who thought up the shopping spree idea used a survey done in normal times when there were foreign tourists. I think it is silly and dangerous at this time of the coronavirus. Health Secretary Francisco Duque doesn’t think it is a good idea.

As for travel bans, we can’t blame Health Secretary Duque for his hawkish approach. He erred badly when he allowed politics to cloud his refusal to impose a travel ban on China at a time when even China had travel bans on domestic and international travelers.

But our officials must make sure they have a proper balance.

Travel bans on whole countries are probably uncalled for. A total travel ban on Japan mentioned by Sec Duque is probably too drastic.

Countries like Singapore, Taiwan and Japan are able to manage the coronavirus spread and a total country travel ban serves little good.

Then again, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warned that travel restrictions would become “irrelevant” if the coronavirus became a pandemic because “you can’t keep out the entire world.”

For now, the DOT and DOH should have a strict protocol that hotels and restaurants must follow. Are hotels properly disinfecting rooms and utensils? Are restaurants, specially those offering buffets, protecting customers from potential infection when people crowd buffet tables? The DOT and DOH should do surprise spot checks.

We must help the tourism industry at this time of emergency.

But they must also help themselves and not just depend on government. (Philstar.com)

Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos.

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SF The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - March 6, 2020

Friday, March 6, 2020

cover story

SF

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - March 6, 2020

Sustainable, ethical wear: How Pinay designer Claire Powers built her KINdom pines and Xhosa in South Africa.

Sustainable fashion About 93 billion cubic meters When Powers started KINTHE words “fashion” and dom in 2017, she reached out to of water — enough to meet the “sustainability” were rarely needs of five million people — is the Philippine government and ever used in the same sentence used by the fashion industry ana couple of non-profit organizabefore. nually, and around half a million tions for her to be connected However, things began to tons of microfiber, which is the change when people began talk- to the indigenous communities ing about climate change and its that need help the most because equivalent of 3 million barrels of oil, is now being dumped into chilling effects on the planet, and she wanted to help the most the ocean every year, according impoverished and marginalized policies were made in order to to the UN Conference on Trade tribes. She also went to local make sure that the next genand Development (UNCTAD).

Philippine cultural trade shows erations to come would have a The fashion industry also and connected with other artisan future. generates around 10% of global weavers, and bought directly This was the impetus for carbon emissions, more than all Filipina American designer Claire from them as well. international flights and maritime “The Philippines is a nation Powers. shipping combined. with a rich culture, and with my Her epiphany happened the As someone who spent decpassion being in fashion, I have first time she held her sister’s ades designing and working in a purpose and expertise to baby who was then a week old. fast fashion, Powers had firsthand help preserve and protect it, as Knowing what she knew about experience in seeing the ugly it is the roots and identity that the usual practices done in the side of things. It has been said future generations will have, so industry (which she calls “natuthat the amount of water used they don’t just read about it in ral phenomena, because they to prepare and make one pair of textbooks or see disintegrating happen all the time”), she told jeans is equivalent to the amount textiles in museums,” Powers herself she was going to make a of water the average person said. stand. drinks over a period of seven The designer was surprised Armed with decades of years, according to experts. to learn that in Tawi-Tawi experience and know-how due Asked about where she — a province in the Bangsamoro to her work in fast fashion, she thinks sustainable fashion is right Autonomous Region in Muslim decided to start her own eco Mindanao — there was only one now and how far is it from the company in 2007. However, her ideal, Powers said that it is still in timing was not right because the weaver left, and there is no one the early adopter stage. to pass the weaving art to beeconomy tanked the following “We are still a long way cause no one wants to learn it. year and she decided to close “It’s sad that the art and her- away from the ideal, because shop and return to the world of the masses have been trained to itage for that indigenous comfast fashion. consume fast fashion at cheap munity may die out,” she said.

Fast forward 10 years and prices, which have been, and still At a recent fashion show the baby she was now holding is, destroying the environment in New York coinciding with was her own. She knew she was and continuing the unethical not going back to her old world. Fashion Week and focusing on sustainability, Powers showcased treatment of workers,” she She knew it was time to start explained. items she sourced out from something new.

It’s not all grim, however, various tribes like T’boli, Iranun, And that was how KINdom since there seems to be growth Bagobo and Yakan in the Philipwas born. every year.

“The good news is, I’m seeing it grow exponentially each year, especially in 2019, when they introduced the UN (United Nations) Alliance for Sustainable Fashion (which follows the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals) and the rise of youth activist Greta Thunberg. It’s just a matter of continuing to educate both consumers and corporations on how important sustainability is, and to keep pushing eco-efforts in order to make a difference,” she said.

Producers and consumers of fashion are increasingly waking up to the idea that the industry needs to change. A number of companies, including large volume retailers, are integrating sustainability principles into their business strategies.

Because sustainable fashion is in the early adopter stage, it only distributes to a small market. An article from a major fashion media discussed how there is a sustainability gap that needs to be bridged between brands and consumers.

“Being from a fast fashion background with the knowledge of both worlds, I know how to bridge that gap, but it’s up to the shareholders and stakeholders of fast fashion brands and retailers to decide if they are KINdom’s accessories created by artisans complement the indigenous fabrics the company going to stay with the status quo

by MoMar

G. Visaya / AJPress

uses for its designs.

Sharon opens up on cosmetic procedures

By Jan

Milo seVero Philstar.com

ACTRESS Sharon Cuneta opened up on cosmetic procedures she has done in the past.

During a recent press conference for her “A Mega Celebration” contract signing with ABS-CBN, Sharon said she had nothing surgically done yet on her face, except for Ultheraphy and Thermage.

“I have not done anything except for Ulthera, Thermage, they have this thing called (m-scalp) kasi I lost so much weight para hindi saggy ‘yung skin ko. That’s basically it,” Sharon said.

“I do Ulthera with Doc Ivy but if you come close and look at my face, see I still have lines. When I do botox, it’s minimal and really not often because I don’t want to lose my expressions lalo na ‘pag artista ka. Ayoko kasi nang iiyak ka, tatawa ka nang hindi Continued on Page SF4 Sharon Cuneta

and destroy the planet and its people, or are they going to do something about it?” Powers asked.

The fashion industry is a $2.4 trillion-dollar industry that employs approximately 60 million people worldwide—most of them women—and the scale of the industry is only expected to grow over the coming years.

Smaller companies like KINdom are helping change the environmental landscape of fashion and building sustainability into their whole business model.

Design process Powers describes her design process as something not too complicated.

“It’s actually very brief, because having your own fashion business, you must split your time between technical development, production, sales and distribution, marketing, accounting, etc. I would love to take a few days to really sketch and explore what the designs will be, but at this moment, I’m lucky if I put in a few hours each month in designing,” she shared.

Luckily with the experience she has earned in the last couple of decades, she tries to focus and maximize what little design time she has when she gets into design mode.

Powers follows and adheres to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) when she designs, among them #17, which is Partnership for the Goals. By collaborating with other artists or organizations, it helps the design process while at the same time, educate others about the importance of sustainability.

The SDGs are global objectives set by the United Nations in 2015 dealing with issues including poverty, hunger, health and well-being, education, equality, sanitation, climate action, peace and justice and more.

Growing KINdom At KINdom, it is all about the relationship between humans and nature, and that is why they carry it in their name.

“We are created from the same building blocks of the universe, and we are related to each other. We are KIN, and that is what we stand for,” Powers said. “We are of the same elements that make up the world around us and beyond the reaches of space. Let’s build an environment where we are all connected.”

That interconnectivity with the environment is what propels KINdom to reach greater heights.

Powers told us that in order to promote sustainability, they use a variety of fabrics in their designs, from indigenous to sustainable, reclaimed, recycled fabrics. They also use ethical, certified and compliant factories to make sure that there’s no child labor and the workers are treated fairly.

Claire Powers was one of a handful of designers invited to showcase their designs at the Sustainable New York Fashion Week held last month at the Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex.

AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

KINdom showcases designs made with indigenous fabrics created by artisans from tribes in the Philippines and Africa.

“We also use sustainable packaging. Every single garment or product shipped from anywhere in the world has to be packed individually in its own plastic to protect it from damage. If there’s 80 billion garments that get produced every year, that’s 80 billion pieces of plastic,” she said. “Ours is made from vegetable resources, the minimums are high because it is not common practice in the industry. I refuse to pack our products in [a] plastic bag.”

Her dream now is to expand the market by increasing sales and distribution for KINdom and she is doing it by adding sales distribution to major retailers who need help understanding how to convert their business

model to be more sustainable, decreasing the space of that gap and bridge sustainability, and reducing the amount of pollution and reliance on the planet’s finite resources.

Powers is also hopeful that consumers get to be more mindful and aware of their purchases, particularly since it takes two to tango, and with informed and conscious consumers, the industry will be forced to adapt to their needs.

“It’s also up to the consumers to say ‘enough is enough,’ and demand more sustainability from companies, and choose to purchase and consume sustainable products versus products that pollute the planet,” she said.

Unexpected success of tandem a ‘huge blessing’ for Jasmine, Rocco By allan

PolicarPio Inquirer.net

FOR Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Rocco Nacino, being in a romantic relationship isn’t a requisite for genuine onscreen rapport between two actors.

“As actors, we often work and get paired with different people. You don’t have to be in love with your costar in real life in order for you to create magic. It’s up to you to draw viewers into the fantasy,” he told the Inquirer in a recent interview for GMA 7’s adaptation of the popular South Korean drama, “Descendants of the Sun.” Rocco’s girlfriend is volleyball player Melissa Gohing.

His partner in the said series, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, on the other hand, is in a relationship with businessman Jeff Ortega.

“It also helps that fans these days are more open-minded when it comes to these things,” he said.

Photo from Instagram/@reallysharoncuneta The Kapuso talents were

Rocco Nacino and Jasmine Curtis-Smith

previously seen together in the soap “Pamilya Roces.” The tandem worked and was wellreceived by fans. Even they were surprised.

“When you work with someone new, there’s really no telling how things will go or where the partnership will take you. Will you have chemistry?

How long will it last? You can

only hope that you’re on a similar wavelength and get each other easily,” Jasmine told the Inquirer.

It’s true that chemistry, more often than not, is something that can’t be forced. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t develop or work on it.

“It also helps when you Continued on Page SF5

community SF Naturalization denied because didn’t work for employer The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - March 6, 2020

the petitioning employer didn’t mind. The employer went out of business and they found a different employer without notifying USCIS. They opened up their own business before their green card was approved, and Atty. MichAel couldn’t go back to working for Gurfinkel, eSQ another person, etc.

This could come back IF A person did not work to haunt them. In one parfor their sponsoring employer ticular case, a person obtained after they obtained a green permanent resident status card (through PERM/labor cerCSPA VICTORY FOR AGED OUT CHILD: PAOLO NEVER GAVE UP HOPE, DESPITE BEING REFUSED A VISA AT THE US EMBASSY BECAUSE HE HAD AGED OUT. Paolo through PERM/labor certificatification), it could create risks (left) was only a small child when his U.S. citizen aunt petitioned his father. But when the priority date became current and Paolo went to the U.S. Embassy in and problems for them when tion in 2008. After five years, 2015, his immigrant visa was refused because he had “aged out.” He then consulted with the law offices of MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL, Inc. Atty. Gurfinkel sought they file for naturalization. It he applied for naturalization reconsideration from the U.S. Embassy, arguing that Paolo was still under 21, based on the Child Status Protection Act’s (CSPA) age calculation. Find out how could result in the revocation of (Form N-400) and appeared for leading U.S. immigration attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL was able to turn a denial into a visa, by convincing the Embassy that Paolo was eligible for immigrainterview. their green card and deportation benefits under the CSPA, on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy – on Sunday at 6:15 PM (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement) Because he obtained a tion/removal. green card through employEvery year, thousands of ment, he was questioned people obtain green cards for extensively about his employthemselves and their spouse and minor children through em- ment history with the petitioning employer, such as when ployer-sponsored visas (PERM did he start working, how long or labor certification). In many did he work there, how much cases, an employer-sponsored was he paid, etc. The officer green card is faster than some

By Niña V. GuNo became suspicious on whether family-based petitions. For exInquirer.net ample, an employer-sponsored the person was qualified for COLEEN Garcia and Billy the job and if he actually green card could take 2-½ to Crawford are in no rush to worked there. A request for 3 years, whereas certain family have children, even if fans evidence (RFE) was served, petitions could take up to 30 want to see them become years! (Married children of U.S. asking for the person’s certiparents already. fied college transcripts (to citizen or brother and sister of Garcia responded to an Inconfirm he did not submit fake U.S. citizen.) stagram user who hoped that transcripts when applying for One of the requirements she and her husband would his green card, and he actually for an employer-sponsored have kids—twins even—behad the required education), green card is that once the cause that was all that was tax returns, W-2’s, and other person receives the green “lacking.” documentation to establish card, they must actually work The comment came after that he actually worked for the for the employer. (Just like if Crawford posted a picture employer. a person gets a green card of him and Garcia at a BoIt turned out he never through a U.S. citizen spouse, racay resort with the caption, worked for the employer. His it’s expected that they actually “Feeling the summer breeze N-400 was denied because live with that spouse. If they with my wife on this beautiful he obtained his permanent don’t, USCIS may suspect it is island. What more can a man resident status (green card) a fixed marriage. Similarly, if a ask for?”

Coleen Garcia with husband Billy Crawford Photo from Instagram/@coleen person does not work for the unlawfully. In other words, the One @jamesselim14 employment-sponsored green employer, it could look like a po.” responded, “I suggest anak can do a make-up vlog with card was obtained through “fixed job.”)

The couple wed in April na [lang] po. [M]aybe one or Coleen.) fraud because he did not work Some people who obtained 2018 on Balesin Island. The a twins (sic). Yun na [lang] po Garcia replied, “Wala for the employer. a green card through employ27-year-old actress told the kulang. [H]opefully, girls para pong ‘kulang’ (There is nothNot only was the applicament sponsorship offer various Philippine Entertainment Pormake-up vlog sila ni ma’am @ ing ‘lacking’). Everything in tion for naturalization denied, reasons or excuses, such as tal in a May 2018 article that coleen.”

God’s time, not other peobut USCIS was now considering once they received their work a marriage could be planned (I suggest just kids. Maybe ple’s.” revoking the green card and permit (EAD), they found a but a baby was “really from one or twins. That is all that is The fan apologized and placing him in removal probetter and higher-paying job God.” lacking. Hopefully girls so they said, “Correct in God’s time ceedings. and began working there, and

Immigration Corner

Coleen on having no kids yet with Billy

I know people are told by friends or relatives that it’s not necessary to work for the employer. That’s not true. If you obtained a green card through employment sponsorship, and are now thinking about naturalizing, I would suggest you consult with an attorney to review your case (even if you actually worked for the employer), because the Trump administration is going back and digging into all the details on how a person obtained a green card, and whether all the requirements were fully met, or if corners were cut. You want to make sure that before you file for naturalization, you fully met all the requirements for the green card, because now USCIS is not only denying applications for naturalization citizenship but placing people in deportation/removal. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES. (Advertising Supplement)

SF

community

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - March 6, 2020

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette aDeva Maglaya THE default setting for modern life is to plan a vacation elsewhere, the farther away, the better.

Vacations are fine. They are meant to recharge our energy levels so we can come back swinging and getting into the groove of normal life. The problem with an elaborate, all too often expensive vacation, is we come home tired, jetlagged, light in the wallet, a few pounds heavier and needing a vacation from the vacation. Are we idiots or what?

So how about learning the art of “staycation?” This is when we decide that our home is the best place to stay put and spend our time away from work, away from stresses and just away from it all: ringing phones; deadlines and production quotas, intrigues, to-do lists and every aggravation known to man.

Sure, the mountain of laundry is there, the kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms need cleaning, the garden needs weeding. But for a “staycation” to recharge your spirit, you may need to turn a blind eye to the screaming demands of your immediate environment. Just say NO. This time is for you alone.

So okay, you are obsessive about a clean home. Just reserve a day or two of your vacation time to sprucing up

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who have developed a fever (i.e. have a higher than normal body temperature) because of infection with the new coronavirus.

However, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with fever. This PhiliP S. Chua, is because it takes between 2 MD, FaCS, FPCS and 10 days before people who ACCURATE and timely infor- are infected become sick and mation is vital to any preventive, develop a fever.

Q: Can spraying alcohol or pre-emptive, proactive strategy when it comes to almost any po- chlorine all over your body kill the new virus? tentially harmful or catastrophic A: No. Spraying alcohol situation or diseases, like the or chlorine all over your body COVID-19 pandemic that is will not kill viruses that have spreading around the world today. To educate the public on already entered your body.

Spraying such substances can this 2019 nCorona virus, I am be harmful to clothes or mucous presenting this FAQ from the membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth).

World Health organization to yet, think of nothing and take a ward off any misinformation that Be aware that both alcohol nap just because you’re sleepy could make this current devasta- and chlorine can be useful to and just because you can. Wake tion even worse. Don’t panic; disinfect surfaces, used under up happy. appropriate recommendations. influenza kills a lot more each There will be time enough Q: Can regularly rinsing year. for all the demands of your life Coronavirus FAQ [to dispel your nose with saline help in the next few days. But for the fake and harmful advice] prevent COVID-19? moment, all you want is to do A: No. There is no evidence The current outbreak of absolutely nothing and JUST that regularly rinsing the nose the novel coronavirus disease BE. with saline has protected people (COVID-19) is making headlines There is an upside to a quiet by the minute. However, some from infection with the new “staycation.” When you clear less-than-trustworthy advice can coronavirus. There is some your mechanism and tune out limited evidence that regularly be found among the informathe noise that invades your tion. Understandably, many peo- rinsing nose with saline can help being, you may come to a rare ple are concerned and confused. people recover more quickly state of grace — that state from the common cold but has To prevent unnecessary panic, when you are thoroughly connot been shown to prevent the World Health Organization vinced that God is in His heaven (WHO) has assembled advice for respiratory infections. and all is right with the world.

Q: Is it safe to receive a letthe public.

Unplug and be receptive. ter or a package from China?

Q: Are hand dryers effecIt is in the stillness that we find A: Yes, it is safe. People tive in killing the new coronawho we truly are. It is when receiving packages from China virus? we are quiet that we can listen are not at risk of contracting the A: No. Hand dryers are not to our thoughts and perhaps, new coronavirus. From previous effective in killing the SARSlisten to that still small voice analysis, we know coronaviruses CoV-2. To protect yourself that speaks to us. do not survive long on objects, against the new coronavirus, *** you should frequently clean your such as letters or packages.

Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is hands with an alcohol-based Q: Can pets at home SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. hand rub or wash them with spread the new coronavirus?

To send comments, e-mail monette. soap and water and dry them A: At present, there is maglaya@asianjournalinc.com no evidence that companion thoroughly using paper towels animals/pets such as dogs or or a warm air dryer. cats can be infected with the Q: Can an ultraviolet (UV) you can but still looking your new coronavirus. However, it is disinfection lamp kill the new age,” she said. always a good idea to wash your coronavirus?

Sharon added that she hands with soap and water after A: UV lamps should not be wanted to look herself when contact with pets. This protects used to sterilize hands or other she’s old that’s why she didn’t areas of skin as UV radiation can you against various common want to go under the knife. bacteria such as E.coli and Salcause skin irritation.

“I want to age gracefully. monella that can pass between Q: How effective are therI don’t want to look like I’m mal scanners in detecting peo- pets and humans. not myself. I want to look like Q: Do vaccines against ple infected with COVID-19? me even when I aged. So kahit pneumonia protect you against A: Thermal scanners are magka-wrinkles at lahat, alam COVID-19? effective in detecting people niyong ako pa rin ‘yon.”

BuCkeT LisT # 8

Health@Heart

The art of ‘staycation’ “When you clear your mechanism and tune out the noise that invades your being, you may come to a rare state of grace — that state when you are thoroughly convinced that God is in His heaven and all is right with the world.” just the essentials. Don’t go to Home Depot and decide painting the house as your “staycation” project. It doesn’t work that way.

The art of doing a proper “staycation” is deciding you just want to give yourself time to JUST BE. You rip and shred your to-do list and find joy in the moment, forgetting the demands of your life, for the time being.

So go ahead. Wear your pajamas all day. Turn off or mute the phones. Turn off the TV and mute the music. Vegetate.

Order pizza. Let the world turn without your input. If you have a stressful job, you will appreciate a true “staycation” done right.

Swing in a hammock and look at the sky and dwell on the wonderful parts of your life as you remember lessons learned over the years mixed with countless moments of overwhelming joy. Edit out the ugly and blot out its existence, for the time being. Or better

Sharon opens...

From Page SF2 gumagalaw,” she added.

The “Megastar,” however, said that she was thinking of having her eyes fixed.

“These are my dad’s eyes.

‘Yung eyebags ko minana ko sa daddy ko. My mother had beautiful eyes. I got every-

Coronavirus facts and information

thing in my mother’s face except her beautiful eyes.

For the longest time, ayoko talagang galawin. Pero no’ng pinanood ko ‘yung ‘Kwaresma,’ over na yata ‘pag umiiyak ako. Baka ito ang ipaayos ko ng konti. You owe it to your audience to look as good as

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SERVICES

A: No. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus.

The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against 2019-nCoV, and WHO is supporting their efforts.

Although these vaccines are not effective against 2019-nCoV, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health.

Q: Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus?

A: No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. The new coronavirus (2019nCoV) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalized for the 2019-nCoV, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.

Q: Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat the new coronavirus?

A: To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimized supportive care. WHO is helping to accelerate research and development efforts.

Q: Does sesame oil kill the new coronavirus?

A: No. Sesame oil does not kill the new coronavirus. There are some chemical disinfectants that can kill the 2019-nCoV on surfaces. These include bleach/ chlorine-based disinfectants, either solvents, 75% ethanol, peracetic acid and chloroform.

However, they have little or no impact on the virus if you put them on the skin or under your nose. It can even be dangerous to put these chemicals on your skin.

Q: Are older and younger people more susceptible?

A: People of all ages can be Continued on Page SF7

community SF Petitioning children of your spouse from a previous marriage The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - March 6, 2020

stepparent file for a stepchild is so that they could avoid the visa backlogs for visa petitions filed by legal permanent residents for their minor children (2d preference category). But considering the current visa priority dates being processed under Atty. Dennis ChuA, esq. the 2d preference category, the A STEPPARENT may file stepchild may be able to immian immigrant petition for a grate sooner than later even if stepchild even without the step- petitioned by a legal permanent parent having to legally adopt resident biological parent. the stepchild. However, before If the biological parent is a stepparent may be able to about to get married to the US file an immigrant petition for a citizen petitioner and the biostepchild, the stepparent–step- logical parent has a child who is child relationship should have already over 18 years of age, it been created before a stepchild might be wise to consider postturns 18 years old. This means poning the marriage to give the that the stepparent and the bio- child an opportunity to enter logical parent of the stepchild the United States faster. must get married before the Instead of marrying the child turns 18 years old. biological parent, the US citizen If the petitioner can no lonpetitioner can just file a fiancé ger file an immigrant petition petition for the biological parfor the stepchild because the ent. Once the fiancé petition is child has turned 18 years old, approved, both the biological the child can still be petitioned parent and child can be issued by the biological parent after the corresponding K visas he/she obtains his/her permafor them to enter the United nent residency status. The sigStates. Upon marriage of the nificance of having a US citizen US citizen to the biological par-

The CTV Files

Unexpected success...

From Page SF2 both understand what it is you’re doing and what you want to deliver. When you work hard and inspire each other to improve, then you two have a good thing going on.

That, too, can help create that magic,” she pointed out. “I’m happy we managed to develop our working relationship according to people’s expectations” The unexpected success of his team-up with Jasmine, Rocco added, is a “huge blessing.” “It also helped that we were able to build a friendship when we did ‘Pamilya.’ We had fun working on that one,” he related.

For the fans who saw the original “Descendants,” Rocco’s and Jasmine’s casting as Technical Sergeant Diego Ramos and Captain Moira Defensor, respectively, were the most on point. Not a few observers have noted that Rocco bears some facial similarities with his Korean counterpart, Jin Goo. “I believe it was one of the factors that got me the project.

As early as 2016, people have been tweeting and messaging me about how I looked like Jin Goo; they were comparing our photos,” he recalled. “So, when I got the role three years later, the fans were like, ‘See? We told you!’”

ent, both parent and child can file their respective applications for adjustment of status to have their status changed from K to permanent resident status.

The decision whether to file a fiancé petition or an immigrant petition is crucial especially if the child is aging out or turning 21 years of age.

The decision to just get married instead of filing a fiancé petition could mean a long wait of at least eight years before the child can be able to immigrate to the United States and join the biological parent. ***

Atty. Dennis E. Chua is a partner in The Law Firm of Chua, Tinsay and Vega (CTV) – a fullservice law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and Manila.

The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship.

Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (415) 495-8088, (619) 955-6277, or (916)449-3923; or send email to Dchua@ ctvattys.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

But of course, being a lookalike or exuding a similar vibe as the original actors doesn’t necessarily equate to good, accurate portrayals. Jasmine, for her part, watched her character closely, taking down notes as she watched each episode.

“I love taking notes. I always have a notebook with me during script readings or meetings. I have a notebook for all the roles I play,” she related. “Here, I made sure to note Moira’s tendencies—when does she feel strong? What makes her soft?” Jasmine said.

“But you don’t have to follow everything point by point,” she related. “The character is the same, the backstory is the same. But there are still some tweaks for the local version.

Continued on Page SF7

SF

people & events The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - March 6, 2020

Kim Chiu is tough as nails

biz circles as Mommy Divine, was very vocal in her displeasure at the secret wedding of her daughter to Matteo, whom she reportedly does not approve of.

In an interview the singer recently gave, she said she thinks Sarah really loves her family, but that she needed to do this for herself.

“Kilala natin lahat, she loves statement it issued, per reports. of Claudine was, “Julia Montes, her mother, grabe. She just of course.” needed to choose her own It was reported that unSocial media commenters happiness versus her family. identified gunmen on Tuesday And sometimes, nangyayari morning (March 3) fired multiple were divided in their reactions to Claudine’s answer to the iyon, na kailangan din niyang shots at the van carrying the “bait” question. Some lauded isipin yung sarili niya. Hindi naactress and her staff in Quezon her frankness, while others were man sa nagiging selfish siya…

City. There is no word yet on dismayed that the actress added she’s old enough, I think. Nasa what may have triggered the fuel to the fire. tamang edad na siya,” Regine shooting incident.

It can be recalled that there was quoted by PEP.ph as sayMeanwhile, social media was reportedly a physical inciing. “But, yun na nga, siguro users commended the actress dent between sisters Claudine manghingi tayo ng prayers and, for her professionalism, while praying for her continued safety. and Marjorie Barretto during the lahat, instead na makialam sa wake of their dad, Miguel, last lahat ng gulo, ipagdasal na One commenter even went on year. While Claudine claims that lang natin sana maging maayos to describe Chiu as a “badass her niece Julia was also involved ang pamilya… I’m praying sana queen” after going ahead with her day as if nothing happened. in the fight, the latter has stead- maayos na sila.” fastly denied any involvement in Regine, who revealed that *** the incident. she and her husband, Ogie It seems that the feud *** Alcasid, are close friends of the between Claudine Barretto Asia’s Songbird, Regine couple, also advised Matteo to and her sister Marjorie and Marjorie’s daughter Julia will not Velasquez-Alcasid, believes that be patient with the situation and with prayers and support, the to take care of his and Sarah’s simmer down anytime soon. situation that newlyweds Sarah relationship.

In a report from PEP.ph, Geronimo and Matteo Guidi“Ang pamilya mo kasi, Claudine was reportedly asked celli find themselves in will be pamilya mo, e. Hindi na natin by a netizen who between Julia yon mae-erase. Normal naman Barretto and Julia Montes is the resolved eventually.

Reports are rife that the pop sa mga pamilya na magkaroon better actress, and the surprisng sama ng loob. Wala namang ingly frank and straight response princess’ mom, known in show-

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar IT looks like nothing fazes Kapamilya star Kim Chiu – not even a shooting incident that involved the star, her personal assistant and her driver.

The lovely actress went straight to work to tape for her teleserye “Love Thy Woman” after the incident which fortunately left her and others in her van unharmed, according to reports from the Philippine Star.

Chiu’s network, ABS-CBN, is reportedly cooperating with authorities to get to the bottom of the shooting incident and is thankful that no one got hurt.

“The network is relieved that none of them got hurt and is taking measures to ensure their safety. Our priority is now attending to their needs as they cope with this traumatic experience… We are currently working closely with the authorities who are investigating the incident in the hope that the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” the network said in a

Kapamilya star Kim Chiu went to work as scheduled even after armed men shot at her van recently. Instagram File Photo (@chinitaprincess)

Jak Roberto, a talented actor of GMA Pinoy TV, is one of the network’s stars who portrays characters in Magpakailanman, a series hosted by Mel Tiangco that features inspiring stories and life experiences of famous and ordinary people.

perfect. Para kay Matteo, normal lang na minsan may hindi pagkakaintindihan sa in-laws.

Normal iyon. Wala namang perfect talaga,” she said.

Regine added, “Ang importante, silang dalawa [ni Sarah].

Pag silang dalawa nagkakaintindihan sila, everything else [follows].”

Connie Reyes, a familiar face in Philippine entertainment, is now portraying a devoted mother to her loving son in the GMA Pinoy TV teleserye “Love of My Life”.

Snooky Serna has returned to her acting roots in the GMA Pinoy TV teleserye “Anak ni Waray vs.

Anak ni Biday”.

Claudine Barretto is still reportedly angry at her niece Julia Barretto.

Inquirer.net File Photo

Matteo Guidicelli and Sarah Genomino, who recently were secretly wed in a private ceremony, do not have the blessing of Sarah’s mom, Mommy Divine.

Instagram Photo (@matteog)

Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, hopes that support and prayers will pave the way for understanding and healing between Matteo, Sarah and Mommy Divine.

Inquirer.net File Photo

Maynard Institute, Northwestern University partner for Maynard 200 Journalism Fellowship in SF

EMERYVILLE, CA – The Maynard Institute for Journalism Education and Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications announce their partnership for this year’s Maynard 200 journalism fellowship program, aligned in their mission to galvanize diversity in media and to bolster careers of more journalists of color nationwide.

Northwestern Medill will host the Maynard 200 placebased program in the Bay Area at its downtown San Francisco campus, starting with the first training round at the end of June. The fellowship aims to train 200 journalists of color in the United States by 2023.

It supports the next generation of storytellers, managers/ leaders and media entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds by providing relevant training courses, resources and mentorship for a year by distinguished media professionals and experts in various disciplines.

A majority of the estimated 40-member 2020 fellowship class will be recruited locally, and the rest will be chosen from a national pool of applicants.

Candidates can apply for one of three tracks – Storytelling, Advanced Leadership and Media Entrepreneurship. Summer training will be held June 28 to July 2, and the winter session is scheduled Nov. 30 to Dec. 4 at Northwestern’s San Francisco campus at 44 Montgomery St. Fellows are required to attend both sessions and to participate in the year-long mentorship and supplementary courses. Tuition is waived.

National participants will be provided flight and hotel accommodations, and national and local participants will receive a weekly stipend primarily for transit costs.

“We couldn’t be more excited to rekindle our partnership with Northwestern, and to be able to do so in San Francisco is all the more fortuitous,” said Martin G. Reynolds, Maynard Institute co-executive director.

“We are committed to helping support the next generation of journalism entrepreneurs, leaders and storytellers, and we know this great institution shares a similar goal and passion in service of its students.

The Maynard 200 journalism fellowship program cohorts with some of their mentors, faculty, track executives-in-residence and MIJE executive team. Top: The 2019 class at USC Annenberg School

We look forward to collaborating with Northwestern’s faculty to infuse Maynard 200 with their wisdom and expertise.”

“For more than two decades, the Maynard Institute held its path-breaking Management Training Center at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management,” said Evelyn Hsu, the institute’s co-executive director.

“We are pleased to be partners with the university again and look forward to recruiting speakers from Northwestern’s renowned faculty.”

“Medill is deeply committed to increasing diversity in all levels of media, and we’re delighted to share our faculty and space with Maynard to prepare journalists from across the country,” Medill Dean Charles Whitaker said. “These journalists will go back to their communities with an enhanced understanding of how to share rich reporting and insights with their readers, viewers and listeners.”

Maynard 200 Director Odette Alcazaren-Keeley said this year’s program cements the renewed alliance of the two institutions.

“In its third year, we see Maynard 200 as a catalyst in transforming the media landscape, especially in amplifying the voice, skills, growth and authentic power of diverse journalists,” she said. “We are once again creating a dynamic, vibrant curriculum and faculty roster to address the current needs of diverse media profes-

Unexpected success...

From Page SF4 You have to be open to allow something new to happen to the character.”

Rocco had to give up another show to do “Descendants.” But the sacrifice was well worth it. “I was ready to tape that show, but then I got the role in ‘Descendants,’ after auditioning. My bosses told me I should do this, instead. So, I had to prepare all over again.

But I’m happy,” said the actor,

who admitted to being nervous prior to the series’ premiere.

“We were worried about how people would react,” he said. “But seeing them giving us a literal salute when we go around the country is heartening. It means a lot to us.”

“We haven’t really seen bashers, so that’s a relief!

That means we’re on the right path,” Jasmine added. “Maybe these roles were meant for us.”

Coronavirus facts and...

From Page SF4 infected by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable.

WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene. *** As of March 4, 2020, 2:29 PM, GMT, there are 82 countries with cases of 94,343 COVID-19 cases and 3,222 deaths. China has 80,282 infected, with 2,981 deaths. There were 3 cases in the Philippines, 2 recovered, one death, the first one outside China. In the U.S., there are 128 cases, the very first in Washington, which now has now 27 cases, with 9 deaths; followed by California, with 24 cases. Next to China, South Korea has the most infected at 5,621 (35 deaths), followed by Iran with 2,922 (92 deaths), and Italy, with 2,502 (79 deaths).

It is prudent to avoid crowded places and non-essential travel, even in your city; to wash hands frequently, especially after touching money, public door

knobs, handles, handrails, surfaces; avoid touching the face; say “Hi” instead of a handshake; avoid areas with confirmed cases; eat healthy, get enough sleep; avoid activities or behaviors that would lower body resistance. Stay well-informed, be vigilant. A clean home is the best sanctuary. CDC warns that even the better N95 mask is not enough when an infected person is nearby.

UVC-ozone lights (anti-bacterial anti-viral, anti-mold) are routinely used to sterilize operating rooms, ICUs, instruments, etc., and for CPAP masks and accessories, baby bottles and bibs, cellphones, tooth brush, etc. at home. Email steriletote@ hotmail.com about efficacy, proper use, and safety details of UVC-ozone lamps for personal use. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

sionals.

“Since 2018, we have had the expertise of distinguished speakers and mentors from The Washington Post, The New York Times, Google News Lab, The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, Impremedia, ProPublica, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, USC Marshall School of Business,

people & events

SF

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - March 6, 2020

NBC, CBS, Reveal and many other respected media and academic institutions. We look forward to having the knowledge and resources of Northwestern Medill’s respected faculty, as well as of its academic affiliates and network of experts.

“We’re continuing our mission to expand access to training for more journalists of color representing the general market, diverse and community media, and to spark a minimovement of diversity in the industry, that gives real power to them.”

Forty-nine Maynard 200 fellows representing mainstream and diverse media organizations and entrepreneurial ventures, as well as print, broadcast, online and multimedia portals, have participated to date from across the United States. They continue to express appreciation of the program.

“There is no experience like the experience of being a Maynard 200 fellow,” says Hélène Biandudi Hofer, a 2019 participant in the media entrepreneurship track. “From the support that you receive, the resources you’re given, the mentors that are there to help lead and guide you, the trainings, the workshops, webinars . . . and especially the family unit that is created with the

other Maynard fellows and the Maynard leaders, it’s unlike any experience that I’ve had as a journalist and as a media entrepreneur. I feel that not only has my passion for journalism been enhanced… what this program gifted me is how it has really changed how I look at this work, and empowered me to be more of a leader in news in our country.”

Hofer is host and producer of “Need to Know” on WXXITV in Rochester, N.Y., a veteran team member on CBS’ “48 Hours” and founder of HBH Enterprises LLC based in New York.

The 2020 Maynard 200 program is supported by Google News Initiative and Craig Newmark Philanthropies.

For more information about Maynard 200, contact director Odette AlcazarenKeeley at okeeley@mije.org.

To apply for the fellowship, visit https://podio.com/webforms/23996030/1740606.

The Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education is the nation’s oldest organization dedicated to helping the news media accurately portray all segments of society, particularly those often overlooked, such as communities of color.

The media play a pivotal role in shaping our perceptions of each other. The distorted cov-

erage of communities of color influences public policy and the decisions we make in our personal lives.

Maynard seeks to help news media achieve both a diverse staff and provide the public with the most accurate and nuanced coverage possible.

Maynard breaks the cycle of inaccurate depictions by using a three-pronged approach: training media managers, journalists and correspondents from communities of color; creating content to demonstrate nuanced coverage; and keeping media accountable through its Watchdog program.

Visit mije.org.

The Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications prepares the best journalism and marketing students from around the world to lead the media into the future. The school was established almost 100 years ago, and more than 17,000 Medill graduates now engage in all types of industries and are among the nation’s most successful journalists and marketers. Medill, the only journalism school at a Top 10 university, offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in journalism and a graduate degree in integrated marketing communications. Visit medill. northwestern.edu.

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The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - March 6, 2020