031023 - New York & New Jersey Edition

DATELINE USA

Are we done with masks? Three experts review the latest findings

A NEW study finds masks do little to prevent the spread of viruses like the flu and COVID, and that hand washing and vaccines offer more protection.

An international network of health researchers reviewed 78 randomized controlled studies and concluded that wearing masks has little or no effect on spreading the flu, COVID, or other respiratory diseases.

The Cochrane collaborative published their findings in a January 2023 report which

PH lawmakers push constitutional change

by

reina

THE House of Representatives has adopted Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 6 calling for a constitutional convention (con-con) to amend the economic provisions of the Constitution.

RBH 6 was adopted on the third and final reading.

The resolution will still need to undergo further deliberations in the Senate.

Earlier, the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments voted on the RBH after holding nationwide public consultations on charter change. Some lawmakers voted against the resolution.

The House adopted the resolution during plenary session on Monday, March 6, with about 300 lawmakers voting in the

affirmative and several in the negative. One abstained.

Those who voted against RBH 6 were Camarines Sur Third District Rep. Gabriel Bordado Jr., Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman, Albay First District Rep. Edcel Lagman, and Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel.

Modern jeepney to retain iconic look

by Franco Jose c. Baroña ManilaTimes.net

A LOCAL company that has been building jeepneys for 76 years is taking the “King of the Road” to the modern age with its iconic look intact.

From diesel-fueled jeepneys, Francisco Motor Corp. (FMC) plans to shift to assembling public utility vehicles (PUVs) with electric motors that retain the jeepney’s traditional design. Traditional jeepneys face possible extinction with the full implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

“Since we are now engaging on full electric, I am going all in. We will no longer make dieselpowered jeepneys,” Elmer Francisco, owner of FMC, told The Manila Times in an interview.

What the FMC did was modernize the jeepney to make it compliant with the PUVMP, said

Gov’t ramps

up measures to tackle high inflation

MANILA — The Department of Finance on Tuesday, March 7 recommended to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. a host of measures to address inflation, which remained elevated at 8.6 percent in February due to high food prices brought about by agricultural supply shortages.

The president presided over a sectoral briefing with Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno and other government officials wherein he was given a comprehensive report about the sources of inflation, citing

Airport screeners to wear body cameras – Speaker

by Delon Porcalla Philstar.com

MANILA — Security officers screening passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other gateways nationwide will soon be wearing body cameras and will no longer be allowed to carry their cell phones while on duty, according to Speaker Martin Romualdez. Romualdez, who met with

officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) led by Secretary Jaime Bautista on Monday, March 6, said security screening officers would not be allowed to wear jackets or uniforms with pockets as well as bring bags to prevent incidents of theft at the NAIA.

The Office for Transportation Security, which is under the supervision of the DOTr, has

Suspects in anti-Asian Queens attack arrested; charged with  assault as a hate crime

Victims reportedly called ‘Ugly Asian!’ by one of the assailants

by MoMar G. Visaya AJPress

NEW YORK police arrested on Monday, March 6 two suspects wanted for an alleged racially motivated attack on a FilipinoAmerican woman and her son in Queens.

Police identified the suspects as Natalie Plaza, 18, and Elijah

Fernandez, 21, who insulted, punched, and kicked Cecilia Lai and her son Kyle near the corner of Junction Boulevard and Roosevelt Avenue on Thursday, March 2 about 2:30 p.m.

The NYPD said Plaza, of 110th Street in Richmond Hill, has been charged with assault in the third degree as a hate crime and assault

MISS UNIVERSE PAYS A COURTESY CALL ON THE CONSUL GENERAL. The first ever Fil-Am Miss Universe, Ms. R’Bonney Gabriel, met with Consul General Senen T. Mangalile on Monday, 06 March 2023 at the Philippine Center. During the meeting, the reigning Miss Universe spoke of her pride in her Filipino roots and her desire to hone her grasp of the Filipino language. Consul General Mangalile congratulated Ms. Gabriel on her victory and invited her to support the programs

Sentro Rizal NY. Photo from newyorkpcg.org

Ma.

leanne TolenTino ManilaTimes.net

A vendor tends to fresh vegetable produce at a stall in Mega Q Mart in Cubao, Quezon City on Thursday, March 2, 2023. File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Inquirer.net

Women can contribute much to PH economic growth – senators

by Paolo RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA — Women have a lot to contribute to economic growth and the country can do much to increase their participation in government and various sectors, senators said on Monday, March 6.

Senators Risa Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate committee on women, children, and family relations, and Cynthia Villar, in separate statements vowed to continue to do more to protect and promote the welfare of women as the nation observes National Women’s Month.

Villar said she hopes to further empower women, break gender bias and promote equality in the community.

“If half of the population of the Philippines are women and contribute to the betterment of the country, it will create a positive impact to our economy,” the senator said on Monday to kick off Women’s Month at the Department of Agriculture compound in Quezon City.

She underscored the need to empower and equip women to help ensure food security and production, adding that when more women work or earn, economies grow.

She said head of government offices should encourage sufficient time and opportunities for their employees to engage and participate in any activity conducted within the premises of government offices or establishments to celebrate National Women’s Day.

“Women have a lot to contribute to development of our nation given the proper opportunities and trainings,” Villar said.

She said she was fortunate enough to have been mentored by her grandmother, Lola Lelang, who taught her how to earn, save and spend money wisely and stressed the importance of a good education.

With this as an inspiration and the desire to help the community, the senator said her family established the VILLAR SIPAG foundation.

“Our aim was to improve the quality of life of the people through entrepreneurship and livelihood, health and social services, culture and

arts, education and urban greening, among others,” she said.

Hontiveros spoke during a similar occasion at the Department of National Defense in Camp Aguinaldo, saying when the nation celebrates Women’s Month, “we are encouraged to reflect on what we have gone through, what we have fought, and what we have won, for our women.”

She recalled that it was only in 1993 that women were granted the right to become cadets of the Philippine Military Academy, through Republic Act 7192 or the Women in Development and Nation-Building Act.

“The law recognized that women should be full partners of men in nationbuilding; that real progress is only possible when women are not excluded from spaces of decisionmaking, governance, and development,” Hontiveros said.

She cited the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, which was crafted because of close consultations with solo parent groups and federations, all of whom belong to the 14 to 15 million solo parents in the entire Philippines, of whom 95 percent are women.

“I share this because we cannot empower our women if we do not listen to us, if we do not hear the very real, lived experiences of different kinds of women across the country, including our women in uniform,” the senator said.

“While, yes, we’ve had many triumphs for our women, I hope that this Women’s Month encourages us to do more: more programs, more policies, more measures that can truly level the playing field in all the spaces that men also occupy. The fight is still on. We still need to increase female participation in all levels of governance, in politics, in positions of power,” she said. Better work environment Meanwhile, a consumer and research analytics firm said more Filipino women believe they have opportunities to grow and receive support at work

Modern jeepney to retain iconic...

PAGE 1 has a ramp for persons with disabilities.

Francisco, whose uncle established the company in 1947.

The PUVMP aims to phase out all jeepneys that are 15 years old and older and replace them with brand new ones that conforms with the Philippine National Standards and powered by either an electric powertrain or at least a Euro 4 compliant diesel engine.

The fully electric Francisco Passenger Jeepney has already received an endorsement from the Department of Transportation for inspection by the

Department of Science and Technology. “When we finish that, we will go into mass production,” Francisco said.

While the entrance of the electric Francisco jeepney is located on the right side, it still has the familiar emergency exit on the rear. Passengers will still be seated facing each other. Its capacity is 30 passengers since the new FMCdesigned jeep can accommodate at least eight more people standing inside. It is also air conditioned, has CCTV cameras and is equipped with a machine for the automated fare collection system. It also

“It is like riding in a train,” said Francisco. “We really have it all.”

The FMC will not only be building a PUV that is environmentally friendly, it will also be providing jobs for Filipinos. The factory for the electric Francisco jeep will be based in Camarines Norte and can turn out 20,000 jeepneys a year.

Francisco said it is not only the body of the electric Francisco jeepney that will be assembled at the factory. The electronic motor and all the parts, even the battery that was developed in Los Angeles, California, will be mass-produced at the Camarines Norte economic zone.

“We have the best engineers and jeepney makers in the Philippines. They are all Pinoys so we do not need to import jeepneys, or should I say minibuses, because the modern PUVs plying the streets now are just that, minibuses. They are not jeepneys. Ours is the real jeepney,” said Francisco.

He said the company is also discussing with jeepney operators the possibility of the company upgrading the existing jeepneys of those who cannot afford new units to make them PUVM compliant.

“We are not selling jeepneys, what we are selling are livelihoods. With the jeeps we sell, those who buy from us, the transport operators, must be able to make a living,” Francisco said.

He said he is optimistic that the government will support a locally designed and produced jeepney since “our politicians are all Filipinos who have, at one point in their lives, were able to ride a jeepney and have fond memories [of it].” n

PH lawmakers push constitutional...

PAGE 1

Northern Samar First District Rep. Paul Daza, who abstained during the voting on the RBH at the committee level, said that it was “timely to address the economic provisions” of the Constitution. He voted in the affirmative at the plenary.

Daza said that “having heard the proposed amendment... which was adopted by the House which reads... ‘with a vote of twothird of all its Members, voting separately, to call a Constitutional Convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the economic provisions’ helped me sway to vote yes to this resolution.”

He added that during plenary deliberations, “it came out [that] there is no clarity even in a constituent assembly on how the voting will be done.”

Section 1, Article XVII of the 1987 Constitution states that any amendment to, or revision of, the

constitution may be proposed by the Congress, upon a vote of three-fourths of all its members, or by a constitutional convention. Any amendment to, or revision of, the constitution under Sec. 1, Article XVII would be valid when ratified in a plebiscite.

Amendments to the Constitution may also be directly proposed by the people through initiative upon a petition of at least 12 percent of the number of registered voters, “of which every legislative district must be represented by at least three per centum of the registered voters therein.” Amendments proposed through people’s initiative would be valid when ratified in a plebiscite.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez said the House aims to limit its Charter rewriting initiative to the “restrictive” economic provisions of the basic law “in the hope that the changes would pave the way for

the country to attract more foreign investments.”

“We need additional investments that would create more job and income opportunities for our people. We need increased capital to sustain our economic growth momentum,” Romualdez said.

RBH 6 states that among the three modes of amending the Constitution, the calling

for a con-con composed of appointed and elected delegates “would be the most transparent, exhaustive, democratic and least divisive means of implementing constitutional reforms”.

Under the resolution, the election of delegates will be held on Oct. 30, 2023 simultaneous with the village and youth council elections.n

THE ART OF SIGN BOARD MAKING. Nash Delmoro displays the colorful sign boards of the routes of public utility buses and jeepneys, in his shop along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Tuesday, March 7. The sign boards are as iconic as the traditional jeepneys that use them. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

A traditional jeepney is pictured beside an air-conditioned minibus, often referred to as modern jeepney, along EDSA-Taft on Monday, March 6. Drivers of the traditional jeepneys joined the week-long transport strike that started on Monday, March 6 to show their opposition to the phase out of the traditional jeepneys. ManilaTimes.net photo by Gerard Seguia

Suspects in anti-Asian...

PAGE 1

for the March 2 attack. Fernandez, of 107th Avenue in Ozone Park, has been charged with two counts of assault in the third degree as a hate crime and assault. A third suspect in the case is still at large.

“In the most diverse county in the country, perhaps the most diverse place in the world, there is zero tolerance for hate. We will not allow our values to be threatened with violence,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on Wednesday, March 8.

Plaza was inside a white Acura SUV near Junction Boulevard at around 2:30 p.m. when she yelled out “ugly Asian,” and threw water at the 44-year-old Lai, authorities said. The SUV stopped and Plaza got out, approached Lai and pulled her to the ground. Plaza then punched and kicked the woman multiple times in the face and upper body.

A 44-year-old male bystander approached to help the victim, at which time Fernandez and another male who has yet to be arrested got

out of the SUV and rushed toward the Good Samaritan.

As the Good Samaritan attempted to pull Plaza away from the prone female victim, Fernandez and his male associate punched him in the face. Lai’s 24-year-old son approached to help his mother and was also punched in the face by Fernandez.

The three assailants then got back into the SUV, with Fernandez behind the wheel and took off.

Lai suffered a concussion, scratches to her eye, and bruising on her body, while her son suffered a skull fracture, police added.

The victims were transported to area hospitals where they were treated for head injuries, according to the NYPD. They have both been released from the hospital.

Both Fernandez and Plaza were arraigned Tuesday night, March 7 on a criminal complaint charging both with assault in the third degree as a hate crime and aggravated harassment in the second degree. Fernandez was additionally charged on a five-count complaint with

Airport screeners to wear...

assault in the third degree as a hate crime, menacing in the second degree as a hate crime, assault in the third degree, aggravated harassment in the second degree and harassment in the second degree in connection with the incident.

Fernandez and Plaza face up to 4 years in prison, if convicted. Judge Jessica Earle-Gargan ordered the defendants to return to court on March 10.

Community, lawmakers issue support

Six elected officials from Queens led by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng issued a joint statement on Monday, March 6 denouncing the suspects for their “utterly reprehensible” attack on the two victims.

State Senators Michael Gianaris and Jessica Ramos, Assembly Members Steven Raga and Jessica GonzalezRojas, as well as City Councilman Shekar Krishnan also signed the statement saying they were deeply saddened and concerned to learn about what happened to the pair, and they vowed to PAGE 7

PAGE 1

received flak over a series of theft incidents involving OTS personnel, which were recorded on closed-circuit television footage.

“The OTS agreed to punish erring personnel and to put in place measures to stop the illicit acts of its staff,” Romualdez said.

The OTS leadership, according to Romualdez, proposed the use of body cameras to monitor in real time the activities of airport security personnel as well as immigration officers.

With around 1,200 OTS personnel working in three shifts at various airports nationwide, Romualdez said the agency needs at least 500 body cameras to equip on-duty officers.

“We cannot let these embarrassing incidents to discourage tourists from visiting the Philippines. The OTS has recognized that there is a problem and that it needs to be addressed at the soonest time,” he said.

Romualdez said the OTS and DOTr agreed during the meeting that personnel

of the Philippine Coast Guard would be assigned to accompany airport screening personnel on duty.

He said the DOTr also proposed the installation of additional e-gates at the airports to minimize interactions between the security personnel and travelers.

OTS administrator Ma. Ranada Aplasca and Manila International Airport Authority general manager Cesar Chiong also attended the meeting. n

Gov’t ramps up measures to...

PAGE 1

in particular the supply shortfalls in food items such as vegetables, meat, sugar, and fish, as well as the courses of action needed to address high prices.

In a brief statement, Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy VelicariaGarafil said Mr. Marcos approved the proposals “in general.”

Diokno said that among the measures was the establishment of an interagency committee to monitor prices, agricultural production, and food supply to help the government decide when is the right time to import.

Secretary Arsenio Balisacan of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) noted that the creation of the high-level committee was urgent.

“We must rethink our strategies to combat rising food prices (since) the country’s current high inflation is largely driven by domestic, supply-side constraints,” Balisacan said. “The solution is to get to the root of the problem, including fixing the bottlenecks along all segments of the agricultural value chain.”

According to Diokno, the proposed InterAgency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook would serve as an “early warning system” on supply situations.

“This will be a permanent committee. And its job is to come up with the demandand-supply situation, and we will report to the President on a monthly basis on what is the situation. If we need to import, we will import,” Diokno said.

“So the decision to import won’t be ad hoc anymore if there is a need to import,” he added, recounting instances that after a decision is made to import agricultural products, these would arrive when the local harvest season has already started, resulting in complaints from farmers.

The committee, according to Diokno, could make “science-based” forecasts on agricultural production by using satellite mapping.

“You can see if [the farmers are] still planting, you’ll know how many hectares have been planted on, and you’ll see the development. If there’s a typhoon, you’ll see [the effect] through the satellite. So we will use that kind of model to forecast,” Diokno said.

Easing Customs rules

He added that the fast-tracking of government processing of clearances for agricultural goods, which would entail digitalizing the procedures of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), was also suggested to the

president.

The removal of the required authority to release imported goods (Atrig) was likewise raised in order to speed up the release of food imports from the BOC.

Diokno also pushed for the removal of the certificate of necessity to import (CNI) for fish, as well as the digitalization, centralization, and simplification of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances and regulations.

“[When an imported product] was okayed in a foreign country and the approval is reliable, let us not repeat it again [here] to hasten its release,” the secretary noted.

On Tuesday, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that inflation, which measures the average increase in the prices of essential goods and services, eased slightly last month from 8.7 percent last January.

However, it is forecast to remain high throughout the year based on a forecast of the Department of Agriculture pointing to an inadequate supply of staple food items such as rice, corn, raw and refined sugar, pork, and fish, according to Diokno.

In a press briefing, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said the slightly slower inflation in February was due solely to lower price increases in the transport commodity group — particularly gasoline and diesel prices.

Of the 13 commodity groups included in the computation of inflation, nine showed continually faster year-on-year price increases compared to January, among them food and nonalcoholic beverages; alcoholic beverages and tobacco; clothing and footwear; health, and information and communication.

Mapa said the biggest contributor to rising prices in February were food items, particularly vegetables, fish, and meat.

According to Diokno, the government would intensify the implementation of programs to help boost production and enhance agricultural productivity to help bring down prices.

Diokno noted that the national budget for 2023 has set aside P26.6 billion in subsidies to help the most vulnerable sectors such as drivers of public utility vehicles, farmers and fishers cope with rising prices.

These include P13.3 billion for the fertilizer discount voucher program, P1 billion for fuel discount to farmers and fisherfolk, P3 billion for fuel subsidies to the transport sector affected by higher fuel prices, and P9.3 billion for the extension of the targeted cash transfer program. (By Jerome Aning, Ronnel W. Domingo/Inquirer.net) n

Features OpiniOn National embarrassment

Airports are high-security facilities, and there should be no room for unprofessional, inefficient or crooked conduct especially in restricted zones such as security screening areas. Yet such dismaying behavior has been on display right in the country’s premier gateway, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

On Wednesday, March 1 a screening officer of the Office for Transportation Security was arrested on charges of stealing the smartwatch of a Hong Kong-bound Chinese tourist at the NAIA Terminal 1. Reports said closed-circuit television footage showed the Chinese placing his watch and other personal items on a tray for x-ray screening at the departure area. As the tray emerged from the machine, the CCTV footage showed OTS screener Valeriano Ricaplaza placing another tray on top of the first one and, according to his superiors, taking the watch. Ricaplaza, who denied the theft, was taken into custody by the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group. His arrest followed the sacking of five other OTS employees who were shown in a viral video pocketing 20,000 yen from a Thai tourist at the NAIA Terminal 2 on Feb. 22. When confronted by

Editorial

the tourist, the five returned the cash. Another Thai tourist recorded the incident and uploaded it online.

Thievery is not the only problem. Last Feb. 6, another viral video showed a female OTS screener patting down members of Korean boy band ENHYPEN as they emerged from x-ray screening at the departure area. Instead of looking at the person being patted down, the woman was looking away and dissolving into thrilled giggles. Since when did airport security screening become a fangirl event?

The OTS said personal video recording is prohibited at airport security areas. ENHYPEN fans also wondered why a woman was conducting a body search on men.

The OTS had reassured the public after the incident that it “shall never tolerate any unprofessional behavior” toward passengers.

It is unclear if the woman ever faced sanctions

Babe’s Eye View

for her behavior in a high-security area. The OTS reported that since July last year, 14 of its employees have been dismissed and three suspended while six cases of misconduct remain under investigation. Beyond catching erring personnel and slapping them with appropriate

administrative or criminal charges, the OTS must tighten its recruitment policies and improve training for its screeners. Airport security screening is a serious matter. Leaving the task to amateurs, thieves and giggly fangirls can only lead to national embarrassment. (Philstar.com)

We should all be on the right side of history

ties with the United States to beef up our capability in addressing existing and potential security threats to our nation and people, both traditional and nontraditional, such as cyber and climate change.

they be taken to mean that we are preparing for war. Undoubtedly, we should be ready to defend ourselves for any eventuality, especially in light of the tense geopolitical situation that could become precarious.

to arrogate to themselves what is ours – as seen in the continuing incursion of Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and militia vessels in areas that are clearly within our maritime territory.

Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez said it correctly –the projects under EDCA are intended to develop our defense capabilities and are certainly not intended for aggression; neither should

But while we will continue to explore all diplomatic means to resolve issues, we should not also turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to the clamor of the people to stand up to those who attempt

For centuries, Filipino fishermen have relied on the traditional fishing grounds of Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, Recto (Reed) Bank, Pag-asa (Thitu) Island in the West Philippine Sea

for their livelihood. But for so many years now, they have been enduring the continuing harassment from Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels, depriving them of their livelihood, very often having to stay away from the resource-rich waters due to “bullying” from Chinese vessels.

Those who were desperate enough to enter the fishing grounds recount being shooed away, subjected to

threats and intimidation, their fishing ropes cut, their boats water-cannoned or worse, attacked like what happened in June 2019 when a Chinese trawler rammed a fishing boat near Recto (Reed) Bank. If not for the Vietnamese fishing crew that heard their cries for help, the 20 Filipino fishermen who were drifting in the water as they clung to plastic barrels and pieces of wood from the

SOME of our senators who are still doubtful about the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to allow new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites should realize that now, more than ever, we need to strengthen our PAGE 10

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Marcos on son Sandro’s birthday: ‘You will continue to shine’ DOLE, DOH, DepEd, other agencies express support for Sogie equality bill

MANILA — Different national government agencies on Tuesday expressed their support for the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (Sogie) equality bill during a House hearing on Tuesday, March 7.

According to Rep. Geraldine B. Roman, 12 hours have already been devoted to listening to resource persons both for and against the current House version of the Sogie equality bill, which is the unified version of House Bills 222, 460, 3418, 4277, 5551, 6003 and 7036.

“The Department of Health supports the house bills which seek to protect the fundamental rights of all individuals against any form of discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sexual characteristics,” said Adriel Pizarra, a medical officer speaking on behalf of the Department of Health (DOH).

According to Pizarra, the passage of the bill will only enforce the existing health laws and DOH policies.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also backed the bill, as it also has measures that protect a person from genderbased discrimination in the workplace.

“This is really an opportune time to further

strengthen the DOLE’s thrust in ending discrimination in the workplace,” said DOLE Officer Donnalyn Calipay.

The Technical Education And Skills Development Authority shared the DOLE’s stance, with the authority’s Clefford Pascual assuring “ the agency’s readiness to provide support should this bill be passed into law.”

According to Suzette Ganaban from the Department of Education (DepEd), the agency also supports the Sogie Equality Bill.

“With the emphasis on the education sector, the enactment of such bill will provide much needed support for DepEd’s advocacy promoting anti-discriminatory practices in schools and offices,” said Ganaban.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said that it is ready to enforce the bill if it is passed.

“It fully supports measures that protect the dignity of all persons regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics. If these bills are legislated, the PNP has the operating mechanisms in place to ensure its enforcement,” said Isagani Fetizanan, the assistant chief of the PNP’s women and

by Catherine S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, March 7 took to his Facebook to greet his son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, on his special day.

Sandro, eldest son of the president, celebrated his 29th birthday on Tuesday, March 7.

In a statement, the president expressed confidence that his son will continue to shine and inspire others.

“Happy Birthday, Sandro! We have no doubt that you will continue to shine and inspire those around you!” the president said.

Sandro, who was born and raised in Laoag City, is now senior deputy to Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe

of Zamboanga City, whose primary function, aside from being the spokesman of the majority bloc, is to direct the deliberations on the floor.

As senior deputy majority leader, Sandro will be a member of the House Committee on Rules, which deals with the Rules of the House of Representatives, Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation, Rules of Procedure in Impeachment Proceedings, Order of Business, Calendar of Business, the referral of bills, resolutions, speeches, committee reports, messages, memorials and petitions, and the creation of committees inclusive of determining their respective jurisdictions.

The younger Marcos had said that he was excited to take on his new job.

“I am very excited. I want

to learn as much as I can.

It feels weird to be here, not as a staff member but as a congressman,” he said during the seminar for new lawmakers.

“I want to build on my two-year experience in the House,” he added.

Prior to his foray in politics, Sandro served as member of the legislative staff of then House Majority Leader and now Speaker Martin Romualdez, who was his mentor on the daily grind at the House during the 18th Congress.

Sandro also served as an economic consultant of the Province of Ilocos Norte under Gov. Matthew Joseph Manotoc.

Among his tasks was ensuring the swift and smooth distribution of food and other assistance to

Top US diplomat floats alliance with Japan, Australia to aid Philippines

by Xave GreGorio Philstar.com

MANILA — The third highest-ranking official at the U.S. Setate Department raised the possibility of

engaging Japan and Australia to help the Philippines in security and economic issues amid the increasing assertiveness of China in the Asia-Pacific.

Speaking to select reporters

on Monday, March 6 during her visit to the Philippines, U.S. Undersecretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland said there have been discussions on strengthening multilateralism in the region, particularly with Tokyo and Canberra, which she described as having “strong alliances” with Washington.“We have shared interests, obviously, in maintaining strong democracies, in maintaining free and open commerce and ensuring that even as we compete with China, we are preventing conflict and we are working together to keep the straits free and open and all those things,” Nuland said in response to a query on joint patrols in the South

Suspects in anti-Asian...

PAGE 4

stand up against such hatefilled acts.

of events to support Lai and her son.

China Sea.

“The idea here is obviously, we have a strong alliance together, but we’re even stronger when we combine forces with other democracies,” she added later in the briefing.

Just two weeks ago, U.S. naval operations chief Admiral Michael Gilday said during his visit to the Philippines that Washington is “committed” to conducting joint maritime patrols with Manila in the disputed strategic waterway.

Nuland said the U.S. is “working on the cadence and plans for those.”

Teresita Daza, the spokesperson for Manila’s Department of Foreign

PAGE 9

Are we done with masks? Three experts review...

found frequent hand washing did more than masks to prevent viral infections.

At a March 3 EMS news briefing, three medical experts shared their views about the efficacy of wearing masks in light of the study. Except for vulnerable patients where masks offer an added layer of protection, their consensus was to forget about wearing masks and get vaccinated.

They also stressed the importance of not losing trust in public health officials for changing their advice over time as they work to keep up with the latest scientific research.

Masks are ‘not magic’

Dr. William Schaffner, a professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, led off the session by describing the challenges of conducting mask studies in the first place, whether in a health environment or in the community. “You can’t monitor people about their mask-wearing behavior all the time. That’s certainly something you can’t do, and of course (masks) have to be worn correctly,” he said.

While many researchers have looked at multiple physical measures to prevent people from catching a virus, the Cochrane reviewers evaluated studies that compared just three interventions: surgical masks, N95/P2 respirators, and hand hygiene.

Based on the results they were uncertain whether masks help to slow the spread of viruses but decided hand hygiene “may help to slow the spread of respiratory viruses,” Schaffner said.

Yet he also pointed out that in most cases, mask wearing was accompanied by social distancing, and… “in certain communities, we were in a lockdown. we stayed home. So, we did all those things more or less simultaneously. And it’s hard – impossible really – to determine what proportion of the reduction we saw on COVID was due to the mask itself.

As for his own advice, Schaffner emphasized that “masks are not magic.” But he said that people in high-risk groups may start wearing them again next flu season. “They will offer another layer of protection to protect me, a highly vulnerable person, from acquiring an infection from others.”

No more mask mandates

“I don’t think we can impose mask mandates on the public anymore,” said Dr. Monica Ghandi, Professor of Medicine and Associate Division Chief of the Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine at UCSF in San Francisco.

Gandhi noted a Danish mask study where no mandate was in effect at the time, and two others in Bangladesh and Guinea-Bissau where entire villagers wore masks. The study found “there was very little effectiveness” in wearing masks.

During the Delta surge, Orange County, California did not impose a mask mandate but nearby LA County did. “And there was no difference in transmission or death rates. Very importantly, the vaccination rates made all the difference,” Gandhi said.

The most important thing people could do during the pandemic is to get vaccinated, Gandhi advised. “I think we have to keep it a choice for the masking.”

Gandhi’s recently published book, Endemic, is about the politicization of public health policy. She said that closing schools during COVID was a politically driven decision and “not good for children in the Blue States, because the Red States kept their schools open.”

Dr. Mina Hakim, a pediatric specialist at South Central Family Health Center in Los Angeles, offered a similar view about masks from “down in the trenches.”

“The results of the study were clear in that surgical masks, N95 masks, did not make a difference in the transmission of COVID or the flu,” Hakim said.

“We condemn this heinous act of xenophobia and violence,” the lawmakers said in a statement. “The incident involved the use of explicit anti-Asian slurs and physical violence, which is utterly reprehensible.

“We stand in solidarity with Cecille and her family during this difficult time. Within our role as elected officials, we remain firmly committed to combating hate and bigotry in all its forms and ensuring that everyone in our community is treated with respect, dignity, and kindness,” the statement said further.

The Fil-Am community has also scheduled a couple

A visibility rally is scheduled for Friday, March 10, 5:00 p.m. at Corona Plaza in Queens.

The group International Women Artists has organized a Women’s Self-Defense Workshop as part of Women’s History Month and a way to support Lai and her son.

This self-defense workshop with Queens Training Club is scheduled on Saturday, March 11 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at PS316Q (39-07 57th Street Woodside, NY 11377).

The workshop is in collaboration with The Office of District 30 Assemblyman Steven Raga, Woodside On The Move, and Kinding Sindaw. n

Women can contribute...

PAGE 2

compared to regional counterparts.

“The mask is a small piece of a much bigger shield that we have against COVID. I would use the bigger piece of the shield, which is a vaccine, and I would not recommend masks for the general population,” Hakim added. Like Schaffner and Gandhi, he recommended masks for vulnerable populations.

Kids and masks

He said the Cochrane review looked at a few studies that were specifically for children, and those results were even more definitive.

“Kids are the worst at keeping things on. You’d be lucky if you have a kid with their pants on at the end of the day let alone having a mask on that increases humidity, increases difficulty of breathing, and it’s just overall uncomfortable,” Hakim said.

They’re constantly touching things, wiping their nose, taking their mask off to eat and drink. They share pencils and pens that have been in other kids’ mouths. And teenagers are horrendous at being compliant, Hakim added.

Like Schaffner and Gandhi, Hakim recommended wearing masks for vulnerable people.

“If we could provide masks particularly to those high-risk people, I think that might …increase the trust because we’re not imposing the masks on them, but making them available, so that people feel more comfortable and reassured that it’s a good thing to do,” says Hakim.

All three speakers agreed that as studies like the Cochrane report reveal new findings about the efficacy of preventive care, these should not diminish public trust.

“One of the most difficult things for the general public to understand is that we will give you our best advice today but if we learn something tonight, we may have to change that advice tomorrow, and that this is an ongoing process,” Schaffner says. (Peter White/Ethnic Media Services) n

According to a Milieu Insight study conducted last February, 81 percent of Filipinas feel there are fair opportunities for them to grow professionally at work. This is higher than the 79 percent of women who felt the same in Indonesia, and 66 percent in Singapore.

Covering 500 female employees each from the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia, the survey was conducted to understand the sentiments about the opportunities, amount of support and rewards women are getting at work.

In terms of support, the study showed 88 percent of Filipino women think their manager or company is receptive toward their needs at work, higher than the 78 percent in Singapore, and 71 percent in Indonesia.

A majority or 81 percent of Filipino women also think their companies are receptive to their feedback, compared to 70 percent in Indonesia, and 65 percent in Singapore.

The study showed, however, that only 73 percent of Filipino women believe their companies act upon the feedback being given. This is higher than the 50 percent in Singapore and 43 percent in Indonesia. n

DOLE, DOH, DepEd, other...

PAGE 6

children center.

However, the PNP has reservations about House Bill 3702, which establishes a help desk for the LGBTQ+ in all PNP stations, suggesting instead that the role could be integrated with the Women and Children’s Helpdesk.

“Perhaps ‘women, children, gender rights

protection desk’ is more appropriate,” Fetizanan said. The Civil Service Commission and the Commission on Population also showed approval of the bill during the hearing. The Department of Justice and the Commission on Higher Education did not have resource personnel during the hearing. (Inquirer.net) n

Marcos on son Sandro’s...

PAGE 6

the people of Ilocos Norte, including COVID-19 recovery assistance program for sari sari store owners, food packs and fishing gears to fisherfolks, tablets to aid students in distance learning,

and many others. He has been instrumental in providing livelihood opportunities to thousands of Ilokanos who were most affected by the sudden loss of income and livelihood amidst the continuing pandemic. n

U.S. State Department Undersecretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland engages with youth leaders during her visit to Manila on Monday, March 6.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Embassy in Manila

COVID-19 remains ‘manageable, no significant rise,’ says DOH

by Zacarian Sarao Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday, March 7 said that COVID-19 cases in the country remain manageable, as no significant rise in infections has been observed.

According to DOH officerin-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire in a press briefing, only 133 average cases per day have been reported nationwide in the past week.

“Wala pa po tayong nakikitang significant, kung meron man during the past weeks may tataas by five cases by three cases, and this is not significant if we try to compare that for our weekly average number of cases,” said Vergeire.

(We have not seen anything significant yet, if there is anything during the past weeks, there would be an increase of five cases or three cases, and this is

No sabotage in NAIA glitch; CAAP upgrade necessary – Senate

not significant if we try to compare that to our weekly average number of cases.)

She then assured the public that the DOH continues to monitor the pandemic situation in the country, reiterating that recorded infections in Metro Manila remain minimal.

“Sa ngayon we can say that everything is manageable, our hospitals are able to manage our cases. Wala pong masyadong mga kasong naitatala na dito mula sa iba’t ibang lugar dito sa Metro Manila,” said Vergeire.

(Right now we can say that everything is manageable, our hospitals are able to manage our cases. There are not many cases recorded from different places here in Metro Manila.)

However, Vergeire noted that the health department

MANILA – The Senate has ruled out sabotage and cyberattack during the Jan. 1 air traffic control glitch that affected about 280 flights and 60,000 passengers.

Instead, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) should continue replacing or upgrading critical equipment to prevent similar incidents.

As for the non-technical aspects, the Senate Committee on Public Services’ Committee Report No. 39 released on Tuesday, March 7 recommended amendments to the CAAP Charter and Passengers’ Bill of Rights, creation of the Philippine Transportation Safety Board, and passage of the Philippine Airports Authority Act.

9

“To complement these, sufficient engineering guidelines and training of accredited engineers should be rolled out. Another CNS/ ATM (Communications, Navigation and Surveillance Systems for Air Traffic Management) system in

an independent location should also be supported,” committee chair Senator Grace Poe said in a statement.

Poe said the Department of Transportation must fast-track its feasibility studies on the proposed privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and assist CAAP in immediately complying

with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommendations.

One significant ICAO observation, Poe said, is the country’s lack of a Master Contingency Plan that should have established emergency procedures, like during an air traffic glitch.

“The Philippines already has a history of non-

compliance to ICAO and I wish to reiterate that there are consequences. A downgrade from Category 1 to Category 2 means Philippine-registered aircraft and personnel would have to undergo heightened inspections abroad which might cause flight delays. Maaari rin mag-impose ang ibang bansa ng restrictions PAGE 10

Passengers crowd the departure lobby while others set up camp inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City last Jan. 1, 2023 as numerous flights were canceled earlier due to a technical glitch and the power outage at the Air Traffic Management Center of the NAIA. Philstar.com file photo

Top US diplomat floats alliance...

Affairs, said last week that the government is crafting guidelines on maritime activities, including joint patrols, in the West Philippine Sea or the part of the South China Sea that the country claims.

Daza said operational details, including the possibility of engaging other regional partners, will be part of discussions between the Philippines and the U.S. through the Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board, which coordinate a framework for defense and security cooperation between the militaries of Manila and Washington.

EDCA consultations underway

On top of building up multilateral ties, Nuland stressed the need to strengthen the U.S.-Philippines alliance in the face of what she called “China’s increasingly aggressive and coercive behavior” in security and economics.

“We also need to strengthen the structures of alliance that allow us to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific,” she said, using the American term to refer to the Asia-Pacific.

Among these are the four additional sites in the Philippines identified under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement under which U.S. troops will have access to military bases in the country. This, Nuland said, “will make us stronger” not just in security but also in humanitarian contingencies and

economic opportunities.

Nuland said local communities where the four new EDCA sites will be located are being consulted upon, but she deferred to the Philippine government to announce where these sites will be.

“We want to do these in places where we have the opportunity to train together, but also in places where, should there be a natural disaster contingency, they’re far away enough from that that they would still be able to survive and be useful in that context,” she said.

While there have been no announcements as to where the new EDCA sites will be located, it has been reported that the U.S. asked for access to bases in Isabela, Zambales and Cagayan facing north towards Taiwan, and on Palawan near the disputed Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea.

U.S. not seeking conflict

Reports of EDCA sites being established up north raised concerns from Senate foreign affairs panel chairperson Imee Marcos who suggested last week during an inquiry that these may be used by the U.S. as bases or staging grounds in the event of a conflict in Taiwan, a self-governing democracy that China considers to be a renegade province.

Nuland reiterated the stance of the U.S. that its policy of recognizing Beijing as the legitimate Chinese state has not changed, but added that they “don’t

want to see a change in the status quo.”

“We want a free open Indo-Pacific. We will continue to ensure that we are supporting Taiwan as needed and that we are ensuring that the international waters remain free and open,” she said.

She continued: “It’s really up to China what kind of future they want to have. But it is not we that seek conflict in any way.”

‘We need each other’

The Philippines under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has significantly warmed up relations with the U.S. compared to his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte who opted to pivot towards China.

Still, Marcos said he is maintaining a “friends to all, enemies to none” policy when it comes to foreign affairs.

Since he took office, a flurry of top U.S. officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris, have visited the Philippines in a continuing bid to strengthen bilateral ties.

Nuland said they are trying to get as many senior U.S. officials to visit the Philippines and as many senior Filipino officials to visit Washington.

“We really are in this growth period in our relationship both on the security side and the economic side,” she said. “We need each other at this moment of intense challenge to democracy, freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity.” (with reports from Kaycee Valmonte) n

COVID-19 remains...

PAGE 8

is closely keeping an eye on Mandaluyong, which only has three intensive care unit (ICU) beds in the city.

“So ‘pag nagkaroon ng isa lang na laman tumataas na po ang percentage (when

there is only one admission, the percentage increases),” she explained.

As of March 6, the country’s COVID-19 caseload is at 4,077,109, with 4,002,009 recoveries, 66,160 deaths and 8,940 active cases. n

GUILTY OR NOT GUILTY? The seven suspects in the hazing-related death of Adamson University student John Matthew Salilig leave the Senate session hall after a hearing on Tuesday, March 7. The members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity were resource persons in the hearing aimed at crafting legislation to strengthen the anti-hazing law. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

We should all be on the...

wrecked fishing boat could have drowned.

As one fisherman put the situation they are in, “We are being forcibly driven away from our own territory. They are making us feel as if we are stealing from our own backyard” –so ironic and deceptive, considering that the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of which China was a signatory clearly states that countries have sovereign rights to exploit or conserve natural resources that are within 200 nautical miles of their exclusive economic zone.

According to a report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Chinese Coast Guard vessels have patrolled key areas in the West Philippine Sea, with their presence detected almost every day in 2022. The Washington-based think-tank also noted the presence of the CCG in areas near Vietnamese and Malaysian oil and gas sites.

Numerous diplomatic protests have been filed by the Department of Foreign Affairs over the continued incursion of Chinese vessels – as many as 77 under the administration of President Bongbong Marcos, with 10 of them filed in the first two months of 2023.

In fact, the Philippines is not the only country that has been complaining about intrusion from Chinese Coast Guard and other vessels. In 2021, Malaysia summoned the Chinese ambassador to protest the presence of Chinese vessels within Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone. Vietnam and Indonesia have also accused China of intrusion in areas where gas and oil exploration activities are being conducted, such as in Natuna Sea.

It’s extremely disappointing that some of our former diplomats who are totally uninformed are naively asking for the cancellation of the EDCA – an agreement whose constitutionality has been affirmed and reaffirmed by the Supreme Court. Senator Koko Pimentel has the right frame of mind when he said that while he may

Divorce bill awaits committee approval

disagree with EDCA, the Philippines as a sovereign nation is “free to enter into treaties and agreements which we believe are, or will be, good for us.”

Some agree with Senator Risa Hontiveros’ statement that we must forge security agreements with other countries to defend the Philippines and maintain peace and security in the West Philippine Sea.

“A security agreement can serve as a defensive framework that would provide for joint patrols and training of our troops so we are prepared to work as part of a team should tensions escalate,” she said, also noting the support shown to the Philippines by members of the international community when a Chinese Coast Guard vessel pointed a military-grade laser at a Philippine Coast Guard vessel in Ayungin shoal.

In fact, the Philippines is looking at multilateral cooperation with countries such as Japan as well as Singapore and Vietnam not only in terms of enhanced security but economic and other areas as well. The Philippines, US, Australia and likeminded countries are seriously studying the possibility of joint maritime exercises to enhance their collective capability to maintain security and ensure the freedom of navigation in international waters.

Those who are against the MDT, the VFA and EDCA should understand that the Philippines entered into these agreements not to be embroiled in war but as part of our overall defense strategy. The fact is, 90 percent of Filipinos all over the world totally agree with the President’s move in forging defense agreements with like-minded countries. Clearly, he is on the right side of history – like all of us should be. (Philstar. com)

* * *

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

by Moises Cruz ManilaTimes.net

A CONSOLIDATED substitute bill reinstating absolute divorce in the Philippines was approved on Thursday, March 2, 2023, by a technical working group (TWG) led by Albay First District Rep. Edcel Lagman.

“I am elated to report that the Philippines is at the threshold of joining the community of nations upholding the universality of divorce,” Lagman said in a statement on Friday.

House Bills 78, 1021, 1593, 2593, 3843, 3885, 4957 and 4998, which seek to reinstate divorce as a mode of dissolving marriages and strengthening the civil effects of Church annulment, were previously approved in principle by the House Committee on Population and Family Relations, which

is headed by Isabela Third District Rep. Ian Paul Dy.

Lagman said divorce should only be used in extreme instances for couples who have toxic and irrevocably damaged relationships.

He noted that different countries’ regulations on absolute divorce varied in their liberality.

Lagman’s House Bill (HB) 78 is identical to the comprehensive measure introduced in the 17th Congress and passed on third and final reading.

Negros Occidental Fourth District Rep. Juliet Marie Ferrer, co-author of HB 78, urged the immediate passage of the bill, asserting that couples should have the “less expensive and less burdensome” option of divorce.

The following amendments were unanimously adopted and included in HB 78 and

which Lagman prepared and served as the basis for TWG deliberations: (1) increase the length of spousal support;

(2) increase the penalty of a fine for colluding spouses;

(3) allow joint petitions where grounds for divorce are subject to summary proceedings; (4) decrease the cooling-off period from six months to sixty days; (5) make the right to file a divorce petition prescribe ten (10) years from the occurrence of the cause for divorce or from the effectivity of the Absolute Divorce Act; and (6) appoint an administrator to manage the conjugal property or the absolute community of property during the pendency of divorce proceedings.

The substitute bill from the TWG now just has to receive final approval by the mother committee, which is led by Dy, before it can be endorsed to the plenary. n

Palace: PUV operations in Metro Manila ‘normal’ amid transport strike

MANILA — The operation of public utility vehicles (PUVs) in Metro Manila has normalized despite the presence of protesters in parts of the metropolis, Malacañang said on Tuesday, March 7.

Citing the report of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Tigil Pasada, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said routes where free rides were made available on Monday, the start of the transport trike, are now under normal operation.

“Routes provided with Libreng Sakay by the task force on Monday, March 6, are now under normal operation, and there were no reports of stranded passengers,” the PCO said.

The PCO added that according to the task force’s assessment, protesters were monitored at the Heritage in Baclaran, Old Terminal in Alabang, Monumento in Caloocan City, and Catmon/St. Francis St. in Malabon.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

(MMDA) chairman Romando Artes earlier said the government was able to serve a total of 4,794 passengers from the 130 vehicles mobilized on Monday, March 6.

There were also no reported incidents requiring emergency preparedness and asset deployment.

“Before Monday’s transport group strike, the government crafted contingencies to minimize the impact of the disturbance to the commuting public,” the PCO said.

Transport groups are staging a weeklong strike in Metro Manila to protest the jeepney phaseout in the government’s PUV modernization program.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. earlier said the government’s modernization program is necessary but its implementation needs more discussions among its stakeholders, particularly jeepney drivers’ groups. (By Daphne Galvez/Inquirer.net) n

No sabotage in NAIA...

sa ating mga (Other countries may also impose restrictions in our) commercial flights. This will translate to huge economic losses for the country,” she warned.

ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) with 193 member-states, including the Philippines, that sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency and environmental protection.

It also assesses all member states of the UN on their capability and capacity to implement an effective

safety oversight of aviation operations.

Poe said her committee believes that CAAP personnel on the ground did their best with the equipment, guidelines, and training given to them.

She noted that the Jan. 1 systems failure was a confluence of factors and errors and that there is much work needed for a better air traffic system.

“It is my earnest hope that through our investigative work, Congress will be able to assist CAAP in providing a system where travel in our

airspace is no longer shut down by causes which could have been avoided,” Poe said.

Apart from the series of inquiries, Poe, with Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Majority Leader Joel Villanueva and Senators JV Ejercito, Raffy Tulfo, and Risa Hontiveros inspected CAAP’s air traffic management center in Pasay City last month.

In a statement, CAAP assured that upgrades and projects on several airports were already completed as part of its efforts in ensuring the safety and convenience of passengers. (PNA) n

SLOW DAY. Vehicles move at a snail’s pace along East Avenue going to Elliptical Road in Quezon City on Tuesday afternoon, March 7. Except for reports of protests in Muntinlupa, Caloocan and Malabon, most public transportation routes in the National Capital Region have returned to normal operations despite the threat of a weeklong nationwide strike. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Success story:

Aged-out daughter obtains immigrant visa through CSPA, on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

MARIVIC, a U.S. citizen, filed a petition for her daughter, Alyssa, in May 2019.

However, in January 2021, after filing all paperwork and fees, Marivic was notified by the U.S. Embassy that her daughter’s interview was cancelled since the latter aged-out when she turned 21 in August 2019.

Marivic was desperate and wanted to

explore other ways of bringing Alyssa to the U.S. and consulted with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel to see if her daughter could apply for a work or a student visa.

Atty. Gurfinkel saw that Alyssa was eligible for her visa under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) and demonstrated PAGE 12

Liza puts end to abortion rumors, clarifies weight gain under lie detector test

by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

ACTRESS-SINGER Liza

Soberano clarified once and for all that she did not have abortion, nor did she ever get pregnant with her partner Enrique Gil.

In a vlog on fellow actress Bea Alonzo’s YouTube channel where she participated in a lie detector challenge, Liza was asked by Bea if she ever had abortion.

Liza confidently said no and the machine confirmed she was telling the truth, and the actress-singer gave out an exasperated sigh. She explained such rumors began around the time she was in the United States, having her finger operated following an injury on the set of the the 2018 series “Bagani” wherein she starred with Enrique, and she couldn’t talk about the incident.

The actress also added that at the time, she couldn’t give social media updates as her arm was in a cast and she was always sick due to constantly taking antiobiotics, then finally came around to how such a rumor began.

“I don’t know if he was a reporter... he started making accusations toward me, and they were like ‘blind items’ — hindi niya ako na-namedrop pero super obvious like he was saying na ‘yung Darna na hindi lumipad’,”

said Liza, recalling that the word initially spread as she was being rolled into the operating room.

Before Liza continued with her story, Bea empathized with her, saying there really are things people don’t know about actors.

Liza then said that before she flew to the United States, she was gaining weight after exercising for the “Darna” project that eventually went to Jane De Leon, and had to stop because of the injury, so she maintained her bigger physical appearance.

“I couldn’t exercise, my finger was broken and I had gained weight, people were seeing that and I went absent [online],” shared Liza. “It’s just sad that I couldn’t defend myself, so I had to post the picture na nagpa-opera ako and for some reason people

still didn’t believe it.”

The actress even said that she was in a very good relationship accepted by the public, so she would have never considered an abortion if she really did get pregnant, especially as she doesn’t believe in such acts.

In the same vlog, Liza shared that “Hello Love Goodbye” starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards was first offered to her and Enrique, and she also gave her honest opinion on the love team phenomena in the Philippines.

The vlog was shot weeks before Liza released her own video about her career, leaving her previous management for Careless, and treading new ground, adding that there was no hint of bitterness or regret in her decisions. n

“ATTORNEY-OF-LAST-HOPE” MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL (RIGHT) CONVINCED THE U.S. EMBASSY AGED-OUT CHILD WAS ELIGIBLE FOR VISA UNDER THE CHILD STATUS PROTECTION ACT, ON A BRAND-NEW SUCCESS STORY OF CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY! The U.S. Embassy cancelled the interview for Alyssa, the daughter of U.S. citizen Marivic, after Alyssa aged-out in August 2019. Desperate to find a way to bring her daughter to the U.S., Marivic wanted to explore other options like a student visa or a work visa, but Atty. Gurfinkel was able to convince the U.S. Embassy that Alyssa was eligible for an immigrant visa under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, March 12 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

Liza Soberano

Photo from Instagram/@lizasoberano

On cannabis and heart disease

Health@Heart

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

ABOUT 18 percent of Americans (48.4 million) have used cannabis, which contains 540 chemical substances, at least once in 2019. The name cannabis describes all products derived from the plant cannabis sativa. The name marijuana refers to parts or products from cannabis sativa that contains large amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

There are about 3.43 million recreational users in the United States. In 2020, the most prevalent users were those 50 and older and among those 18-25. The highest pot users per year are New York (U.S.), followed by Karachi (Pakistan), New Delhi (India), and Los Angeles (U.S). In 2023, the estimated retail sales of cannabis in the United States is projected at $38.8 billion. About 30 percent of the users have marijuana use disorder.

Recent studies revealed that cannabis use was associated with a 34 percent higher risk for coronary heart disease, an entity that causes heart attacks, compared to people who do not use cannabis/marijuana.

The use of marijuana/ cannabis products causes vascular inflammation that increases the risk for blockages in the heart arteries (main cause of heart attacks), independent of alcohol or cigarette use.

This two-part research from Stanford University in California was presented at the American College of Cardiology/World Congress of Cardiology (WCC) on March 4-6, 2023.

Cannabis products/ marijuana are not benign and harmless. They have side effects that affect the brain, the heart, and other organs. They could also cause interaction with other medications. They are addictive, too.

While medical marijuana has a place in medicine, recreational marijuana is only adding more problems in a society that is already complicated. There are so many ways for people to enjoy life with family and friends, without the need for more drugs. The responsibility

and moral culpability belong to the legislators in various states which have legalized recreational marijuana in the excuse of collecting more taxes.

Metformin and COVID

The latest analysis of the phase 3 COVID-OUT trial showed that the anti-diabetic drug metformin (other brand names Glucophage, Fortamet, Glumetza) showed “a significant dose-related effect in lowering SARSCoV2 viral load” in COVID-19 infection, within days of administration of metformin. This is the latest addition to the multitude of benefits from the drug metformin, including possible improved longevity among those taking them.

As posted by Medscape Medical News, the analysis revealed “important secondary outcomes including a 42% reduction in emergency room visits and in hospitalizations and/or deaths by day 14, and a 58% reduction in hospitalizations/ death by day 28. A further sub analysis has shown a 42% reduction in long COVID compared with placebo… In this phase 3 randomized controlled trial, metformin showed prevention of severe COVID, prevention of Long COVID, and an antiviral effect, and this is consistent with other data.”

In the U.S., possibly on a global basis too, metformin as a monotherapy drug is used by 52 percent of those with diabetes T2, ranking second to insulin. There were more than 92 million prescriptions for metformin in 2020 in the U.S. In the Philippines, approximately 73.8 percent of diabetics are on metformin. There are about 10 million Filipinos who have diabetes T2, about 8.4 percent of the population; 14.2 percent of the population have prediabetes. China has around 172 million people with diabetes T2, among its 1.439 billion population. Metformin is also widely used in China, although some still prefer herbal medications.

COVID-19 updates: As March 6, 2023, the daily average COVID-19 cases was 33,156, with 521 deaths (per day) and 25,693 currently hospitalized, according to a U.S. COVID-19 daily tracker. Let us all be vigilant and careful, especially those vulnerable.

UPFs, colorectal cancer A

among various other past studies, suggests that consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) have long-term adverse effects on health, and more specifically increases the risk for colorectal cancer. Other studies also implicated UPFs and over-charred or burnt meats on high-temperature grilling as elevating the risk for pancreatic cancer.

Bad diet is arguably the greatest risk in colorectal cancer, with 54 percent of cases linked to diet and lifestyle, which are both modifiable risk factors. Alcohol, obesity, and diets high in red meats, especially processed ones (sausages, hot dogs, salamis, pepperonis, hams, etc.) are associated with elevated risk for cancer in general and colorectal malignancies in general. The Mediterranean diet, basically plant-based, high in fibers, wholegrains, nuts, vegetables (broccoli, celery, etc.), fruits, minimal red meat and carbohydrates, is associated with lower health risks and is generally healthier. A moderate amount of salad (kale, arugula, spinach, lettuces, other green leafy veggies, onions, spices, and olive oil/vinaigrette dressing) as a starter (instead of high calorie appetizers) is healthier, conducive to lesser illnesses and improved longevity.

Diabetic cure?

A significant number of diabetics is due to increased insulin resistance, a condition that prevents natural insulin our body produces from entering the body cells to help in healthy sugar metabolism. Insulin is needed by our cells to metabolize glucose (sugar) to provide us fuel (energy). The popular drug, for instance, is one that reduces insulin resistance, enabling our own body insulin to enter the cells to do their job in maintaining a healthy level of blood sugar in our blood.

While there is no known drug or therapy to cure diabetes for good, disciplined diet control and exercise as well as losing significant body weight have been shown to result in good blood sugar level, even after stopping insulin among those who were taking insulin before the significant weight loss regimen. Severe control of excess weight or obesity, through dieting, appears to be the “magic” therapy that is money-saving,

Julia says Gerald is her ‘partner in life’ in birthday greeting

By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

JULIA Barretto reaffirmed her love for boyfriend Gerald Anderson as the latter rang in his 34th birthday on March 7.

Barretto said Anderson is her “best friend and partner in life,” as seen in a brief but heartfelt post on his birthday, which included some pictures of the two of them together. Among the actress’ favorite moments with her beau include a selfie in front of what appears to be the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

“Happy birthday my love. My best friend and partner in life. I thank God for you everyday,” she said in the caption.

Marjorie Barretto, Julia’s mother, also greeted the actor, as seen in the comments of the younger actress’ post. “Happy Birthday, Ge!!! Have a great year ahead! We love you,” she said.

Fellow celebrities Alex Gonzaga and MJ Cayabyab, as well as photographer Shaira Luna showed their support for the couple in the

comments section.

Barretto and Anderson are spending quality time together in the City of Love, as seen in the posts on their respective Instagram Stories.

The “Expensive Candy” star shared photos of what appeared to be the couple’s leisurely stroll at a park.

Meanwhile, the actor’s IG stories was a bit impersonal, showing only snaps of what they ate during their trip such as pizza, salad, and oil-based pasta.

Anderson confirmed his relationship with the “Ngayon at Kailanman” star in a tellall interview in March 2021, where he revealed that the actress makes him “very happy.” The couple earlier starred as partners in the 2019 film “Between Maybes.” Barretto revealed that she’s ready to give her “yes” to the “On the Job” star should he propose in May 2022, while the actor said he’s ready to settle down “anytime soon” five months later. n

Success story: Aged-out daughter...

PAGE 11

her eligibility to the U.S. Embassy. Alyssa was rescheduled for her interview, and obtained her immigrant visa and green card.

Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, March 12 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)

body-shape improving, drugeliminating, health-inducing, and longevity-increasing modern option for those with diabetes Type2. This recent clinical discovery is, indeed, most inspiring, proving that discipline and a great resolve are true wonders in our hands for most life matters, including disease prevention or control.

* * *

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more

productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

* * *

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

* * *

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

Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) was able to get a visa for Alyssa (left) through her mother, Marivic’s (middle) petition, despite aging out, on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy.

Julia Barretto reaffirmed her love for boyfriend Gerald Anderson as the latter rang in his 34th birthday on March 7. Photo from Instagram/@juliabarretto

Barbie on family life, reunion concert, rocking for 25 years

by Charmie Joy Pagulong Philstar.com

FEMALE alt-rock icon Barbie Almalbis got nostalgic as she marked her 25th year in the music industry with an album release and a reunion concert with her former bands Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle.

Dubbed Firewoman: 25 Years of Barbie Almalbis, she will jam with former bandmates Ricci Gurango, Franklin Benitez, Rommel de la Cruz, Wendell Garcia, and Kakoy Legaspi on March 11 at 123 Block in Mandala Park. The show will also feature some of the country’s finest rock acts, such as Sandwich, Gab Alipe of Urbandub, Clara Benin, I Belong To The Zoo, Kai del Rio and Bird.

The one-night music event is presented by GNN Entertainment Productions, in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment, Backspacer Records, JB Music, Nova Wellness Store and 123 Block.

Barbie, who by the way has maintained her youthful appearance at the age of 45, harked back to the good old days when she was with her former groups and producing hits, such as Firewoman, Tabing Ilog and Torpe

She told The STAR in a press event, “You know the other night, I was just like before bed, it was just relaxing and then suddenly, I remembered there’s a song and album by Mr. Big that I love listening to in high school. I just had this desire to like to listen to it and the moment I listen to it, it’s like I was back the way I was before.

“Sometimes, you just have a song (to remind you) kasi especially during that time there was no Instagram, no social media. There’s not even YouTube. You don’t even know what these guys (artists) look like. You just had the tape and the music and then yung imagination. So sabi ko, ‘Oo nga no. Parang songs really have a way of taking you back to that time,’” she went on.

She hoped that on the concert day, the same feeling would be experienced “especially hearing these songs with the same guys that I recorded it with. So I hope that will help take people back in time to happy

Camille returns to acting via ‘AraBella’

by Christina alPad ManilaTimes.net

CAMILLE Prats never really left the small screen. Despite the lack of acting projects in the last five years, she thrived as a seasoned host, with her last outing in the talk show, “Mars Pa More.”

But those missing Prats, the actress, will have a reason to rejoice as she returns to drama with GMA’s new series, “AraBella.”

“To be honest, the five years I wasn’t acting were also the seasons in my life — I had kids and of course when they’re young, they have needs that have to be met. And I was really very fortunate to have Mars in that gap of not acting. I was able to enjoy hosting,” Prats said.

The actress revealed that since the talk show ended last year, Sparkle — the talent management arm of GMA — asked her if she’d want to go back to acting and she gladly said yes.

“I think one of the biggest reasons I said yes was definitely I missed acting and we no longer have locked in tapings so I get to go home to my kids.”

At the same, just enjoy the night and know that the music continues,” she mused.

Barbie and her exbandmates have remained friends over the years. Some of the offspring of her former band members are her godchildren, including rock singer-songwriter Zild Benitez, son of Franklin. She shared, “We’ve been in touch and (remained) friends even if before ‘di ba siyempre mag-bandmates kami tapos hindi na kami bandmates. Of course, that was long ago. We’re all in our early 20s. Parang practically we grew up together so pati yung mga immaturity namin pinagdaanan namin together.

“I think we all understand now na iba na tayo kesa sa dati. Minsan sayang. Ako minsan parang bittersweet sa akin because I’m happy na maka-reunite kami. Minsan binabalikan ko, ‘Sayang ‘no hindi natin tinuloy.’ Parang we could have also made music together. But I guess dun talaga because it was that particular time in our lives. We were all young and just finding our way,” she added.

Moreover, Barbie’s newlydropped Tower Sessions Live album under Sony Music Entertainment is a “dream come true” for her. “It’s been my dream to be able to record these songs na live version. It’s a different experience when you play it live na sabay-sabay na. Of course, you have to prearrange the song na mas maganda siya sa live,” she said.

The album is a mix of old

and new tracks, including Firewoman, Torpe, Tabing Ilog, The Dance, Goodnight, Just a Smile and the latest tracks Days Are Long, Silaw, Tigre and Kumpas, which is the album’s carrier single.

On her staying power in the music industry, she credited it to her “amazing team” and the musicians she got to collaborate with.

Barbie was born into a family of musicians in Roxas City and she has been playing the guitar since she was 11. Reaching 25 years in the music business was a “surprise” to her as she “didn’t plan it at all.” She has loved playing music since she was young. Her ultimate dream is to “just continue making music and just playing and writing songs because that’s what I enjoy the most.”

Looking back, she recalled how she felt the “pressure through the years” in the music industry and the “ups and downs” of her career.

“Because it’s really not the same. Not every song that you put out will be received the same way right?”

“I guess what helps me again going back to that original reason why I started writing music which is for the joy of it,” she reflected. Besides “the pure joy of writing songs,” what keeps her going are people encouraging her to continue music, including her husband Martin Honasan.

There was also a time when Barbie couldn’t write songs. She recalled, “Parang siguro nagsawa na rin ako sa style. I just needed some inspiration, something new right. So I tried to write for

She also admitted that while she got excited to act again, she felt nervous to go back.

“But at the end of the day, this has

always been my first love. At ang sarap ng pakiramdam na babalik ka ulit na gawin yung isang bagay that you’ve always loved to do, that even if it took a long time, it will always feel like home,” she furthered.

AraBella follows the story of a loving mother, Roselle, who searches for her lost daughter. Even though it has already been 10 years since her child was kidnapped, Roselle still believes that they will be reunited.

And with the help of a TV show, Roselle meets Ara, a teenager who got kidnapped during childhood and is now searching for her real mother. Both of their narratives match and it gives them hope to finally bring their family back together.

But amid their blossoming relationship, Roselle and Ara found out through DNA tests that they are not blood-related. Despite this saddening result, Roselle still decided to adopt Ara. However, everything will change as the real daughter, Bella, returns.

After being kidnapped when she was a child, Bella experienced all the misfortunes in life and had to grow up with her adoptive grandparents. She also learned to become a con artist in order to survive.

How can Roselle accept Bella who is now a completely different person? What will happen to the good relationship between Roselle and Ara? Who has the right to stay in the arms of Roselle — the scheming real daughter or the kind-hearted adopted child?

“AraBella” premieres today at 3:25 p.m. on GMA Afternoon Prime and Pinoy Hits.

Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV. For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMANetwork. com.

Playing the daughters competing for her love as Shayne Sava as Ara and Althea Ablan as Bella.

Wendell Ramos also stars as Gary, and Alfred Vargas as Ariel.

To prepare for her role, Prats said, “I familiarized myself with Roselle’s role in order to prepare for the right nuances of the character.”

Completing the star-studded cast are Klea Pineda as Gwen, the young and cunning stepmother of Roselle; Abdul Raman as Justin, a nerdy guy who will become Ara’s best friend; Saviour Ramos as Ed, a blind follower who will do everything for his love, Bella; Ronnie Lazaro as Lolo Hadji, and Ms. Nova Villa as Lola Madonna. They are the deceitful adoptive grandparents of Bella. n

a couple of years but nothing that I was writing came out right. He (Martin) did help me get back on my feet with writing. We started writing songs together. Along with the songs that you can actually hear in this album is a collaboration between my husband Martin and myself.”

“A lot of help from my friends, love for music and always entrusting God’s plan,” added Barbie on getting through the difficult times. “For me, honestly, ilang beses na akong, ‘God, baka tapos na. God, baka iba na yung ipapagawa mo sa akin.’ But, for me, it’s just a daily thing that I ask him to guide me and I’m just

thankful that I still got to do it. So praise God for that.”

What Barbie wished to tell her younger self was “to just enjoy the ride, trust God and don’t worry so much.”

She also offered this piece of advice to young musicians: “Be grateful where you are like what you are doing and maybe pwede ba yung don’t worry too much (about the future).”

Barbie is now a mom of two to Noa Stina and Liam Israel who also showed interest in music — Stina is into piano while the latter is into guitars.

Being a mom and a wife have made Barbie “appreciate music more.”

“Aside from something that you can enjoy (music) tremendously that gives you so much happiness, yung nostalgia, yung joy, ganyan, but it’s also a tool. I don’t know if it’s just because they are my kids and I’m a musician, but somehow they gravitated towards music,” she said.

“

Kahit nagtuturo ako sa kanila before like in vocabulary or math, we used music. We create songs to help them memorize. For example, in a multiplication table, we (would create) a lot of songs. We made use of a song to help them in their school. It also served as a bonding for our family.” n

Female alt-rock idol Barbie Almalbis celebrates over two decades as a musician with a new album and a reunion concert with former bandmates. Philstar.com photo memories.

Camille Prats Photo from Instagram/@camilleprats

Fil-Am athlete Anton del Rosario expands 7’s Football League’s reach outside PH

Xian, Ashley deny rumored ‘secret’ romance

by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPUSO stars Xian Lim and Ashley Ortega denied romantic rumors between them.

A social media user recently directly messaged the pair’s figure skating coach Ronan Capili to claim that the two were secretly seeing each other.

“Matagal na kitang pinagmamasdan at inoobserbahan. Madaming balita mismo galing gma ang nakakarating sa akin na ikaw mismo ang kumukunsinti dyan kay Xian Lim at Ashley Ortega at sa lihin na relasyon nila,” the Internet user said.

“Coach ka na din pala ng panloloko ngayon. Paano mo naatim na tulungan ang Xian Lim na ‘yan na lokohin si Kim (Chiu)? Paano mo nagawang maging daan para patagong magkita ‘yan si Xian Lim at Ashley Ortega na yan at lokohin si Kim? Wag sana kumita ‘yan show niyo, mga manloloko,” the Internet user added.

During the press conference of their series “Hearts On Ice,” Xian clarified the rumors.

“The coach that you’re talking about is Coach Ronan, my coach since I started being on ice. Since day one, siya talaga ang naka-witness ng paghulog ko. And Coach Anna Bermudez, she’s here. She’s our consultant for ‘Hearts on Ice’,” Xian said.

The actor said that it’s possible that the social media user saw them when they’re practicing ice skating.

“So, wala, e, public. Public ‘yung skating rink. Hindi naman namin puwedeng ipasara kahit gusto namin for safety rin, baka makasagasa kami ng mga bata. So, we’re skating in public. So ‘yung mga emote-emote namin nakikita ng public” he said.

“Siyempre, nagtataka sila, ‘Bakit yung dalawa, nag-eemote-emote rito?’ I think, that’s where it came from. And unlikely na sabihan nila is si Coach Ronan,” he added.

For her part, Ashley said that they are just friends.

“Kami ni Xian, we’re just friends. Siyempre, nakakatanggap din ako ng mga ganyang ano, almost every single day, pero dedma na lang ako,” she said. n

Del Rosario, who himself founded the first 7’s Football League in the Philippines in 2018, has been at the forefront of this growing football community and wants to take the lead in actively promoting it in the coming years, not only in the Philippines but also in the entire Asian region and eventually to the world.

“We are creating a sport here and I am in this godly mission because I know what it could do for the world. If we’re able to create another sport, it’s like creating another whole industry. Imagine the jobs that would be created, all of the players, all of the coaches and all the kids that get to dream to play professionally on another sport. It’s much more than a sport, it’s being able to give back and make an impact to the world,” del Rosario told the Asian Journal in an interview.

The 41-year-old football superstar believes that the seven-a-side football, which is a mini variation of the 11-a-side football played in a much smaller field, will be a big thing in the future.

“They say football is the most popular sport in the world but imagine all of these kids, there are not a lot of football fields for all of these kids all over the world. People are playing a smallersided football already but has not been structured to it. So that’s where me and my company comes in to create that structure,” he said.

Kickstarting 7’s football league

Seven years ago, del Rosario partnered with

7’s Football League (7s

focus on seven-a-side

Starting from less than 10 teams in 2018, the Americanborn footballer is proud to have tremendously increased the size of league over the years.

“I started in 2018 in the Philippines with eight teams. Last year, we ended the year with 350 teams across the country of the Philippines. We are now in nine cities. With our partner AIA Philippines (formerly Philamlife), we are the largest men’s and women’s football league in the Philippines,” he said.

So far, the 7’s FL already had four seasons. It has a two-tiered men’s division, a women’s division, and youth divisions. It is also currently affiliated with the Federation Internationale de Football

7 (FIF7). The league should have expanded in the fifth season in 2020 but was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Just a year after its inception, 7’s FL received the Best in Sports Youth Development Program award at HR Asia’s Sports Industry

Awards and Conference. HR Asia is the most authoritative publication for HR professionals in the Asian region.

In 2021, the franchise launched further leagues in the United States and across Asia providing an opportunity

Del Rosario receives “Best Youth Development Program” award at the SPIA Asia Conference on behalf of the 7’s Football League.

Photo courtesy of Anton del Rosario/Instagram

SEVEN-A-SIDE football (soccer) is becoming increasingly popular in the world. And at the helm of this emerging and innovative sport is world-class Filipino American football legend and entrepreneur Anton del Rosario.

by Donnabelle GatDula-arevalo / AJPress

Participants of the 7’s Football League youth division. Photos courtesy of Anton del Rosario/7’s Football League premier insurance company AIA Philippines to pioneer the

FL) in the Philippines. The league, which was formed to

football competitions locally and internationally, is being played using a mix indoor futsal and standard football rules in a much smaller field.

Xian Lim and Ashley Ortega Philstar.com photo

Fil-Am athlete Anton del Rosario expands 7’s Football...

to people to chase their dreams, to be able to unite players of all ages from all over the world and build a community for football in every city where 7’s FL makes it available for all, giving each person a chance to grow and enjoy their passion.

This year, 7’s FL will hold major milestones in the history of seven-aside football by launching two major tournaments: one in Taguig in the Philippines from April 21-23 and another one in North Carolina in the United States from June 1-2.

Fostering partnerships

As many countries around the globe have already started their journey to the seven-a-side football, del Rosario admitted that Asia still requires a much-needed push to further develop this emerging sport.

“In Europe, they already have organizations playing this. South America have organizations playing this. They are the ones who actually reached out to me and introduced me to this and their big problem is that they can not secure Asia. So that’s where I want to come in and I want to be the one to create Asia for all of us,” he revealed.

“Asia’s quite hard, unless you’re there. Unless you have somebody active and believing in it, as much as we do, then it becomes very difficult,” he said, when asked why most Asian countries are still a little bit hesitant to go into this new type of sport.

Del Rosario reiterated his eagerness and enthusiasm to become a prime mover in making seven-a-side known in Asia and then to the rest of the world. “Soccer is the number one sport in Asia, that’s why it’s going to be very successful. Actually, I believe it’s going to be successful anywhere,” he added.

This innovation in the sport of football, he said, will make it more popular and acceptable. “Everybody knows that soccer has been under FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association). FIFA only owns 11-a-side soccer, foot soccer and beach soccer. We are coming in and we are creating seven-a-side soccer similar to what’s happened

in basketball. Basketball is played five-on-five. Right now, they have a version which is now getting popular, three-on-three, so we want to bring this more modern, exciting style of the most popular sport (football)in the world, to the world,” he stressed.

Del Rosario, who entered the football world since the tender age of six, played as a right back or center-back for Maharlika Manila (of which he is also a co-founder and co-owner) and represented the Philippines national team for a decade from 2004 to 2014. He has also teamed up with private companies, a group of goal-driven professionals, and government entities to accomplish the goal of putting a mark on seven-a-side football across the world.

These partners will help del Rosario and his company in facilitating future events and tournaments, making each game not just a regular football competition but uniquely thought off event with a lot of music, arts and festivities.

For instance, 7’s FL took in the group of Gonzalo “Bogie” de Guia of TapGo Digital Media Ventures to provide an exciting live streaming coverage for each event.

“I think, we as a company, TapGo is looking for ways to help football in the Philippines and to make football available and football is actually the national sports for Filipinos and not basketball and we feel that there’s huge untapped market for football to be the national past time of the Philippines,” de Guia, TapGo co-founder and chief technology officer, said.

“We are excited to stream the 7’s event, the international part of it. We are very excited to be part of this. This is something we see as a long-term partnership and we know that the right people around, with the right partners, this will grow in to something really big,” the TapGo honcho added.

De Guia has committed to bring a broadcast quality stream and coverage to this event. “Once you see your kids playing in broadcast

quality format, that is something will be proud of and at the same time we want to make sure that Filipinos and Asian eventually in the region watching. We want them to see quality event both online and on TV. That is something that we bring in to the table, something that make sure that people will love,” he added.

The company is also tapping Ovation Productions to handle the festivities and concerts that would be showcased as part of tournament.

“We want to make sure that we bring quality games, good competition and working with people like Ovation will be able to bring other communities, when we talk about communities, football and sport, they go hand-in-hand with music, art especially in the modern day. This is why bringing Ovation into our whole event, it would make so much sense because I think that’s where the future of the events could go where we have a great sporting events, mixed in with good music events,” del Rosario said.

Del Rosario also brought on board Dion Ugbebor, a U.S.-based Filipina who is a social impact and change driven entrepreneur with businesses and partnerships globally in health care, technology, real estate, sports, entertainment and social solutions.

“I believe in humanity and the powerful change we can make together. Each of us have the role to make that happen- make it passionate, bring your best self. Leadership matter,” Ugbebor said.

Being in the healthcare business for more than two decades, Ugbebor is sincerely keen on bringing change and uplifting people’s lives by supporting efforts that will make a significant difference to the society.

“There’s a lot of passion and excitement on the ground. Sevena-side is getting really popular in the Philippines and it’s just a great opportunity for us to bring forth something innovative with a live streaming platform like TapGo, and at the same time, create a platform for our children, for our families, for our community to tell their story and be heard. [This] sport is more than a sport. What a way for us to do this with great partners, and wanting to have the same mission which is to make an impact to the community and make a difference and do something bigger than we can be proud of as Filipinos and bring it to Asia and hopefully the globe,” she said.

Eddie Mallari, who handles the marketing side of 7’s FL, for his part, sees this sport gaining ground with the advent of social media platforms which are readily available to stream these sports events.

“It’s kinda becoming a trend,

especially for social media and things being online nowadays, it’s something a lot easier to attain now than it was say 10-15 years ago. The response has been very good,” Mallari said, when asked how they expand their reach for support, specifically from Filipino Americans.

Mallari recalled his experience when he got the chance to play for the Philippine national team years back. “I really did not grow up in a Filipino community and when I heard about the opportunities to be able to play football for the national team and eventually it became professional, it gives (them) an opportunity and an advantage. One thing that gives (them) the advantage is because you’re a Filipino, you get a Filipino passport and you get treated as a local,” said Mallari.

“We are seeing more and more Fil-Ams coming here (Philippines) and to play with the national team, play with the local clubs, send their kids for youth tournaments,” he added.

Long-term goal

“Our goal eventually is to try to make it free for kids. I want to be able raise funds from sponsors and local governments to make it possible,” del Rosario said.

It was noted that it is only in the Philippines and in the U.S. that football is a fee-based sport.

“The U.S. and the Philippines are probably one of only two countries where football is a paidto-play model and generally, it’s for the people who can afford but everywhere else in the whole world is pretty much for free and its a mass sport,” Mallari, meanwhile, pointed out.

Mallari shared del Rosario’s vision, saying that making football free would only be achieved through collective efforts.

“What does it take? It’s community’s building, getting sponsors, people who have the same mission as us to really get support so it would eventually become free in places like the Philippines and the U.S. And it has slowly started happening in the U.S. in he past 10 years and should improve a lot faster than it is, and we kinda wanna do the same thing out here in the Philippines as well to make it a mass sport where it’s not just the privileged people than can pay to play,” Mallari said.

Del Rosario has actually started to draw up a concept to make this free-for-all football games for the youth.

The 7’s FL executive is optimistic that this goal would be attained in the near-term.

“Give us one year to create a concept in each of these countries and give us another six months to gather sponsors. I should say in two years’ time, we should be able (to achieve this goal),” he said. n

Kids participate in Maharlika Manila Youth Academy.

Photos courtesy of Anton del Rosario/7’s Football League

7’s Football League includes a women’s division.