032224 - San Diego Edition

Memorial

Generational wealth now in reach for first-time California homebuyers

families — especially those of color.

Now, the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) is changing that for firstgeneration homebuyers with its Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan Program.

Dream for all The program, now in its second round thanks to $250 million from the state legislature, helped 2,000 homebuyers in its first round in April 2023. Dream For All is aimed to help another 2,000 now through a mortgage-lowering loan of up to $150,000 or 20% of a house purchase price, whichever is less.

u PAGE 3

by Dona Z. PaZZibugan

Melvin gascon Inquirer.net

VISITING U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the world had seen the Philippines successfully assert its maritime rights in the South China Sea against Beijing’s “provocative actions.”

In a joint news conference on Tuesday, March 19 with his counterpart, Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, Blinken reaffirmed his government’s “ironclad” commitment under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty to defend the Philippines in case of

an armed attack on its forces, including the coast guard, “and that will also be anywhere in the South China Sea.”

“I think the Philippines has been extremely successful in pursuing and asserting its rights under the law and we have seen that and the world has seen that. The world has also seen the very actions you described taken by China in violation of international law and (Philippine) rights,” said Blinken, who was in Manila from March 18 to 19.

Historic investment: NaFFAA NY awarded $1.6M for community center in Queens

by MoMar g visaya AJPress

REPRESENTATIVE Grace Meng (D-Queens) has secured over $1.6 million in Federal Community Project Funding for the National Federation of Filipino American Associations New York Chapter (NaFFAA NY). This allocation, included in the recent fiscal appropriations passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden last week, marks a significant milestone in the development of a multicultural, multipurpose community center in Woodside, Queens.

PH second ‘happiest’ country in SE Asia - report

by aric John sy cua ManilaTimes.net

The report surveyed 143 countries.

The

u PAGE 4

Blinken’s visit—his second since President Marcos took office in June 2022—is part of a brief Asia tour that also included South Korea. Blinken’s renewed defense pledge follows recent incidents involving Philippine and Chinese vessels near disputed reefs off the Philippine coast, including collisions.

The funding, obtained through Representative Meng’s advocacy, reflects a commitment to empowering and enriching communities in need.

“We extend our sincerest gratitude to Representative Grace Meng for her commitment to the district, and empowering and enriching its residents in need,” said Rachelle Ocampo, president of NaFFAA NY. “This funding will enable us to expand our collective reach and impact, providing a dedicated space for our community to come together, celebrate our Filipino heritage,

“These waterways are critical to the Philippines, to its security, to its economy, but they’re also critical to the interests of the region, the United States and the world,” Blinken said at the joint press conference. “That’s why we stand with the Philippines and stand by our ironclad defense

Philippine, US, French navies to sail in West PH Sea for Balikatan

by John eric MenDoZa Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Philippines, United States, and France will conduct sail in the West Philippine Sea next month in a move that is expected to irritate China.

The trilateral naval drills will be conducted as part of the 2024’s Balikatan exercise, according to Col. Michael Logico, the exercise’s executive agent.

“This is also a new thing,” Logico said of the trilateral naval drills distance during the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) regular press conference in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Logico explained the AFP conducts group sails during Balikatan but only inside the 12 nautical mile territorial waters of the country.

“Now we are venturing outwards,” he said.

Logico said at least four AFP ships and one from the French Navy will join the sail, while the total number of participating U.S. Navy ships has yet to be determined.

The Philippines has a visiting forces agreement with the U.S., which is the basis of such activities.

u PAGE 2

Fil-Am leader Jessica Caloza advances to general election in bid for California Assembly

Apollo Quiboloy arrest, detention at Senate ordered by AJPress

by Maila ager Inquirer.net

MANILA — Pastor Apollo Quiboloy has been ordered arrested and detained at the Senate following his continued refusal to face the chamber’s investigation of his alleged crimes.

The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality led by Sen. Risa Hontiveros issued the order, which was signed by SenatePresident Juan Miguel Zubiri on Tuesday, March 19.

According to a one-page document released by Zubiri’s office, Quiboloy was “ordered arrested “and detained at the Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms until such time that he will appear and testify in the Committee, or otherwise purges himself of that contempt.”

FILIPINA American community leader Jessica Caloza is on her way to making history and securing a seat in the California state Assembly as she advances to the November general election.

Caloza earned first-place in the race for California’s 52nd Assembly District, with 23,330 votes, or nearly 30%, topping a crowded field of 10 candidates during the March primary. Assembly District 52 includes south Glendale, Eagle Rock, Mt. Washington, Highland Park, Glassell Park, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Atwater Village, Lincoln Heights, Loz Feliz, East Hollywood, Cypress Park, Elysian

Valley, Monterey Hills, Hermon, Montecito Heights, El Sereno and East Los Angeles. There are about 13,000 Filipino American voters in this district.

In response to the election results, Caloza said, she was “humbled and grateful” to the votes for “believing in our shared vision of building a brighter future that uplifts all voices and communities that don’t always feel heard and seen in the halls of government.”

She thanked the volunteers, supporters, and organizations for supporting her first-time public office run.

She added, “We are going to take this momentum into the General Election because we u PAGE 3

TRADITION. Vendors from Real, Quezon prepare palaspas (woven palm fronds) along Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, outside Santo Domingo Church, on Thursday, March 21. Catholics will commemorate Palm Sunday on March 24 to remember Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, greeted by people waving palm branches. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

Filipina American community leader Jessica Caloza File photo

Hayley Alvarado’s family poses for a photo at Robinson’s Place Residences in the Philippines: (from left) Hayley’s youngest brother Hanson on their mother Portia’s lap, brother Harley, Stephen Alvarado and Hayley. Contributed photo

PH success in asserting rights vs China...

PAGE 1

commitments, including under the mutual defense treaty.”

Trilateral meet Blinken’s trip comes ahead of a trilateral meeting in Washington next month between U.S.

President Joe Biden, President Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Announcing the three-way summit with the Asia-Pacific allies, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the leaders would push a “shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Biden’s meeting with Mr. Marcos and Kishida at the White House on April 11 is the latest in a series of meetings with AsiaPacific allies.

Manalo thanked his counterpart for the U.S. government’s “consistent support in regard to recent incidents in the South China Sea in the past year.”

He stressed the Philippines was committed to managing disputes under a rules-based international order and international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).

The Philippines in 2016 won a historic arbitral award under Unclos that invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea and upheld the Philippines’ exclusive sovereign rights over the portion referred to as the West Philippine Sea.

China, however, has refused to accept the ruling.

“We reaffirmed our shared view that a strong and capable Philippines would make a formidable ally for the United States. On this note, I underscored the importance of more substantial U.S. investments toward enhancing our defense and civilian law enforcement capabilities,” Manalo said.

Easing global tension

In Malacañang, President Marcos on Tuesday said the successive high-profile engagements between the Philippines and the United States, including Blinken’s visit, were only meant to tone down the tension in the international community and improve relations among countries.

“I hope that all these efforts

we are making are making some success because it is of great importance to [us too,]” he told Blinken and his delegation, who paid a courtesy visit to the Philippine leader in Malacañang on Tuesday afternoon. During the call, Blinken confirmed to the president the latter’s upcoming trilateral meeting in Washington.

“I think a new horizon of cooperation is also incredibly promising, but it is also building on the very strong foundation of our countries where we have the same priorities whether it’s economic development, whether it’s dealing with climate change, with food security, of course upholding international law—all these things are front and center [at the end of the day],” he said.

Blinken agreed with earlier pronouncements by Manalo describing U.S.-Philippines relations as “in hyperdrive.”

“That is so true, we see it across every domain, it’s something we attach very great importance to and now we have your upcoming visit to Washington,” he told Mr. Marcos.

Blinken mentioned having discussions with Manalo about “working on a number of challenges around the world,” without citing specifics. Anti-U.S. sentiment But not everyone was happy with Blinken’s visit.

The militant labor group

Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) cautioned Malacañang against capitulating to the interests of Washington and American corporations, saying this would lead only to more lopsided economic policies at the expense of the Filipino people, especially workers.

“There’s no explanation here except that the Marcos administration is bending its knees too much in favor of the interests of the U.S. and its giant corporations, resulting in direr conditions for labor,” KMU secretary general Jerome Adonis said in a statement.

The United States, he said, is currently facing a crisis in its tech industry due to lesser semiconductors and computer chips coming from China.

He warned that U.S. capitalists investing in the Philippines to produce the materials would want to maintain their “super profits” and give Filipino workers low wages.

The labor leader claimed that the ongoing attempts to amend the Constitution’s economic provisions, increased security ties with the United States, the recent trade mission, and U.S. investments were “all nefarious steps to regain favor lost in the last six years of the Duterte regime, and to further entrench the U.S. into Philippine politics, economy and military.” —with reports from Jerome Aning and AFP INQ n

The visiting forces agreement with France is still in the works, but Logico said Paris could nevertheless join such drills since it will be conducted outside the territorial waters. He also shrugged off China’s expected objections during the drills.

“We are not deterred by how other countries think about what we are doing,” Logico said. “You cannot defend the country worried about what other people are thinking.”

China asserts ownership in almost the entire South China Sea, including most of the West Philippine Sea, despite a 2016

Memorial held for Fil-Am teenager found dead in... Philippine, US, French navies to sail...

a true blessing,” he said. “She faced challenges with grace and resilience, and her determination to always strive for the best inspired us all. These memories are just a glimpse into the beautiful life Hayley lived.”

Hayley, who had been missing since she left her Jersey City home on Dec. 17 last year, was found dead in Newark Bay near a park in Bayonne. The medical examiner has not yet determined the cause of death.

A memorial for Hayley was held on March 18 at the Greenville Memorial Home in Jersey City, followed by a funeral mass on March 19 at the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church.

“(Hayley’s death) pains me every day,” said Hayley’s aunt, Yul Avestruz, who described the teenager as “the rose of our family…sweet, adorable and charming in many ways.”

Avestruz has been making arrangements for Hayley’s “homecoming” in Tacloban, the family’s hometown, where Alvarado’s cremated remains will be buried. Avestruz recalled their recent family trip to the Philippines, where Hayley “was ecstatic to frolic on the beautiful sand of Bohol.”

“Our two-week vacation was the most memorable for me. Since then, she had randomly messaged me about her life’s updates and I couldn’t be prouder (of her achievements),” Avestruz wrote in her online tribute. “I love you more than

words can say.”

international tribunal ruling effectively dismissing its claims.

The Philippines’ maritime activities in the Ayungin Shoal and Scarborough Shoal are also being thwarted regularly by China Coast Guard (CCG), sometimes even resorting to “dangerous maneuvers” and usage of water cannon and military-grade lasers against Filipino vessels.

The presence of Beijing’s vessels are also seen regularly during Manila’s joint sails with other countries like the U.S. and Australia. But so far, the CCG and Chinese Navy remain at a safe distance from Filipino and American warships during these activities. n

Hayley’s cousin Ayra Alvarado said she felt proud when Hayley graduated summa cum laude in high school and recalled how Hayley “was fond of hugging me…how caring and kind she was as a little girl.”

Another cousin, Alika Eloisa Alvarado, remembered how Hayley’s smile “could light up the whole room.”

“I will miss you, our sweet Angel. Ate Alika loves you and I will forever cherish our moments together,” she wrote.

Hayley’s public speaking mentor, Meghan Gill, described the teenager as “one of the dearest, most talented and brightest lights in our world, shining so brilliantly for those who had the honor of knowing her.”

“Lee won the ‘excellence in public speaking’ award in my class last summer. Her topic was ‘eat the rich,’ putting 100 percent of her entire self, her passion and intellect into the presentation,” she wrote. “May the Lord embrace and hold her close, now and forevermore.”

Teacher Roya Saqib recalled how Hayley was not only a talented student “but also a wise and compassionate individual who possessed a depth of knowledge beyond her years.”

“She cared deeply about creating a better world for all and was a staunch advocate for social justice,” she wrote. “Lee’s commitment to fighting against racism and discrimination was truly inspiring. Despite her young age, she astounded me

with her profound political awareness.”

Hayley’s friend and classmate, Milo Ferrara, recalled how he mistakenly thought Hayley was shy. “She might have taken a day or two to warm up, but Lee quickly showed herself to be outspoken, bantering confidently with us and our teacher. Lee was possibly the funniest person I’ve ever known, Ferrara wrote.

Another friend, Anjilena

Osenenko, said she will always cherish the time they spent together, “every project, every book we read, every game we played, every show we watched, every moment in class.”

“Half of all that I am, the half I am proud of, is because of my best friend and the precious memories that we shared. I hope you rest peacefully, Lee,” Osenenko wrote.

In an interview with Inquirer.net USA, Stephen Alvarado shared his message for Hayley’s peers and to the youth, in general:

“I hope this message stays with you during our time in this beautiful world. Balancing school and life can indeed be challenging, but I urge you to remain focused on your education,” Alvarado said.

“Every obstacle you encounter is a chance for growth and learning. Embrace these challenges, stay determined and never doubt your ability to overcome them. Keep moving forward, and always believe in yourself.” (By Jun Nucum/ Inquirer.net) n

STRENGTHENING TIES. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson and other officials, meets with President Marcos in Malacañang on Tuesday, March 19 as part of his two-day visit that aims to strengthen U.S.-Philippine relations.

Photo by Marianne Bermudez

Historic investment: NaFFAA NY awarded...

and access valuable resources.”

Ocampo emphasized the center’s potential to serve as a hub for celebrating Filipino heritage and accessing vital resources, benefiting residents across New York.

Congresswoman Meng’s efforts have secured over $13 million for 15 crucial projects throughout Queens, demonstrating her commitment to delivering resources that enhance safety, services, and quality of life for residents. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Meng’s role in determining federal funding allocation underscores her dedication to serving Queens.

“Here in Queens, we deserve to receive the federal funding we need, and I am proud to continue delivering critical money for our borough,” said Congresswoman Meng. “I will never stop fighting for Queens and working to bring back resources from Washington that improve services, safety, and quality of life for residents. I look forward to these important projects moving forward and seeing them serve our communities.”

The investment represents the largest federal grant awarded to a Filipino-led organization in New York State, highlighting the historic contributions and pressing needs of the Filipino American community. Beyond serving as a testament to Filipino heritage, the center aims to foster inclusivity, opportunity, and hope for the diverse communities of Woodside.

According to Meng’s proposal, a Filipino community center in Woodside, Queens,

consolidates resources and services, streamlining access to educational, cultural, and social opportunities. By promoting social cohesion and economic vitality, the center serves as a catalyst for community development and empowerment. Its impact extends beyond the Filipino American community, benefiting residents from various backgrounds.

NaFFAA NY looks forward to collaborating with government and civic leaders, engaging diverse stakeholders, and serving New Yorkers. With a dedicated leadership team and community-driven approach, NaFFAA NY is poised to realize the center’s potential and meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves.

As plans for the community center unfold, NaFFAA NY remains committed to its mission of fostering leadership, civic engagement, and community building among Filipino Americans.

“NaFFAA looks forward to the continued partnership with government and civic leaders, diverse local stakeholders, and the Filipino community. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the organization and the New Yorkers we look forward to serving,” said Michelle Amor, executive director of NaFFAA NY.

The NaFFAA New York Chapter is currently led by president Rachelle Ocampo, executive director Michelle Amor, vice president Stevenson Van Derodar, treasurer Alyssa Trinidad, Director of Public Policy Clifford Temprosa, Director of Community Relations Clare Collins, and Director of Digital Engagement Sabrina Tesalona. n

Fil-Am leader Jessica Caloza advances...

have so much to fight for—cost of living, affordable housing, homelessness, climate action, gun violence prevention, public education, reproductive freedom, healthcare for all, and so much more. I look forward to continuing to make the case to voters in the coming months why our team can deliver real progress for District 52.” Caloza is vying to make history as the first Filipino American woman elected to the California state Legislature.

She has served at the highest levels of government at the federal, state, and local levels. Currently, she works as deputy chief of staff for Rob Bonta, the first Filipino American to serve as the California Attorney General, and previously worked for President Barack Obama.

Before working for Bonta, Caloza served as the first Filipina on the powerful LA Board of Public Works.

The general election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. n

Generational wealth now

“With this program, we’re trying to jumpstart the generational wealth that owning a home can get you,” said CalHFA Information Officer Eric Johnson. “If it’s a 20% loan, for example, you do have to pay that 20% when you sell or refinance the home, plus 20% of what you’ve gained in the sale, so we can use that money to fund the next generation of new homebuyers.

To be considered a firstgeneration homebuyer, applicants must not have owned their first home in the last seven years, and their parents must not currently own a home — or, if they died, must not have owned one at their passing. Those who were in the foster care system at any time also qualify.

To qualify for the loan, at least one person on it must be a California resident and at least one person must be a first-generation homebuyer, but these need not be the same person. Income limits also apply per county, though they are as high as $287,000 for buyers in Santa Clara County and $280,000 for San Francisco and Marin.

“It does feel a little bit strange that a low-to-moderateincome homebuyer can make that much, but that’s where California is these days,” said Johnson.

Unlike the “first come, first served” first round of loans in 2023, this application period will be a lottery randomly drawn from applications filed between April 3 and April 29, so that funds are distributed more fairly. Although no announcement date for drawn names is set after they’re audited, it will likely be the first or second week of May.

To enter the lottery, firsttime homebuyers will need a credit approval letter from one of CalHFA’s approved lenders. Those who win the loan have 90 days to find and buy a home.

There are so many Californians who have a good income, who have good jobs and credit, but haven’t been able to save up for a downpayment, not having the advantage of intergenerational wealth,” said Johnson. Generational and racial wealth gaps

A disproportionate amount of these homebuyers are from

communities of color, said Maeve Elise Brown, Executive Director and Founder of Housing and Economic Rights Advocates (HERA).

In 2023, the homeownership rate for Black U.S. households was at 45.9% — 28.6 percentage points below the white rate of 74.4%. For Latino households, the gap was a similar 25.8% below the white rate.

A 2022 poll with similar results found that 38% of white adults said they’d received at least $10,000 in gifts or loans from a relative for large expenses like a down payment, while only 14% of Black, 16% of Latino and 19% of Native American adults had.

“Though homeownership has been a generational economic driver, property values are outpacing our ability to pay them” — the average California home price is over $765,000 as of March 2024 — “and the debt people of color carry, especially student debt, creates a downpayment and safe loan credit barrier,” said Brown.

Black bachelor’s degree holders, for instance, have an average of $52,000 in student debt, and four years after graduation they hold nearly twice as much debt as their white peers. 46% of Black student borrowers are likely to put off buying a home due to this debt.

As this wealth gap expands, the racial homeownership gap is stagnating, said Ria Cotton, a broker and owner of Cotton Realty.

As of 2022, 72% of white Americans, 63% of Asian Americans, 51% of Hispanic Americans and 44% of Black Americans owned a home.

While the overall American homeownership rate rose from 64.7% a decade prior to 65.5% in 2022, the Blackwhite homeownership gap rose from 26% to 29%, according to the National Association of Realtors.

“The Dream For All loan lets people historically disadvantaged from buying a home leverage that generational wealth, but we can’t stop there,” explained Cotton. “We have to start with helping communities build credit, minimize debtto-income and save for a downpayment, and talk about what happens after you buy — from foreclosure prevention, to

in reach for...

developing more property, to using your credit for equity, like buying a car for lower interest rates.”

“Our message with this loan program is: ‘There’s hope. It’s still possible to buy a house in California,’” added Johnson.

“We have a wealth gap in this country that’s driving unequal homeownership, and this loan shows us how much your generational legacy matters in powering through it,” said Cotton. (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Servies) n

the City of San Diego (City) is seeking to receive Electronic Bids for the below named Public Works project. The solicitation, including plans and specifications, may be obtained from the City’s website at: https://www.sandiego.gov/ cip/bidopps Contractors intending to submit a Bid must be prequalified. Please refer to the solicitation for instructions.

Project Name: San Ysidro

Activity Center Improvements

Project Number: K-24-2246-

DBB-3-A

Estimated Value: $3,140,000.00

Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting: 03/26/24 at 10:00 A.M

(MS Teams)

Bid Due Date: 04/29/2024, at 2:00 P.M.

License Requirement: A

It is the policy of the City of San Diego to encourage equal opportunity in its Construction and Consultant contracts. Bids or proposals from local firms, small, minority-owned, disabled, veteran-owned, and womenowned businesses are strongly encouraged. Contractors are encouraged to subcontract with and/or participate in joint ventures with these firms. The City is committed to equal opportunity and will not discriminate with regard to race, religion, color, ancestry, age, gender, disability, medical condition or place of birth; and will not do business with any firm that discriminates on any basis. Bids shall be received no later than the date and time noted above at: City of San Diego’s Electronic Biding Site PlanetBids at: https://www.planetbids. com/portal/portal. cfm?CompanyID=17950

Claudia C Abarca, Director Purchasing & Contracting Department March 15, 2024 3/22/24

CNS-3793968#

ASIAN JOURNAL

Apollo Quiboloy arrest...

“We

“Should the witness appear during the next hearing and purge himself of contempt, there will be no need to order his arrest.”

Zubiri reiterated that the purpose of the arrest order was “not to punish but to make the inquiry potent and compelling.”

Quiboloy and his Kingdom of Jesus Christ church have been the subjects of the Senate probe following allegations of sexual abuse, human trafficking, forced

labor and other human rights violations.

Before ordering the arrest and detention of the sect leader, Hontiveros’ panel issued a show-cause order to Quiboloy so he could explain why he should not be arrested even after his repeated failure to appear during its public hearings. Zubiri maintained that the

case involving Quiboloy is a “committee matter.”

“Therefore, it is the committee which should determine the sufficiency of Pastor Quiboloy’s response to the show-cause Order,” he said, noting Hontiveros “found no merit in the explanation” given by Quiboloy thorough his counsel.n

PH second ‘happiest’ country in SE Asia...

Indonesia, 80th; Laos 94th; Myanmar, 118th, and Cambodia 119th.

China ranked 60th, Japan, 51st, and South Korea 52nd.

Finland topped the list with a score of 7.741, followed by fellow Nordic countries Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden.

Malacañang hailed the new report, pointing out that it coincided with the rise in the satisfaction, trust, and approval ratings of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The Social Weather Stations survey conducted from December 8 to 11, 2023 showed 65 percent of adult Filipinos were satisfied with the performance of the president.

Meanwhile in the OCTA Research Group’s “Tugon ng Masa” survey conducted on December 10-14, 2023, respondents gave the chief executive a score of 76 percent trust rating and a 71 percent approval rating.

The bottom 10 countries are Yemen, Zambia, Eswatini, Malawi, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Congo, Sierra Leone, Lebanon, and Afghanistan. n

EDD benefit payments now issued on new Money Network prepaid debit cards

April 15 is the last day Bank of America debit cards can be used

THE Employment Development Department (EDD) in the State of California began issuing payments for unemployment, disability, and Paid Family Leave customers on new Money Network prepaid debit cards on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Benefit payments are no longer issued on Bank of America debit cards. The EDD previously announced it was reaching out to its customers with related timelines and information to assist them in transitioning to Money Network Cards.

“Through our partnership with Money Network, we are enhancing how we deliver benefits to our customers,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias.

“That includes introducing a direct deposit option later this year – the fastest, most secure method for receiving payments.”

Receiving Money Network cards

Individuals with active claims who qualified to receive benefit payments after January 15 were mailed an unfunded Money Network Card in preparation for the transition. It may take up to 14 business days from the date of qualification for the new card to arrive. Individuals who don’t receive their card after that period may contact Money Network at 1-800-684-7051.

Additional information about the Money Network Card is available at moneynetwork. com/edd in 21 of California’s top spoken languages. This includes instructions on how to activate the card, how to avoid fees and locate surcharge-free ATMs in local areas, FAQs, and translations of important “Terms and Fees” in all supported languages. Customers can choose their preferred language by selecting the globe icon at the top of the webpage as shown (see webpage screenshot).

Closing Bank of America cards

Important deadline: April 15, 2024, is the last day individuals will be able to use their Bank of America debit card in this transition. Customers are encouraged to use or transfer any remaining balance on their debit cards before that date

or submit a request to Bank of America to be issued a check in the amount of remaining funds. Visit Debit Card (https:// edd.ca.gov/debitcard) for more information.

Help us fight against fraud

The EDD will never request personal information by text message, email, or on social media. Text messages asking to activate a benefits debit card by selecting a link are scams. The EDD’s text messages only link to websites that include “edd.ca.gov”. The Department encourages customers to remain vigilant and safeguard their financial and personal information. Visit Help Fight Fraud (https://edd.ca.gov/en/ about_edd/fraud) for tips on

how to avoid scams.

Upcoming service updates

Later this year, the EDD is set to implement a new direct deposit option for benefit payments. Details about this option will be provided in upcoming communications. This service improvement is part of EDDNext, a multi-year transformation effort to improve the EDD customer experience – updating technologies and self-service choices, streamlining forms and notices, and enhancing staff efficiency through updated policies and procedures. The goal is to make the EDD experience for customers a smoother and faster one.

(EDD Release) n

Dateline PhiliPPines

De Lima asks Muntinlupa court to junk remaining drug raps

MANILA – Former senator Leila De Lima’s lawyers have filed a demurrer to evidence before a Muntinlupa regional trial court (RTC), seeking the dismissal of the remaining drug charges against her alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison when she was secretary of justice.

A demurrer to evidence is filed by the accused after the prosecution rests, seeking to dismiss the case on the grounds of insufficiency of evidence.

In a 52-page motion filed before Muntinlupa RTC Branch 206, the defense said the prosecution, which completed its formal offer of exhibits in the case on March 11, “failed to present evidence even to just substantiate a denial of bail.”

The motion said the prosecution also “failed

to show evidence of the supposed conspiracy between de Lima and the other accused to commit illegal drug trading.

It noted that several government witnesses, including persons deprived of liberty, have expressed their desire to recant their testimonies against De Lima.

De Lima was charged with three cases of conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading. She was acquitted in two drug cases by Muntinlupa courts in February 2021 and in May last year.

Last November, Muntinlupa RTC Branch 206 granted bail to De Lima, with the court citing that the prosecution was unable to discharge its burden of establishing De Lima’s guilt sufficient to deny bail. (PNA) n

Economic Cha-cha gets final House OK

by Delon Porcalla Philstar.com

MANILA — As scheduled, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading on Wednesday night, March 20 Resolution of Both Houses No. 7 that will relax stringent economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution, in hopes of attracting more foreign direct investments (FDI) into the country.

Voting 288-8 with two abstentions, administration lawmakers stamped their approval on the proposed economic Charter change (Chacha), which will introduce key amendments to lift restrictive provisions in public utilities and the education and advertising sectors.

Speaker Martin Romualdez said the final approval of RBH7 came after two weeks of exhaustive plenary deliberations that started last Feb. 26, preceded by two weeks of equally extensive and marathon hearings of the committee of the whole.

Romualdez said the proposed economic amendments are the “last piece in the puzzle of investment measures” that the administration of President Marcos has been taking “to sustain our economic growth, create more job and income opportunities and, in general, make life better for Filipinos.”

Padilla’s medical cannabis bill reaches Senate plenary

MANILA – Senator Robinhood

Padilla on Wednesday, March 20 ushered Senate Bill (SB) No. 2573 or the Cannabis Medicalization Act of the Philippines to the Senate plenary under Committee Report No. 210 after being signed by 13 senators.

In his sponsorship speech, Padilla reassured that SB 2573 has enough safeguards from cultivation until it reaches qualified patients.

chairs the House committee on constitutional amendments, disclosed this last week during plenary debates on RBH7, where he, along with several other proponents, delivered his sponsorship speech.

“Magkakaroon po tayong mga electronic monitoring systems in place upang masubaybayan ng pamahalaan at ng kinauukulan na ang lahat ay tumatalima sa mga limitasyong isinaad ng batas (We shall have electronic monitoring systems in place that will enable the government and authorities to ensure that everyone adheres to the limitations stated in the law),” he said.

The approval by Congress and by the people of the proposed amendments “will send a powerful message to foreign investors and the international community that the Philippines is now fully open for business and for investments,” he added. As pointed out by numerous resource persons during the committee of the whole deliberations, the proposed amendments “are necessary, but not enough” to attract FDI, according to the speaker.

“We heard the wise counsel and suggestions of resource persons and experts. We assure the business community and our people that we are working on the other factors affecting investments, like ease of doing business, the high cost of power, infrastructure and similar issues,” he said.

Unknown to many, the chief justice that the late former president Cory Aquino appointed, along with the prime minister of the late former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., have endorsed economic Cha-cha as early as 25 years ago as a way of boosting the country’s economy.

Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, who

“These changes, if ratified by our people in a plebiscite, will greatly boost these measures, including our president’s investment missions abroad, which have generated actual investments and pledges in billions of dollars and created thousands of jobs,” the speaker said.

Rodriguez recalled that the short-lived administration of former president Joseph Estrada, for which he served as immigration commissioner, created what was known as the Preparatory Commission on Constitutional Reforms (PCCR), which released a report in December 1999.

“The credentials of the PCCR commissioners are impeccable. It was chaired by former chief justice Andres Narvasa and included former prime minister Cesar Virata, former chief justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, former National Economic and Development Authority directorsgeneral, legal luminaries, renowned economists,” Rodriguez said.

Narvasa, while an appointee of Aquino, was also a very good friend and legal consultant to Estrada.

Rodriguez, a former law dean, quoted the PCCR report that based on “objective data,” policies on “equity participation, management ownership in economic enterprises and factors of production are dynamic and therefore, must not be carved in stone.”

The Narvasa-led commission

Padilla said only a qualified patient will be allowed to use cannabis for medical purposes and in designated treatment facilities.

Under SB 2573, physicians will be prohibited to prescribe medical cannabis if they have no S2 license; if the patient is unqualified; and if it will not be used for a certain medical condition, as well as prescribing beyond the needed dosage of the patient.

They are also not allowed to prescribe medical cannabis for themselves and relatives up to second degree of consanguinity or affinity.

“Inilatag na rin po natin ang mga partikular na ipinagbabawal na gawain para sa mga medical cannabis industry player, gayundin sa mga indibidwal at iba pang (We also have laid down particular prohibitions for medical cannabis industry players, as well as individuals from other) entities,” Padilla assured, saying strict regulations will govern the importation of such products.

Meanwhile, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who chairs the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, decided to co-sponsor SB 2573 and

No.

cited Section 2 of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 stating that the government shall “aim to achieve a balance in the national drug control program so that people with legitimate medical needs are not prevented from being treated with adequate amounts of appropriate medications, which include the use of dangerous drugs.”

“Examining this more closely, then, we can see that the proposal of our dear colleague, Senator Padilla, is in full consonance with the existing anti-illegal drugs policy of the government,” dela Rosa said.

“In cultivating the passage of this bill, then, we are giving our patients relief from their suffering. We are giving them a comfortable fighting chance,” he added.

The PMCA will draw up a Comprehensive Cannabis Medicalization Plan; regulations for the medical use of cannabis; a monitoring and regulating system for medical cannabis; and issue licenses for registered entities for the medical cannabis industry. It shall also provide for research and development on medical cannabis.

Also, a Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee (MCAC) led by the DOH Secretary as ex-officio chairperson shall be created. Its members include the Chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), DirectorsGeneral of the Food and Drug Administration and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Secretaries of Science and Technology and Agriculture.

Patients are to register with the PMCA for an identification number and registry card with QR code.

The list of medical cannabis products being proposed to be legalized will be limited to edibles, pills, oil, tincture, flower, topicals, and inhalers. (PNA) n

Under the bill, a Philippine Medical Cannabis Authority (PMCA) shall be created under the Department of Health (DOH), and will follow the structure of the Israel Medical Cannabis Agency (IMCA) under the Israel Ministry of Health in issuing permits and licenses for the use of medical cannabis.

Senator Robinhood Padilla in a photo taken during a study tour on medical cannabis in Israel in May 2023. Padilla on Wednesday, March 20 sponsored his Senate Bill (SB) No. 2573, or the Cannabis Medicalization Act of the Philippines, at the Senate plenary under Committee Report

210 after being signed by 13 senators. PNA photo

PH vows to advance, safeguard rights of Filipino migrant women

MANILA – The Philippine government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights of Filipino women migrating from their town of origin, specifically to other countries.

At a 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) side event in New York on Wednesday, March 20, National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Undersecretary Girlie Amarillo said the Philippines has made great strides in advancing women’s rights and women empowerment but pointed out the gaps and challenges that still need to be addressed, especially those faced by farmers, indigenous women, and migrants.

Amarillo said the latest census data shows that more than half of all migrants in the Philippines are women who are at higher risk for abuse and exploitation compared to their male counterparts.

“This is why our efforts to safeguard the rights of migrant women is continuous,” she said.

In 2023 alone, the Philippine government assisted more than 30,000 migrants in need of legal assistance, closed more than 600 web pages that were detrimental to the rights and welfare of migrants, and strengthened its monitoring of migrants entering regions where illegal recruitment is rampant.

She noted that the government also provides options for Filipino migrant women to return and find jobs or livelihoods back in the Philippines.

Giving an example, she said migrant teachers have been given the option to work for public elementary and high schools upon their return to the country.

Amarillo also cited the various livelihood assistance and seed capital programs available to returnees, with special focus on women whose jobs are affected by hostilities, crises, termination, disasters, abuse, and illegal recruitment.

Government interventions include programs aligned with addressing other gender-based challenges in health care and childrearing.

Also last year, she said, more than 40,000 migrants and their families received medical aid from the migrant-focused overseas Filipino workers (OFW) Hospital and Diagnostic Center.

The Overseas Filipino Worker Children’s Circle was established in 2022 to help the children of migrant workers mitigate the social costs of having a parent working overseas.

Amarillo likewise delved into the migration of women from the provinces to urbanized areas across the Philippines in the hope of getting out of poverty.

“We look deeper on the magnitude of poverty in our country and data shows that more poor families are living in the highly urbanized region and provinces,” she said, noting that even the richest province in the country hosts the most number of poor families.

“This indicates a pattern of migration from rural areas resulting (in an) increase in population of informal settlers in the urban areas, women and girls included.”

As this phenomenon increases the need for social, economic, and ecological services in urban communities, she said, the government also implements various programs focused on health, education, food, shelter, jobs, and solid waste management, among others.

For Manila’s long-term strategy, Amarillo cited the country’s efforts to create more development centers in potential areas to provide more employment and livelihood as a way to prevent further migration.

“Such decentralized development can likewise increase capacity to provide basic services and will further benefit and capacitate girls and women,” she said.

“With these accomplishments, we are reminded that our efforts must be inclusive and far-reaching.”

The event was organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to advance gender equality and women empowerment in the context of poverty and migration. (PNA) n

Advertisement for Bids

Economic Cha-cha gets final House...

PAGE 5

also reported that “a survey of East Asian economies and their approaches to foreign investment policies disclosed that, invariably, the mode of regulation by all the countries is by legislative action rather than by constitutional mandate.”

Save for Thailand, whose constitution contains a restriction against foreign ownership of mass media companies, all other East Asian countries have “no provisions in their constitutions prescribing specific citizenship or foreign investment equity ratios similar” to the Philippines. In essence, Rodriguez said the PCCR recommended that “economic policies should not be embedded in the Constitution,” but their formulation should be left “to the economic managers and Congress, depending on the needs of the times.”

The PCCR commissioners declared that such “questions are better addressed by the electorally accountable bodies of the government, which must decide these questions after weighing the costs and benefits attendant to such decision.”

No pressure

The Senate will not be pressured by the House of Representatives following its approval of RBH7.

Sen. Sonny Angara earlier said that he, as chairman of the Senate constitutional amendments subcommittee hearing the measure, was not instructed to railroad the passage of the Senate’s Resolution of Both Houses No. 6. “I have no commitment to rush this. When I was given an instruction by the Senate President, he said, make your own schedule as you see fit,” Angara said in an interview over radio station dwIZ on March 9.

“As long as the committee hearings and consultations that we will conduct will yield good results,” he added.

The STAR reached out to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri for his reaction on the House’s speedy approval, but he has yet to respond as of last night.

The Senate targets to wrap up committee hearings soon to hold plenary debates on Chacha during the resumption of session from April 29 to May 24, according to Angara. Congress adjourns sine die from May 25 to July 21.

SD#0313

Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will electronically receive bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services for: CC24-0990-50-00-00 SINGLE POINT OF ENTRY AT MULTIPLE SITES

A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024, outside the main office of Birney Elementary School, 4345 Campus Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103. Upon completion of the first site, contractors shall proceed to the following sites in the order listed: Roosevelt Middle School, 3366 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92103, Jefferson Elementary School, 3770 Utah Street, San Diego, CA 92104, Garfield Elementary School, 4487 Oregon Street, San Diego, CA 92116. Prime contractors must be present at all 4 sites in order to bid this project. All attendees must preregister with the District prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified. org/sitewalks. The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s online Planroom at sandiegousdplans.com. All bids must be received electronically via PlanetBids before 1:00 p.m. on APRIL 19, 2024. Prime contractors interested in submitting a bid must go to tinyurl.com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CC24-0990-50-00-00 Single Point of Entry at Multiple Sites. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is between $1,100,000 and $1,200,000, inclusive of allowances. This is a PSA project and requires prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: B, or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, George A. Harris III, Director, Fiscal Controls and Information Systems, Facilities Planning and Construction CC24-0990-50-00-00.

Advertisement for Bids

Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will electronically receive bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services for: CC24-0999-05-00-00 NEW FENCING AND GATE MOVE AT JONAS SALK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Angara said that he targets to bring the measure to the plenary before the president’s State of the Nation Address in July.

The senator set the “filing deadline” for Cha-cha in the Senate in October, to give the Commission on Elections (Comelec) time to prepare for a plebiscite to coincide with the 2025 midterm elections.

Economic Cha-cha

If the Senate would vote now on efforts to amend the 1987 Constitution, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa would vote for it.

In an interview with reporters on Wednesday, March 20, Dela Rosa said he is supportive of the move to amend the Constitution, particularly the economic provisions.

“It’s OK, but for economic Chacha,” he answered when asked by The STAR whether he would vote for or against Charter change.

He added that he would keep an open mind on the matter as the Senate is still discussing it. “The economy really needs to be opened up,” the senator said.

The Senate is in the process of discussing RBH6, which did not make it before Congress went on Lenten break starting on Wednesday.

The proposed measure authored by Senate President Zubiri, Senate Pro-Tempore Loren Legarda and Angara was not calendared during the last session week of the Senate.

The Senate would rather prioritize bills listed in the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) than rush the passage of the proposed measure pushing for the amendment of the 1987 Constitution.

“Yes, (the Senate will tackle RBH6 after the Lenten break) because this week is for LEDAC bills like (government) procurement reform laws and others,” Angara told The STAR in a message via Viber. Zubiri committed to President Marcos to pass all legislative measures being pushed by the administration by June this year.

“Good news: many of the president’s requests here, in LEDAC, we’ve already approved, both houses of Congress and are already in the final stages. Either only the president’s signature is needed or it’s just up to the bicameral conference committee meetings, which is going to be a law very soon,” Zubiri said. He added that 15 of the

measures would be completed before the Senate’s sine die adjournment and the remaining eight would be passed by June.

During the 6th LEDAC technical working group meeting last Jan. 16, 21 bills were identified as priority measures for passage by June this year but were eventually narrowed down to 15, considering the limited remaining session days.

The LEDAC, however, moved to add five more priority measures that will support social and economic initiatives to be passed by June. These include the proposed Open Access in Digital Transmission Act, Enterprise-based Education Program (Apprenticeship Act),

CREATE More, An Act Creating the Department of Water Management and Amendments to the Universal Health Care Act. Junk RBH7

In a related development, cause-oriented groups on Wednesday urged the Senate and the Comelec to junk RBH7.

The groups under the No to Cha-cha Network said the Chacha initiative being pushed by legislators in the House of Representatives will likely ignore the Senate in getting the required three-fourths vote of all members of Congress and proceed to submit the measure to the Comelec. The move undermines the bicameral nature of Congress and its attendant system of checks and balances, according to the groups. “The Senate and Comelec should not allow such an abomination. RBH7 will open a Pandora’s box of self-serving amendments unilaterally proposed by the Lower House,” they said in a statement.

Among these amendments are extension of terms of office of elected officials, lifting of term limits and shift to a unicameral parliamentary system that abolishes the Senate.

Around 1,000 demonstrators from various groups held a rally in front of the Batasang Pambansa complex in Quezon City, which coincided with the scheduled approval of the measure on third and final reading.

Meanwhile, the Conference of Major Superiors of the Philippines (CMSP) said the Filipino people should exercise vigilance on the planned economic reforms in the 1987 Constitution and make sure that there would be no selfserving political changes.

In a statement titled “Whoever Does What is True Comes to Light” issued on Tuesday, March 19, the CMSP expressed concern over the continued push to amend the Constitution, which was initially clandestinely done, gathering signatures through the people’s initiative.

“The campaign to collect signatures for Charter change (Cha-cha) was done swiftly, initiated by the so-called concerned citizens and duly supported by some members of the Lower House and local government units. These schemes, however, were exposed in the light,” the CMSP said.

“We, in the Conference, are deeply concerned with this covert and deceptive move to change the fundamental law of the land. When done in darkness, it is likely that there are other interests and agendas behind this action,” it added.

The CMSP statement was signed by co-chairs Fr. Elias Ayuban Jr., CMF and Sr. Cecilia Espenilla, OP. n

A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024, outside the main office of Jonas Salk Elementary School, 7825 Flanders Dr, San Diego, CA 92126. All attendees must preregister with the District prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified.org/sitewalks. The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s online Planroom at sandiegousdplans.com. All bids must be received electronically via PlanetBids before 1:00 p.m. on APRIL 11, 2024. Prime contractors interested in submitting a bid must go to tinyurl.com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CC24-0999-05-00-00 Fencing and Gate Move at Jonas Salk Elementary School. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is between $55,000 and $90,000, inclusive of allowances. This is not a PSA project and does not require prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: C-13, or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, George A. Harris III, Director, Fiscal Controls and Information Systems, Facilities Planning and Construction CC24-0999-05-00-00. SD#0315

CURRENCY TALK. Old currency notes and coins are on display at the lobby of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Mindanao Regional Office in Davao City on Thursday, March 21. The BSP held a media information session on financial consumer protection and how to protect their rights.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

Adelante Counseling

at

Signature:

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

NO. 2024-9003743

IPROPERTY CLEANING located at 4560 Mission Gorge Pl, San Diego, CA 92120.

Registrant: KWIQ Management And Consulting LLC, 1240 E. Plaza Blvd Ste 604-117, National City, CA 91950.

This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Don Rubi. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/14/2024.

AJ 1359 03/01, 03/08, 03/15, and 03/22/2024. AJSD 1359 FICTITIOUS

BUSINESS

STATEMENT NO. 2024-9004258 Republic Moving & Storage - San Diego Movers located at 7071 Convoy Court, Ste 114, San Diego, CA 92111.

Registrant: Lovejoy’s Family Moving Inc, 8140 St Andrews Ave, Ste 200, San Diego, CA 92154. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Joseph William Lovejoy. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/26/2024. AJ 1363 03/01, 03/08, 03/15, and 03/22/2024. AJSD 1363

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9001690

Carnitas Y Chicharrones Ornelas Jrs located at 3269 Beyer Blvd, San Diego, CA 92173.

Registrant: Manuel Ornelas Navarro, 1180 W San Ysidro Blvd, San Ysidro, CA 92173. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER

THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/20/2024.

Signature: Manuel Ornelas Navarro. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/23/2024.

AJ 1366 03/08, 03/15, 03/22, and 03/29/2024. AJSD 1366

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9004615

Lance Place located at 10056 Rothgard Rd, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

Registrant: Matthews Homes Inc, 10056 Rothgard Rd, Spring Valley, CA 91977. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 11/07/2019.

Signature: Eva F Masoner. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/01/2024.

AJ 1367 03/08, 03/15, 03/22, and 03/29/2024. AJSD 1367

Sugar Rush located at 3010 Shelby Dr, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Catalina

Lopez, 3010 Shelby Dr, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/23/2024.

Signature: Catalina

CA 91950.

This business is conducted by A General Partnership.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT

BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Leticia Arias. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/22/2024.

AJ 1361 03/01, 03/08, 03/15, and 03/22/2024.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9004512

CB TaXecurity located at 6916 Alcona St Apt 34, San Diego, CA 92139.

Registrant: Cristina Balarbar, 6916 Alcona St Apt 34, San Diego, CA 92139. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Cristina Balarbar. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/29/2024. AJ 1364 03/08, 03/15, 03/22, and 03/29/2024. AJSD 1364

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9004658

Julian Perry Photography located at 9090 Judicial Dr Unit 9310, San Diego, CA 92122. Registrant: Julian Shov Perrry, 9090 Judicial Dr Unit 9310, San Diego, CA 92122. This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/2024. Signature: Julian Shov Perrry. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/01/2024.

AJ 1370 03/08, 03/15, 03/22, and 03/29/24 AJSD 1370

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9004520

a. Budget Painters located at 2832 Allew Way, San Diego, CA 92139.

b. Discount Painters located at 2832 Allew Way, San Diego, CA 92139.

Registrant: Florida Aguayo Baldwin, 2832 Allew Way, San Diego, CA 92139. This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Florida Aguayo Baldwin. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/29/2024. AJ 1365 03/08, 03/15, 03/22, and 03/29/2024. AJSD 1365

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9004873

Quick Haul Express located at 2356 Reo Drive Unit 390563, San Diego, CA 92139.

Registrant: Quick Haul Express, 2356 Reo Drive Unit 390563, San Diego, CA 92139.

SAN DIEGO

JOURNAL

Preser ving tradition: : The e journey of Asín

ITibbuok from B ohol ’s shores to the world

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

N the quiet town of Alburquerque, Bohol, 11 miles from the nearby capital of Tagbilaran City, a cherished tradition lives on. Here, amidst the soothing sounds of the sea and the salty air, artisans like Veronica Manongas-Salupan continue the age-old practice of making “asin tibuok,” or unbroken salt, treasured for its pureness and handcrafted excellence.

Veronica, a third-generation asindero” from Alburquerque, represents one of the few remaining families in the town dedicated to the meticulous art of producing asin tibuok

Reflecting on the recent unexpected surge in popularity of their craft, she humbly acknowledges the foresight of their ancestors in laying the foundation for this enduring legacy which they hope to continue at Tan Inong Asin Tibuok Kabilin.

Gratitude fills the hearts of the Manongas family as they extend appreciation to their steadfast supporters, including Filipino American businesswoman Lennie DiCarlo, whose visionary efforts have brought the flavors of asin tibuok to the United States since 2017. With approximately 3,000 pieces bound for the U.S. this quarter alone, the journey of asin tibuok transcends borders, captivating palates and igniting culinary imaginations. From the kitchens of renowned chefs to the social media feeds of influencers, asin tibuok has garnered acclaim, earning accolades from esteemed institutions like the Culinary Institute of America.

Veronica and her family’s dedication to preserving the pre-colonial tradition has not gone unnoticed, culminating in her recognition as one of the esteemed winners of the 2024 Lakbay Bukid Awards, honoring her role in farm tourism development.

“We hope to maintain the quality of the asin tibuok and that people continue to support and use it,” Salupan told the Asian Journal. “We will continue to do this to honor the legacy of our ancestors who gave it to us.”

The revival of asin tibuok stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of heritage preservation. In an era where

artisanal craftsmanship is celebrated as the pinnacle of culinary excellence, this rare sea salt holds a special place. Beyond its culinary allure, asin tibuok embodies the rich tapestry of Bohol’s cultural heritage, drawing visitors to the humble shores of Albur.

The actual process is quite labor-intensive as Tan Inong workers showed us when we

visited Albur recently as part of the Winter Escapade Tour of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Tourism.

First, the coconut husks are soaked for 3 to 4 months to absorb the salinity of the seawater. Then, they are chopped, dried, and burned to become gasang or ash. Seawater is then filtered through the gasang to extract the salt, resulting in tasik, which is boiled in handmade clay pots for up to eight hours until it forms the recognizable eggshaped mass of salt.

Resurgence

Before the revival of asin tibuok, the industry lacked financial viability. Artisans primarily engaged in saltmaking to exchange for rice grains with farmers. However, in recent times, this dynamic has shifted. Even affluent individuals in the province have begun purchasing their asin, which now commands prices starting at around P800 pesos.

Adversity struck with the passage of Republic Act No. 8172 in 1995, mandating iodine supplementation in all manufactured salt in the country. The law wanted to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders by mandating all salt producers and manufacturers to iodize their products. Coupled with the toll on their father’s health, salt production at Tan Inong’s halted, casting a shadow over their endeavors.

Veronica’s brother, Fr. Cris,

Veronica Manongas-Salupan is a third-generation asindero along with her siblings who helped revive the family’s Asin Tibuok business back in 2010.

During our visit to Alburquerque on the Winter Escapade Tour, Tan Inong workers demonstrated the labor-intensive process of making asin tibuok. Coconut husks soak for more than three months, absorbing seawater salinity, then chopped, dried, and burned to ash. Seawater filtered through the ash extracts salt, which is then boiled for up to eight hours to form the iconic egg-shaped salt mass. AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

Tour participants of Winter Escapade 8 who opted for the Bohol culinary tour visited the town of Alburquerque to see how Asin Tibuok is made at Tan Inong’s.

Clean CA community transformation event in San Diego

CALTRANS, Clean California and I Love A

Clean San Diego (ILACSD) are excited to announce a major community cleanup and beautification event in San Diego on Saturday, April 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon as part of the ongoing efforts to keep local California communities clean and beautiful. Community groups, local businesses, and residents are invited to volunteer and join the event to help beautify and transform the Azalea Park area.

Azalea Park (4036 Pepper Drive, San Diego, CA 92105) is located in Manzanita Canyon Open Space within San Diego’s Pueblo Watershed.

The event aims to revitalize Azalea Park. Volunteers will engage in litter cleanup, spruce up the Azalea Park Water Conservation Garden, restore park benches and tables, remove invasive species (such as Mexican Palm Fan and Eucalyptus), plant native species, and install interpretive signs. Educational tables with recycling games and activities will promote environmental stewardship and the Clean California initiative. Cleanup kits with bags, gloves, vests, trash grabbers and other required tools will be provided for volunteers.

To RSVP as a volunteer, visit ILACSD’s Community Hub at https://cleansd.org/cleancalifornia-community-transformation-event/.

This event is made possible by Governor Gavin

Newsom’s Clean California initiative, a sweeping $1.2 billion, multiyear cleanup efforts led by Caltrans to remove trash, create thousands of jobs, and join with communities throughout the state to reclaim, transform and beautify public spaces.

Since launching Clean California in July 2021, Caltrans has helped fund 319 projects and removed nearly 2.3 million cubic yards of litter from state highways. That is enough to fill about 700 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The program has also created nearly 8,700 jobs that have helped Californians overcome barriers to employment and drawn more than 10,000 volunteers to events ranging from community cleanups to large debris collections for appliances, tires, and mattresses.

Celebrating 70 years in 2024, I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is an environmental nonprofit supporting residents and businesses of San Diego County. ILACSD was founded in 1954 and has since evolved into the nonprofit it is today, providing programs that are an environmental catalyst, awakening passion and inspiring action, empowering members of the community to be leaders in conservation and waste-free living. For more information, to volunteer or donate, visit CleanSD.org or call

IRS problems, there is NO END IN SIGHT! You get up every day with this incredibly large problem on your shoulders. You wonder if today might be the day when the IRS shows up at work, at home, or if they decide to take your money in the bank or your paycheck. This is a HUGE BURDEN TO CARRY EVERY DAY!

SOLUTION: Are there ways out of IRS problems? Yes, there are. But you must make the decision to end them and no one else can decide that for you. When you decide that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH and you want the things that everyone else has and YOU’RE READY TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT, there are options available to you!

1) You may qualify for tax debt forgiveness depending on what the IRS sees as your “reasonable collection potential.” This takes into account assets, property, and your income.

2) You may qualify for CNC or “currently not collectible status.” If you have no money to pay now because you are unemployed or have limited income, the IRS may leave you alone until your situation gets better.

3) You may qualify for an installment agreement to pay based only on what you can afford to pay. In some situations, you may not even have to pay the full amount.

4) You may qualify for penalty abatement. Did you know that in some cases, a big chunk of what you owe is due to penalties? By having some of the penalties waived, your tax debt could be reduced significantly.

5) Are you a non-filer? Do you have multiple years of unfiled

returns and are afraid to face the IRS? By voluntarily admitting that you have failed to file your returns for years, the IRS can be less forgiving and allow you to get back on track. Remember, it is not a crime to owe taxes. But it is against the law to willfully evade taxes by not filing a tax return when required.

The above scenarios are typical, and I see them every day. My office specializes in ending the misery of debt problems, including IRS problems. We do all the talking with the IRS. We will handle all the meetings and correspondences with the IRS. We will keep the IRS away from you and your family so that you can go to work and carry on a normal life.

Your IRS problems will not go away by themselves. Let us help you understand your options in ending your IRS nightmare!

If you owe the IRS, the State, EDD or State Board of Equalization, my office can help you find the best solution to resolve your tax liability. You will never have to speak with the IRS again. I will review your case and help you make the best decision for yourself and family.

* * *

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

* * *

None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray J. Bulaon has successfully helped over 6,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-471-8272.

(Advertising Supplement)

Janella Salvador ‘reimagines’ her music

by Christina alpad ManilaTimes.net

JANELLA Salvador might be known as a pop singer when she’s not slaying her acting roles in TV series and movies.

But on Thursday, March 21, the 25-year-old returned to her first love with a new sound.

“I always loved jazz, it’s something that I’m always attracted to even as a child. I feel like in my past life I was probably a jazz bar singer because it really speaks to me,” Salvador said at the launch of her new single, “headtone.”

Headtone is a sultry single about the tension of waiting for a passionate rendezvous with one’s lover.

“I wish I could say I wrote this song, but this was from the brilliant Kiko Salazar. When I first heard this song, I fell in love with it instantly because it’s the vibe I’m looking for,” Salvador added. The latest Star Music release comes a month before Salvador’s first major concert.

“Janella Reimagined: The 10th Anniversary Concert” is set on April 19 at the New Frontier Theater. Salvador will have special guests Martin Nievera, Jane De Leon, Marlo Mortel, Darren, Jenine Desiderio, Arizona Brandy, Brigiding, Lady Morgana and Miss Jade So. The Kapamilya actress-singer

is thrilled for the chance to showcase her evolution as an artist in the show.

“Even if I’ve been singing since I was young, many people still don’t know that I’m a singer. Many people know me as an actress and I feel like there are so many sides to me that people haven’t seen. This is why we named the concert ‘Reimagined,’” Salvador shared. With the release of “headtone,” her upcoming single “Karma” and her anniversary concert in April, Salvador is more than grateful to finally have a hand in her music career.

“I’m excited [with my new music] because for the first time, this is the kind of music that I really want to put out. It’s not that I don’t like my previous songs, but I was only 16 years old when I released my first album. I wasn’t really in control of the things that I would want to put out.

“I’m grateful to be able to assert myself in my music today and do more of jazz, R&B and chill music.” n

Preserving tradition: The journey of...

PAGE 9

embarked on the ambitious task of reviving the art of asin-making in 2010, facing resistance from fellow artisans daunted by the laborious process and uncertain returns. Undeterred, he pressed forward, securing a loan to breathe life into their ancestral craft.

As tourism in Bohol blossomed, a glimmer of hope emerged, culminating in a fortuitous 2016 meeting with Lennie DiCarlo, founder and chief executive officer of xroads Philippine Sea Salts. With renewed vigor, the Manongas family resumed their production, guided by a commitment to quality and authenticity. As demand soared, aided by the efforts of individuals like Bea Crisostomo, the ranks of asin-makers swelled, breathing new life into an age-old tradition. Today, four families in Bohol continue the legacy, perpetuating the timeless art of

crafting asin tibuok Recognized by the Slow Food Ark of Taste in 2016, asin tibuok stands as a beacon of cultural heritage, a testament to the enduring legacy of Bohol’s shores. From the hands of Veronica’s grandfather, barangay captain Saturnino (better known in the village as Tan Inong), to the skilled artisans of today, each grain of asin tibuok encapsulates the essence of tradition, honoring the ancestral wisdom passed down through generations.

As Veronica looks towards the future, her hopes are simple yet profound: to preserve the quality of asin tibuok and ensure its continued appreciation by all who savor its unique essence. With unwavering dedication, she and her family stand as stewards of a timeless tradition, honoring the legacy of their ancestors and the enduring spirit of Bohol’s shores. n

City of San Diego launches recruitment for new Fire Chief

Current Chief Colin Stowell announced plans to retire in August following 34 years of service

SAN DIEGO – On Monday, March 18 the City of San Diego launched a nationwide search for a new Chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, including a public survey and community forums to gather feedback from San Diegans.

Chief Colin Stowell, who is San Diego’s 18th fire chief, joined the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) in 1988, and has served the City of San Diego for 34 years. He recently announced he will be retiring in August 2024.

Two community meetings are planned in early April to allow San Diegans the opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions about the qualities and characteristics they desire in the city’s next Fire Chief. For those unable to attend one of the community meetings in person, an online survey (https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/ CLM6M5R) is available.

Meetings will be held on the following dates, times and locations:

• Wednesday, April 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 6401 Skyline Dr.

• Thursday, April 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Kearny Mesa Recreation Center, 3170 Armstrong St. Community members who are interested in participating

“Chief Colin Stowell’s dedication and service to the city has been invaluable, and I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “As we search for a new Fire Chief, we’ll be gathering community input to ensure we find candidates who reflect the values and priorities of our city. I encourage all San Diegans to participate and help us identify an effective leader who’ll work hard to continue to keep San Diegans safe.”

in the meetings are encouraged to RSVP online; however, an RSVP is not required to attend. Language interpretation and accessibility services will be available during the meetings upon request. Candidates for the job will undergo a series of interviews, including a stakeholder interview conducted by a panel of community leaders nominated by City Councilmembers and Mayor Gloria. Candidate selection is anticipated in June 2024 with final interviews scheduled for May. Information about the recruitment process and timeline will be shared on the city’s Fire Chief recruitment webpage (https://www.sandiego.gov/ next-fire-chief). The city has contracted with Bob Murray & Associates, an executive recruitment firm, to lead the recruitment process.

(City of SD Release) n

City of San Diego seeks public input on plans to locate jobs and homes near transit, parks and services

SAN DIEGO – Recently, the City of San Diego released the second draft of Blueprint SD, which helps guide where more new homes and jobs near transit, parks and services should be located. San Diegans are encouraged to review and provide their feedback on the plan. Blueprint SD updates and creates new policies in the city’s General Plan, which serves as the city’s guiding framework for community plan updates and the long-term future growth and development of the city.

“These updates are part of our sustained effort to ensure our community plans support our goals of building more housing and improving our neighborhoods now and into the future,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “They underscore our commitment to walkable communities served by transit to give people more transportation options and help us meet our climate goals.”

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau show the majority of San Diegans currently drive alone in vehicles to get around and that vehicle traffic contributes to more than half of the harmful greenhouse gas emissions in the city. The new proposed General Plan policies focus on reducing those emissions in the future by creating opportunities for more homes to be built closer to jobs, schools and other daily needs, and to encourage new development near public transit.

It takes into consideration recent housing needs, the city’s Climate Action Plan goals and the San Diego Association of Governments’ new vision for the region’s transportation system, also known as the 5 Big Moves.

Blueprint SD will also add the potential capacity for hundreds of thousands of new homes, which will be added through community plan updates based on community needs and feedback from the public.

Along with Blueprint SD, the city has also released the second drafts of the University Community Plan Update and the Hillcrest Focused Plan

San Diego City Mayor Todd Gloria says the recently released draft plans “are part of our sustained effort to ensure our community plans support our goals of building more housing and improving our neighborhoods now and into the future.”

File photo/www.sandiego.gov

Amendment, as well as a draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for public comment.

The draft EIR analyzes the environmental impacts that could occur if the plans are implemented.

The University Community Plan Update will provide guidance for how the community will be planned over the next 20 to 30 years, taking into consideration land use, mobility, infrastructure, urban design, public facilities and services, natural resources, historic and cultural resources, and economic development.

The Hillcrest Focused Plan Amendment, also known as Plan Hillcrest, is an amendment to the Uptown Community Plan, which was adopted in 2016. It will address placemaking, connectivity, housing and the neighborhood’s unique identity to ensure Hillcrest remains a thriving community in the future. It also celebrates the neighborhood’s unique LGBTQ+ history and culture.

The University Community Plan and Hillcrest Focused Plan Amendment will be

the city’s first community plans to implement the land use strategies identified in Blueprint SD. By providing an updated citywide framework for growth and a streamlined environmental review process, neighborhood-level planning efforts through future community plan updates can better align with the city’s climate goals. This means future community plan updates could potentially be completed within two to three years, versus four to five years. Ultimately, Blueprint SD will help communities be more keyed in on shaping their futures through community plan updates.

“In order to plan for a sustainable future and ensure we are doing our part to curb greenhouse gas emissions, we must have a strategy to grow our city – with new homes and good jobs – in a way that allows for successful investments in walking, biking and transit,” said City Planning Director Heidi Vonblum. “Blueprint SD will ensure we achieve just that – thriving communities with easy access to schools, jobs, parks, shopping and services – while making sure the city is doing its part to address the climate crisis.”

San Diegans will have until the end of April 2024 to comment on the draft plans and the EIR. Once input is received, the City Planning Department will incorporate feedback into the final plans. Those final plans will go through the public hearing process, where community members will have additional opportunities to provide feedback. They will ultimately be presented to the City Council for adoption later this summer.

San Diegans can learn more about these plans and comment by visiting the Blueprint SD webpage (https://www. sandiego.gov/blueprint-sd), the University Community Plan Update webpage (https://www. planuniversity.org) and the Hillcrest Focused Amendment webpage (https://www. planhillcrest.org).

(City of SD Release) n