042123 - New York & New Jersey Edition

DATELINE USA

Most CA taxpayers have until Oct. 16 to le taxes

APRIL 18 marked the 2023 Tax Day around the United States, but this year, some taxpayers across California have several months to file and pay their taxes.

The IRS previously announced an extended deadline for Californians to October 16, 2023 due to the damages from the storms in December 2022 and January 2023. The state of California also extended the state tax filing and payment due dates to the same October date.

The following counties are eligible for this extended tax relief, per the IRS announcements.

Residents and businesses in Alameda,

‘Improved Philippine ranking in terror index shows waning insurgency’

by ALEXIS ROMERO Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines’ improved ranking in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) proves that the government is “on the right track” in fighting insurgency, the National Security Council (NSC) said on Monday, April

17.

The Philippines is the 18th most affected by terrorism among 163 countries in this year’s edition of the GTI, a report produced by think tank Institute for Economics and Peace that analyzes the impact of terrorism worldwide.

While the country’s ranking improved from

17th last year, it was the second most affected country in Asia, second only to Myanmar.

The GTI assesses each country using a zero to ten scale, with higher values reflecting higher impact of terrorism. The Philippines’ latest score is 6.328 or “medium impact.”

“We welcome with great enthusiasm

in Sacramento

by DONNABELLE GATDULA-AREVALO AJPress

WHEN Filipino American veteran photojournalist Nicanor “Nikki” Arriola and his wife Julienne were attacked and assaulted in front of the California state Capitol in Sacramento, he knew it was a calling to speak out against hate incidents.

“It’s like a storyteller becomes a story,” said Nikki Arriola in an interview with the Asian Journal, recounting how he has usually been behind the camera in reporting anti-Asian attacks.

The couple was visiting relatives in Sacramento, with the photojournalist equipped

Philippines aims to be health information management destination hub for Asia Paci c

MANILA — Former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario — who played a key role in securing the landmark Hague ruling that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the West Philippine Sea — has passed away. He was 83 years old.

The Management Association of the Philippines, a business group, announced the passing of its former president on Tuesday, April 18. Del Rosario — also a

by CATHERINE S. VALENTE AND JAVIER JOE ISMAEL ManilaTimes.net

POLITICAL analyst Romulo

“Bobby” Tuazon said on Saturday, April 15 that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. could be held accountable in the event the Philippines was dragged into the Taiwan Strait conflict resulting from the country’s hosting of more American military installations under its Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States.

“I don’t believe in the statement of Bongbong Marcos that the EDCA sites will not be used against China because, in fact, he also said that if the Philippines needed help then the EDCA sites can be used, which means that any time those sites can be used not only over the tensions in the Taiwan Strait against China but also the maritime

BPO industry continues to perform well, expects 1.7 million direct jobs by year end

by MOMAR G. VISAYA AJPress

PHILIPPINE government officials and industry leaders from the ITBusiness Process Management (ITBPM) and Healthcare Information Management Services (HIMS) sectors held a business forum last week at the Philippine Center to share updates on the Philippine

economy, the state of the country’s ICT industry as well as opportunities in the industry.

Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba discussed the new industrial policy of the Philippines, which aims to grow globally competitive and innovative industries, build a more dynamic industry

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE

FOR A BETTER WORLD. The Bicol-based Kintab group starts assembling the “Surogpon Kita” (We are Connected) art installation exhibit at the Cultural Center of the Philippines front lawn in Pasay City on Monday, April 17. It will run from April 20 to May 28 as part of the Earth Day celebration and a reminder that if nature is revered and technology is utilized responsibly, there will be positive impacts on the environment. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

Albert Del Rosario, ex-top diplomat who won Philippines’ maritime case vs China, dies at 83

Fil-Am couple sheds light on hate incidents following assault

liable if new EDCA sites cause war – expert

Albert del Rosario, a businessman, served as Foreign Affairs secretary of the Philippines under the administration of President Noynoy Aquino. Philstar.com photo

Marcos liable if...

disputes in the South China Sea also against China,” Tuazon said in The Alphan Forum.

“So, it is possible that Marcos will not only be in violation of the One China policy, but he can be made accountable for violating the constitutional provision providing for an independent foreign policy because this whole fact right now is a pivot to the U.S., in contrast to the previous friendly pivot to China adopted by the Duterte administration,” he added.

Tuazon, director for policy studies of Center for People Empowerment in Governance, called on the Philippine government to review its “pro-U.S. policy” to avoid repeating the mistakes that have been made in the past.

“With the increasing presence again of military forces in the Philippines, I will not be surprised if the same atrocities that were committed against Filipino civilians in the light of the presence of the military bases of the U.S. before will be repeated soon,” he said.

“So that is, in fact, a call for the Philippine government officials to rethink and review its pro-U.S. policy,” Tuazon added.

Signed in 2014, EDCA grants U.S. troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, build facilities, as well as preposition their equipment, aircraft and vessels.

Permanent basing is prohibited.

The five current locations of U.S. military installations under EDCA are Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Basa Air Base in Pampanga; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan; MactanBenito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu; and Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City.

The new EDCA sites approved under Marcos will be established at the Naval Base Camilo Osias in Santa Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian remains hopeful that the Philippines and China will continue to peacefully coexist.

“Indeed, there are differences between China and the Philippines on the South China Sea issue. However, as neighbors across a narrow strip of water, relations between China and the Philippines are more defined by peaceful coexistence for over a thousand years and will continue to be so in the future. Friendship is always the main stream of our bilateral relations,” Huang said during the 8th Manila Forum for Philippines-China Relations at the Astoria Plaza Hotel in Pasig City on Friday, April 14.

“We each have our respective claims and positions regarding the South China Sea. Differences thereof should be resolved by parties directly involved through dialogues and with mutual respect. That is why China is committed to strengthening dialogue mechanisms between us,” he added. g

F rom the F ront P age

‘Improved Philippine ranking in terror index shows...

and optimism the latest results of the Global Terrorism Index released by the Institute for Economic and Peace showing a much improved ranking for the Philippines at 18th place for the year 2022 compared to being in the top 10 countries worst affected by terrorism several years ago,” the NSC said in a statement.

“This could only mean one thing: That the Philippine government is on the right track and by that we shall continue all counter-insurgency efforts we started years back, focusing mainly on our local peace initiatives and good governance espoused by NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict) under the guidance of our chairman, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” it added.

The NTF-ELCAC, which was formed under former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2018, seeks to provide “an efficient

mechanism and structure” that will implement a whole-of-nation approach in achieving “inclusive and sustainable peace.”

The NSC said the better ranking was a testament to the Philippine government’s “unrelenting resolve to address the root causes of insurgency.”

It cited the implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the creation of NTF-ELCAC, the “aggressive campaign” in preventing and countering violent extremism and the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

“While it may be true that the Philippines remains to date as the second ‘most impacted country’ by terrorism in Southeast Asia, the 2022 GTI noted that the Philippines recorded its lowest level of terrorism since the inception of the GTI,” the council said.

According to the NSC, the Philippines previously languished in the top ten list of countries battered by terrorism,

along with war-torn states like Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia.

“Such notoriety, according to the same reports, was due to the atrocities mostly committed by the communist terrorist group New People’s Army and armed groups affiliated with known international terrorist organizations,” the NSC said.

Citing GTI data, the NSC pointed out that from 2011 to 2020, the Philippines had hovered around the tenth spot in the index until it showed great improvements for the years 2021 (16th place) and 2022 (18th place).

The NSC said the Philippines’ ranking worsened between 2016 and 2017 when the country dropped from 12th place to 10th place, a development it attributed to “atrocious attacks” launched by communist rebels.

Despite the country’s better ranking, the NSC admitted that its work is “far from over.” g

Fil-Am couple sheds light on hate incidents...

with his two cameras during a stop at the Capitol to “take some human interests photographs that I could use for my work and my advocacy.”

However, the tourist experience took a turn and months later, the couple is determined to take action to prevent more hate crimes and incidents.

“This is definitely an eyeopener, not only for us, but for the entire society. We have to stand firm in letting the authorities know that we cannot just let these incidents pass and stay unnoticed. We should, as a society, also be vigilant against these types of crimes,” Arriola said, who noted that similar cases in the past have been left unresolved as most of the victims often opted to let them slide due to the fear of retaliation from assailants and possible immigrationrelated repercussions.

“We have met actual people who have experienced the same fate but who remained mum. They thought it’s just going to be a waste of time and the case will not prosper at all. Some of these people were ‘undocumented’ and they fear that coming out in the open and telling their ordeal will adversely affect their stay in the US. But we explained to them that [immigration] and police matters are totally different,” he added.

On February 1, while

now in jail, is awaiting a preliminary hearing on May 1.

“We can forgive him (the assailant) as God has told us offenders can change if given a chance, but we cannot let him get away with what he has done to us. We have the law. We have to let the law do its work,” said Arriola.

For her part, Thelma Sugay, president of the FilAm Press Association of California said they recently learned that police are now investigating a “person of interest” as the driver of the getaway vehicle.

to reports. The counts include two for robbery of the second degree and aggravated assault and a third count for elder abuse.

Arriola said their case is not considered a hate crime since there were no racist slurs involved during the incident.

speak out against hate incidents. Contributed photo Arriola, who was wearing his press badge, and his wife Julienne were strolling and taking pictures at the Sacramento State Capitol, a 6-foot man believed to be in his 30s tried to grab Arriola’s camera. When the couple struggled, the assailant kicked, punched and dragged them toward his getaway car. This incident reportedly happened in front of a crowd of witnesses.

“He didn’t hesitate. I was even wearing my press ID. He knew there were a lot of people taking videos and pictures of him. We knew it was not random. He had got his prying eyes on us before he decided to attack us,” Arriola recounted.

The suspect, identified as Keylen Xavier Lee Farley, was charged with three felony counts by the Sacramento District Attorney, according

Arriola, 63, suffered six broken ribs, head concussions, and abrasions all over his body while Julienne, 65, had knee and other bone injuries. Both were confined at the University of California Davis Medical Center for several days after the assault.

In the weeks following the assault, the Arriolas have actively been engaging themselves in the community and church groups to retell their story and let the public learn from their experience.

The assailant, who is

Sugay is also helping the Arriolas with their next plan of action. “According to Nikki, his plan is after he goes through with this, he could come up with a manual to serve as some sort of guide for [future] hate crime victims. He would try to learn the process and he would share all his knowledge and the pitfalls so it could be expedited for the next one,” she said.

“I think, this is a very noble (move on the part of Nikki). I think he does not want this incident that almost cost his life to be insignificant. He just wants to help people to go through or those who might be going through this process to learn how to deal with it and don’t be afraid,” said Sugay.

According to Nikki, they are also planning to hold a series of anti-hate forums

Filipino American veteran photojournalist Nicanor “Nikki” Arriola (pictured) and his wife Julienne were attacked in broad daylight during a visit to the California state Capitol in Sacramento last February. In the months following the attack, they are still recovering from their injuries and are making it their mission to

PFIZER NOW AVAILABLE. After running out of stock for a month, the Covid-19 vaccination site at People’s Park in Davao City starts offering the Pfizer brand again on Tuesday, April 18. Vaccination is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Del Rosario, ex-top...

businessman — was a MAP member for 45 years.

Prior to his appointment as foreign affairs secretary under the late Benigno Aquino III, Del Rosario served as Philippine Ambassador to the United States under former President Gloria Arroyo’s administration.

“He was a consummate diplomat and an inspiring leader who led the DFA with integrity and unwavering commitment to public service,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said in a statement on Tuesday.

“You will be missed, Mr. Secretary,” Manalo said of his former boss.

Del Rosario, the diplomat

Del Rosario served as the secretary of foreign affairs beginning February 2011 before resigning in March 2016 due to health reasons. His term was supposed to end in June, the same time as Aquino’s.

The DFA described him as a “staunch advocate” of protecting Filipinos here and abroad. Under his term as foreign affairs chief, Del Rosario led the evacuation of Filipinos working in war-torn countries such as Libya and was also on the frontline of negotiations for the case of Mary Jane Veloso, an overseas Filipino worker who was put on death row in Indonesia after being caught smuggling heroin into the country.

The Philippines filed its case to invalidate China’s expansive claims across the South China Sea at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2014. The court’s decision on the case was released months after Del Rosario’s resignation in May 2016.

Despite stepping down from the post, Del Rosario continued to actively engage in discussions on the West Philippine Sea. He also criticized the foreign policy thrust of President Rodrigo Duterte – whom Del Rosario said left a “shameful legacy” after Duterte “quickly shelved the Arbitral Award” in exchange for Chinese investments.

As the country’s envoy to the U.S., a position he held beginning 2001, del Rosario secured a $1.2 billion funding assistance to the Philippines along with other business opportunities such as investments into the country’s Business Process Outsourcing Industry, among others. He was reportedly recalled after disagreements with Arroyo.

Del Rosario, the businessman

Del Rosario has a vast experience in the private sector. Stratbase ADR Institute notes that before he entered public service, Del Rosario was on the board of directors of “over 50 firms.”

Aside from his company Gotuaco, del Rosario Insurance Brokes, he was chairman of Stratbase and the Makati Foundation for Education. He also served as president of the Philippine Telecommunications Investment Corp.

He was MAP President in 2007, while he was also conferred the MAP Management Man of the Year in 2014.

Del Rosario graduated from New York University with a Bachelors Degree in Economics.

He is survived by his wife, Gretchen de Venecia, and their five children. (by Kaycee Valmonte/Philstar.com)

Philippines aims to be health...

ecosystem and pursue regional development through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Aldaba said economic forecasts predict that the Philippines will become a 1 trillion economy by 2034, joining the ranks of China, Japan, Korea, Australia, Taiwan, and Indonesia. She highlighted the economic performance of the country, which expanded by 7.6% in 2022. The country’s economic performance has been posting a growth rate of over 6% in the last 10 years before the pandemic.

The undersecretary also focused on the potential for investment in HIMS in the Philippines.

The country aims to become the HIMS destination hub for the Asia Pacific region, with the adoption of automation, new technologies, and highly skilled workers. The country’s capabilities in HIM, combined with a favorable investment climate and government support, make it an attractive destination for investors.

“Our vision is to make the Philippines the Health Information Management destination hub for Asia Pacific,” Aldaba shared. “We aim to grow globally competitive and innovative industries and build a more dynamic industry ecosystem through our new science, technology, and innovationdriven industrial strategy.”

Ready for Global Challenges

Jack Madrid, president and chief executive officer of the IT and Business

Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) presented the success of the industry in the Philippines. He said that the country is a preferred destination for global business partners due to its resilience and the ability to generate a significant number of jobs for the economy.

The industry has shown impressive growth in both headcount and revenue, with 70% of its business coming from North America.

The United States continues to be the largest market for the IT-BPM

sector, according to Madrid.

The industry has grown to 1.6 million Filipino employees in the country over two decades ago and hopes to add 1.1 million more in just six years or by the end of 2028, based stated in its roadmap. “Our industry has shown much resilience through the past decade, regardless of global recessions, natural disasters, and even a most unexpected pandemic,” Madrid said. “The bedrock of the growth of this industry has been the Filipino

MostCA taxpayers have until Oct. 16...

Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Inyo, Kings, Lake, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Ventura, Yolo, and Yuba counties who have been affected by severe winter storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides are eligible for tax relief.

To help alleviate some of the hardship many have endured during this trying period, the FTB has extended the filing and payment deadlines for individuals and businesses in California until October 16, 2023.

This relief applies to deadlines falling on or

after January 8, 2023, and before October 16, 2023, including the 2022 individual income tax returns due on April 18 and the quarterly estimated tax payments, typically due on January 17, 2023 and April 18, 2023. Those payments were previously extended to May 15, 2023 for those impacted by winter storms.

The IRS announced tax relief for Californians affected by these winter storms. Taxpayers affected by these storms qualify for an extension to October 16, 2023 to file individual and business tax returns and make certain tax payments. This includes:

• Individuals whose tax returns and payments are due on April 18, 2023.

• Quarterly estimated tax payments due January 17, 2023, April 18, 2023, June 15, 2023, and September 15, 2023.

• Business entities whose tax returns are normally due on March 15 and April 18.

• PTE Elective Tax payments due on June 15, 2023. (AJPress)

Dr. Rafaelita “Fita” M. Aldaba, Undersecretary for the Competitiveness and Innovation Group of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) explains the new industry policy of the Philippines. AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

Jack Madrid, president and chief executive officer of the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) said that the country is a preferred destination for global business partners due to its resilience and the ability to generate a significant number of jobs for the economy.

FEATURES OPINION A worthwhile campaign vs malnutrition, child stunting

THE Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has just launched a campaign against malnutrition and child stunting in the country through initiatives that will complement the government’s Philippine Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Project.

This comes after a study by the World Bank showed that the country has one of the worst cases of child stunting in the world. The Philippines ranked fifth with the highest stunting prevalence among countries in the East Asia and Pacific Region. It is also among the top 10 worst countries in the world. In last week’s editorial, we traced malnutrition as one of the causes why Filipino elementaryschool students got very low marks in science, mathematics and English proficiency in Southeast Asia.

According to the World Health Organization, stunting is a growth and development impairment of children resulting from poor nutrition, repeated infection and inadequate psychosocial stimulation.

According to MAP President and BDB Law founding partner Benedicta Du-Baladad, the group’s presence in the food, retail, health care, education and logistics industries, as

well as other sectors, would help leapfrog progress in resolving malnutrition through sustainable and effective interventions and actions.

Rightly so; the MAP will broaden its role beyond fund generation and philanthropy to a shared responsibility in addressing malnutrition in the country. Henceforth, it will actively participate in the programming and governance of nutrition strategies and interventions, using the much-vaunted project management skills of its members.

Dr. Cielito Habito, governor in charge for the MAP Cluster on Resilience and Recovery, said MAP’s diverse ecosystem would muster the strength of the private sector to mobilize and help the government achieve its nutrition’s objectives. He said child stunting is a “major threat” to the country’s future.

If the problem is not addressed in an urgent and decisive manner, we will be placing our

country’s future in the hands of stunted children who will become adults with limited capacities to be productive, competitive and creative.

Its exponential effect on national development and progress will be calamitous.

The MAP will collaborate with the Department of Health, National Nutrition Council, and Department of Social Welfare and Development. It will also ask the government to declare stunting as a priority national agenda. Beyond words, concrete

actions should be cascaded to the community level. This would allow the local government units to allocate funds for feeding programs with emphasis on maternal nutrition, babies and toddlers. Vegetable farms in the communities and vegetable gardens in the elementary schools should be encouraged again.

According to the Global Nutrition Institute, schools and educators have a role to play in reducing malnutrition around the world.

Philippine economy on an upward trajectory

attended by close to 170 top business executives from various American companies and organizations.

Our team of economic managers led by Finance Secretary Ben Diokno, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and National

Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan gave their presentations during the PEB that was held on the sidelines of the seven-day International Monetary Fund-World Bank (IMF-WB) Annual Spring Meetings in Washington.

Joining the economic team managers during

the briefing were Foreign Affairs Secretary Ricky Manalo, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan Uy, Congressman Mujiv Hataman of Basilan, GSIS president and general manager Wick Veloso and SSS president and CEO Rolando Macasaet.

We have had numerous

economic briefings in Washington in the past, but I must say that the one we held last Wednesday, April 5 was the best I have ever seen in all my years, as the presentations highlighted the Philippine economy to be dynamic, as well as responsive and adaptive to challenges and opportunities.

There is no doubt that our security alliance with the U.S. played a key role, but it is clear that ensuring economic security is equally critical in order to build a resilient and inclusive economy that will strengthen both the Philippines and the United States. Solidifying our

THE Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) we hosted at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington, DC was extremely successful and 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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Babe’s Eye View

BABE ROMUALDEZ

Dateline PhiliPPines

PH not meddling in Taiwan affairs

by Franco Jose c. Baroña, Bernadette e tamayo and Kristina maralit ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of National Defense (DND) has denied that the Philippine government is meddling in China’s dispute with Taiwan.

“We reiterate that our primordial concern in Taiwan is the safety and well-being of the Filipinos living and working on the island,” DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

Andolong was reacting to the statement of Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian that the safety and welfare of the thousands of Filipinos working in Taiwan could be jeopardized if Manila continues to recognize the independence of the island nation.

Beijing has long claimed that Taiwan is a province of China.

Andolong also disagreed with Huang that the situation in Taiwan is similar to Manila’s security concerns in Mindanao.

“We wish to emphasize that the issues are different from each other. The whole context and rich experience of our peace process in Mindanao, which allowed the participation of the international community, is aligned with the Philippines’ position of resolving disputes peacefully,” he said.

Andolong stressed that the DND “deems it prudent to prepare for any contingencies to ensure the safety of Filipinos overseas, especially those based in Taiwan.”

He said that considering the complex regional security landscape, the DND seeks to improve the Philippines’ defense capabilities “through all the means available to us.”

Andolong made it clear the implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States “is not directed against any country and is in line with our efforts to modernize our alliance and enable collective defense and peace, promote our national interest, protect our national sovereignty, ensure the livelihood and welfare of our fisherfolk and communities, and enhance our capability to respond to emergencies and disasters, as well as provide humanitarian assistance.”

He renewed the appeal to all concerned parties and states “to adhere to the rule of law and diplomacy in managing differences.”

Speaking at a forum on Friday, April 14, Huang advised the Philippines to

Day One of e-Travel smooth – BI

by evelyn macairan Philstar.com

MANILA — The full implementation of the e-Travel system that required the online registration of all departing and arriving air travelers was “very smooth, with no glitches,” the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on Sunday, April 16.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the BI’s single data collection platform for integrated border control, health surveillance and economic data analysis of all passengers through the airport that began last Saturday was a success.

In a statement, Dennis Javier who heads the Technical Working Group of the e-Travel System said, “So far, the implementation remains very smooth, with no noted glitches or issues.”

Tansingco expressed

satisfaction that this online registration for airport procedures is now at par with systems being used by other countries for their arrival and departure data.

“Modernization of the bureau is really one of the priorities of the BI. This is but the first step in many technological improvements in immigration,” he said.

The commissioner added that more than 32,000 arriving foreigners and Filipinos have registered in the system, while more than 14,000 departing Filipinos had logged in at the site.

The platform, which was initially launched in December to cover only arriving passengers, has now expanded to include departing travelers for a full system rollout.

Last April 14, a virtual orientation and questionand-answer session was conducted with the Airline

Operators Council to address various inquiries from airlines participating in the system’s implementation, said Javier.

They also held a meeting with BI terminal heads and immigration officers and addressed operational concerns.Under the new system, all passengers and crewmembers arriving in the Philippines are required to register through etravel.gov. ph not earlier than 72 hours from their intended arrival.

Those who fail to register through e-Travel will be assisted by the airline staff upon arrival and before assessment by the quarantine office.

As a replacement of the paper-based departure cards, only outbound Filipino passengers are required to register in the system at least 72 hours, but not less than three hours, from their

Cagayanos hold rally vs 2 EDCA sites

ABOUT 7,000 people gathered at the Rizal Park in this city to convince President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to change his mind on designating two military camps in Cagayan province as Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites.

“We are asking for a miracle that the President will change his mind about EDCA,” Tuao, Cagayan Mayor William Mamba told the participants of the prayer rally.

Clarita Lunas, retired regional supervisor from the Department of Education and a provincial consultant on education, said the concept of the prayer rally started after The Naval Base Camilo Osias in Santa Ana and the Lal-lo Airport have been selected as locations where the U.S. military can stock weapons and equipment under the EDCA.

Seven other sites have been named in other parts of the country.

Lunas, one of the convenors of the prayer rally, told The Manila Times

“the only weapon we have, during our meeting [with other convenors] is prayer.”

Lunas said the EDCA sites are “clear areas where American forces will launch their impending war because of China’s plan to recover Taiwan.

She said it is a conflict

“that Cagayan has nothing to do with.”

“Because of this, many lives will surely be lost and properties damaged,” Lunas said.

She made it clear that Cagayan is not against President Marcos, “neither are we against the national

Day One of e-Travel...

PAGE 6

scheduled departure from the Philippines.

Departing Filipinos who fail to register or update their e-Travel record may do it before the immigration inspection or may fill out departure cards, which are readily available inside the immigration area.

policy.”

“What we are fighting is the establishment of two EDCA sites in our province,” she said. “It is the duty of our leaders to protect the Cagayan people from the hardship and suffering brought about by

Fil-Am couple sheds light on hate incidents...

and symposiums on this matter to help educate the public.

“We will never stop until we get justice. We’ve been badly hurt. We are still suffering up to now from our injuries. We’ve been traumatized. We thought that will be the end of us and we’ll just die there,” Arriola lamented.

“The wounds may heal but the trauma will still be there for God knows how long. Sometimes, I will just find myself crying. We cannot even go back to our normal jobs,” Julienne said.

Since last month, Arriola had been in and out of the emergency room due to continued swelling and inflammation from his broken ribs. His wife, who had been diagnosed with osteoporosis, is still hurting and sometimes needs assistance when walking and standing up.

Since they migrated to the United States in 2001, caregiving has been the Arriolas’ main source of income. However, they can barely cope with their daily finances since their injuries are preventing them from carrying out their normal work routines, which require

Prior to being robbed and attacked, Southern California residents Nikki and Julienne were walking outside of the California state Capitol and posing for photos. heavy lifting and standing for long periods.

Despite the ordeal that they went through, the couple still believes in the goodness of society.

They credit the witnesses who were able to get the

plate number of the getaway car and those who tried, in a way, to stand between Arriola and the assailant.

“I would like to thank all the people who’ve extended help and those who are helping us go through this situation.

My fellow journalists both here and in the Philippines, my churchmates, the Fil-Am community, my family and I are very grateful for all your support,” Arriola said.

Fil-Am groups have created GoFundMe initiatives for the Arriolas. The fundraiser, organized by the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) member organizations, LA Kalusugan Collective (LAKAS) and the Filipino Migrant Center, can be found at http://tinyurl.com/ helpthearriolas. The National Federation of Filipino American Associations Greater LA has also started a GoFundMe page at: https:// www.gofundme.com/f/ vf6zak-fight-for-justiceelderly-filams-attacked.

“We implore you to join us in calling for justice. As an organization, NaFFAA GLA, we strongly condemn this brutal act of violence and demand that California Attorney General Rob Bonta investigate this crime as a potential Anti-Asian hate crime. We must hold the attackers accountable for their actions and ensure that justice is served,” the organization wrote on the GoFundMe page. g

Registered passengers may update their status under the “Edit Registration” tab and the crew, under the “Registered Crew” tab. The registering and updating of records are free of charge. g

Philippines aims to be...

PAGE 4

talent, and in the case of the healthcare information management industry, that bedrock is our large number of U.S. registered nurses and medical professionals.”

Despite facing global challenges, the industry has continued to grow.

During the pandemic, the industry quickly transitioned to a work-from-home setup, mobilizing over 1 million employees, with no dip in productivity or customer satisfaction ratings. Madrid emphasized that the success of the industry is due to the talented Filipino workforce, particularly in the healthcare information management industry, where there is a large number of U.S. registered nurses and medical professionals.

“Our industry has diversified and evolved towards much higher value functions, showing the ability of the Filipino workforce to take on complex and specialized roles,” Madrid explained. “The Filipino workforce has proven to be resilient and adaptable, continuously upskilling and reskilling to meet the evolving demands of the global market.”

In his opening remarks, Consul General Senen Mangalile welcomed the attendees and highlighted the purpose of the event, which was to showcase the

Philippines as the premier investment destination.

He emphasized that the Philippines is one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, with a continuously improving rating for ease of doing business.

“The Philippines is the premier investment destination in our part of the world,” Mangalile said. “There is so much that the Philippines has to offer which in more ways than we currently imagined could be game-changing for you and your business.”

Consul General Mangalile encouraged the attendees to explore the industries that the Philippines has to offer, particularly in healthcare information management services, which can provide top-notch quality patient care.

The Philippines is still a preferred destination for global business partners, with 70% of the industry’s business coming from North America, according to Madrid. However, there is a challenge of talent supply not meeting demand, which is crucial to maintain the industry’s growth

The IT-BPM industry’s roadmap for 2028 aims to deliver one million additional direct jobs and grow the industry to a total of 2.5 million direct jobs by 2028, generating close to 60 billion in revenue. g

WREATH LAYING. Visiting Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala offers a wreath at the monument of national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, in Rizal Park in Manila on Tuesday, April 18. Fiala ended his three-day official visit to the Philippines, which included a meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace.

PNA photo by Alfred Frias

FIRST SALVO. Cagayanos let their sentiments out during a rally at Rizal Park in Tuguegarao City on Monday, April 17. ManilaTimes.net photo by Franco Jose Baroña

PH not meddling in Taiwan affairs...

“unequivocally oppose Taiwan independence rather than stoking the fire by offering the U.S. access to the military bases near the Taiwan Strait if you care genuinely about the 150,000 [overseas Filipino workers].”

On Sunday, April 16, Sen. Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros demanded that Beijing recall Huang over his “threatening” statements.

Hontiveros said if China has issues with the U.S., he should “not drag the Philippines” into their fight.

Beijing has accused Washington of creating tension in the region by expanding its military presence.

Huang said the Philippines is “stoking the fire by offering the U.S. access to the military bases near the Taiwan Strait” referring to the bases designated as EDCA sites.

Two of the four new sites — which will house visiting U.S. troops and their equipment — are in Cagayan province which is near Taiwan.

“These are truly disgraceful statements from Ambassador

Huang Xilian. How dare he threaten us,” the senator said.

“Our OFWs in Taiwan will continue to work where they work. End of story. Filipinos will thrive and make a living according to our wishes,” she stressed in a statement.

“The Palace should tell Beijing to recall their representative in Manila as soon as possible,” Hontiveros said.

She said Huang “has no business being a diplomat if he is unable to engage with us in a respectful and dignified manner.”

The Philippines, she said, will never interfere with the issue of Taiwanese independence. “That is exclusively for the people of Taiwan to tackle.”

She said it was China “who has been stoking tensions in the region, claiming territories that aren’t hers.”

“It is China who continues to bully, harass, and intimidate other smaller nations in the region. It is China who is making all this mess,” Hontiveros said, Hontiveros said Huang “along with his country’s

ships and artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea, should pack up and leave.”

“We, in the Philippines, respect the right of the Taiwanese people to selfdetermination, and this right must be upheld by all other nations that share this planet, even including the autocratic regime of China,” she said.

The U.S. Embassy in Manila, in a text to reporters, said it has “no specific response to Ambassador Huang’s comments, other than to say what we have said repeatedly: EDCA sites will support combined training exercises and interoperability between U.S. and Philippine forces to ensure that we’re even better prepared for future crises.”

“EDCA is a key component of the U.S.-Philippne alliance, and is not about any other third country,” the embassy said.

In a statement over the weekend, National Security Council Assistant Director General and spokesman Jonathan Malaya reacted strongly to Huang’s insinuation that

the Philippines is a willing participant in the attempt of the US to push its “anti-China agenda” by adding four more EDCA sites.

“National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año has made our position clear that the increased security cooperation between the Philippines and the United States is meant to develop and strengthen the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to enable it to protect and defend the territory of the Philippines and is not meant to contain or counter any nation in the region or to interfere in another nation’s affairs,” Malaya said.

He noted that Año even had a meeting with Huang last week to assure the Chinese government that the Marcos administration is for the peaceful resolution of the Taiwan issue and the continued stability of the region.

“The identified EDCA sites are Philippine bases which we want to further develop based on the requirements for strategic basing and

development of the AFP. These were not U.S.-dictated but identified by our armed forces,” Malaya said.

“By developing our military and base infrastructure, we are pursuing our national interest and actually contributing to regional

peace and stability,” he said. Malaya also maintained that the country observes the One China policy and subscribes to the principle of the Association of Southeast Nations “of non-interference in approaching regional issues.” g

SPECIAL GUEST. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (right) and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos flank Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala during an official dinner at Malacañang Palace in Manila on Monday, April 17. Fiala arrived Sunday, April 16 and capped his official visit with a wreath-laying ceremony at Jose Rizal’s monument on Tuesday, April 18. PNA photo by Rolando Mailo

Cagayanos hold...

a potential war between the U.S.-China over the Taiwan issue.”

In his speech during the rally, Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba said that for him, “EDCA is simply war.”

“Additional EDCA sites are an obstacle to the economic development of Cagayan. Foreign investors from China, South Korea, Japan and even Taiwan will be afraid of Cagayan because of the fear that Cagayan will become a stronghold in America’s war,” said Mamba.

He said the presence of the EDCA sites will be an obstacle to the realization of the Cagayan Development Agenda 2025 and the Cagayan International Gateway Project (CIGP) which aims to open the international airport in Piat, Cagayan, and the international seaport in Aparri.

“A peaceful and productive relationship with our Asian neighbors will bring prosperity to Cagayan. We want Cagayan to be the center of agro-

industrial hubs in the international port, and not the center of foreign military bases whose clear objective is to enable war between America and China,” he said.

Mamba said that the presence of foreign forces in the province puts Cagayan in a “risky situation” if war breaks out between America and China.

“If the EDCA sites are meant to protect our territory in the West Philippine Sea against China, these sites should be established near the West Philippine Sea and not in Cagayan, a province in the North that is very far from the said Philippine territory,” the governor said.

“The only military forces we want and need in Cagayan are our own Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

Mamba said armed conflict as a means of settling disputes between nations is unacceptable.

“Our strength is to be a friend to everyone and not an enemy to anyone,” he said. (ManilaTimes.net)

by Kristine Joy Patag Philstar.com

MANILA — A new trafficking scheme targeting Filipinos who want to work abroad as household workers has them trying to leave the country by claiming to be religious pilgrims.

This is the new scheme that the Bureau of Immigration uncovered after officers of their travel control and enforcement unit intercepted two women trying to fly out to Doha in Qatar.

In a statement on Monday, April 17, BI said the two

by ralPh edwin VillanueVa Philstar.com

MANILA — One of the two remaining drug cases filed against Leila De Lima has been submitted for decision, the former senator’s camp announced on Monday, April 17.

trafficking victims, aged 36 and 37 years old, claimed to be Muslim pilgrims. They said they planned to travel by bus to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in Umrah — a non-obligatory but important pilgrimage for Muslims.

They had also said that they recently converted to Islam and they planned to stay in Saudi for seven days.

“However, the officers noted numerous inconsistencies in their statements,” BI said.

The two later on admitted that their documents were

fabricated and that a woman recruited them, via Facebook, and processed their visas and tickets. The victims said they were instructed to pose as Muslims to depart the country.

The two have since been turned over to the InterAgency Council against Trafficking for further investigation and to initiate cases against their recruiter.

Trafficking schemes on the rise

In March, the immigration bureau said it had noted an increase in n the number of young professionals – even

Immigration bureau: New trafficking scheme uses pilgrimage as cover De Lima drug case now up for decision

Escorted by police, De Lima attended the hearing on Monday at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204.

Filibon Tacardon, lawyer for De Lima, said they are expecting the decision to be promulgated on May 12.

“We will soon find out if

former senator Leila de Lima is innocent of the charges. We are asking our countrymen to pray for the dismissal of the case filed against her,” Tacardon told reporters.

The charges stemmed from the allegation that De Lima received drug money from former Bureau of

“those with good travel records, gainfully employed and are graduates of good schools” — being deceived by cryptocurrency scams abroad that advertise false promises of high salaries. BI officers have since resorted to conducting lengthy interviews to screen passengers. Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco last week said that eliminating human trafficking and illegal recruitment will require a concerted effort from all government agencies. g

Corrections officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos. Ragos and self-confessed drug trafficker Kerwin Espinosa have retracted their allegations against De Lima. Following the recantation of Ragos and Espinosa, Tacordon said the former

Solons say divorce bill will help abused spouses start anew

MANILA – The Senate needs to pick up speed on the divorce bill for the sake of spouses who are victim-survivors of domestic abuse and after the House of Representatives already approved the measure “in principle.”

The Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, chaired by Senator Risa Hontiveros, conducted a hearing on Tuesday, April 18 on various bills about the dissolution of marriage.

She particularly cited women who need legal recourse to get out of their marriage.

“Some Filipino women have almost been killed by their own husbands. But most of them cannot leave their marriages because of the prohibitive costs of filing for an annulment. Bigyan na natin ang ating mga kababaihan ng pagkakataong makalaya sa masalimuot at abusadong pagsasama. Bigyan natin sila ng oportunidad na mahalin at magmahal muli. Ipasa na ang (Let us give them a chance to be free from a complicated and abusive union. Let us give them an opportunity to love and be loved again. Let us pass the) divorce bill,” Hontiveros said in her opening statement.

“Once you’ve realized you’ve made a mistake, the way out shouldn’t be traumatizing to the average married Filipino – financially, psychologically, and socially. We all deserve a second chance at love and in life.”

The 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority showed one in four married women aged 15 years to 49 years experienced spousal violence, whether physical, sexual, or emotional.

“When a marriage becomes irreparable,

it is incumbent upon the State to not only provide relief to spouses, but also protect children from the pain, anxiety, and trauma of witnessing regular marital clashes. Let us give Filipino families the chance to let go of toxic relationships,” Hontiveros said.

The House, she said, has been making moves to help the country catch up with the rest of the world.

The Philippines and the Vatican City are the only two places in the world where divorce is not allowed.

“The Senate must do the same. Past surveys have demonstrated that the majority of Filipinos favor divorce to be instituted in the country. We better listen to our people,” Hontiveros said.

Senators Raffy Tulfo also invited antidivorce advocates to attend the next hearing.

In February, the House Committee on Population and Family Relations approved House Bill 1593 (Church Nullity Act of 2022) and endorsed it to a technical working group tasked with crafting a substitute measure.

Albay 1st District Rep Edcel Lagman said the divorce bill would give spouses, especially wives, the option of getting out of an “irremediably broken marriage” and a chance to start over.

“While it is said that marriages are solemnized in heaven, the fact is some marriages plummet into hell because of human frailty and imperfections. The Divorce Act seeks to redeem couples, particularly the abused or abandoned wives, from infernal agony,” Lagman said in a previous statement.

(Leonel Abasola/PNA)

A worthwhile campaign...

They can do these through various ways.

First, girls’ participation in schooling can be improved. Girls’ schooling can reduce adolescent pregnancy — a risk factor for small birth size — as well as raise the age of marriage and reduce total fertility. Clearly, in the long run what girls learn in school is even more important. This is not just basic literacy and numeracy, but also information on health and nutrition.

Second, the school can serve as a platform for nutrition education and other nutrition-related services.

There is evidence on schoolbased modules for nutrition

Philippine economy on an...

alliance through more trade and investments can increase commerce, empower our people and ensure a peaceful, secure and prosperous environment for all of us.

In his presentation, Secretary Diokno emphasized that infrastructure spending is front and center of the Philippines’ growth strategy, with the government committed to reverse the under-investment in infrastructure that has been going on for more than a decade, averaging at only two percent of gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

This focus on infrastructure spending was echoed by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, who disclosed that the Philippines is determined to maintain infrastructure spending at 5-6 percent of GDP in the medium term, knowing full well that infrastructure is “the backbone of the economy.”

But what struck me most during the briefing were the extemporaneous remarks of Ndiamé Diop, the World Bank’s Country Director for the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei. In my experience as a news reporter, I know for a fact that when a person speaks extemporaneously, it means that he has real knowledge on what he is talking about, compared to someone who totally reads from his prepared remarks.

Mr. Diop noted the Philippines’ “remarkable growth story” and how it rebounded very strongly from the COVID-19 pandemic with 7.6 percent growth. He agreed with the interconnected structural reforms mentioned by Secretary Diokno, adding that “prudent macro-fiscal and macro financial management” is also behind the resilience of the country’s growth and macro stability.

education, particularly in encouraging healthy eating and promoting exercise to curb obesity. Hygiene and handwashing should also be encouraged, well as the teaching of modules addressing risky activities linked to adolescent pregnancies.

Third, make school meals a nutrition intervention and use school feeding as a potential support to agricultural development. In addition to its nutrition, education and social protection objectives, school feeding is increasingly asked to support agricultural development through homegrown school feeding programs.

Adding a new objective

increases the trade-offs that must be considered. In the case of homegrown school feeding, decentralization makes fortification — one means by which school meals can reduce micronutrient deficiencies — more challenging, but not impossible. Over time, however, homegrown school feeding may improve dietary diversity and increase food security among low-income producers.

These are doable and concrete measures that the schools can do and that the MAP should encourage. The future of a stunted Filipino nation is difficult to contemplate. (ManilaTimes. net)

De Lima drug case now up...

senator’s camp has decided to submit the case for resolution.

Tacardon said the petition for bail for the remaining drug case filed against De Lima before the Muntinlupa RTC Branch 256 remains

pending.

In February 2021, the Muntinlupa RTC Branch 205 dismissed one of the three drug complaints lodged against De Lima.

De Lima has been accused of benefiting financially from the illegal drug trade

at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa when she was justice secretary. She has denied the allegation.

She marked her sixth year in detention at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center at Camp Crame in Quezon City in February. g

American investors were also pleased to know that the bulk of the administration’s infrastructure budget is aimed at improving physical connectivity throughout the Philippines through the construction of accessible road networks, railways, buildings and flood control infrastructure, among many others.

Improving the country’s digital infrastructure was also a priority as this will help ensure that the Philippines continues to be a viable investment destination, with P24.13 billion or $434.3 million allocated to accelerate the country’s digital transformation, Secretary Pangandaman disclosed.

Secretary Diokno also bared that the “economic liberalization measures that the Philippine government has enacted in recent years have opened up key high-growth sectors to international participation,” outlining the reforms such as the amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA), Foreign Investments Act (FIA) and the Public Service Act (PSA) that relaxed foreign restrictions on investments in the Philippines.

“Companies engaged in solar, wind, hydro and tidal energy are also welcome to invest in the Philippines’ renewable energy sector now that it has been opened up to full foreign ownership,” Secretary Diokno told the businessmen present.

As I explained to the attendees, our economic managers, in partnership with the legislature, the private sector and other stakeholders, are making changes to improve infrastructure and establish game-changing measures that will facilitate not only more economic activities for the Philippine business sector but also more foreign investments.

The country’s push for infrastructure could really accelerate the transformation of the Philippine economy in the next decade. Recalling a World Bank analysis almost a decade earlier showing that productivity loss due to lack of infrastructure was around $54 million every day or about $80 billion a year, lifting the infrastructure spending to 5 percent is therefore a “game changer,” the WB executive said.

He also noted that the investment regime of the Philippines has for a long time been “one of the most restrictive in the region,” but what the government has been doing over the last few years to open up these infrastructure services to foreign direct investment and all types of investment is “very significant.”

We are the fastest growing economy right now in our part of the world, a fact affirmed by many, including the IMF that expects the Philippines to record the fastest economic growth in Asia. Having ended 2022 with the fastest growth in the last 40 years, things are really looking good, especially with the recently concluded 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue that has made American investors feel more reassured due to the strengthened relations between the Philippines and the U.S.

As I told the briefing attendees, investing in the Philippines is both a smart and strategic economic decision. By supporting the growth and development of our country, they are contributing to the stability and prosperity of the region. (Philstar.com)

NATURE TRIP. The Senate Committees on Tourism, led by Sen. Nancy Binay (front), and Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation and Futures Thinking conduct an ocular inspection on the Masungi Georeserve conservation area in Tanay, Rizal on Tuesday, April 18. Binay said it is better as an ecotourism site and vowed to oppose the construction of any facility not related to tourism or those that will harm the environment. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Success story reveals the benefits of hiring an immigration attorney vs doing it on your own, on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

AFTER living in the U.S. for over 20 years, Kristan tried to obtain his green card by filing paperwork on his own, instead of hiring an immigration lawyer.

In one instance, he tried to file as a minor child of an immigrant (F2A), even though he was already an adult. His application

was rejected. On another occasion, Kristan filed for adjustment of status based on his father’s petition, as a minor child of a U.S. citizen, even though he was over 21 years old.

Finally, when Kristan received a Notice PAGE 12

Health@Heart Avoid dying early!

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

IN 2005, a 128-page report from the World Health Organization in Geneva stated that “nearly 400 million people will die from heart diseases, diabetes and other chronic ailments over the next 10 years, but many of those deaths can be prevented by healthier lifestyles and inexpensive medications.” Of the 40 million deaths per year in the world, 28 million would be in developing countries.

WHO director-general Lee Jong Wook commented that “the lives of too many people in the world are being blighted and cut short by chronic diseases. He cited the latest WHO report “to draw attention to the increasing threat from diseases that can be prevented in part by healthier diets and giving up smoking,” writes the Associated Press.

This recent report also was the first “to quantify the economic burden of treating such conditions in individual countries.” China, for instance, will be spending $588 billion in the next ten years, Russia, $303 billion, and India $236 billion, in managing heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

The co-author of the study, Robert Beaglehole, lamented that this epidemic is preventable because “we know what to do, how to do it, and preventions are very cheap,” and yet people die

unnecessarily.

The WHO report highlighted the fact that heart-diseases-related mortality is down 70 percent in the United States, England, Australia and Canada in the last 30 years because of effective national prevention policies and campaigns in these industrialized nations that cut the death rates significantly.

Citing Poland’s statistics which showed reduced death rates among young adults by 10 percent in 1990, “in part by making fruits and vegetables more available, and removing subsidies on dairy products, like butter.”

Philippine statistics

The table in this column of the Leading Causes of Mortality (Number and Rate per 100,000 Population) in the Philippines will show we are part of this pandemic of preventable deaths (see table).

A major part of our

unhealthy lifestyle as a people is our diet of high-saturated fat, highcholesterol (red meats, processed delis, lard, dairy products), highcarbohydrate, low-fiber foods, and our sedentary life. Filipinos, in general, especially those who can afford, do not seem to care for vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains. It must be our culture. We train our infants and our young children to eat red meats and other high fat foods, believing these proteins are “good for their young body,” so when they grow up, they continue with the same unhealthy “habit” and remain “hooked” to red meats, eggs and other high cholesterol food items.

The fastfood chains all around us make matters even worse. Somehow, as parents, we have neglected to put more emphasis on fish, which is actually the

PINOY THIS SUNDAY. Upon the urging of Mommy Eva (center), Kristan (left) tried to obtain his green card by filing all paperwork on his own, instead of retaining a qualified and knowledgeable attorney. After all, he thought the process was simple, and he could save all that money on attorney fees. But Kristan’s filings always resulted in denial or rejections. He filed for adjustment as a minor when he was already an adult. He filed as the child of a U.S. citizen, when his mother was only an immigrant. And he was out of status. Eventually, the family decided to retain the services of leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) who was able to straighten out Kristan’s case, and obtain his green card in the U.S., despite Kristan being out of status. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, April 23 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

A MAKULIT APPLICANT KEEPS GETTING HIS CASE REJECTED UNTIL HE HIRES ATTY. GURFINKEL, ON AN ENCORE SUCCESS STORY OF CITIZEN

Success story reveals the benefits of...

of Intent to Deny (NOID), he finally retained the services of leading Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, who was able to demonstrate his client’s eligibility to adjust status in the U.S., despite being out of status. Kristan finally learned a valuable lesson: rather than guessing or trying to learn immigration law on his own, it is better to hire a seasoned attorney.

Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, April 23 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)

Avoid dying early...

superior source of protein, plus the added bonus of an ingredient in fish, Omega-3 fatty acids, the oil that protects the heart, besides the brain. And many of us do not seem to accept the fact that smoking maims and kills, alcohol damages our liver and brain, and that daily physical exercise, besides the low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-carbohydrate and highfiber diet, is vital for a healthy lifestyle, to maintain good health and well-being.

In the name of love

Some of us may be shortening the life of our children without realizing it, unintentionally, unwittingly, all in the name of love, but nonetheless devastating to them when they reach middle age and beyond. Allowing them to live an unhealthy lifestyle, to be hooked on cigarettes, alcohol, soft drinks (which are poison), is loving our children to death.

“Love not our children to death” is the message in my coffee-table book on disease prevention published in the United States and in the Philippines, entitled “Let’s Stop ‘Killing’ Our Children,” which could be previewed on www.philipSchua.com.

Alarming statistics

Obesity in children has doubled the past couple of decades, and tripled the past 30 years. If the trend is allowed to continue through our parental neglect, inaction, or indifference, it is conceivable that obesity will quadruple in another ten years. And since obesity increases the risk for diseases like hypertension, diabetes and other metabolic illnesses, heart attack, stroke, and cancer, longevity would obviously suffer. All the gains mankind has achieved the past six decades through the advances in medical science and technology –preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic –could simply go to waste for this segment of the world population if wisdom does not prevail.

Today, among the affluent people around the world, including those in developing nations, obesity afflicts about 20 percent of children ages 6 to 11, and more alarmingly, about 10 percent of those ages 2 to 5 are obese. Among those between ages 12 and 19, 18 percent are also obese.

Benefits of exercise

The amazing benefits of regular physical exercise, even brisk or moderate walking (not jogging, which injures the joints in our hip, knees, and ankles), protect not only our cardiovascular system but also our brain (lowering the risk for Alzheimer’s). It also reduces our risk for cancer. The most fit animals in the wild are the ones who are physically most active. Those who are caged or who are in captivity are the ones prone to develop diseases like ours.

The Philippines is obviously not immune from these preventable deaths reported by the World Health Organization. It behooves our national, provincial and city governments to implement policies that will help cut down these deaths. It’s time we adopted one.

Equally essential, if not more, is for each and everyone of us to make that wise decision, the choice to live a healthier lifestyle.

* * *

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.con; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

7’s Football League to host international tournament in the Philippines

By Donnabelle GatDula-arevalo AJPress

THE 7’s Football League (7s FL), headed by Filipino American football icon Anton del Rosario, is kicking off two major first-of-its kind sevena-side football tournaments.

Del Rosario, in an interview with the Asian Journal, said the league will hold its first international tournament in the Philippines from April 21-23, 2023, with title sponsor BPI AIA Life Assurance Corp.

The BPI AIA Asia 7s Football Championship, which will determine the best in the continent in terms of seven-a-side football, will feature teams from the Philippines, India, Brunei and Japan.

Gaining popularity as more sports enthusiasts around the world are getting hooked to it, the seven-a-side football is one of the mini variations of football. From the usual 11-a-side, it is played among seven players in each team consisting of one goalkeeper and six

outfield players. The pitch of seven-a-side football ranges from 50-65 yards in length and 25-50 yards in width, respectively.

Another first-ever event with a hefty prize pot, he said, is going to be held in the United States.

“We also have a competition in the U.S. We are already preparing for it. It’s a $1 million winner-takesall tournament,” he said.

This seven-a-side football tournment will be held in North Carolina on June 1-4, 2023.

Around 32 teams from all over the world are expected to join in this exciting tournament. There will be a $20,000 registration fee each team.

Del Rosario is thrilled as this is going to be an event where a “very interesting community of football players getting together.”

“Our team will be consisting of captains and old national team players of

countries across Southeast Asia. It will be composed of Filipinos and other Asian ethnicities, primarily Southeast Asian. Specifically, we will have three Filipinos, two Indonesians, one from Guam and another from Thailand,” he said.

Some of the teams that will be participating are top class, del Rosario said. One of which is owned by actor Ryan Reynolds. His team Wrexham, which has grown extremely popular from the Hulu documentary, “Welcome to Wrexham,” will be fielding their top team.

Eva Longoria will also be sending her team from Mexico’s top league, Necaxa.

We can also expect legends of the U.S. Men’s National Team and Legends of the U.S. Women’s National Team to participate.

“For this tournament, we are putting together a team of international players from across Southeast Asia to compete and win $1 million, and to extend seven-a-side football across Asia. That’s our story and that’s our goal,” del Rosario said.

He is optimistic that this tournament will also gain a lot of support from sports and football enthusiasts as the players who would be participating are quite popular and have a lot of online followers in social media.

“All of these players are quite influential,” he said. “Our player from Indonesia has 1.5 million followers. Our teammate from Thailand has 1.3 million followers. Our teammate from Philippines has 150,000 followers. Our teammate from Malaysia has 350,000 followers. So we are

Kristan (left) learned his lesson and retained the services of Atty. Gurfinkel (right) who was able to get his green card in record time.

Filipino American athlete Anton del Rosario now heads the Philippines’ 7’s Football League and is determined to make seven-a-side football a popular way to play the sport.

Photo courtesy of the 7’s Football League

The BPI AIA Asia 7s Football Championship will be held on April 21-23, 2023 in Manila and will feature teams from the Philippines, India, Brunei and Japan. Photo courtesy of the 7’s Football League

After portraying a transwoman, expect more offbeat roles from Enchong

By Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

FOR Enchong Dee, getting nominated as best actor for his performance in the 1st Summer Metro Manila Film Festival entry, “Here Comes the Groom,” was “a big step forward for my career and my body of work, as well.”

Chris Martinez’s comedy, reportedly the top-grosser during the first days of the festival’s two-week run, was declared second best picture

at the Gabi ng Parangal “I am filled with gratitude and happiness,” said Enchong as a reaction to the film’s box-office and critical acclaim.

“I also felt starstruck knowing that Ms Dolly [de Leon] is jury chair. To be nominated as best actor for a project that is meant to promote an ensemble cast is already something else,” Enchong told reporters shortly before the awards ceremony held at New

Godofredo Ng, 85

GODOFREDO T. Ng, MD, FACS, a popular general surgeon, medical leader and missionary to the Philippines who has resided in Raleigh, North Carolina since 1967 died from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm on April 17, 2023. He was 85.

Dr. Ng was a 1962 medical graduate of the University of the Philippines and came to the United States soon after graduation with his wife Anita S. Chua, BS Zoology (UP), MS Cell Biology (De Paul University), and Advanced Doctoral (University of Delaware).

Dr. Ng was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the Society of Philippine Surgeons in America (SPSA), of which he was one of the founders. He was an

active medical and socio-civic leader in Raleigh. He was past president of the Philippine-American Association of North Carolina and the Surgical Coordinator Carolina Medical Mission, doing countless annual medical missions in the Philippines since 1995.

Dr. Ng is the brother-in-law of Asian Journal weekly health columnist Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a past president of the SPSA.

This humanitarian Fil-AM surgeon is survived by his wife, Anita, and children, Peter Ng, MD, FACS (who took over his father’s multiple-surgeon practice group); Cheryl Ng O’Malley, a lawyer; David, MBA; Cindy, MSW; and Joseph, BS broadcasting; and 8 grandchildren.

HOUSING SERVICES SERVICES

Beginning on May 2, 2023

Kingsbridge Decatur Phase I, an 80-unit development, located at 2649-2661 Decatur Avenue, Bronx, NY 10458 is available for renting, to families with limited income. Qualifications will be based on Section 8 Federal guidelines. Interested persons may obtain an application by calling on Monday- Thursday 9:00AM - 3:00PM, 718-435-8472 EXT 225

Or by writing to:

City Star Management LLC

P.O. Box 190354, Brooklyn NY 11219

If you have a disability and need help filling out the application form, you may request assistance by calling the management office. Please do not submit more than one (1) application per family. If more than (1) application is received, it will be dropped to the bottom of the list. Completed applications must be sent by first class mail only to the P.O. Box stated on the application and must be received by June 13, 2023.

Loida Nicolas Lewis spills the tea in her book ‘Why Should Guys Have All the Fun’

by MOMAR G. VISAYA / AJPress

LOIDA Nicolas Lewis made some revelations in her memoir ‘Why Should Guys Have All the Fun’ and in an intimate chit-chat with some local media in New York, she teased and spilled a few stories she has not shared in public before.

A multi-hyphenate in the Filipino American community, Lewis is a philanthropist, community leader, activist, shoulder-tocry-on for some, and to most, she is Tita Loida.

She recently hosted a small gathering in her Fifth Avenue residence overlooking the Jackie Onassis Reservoir in Central Park to promote her new book, which is both a prequel and a sequel to her late husband’s book titled ‘Why Should White Guys Have

All the Fun’

Loida talked about how she met Reginald F. Lewis –who would eventually become the first African American billionaire – through a blind date. This was back in 1968 when Loida was in New York as a part of her father’s gift when she graduated in law from the University of the Philippines.

“When I met him, I knew he was unlike anyone else I had ever met,” Loida said.

The two lawyers fell in love, and after one dinner, they strolled back to her hotel. She popped the question, “Darling, do you want a big or a small wedding?’.

“He replied, ‘Small.’ Sumagot! So I asked ‘Where do you think we should have it? He said, ‘NYU, they have a small chapel there’. Then he understood what just happened and said, ‘I have a headache!’,” she shared laughing.

“Why Should Guys

Have All the Fun?: An Asian American Story of Love, Marriage, Motherhood, and Running a Billion-Dollar Empire” is about 80-year-old

Loida’s journey so far.

“I insisted on putting Asian American on the title,” she explained. “With the current rise in Asian hate, it was important to showcase that we are just like everyone else, with our own ups and downs, successes and failures so that should be there, front and center”

Loida revealed that she set a goal to write her book before she turned 75, inspired by Katharine Graham who successfully led

was totally discombobulated, my mind was not working,” she revealed. She found solace in music but would often cry. After six months, she noticed that the curtains in their bedroom were up, and she felt that it was a sign that she should pick up the pieces and move on.

Reginald’s brother Jean Fugett became chair and CEO but it reached a point where the business had to search for a new CEO. The company spent a fortune to find their new leader but they couldn’t find the right match.

She decided to prioritize a few things: being a mother and father to her two daughters, Leslie and Christina; finishing her husband’s book, and ensuring the success of the company that Reginald built by taking over the company and taking the role of CEO.

the Washington Post after her husband’s sudden death.

“As I approached 80, I knew I had to start working on it. By the time I turned 80, I had found a co-writer, Blair Walker, who helped me finish it.,” she shared.

Coping with Grief

Reginald Lewis passed away at the age of 50 after a brief illness. His untimely death left Loida in profound grief.

Loida was disoriented and emotionally inconsolable. “I

Reginald’s unexpected passing prevented him from completing his book. Loida approached Blair Walker and asked him to co-authored the book with Reginald. It was an obvious choice to ask Blair to collaborate again three decades later on the companion book.

Taking the reins of the company was an entirely different thing.

To prepare herself, Loida sought the help of a speech coach and learned to dress and act like a CEO. She also learned to approach people differently and tailor her approach to suit their individualities.

“Before I became CEO, my Filipino accent was so thick so we hired a

Mrs. Lewis and her niece Lora Nicolas Olaes at an intimate gathering with local media and members of the Asian American Journalists Association.

AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

Mrs. Lewis with Blair Walker, who co-authored the book with Reginald. She asked him to collaborate again three decades later on the companion book, Why Should Guys Have All the Fun. Photos by Troi Santos

ABC reporter Nina Pineda moderated the panel discussion with Mrs. Lewis and Mr. Walker who talked about their book.

Photo by Troi Santos

Loida Nicolas Lewis with activist Marni Halasa Mrs. Lewis signing a copy of her book

Edu Manzano recalls father’s influence on receiving achievement award

By Nathalie tomada Philstar.com

EDU Manzano was named among this year’s Distinguished Lasallian Achievement Awardees at the 8th One La Salle Night of Excellence.

He was recognized for his “philanthropic activities” that supported Lasallian social action programs, specifically for “youth and marginalized sectors,” such as the DLS Dasmarinas Bahay Pag-Asa, LSGH Adult Night High School, DLSU One La Salle Scholarship Fund, LSGHAA Godfather Program, LSGH Sports Programs, LSGH Safe Shelter 1 and 2, La Salle’s Kada Uno Project and the Adrian Manzano Cancer Wing of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.

Edu attended La Salle from grade school to college. He became a member of the Archer’s basketball team and captain of the university Judo Team.

The veteran TV host and actor couldn’t help but turn nostalgic while receiving the award on Saturday night as 25 years go, he said he stood on the same stage of the alumni association and “received an award where my father was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame.”

“You honored my family and you’re doing it once more. And I can’t thank you enough,” he said. “My father played for La Salle, I played for La Salle, my son (Enzo) played for La Salle. We come from a long line of Lasallians. I am one proud Lasallian and because of that, I will continue to support any and all of the programs in whichever way I can.”

The award was given by the De La Salle Alumni Association (DLSAA) to honor alumni who “have achieved either industrial, managerial, professional, avocational, or public service distinction.” Other distinguished alumni who received the Achievement Award along with Edu were

After portraying a...

PAGE 13

Frontier Theater in Quezon City.

At saka walang mga tenttent nuon, makikitira ka, no aircon,” he shared.

He further recalled they would stay in these communities for days so “kelangan makikisama ka and you start to develop a certain dynamics of dealing with the public.”

Besides the award, what makes Edu proud or even prouder nowadays are the achievements of his children.

Blessing Enchong said the offer to play Junior, a guy whose soul gets magically swapped

with that of a transgender woman’s a day before his wedding, was something he couldn’t say “no” to.

“I have always had a very good relationship with Atty. Joji (Alonso, producer). She presented the movie in such a way that I couldn’t resist. Also, its prequel, ‘Here Comes the Bride,’ opened so many doors for my friend Angelica (Panganiban). I want to be able to partake in that success. I consider this project a blessing,” Enchong said.

“We never thought you’d get recognized because you just felt like it was something you had to do,” he said in a separate interview with The STAR and other press.

The actor credited his father, Adrian Hernandez Manzano, and his military experience for this mindset.

At the age of 17, the U.S.born Edu entered the United States military and served at the Quality Control and Evaluation, Missile Engineering Group and Strategic Air Command of the Air Force.

“My dad was a disciplinarian,” he recalled. “So all of us after high school, me in ‘73 — because we’re all dual citizens, when my father was studying in America, dun kami pinanganak eh — he made us all go to military, all of us siblings, find your own way. I fell in love with the military and then, nagkasakit siya, ako yung eldest na lalaki, who’s going to come home (to help), it’s very Filipino, ‘di ba?”

“But nevertheless, that experience woke up a certain side of me where I felt that I had certain obligations, it wasn’t all about the good times. Of course, I had my

good times but in the case of the military, it was discipline. I guess that’s where you learn yung camaraderie and corny as it may sound, yung ‘leave no man behind.’”

When he entered showbiz, his father, wasn’t the most supportive because “he had other things in mind.” He wanted Edu to become a lawyer.

“But no regrets entering showbiz. Not at all… It’s such a learning experience,” Edu, who’s starring in two international projects this year, said. (It was earlier reported by Variety that he was starring in Erik Matti’s Filipino remake of the French series Call My Agent for HBO Go.)

“Showbiz also allows you to public service. The dynamics here is so different. You know yung shock before when I was starting out as an artista… In America, I was going to do this Chuck Morris film. When we were talking at the Mandarin Hotel, ‘dun siya naka-billet, biglang sabi niya, they wanted to do an action scene in the mountains. So, Chuck told the director, build a village, burn it down, naisip ko yung budget…”

In the Philippines, or at least early in his career, they had to shoot and stay in actual communities, not built movie sets. “Habang nakaupo ka dun, you learn kasi lalapitan ka ng lahat tao.

Edu recently celebrated the educational milestone of his son Enzo who is pursuing higher education. His son, who works at the New York City Council, just received a scholarship at the New York University Wagner Graduate School of Public Service for his Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy studies. He’s proud to share that he helped push his kids to finish their schooling, even Luis before he ventured into showbiz like his dad. “As long as it’s school, I don’t care. You can take as many courses or degrees, I’ll do my best to support you,” Edu said.

His favorite career advice to his four children: “Honestly, you never have enough time, so do it now. Sa lahat ng aspeto ng buhay, there’s not enough time. Do it now.”

This is something he also got from his father. “My dad may have been an athlete. But he also took school seriously. He went to the University of San Francisco,” Edu said.

“First job niya, he was an educator at the Hanna Boys Center, so lahat kami when we could help out in the Boys Center — which was also for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), he was head of the program — we would work in the kitchen. So that early in time… he always felt that’s the only way you can build a community. That it’s crucial for your personal and professional growth. He was so adamant na you have to study and to finish school.” g

Loida Nicolas Lewis spills the tea in...

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speech coach and I had to work on my pronunciation for words like this, that, and there,” Loida recalled, adding that she had to practice delivering speeches before the board of directors.

At the gathering, she regaled the

guests with anecdotes and stories that helped her to grow and become the person she is today. Like her book, her stories focused on various themes such as leadership, communication, and the importance of seeking help when needed.

The book is both an embodiment and a reflection on Loida’s resilience and ability to overcome challenges, both personal and professional. Her determination to take care of her family and the company despite the difficult circumstances is one for the books. g

The actor pointed out that was only one of several offbeat roles he’d be seen portraying this year. “Nakakasa na sila I’m excited for you to see them. The next one, which I’m still not allowed to reveal, is going to be shown in an international festival next month,” he said. g

7’s Football League to...

PAGE 12

putting together a very special team with influential people from across Asia,” he said.

The tournament in the Philippines, on the other hand, will be a different set-up as participating teams will be representing their respective countries, he said.

“The teams competing in the Philippines are representing the countries itself. The one competing here in the U.S. will be representing all of Asia,” the football icon said.

He said they are planning to tap other Asian countries, not only Southeast Asia like Vietnam and Korea, to join this firstof-its-kind seven-a-side football tournament.

U.S.-based social impact and change-driven entrepreneur Dion Ugbebor, who is a co-owner and partner in 7’s FL, will also be helping in providing a positive platform for the youth to play and champion their love for football, and that love for sports can help them empower their way into the future: healthy, ambitious but joyful, positive risk takers.

The 7’s football tournament in the Philippines will also be supported by Esdiac Calling App, TapGo, Ovation Productions and the City of BGC (Bonifacio Global City).

Esdiac will be providing free calling minutes to all international partners; TapGo will be in-charge of the streaming platform; Ovation Productions will be handling the festivities/concert; and the City of BGC will serve as the host city/venue of the event.

Del Rosario said they have also coordinated with the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) as many foreign visitors will be flying in to the country to participate and/or watch the tournament.

According to del Rosario, these kinds of events may be used by the Philippines and the DOT as a possible avenue to promote the country’s sports tourism.

“We are already in talks with the DOT to be able to support the event and be a partner. They gave us their 100% support in this endeavor. We cannot discount the possibility of this, being the start of promoting the Philippines’ sports tourism industry,” he said.

For the upcoming Philippine competition, del Rosario, who is now based in Los Angeles, is encouraging Fil-Ams who are passionate in the game of football to visit their home country.

He reiterated that if given the right support, the future of the seven-a-side football is bright for all Filipinos wherever they are.

“I want the seven-a-side football to be started in the Philippines. I want it to be the origin country, the place where it took place. Later on, in the history books, seven-aside football, once it becomes a sport, I want the Philippines to be on that article,” he stressed. g

Enchong Dee Inquirer.net photo

Edu Manzano receives the Lasallian Achievement Award in Philanthropic Activities for his support to Lasallian social action programs at the 8th One La Salle Night of Excellence. Philstar.com photo

Michael Cosiquien, Benjamin Espiritu, Ph.D, Rene “RJ” Ledesma Jr., Edward K. Lee, Edgar Saavedra, Wellington Tong, Maria Gace Uy, and Alfonso “Chito” Zulueta.