042923 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

AS they announced their re-election bid on Tuesday morning, April 25, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris drew early support from a broad swath of organizations representing minority communities.

“Since President Biden and Vice President Harris took office, they have achieved a record of important accomplishments for the Latino community,” tweeted Maria Teresa Kumar, president of Voto Latino. She touted Biden’s “meaningful gun reform” legislation, characterizing it as the most meaningful reform legislation in decades.

“He has stood up to racists, homophobes, and those who would tear this country apart to advance their ugly, authoritarian political agenda,” said Kumar. “This rising generation of Latinos holds enormous power in their hands, and Voto Latino is committed to ensuring that they can use it.”

Uphill Battle?

“When I ran for president four years ago, I said we are in a battle for the soul of America.

pacts top Marcos-Biden meet

by Kristina Maralit, Catherine s. Valente and FranCo Jose C. Baroña ManilaTimes.net

and security will be on top of the agenda when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meets with United States President Joe Biden in Washington next week. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Teresita Daza said "discussions on security and defense are a given" since the two countries are long-standing military allies.

The two leaders are expected to discuss the decades-old Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) since the Philippines and U.S. have major interests in the South China Sea.

Manila has been locked in a territorial dispute with Beijing, while Washington has been calling out China over its expansive claims over the strategic

waterway.

"We assume that he (Marcos) will count on the U.S. to support Philippine efforts in upholding international law and promoting sustainable development of marine resources," Daza said. Marcos will most likely seek clarifications regarding the MDT, following Biden's recent statement that u PAGE A2

Marcos – Biden meeting to spur economic growth — Speaker Romualdez

by Gabriel

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s upcoming meeting with United States counterpart Joe Biden would would, among others, result in more investments and job opportunities, House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Thursday, April 27. Romualdez, in a statement, said that the meeting between the two leaders would bolster the bilateral relations between the two nations at a crucial time for economic recovery and security concerns. Romualdez has been in the U.S. to meet with American lawmakers and other officials ahead of Marcos’ trip, which will start on April 30. Marcos is expected to meet Biden on May 1.

GUNS are the biggest killers of American children and are tied to an unprecedented rise in suicides and homicides among this generation, according to new data that paints a damming portrait of childhood mortality in the U.S.

Drugs are now the third leading cause of death, according to the most recent figures.

“Put in plain terms, it basically means the probability of young people reaching age 20 is now decreasing,” said Steven H. Woolf, a professor of Family Medicine and Population Health at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. “We’re now losing our most cherished population.”

Woolf is the author of a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showing that in addition to guns, deaths among adolescents from drug poisoning rose 94% in 2020. In 2021, 77% of all teen overdose deaths involved fentanyl.

Speaking during Ethnic Media Services’ weekly news briefing last week, Woolf stressed that death rates among infants, children, and teenagers in most industrialized

by rhodina villanueva Philstar.com

MANILA — At least 496 distressed Filipinos affected by the violence in Sudan have now evacuated to safer places, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Friday, April 28.

Of the number, 414 are either at the border between Egypt and Sudan or have crossed the border into Egypt as of Friday.

An additional 58 people, according to DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza, are in Port Sudan awaiting the ship that would bring them to Jeddah. This brings the number to

a total of 472.

“To make up for the balance from the 496, we have 24. Of the 24, eight flew to Athens via a Greek military flight. Sixteen, on the other hand, have already arrived in Jeddah and were met by our consulate general there,” she told reporters.

The DFA said more than 300 Filipinos were safely evacuated from Sudan in the last 12 hours alone through Philippine government efforts.

Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Ezzedin Tago welcomed 340 Filipinos from Khartoum at the Argeen border Friday

by evelyn Macairan Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has spotted a swarm of more than 100 Chinese vessels, including a warship and coast guard ships, during its patrol in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from April 18 to 24.

In a statement, the PCG said the BRP Malapascua and BRP Malabrigo counted over 100 militia vessels, a corvette class naval ship of the People’s Liberation Army and two Chinese coast guard vessels.

The PCG issued the update on its patrol almost a week after

one of the two ships figured in a near-collision with a Chinese coast guard vessel in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal, which is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and where a detachment of Marines is stationed on a grounded World War II-era transport ship.

But China’s foreign ministry said it was the PCG vessels that made a “premeditated and provocative action.”

The PCG’s patrol covered the waters around Escoda Shoal, Del Pilar Reef, Lawak, Patag, Likas, Parola, Pag-asa, Tizzard Bank, Julian Felipe Reef and Ayungin

“The meeting between President Marcos and U.S. President Biden will further reinforce the robust long-term bilateral relations between the Philippines and the United States and I am confident it would

by Michael Punongbayan Philstar.com

MANILA — The success of the just concluded Balikatan exercise was “a testament to the strength of the U.S.-Philippine alliance,” U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said on Friday, April 28.. Balikatan is an incredible accomplishment,” she said in her remarks during the ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo marking the conclusion of the 38th iteration of the PhilippineU.S. joint military exercise.

Carlson called the joint drill

“a milestone,” considering the number of personnel involved – 17,600 Filipino, American and Australian military forces – assembled for an endeavor aimed at “increasing our capability to work together on land, at sea and in the air.”

She noted that in the past years there have been more threats to the Southeast Asian region than there were in decades. The threats include China’s growing aggressiveness in the South China Sea.

“These include challenges to the rules-based international

Defense pact top Marcos...

he wants the defense pact to "evolve."

Daza said the DFA is yet to receive word on what kind of tweaks Marcos would want on the treaty, and if the changes would anchor on maritime issues between the Philippines and China.

What is certain is that the president would "promote Philippine interests" and reiterate his desire for the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea to be an area of "peace, security, stability, and prosperity," Daza said.

"And if there are intrusions, then we do the necessary actions," she said, citing the near-collision of a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship with a Chinese coast guard ship off the Spratlys Islands last week.

Daza said Manila will take "an appropriate diplomatic action," but did not specify if the DFA has filed a diplomatic protest or utilized its direct communication line with Beijing to tackle the issue.

"In terms of diplomatic action, this is continuing. In terms of the South China Sea issue, the president will underscore what we want the waters to be," she said.

Marcos will be visiting the U.S. from April 30 to May 4. After that, he will join the other leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in the regional bloc's 42nd summit in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, from May 10 to 11.

Asean is made up of the Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar.

"The president is expected to assert the importance of demonstrating Asean centrality in the region amidst geopolitical rivalries," Office of Asean Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Angelito Nayan said during a press briefing in Malacañang on Friday, April 28.

Nayan said Marcos will also stress the need for regional and multilateral cooperation in areas such as long-term food and energy security, combatting transnational crimes, adopting climate and disaster resilient technologies and transitioning to renewable and alternative energy

technologies, and protecting migrant workers.

Nayan said one of the summit's important outcomes "is a leader's declaration on combatting trafficking in persons caused by the use and misuse of technology."

"This is something that the Philippines fully supports, owing to our advocacy in Asean on the protection of migrant workers and the Philippines' role as a lead shepherd for Asean cooperation against trafficking in persons under the framework of the Senior Officials' Meeting on Transnational Crime," he said.

The Asean leaders will also interface with the Asean InterParliamentary Assembly, the Asean Youth Representatives, Asean Business Advisory Council, High-Level Task Force on the Asean Community's Post-2025 Visit.

Daza said that following the leaders' decision to accept the application of Timor Leste for Asean membership, they are expected to adopt a roadmap for Timor Leste's full membership in the upcoming summit.

The prime minister of Timor Leste, Taur Matan Ruak, is expected to attend the Indonesia summit as an observer for the first time, she said.

While in Indonesia, Marcos will also take part in the 15th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-MalaysiaPhilippines East Asian Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) summit on May 11.

During the BIMP-EAGA meeting, to be chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the president "will discuss developments and the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025

towards promoting economic development, strengthening connectivity and the sustainable management of natural resources in the subregion," Daza said.

The BIMP-EAGA was established in 1994 to spur development in remote and less developed areas in Southeast Asian countries.

In a related development, the Philippine Navy's BRP Antonio Luna will participate in the first Asean-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) from May 2 to 8.

The exercise, to be held in Singapore, will feature harbor and at-sea drills aimed at enhancing interoperability among the participating navies.

Naval Public Affairs Office director Capt. Benjo Negranza said the PN's participation conveys its commitment to enhancing cooperation with Asean and Indian navies toward regional peace and stability.

The Antonio Luna sailed for Singapore on Thursday, April 27 with a 140-strong contingent. It is the Navy's second guided missileequipped frigate.

It is capable of multi-role operations such as anti-surface, anti-submarine, and limited antiair warfare.

On board the frigate is one of the Navy's three AW109 helicopters, which is being used for a range of naval missions including surface surveillance, search and rescue, and maritime security.

The Navy has ordered two more AW109s from AgustaWestland, an Anglo-Italian helicopter design and manufacturing company. Delivery is expected in the second half of this year.

The AW109 can operate from land bases or from ships. n

Marcos – Biden meeting to spur economic...

redound to huge dividends for our country in terms of security and increased economic cooperation, among others,” he said.

“Security and stability are indispensable ingredients for continued economic growth and prosperity. An improved iron-clad alliance between the two countries would greatly contribute to the realization of President Marcos’ vision for sustained economic growth that would provide jobs and livelihood for the Filipinos,” he added.

496

Romualdez maintained that while the U.S. is one of the country’s long-time allies, it is important to attract investors as “Washington remains an important and strategic trading and investment partner of Manila”.

According to Romualdez, amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the U.S. was the Philippines’ 3rd largest trade partner, top export market, and 5th major import source. He also pointed out that the U.S. was also the Philippines’ 5th largest source of foreign investments in the same year,

particularly in the sectors of information technology and business process management, electronics, real estate, and construction in the same year — hence, making it necessary to discuss business with the U.S..

“With our strong economy, we invited the U.S. to increase and expand its investments,” Romualdez said.

On Wednesday, April 26, Romualdez said that the conditions are good for Marcos’ visit to the U.S., noting that he and the rest of the Philippine delegation have already set the groundwork for the trip. n

Pinoys out of Sudan; flights home...

morning after they were cleared by Egyptian authorities for entry.

The DFA noted that there have been some delays in the processing at the Egyptian border due to the influx of evacuees from Sudan.

Eight Filipinos from Khartoum arrived in Greece onboard a Greek military aircraft and were received by Philippine Ambassador Giovanni Palec.

The DFA, giving assurance that efforts to evacuate all affected Filipinos will continue, said the eight would be repatriated on the next available flight to Manila.

“There are currently 58 Filipinos in Port Sudan, awaiting the ship that will bring them to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where 16 Filipinos have already been received by the team led by Consul General Edgar Tomas Auxilian,” the DFA said.

It added that DFA teams in Athens, Jeddah and at the EgyptSudan border have been assisting Filipinos from Khartoum and are

making arrangements for their repatriation via the next available flights.

Coordination with the governments of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Greece on the safe passage of Filipino evacuees is continuing through the respective Philippine embassies.

Meanwhile, Migrant Work[1] ers Secretary Susan Ople gave assurance on Friday that 340 overseas Filipino workers

(OFWs) affected by the fight[1] ing in Sudan would be repatri[1] ated via a chartered flight. “We are now exploring the possibility of a chartered flight to bring 340 OFWs home.

So certain arrangements will have to be made by the DMW (Department of Mi[1] grant Workers) and OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration),” said Ople at an online briefing. n

2024) sa ika-1:30 ng hapon sa Miyerkules, Mayo 17, 2023. Ang pagdinig na ito ay magaganap nang personal. Ang pampublikong komento ay maaaring ibigay nang live ng personal o sa pamamagitan ng telepono. Ang link upang i-stream ang pagdinig at makita ang mga presentasyon na gagawin sa pagdinig ay ilalagay sa loob ng agenda ng pampublikong pagdinig na ipo-post nang hindi bababa sa 72 oras bago ang petsa ng pagdinig. Magagamit din ang link para mapanood ang pagdinig nang live sa metro.net/about/board/board-directors-meetings-audio-archive/.

Ang mga interesadong miyembro ng publiko ay hinihikayat na lumahok at dumalo nang virtual sa paparating na pampublikong pagdinig upang magbigay ng testimonya. Ang mga taong hindi makalahok ay maaaring magsumite ng nakasulat na testimonya na naka-postmark o ipinadala hanggang 5 ng hapon ng Mayo 16, 2023. Ang mga komento ay maaaring isumite sa elektronikong paraan sa BoardClerk@metro.netat dapat i-address ang sulat sa koreo sa:

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Upang humingi ng karagdagang input mula sa publiko at mga stakeholder tungkol sa taunang badyet, ang mga workshop/pagpupulong sa badyet ay naka-iskedyul sa Abril at Mayo kasama ang Metro Regional Service Councils, Policy Advisory Committee, Community Advisory Council, San Gabriel Valley COG-Transportation Committee, South Bay Cities COG -Transportation Committee, Valley Industry & Commerce Association, Accessibility Advisory Committee, Technical Advisory Committee, Bus Operations Subcommittee, Streets & Freeways Subcommittee, Accessibility Advisory Committee at Local Transit Systems Subcommittee. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon sa proseso ng Iminungkahing Pagbuo ng Badyet ng FY24, upang makita ang mga resulta mula sa survey ng badyet ng FY24, mga iskedyul ng pagpupulong ng stakeholder at iba pang mga detalye ng pagbuo ng badyet, mangyaring bisitahin ang www.budget.metro.net.

Ang mga kopya ng dokumento ng badyet ay ipamamahagi sa pampubliko 15 araw bago ang pagdinig at maaaring makuha sa Records Management Center (RMC) sa pamamagitan ng email request sa RMC@metro.net. Ang mga kopya ng dokumento ng badyet ay maaari ring kunin sa RMC sa antas ng Plaza ng Gusali ng Gateway o tingnan sa online sa www.metro.net.

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photo shows Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Ezzedin Tago and overseas Filipino workers crossing the border from Sudan to Egypt.

Photo courtesy of DFA

PCG: Over 100 Chinese vessels spotted in...

Shoal. The PCG said its ships drove away four maritime militia vessels engaged in fishing activities some four nautical miles from Pag-asa Island.

However, 18 Chinese militia vessels detected near Escoda Shoal ignored the PCG’s radio challenge and refused to leave the area.

Seventeen groups of Chinese maritime militia ships in the vicinity of Julian Felipe Reef also ignored the PCG men sent on inflatable boats to try to disperse them.

On April 21, a Chinese warship with bow number 549 confronted PCG vessels through radio challenge some seven nautical miles from Pag-asa Island. The PCG vessels stood their ground, demanding that the Chinese leave the area instead.

On the morning of April 23, two Chinese coast guard vessels made dangerous maneuvers near the Malapascua and Malabrigo in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal.

One of the Chinese vessels almost collided with the Malapascua.

In a tweet, PCG-WPS spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said it’s the Chinese that were clearly stirring trouble in the South China Sea.

“China contends that the

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United States is escalating tensions in the South China Sea, and I am curious how they would characterize these actions.

Evidently, the Chinese Coast Guard is performing dangerous maneuver that clearly jeopardize the safety of persons on board a smaller PCG vessel,” he said.

PCG’s fault, says Beijing

Asked about the incident at a regular press briefing yesterday, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the Philippine boats had “intruded” without China’s permission.

“The Chinese coast guard vessel safeguarded China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime order, in accordance with the law, while taking timely measures to avoid the dangerous approach of Philippine vessels and to avoid a collision,” Mao said.

“It was a premeditated and provocative action for the Philippine vessel to barge into the waters of Ren’ai Jiao with journalists on board, the aim was to deliberately find fault and take the opportunity to hype up the incident,” she added, calling Ayungin Shoal by the name assigned by Beijing.

After confirming the April 23 incident, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has again called on China to respect the legal rights of the Philippines to conduct patrols in West Philippine Sea.

“First of all, I would like to emphasize that the Philippines has the legal right to carry out routine maritime patrols in our territorial waters and EEZ,” DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said in a statement on Friday, April 28.

“The deployment of the BRP Malabrigo and BRP Malapascua in the West Philippine Sea from April 18 to 24 was one such mission,” she stressed.

“In terms of DFA’s perspective, every time there’s an incident report, we await the official report coming from all relevant agencies – PCG is one of them. And the DFA actually studies and analyzes, and makes an assessment of it. Based on this incident report, an appropriate diplomatic action is taken,” Daza said at a Palace press briefing.

Asked whether President Marcos has been briefed about the incident, Daza said the chief executive has been consistent with his directive to always uphold the country’s interest.

“And in terms of the South

China Sea, the president has always been consistent in saying that we will uphold our sovereignty and safeguard our sovereign rights and interest in the South China. And we will do this through diplomacy, military’s law enforcement and public diplomacy action,” she said.

The Chinese interference in the routine patrol mission of the two ships was totally inconsistent with freedom of navigation, she maintained.

“A number of documented incidents also involved highly dangerous maneuvers that were contrary to standard navigational practices,” she pointed out.

“We again call on China to respect the Philippines’ rights over the West Philippine Sea, as provided by UNCLOS, and refrain from actions that may cause an untoward incident,” Daza said, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Alliance Senators, meanwhile, renewed on Friday their call for the country to lead in forming a broader security alliance in the region to counter China’s aggressiveness.

“The bullying of the Chinese is too much, it was good that our Coast Guard was able to drive away the Chinese vessel, so we fought somehow,” Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, chair of the Senate committee on national defense and security, told reporters.

He said the country obviously cannot fight back militarily. “We have to seek help from our allies,” Estrada said.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros condemned what she described as “the latest in a continuous, unbroken and apparently unrepentant string of incidents that China should be accountable for.”

She said she expects the DFA to file a diplomatic protest at once, as she called on Malacañang to condemn, in the strongest terms, “China’s ceaseless intimidation, torment and threats.”

“At this time, it’s only right to actively and boldly continue in the direction of building bigger alliances. A broader alliance is a better alliance. Let us urgently work on building this bigger coalition of countries who are against China’s misbehavior, who uphold our victory at The Hague and who want to preserve peace and stability in the region,” Hontiveros said.

Senate Minority Leader

WITH the first cases of the newest Omicron strain confirmed in Los Angeles County, residents are being asked to be aware of possible new COVID-19 symptoms and take precautions.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed three reported cases of the new XBB.1.16 strain, also known as “Arcturus."

However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts that XBB.1.16 currently accounts for 8% of COVID-19 cases in California and 10% nationally.

Local reporting is delayed due to the time it takes for samples to be sequenced after reported to Public Health. The CDC has advanced models that predict the levels at which each strain is currently circulating.

Symptoms include conjunctivitis, more commonly known as “pink eye,” along with previously known signs of COVID.

Observational data suggests that people infected with XBB.1.16 may be more likely to experience conjunctivitis as a symptom of their COVID infection, along with more traditional COVID symptoms, such as fever,

cough and shortness of breath.

Conjunctivitis can be painful and itchy, highly contagious and, if left untreated, can cause damage to the cornea.

Historically, conjunctivitis was reported in 1-3% of COVID-19 cases.

Given limited data, it is too early to know with certainty if XBB.1.16 is truly associated with higher rates of conjunctivitis, amid an already active allergy season in Southern California. However, residents should be aware that itchy, watery or red eyes may be a sign of a COVID-19 infection and these symptoms should not be simply dismissed as a result of pollen or seasonal allergies, especially if someone more vulnerable to severe illness could be exposed.

At-home COVID-19 testing is an important tool to use to rule out possible COVID-19. And because untreated conjunctivitis can cause eye damage, those who suspect conjunctivitis should speak with their health care provider.

Free COVID-19 at-home tests can still be picked up at libraries and community sites across Los Angeles County and at Public Health vaccination sites or ordered through the federal government. Additionally,

insurance policies are still required to reimburse each member for up to eight COVID-19 tests per month. Information is available at ph.lacounty.gov/ COVIDtests.

Because XBB.1.16 is a descendant of the Omicron variant, current vaccines and therapeutics are highly likely to remain protective and able to ward off severe illness. The fact that we are seeing new strains, with possibly new and different symptoms, tells us that COVID continues to evolve and the way we think about our protections should reflect what we know.

As XBB.1.16 has a mutation that results in greater potential for infection, older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions may want to take extra precautions to avoid infection, including making sure they have received a bivalent booster, frequent hand washing, avoiding touching their eyes and face, staying home when sick and testing. Those at higher risk of severe illness may also want to consider masking in crowded places.

Public Health is offering bivalent vaccines and boosters to eligible residents at no cost,

u PAGE A5 u PAGE A5

Children are dying at rates not seen...

countries have been falling for many years. But in the U.S., pediatric success in treating childhood leukemia and curing birth defects has been offset by deaths from guns and drugs.

Dr. Steven H. Woolf, MD, MPH, Professor of Family Medicine and Population Health at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, discusses one of the less considered impacts of gun violence – the diminishing likelihood that a child will reach adulthood.

Rise in gun deaths

“This data was so striking to us and is obviously a trend,” said Kim Parker, director of Social and Demographic trends at Pew Research Center. Pew conducted a national survey last fall looking at some of the most pressing concerns currently impacting parents and kids.

Mental health topped the list. Pew asked a very large sample of parents, broken down by racial and ethnic groups, how worried they were about their children getting shot.

“Place and setting really matter,” Parker said.

It turns out parents living in urban areas were significantly more likely to express a high level of concern about their children or child being shot than parents in rural or suburban areas.

Government figures show an overall increase in gun deaths of 23%, but the rate is twice that for young Americans. In 2021, for this age group, 60% of gun deaths in the U.S. were homicides, whereas 32% were suicides, says Parker.

Homicide is the leading type of gun death among children, regardless of the age of the child. Most gun deaths involving Black children in 2021 were homicides, whereas most gun deaths involving Asian and white children were suicides.

Mass killings continue to make headlines about once a week in the U.S., including the recent shooting at a private elementary

school in Nashville, Tennessee, where state lawmakers expelled two Black legislators after they joined in protests calling for tighter gun control. The two lawmakers were later reinstated. But the incident highlighted the struggle gun-control advocates face in changing America’s lax gun laws.

Still, Woolf says school shootings do not account for the largest proportion of deaths among young people, which are “occurring day by day.”

Fear, racism fuel gun sales Research, including a paper from the National Institute of Health, has demonstrated that the higher rates of gun violence that Black and Brown Americans experience is directly linked to policies put in place to economically and socially marginalize their communities, says Kelly Sampson, Senior Counsel and Director of Racial Justice for Brady United.

The U.S. approach to guns and the Second Amendment is related to our history of white supremacy and racism, says Kelly Sampson, Senior Counsel and Director of Racial Justice for the nonprofit Brady United Against Gun Violence.

“There is an interplay between the sheer number of people who feel the need to arm themselves, and the way that we characterize threats and safety, that is sort of underlying all of the gun culture in society,” she noted, adding self-defense is racially coded in American culture.

The National Shooting Sports Federation reported gun sales have been going up for years and that in 2020, 40% of retail gun sales came from firsttime buyers. The FBI says 39 million background checks were conducted in 2020, up from roughly 28 million in 2019.

The unprecedented rise in gun deaths among young Americans coincided with the banner year in gun sales in 2020.

“At least 20 years’ worth of research now show that having a gun in the home increases

Biden-Harris get early support from broad...

the risk of a gun-related death,” Woolf says. Sampson stressed that ready access to firearms is what sets the U.S. apart. “What is different about the U.S. is its lack of regulation and the ease with which someone who is going through a mental health crisis, or who might be racist, or who is just angry, can get access to a firearm and kill people.”

According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), only a small fraction of gun dealers sell about 90% of the guns that are traced to crime.

Cracking down on the problematic dealers will go a long way to keeping guns from being used in crime, Sampson says.

A moral obligation

The United Against Gun Violence website has a map that shows ATF dealer inspections in every state. The Brady organization is working with state and federal authorities to target those specific gun dealers and manufacturers for inspection.

“Too many of our children are dying sooner than they need to,” says Mayra Alvarez, President of The Children’s Partnership, which works to advance child health and equity in California.

“Our children are dependent on the adults in their lives to take care of them and our elected officials, all of us, have a moral duty to take care of our kids,” she said. Alvarez says passing common sense gun reform will reduce gun deaths among the young. She says it’s just as important to make it easier to enroll in public benefit programs so families can access the health, the food, the housing and other supports that they need.

“Those are all issues that are interconnected and related to the struggle of poverty, and what poverty is doing to contribute to these numbers today,” she said. (Peter White/Ethnic Media Services)

Balikatan further reinforced strong US...

order via provocations in the South China Sea, as well as global issues like climate change, environmental degradation and water scarcity,” she said.

“The Philippines is our oldest treaty ally in East Asia and largest recipient of security assistance in East Asia, and the U.S.-Philippine alliance plays an irreplaceable role in addressing these threats,” Carlson stressed. She said that based on

geography, demographics and the economy, “you can see that what happens in the Philippines is critical to what happens in the Indo-Pacific and the world.”

Carlson emphasized that the shared resolve of the Philippines and the U.S. to address threats together as embodied in the Mutual Defense Treaty is just one pillar in the U.S.-Philippine relationship.

“We are also partners, working together to address challenges like job creation,

technological innovation and environmental sustainability. The economic ties between the United States and the Philippines have created hundreds of thousands of highquality jobs for Filipinos,” she said.

“The United States is the Philippines’ largest export market. American investments have also helped grow important sectors of the economy across Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao,” she added. n

ABISO NG PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG SA IMINUMUNGKAHING ORDINANSA

(Kabilang ang Buod ng Ordinansa)

IBINIBIGAY DITO ANG PAUNAWA na ang Lupon ng mga Supervisor ng County ng San Diego ay magsasagawa ng pampublikong pagdinig sa iminungkahing ordinansa, gaya ng sumusunod:

“ISANG ORDINANSA NA NAG-AMYENDA NG MGA BAHAGI NG ADMINISTRATIVE CODE NA MAY UGNAYAN SA MGA PAGBABAYAD AT DEPOSITO PARA SA MGA DEPARTMENTO NG MGA SERBISYO SA PAGPAPLANO at PAGPAPAUNLAD, MGA GAWAING PUBLIKO AT MGA PARK AT RECREATION”

Impormasyon sa Pagdinig:

Petsa: Mayo 3, 2023

Oras: 9:00 a.m.

Lokasyon: County Administration Center, Room 310

1600 Pacific Highway San Diego, CA 92101

BUOD NG ORDINANSA (Administrative Code): Inaamyendahan ng ordinansa ang Seksyon 362, 362.1, 362.2, 362.3 at 362.3.6 ng Administrative Code upang taasan ang ilang mga rate ng bayad sa pamamagitan ng pag-update ng mga ordinansa sa bayad ng Departments of Planning & Development Services (PDS), Public Works (DPW) at Parks and Recreation (DPR) para sa pangkalahatan ay makamit ang buong pagbawi sa gastos. Sinuri ng grupo ng Land Development ang kabuuang 263 na bayad at deposito. Sinuri din nito ang pang-oras-oras na mga rate para sa 128 na pag-uuri ng posisyon.

PAGSUSURI NG KAPALIGIRAN: Inirerekumenda na ang pagpapatibay ng Ordinansa ay matukoy na hindi kasama sa pagsusuri sa kapaligiran sa ilalim ng Seksyon 15273(a) ng Mga Alituntunin ng State California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

PANGKALAHATANG IMPORMASYON:

Ang isang kopya ng buong teksto ng Ordinansa ay naka-post sa opisina ng Clerk ng Lupon ng mga Supervisor, Room 402 ng nasabing Administration Center. Ang data na nagsasaad ng gastos na kinakailangan para ibigay ang produkto o serbisyo kung saan ang bayad ay ipinapataw at ang mga pinagmumulan ng kita na inaasahang magbibigay ng produkto o serbisyo ay magiging available para sa pampublikong pagsusuri sampung araw bago ang pampublikong pagdinig sa opisina ng Planning & Development Services. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa panukalang ito, makipagugnayan kayStephanie Nicholas sa 619-694-9275.

Ang pampublikong pagdinig na ito ay maa-access ng mga indibidwal na may mga kapansanan. Kung kailangan ng mga serbisyo ng interpreter para sa may kapansanan sa pandinig, mangyaring tawagan ang Americans with Disabilities Coordinator sa 619-531-5205, o California Relay Service, kung aabisuhan ng TDD, nang hindi lalampas sa pitong araw bago ang petsa ng pagdinig.

TANDAAN: Kung hahamunin mo ang aksyon ng Lupon sa korte, maaari kang malimitahan sa pagtataas lamang ng mga isyung ibinangon mo o ng ibang tao sa pampublikong pagdinig sa itaas, o sa nakasulat na sulat na inihatid sa Lupong Pagdinig sa o bago ang pagdinig. Maaaring limitahan o ipataw ng Mga Panuntunan ng Lupong Pagdinig ang mga kinakailangan sa pagsusumite ng naturang nakasulat na sulat.

BUOD NG IMINUMUNGKAHING ORDINANSA

Ang Ibinigay Dito ang Paunawa na ang Lupon ng mga Supervisor ng County ng San Diego ay isasaalang-alang para sa pagsuporta: Administrative Code o Code na Administratibo. Ang ordinansang ito ay mag-aamyenda sa Seksyon 362, 362.1, 362.2, 362.3 at 362.3.6 ng Administrative Code upang taasan ang ilang mga rate ng pagbabayad sa pamamagitan ng pag-update ng mga ordinansa sa bayad ng Departments of Planning & Development Services (PDS), Public Works (DPW) at Parks and Recreation (DPR) para sa pangkalahatan ay makamit ang buong pagbawi sa gastos. Ang nasabing iminungkahing ordinansa ay ihaharap sa Lupon ng mga Supervsor para sa unang pagbasa sa Mayo 3, 2023, kung saan matatanggap ang pampublikong testimonya.

Nagpupulong ang Lupon sa 9 a.m., sa Room 310, County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, California.

Ang mga taong interesado ay hinihikayat na suriin ang teksto ng iminungkahing ordinansa nang detalyado. Ang isang sertipikadong kopya ng buong teksto ay naka-post sa Opisina ng Clerk ng Lupon ng mga Supervisor, Room 402, ng nasabing Administration Center, at makukuha rin online sa http:// www.sandiegocob.com.

Ang buod na ito ay na-publish alinsunod sa Government Code Section 25124 at Board of Supervisors' action noong Enero 2, 1979, na nagpapahintulot sa paglalathala.

And we still are,” said Biden in a video announcing his re-election bid.

“Every generation of Americans has faced a moment when they’ve had to defend democracy, stand up for our personal freedoms, and stand up for our right to vote and our civil rights,” Biden said in a news release. “This is ours. Let’s finish the job,” said the President.

But analysts predict an uphill battle to victory. 70% of Americans think Biden shouldn’t seek a second term — including 51% of Democrats, according to a new NBC News poll released April 23. Forty-eight percent of those who said he shouldn’t run again cited his age as a “major” reason.

Ageism

Shekar Narasimhan,

founder

and chairman of the AAPI Victory Fund, challenged the notion of age as a barrier to leadership. “Over 40% of Americans are 60+ years old and we celebrate medical advances that increase longevity. We also idolize geniuses like Warren Buffet (92), Charlie Munger (99) and Bill Gates (67),” he tweeted, adding: “I am all in for #BidenHarris2024.”

Black voters, who gave Biden a decisive win during the 2020 primaries, seem on the fence as to whether they will continue their support of Biden and Harris. The New York Amsterdam News reported April 25 that according to the results of a recent poll conducted by TheGrio and KFF, black people had a positive opinion of both Biden and Harris.

Black Voters

But, the poll also noted that 58% of respondents said they would prefer to see someone other than Biden running for the Democratic nomination. About 70% said they would throw their support behind Harris if she were to run.

Rep. James Clyburn, D-South Carolina, who turned Biden’s faltering campaign around with an endorsement in 2020, immediately threw his support behind the Biden-Harris reelection campaign.

“I can’t wait for Joe Biden to make his announcement so that we can get actively involved,” he said, before the announcement was made. “I plan to devote my time and energy the rest of this year and next year going into this election making sure that we get the type of turnout that we need.” (Ethnic Media Services)

PCG: Over 100 Chinese vessels spotted in...

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Aquilino Pimentel III said all concerned parties should work hard to prevent a repeat of the incident. He said all states with claims in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea must come up with a code of conduct.

“Otherwise there will always be incidents like this where one party will appear to be a ‘Goliath’, because it is in reality a giant country, and be labeled as a bully. It is to the best interest of all parties to start behaving like civilized, respectful and reasonable neighbors. Start dialogue. Make concrete gains,

no matter how small,” Pimentel said.

“We cannot afford to fire the first shot that would trigger a shooting war. My advice to our Coast Guard is to maximize their escape and evasion tactics and remember always that patience is a virtue,” Sen. Ronald dela Rosa said.

Not enough

At the House of Representatives, Deputy Minority Leader France Castro also condemned the Chinese’s hostile maneuver in Ayungin Shoal.

“Steps must be undertaken so that this will not happen

again, like lobbying the Asian Parliamentary Assembly and the Inter-Parliamentary Union to condemn such actions,” Castro said, stressing that filing of protest is not enough.

“China is deceitful. While its diplomats say that more lines of communication are now available to avoid skirmishes and misunderstanding in the West Philippine Sea, their coast guard tried to ram our coast guard and are intent in denying us our own waters,” she said. (With reports from Michael Punongbayan, Helen Flores, Paolo Romero, Sheila Crisostomo)

LA County residents advised to take...

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regardless of their insurance or immigration status, at hundreds of locations throughout Los Angeles County. Vaccination locations and appointments can be found at VaccinateLACounty. com or VacunateLosAngeles. com (en español) or by calling 1-833-540-0473. For residents who have difficulties leaving their home, Public Health offers free in-home COVID-19 vaccine and booster appointments. Appointments may be booked at ph.lacounty. gov/vaxathome or by calling the Public Health COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-540-0473.

“To those who have lost a loved one to COVID-19, I

extend my heartfelt sympathies.

May their memories bring you comfort,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.Ed., Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “Los Angeles County remains in a strong position to reduce risks associated with this virus. Although we are facing the reality of a new Omicron strain gaining dominance and it is not yet possible to predict the impact, I am confident that the tools available to us, including vaccines, therapeutics and testing, can limit bad outcomes.

Because this new Omicron strain is still COVID, we know what works and what common-sense precautions make a difference.

Public Health will continue to provide resources and updated information so that the knowledge we have can inform decisions that maximize our protections.” Los Angeles County remains in the CDC’s Low COVID-19 Community Level for the 15th consecutive week. This includes a weekly reported case rate of 26 new cases per 100,000 people. The 7-day total for new COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 people is currently 2.9. And the 7-day average of the proportion of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients is now 1.6%. As of Tuesday, April 25, there have been a total of 36,199 deaths in Los Angeles County. (AJPress)

Powerless

IN Occidental Mindoro, classes had to be suspended for three days earlier this month because there was no power to run even electric fans in the scorching summer heat. Residents complain that their household appliances are breaking down from the regular blackouts that last from 16 to 20 hours a day. Hospitals have had to invest in expensive generators to power at least critical healthcare equipment such as dialysis machines. Protesting residents planned a “blackout concert” to express their dismay.

The energy crisis in the province prompted the declaration of a state of calamity on April 20, if only to allow speedier procurement and other responses to an emergency.

Editorial

Whether this will ease the situation remains to be seen. The crisis had built up over three decades, and was serious enough for then presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to promise, during a campaign sortie in April 2022, to fix the problem.

As the three-day blackout and state of calamity have shown, the problem has worsened since the 2022 campaign, and is aggravating poverty and underdevelopment in the province. The Occidental Mindoro Electric Cooperative, which won the power distribution contract through open bidding, sources the power from a bunkerfired diesel plant in San Jose operated by Occidental Mindoro Consolidated Power Corp. OMCPC, however, is currently providing only 20 percent of local needs, according to OMECO.

OMCPC was awarded the supply contract by OMECO in 2020 through a competitive selection process. CSP completion, however, was delayed, and the Energy Regulatory Commission, which is supposed to subsidize OMCPC, decided to penalize OMECO by requiring the cooperative to shoulder 50 percent of the subsidy. OMECO protested the penalty, while the NPC’s payment of over half of the subsidy was also delayed. With the unpaid subsidies accumulating to over P1 billion, OMCPC cannot purchase bunker fuel, so its power generation has been acutely curtailed, from its optimum capacity of 20 megawatts to just seven MW daily. The NPC has pointed to the surge in fuel prices for its inability to fulfill its subsidy obligations to OMCPC. The subsidy is instead being paid in monthly installments. With the impasse over the subsidy from the NPC, the government is eyeing the emergency

THIS early, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says he is already counting the remaining days in his presidency. For the sake of building a strong republic, the political opposition should be doing the same.

Seeing how impressively organized the Marcos campaign was for the 2022 race, there’s no reason to doubt his pronouncement. He said he wanted to make every day of his presidency count: so many “urgent” things to do, so little time!

Some thought it was just the latest effort to rehabilitate the Marcos name, to show that Junior does not intend to perpetuate himself in power –unlike Ferdinand Senior and Imeldific, who acted as if they wanted to be maharlika rulers forever.

The most cynical interpretation of BBM’s statement is that it was a subliminal message of support for Charter change –something that is supposedly not his priority – to show that the

latest Cha-cha initiative pushed by his House allies is not about term extensions for officials led by the president. Once Cha-cha gets rolling, of course, nothing can stop its proponents from introducing such a proposal.

Whatever BBM meant by that statement, the political opposition must also be counting down to 2028, and before that, to the 2025 midterm elections.

In just two months, the Marcos 2.0 administration will be marking its first year.

Criticism during BBM’s Year One has been largely muted, not necessarily because he has done a spectacular job, but more because he has avoided making mistakes.

Also, like post-pandemic economic performance figures, BBM has benefited from being gauged from a low base, with Rodrigo Duterte as his predecessor.

After six years of Duterte’s obsession with killing and his late-night stream-ofconsciousness harangues peppered with expletives, insults and sexist jokes, Bongbong Marcos has been a vast improvement.

A significant drop in the number of drug killings has improved the Marcos image in

get out of the country as soon as possible.

liberal democratic capitals. And the reopening of the economy after the crippling pandemic lockdowns has revived businesses and restored jobs.

Members of the political opposition have their work cut out for them in 2025.

* * *

The first order of business is to stop moping about the 2022 election debacle and to instead look on the bright side: 20 million voters DID NOT pick the BBM-Duterte tandem. That’s an enormous number of people whose support can be harnessed.

After 10 months, the losers should be tired of wallowing in self-pity. A brutally honest postmortem of the election results must be conducted by the opposition or non-administration forces. It’s simplistic to pin the blame for the Marcos-Duterte landslide victory mainly on disinformation and historical revisionism through the clever use of social media particularly TikTok.

Even before the official start of the campaign period, BBM was already rating high in surveys on the possible presidential candidates. This was despite the fact that there was no lack of information on the human

rights abuses, kleptocracy and disastrous crony capitalism during the martial law regime.

Yet BBM still won the presidency, by the largest margin ever. And so did Daughterte, whose father – when he was campaigning for the presidency – did not even bother to gloss over his reputed penchant for killing, but in fact promised to do more of the same. Voters embraced the “kill, kill, kill” spiel and gave Rodrigo Duterte a resounding win. Why?

Duterte’s landslide victory in 2016 should have already prompted what became the political opposition to shift to emergency mode and assess all the possible reasons for the loss, beyond blaming a supposedly uninformed electorate.

There should be a serious effort to understand voter preferences in the past three elections – an openness to the possibility that people had become cynical and were genuinely disenchanted or unimpressed with the issues that have long been the focus of the electoral campaigns of groups associated with the so-called yellows and reds.

Messaging, image building, the information platforms to be used for selling opposition ideas, alliance-building – these matters

are as critical to an election campaign as fund-raising.

We see campaign teams brainstorming on these matters in movie / TV shows, many of them based on real election races in other countries.

There are currently gut issues that the non-administration groups can latch onto, starting with food-driven inflation.

In the year leading up to the 2022 race, the message of voters to candidates amid the desolation of COVID-ruined lives and livelihoods was, “SOS: how can you help us ASAP?”

The opposition and nonadministration forces focused on the need for good governance.

The Marcos-Duterte team gave away ayuda, entertained on TikTok, promised rice at P20 a kilo and yet another oneyear extension of the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials. We all know the election outcome.

* * *

The second order of business for the opposition and nonadministration forces is to pick a leader.

It’s a reflection of the state of this segment of our society that we have to ask who is the current leader of the political opposition. The opposition personality

What it takes to think as a nation

SEEING their lives slowly wasted in a country that offers only limited opportunities to improve their lot, many Filipinos have found hope in a globalized world. Overseas employment has allowed them to hone their skills and test their endurance in a world that is both welcoming and threatening, nurturing and abusive. Their years of struggle abroad, with minimal expectation of government support, have paid off for most of them.

With the money they regularly send out to their families back home, they have been able to rebuild the family home and extend their ageing parents’ lives. They have multiplied the chances of their children finishing high school and college. The downside is that, in the process, they have also reinforced in their children the belief that the only way forward is to get a good education and

Much has been written about the visible social costs of overseas employment—e.g., absentee parenting and its impact on the children, and the breakdown of marital unions over long periods of physical separation, etc. But little is known of what happens to a people’s sense of national belonging when they are compelled to venture into the world on their own, rather than wait forever for the country’s leaders to shape up and focus on building a society in which ordinary people can flourish.

What kind of politics grows out of such disillusionment?

I can only suppose that it will be one marked by indifference and dysfunctional citizenship. People will go through the motions of complying with the laws, but with no commitment that they must do so as citizens of a proud nation. They will participate in the rituals of voting and campaigning only because elections are fun-filled diversions, not because they present clear choices of how

the nation can be run better. Believing that they should not waste their ballots, they will cast their votes not for worthy candidates who have little chance of winning, but for the sure winners.

When asked by opinion polls where they stand on issues, they will, out of courtesy or conceit, confidently give answers to questions that hold no real meaning to them. Pollsters quantify the weight of their responses to produce approval and satisfaction ratings of public officials—as though people can have true “opinions” on issues about which they are not adequately informed. How many respondents in such surveys can claim enough knowledge of the achievements of the president, the vice president, the senate president, or the chief justice— or what their roles entail—to be able to honestly rate their performance?

Weighed down by cynicism and the attitude that nothing they say or do makes any difference to the way the government is run, they don’t care whether the

Constitution should be amended or not, or how basic institutions like education can be reformed to produce a generation that can compete in the world. Lost in social media’s virtual little worlds and fleeting affiliations, the youth have lost their taste for revolution or any form of activist engagement with the real world. Beyond ties of family, a people needs something to hold them together and keep them engaged in nation-building. What that is has become uncertain for many of us. We are too easily engrossed in the details of police corruption, of political assassinations, of spiraling food and fuel prices, of the lingering scandal of electoral manipulation, of the weaponization of the law against political enemies, of the labeling of people who do not agree with the government—to worry about ensuring the clarity of our national vision amid the threatening fragmentation of the global system as we know it.

In times like these, nations turn to their leaders for a definition of the challenges they collectively face and what they need to do

to address those challenges. I have a frightening sense that our national leaders are feeling so secure in their approval and trust ratings that, amid the busyness of their overseas travels, they have not been inclined to address themselves to the people and tell them what’s happening beyond the country’s borders.

These thoughts came to me after listening to the recent address of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to his country’s Parliament. The 50-minute speech, which is available on YouTube, offers a succinct definition of the situation that Singapore presently faces and what needs to be done so that this tiny dot in a vast world does not only survive but will continue to flourish. After briefly thanking the country’s health workers for their sacrifices and the Singaporean people as a whole for their trust and support throughout the pandemic, the prime minister went straight to his core message.

“Singaporeans need to realize the gravity of the external situation. We are facing not just

who occupies the highest post in government is traditionally deemed as the leader of the opposition.

But the Senate has only two opposition members – Risa Hontiveros and Koko Pimentel – and neither has taken on the mantle of leadership.

We asked Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman this week who is the leader of the opposition. He replied that the Liberal Party is still alive, and he is its president.

He told “The Chiefs” on Cignal TV’s One News that the party is in fact reassessing its approaches to campaigning, in preparation for the 2025 midterm race and the bigger battle in 2028. There are talks that opposition forces are scouting for a leader with no clearly defined political color, which will make the individual more of a nonadministration personality. Whatever the tack may be, the forces must see that the period of preparation for the next elections began as soon as the 2022 results became known. (Philstar.com) * * *

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

one storm, but several. Let me highlight three big ones: The war in Ukraine … U.S.-China relations … A global multilateral trading system that is under siege.” Like an elder brother, a teacher, and leader, he analyzed the implications of each of these storms for Singapore in plain language. He then asked: What can we do? Three things, he said. Stay united, maintain the spirit of self-reliance and enterprise, and uphold the country’s good reputation. Singapore has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, yet its leader tells the people to brace up for hard times ahead. May I respectfully propose that President Marcos take a brief pause from his travels and explain to the Filipino nation how he sees current world developments and what he regards to be the urgent tasks of his presidency.

* * * 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.

procurement of generators for OMECO and the release of P5 million for OMCPC’s acquisition of bunker fuel. In the meantime, in the 21st

century, over half a million residents of the province must continue to endure life with nearzero electricity. (Philstar.com)

PBBM admin addresses power crisis in Occidental Mindoro

MANILA — The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reached an agreement with the Occidental Mindoro Consolidated Power Corporation (OMCPC) to run three power stations to address the current power crisis in Occidental Mindoro province.

According to an updated report to Malacañang on Friday, April 28, National Electrification Administration (NEA) chief Antonio Mariano Almeda met with OMCPC president Luis Manuel Banzon last April 27 and agreed to operate at least three power stations to provide 24-hour electricity power service in the province.

Marcos Jr. admin appoints new Sugar board administrator

MANILA — The Marcos Jr. administration appointed a new administrator, albeit in an acting capacity, to preside over the controversial Sugar Regulatory Administration board.

In an announcement on Thursday, April 27, Malacañang confirmed the appointment of Pablo Luis Azcona as the acting administrator and CEO of the Sugar Regulatory Administration board.

by Janvic Mateo Philstar.com

MANILA — With COVID-19 testing significantly lower than in previous years, a member of the OCTA Research group said that the positivity rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) may reach up to 20 percent in the coming weeks.

As of April 26, OCTA fellow Guido David said the region’s seven-day positivity rate is at 13.4

The appointment took effect on April 20. Azcona previously represented the interest of sugar planters on the SRA board.

The previous administrator, David Thaddeus Alba, resigned from this posting on account of his worsening health.

As it is, the SRA is tasked with presiding over the welfare of the local sugar industry and its stakeholders. Sugar became a national issue at the start of

percent, up from 8.4 percent on April 19.

The positivity rate measures the percentage of positive results out of the total number of RT-PCR tests conducted. The World Health Organization recommends a positivity rate of five percent or below to effectively manage the pandemic.

Last week, David said the NCR averages only 3,120 RT-PCR tests per day, down from around 11,000 in April 2022.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s term in 2022, as a botched import order figured in the center of a Senate probe amid rising inflation pressures that sapped the public’s purchasing power.

The SRA is an agency under the Department of Agriculture, currently helmed by Marcos as the secretary amid persistent supply bottlenecks that fueled the acceleration of inflation. (Philstar.com)

The low number of RT-PCR tests conducted, coupled with rising cases, is seen to have contributed to the spike in the region’s positivity rate. Nevertheless, confirmed cases remain low, with NCR reporting 274 new cases on Thursday, up from 197 the day before. OCTA earlier said that actual cases may actually be higher since official data only include RT-PCR test results and not those from the more popular antigen tests. n

BI receives hold departure order vs. Bantag, Zulueta

MANILA – The hold departure order issued against Former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag and former Bucor deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta is now officially included in the Bureau of Immigration (BI) system, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said Friday, April 28. According to Tansingco, the Bureau received on Thursday, April 27 the HDO issued by the

Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court last April 25.

“The HDO was immediately encoded in our centralized system and may be seen by our immigration officers at all ports nationwide,” he said in a statement.

“Should they be encountered in any airport or seaport, they will be prevented from departing without prior approval from the courts,” Tansingco said.

In December 2022, the BI also implemented a lookout bulletin order against Bantag and Zulueta, directing all immigration officers to closely report to the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation any attempt by the suspects to leave the country. Both are being linked to murder cases including the killing of broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa in October 2022. (PNA)

told: Put foot down and speak up vs China’s aggression in WPS

by Beatrice Pinlac Inquirer.net

MANILA — “What is Malacañang waiting for?”

Senator Risa Hontiveros had this to say as she urged Malacañang on Friday, April 28 to put its foot down and speak up against the continuous aggression of China in the West Philippine Sea.

She made the call after a Chinese coast guard ship cut off a Philippine patrol vessel carrying journalists near the Ayungin Shoal, causing a nearcollision.

“This was just the latest in a continuous, unbroken, and apparently unrepentant string of incidents that China should be accountable for,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

She called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to file a diplomatic protest over the incident – a card that had been frequently pulled by the Philippines in response to China’s unrelenting harassment of Filipinos in the contested waters.

“Simultaneously, Malacañang should condemn, in the strongest terms, China’s ceaseless intimidation, torment, and threats. The executive should not wait for an even worse incident in order to finally put its foot down and tell Beijing to cease and desist from this kind of aggressive action. What is the Palace waiting for? That a Filipino would die from this?” Hontiveros said partly in Filipino.

The opposition senator said it would be the right course of action to “actively and boldly continue in the direction of building bigger alliances.”

“A broader alliance is a better alliance,” Hontiveros said. “Let us urgently work on building this bigger coalition of countries who are against China’s misbehavior, who uphold our victory at the

Hague, and who want to preserve peace and stability in the region.”

The United States and Australia are among the states who have repeatedly called on China to obey the 2016 arbitral ruling invalidating Beijing’s historic claims in nearly all of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.

Hontiveros also called for a thorough review of the Philippines’ policy towards China.

“They’re making it a daily affair to bully our people. We need a policy that would ensure genuine defense of the rights and livelihood of Filipinos,” she said.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III pressed for all countries with claims in the South China Sea to join forces in creating a Code of Conduct when resolving issues over the disputed waters.

“Otherwise there will always be incidents like this where one party will appear to be a ‘Goliath’ because it is, in reality, a giant country, and be labeled as a bully. It is in the best interest of all parties to start behaving

These power stations include the Sablayan area which has 5 megawatts (MW) capacity; Mamburao, Paluan, Sta. Cruz, and Abra de Ilog (MAPSA) which has a 7MW capacity; and San Jose, Magsaysay, Rizal, Calitaan (SAMARICA), which has a 20MW capacity.

The arrangement was greenlit by Department of Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla.

The three power facilities will be operated, notwithstanding any potential financial losses to Banzon and despite not having an approved rate from the ERC for the SAMARICA power plant which would allow him to recoup his cost of operations, the NEA noted.

Banzon’s decision, according to NEA, was driven by his desire to help alleviate the power crisis in the province.

Almeda said the severe shortage of power has greatly and adversely affected the province’s basic services such as its public hospitals, placing lives at risk.

To date, NEA said there are no reports of blackouts in Occidental Mindoro.

With all of OMCPC’s power stations running at full capacity, it would be able to supply about 30MW to 32MWs of power to OMECO, which should result in the substantial lessening, if not complete elimination, of blackouts in the province.

With the changes in the action plan of the NEA chief, NEA’s Lease and Operate Agreement (LOA) with and Power Systems

Inc. (PSI) for the operation of the latter’s power plant in the province at a capacity of 5MW will continue to operate though in a reserve capacity.

The NEA also said the intended Emergency Power Supply Agreement (EPSA)

with DMCI Power Corporation will not push through, and the modular generators being transported to the provinces originally intended to service its public schools and hospitals will be kept there in case the same should be needed. (PNA)

ABISO NG PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG IBINIBIGAY DITO ANG PAUNAWA na ang Board of Supervisors o Lupon ng mga Supervisor ng County ng San Diego ay magsasagawa ng pampublikong pagdinig sa isang iminungkahing ordinansa na nagsususog sa Mga Seksyon 362, 362.1, 362.2, 362.3 at 362.3.6 ng Administrative Code na May kaugnayan sa Mga Bayad at Deposito para sa Mga Departamento ng Pagpaplano at Development Services, Public Works, at Parks and Recreation gaya ng sumusunod: IMPORMASYON SA PAGDINIG: Petsa: Mayo 3, 2023 Oras: 9:00 a.m. Lokasyon: County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 310, San Diego, California 92101 PAGLALARAWAN NG ORDINANSA (Administrative Code): Inaamyenda ng ordinansa ang Seksyon 362, 362.1, 362.2, 362.3 at 362.3.6 ng Administrative Code upang taasan ang ilang mga rate ng bayad sa pamamagitan ng pagupdate ng mga ordinansa sa bayad ng Departments of Planning & Development Services (PDS), Public Works (DPW) at Parks and Recreation (DPR) para sa pangkalahatan ay makamit ang buong pagbawi sa gastos. Sinuri ng grupo ng Land Development ang kabuuang 263 na bayad at deposito. Sinuri din nito ang mga pang-oras-oras na mga rate para sa 128 na pag-uuri ng posisyon. LOKASYON: Ang isang kopya ng buong teksto ng Ordinansa ay naka-post sa opisina ng Clerk ng Lupon ng mga Superbisor, Room 402 ng nasabing Administration Center. Ang data na nagsasaad ng gastos na kinakailangan para ibigay ang produkto o serbisyo kung saan ipinapataw ang bayad, at ang mga pinagmumulan ng kita na inaasahang magbibigay ng produkto o serbisyo ay magiging available para sa pampublikong pagsusuri sampung araw bago ang pampublikong pagdinig sa opisina ng Planning & Development Services. ESTADO NG

KAPALIGIRAN: Hihilingin sa Lupon ng mga Supervisor na malaman na ang ordinansang ito ay hindi kasama sa CEQA gaya ng tinukoy sa ilalim ng Mga Seksyon 15273(a), dahil walang posibilidad na ito ay maaaring magkaroon ng malaking epekto sa kapaligiran. PAG-CONTACT NG KAWANI: Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa proyekto, mangyaring makipagugnayan kay Stephanie Nicholas sa (619) 694-9275, o sa stephanie. nicholas@sdcounty.ca.gov PAKIKILAHOK NG PUBLIKO: Ang mga miyembro ng publiko ay maaaring lumahok sa pulong nang personal o sa pamamagitan ng teleconference alinsunod sa mga regulasyong ipinatupad sa oras ng pulong. Ang mga nagnanais na lumahok sa pulong at/o komento ay dapat bumisita sa website ng Board of Supervisor sa: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/ sdc/cob/bosa.html#watch. Kung mayroon kang anumang mga katanungan, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa Clerk of the Board sa (619) 531-5434 o sa publiccomment@sdcounty.ca.gov.

TULONG

PARA SA MGA TAONG MAY KAPANSANAN: Makipag-ugnayan sa sekretarya ng pagdinig sa (619) 517- 4193 para sa mga tanong o para humiling ng akomodasyon na may kaugnayan sa kapansanan. Ang mga indibidwal na nangangailangan ng mga interpreter ng sign language ay dapat makipag-ugnayan sa Countywide ADA

Title II Coordinator sa (619) 531-4908. Ang mga kahilingan para sa akomodasyon o tulong ay dapat isumite nang hindi bababa sa 72 oras bago ang pulong upang magawa ang mga pagsasaayos 4/22, 4/29/23

CNS-3691106# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

like civilized, respectful, and reasonable neighbors,” he told reporters in a message.

Pimentel further noted: “Start dialogue. Aim to make concrete gains, no matter how small.”

Senator Ronald dela Rosa had likewise decried China’s “bullying” but then asked: “What else can we do?”

“Hundreds of diplomatic protests have been raised by our government but were just ignored by China. We cannot afford to fire the first shot that would trigger a shooting war,” he said in a separate message.

Instead, dela Rosa advised the Philippine Coast Guard “to maximize their escape and evasion tactics and remember always that patience is a virtue.”

The Philippines’ maritime dispute with China has soured the two nations’ ties for decades.

Since 2016, the Philippines has filed 461 diplomatic protests over Beijing’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea. But according to the DFA, from 2020 to 2022, the Chinese Embassy has only responded to around 71 percent of the note verbales or diplomatic protests. n

Asian Journal WKND

Emergency interview and an expedited visa for Don Tagala’s mother on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

DON Tagala, the awardwinning reporter on TFC News, desperately wanted his mother, Vinia, to come to the U.S. because his sister, Almira, became critically ill in 2019. His mother could be there for her children for emotional support and to make crucial lifedecisions.

The hospital where Almira was on life support even emailed the U.S. Embassy explaining the circumstance

and requesting for a visitor’s visa for Vinia. However, the Embassy instructed the hospital to go through the normal process.

Time was running out, so Don went to leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael

J. Gurfinkel to seek his assistance and expert advice.

Confident that Vinia would abide by the terms of her visa and return to the Philippines, Atty. Gurfinkel immediately

sought an emergency visitor visa and expedited interview, so Mommy Vinia could arrive in the U.S. as soon as possible. Unfortunately, while all preparations were going on, Don’s sister passed away on June 24. The visitor visa application was updated, asking the Embassy to still expedite the visa to now enable Don’s mother to attend the funeral, instead of the original request to visit Almira at the hospital. Atty. Gurfinkel was able to secure an emergency interview on June 26 (where the earliest available appointment would have normally been August 13) and an expedited visa was also issued the same day.

On June 28, 2019, Mommy Vinia arrived in New York, four days after her daughter passed on. She was able to attend the funeral and be there for Don. While it was a bittersweet reunion for Don and his mother in the U.S., it is important to know what to do and where to seek help if an emergency arises. Watch this brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, April 30 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)

LIFESTYLE CONSUMER GUIDE COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

Iza Calzado’s baby girl makes socmed debut

By Nathalie M. toMada Philstar.com

MANILA — Iza Calzado finally introduced her baby girl, Deia Amihan, to the public, as she turned three months old last April 26. The actress and her techpreneur-husband Ben Wintle jointly shared on their social media adorable photos showing their firstborn’s face

for the first time. They wrote:

“Our little seedling is growing fast. As you turn 3 months old today, we set the intention of nurturing you so that you reach your fullest potential.”

Needless to say, Iza’s daughter has one of the most unique names among celebrity babies. She shared the inspiration behind her baby’s two names.

“Deia is actually a place in Mallorca (an island in Spain),”

Iza told The STAR and select press on the sidelines of edamama.ph’s New Mama Expo 2023 recently held at SM Megamall.

“And we were there before I announced (I was pregnant). I posted on Instagram and said, ‘Deia, you are so stunning,’ (referring to) the place. And then a friend of mine made a comment, ‘Oh, you know, if I

LEADING U.S. IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL EXPEDITES AN EMERGENCY

A concert to remember: ‘The Champions’ with Joel Sebag live at Pechanga Resort Casino, May 21

IT’S a night to remember!

Three seasonal top Filipino singers dubbed as ‘The Champions’ along with Joel Sebag, a renowned singer cum pianist, will perform on stage live at Pechanga Resort Casino on May 21, Sunday at 6 p.m.

Pechanga Resort Casino, conveniently located off Highway I-15 in Temecula Valley, Southern California wine county, is well-known for hosting only the best and the brightest Filipino entertainers and performers aimed to provide the ultimate experience, especially to its Filipino-American patrons.

Mark your calendars as wholesome live entertainment will come straight from multifaceted artists and singers in the likes of Klarisse De Guzman, Marcelito Pomoy, Mitoy Yonting, and Sebag.

Klarisse, a composer, host and judge of “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” a local (Philippine) show, also rose to prominence when she capped first place during the initial season of the famed Voice of the Philippines in 2013. She later on placed third in another reality singing competition, “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” in 2021.

Internationally recognized Marcelito Pomoy, known for his ability to sing in tenor and soprano, was the grand winner in the second season of “Pilipinas Got Talent.” He took part later on in “America’s Got Talent: The Champions,” finishing fourth overall.

Popularly named ‘Mitoy’, Michael Yonting carved his career in various capacities as a singer, comedian, actor,

and lead vocalist for his band, “The Draybers,” where he rose to fame after bagging the title in the first season of “The Voice of the Philippines” in 2013. This catapulted his career and he became part of the Philippine Ballet Theatre’s two-night concert. Inspired by the ‘transforming power of God’s grace that

continues to manifest in his life and gospel songs, Joel Sebag, a physical therapist who graduated from Boston University, has been a well-known pianist since the age of 7, and his passion for music exemplifies his love as a true believer of the Lord. He went as far as Eureka Springs, Arizona and Kimberting City, Missouri to perform live with

other inspirational piano concert bands.

What are you waiting for?

This event only happens once in a lifetime! Get your tickets now from the Pechanga Box Office, or by calling 888-810-8871, or visit www.pechnga.com.

Pechanga Summit features a 40,000-square foot area for entertainers, concerts,

Why newcomer

Cedric Escobar considers Paco Arespacochaga his ‘2nd dad’

By AllAn PolicArPio Inquirer.net

LIKE most young aspiring singers, Cedric Escobar went through a lot of rejections early on in his career. But if there’s one thing he has learned from his mentor, Paco Arescpacochaga, it’s that being told “no” is but a part of the show biz journey. Somewhere along the way, a door eventually opens.

“He’s like a second father to me,” he told the Inquirer at the launch of his debut single “‘Di Na Ba?” (PolyEast Records). “I’m the kind of person who has a lot of doubts and hesitations. But he taught me to let go and trust the process.”

Enrique Gil makes showbiz comeback

MULTI-TALENTED artist Enrique Gil, remains a certified Kapamilya after signing an exclusive contract with ABS-CBN on Tuesday, April 25.

Gil was welcomed on the red carpet by ABSCBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, chairman Mark Lopez, COO of broadcast Cory Vidanes, OIC for Finance Group Vincent Paul Piedad, ABS-CBN Film Productions Inc. head Kriz Gazmen, and Dreamscape Entertainment head Deo Endrinal, as he once again stepped foot in the ABSCBN compound to reaffirm his commitment to ABS-CBN. Also present at the contract signing

ceremony was Enrique’s talent manager, Ranvel Rufino.

As he officially continues his journey as a Kapamilya for his much-awaited showbiz comeback, viewers can expect to see more of Gil in ABS-CBN’s shows and they can soon look forward to a stronger and bolder “King of the Gil.”

Through the years, Gil’s undeniable charm and enigmatic performances have established him as a versatile actor and one of the hottest leading men in the industry today. Some of his notable projects

The 23-year-old singer grew up in New York, United States. But his exposure to Filipino pop culture (music, film, TV) nurtured his interest in performing. In 2016, he “begged” his parents to let him fly to the Philippines and try his luck in local show biz. Things didn’t turn out as he had hoped. “I was able to reach the final stage of castings or auditions. There were some instances wherein I was offered a role, only for it to be taken back and given to more established actors who expressed interest in it … It was so hard and, little by little, I got discouraged,” he related.

Small gig

Low in spirits, Cedric returned

to the United States. Still, he continued to sing. And little did he know that a small gig at a bar would lead to bigger opportunities. “Someone came up to me and asked me if I’d be interested to perform as a front act in KZ Tandingan’s U.S. tour then.”

Before he knew it, he was fronting for the U.S. concerts of such artists as Juan Karlos, Jaya, South Border and more. In 2020, Cedric became a featured act in an Introvoys tour. That was where the 1990s pop-rock band’s drummer Paco Arespacochaga took notice of the younger singer. “He gave me a setlist that I had to perform. Looking back, I think it was kind of a test. He wanted to see what I could do and what kind of a performer I am,” he recalled. “Being a front act allowed me to meet different artists who have all been so supportive and appreciative of my talent. But it was Sir Paco who went beyond that and took me under his wing.

“I think he saw my potential. He asked me what I really wanted to do with my music career and what I see myself doing in the future,” he added. “He taught me to write and improve my songs and how to present myself onstage.”

Half the battle won More than the singing talent, it was Cedric’s determination that

Enrique Gil poses for photos with his dog Millie.

Photo from ManilaTimes.net

Cedric Escobar and Paco Arespacochaga Photo from Inquirer.net

Five Negrenses win int’l book award

FIVE Negrense bookmakers won the 2023 Gold Quill Award bestowed by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) based in Chicago. In collaboration with Impress Quality Printing Philippines Inc. and Media Wise Communications Inc., their winning entry was the pioneering coffee table book titled “Sugar & Smiles: The Negrense Legacy Beyond 2020.”

Maja Salvador has 2 new shows post-Eat Bulaga exit

by mJ mArFori Philstar.com

SHE might have said goodbye to Eat Bulaga , but her Majesty Maja Salvador is saying hello to two new shows on TV. First up is Vic Sotto’s M-Zet produced sitcom Open 24/7. Another one is her first-ever game show Emojination, which is produced by APT, Cignal and TV5.

Maja is now being dubbed as the “Star for All Networks” because of her simultaneous appearances on the country’s three major TV networks. She also had a part in The Iron Heart of ABS-CBN last year.

And now, Maja has two new shows on different networks that are about to start.

Maja explained why she accepted the new shows in production despite her busy wedding planning: “ Tinotodo ko na if ever next year, mabigyan tayo (ng) isa pa(ng) magandang blessing, baka iba na trabaho ko nun, baka ang trabaho ko na maging isang ina .” She even said, “ Sinabi ko nga sa team, kahit buntis na ako pwede ako magtrabaho. ”

Maja is excited for Emojination because she will be reunited with Awra Briguela, as her co-host, whom she said was her “ anak-anakan ” from seven years ago. “Last work namin Ang Probinsyano. Bubwit pa siya nun, napaka-liit, tambay pa siya sa van ko. Ngayon nakakaproud si Awra,” she said.

Their show is for all generations. Emojination is a proudly Pinoy concept and set as a comedy, game show that features emojis and characters making Emojination unique, participative and very interactive. We recently caught up with Maja and Awra bringing their A-game in their edgy and festive outfits as Awra jokingly said, “Surprise talaga Tapatan ng ganda! Ahahaay!”

He recalled the moments when the well-meaning Maja helped out with Awra’s career. “ Grabe si Ate Maja , pinapahiram pa niya sa akin iyong glam team niya, hindi ko talaga makakalimutan iyon .”

Speaking of gratitude, Emojination would not be possible, said Maja, if it weren’t for Eat Bulaga boss Tony Tuviera, who was recently also asked to retire from being the COO of TAPE, Inc.’s production arm, which produces the longest-running noontime show.

Siguro MJ, very grateful and thankful ako sa APT, especially to Mr. T, pandemic days, isa siya sa nag -offer ng shows sa’kin, nagtiwala, binigyan ako segment sa Eat Bulaga kasama si Maine and Paolo.”

Going back to the original concept of Emojination, which honestly could be an Eat Bulaga segment since it has the same colorful vibe and energy from the set and its hosts, Maja shared what

The team that produced Sugar & Smiles was led by Conrado Gen Tomas, Jose Kilayko Montalvo III, Benjamin de Leon Torre, Ma. Teresa Quebrar-Manalili, and J. Albert Araneta Gamboa. Together with 30 writers and creative staff, they launched the book in November 2021 at the main activity center of Ayala Malls Capitol Central. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson supported the book project along with several local government units

and congressional districts as well as major corporations and private enterprises. This 320-page heirloom collectible is the first coffee table book about Negros Occidental. Its cover was designed by graphic artist Nikki Solinap and

the inside pages contain original artworks from watercolor painter Edbon Sevilleno. The book’s main chapters were written by historians Modesto Sa-onoy and Roque Hofileña; lawyers Rayboy Pandan and Eli Gatanela; culturati Cecilia

Locsin-Nava and Lloyd Tronco; chefs Richard Ynayan and Mia Lizares-Gonzaga; veteran journalists Carla Gomez and Cedelf Tupas; tourism official Christine Mansinares and advertising executive Nikki Golez. The book project’s beneficiary was Kalipay Negrense Foundation under Anna Claparols Balcells.

IABC is the foremost global community of communications professionals representing diverse industries and disciplines. For more than 40 years, IABC’s Gold Quill Awards program has recognized excellence in strategic communication worldwide and is acknowledged as one of the most prestigious awards programs in the industry. Limited copies of the book will be available for sale at the Long Beach-Bacolod booth during the MassKara Festival event at Recreation Park in Long Beach on June 11. n

ADOBO, A DISH MADE OF MEMORIES

in new book, ‘The Ultimate Filipino Adobo Stories Through the Ages’

Chef Claude Tayag talks adobo

by Amrylois Ferido AJPress

EVERY Filipino household has had the delicious smell of adobo spread throughout their home, bringing a sense of warmth, happiness, and even nostalgia to those present.

On April 16, attendees had the chance to meet with well-known Filipino chef Claude Tayag, who spoke about his new book “The Ultimate Filipino Adobo Stories Through the Ages.” The book launch and signing was held at Seafood City in Santa Clarita by The Filipino Food Gallery.

One glance at the title, one may assume that the book is a collection of recipes or a book focused around making the “best” adobo. However, chef Tayag emphasized how there is no one way to cook this special Filipino dish. The book is a collection of stories and adobo recipes that Tayag sought out from a variety of people. Each of these adobo recipes are associated with very specific memories for each person.

Speaking to Tayag, one immediately could see his passion for his craft and especially his culture. Food is a very special part of what makes the Filipino community and culture

unique as they are often tied to our fondest memories together.

Tayag talked fondly about adobo and specifically its meaning to Filipinos, especially in its relation to family and home.

“When you miss home and cook adobo it smells of home. At that moment in time, you are transported back home. Not just the physical home, but the memories of eating with your mother and grandmother. And now you are cooking adobo for your kids,” Tayag declared, highlighting how adobo is not just a dish that is delicious, but something that evokes feelings and nostalgia throughout every generation in a Filipino family.

“Generations are linked,” he emphasized, where this link is through food, and in this case it is adobo, one of the most common foods found in Filipino households. It can start with your grandmother, who then passes the family adobo recipe to your mother before passing it on to you so you can give it to your future children. It is a dish that truly transcends time.

While the book is centered around the Filipino dish, it is not the adobo itself that chef Tayag emphasized is the center of each story.

“Sugar & Smiles: The Negrense Legacy Beyond 2020” is the first coffee table book about Negros Occidental.

Photo courtesy of Nextgen Multimedia

Maja Salvador proves that she’s the Star for All Networks with two new shows after her hosting stint in Eat Bulaga. She’s doing the M-Zet-produced sitcom Open 24/7 and the APT, Cignal and TV5- produced game show Emojination, where she is joined by Awra Briguela as co-host. Photo from Philstar.com PAGE B4

THE time has come when even the mundane and seemingly mindless combing –or taking care – of our hair has been neglected because we are either too busy to notice or too busy to care.

Let’s get one thing clear: Hair care is important not only for our appearance, but also for our overall hygiene. Plus, we may have overlooked the fact that having healthy hair is the easiest way to to look our best. First of all, having healthy hair has a significant impact on our self-esteem. In fact, survey says that 88% of women say that their hair is related to their self-confidence. And believe it or not, the condition of your hair can be one of the most important signs of your overall health. Vibrant, healthy hair means that your body is producing enough vitamins and nutrients that ensure your body is operating at its peak condition. Unhealthy, dry and frizzy hair may be a sign that you may need to change your diet or hair care routine in order to promote your overall health and well-being.

Now that we have established how important it is to have healthy hair, it is nice to know that proper maintenance and haircare can also be achieved through treatments that are now

Let’s talk about hair and why you should care

readily available in medical spas. And the good news is that we have these types of hair treatments at iSkin and MiSkin Med Spa. Keep in mind that we do offer free consultation, so we can evaluate which one is best for you. Now let’s talk about these treatments. One is the Hydrafacial Keravive.

The HydraFacial Keravive is a new and unique treatment designed to cleanse, nourish, stimulate, and hydrate the scalp. The procedure is essentially a “facial” but for hair! It combines the patented Vortex technology that made the original Hydrafacial so popular, in addition to the new Keravive Peptide Complex. The health effects of the Keravive’s restorative scalp can be enjoyed alone or as complement to treatments for hair loss. We can better assess your “hair needs” and add in in your hair protocol when you come by for a consultation.

A Keravive treatment begins with the application of the Vortex technology. While you relax comfortably against a towel, we gently massage your scalp with a HydraFacial tip. The Vortex technology extracts dirt, oil and other impurities from the hair follicles and the surface of the scalp, while simultaneously promoting blood circulation. This step prepares

your scalp for the application of the Keravive Peptide Complex.

The Keravive Peptide Complex is a proprietary blend of growth factors, peptides and skin proteins that are understood to be lacking in people with thinning or damaged hair, including epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (BFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Thymosin Beta-4.

The Keravive Peptide Complex also contains Panthenol, which is a vitamin B5 derivative that encourages moisturizing. It also contains arginine, which builds keratin and skin collagen properties. This potent serum is 200 times more concentrated than any other hair treatment on the market today.

Second is the PRP Therapy.

PRP stands for “platelet-rich plasma.” Platelet-rich plasma therapy uses the best rich plasma your blood has to offer because it heals injuries faster, encourages growth factors, and also increases levels of collagen and stem cells—these are naturally produced in the body to keep you looking young and fresh. In this case, those growth factors are used to help regrow thinning hair.

How is the procedure is done?

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy for hair loss is a threestep medical treatment in which

a person’s blood is drawn, processed, and then injected into the scalp. Some in the medical community think that PRP injections trigger natural hair growth and maintain it by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle and increasing the thickness of the hair shaft. Sometimes this approach is combined with other hair loss procedures or medications.

The PRP injections are done in three steps. Most PRP therapy requires three treatments 4–6 weeks apart, and maintenance treatments are required every 4–6 months.

First step: Your blood is drawn — typically from your arm — and put into a centrifuge (a machine that spins rapidly to separate fluids of different densities).

Second step: After about 10 minutes in the centrifuge, your blood will have separated into in three layers: platelet-poor plasma, platelet-rich plasma and the red blood cells.

Third step: The plateletrich plasma is drawn up into a syringe and then injected into areas of the scalp that need increased hair growth.

Who can benefit from PRP injections?

PRP injections can benefit a wider range of people than you may have initially thought. These plasma injections are

Chef Claude Tayag talks...

PAGE B3

“For me, it’s a feeling not the physical adobo itself,” he spoke, showing how no matter the variation of recipes that can be found for adobo, the emotions that come with the dish are just as important.

Tayag then told attendees about one of the chefs he interviewed for his book, Chef Charles Olalia, former owner of the restaurants Ma’am Sir and RiceBar in Los Angeles.

“How can a dish with no more than six ingredients be so hard to execute? The aromas are particular, very pointed, specific. I still haven’t seen anything so simple and yet creates such emotions,” Olalia told Tayag, describing the existence of both simplicity and complexity in adobo. While the dish itself may be simple in its creation, the emotions it evokes are specific.

Once you smell the aroma that comes from the dish, you automatically know what is cooking in the kitchen, adobo

Not only does adobo create so many memories amongst Filipino families, but Tayag also brought up how they have inspired art as well. One piece Tayag talked about was a poem written by Filipino National Artist Rio Alma, titled “Dalit Sa Adobo”, or “A Hymn to Adobo” in english. Tayag read the poem as follows: Ay! Ang adobo ni Inang Pantag-araw-pantag-ulan Parang pusong nagmamahal Mas masarap pag nagtagal.

Oh! My Mother’s adobo

Good for all seasons; Like a heart that loves Gets better when it lasts.

This poem captures the essence of adobo that Tayag expressed throughout the event. After reading the poem, he described the dish as one that only gets better the more that it is eaten. When one eats adobo made by a special person in their life, such as their mother, the memories in that moment is something that can truly last forever. n

Maja Salvador has...

PAGE B3

one can look forward to. “It is an all generations game show. Magtutulakan kayo, magsasabunutan kayo at hahanapin niyo (ang) tamang sagot using emojis,” she said.

Iyong emojis natin through phone, makikita na onscreen.” Awra added, “Feeling ko yung show, may ibang expression na ipapakita hindi kailangan ng matalino rito, may common sense.” n

PAGE B6

From left to right, Ralph Degala (Master Chef Contestant), Edgar Badajos (Consul General), Chef Claude Tayag, and Ginger Dimapasok (Food Network’s Chopped Sweets Champion and co-owner of Cafe ‘86) all seated while discussing Tayag’s new book.

Pictured above is Chef Tayag, who spoke passionately about adobo and the emotions it evokes, all of which can be read about in his book.

SB19, BGYO, Alamat featured in MsMojo’s list of most notable international bands

P-POP groups SB19, BGYO and Alamat secured the second, fifth and seventh place, respectively, on MsMojo’s list of most notable international groups that are “stepping into the global spotlight.”

MsMojo, the sister channel of Canada-based pop culture platform WatchMojo, released a video featuring the “Top 10 International Bands You Should Know About” through its YouTube channel on Friday, April 28.

SB19 was described as the “Filipino game-changers” who rose above the rest, and whose legacy is their “dedication to representation and philanthropy.”

“Not only are they excelling within P-pop but the band is also making Southeast Asian music history along the way,” it said. “In bringing their culture to the more traditional K-pop model, the group’s soaring popularity is helping put the Pinoy music scene on the mainstream map.”

BGYO, known as the “Aces of P-pop,” was recognized by the pop culture platform for being “eager to take their culture and

signature style worldwide.”

“The band’s roots will always be in the P-pop scene but they have also set their sights on international success,” it spoke of the quintet.

Alamat, meanwhile, was described as the multi-ethnic Filipino group that “weaves their Filipino influence into everything” and whose music “tackles colonialism, references ancient legends and features a diverse range of languages and style.”

“Garnering praise for their

Should a few minutes of unpaid work time matter?

Looking closely at your time records

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights

Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr

talent and authenticity, the group reportedly became the second P-pop act to earn a spot on the Billboard charts. At the end of the day, Alamat isn’t afraid to stay true to themselves and they have dedicated their career to representing their culture to the world,” it stated.

The other seven bands included in MsMojo’s top10 list are Uni5, Now United, Bella Dose, Be:First, JO1, Flo and XG, which earned the No. 1 spot. (By Anne Pasajol/ Inquirer.net) n

Let’s talk about hair and...

PAGE B4

platelet rich and can potentially help some groups such as:

• Both men and women. It is important to note that Male balding and hair thinning is talked about more extensively, as opposed to women who do not often get the same benefit of widespread information. The fact remains that women can lose hair, too, due to several different factors.

• A sizeable age range of people. Many successful clinical trials have been tested with people ranging from 18 to 72 years of age.

• Those suffering from hair loss due to high stress levels. Since this condition is not chronic, it can be treated rather easily.

• Those who have recently experienced hair loss. The more recent the hair loss occurred, the better your chances are of fixing it before it is too late for PRP injections.

• Those with thinning or balding hair, but not completely bald people. PRP injections are meant to thicken, strengthen, and grow hair from follicles that are still functioning, however weakly this may seem.

ISkin and MiSkin Med Spa’s expertise is to delay the signs of aging, but more importantly, to help you achieve overall health and wellness and that especially includes taking care of your hair. I hope I have imparted a nugget of wisdom through this column –– enough to give your “crowning glory” a second thought. Come check us out for free consultation. For more information, you may go to iskinbeverlyhills.com.

Visit iSkin Med Spa and MiSkin MedSpa for a free consultation. iSkin is located at 8665 Wiltshire Blvd penthouse Beverly Hills ,90211 or call 424-382-1002.

MiSkin MedSpa is located

at 9227 Haven Ave. Suite 120 in Rancho Cucamonga or call 909-9898464. You may also follow us on social media: @iskinmedspa and @ miskinmedspa.

To our readers, you are more than welcome to our iSkin location if you are in LA area; and if you happen to be in the Inland Empire and Orange County, we have MiSkin Spa for you self-love and selfpampering needs.

* * *

Imee Ong-Maghanoy is an established aesthetician, a business owner and CEO of iSkin Beverly Hills, iSkin MedSpa and MiSkin MedSpa. Imee has been in the aesthetics industry for more than 20 years. She has a degree in Biology and Doctor of Dental Medicine. iSkin MedSpa and MiSkin MedSpa are fast emerging as a top Spa destination in LA. iSkin is located at 8665 Wiltshire Blvd penthouse Beverly Hills. MiSkin MedSpa is located at 9227 Haven Ave. Suite 120 in Rancho. (Advertising Supplement)

SOME employers do not pay for a “few minutes” of time worked by employees before or after their schedules. Five or ten minutes of work before or after the scheduled start and end of work schedule are not paid. The practice is called rounding down of employees’ clock-in and clock-out times. This violates California law which requires employers to pay their employees for all hours worked.

When time entries reflect that an employee is on the job a few minutes more than the shift time, questions arise as to computation of the work hours.

Federal law allows “rounding” employee’s hours to calculate the number of hours worked. Following the de minimis doctrine, any insubstantial period of time beyond the scheduled working hours (for example 5 minutes of going through a bag check) may be disregarded. Such time may be rounded out to the nearest 5 minutes of the employee’s start or end time.

In contrast is California law which as mentioned mandates payment for all hours worked.

”Hours worked” means “the time during which an employee

is subject to the control of an employer, and includes all the time the employee is suffered or permitted to work, whether or not required to do so.” To the extent that state law is more beneficial to workers, it then becomes applicable in this instance.

Related to the principle of compensating employees for all time worked, is the concern that small amounts of time that may, over the years, add up. Thus, courts may decide that the de minimis doctrine does not apply if employees regularly spend anywhere from 4 to10 minutes of their time each shift doing unpaid work. Rounding down or shaving minutes off the actual hours worked harms employees in the long run.

In a rounding down practice where several minutes are disregarded and unpaid, the loss to the employee may add up. An employee who clocks in an extra 5 minutes per day, 5 days a week, every week for 4 years has clocked in 5,200 minutes (or 86.67 hours) of unpaid time, which when paid at the California minimum wage of $15.50 per hour, entitles the employee to back wages in the amount of $1,343.39.

This is not de minimis for the ordinary employee.. As the California Supreme Court in a case once said, this is enough to pay a utility bill, buy weeks of groceries, or cover bus fares [or even cover a monthly

apartment rental]. Though an extra couple of minutes here and there that are beyond the work hours may be unavoidable and can be disregarded, major discrepancies should be investigated. The practice, if left unchecked, not only raises doubts on the accuracy of the records of actual hours worked. It underpays workers who receive wages less than what they deserve under the law. If this occurs in the workplace, employees should be smart to consult with an experienced employment attorney to discuss their options.

* * * 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.

* * * The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, selected as Super Lawyer for 11 years by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.] (Advertising Supplement)

Why newcomer Cedric Escobar...

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won Paco over. “He did his set even if he wasn’t feeling his best… That told me that he’s a professional and that’s half the battle won. He knew his pieces and effectively roused the crowd. And so I told him, ‘I’m going to help you if you’re going to help yourself,’” Paco told the Inquirer In fact, it was Paco who wrote “‘Di Na Ba?”, a pop ballad about a man hoping against hope that the love of his life—who’s already in someone else’s arms—will eventually come back to him. While Cedric’s an R&B singer at heart, he and Paco explored the idea of going the 1990s pop route.

“We wanted to try it out because not a lot of artists these days are doing that kind of music anymore,” Cedric said. “And the more I’m exposed to ‘90s OPM, the more I appreciate it.”

What Cedric appreciates about Paco’s mentorship is the creative freedom. “I have my own vision and ideas. But I have also learned to trust the wisdom of people who are more experienced,” Cedric said.

“You trust me, I trust you. That’s what I told him,” Paco said. “I also tell him to embrace the process and never fear. Rejections are part of the process. All these will eventually lead to a ‘yes.’ Just persevere, stay humble, be passionate and stay true to yourself.” n

SB19, BGYO and Alamat Photo from Instagram/@officialsb19, @bgyo_ph, @alamat_official

Getting around the six month residency requirement to file a divorce in California

Barrister’s Corner

GENERALLY, you must have resided in California for at least six months in order to file a divorce in this case.

Under Family Code Section 2320, a judgment of marriage dissolution (divorce) may not be entered unless one of the spouses has been a “resident” of California for six months and of the county where the proceeding is filed for three months immediately preceding the filing of the petition. This poses a problem for divorcing couples that has not resided in California for at least 6 months.

Couples that moved to California from other states or other countries are faced with this problem because they cannot get divorced until they satisfy the residency requirements. Even a bigger problem is when they need immediate temporary orders from the California Court regarding child custody, child support, management and control of community businesses and property. The solution for this type of problem is filing nullity or legal separation petition rather than

a divorce and amending the petition later on to convert it to a divorce once the residency requirement has been met by one of the parties. Millar v. Millar. Unlike a divorce, there is no residency requirement to filing an Annulment or a legal separation.

The advantage of this strategy is you would immediately have access to the courts and can ask the court for immediate temporary orders needed to maintain the status quo or preserve the marital assets. If domestic violence is involved in the case, the domestic violence issue can be heard in the same court room by the same judge that would be hearing the divorce case. In addition, service on the legal separation petition (to be amended later to a divorce) will also start the clock on the six-month “waiting period” for finality of a judgment terminating marital status, optimizing the time-frame within which the parties will be legally restored to “single” status. As far as the county where to file the legal separation or nullity, venue is proper in the county where either party resided at the time the petition was filed pursuant to CCP 395(a).

Once the parties have satisfied the residency requirements, the Petition may be amended from legal separation to Dissolution without permission from the

Am I eligible for life insurance if I have a chronic illness?

which is best for you.

Court as long as notice is provided the opposing party under Marriage of Dick. The Petitioner would also be in a safer position if the intent to amend from legal separation/ nullity to a divorce is stated in the initial Petition.

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Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation..

* * *

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Insurance Made Easy

IF you live with a chronic illness and are considering the prospect of purchasing life insurance, you may be wondering if your condition will get in the way of your eligibility. However, many people with chronic health conditions are still able to qualify for average life insurance rates. Of course, every person’s situation is different, and your rates will also reflect the specific type of chronic illness, and the treatments needed to address your symptoms.

Some chronic illnesses that often impact life insurance eligibility and rates include cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV, asthma, arthritis, and high cholesterol. Keep reading to learn more about chronic illnesses and life insurance eligibility.

Qualifying for life insurance while living with a chronic illness

There are a few different types of life insurance available – term life insurance, permanent life insurance, and final expense life insurance. The type of chronic illness you have will determine

• Term life insurance: The most popular option is term life insurance. Many people choose this because it is affordable and does not have many limitations or tax restrictions. If you have a chronic illness that is relatively well-managed, you may be eligible for term life insurance.

• Permanent life insurance: Generally, permanent life insurance is most appropriate for those with a higher net worth. Given its cash value savings component, it is more expensive than term life insurance. Although having a chronic illness will not prevent you from applying for this type of insurance, it will have an impact on your premium, which might render it impractical.

• Final expense life insurance: For older adults who wish to help their loved ones cover funeral costs or final medical expenses, final expense life insurance may be a good option. It is also great for those who have chronic conditions that might make other types of life insurance impossible to get. Life insurance riders are another option for you to consider. They can supplement your life insurance policy and cover you if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness or require emergency care. For example, a chronic illness rider can provide benefits for those who cannot perform certain daily activities, such as bathing, eating, dressing, using the bathroom, or safely moving within their home. Reach out to our team to talk

about obtaining life insurance today!

With life insurance in place, you can feel confident that your beneficiaries will have what they need in the aftermath of your death. Even with a chronic illness, you can qualify for life insurance. However, your rates will depend on the condition you have, so it is essential to work with an experienced insurance agent who will take the time to understand your needs, condition, and the options that are best suited for you and your loved ones. Let our team help you find the best coverage. Reach out to our team today to learn more about life insurance and discuss the options that are available to you.

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

* * * Melody Avecilla is an insurance expert. Her one-stop-shop agency has been a preferred go-to insurance resource for over a decade. She has a Masters in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount and earned her CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation at The American College. Her team has been voted best in the industry for years in a row. Fun fact about her. She has multiple patents for the world’s first retractable high heels. In between work, she hosts a global leadership podcast called “dreamers to leaders.” She’s takes a hyper focused approach in elevating customer experience in running her businesses. Insurance is her flag ship enterprise.

(Advertising Supplement)

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had a baby girl, I always wanted to name her Deia,’ which made me look up what it meant.”

She discovered that Deia originated from a Latin and Ancient Greek term that means goddess or joy. “And that resonated with me because, of course, she was already bringing me so much joy at that moment. I was like, ‘Be a goddess.’ Everyone’s a goddess or a god, like in their own right. We all have that in us.”

It was harder, however, to select a second name. Initially, she wanted Tala. “I said, ‘Oh maybe Tala,’ because the very first name that I wanted for my child is something close to me, like meaningful.

“Tala was the first role I played as a baby, as in Ora Engkantada levels, Channel 13. Hindi na alam ng mga kabataan yan. Janice de Belen was my mom. But then I said, Deia Tala, parang bitin.”

Iza then thought of Amihan, which fans would know is her iconic character in the GMA series Encantadia.

“That role really is such a gift for me. And Amihan the character is a good leader. She was very empowered. She made a lot of sacrifices, some of which I don’t think I’ll be able to do in my own life,” she said.

“My child and I, I feel like we’ve battled a lot already. So, I always felt she was a warrior. So I wanted something really strong for a second name.”

Amihan became even more personal and connected to her over the pandemic. When she was battling COVID in 2020, she realized how much her role made an impact.

“When I was sick with COVID, I got a lot of comments like, ‘Kaya mong labanan yan kasi ikaw si Amihan.’ To be specific, when I thought I was gonna be brought to the ICU, there was one nurse who was about to take my blood test and I asked that nurse, Mamamatay na ba ako?’ And then sabi niya, ‘Hindi ka mamamatay. Lalaban ka kasi ikaw si Sanggre Amihan,’” she shared.

“So, for me, God blessed me with this life and another life, which is my child, so I’m passing on that good energy to her… Hopefully, she always remembers me as her producer. And she was born during amihan season by the way!”

Meanwhile, showbiz work will have to take the backseat for the first-time mom.

She was eyed to join a DonBelle project but had to forgo due to mommy duties. More recently, she received two film scripts “and we are reviewing them if they’re worth leaving Deia Amihan for,” said her manager Noel Ferrer.

During the edamama.ph event, the actress, who was last seen on screen playing the Pinay superhero Darna, shared, “It’s hard to say when (showbiz comeback). Because actually before, I said, ‘Oh, in three months I’ll be back on set.’ But I was wrong.

“I didn’t know what I was saying then because I can’t even leave my baby for more than three or four hours at the moment. So, I’ll take it one day at a time.

“I’ll know when to say it’s time for me to go back. (I’ll know if) this project is really, you know, worth the time. And I’m coming from a very privileged perspective… I mean, it’s hard, right? Because it seems a lot of people have to go back to work right away. And this is part of my work.”

But given the erratic hours on set, she’d rather focus on Deia as much as she can — at least, for now. “I’m very lucky and I do not take that lightly. I am so grateful that I get to spend time with my child as she grows more animated each day and stronger each day.”

Nevertheless, Iza admitted she missed being on a set.

“But ang tagal ko din naman, almost 20 years akong laging nasa set. So my set is different now, I’m doing a workshop now. And I have a great teacher. Her name si Deia Amihan,” she said.

“She’s the best teacher so far. Because (all of this) is new to me. It’s a workshop. I think motherhood is a great workshop.” n

Melody AvecillA

Meet Deia Amihan, Iza Calzado’s three-month old daughter with husband Ben Wintle. Photo from Instagram/@ missizacalzado