061623 - San Diego Edition

Californians losing Medi-Cal eligible for Covered California

HEALTH care coverage for the over 15 million Californians currently on Medi-Cal will be up for renewal over the next year and Covered California wants to make sure everyone takes the right steps to stay insured.

The eligibility of Californians enrolled in the state’s Medi-Cal program has not been reviewed since 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. In April, with the end of the federal continuous coverage requirement, Medi-Cal resumed the renewal process for its more than 15 million members, and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), which oversees the Medi-Cal program, estimates between 2 and 3 million Californians will no longer be eligible for coverage.

As this process continues into 2024, Covered California is here to help enroll eligible Californians transitioning out of MediCal.

“Covered California is working closely with DHCS to help keep Californians who lose their

Assemblymember Steven Raga spearheads landmark 125th Philippine Independence Day Celebration in Albany

ASSEMBLYMEMBER Steven Raga, the first-ever Filipino American elected official in New York State led the historic inaugural 125th Philippine Independence Day Celebration held at the historic New York State Capitol in Albany.

The momentous occasion on June 1 marked the first-ever Philippine Independence Day celebration at the New York State Capitol in Albany, attracting hundreds of Filipinos from various corners of New York State and neighboring New Jersey, transforming a portion of the Legislative Office Building called The Well into a vibrant Filipino festival.

“This landmark celebration serves as evidence of the growing presence and influence of the Filipino American community in New York State,” Assemblymember Raga said, expressing the significance of the event. “We are not only commemorating our heritage but also celebrating our ongoing contributions to the cultural tapestry of this great state. It is a proud moment for all

Marcos: PH won’t bow down to ‘external force’

by JEroME aning Inquirer.net

MANILA — On the occasion of the country’s quasquicentennial on Monday, June 12, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. paid tribute to the patriots who fought for Philippine independence and called on Filipinos to “assert liberty day by day” in contending with challenges now facing the nation.

“The heroes of our liberation would be proud to know that we have thrown off the ‘ominous yoke of domination’ — never again to be subservient to any external force that directs or determines our destiny,” the president said in his speech at Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila. Marcos urged the people to reflect on how far

the country had come “from that transformative event” in history when revolutionary forces led by Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed independence from Spain in 1898.

“I appeal for unity and solidarity in our efforts to perfect our hard-fought freedom and achieve genuine national progress. Heeding this call will indispensably require patriotism and a strong sense of community, diligence, industry and responsibility from all our citizens,” Marcos said.

He also issued a message saying in part: “Let us assert our liberty day by day. In everything we do, let us pursue excellence and integrity with the knowledge that we are living out the visions our predecessors held on to and the comfort they toiled for.”

Countries greet PH on 125th Independence Day

by Pia LEE Brago Philstar.com

FOREIGN nations sent messages of congratulations to the Philippines on its Independence Day, with U.S. State Secretary State Antony Blinken acknowledging the historic event as part of “shared sacrifices that form the foundation” of his country’s alliance with the Philippines.

“We have accomplished much together, and I am confident we will continue to collaboratively confront the most pressing regional and global challenges,” Blinken said.

Economic managers insist on MIF, say it’s needed

MANILA — The Marcos administration’s economic team on Tuesday, June 13 redoubled their push for the proposed law that creates the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), saying the MIF was not only advantageous but needed.

The government’s team of economic managers on Monday, June 12 issued an eight-page statement defending the MIF bill after economists at the University of the Philippines (UP) called on their current and former colleagues in the administration to reconsider their position in pushing for an MIF that has “confused goals” and is “defective and poses a serious threat to the country’s economy.”

u PAGE 3

‘Unfreedoms’

The president further noted in his speech that there are “corrosive, political and social conditions that make the nation not as free as we would like to profess and to believe — such as poverty, inadequate economic opportunities, disabling rather than enabling living conditions, inequality, and apathy.”

The government will “strive to remove [these] unfreedoms” and come out with “wise policies… for the full development of the Filipino,” he said. Marcos also reaffirmed his administration’s Philippine Development Plan for 2023-2028, on which he signed Executive Order No. 14 in January. In a statement at that time, the National Economic

Mayon unrest may last for a few months – Phivolcs

by John Eric MEndoza Inquirer.net

MANILA — State volcanologists on Tuesday, June 13 believed the unrest in Mayon Volcano could last for a few months based on historical data.

Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), drew parallels between the latest activities and that of Mayon in 2018 and 2014.

“Based on our experience, this activity may persist [for] a few months,” Bacolcol said in a Teleradyo interview.

“When the eruption is violent, this would probably take a few days to weeks, but when it is slow like this, it would probably take several months,” he added, partly in Filipino.

Ma. Antonia Bornas, chief science research specialist of Phivolcs, told INQ Today that the activity would last for months when the volcano quietly effuses lava.

“Mayon is quietly effusing lava flow from its summit craters and the lava flows are being transported to the south and southeast sector of the volcano,” Bornas said. u PAGE 3

“Best wishes to the people of the Philippines for a joyous Independence Day,” he said.

U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson tweeted “Happy 125th Independence Day to all of our Philippine #FriendsPartnersAllies.” Japan, Canada and France also congratulated the Philippines on its Independence Day.

Mabuhay! Happy 125th Independence Day! I join all Filipinos in celebrating this auspicious day. As like-minded nations, may our ties continue to champion peace and democracy – values that this day represent!

OFWs included in government housing program

by MayEn JayMaLin Philstar.com

MANILA — Overseas Filipino workers (OFW) will find it easier to own homes and secure easy-to-pay loans once they avail themselves of the Marcos administration’s flagship housing program launched last year.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) signed an agreement on Tuesday, June 13 with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and state-run home development fund Pag-IBIG, making it easier for OFWs to access the Pambansang Pabahay para sa

PH, US to ‘collaboratively confront’ regional, global challenges — Blinken

by BEatricE PinLac Inquirer.net

MANILA — United States

Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed confidence that the U.S. and the Philippines will continue to “collaboratively confront” the global and regional challenges hounding the two nations.

“I want to reaffirm the longstanding U.S. – Philippines alliance and celebrate our strong people-to-people ties, acknowledging the shared sacrifices that form the foundation of our alliance,” the U.S. official said in his message to mark 125 years since the declaration of Philippine independence on Monday, June 12.

The ties between the U.S. and its former colony, Blinken said, have grown across various fields. He particularly cited the countries’ commitment to uphold international peace and stability and invest in the transition to clean energy, among others.

“We have accomplished much together, and I am confident we will continue to collaboratively confront the most pressing regional and global challenges,”

Blinken said.

After Spain’s rule over the Philippines for more than three centuries, the country then became a colony of the U.S. from 1898 until 1946.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. celebrated the Philippine Independence Day on Monday with a call for Filipinos to “assert [their] liberty day by day” amid the challenges the nation faces.

“The heroes of our liberation would be proud to know that we have thrown off the ‘ominous yoke of domination’ — never again to be subservient to any external force that directs or determines our destiny,” Marcos said in his first Independence Day speech as chief executive.

From the time Marcos was elected president last year, there has been a pivot in the Philippine foreign policy as it began restoring its ties with the U.S.

This shift was made notable after the U.S. and the Philippines drifted apart in the past years during the term of Marcos’ predecessor Rodrigo Duterte. n

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman File photo by Ryan Leagogo / Inquirer.net

Marcos: PH won’t bow down to ‘external...

and Development Authority said the plan aimed to “bring back the country to a high-growth trajectory and, more importantly, enable economic and social transformation for a prosperous, inclusive and resilient society.”

“I have said it before, I shall say it once more: I will be with you on that long and uphill road to achieve our dream of freedom — freedom from hunger, freedom from neglect, freedom from fear,” the president said.

Ceremonies

Marcos was at the Luneta before his speech as he led the raising of the national colors at the Independence Flagpole across the Rizal Monument.

He was joined by first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their sons Sandro, Simon and Vincent, and Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna.

Californians losing Medi-Cal eligible for...

Medi-Cal coverage enrolled in quality, affordable coverage and to support them every step of the way,” said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California. “While everyone’s renewal date is different, there are important steps that Medi-Cal members can take now to keep themselves and their families covered.”

Current Medi-Cal members should update their contact information if it has changed in the last three years by logging in to their online account through BenefitsCal. com or MyBenefitsCalWIN.org.

Members can also contact their local Medi-Cal office or visit KeepMedi-CalCoverage.org to learn how to get started.

While many Californians no longer eligible for Medi-Cal will transition to other forms of health insurance, such as coverage offered through their job or a family member’s employer, others will be eligible for coverage through Covered California, and they may be eligible to receive financial help to lower the cost of their coverage.

Covered California offers quality health plans, all of which

provide many of the same benefits and services as MediCal, including free preventive care and screenings, doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, behavioral health care, and more.

Based on pre-pandemic trends, nearly half of the consumers who transition from Medi-Cal to Covered California will be able to get quality coverage at little to no cost. Covered California is the only place Californians can go to receive financial help to make their health coverage more affordable. Right now, 90 percent of Covered California’s 1.7 million enrollees receive financial help, with over a million consumers paying $10 or less per month for their health insurance.

“We know how much MediCal members value their health coverage, so we want to make sure they know what their options are if they no longer qualify for Medi-Cal,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “Through Covered California, many will continue to have access to the comprehensive care they need and deserve.”

Covered California and DHCS have been working together to ensure that the process of transitioning to Covered

California will be as simple as possible. Over the next 12 months, Covered California will reach out to eligible consumers through email, direct mail, and text messaging to let them know they can stay insured through Covered California. Covered California will automatically select a plan for the consumer that provides the most financial help. Consumers will need to confirm their plan selection for their new coverage and make their first payment, if required, or opt-out.

Eligible consumers will also be able to choose a different plan or be connected to someone who can help them at any point in the enrollment process. Multilingual assistance, including in Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Punjabi and Hindi is available online, over the phone, or in-person from one of the more than 11,000 Covered California enrollment partners embedded in communities across the state and the help is always free and confidential.

“Keep an eye out for these messages and mailings to make sure you stay covered,” Altman said. “Your health depends on it.” n

He then placed a wreath at the monument of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Andres Centino and National Historical Commission of the Philippines chair Emmanuel Franco Calairo.

A downpour delayed the ceremonies which were supposed to start at 8 a.m., the time set for flag-raising rites nationwide.

The first family then proceeded to Quirino Grandstand where they watched the civic-military parade called “Parada ng Kalayaan” (Freedom Parade) — which presented, among others, personnel and vehicles of the military and other uniformed services.

Monday’s activities were guided by the theme “Kalayaan.

President

June 12. Marcos said in his speech that he is honored to stand as the country’s representative to commemorate the heroism of Filipino heroes who fought for freedom. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.”

(Freedom. Future. History.)

Meanwhile, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte called for national solidarity in supporting “the heroes of today who continue to fight for our freedom from terrorism, criminality, corruption, and local communism.”

She also urged the public to rally behind the education sector “to enable our children and youth to break free from the dangers of armed struggle so they can realize their full potential.”

Tanggol Kasaysayan, a group of history and social studies teachers, criticized Duterte’s agency, the Department of Education, for still omitting the subject of Philippine history in its proposed high school curriculum.

“[This occasion] is a reminder

to the country’s teachers and students to continue the struggle against the culture of forgetting,” the group said.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez led the Independence Day ceremony at the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City, where he urged Filipinos to “awaken the spirit of heroism that is within us.”

Amid Monday’s rain, Bayan, Pamalakaya, and other activist groups held protest rallies outside the consulates of China and the United States.

“There is no cause for celebration today as our territorial waters remain subjected to relentless militarization by China, while the continuing presence of the U.S. military further erodes our national independence,” Pamalakaya spokesperson Ronnel Arambulo said. n

Countries greet PH on 125th...

May our solidarity flourish for everlasting peace & prosperity,” Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa said in a Twitter post.

The Canadian embassy in Manila said strong people-to-people links are the cornerstone of the two countries’ close ties.

“As we look toward our 75th anniversary of bilateral relations in 2024, the opportunities for cooperation on shared priorities like upholding a rules-based international order, combatting climate change, enhancing food and energy security, expanding trade, and building a more prosperous, inclusive and stable Indo-Pacific region are boundless,” the embassy said.

“The Philippines is at the core of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, and the time for ambition is now,” it added.

“France wishes the Philippines a Happy Independence day. Congratulations to the Philippines government and people in celebrating their freedom,” French Ambassador Michele Boccoz tweeted.

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian also sent a congratulatory message to the Philippines.

“Happy Philippine Independence Day! The Chinese Embassy and I join the Filipino people in celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence!” Huang said. n

Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument during the 125th Philippine Independence Day celebration in Rizal Park, Manila on Monday,

CRAWL. Traffic is at a standstill along the northbound lane of EDSA from Guadalupe, Makati City a little past noon on Thursday, June 15. Rather than being stuck on the country’s busiest thoroughfare, commuters take the Metro Rail Transit-3 while motorists utilize side streets. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Economic managers...

Meanwhile, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman told reporters that the MIF bill, which breezed through Congress, has not yet been transmitted to the Office of the President.

Finance officials earlier said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was expected to sign the bill into law before Congress starts a new session in July. When asked whether the MIF bill was discussed during the Cabinet meeting held on June 13, Pangandaman said: “Not yet. It was not part of the agenda.” In their statement, the economic managers reaffirmed their support for the establishment of the MIF as a vehicle for economic growth.

They said that the MIF was aligned with the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) and brings into action the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023 to 2028.

MIF objectives clear

The UP professors and lecturers, in a 27-page discussion paper published by the School of Economics, said the MIF “has amorphous developmental goals and speaks of development only

in the broadest possible terms.”

The MIF was not anchored to the MTFF and “does not even make any reference” to the PDP, the academics said.

But the economic team said the MIF fits into one of the strategies laid out through the PDP—to “diversify and explore alternative sources of financing … [And] new instrument formats will also be explored to reach new markets and investors.”

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, who chairs the executive department’s Economic Development Group, is a professor emeritus at the UP School of Economics (UPSE).

Pangandaman is an alumna while Secretary Arsenio Balisacan of the National Economic and Development Authority joined the UPSE faculty in 1998 and served as dean from 2010 to 2012. The economic team added that the objective of the MIF was clear, which was to invest funds that are available in government agencies and use them for investment purposes on the basis of their individual mandates. (By Ronnel W. Domingo/Inquirer.net) n

Mayon unrest may last for a few...

“There have been past eruptions similar to this where the volcano is quietly effusing lava and this activity lasted for months,” she added. “We might get that activity.”

Bornas said that the lava flows have reached a distance of one kilometer away from the crater.

As of Tuesday, Phivolcs said the Mayon Volcano saw one volcanic earthquake, spewing 723 tonnes of sulfur dioxide.

Those living in the volcano’s permanent risk zone, according to Bacolcol, will have to remain in the shelters for at least the next few months.

More than 14,000 residents have been staying in evacuation centers, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

“Parang ganoon na nga ang mangyayari (That seems to be the case),” he said when asked if this meant that residents inside the volcano’s permanent danger zone would have their stay

prolonged for a few months.

“Unless we lower the alert level, we have no choice but to have those who live inside the permanent danger zone stay in evacuation centers. There should be no people in the permanent danger zone in the first place,” he explained.

Phivolcs classified Mayon Volcano under Alert Level 3 last Thursday, June 8 due to “potential explosive activity happening within days or weeks.”

If a volcano’s magma is at or near the surface, and its activity could lead to dangerous eruptions within weeks, an Alert Level 3 is announced.

State seismologists determined that increasing the danger zone beyond eight kilometers from the active crater would require a higher warning level.

Albay Governor Edcel Greco Lagman has already extended the “danger zone” of the volcano to seven-kilometer radius. n

Filipino and Filipino Americans in New York State, and we eagerly anticipate further strengthening our community bonds.”

Assemblymember Grace Lee, Co-Chair of the New York State Asian Pacific American Task Force, who attended the event, expressed her support and dedication to the Filipino American community.

“It was an honor to join Assemblymember Steven Raga at the first-ever celebration of Philippine Independence Day held at the New York State Capitol in Albany,” Lee said.

“New York has been home to a vibrant Filipino community for over a century, and now, under the leadership of Assemblymember Raga, they have strong representation at the state level. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with my colleagues to uplift the needs of the Filipino American community.”

Raga recalled seeing other events at the capitol last year and realized that having one for the Filipino community would celebrate the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of Filipino culture but also highlight the remarkable contributions of Filipino Americans to the diverse cultural tapestry of the state.

“Throughout the year, in the spring, I’ve seen other cultures, other community members, and assembly members come in and have their own event with their Consul General and their community leaders and I said why not us?” Raga told the Asian Journal.

Raga then asked Consul General Senen Mangalile and various community leaders if

they could collaborate and come up with this event to celebrate the unity, resilience, and unwavering commitment of the Filipino American community in New York

“Today, we remember Filipino heroes who fought for liberty against our colonial masters, but we also celebrate our current generation of heroes - our nurses, accountants, engineers,

and entrepreneurs - who make positive contributions to the fabric of New York society,”

Consul General said in his speech.

Atty. Sol Kapunan, Founding President of Kalayaan 1521 Council Inc, echoed the community’s sentiments and said, “In unity, there is strength. By coming together, we will overcome challenges and achieve great heights. May we never lose our identity as we continue to showcase our capabilities to the world. We have found a home 8,500 miles away from home, where our Filipino Spirit will endure!”

Renowned dancers and foreign dignitaries from the Philippines, along with stateelected officials, including a representative from the office of U.S. Congressmember Paul Tonko, graced the occasion. Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly, Phil Ramos, delivered a group introduction on behalf of Assemblymember Raga and escorted all guests into the Assembly Speaker’s Room. Ramos talked about his

almost month-long vacation in the Philippines last year and expressed support for Raga becoming the first Filipino member of the State Assembly, saying that there should be more minorities joining them.

According to Raga’s camp, the success of the event would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of the Philippine Consulate General of New York and numerous other Filipino American groups from across New York State. Their invaluable contributions exemplify the spirit of unity and cooperation that defines our community.

The celebratory program showcased a variety of performances that highlighted the rich tapestry of Filipino culture, including cultural performances such as “Paypay De Manila” by the Bayanihan Association of the Capital District, Excerpts from “Mindanao, Epics, Legends, and Myths” by Kinding Sindaw, “Salakot” by FUNRaisers of New York, and MassKara Festival Dance by the Bacolod City MassKara Festival Dance Group.

By organizing this monumental event, Assemblymember Raga has ushered in a new era of recognition and appreciation for Filipino culture and heritage in New York State. It is not merely a celebration but also a commitment to continue contributing to the diverse cultural heritage of our state and nation.

Raga holds the distinction of being the first Filipino American elected to any public office in New York State. Representing the 30th District in the New York State Assembly, which encompasses parts of the neighborhoods of Woodside, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Maspeth, Middle Village, and Astoria, he is dedicated to advocating for legislation that supports the well-being, growth, and prosperity of his constituents and all New Yorkers.

He looks forward to holding the event in the coming years.

“I’m in a lot of spaces where again, the Filipino community is not brought up and even if the issue is pertaining to them directly, so this is the first step into getting us more proactively in these spaces. So we’re going to be doing a lot more in the next few years,” he shared. (By Momar G. Visaya/AJPress) n

LIVELIHOOD AID. To improve the livelihood of the members of the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) turned over four abaca stripping machines to four tribal groups on Thursday, June 15 in Barangay Marilog Proper, Davao City. The recipients are the Ata-Manobo tribe of Talaingod town, Davao del Norte province; B’laan tribe of Kiblawan town, Davao del Sur; Ubo-Manuvu tribe of Barangay Marilog, Davao City; and Ata tribe of Barangay Malabog, Paquibato District, Davao City. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Assemblymember Steven Raga with guests representing the Filipino American community led by Consul General Senen Mangalile and Bacolod City Mayor Albee Fernandez. Contributed photos

OFWs included in government...

“(The) previous housing program is fully reliant on government funds, but this time, there will be private banks and Pag-IBIG to support OFWs availing themselves of the program,” DMW Secretary Susan Ople said.

“They will also get interest subsidy from the unit.

It will not devalue since the HSUD also factored in maintenance in the amount they would pay under

Action required to renew DMV disabled placards by June 30

this program,” she said.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar encouraged OFWs to avail of the program, as their “payments will become an investment.”

In 2022, Pag-IBIG released over P20 billion in housing loans that helped more than 15,000 OFWs secure their own homes, according to Pag-IBIG chief executive officer Marilene Acosta.

As of April this year, she said 4,300 OFWs secured P6.5 billion in home loans. n

Mayor Gloria, Councilmember von Wilpert kick off long-awaited road repair project in Rancho Bernardo

Project will repair more than two miles of streets damaged during the 2007 Witch Creek fire

SAN DIEGO – Mayor Todd

Gloria was joined by San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert recently to kick off the Witch Creek Fire Street Improvements project. This project will repair 2.3 miles of streets in Rancho Bernardo that were damaged by the 2007 Witch Creek Fire.

“San Diego’s road-repair investments have historically been as patchy as our pavement and inadequate to keep our network of roughly 3,000 miles of streets in the condition that residents expect,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “My administration is moving to change that with consistent, focused investments in cost-effective road repairs. The residents of Rancho Bernardo’s Westwood neighborhood have waited far too long for their streets to be fixed, and I’m happy that, today, we are getting it done.”

The improvements include repairing the existing roadway with asphalt overlay, upgrading sidewalks and curb ramps to be ADA-compliant, removing and replacing cross gutters and curbs and gutters, and restriping roadways.

The total cost is approximately $5.26 million. Funding for the project includes $2.5 million in a state grant designated for

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria File photo/www.sandiego.gov

wildfire repairs provided by State Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins.

“Sixteen years after the Witch Creek fire burned through this community, the Westwood neighborhood of Rancho Bernardo is finally on its way to healing,” said State Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins. “I appreciate the residents who never stopped advocating for funding to fix their streets.”

The Witch Creek Fire started just after noon on October 21, 2007. Arcing power lines

whipped by Santa Ana winds sparked flames east of Ramona in the Witch Creek area. By the next morning, the fire had reached the San Diego City limits and merged with the Guejito Fire which started in the San Pasqual Valley. These fires burned more than 197,000 acres in San Diego County, including more than 9,000 acres in the city.

All of the 365 residences in the city that were destroyed by the fire were in the community of Rancho Bernardo.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins and Mayor Todd Gloria to bring these long-awaited repairs to the Westwood Community of Rancho Bernardo,” said Councilmember Marni von Wilpert, who represents District 5. “Sixteen years later, this community is still recovering from the devastating wildfires. These repairs are critical to that recovery process.”

Work will take place on Aguamiel Road, Azucar Way, Alcalde Court, Grillo Court, Nevoso Way, Sedero Court, Palito Court, Danza Circle, Escoba Place, Aliento Court and Cabela Drive. All resurfacing is expected to be completed by the end of June.

(City of San Diego Release) n

Dateline PhiliPPines

PH on track to achieve agenda for prosperity - DBM chief

MANILA – The Philippines is heading in the right direction to attain its agenda for prosperity, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman told the Singaporean business community as she enticed them to invest in the country.

During the second Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) in Singapore, Pangandaman noted that the Marcos administration’s priority expenditures are aligned with the eight-point socioeconomic agenda and cater to the objectives under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

“Today, we bring you good news from the Philippines. We remain on track with our Agenda for Prosperity in spite of global headwinds and the challenges of economic recovery after the pandemic lockdowns,” Pangandaman said.

“And so, we invite you to become our partner as we build an inclusive and sustainable economy that would not only uplift every individual, family

World Bank OKs $750-M ‘sustainable recovery’ loan for PH

and business in the Philippines but would benefit the world and generations to come. The time to invest in the Philippines is now,” she added.

Priority sectors

Pangandaman also enumerated the Marcos government’s priority sectors that would contribute to the revitalization of the Philippine economy.

Determined to make agriculture “a driving force for growth and the main source of food security,” the current administration gave the agriculture and agrarian reform sector a budgetary boost of around 29 percent from its previous year’s allocation to improve productivity and re-establish the Philippines as the top exporter of agricultural products, Pangandaman said.

She added that the infrastructure spending was maintained at 5 to 6 percent of the gross domestic

u PAGE 7

Duterte, Tulfo lead Senate bets for 2025 polls – survey

by Janvic Mateo Philstar.com

MANILA — Pollster Social Weather Stations

(SWS) on Tuesday, June 13 confirmed that it conducted a commissioned aided survey on voting preferences for senator, with former social welfare secretary Erwin Tulfo and former president Rodrigo Duterte topping the poll.

Conducted two years before the 2025 midterm elections, the April 15 to 18 survey showed the leading list of personalities whom respondents said they would most likely vote for senator.

Unlike the results of the “unaided” survey released recently, the new poll – also commissioned by former LPGMA party-list representative Arnel Ty – gave the respondents a list of 100 individuals listed in alphabetical order based on surname, from which they can choose up to 12 names.

Following Tulfo and Duterte are Sens. Pia Cayetano and Bong Go, former senator and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Sen. Imee Marcos, former Senate president Vicente Sotto III, Sen. Lito Lapid, former senator Panfilo Lacson, former vice president Jejomar Binay and former Manila mayor Isko Moreno.

Outside the so-called Magic 12 were Sen. Bong Revilla, former interior secretary and senator Mar Roxas, former senator Gringo Honasan, former vice president Leni Robredo, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, former vice president Noli de Castro, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, former senators Francis Pangilinan and Franklin Drilon, former Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista and Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos.

Trailing them were lawyer Chel Diokno, Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez, former senators Bam Aquino and Ralph Recto, former police chief Guillermo Eleazar, former senator Richard Gordon, former president and House Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Sen. Francis Tolentino and former senator Serge Osmeña III.

The results of the aided survey slightly varied from the unaided poll, the results of which were confirmed by SWS.

In the unaided survey, no list of names was provided to the respondents.

Leading that list was Pacquiao, followed by Revilla, former senator Sotto, Go, former Senate president Manny Villar, Lapid, Dela Rosa, Marcos, Tulfo, Duterte, Lacson and Cayetano.

Statistically tied for 13th to 31st places were Moreno, Robredo, Binay, Diokno, Trillanes, Pangilinan, Mayor Sotto, Tolentino, Gordon, former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, lawyer Larry Gadon, Aquino, Roxas, television host Willie Revillame, doctor Willie Ong, Drilon, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Honasan and Bautista.

The difference in the survey results may be due to the high number of respondents who included ineligible candidates, such as recently elected or term-limited senators, in the unaided poll.

For instance, Senators Raffy Tulfo and Robin Padilla were chosen by 28 percent and 21 percent of respondents, respectively, significantly higher than Pacquiao’s seven percent.

Tulfo and Padilla ranked third and first, respectively, in last year’s polls.

SWS said the commissioned survey had 1,200 adult respondents and a margin of error of +/three percent. n

by Ronnel W. DoMingo Inquirer.net

MANILA – The World Bank approved a $750-million loan to support the Philippine government’s efforts to improve protection of the natural environment as well as resilience to the adverse effects of climate change.

In particular, the facility dubbed Philippines First Sustainable Recovery Development Policy Loan will bolster ongoing government reforms to not only attract private investment in renewable energy but also to enhance plastic waste management through reduction, recovery and recycling; promote green transport, including the use of electric vehicles; and reduce climate-related fiscal risks from the agriculture sector.

Ndiamé Diop, World Bank country director for the Philippines, said in a statement that promoting foreign direct investments and streamlining the permitting process could unlock the country’s “tremendous potential” for renewable energy generation, especially using solar and wind technologies.

“Renewable energy can help

the Philippines mitigate climate change and bring numerous benefits, including enhanced energy security, the creation of green jobs and improved access to electricity,” Diop said. “It is a crucial step towards a more sustainable and resilient future for the country.”

Also, the World Bank noted that achieving the Philippine government’s target of producing half of the country’s electricity output with renewable energy by 2040, and slowing down the expansion of coal-fired power generation capacity from 2026 onwards, would need a significant increase in investments in solar and wind technologies and a strong policy environment conducive for such investments.

Shift to renewable energy fostering new investments

Also, the loan supports the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility Act that mandates large enterprises to recover up to 80 percent of plastic packaging waste by 2028.

Further, the loan supports the introduction of new insurance products suitable for vulnerable smallholder farmers and strengthens the coverage and operations of Philippine Crop

Insurance Corp. The multilateral lender believes that, if properly designed and targeted, crop insurance can help stabilize farm income, reduce poverty and provide a climate safety net for food producers.

World Bank senior economist Ralph Van Doorn said that pushing economic reforms to transform the economy remained imperative, not only to accelerate, but also to sustain the economic recovery and boost long-term growth.

“Reforms aimed at attracting private investments in public service sectors can open up new sources of economic growth and quality jobs ,” Van Doorn said.

The World Bank sees that increased foreign participation in these industries can improve the quality of service, enhance connectivity and lower operational costs for businesses — thus, making them more competitive.

Also supported by the loan are amendments to the Public Service Act that allow up to 100-percent foreign ownership in domestic shipping, air transport, land transport, express parcel and delivery, telecommunication, water supply and toll roads. n

Marcos orders DTI to ‘bring up game,’ make PH export competitive

by KRistina MaRalit ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday, June 15 directed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to “bring up the game” and make Philippines’ export industry “prepared to compete” among the best economies in the world.

He said the goal is not to just make the country “able to export to and import from.”

“So, it’s not one way it’s trade, and that is the most

important thing but what we have to do is to allow ourselves the restructuring of some of the elements within the law, that are within the rules so that we can compete on an even basis,” the chief executive said at the sidelines of the International Trade Forum hosted by the DTI in Taguig City.

“That is why we have to bring up our game, export game, a little bit and support our exporters so that they can compete in foreign markets, and that they are able to be, not only suppliers, but also industrial

consumers of the products that are around the world. In other words, to strengthen trade... This is why we are constantly studying countries successful with their trade agreements particularly when it comes to exports,” he added.

Marcos also noted that the Philippine government will be soon signing a free trade agreement with the Korean government and while also in the process of sealing FTAs with the European Union (EU) and the United States.

Beyond independence

AS the country celebrated the 125th anniversary of the declaration of independence on June 12, millions of Filipinos suffering from undereducation and weak literacy are unaware of the event or its significance. Jose Rizal, a staunch advocate of education, would have been disheartened by the current sad state of Philippine education.

The founding fathers would also be dismayed that on the 125th anniversary of Independence Day, a large segment of the population still needs liberation from several of the same major problems that fueled the Philippine revolution over a century ago: poverty, hunger and injustice.

While the nation is no longer under colonial rule, the Philippines has yet to achieve credible defense capability against external threats. No country is an island and the world has become interconnected and economies interdependent. The Philippines can forge strategic security alliances with other states. But countries appreciate allies that make an effort to strengthen their self-defense capability. This is something that the Philippines must pursue, especially as it deals with growing external security issues.

At the same time, greater effort is needed to create an enabling environment that will empower

Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

WE celebrated the 125th year of Philippine Independence in Washington, D.C. with a record crowd composed of business people, colleagues from the diplomatic circle, members of the Filipino-American community and officials from the U.S. government, with White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan as our guest of honor.

The upbeat atmosphere reflected the vibrant and dynamic relationship between the Philippines and the United States which, if I may say so, is at the best it’s ever been. While relations with our close and only defense ally have been at times complicated, the ties that bind our two nations have remained solid over the decades. As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accurately stated – our relationship with the United States is an evolving one that will continue to strengthen through more robust economic and people-to-people ties. There is no doubt the deepening bilateral ties between the U.S. and the Philippines as well as our good relations with like-minded nations have put us under the radar of American companies that now see the Philippines as a safe investment choice.

Less than a year into President

more Filipinos to get out of poverty, and stay out. Cash handouts to the poor, even if conditional, can be unsustainable especially for a government that supposedly faces fiscal collapse unless certain reforms are undertaken.

The education system, although mandatory and free from kindergarten to college, is seriously in need of fixing. The sorry state of education is affecting all aspects of life, from economic growth to the quality of governance and the way people pick candidates in elections. National competitiveness has suffered and the Philippines’ standing in the region has slipped in most of the human development indicators.

Celebrating the 125th Independence Day should include a sincere commitment to make life better for all, and not just for the miniscule segment of the population that controls money and power in this country. (Philstar.com)

US-PH relations bring in real investments

Marcos Jr.’s presidency, investments coming from the United States have been surging. Of the over $5 billion in pledges from U.S. firms engaged in a wide range of businesses, $2 billion in actual investments have been confirmed by our DTI.

In August 2022, President Biden signed the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors and Science (CHIPS) Act to diversify the source of semiconductor wafers which the Philippines imports for the assembly, testing and packaging of chips. The CHIPS Act also created the International Technology Security and Innovation Fund that provides the State Department with a separate funding of $500 million ($100 million a year for five years starting in Fiscal Year 2023)

“to promote the development and adoption of secure and trustworthy telecommunications networks and ensure semiconductor supply chain security and diversification.”

We were informed by the State Department that the Philippines is among the countries that have been identified by the U.S. with which they want to partner in the semiconductor supply chain.

Companies that have been in the Philippines for many years are also gearing up for expansion, like Procter & Gamble that will open an additional plant to increase its manufacturing line to cater to both domestic and

term.

export markets. For the IT-BPM sector, Optum is establishing two locations in the Philippines for its BPM services while for logistics, Fedex is expanding its delivery services facility to 10 times bigger than its mid-Pacific hub.

For telecommunications –considered a critical global economic sector – we have Starlink that is now operational in the Philippines, the first in Southeast Asia. The U.S.Transpacific Jupiter Cable system is now also up, connecting the Philippines directly to Japan and the U.S. West Coast.

Another important sector is health care, and I am very pleased that Moderna – whose very effective mRNA anti-COVID-19 vaccines saved so many lives all over the world, including Filipinos – will set up one of three worldwide Enterprise Solutions Hub and commercial operations in the Philippines to service the Asia Pacific market.

These investment pledges from the U.S. are no pie in the sky promises; these are real dollars that are coming in.

Let me be clear: We are carrying out President Marcos’ instructions to all Philippine ambassadors – that is, to promote goodwill in our host country; bring in more investments and generate more jobs for Filipinos. As Ambassador to the United States, I will unequivocally continue to do just that, which is to keep good relations with our

Premature

Most unsurprisingly, Sara Duterte tops this poll. Overwhelmingly.

one and only defense treaty ally – the United States.

* * *

My sincere congratulations to Rigoberto Tiglao for his recent award from the Chinese embassy. An article on the Manila Times website announcing the award said Tiglao was one of the awardees in the Outstanding Contributions category that “recognizes individuals of lesser prominence” but who nonetheless are making “notable contributions” in promoting Philippines-China ties.

Tiglao was the former Philippine Ambassador to Greece whose short pathetic failed stint was marked by petitions and protests for his ouster by overseas Filipino workers (https://www. gmanetwork.com/news/news/ pinoyabroad/203170/pinoyprotesters-in-greece-demandouster-of-envoy/story/) and was even described by leaders of different migrant workers’ groups as “one of the worst in Philippine diplomatic service.”

Nonetheless, Tiglao must have made his patrons happy when he called the 2016 arbitral tribunal award that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea as “a hoax” and even had the audacity to write a book about it.

He is relentless in his efforts to denigrate the initiative taken by the Philippines to file a case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague that

PRESIDENT Bongbong

Marcos’ term ends in 2028. That is about five years away, give or take a few days. There is no provision in our Constitution that allows snap elections to be called.

Notwithstanding, there seems to be enough people willing to invest in early tracking polls that provide snapshots of the public’s political dispositions. The most recent of these tracking polls was released recently by polling outfit Social Weather Stations (SWS). The poll was commissioned by the party-list LPG Marketers’ Association and was conducted nationwide April 15 to 18.

There were no surprises in this poll – although there could be some insight to be generated through qualitative evaluation of the numbers. The insight could be useful for political players trying to position in the nearer

The sitting vice president was preferred by 28 percent of respondents, way ahead of second-placer Raffy Tulfo who polled 11 percent. She has been topping job approval and trust surveys conducted by the various polling firms. She consistently outpolled President Marcos Jr. the past few months – even as their partnership has been generating incredibly high popularity numbers through their first year in office.

In 2021, before she decided to stand down as presidential contender, Sara was leading the surveys as well. She evidently enjoys a stable base of support. This base of support enables her to take sharp and independent positions on the issues of the day. Her leading position in this latest SWS poll will likely encourage her to take a more colorful political posture – such as when she called unnamed political players “tambaloslos,” a distasteful mythical creature in Visayan folklore.

The SWS survey, important to note, was taken in midApril. This was before all that trouble began at the House of Representatives in the wake of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s demotion from senior deputy speaker. After that happened, Sara resigned from the Lakas party and started attacking an unnamed rival believed to be Speaker Martin Romualdez. Popular broadcaster Raffy Tulfo is a significant second placer in the SWS poll. Recall that he was a strong candidate in last year’s Senate race. He evidently has a team in his Senate office carefully crafting his public statements and ensuring a sustained presence in the public eye. Some consider Tulfo significant enough as a political player to lead a separate party formation in the midterm elections as a step towards a presidential run in 2028. That will require a lot of hard work, however.

Placing third in public preference to lead the nation in 2028 is former vice president Leni Robredo. Apparently,

all her social media postings showing her vacationing all over the world could not shore up whatever electoral capital she has left from last year’s elections.

Curiously, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is not qualified for another presidential run, places fourth. This indicates a significant residual constituency for the sort of renegade politics he personified. Support for the father could be imputed to the daughter, enlarging her overwhelming advantage.

Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao placed fifth with a 2-percent share of the poll. That might not be significant enough to position him as a 2028 presidential player but other tracking polls show he enjoys stronger support for a midterm senatorial run. This might be enough to seduce him back into the electoral game – if he still has financial resources to do the retail politicking in the interim.

Robin Padilla, Isko Moreno, Bongbong Marcos (who cannot run in 2028), Imee Marcos and Sandro Marcos each garnered 1 percent in the SWS poll. A few other had insignificant numbers.

It is significant that House

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with U.S. President Joe Biden Malacañang file photo challenged the so-called ninedash-line that China has been using to claim almost the whole of the South China Sea – without even considering the basis for that suit.

He has been so prolific in thrashing the award which many other nations – including other claimants to the disputed territories – have recognized and supported, undoubtedly making it lawful for us to demand for China to stop the harassment and bullying of Filipino fishermen who continue to suffer everyday at the loss of their livelihood.

Tiglao seems to have a propensity for the “I couldn’t care less” attitude towards the plight of our

Speaker Martin Romualdez does not figure in this very preliminary tracking poll. He has been making himself very visible the past year. That has so far failed to persuade the public about his “presidentiability.”

Romualdez, first cousin of the president, enjoys the support of nearly all the major political parties. His control of the House is unquestioned – especially as he appears to have thwarted a challenge to his leadership. The supermajority of legislators is demonstrative in their support for him.

It is this town’s worst kept secret that Romualdez is eyeing the 2028 presidential elections. To get there, he will have to hurdle the midterm elections in 2025. The bi-factional character of our local politics could threaten the hegemony the administration parties now enjoy. Already, a small but influential number of local politicians are busy building up a new party formation that professes loyalty to the sitting president – but not the sitting speaker.

Precedent hangs heavily over Martin’s ambitions. In recent political history, two very able House Speakers

OFWs and our fisherfolk.

One can only wonder, does Tiglao – who is repeatedly factchecked – really mean what he has been writing and saying, or is he mouthing the thoughts and words of another country? In any case, that should not really be surprising because he has actually been described, and worked as – a mouthpiece. (Philstar.com)

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

leading multiparty coalitions dared aspire for the presidency. Ramon Mitra lost to Fidel Ramos and Jose de Venecia lost to Joseph Estrada. Miserably.

While House Speakers have great power to advance a ruling coalition’s legislative agenda and maintain a high profile in the nation’s politics, they are ultimately elected only by small congressional districts where voters make their choices almost out of habit. They are local politicians, unlike senators who enjoy a nationwide voting base.

Furthermore, our most obsequious congressmen often promise but fail to deliver their districts to the House leader. Local government executives are vastly more reliable.

To be sure, the latest SWS tracking poll is premature. But it will subtly illuminate the course of action of powerbrokers in the period before that actual contest. It will probably also help shape the alignments for 2025. (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.

Marcos orders DTI to ‘bring up game,’ make PH export...

“The reason we are doing this is we want to open markets so that the Philippines will be able to export to and import from. So, it’s not one way, it’s straight,” President Marcos said.

The president had underscored the importance of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, which came into force this month, noting that the free trade pact is another significant milestone in the nation’s export agenda.

With RCEP’s 15-country market coverage, the Philippines could expand further its market reach for its exported goods, deepening not only the country’s economic integration, but also demonstrating its global competitiveness.

“Our participation in

these trade agreements not only deepens our economic integration, but also demonstrates our global competitiveness. Hence, we must continue to forge these vital agreements and preferential systems, and also maintain our good standing in, and seek renewal, of existing ones, including those with the EU and the U.S.,” he stated. The implementation of the RCEP Agreement in the Philippines is expected to widen market opportunities, foster more cross-border regional value-chains, increase attractiveness of industries to foreign direct investments (FDIs) and promote easier participation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in regional trade, Marcos further noted. n

PH on track to achieve agenda for...

product (GDP) set in the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework.

“This was allocated USD23.9 billion or 25.3 percent of the national budget and equivalent to 5.5 percent of GDP,” she said, stressing the importance of infrastructure spending to sustain the country’s growth momentum, considering that infrastructure is the “backbone of the economy.”

“The bulk of the infrastructure budget is intended for the development of physical infrastructure aimed at improving physical connectivity throughout the country through the construction of accessible road networks, railways, buildings, and flood control infrastructure, among others,” Pangandaman added.

Pangandaman said budgetary support was also provided for social infrastructure development, as well as for irrigation systems and reforestation projects.

She added that the government, acknowledging the importance of sustainable economic growth, raised the budget for climate change adaptation and mitigation measures by about 60 percent compared to the previous year’s allocation.

“This will include investments in water sufficiency and renewable energy infrastructure, as well as alternative resources,” Pangandaman said.

Pangandaman said the proposed 2024 budget will prioritize “shovel-ready” infrastructure projects, investments in human capital development, and sustainable agriculture and food security for the continuity and sustainability of gains from this year’s priority programs.

To complement the priority programs,

the government is pursuing key structural reforms and introducing fresh initiatives that promote sound fiscal management, a green economy, and a more efficient and lean bureaucracy, Pangandaman said.

‘Going digital’

To ensure that the Philippines becomes a “viable investment destination,”

Pangandaman said the Marcos administration is keen on improving the country’s digital infrastructure, allocating around USD434.3-million funds to accelerate the digital transformation.

Pangandaman noted the issuance of Executive Order (EO) 29 this month to mandate the full adoption of the Integrated Financial Management Information System in government agencies to ensure the efficient delivery of quality services to the public.

She said EO 29 complements EO 170 issued in 2022 which directs the adoption of digital payments for government disbursements and collections.

“Here’s more good news—we are going digital,” Pangandaman said. “These twin EOs are big strides towards bureaucratic efficiency, encouraging the digitalization of government transactions. And soon, we hope to also pass the Progressive Budgeting for Better and Modernized Governance Bill the institutionalization of Public Financial Management reforms such as the Cash Budgeting System.”

Pangandaman said the government is also working on building a “more agile, efficient, and responsive” government workforce through the National Government Rightsizing Program, which is intended to minimize and eliminate overlaps and

duplication of functions and reduce costs, processing time, and other regulatory requirements in public transactions.

Maharika Investment Fund (MIF)

Pangandaman also briefed the Singaporean business leaders about the Congress’ approval of a bill creating the proposed MIF, which is envisioned as the Philippines’ first ever Sovereign Wealth Fund, the Maharlika Investment Fund.

She said the Marcos administration expects the launching of the MIF before yearend.

“We are really looking forward to seeing this boost economic development through strategic and profitable investments in infrastructure and other key sectors...with your investments, of course. As you can see, the Philippines is back in business and means business,” Pangandaman said.

“The Philippines used to be the ‘Darling of Southeast Asia.’ I am certain that with your investments and support, the Philippines will not only be the darling but also the ‘Sweetheart of Asia.’ So, we look forward to ‘Passion Made Possible’ in the Philippines,” she added.

Singapore is one of the top sources of Foreign Direct Investments in the Philippines.

The first PEB Singapore resulted in USD6.5 billion worth of investment pledges, topped by investment in the transportation sector for the manufacturing of electronic tricycles valued at USD5 billion.

The investment commitments also include investment in renewable energy through floating solar panels generating energy to power communities, amounting to USD1.2 billion. (PNA) n

CHR backs passage of ‘long overdue’ SOGIESC bill

by Cristina Chi Philstar.com

MANILA — The Commission on Human Rights on Thursday, June 15 threw its support behind the passage of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality bill, saying a law against discrimination is long overdue.

The House Women and Gender Equality Committee has approved the consolidated bill combining various similar measures that seek to eradicate discrimination based on SOGIESC in May.

This was after it held several hearings where evangelical groups opposing the bill and organizations supportive of the measure debated the merits of protecting Filipinos from gender-based discrimination, which was already raised during past Congresses.

“The approval of the newlyrevised SOGIESC Equality Bill is a commendable step forward,” the human rights body said.

“We hope that this development will mark the beginning of unimpeded progress towards its eventual passage into law, demonstrating the legislative branch’s commitment to safeguarding the fundamental rights of the LGBTQI community and rejecting all forms of discrimination against them,” it added.

The CHR emphasizes the urgent need to acknowledge the daily struggles faced by the LGBTQI community, ranging from small microaggressions to severe abuse, harassment, and violence.

Without specific legislation

protecting them against discrimination, these vulnerable sectors remain exposed to multiple forms of mistreatment, the CHR said.

“In observance of the Pride Month, we hope to see concrete and serious strides in advancing the plight of the LGBTQI sector through the swift progress of the equality bill,” it added.

The CHR also urged members of the Senate and the House of Representatives to see the bill to fruition and be willing to approach it “with an open mind.”

“Considering the 23-year pending state of the SOGIESC equality bill, the Commission underscores that its legislation is urgently needed and long overdue,” it added.

The CHR also reminded lawmakers that the enactment of a SOGIESC law aligns with national and international obligations and human rights standards, including those prescribed in the 1987 Constitution, Republic Act No. 11313 (Safe Spaces Act), and the Yogyakarta Principles.

By passing the SOGIESC Equality Act, these standards and statutes will gain enhanced meaning, guaranteeing Filipinos the right to be protected from discrimination on the basis of their SOGIESC, the CHR said.

A counterpart measure of the House’s SOGIESC bill has been stalled at the Senate after Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva on February 8 moved to send the bill to the rules committee, which he chairs. The rules committee has jurisdiction over the Senate calendar and the order of bills to be considered. n

TEMPORARY SHELTER. Modular tents are set up inside a basketball court in Remarville Subdivision in Novaliches, Quezon City on Wednesday, June 14 to temporarily accommodate fire victims. At dawn on the same day, 10 houses along Pascual Street in Barangay Bagbag were engulfed by a fire that reached second alarm. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9012196

Soi PB Thai Street Food located at 4658 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109. Registrant: Khwanta Osanai, 4658 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Khwanta Osanai. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/06/2023. AJ 1204 06/09, 06/16, 06/23, and 06/30/2023. AJSD 1204

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011353

Rocky’s Auto located at 6219 Childs Ave, San Diego, CA 92139.

Registrant: Moises Rock Martinez, 6219 Childs Ave, San Diego, CA 92139. This business is conducted by Individual.

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

Signature: Moises Rock

Martinez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/24/2023. AJ 1193 06/02, 06/09, 06/16, and 06/23/2023. AJSD 1193

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9010991

David Hoang DBA

Crystal Pier Bait Shack located at 4500 Ocean Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109.

Registrant: David Hoang, 8912 Nelson Way, Escondido, CA 92026.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/15/2023.

Signature: David Hoang.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/19/2023.

AJ 1199 06/09, 06/16, 06/23, and 06/30/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9012197

Soi 30th Thai Street Food located at 3442 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104. Registrant: Soi 30th LLC, 3442 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/14/2017.

Signature: Khwanta

Osanai. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011258

Ken Chi Ken located at 8429 Broadway Apt #69, Lemon Grove, CA 91945.

Registrant: Kender Pierre, 8429 Broadway Apt #69, Lemon Grove, CA 91945. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Kender Pierre. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/23/2023. AJ 1188 05/26, 06/02, 06/09, and 06/16/2023. AJSD 1188

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011091 SUPREMO located at 1100 E. Avenue Apt 1, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Charlsjohn Javinal, 1100 E. Avenue Apt 1, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/13/2023.

Signature: Charlsjohn Javinal. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/22/2023. AJ 1194 06/02, 06/09, 06/16, and 06/23/2023. AJSD 1194

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-901121

DM Liquidation Store located at 183 W San Ysidro Blvd Ste E, San Ysidro, CA 92173.

Registrant: Ruben Diosdado Martinez, 183 W San Ysidro Blvd Ste E, San Ysidro, CA 92173. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/02/2023.

Signature: Ruben Diosdado Martinez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/22/2023.

AJ 1200 06/09, 06/16, 06/23, and 06/30/2023.

DIEGO

Empowering women and celebrating Filipino flavors: C heef F Frances Tariga’s journey of finding her c ulinar y identit y

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

CHEF Frances Tariga has embarked on a remarkable journey of embracing her dedication to Filipino cuisine and honoring her heritage. As a proud Filipino and talented chef, she now aims to bridge the gap between Filipino flavors and the palates of the mainstream American audience. With a strong determination to empower women and introduce the cuisine of her homeland to a wider market, Chef Frances hopes to make a difference and inspire others along the way.

After spending some time in the corporate world, Chef Frances is now at the helm of the recently opened Trust Bae, ready to make a comeback in the culinary scene. One of the cornerstones of her vision is empowering women in the culinary industry. Having faced her own share of challenges as a female chef, she understands the importance of creating opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment.

“I want to be a bridge to the American palate so they can taste the Filipino influences in my food,” Chef Frances expressed.

At the newly-opened Trust Bae, she has assembled an all-female leadership team, with her partner Erica London and renowned chef Rachael Ray lending their expertise and support. The new restaurant offers an intimate and timed counter-style dining experience, offering a delectable 16-course tasting menu priced at $150. Seating just eight guests at its intimate counter, the restaurant ensures a captivating and memorable culinary experience.

Through her work, she intends to overcome the barriers of a male-dominated industry and pave the way for future generations.

Chef Frances’s passion for elevating Filipino cuisine is apparent. She firmly believes that Filipino food has so much to offer and deserves a prominent place on the global culinary stage. However, she is also aware that introducing unfamiliar cuisines to people can be a challenge.

Drawing from her experiences as a female chef, she understands the importance of creating opportunities and fostering inclusivity. “I intend to change the narrative and pave the way for future generations,” Chef Frances shared, acknowledging the limited representation of female omakase chefs in a predominantly male-dominated industry.

To overcome this hurdle, Chef Frances has meticulously developed a menu that artfully blends traditional Filipino flavors with modern twists. The result is a cohesive and progressive 16-course degustation at Trust Bae, which serves as a gateway to the rich and diverse flavors of Filipino cuisine.

Creating the menu

The carefully curated tasting menu showcases a symphony of tastes, ranging from kaiseki, nigiri, to robata-style dishes. Each course highlights the delicate balance between bold Filipino spices, exquisite textures, and meticulous presentation. Her technical expertise shines through in every dish, starting with the impressive Kinilaw Pod—a statement of her culinary prowess, achieved after countless attempts to create the perfect encapsulation of kinilaw Chef Frances’s creative approach extends to reimagining Filipino classics. For instance, she elevates the binalot-style cooking in the Philippines with a savory suman enhanced by

This first dish on the tasting menu is a statement of the chef’s technical expertise. She calls it Kinilaw Pod which she does by encapsulating the kinilaw into a pod or spherical form, something she attempted more than a thousand times before she found the perfect one.

coconut cream and paksiw foam. With her innovative twist, she aims to bridge the gap between Filipino flavors and the American palate, showcasing the diversity and influences of Filipino cuisine.

“It is hard for some Filipino dishes to look elevated because we mostly eat them family-style. How can we elevate the paksiw flavor for example? I aerated it,” she shared. “Filipino food is ugly delicious and I want to be a bridge to the American palate so they can taste the Filipino influences in my food.”

The menu showcased a range of flavors - from a slowbraised oxtail lumpia served with truffle cream and punched radish to a tangy sinigang soup that cleanses the palate. The sinigang dish, which uses bonito broth with tamarind as a souring agent, marks the transition to the nigiri portion of the tasting menu.

The next dishes showcase a little bit of Chef Frances’s culinary journey. She included some Middle Eastern influences like labneh and dried black lime and some adobo sauce, another nod to her Filipino roots.

The third act is a pair of robata-style dishes. The first one is kampachi, served with yuzu, miso, and pickled daikon noodles and the second one is Miyazaki A5 wagyu served with wasabi salad and truffle eel sauce.

To wrap up the entire experience, the chef seamlessly melds Filipino and Japanese with her ube mochi which she creates on the spot, using their homemade halaya jam encased in a chewy espasol-like outer layer.

Chef Frances is immensely

On her free time. Chef Frances goes to various street fairs in the city to support her friends. Photo taken last April at the Philippines Fest street fair along Manhattan’s Sixth Avenue.

proud of this menu that she has created and as she develops more, she knows it is best to stick to what she knows will work.

Her intimate knowledge of New York City’s culinary landscape, gained through her previous work experiences in esteemed restaurants such as Buddakan, Catch, Megu, and Wayfarer, has honed her skills as a chef and shaped her understanding of what works in the vibrant food scene.

From Top Chef to Morimoto’s Sushi Master

While Chef Frances recognizes the importance of trendy and Instagrammable presentation, she firmly believes that taste is paramount. Drawing from her experience in New York City’s culinary landscape, she asserts that her previous work in renowned restaurants and her stint on the show Top Chef has taught her valuable lessons.

“Everything should be seasoned well, and don’t serve it if it’s not good,” she emphasized, highlighting the importance of confidence in one’s craft and the ability to execute flawlessly.

Chef Frances’s culinary journey recently reached new heights as she showcased her skills on the groundbreaking show, Morimoto’s Sushi Master, hosted by the renowned Japanese chef and restaurateur Masaharu Morimoto.

Her participation in the show allowed her to represent the Filipino community and advocate for the elevation of Filipino cuisine on a global platform. Drawing from her experience in Japanese cuisine and her passion for Filipino flavors, Chef Frances demonstrated the best of both worlds.

Jhong graduates from college as magna cum laude at 46

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

HOST-ACTOR Jhong Hilario graduated from college as magna cum laude from Arellano University at the age of 46 years old.

The “It’s Showtime” host earned a degree in Political Science.

In his interview with “TV Patrol,” Jhong said he dedicated his award to his parents.

Ito ‘yung bayad ko sa utang ko sa mga magulang ko. Lahat ng parents ay gustong makatapos ang mga anak nila and lahat ginagawa nila. Nagtatrabaho sila ng marangal para makapagpa-aral ng mga anak and ito na ‘yon,” he said. Kahit na late na, at the age of 46, buhay pa ‘yung parents ko,” he added.

Jhong also gave advice to people who wanted to finish school.

Sa lahat ng gustong makatapos ng pagaaral, kahit late na katulad ko, mayroon talagang pagkakataon, mayroon talagang paraan para

me napakaiksi ng buhay para walang gawin e,” he added. n

The show, which is the firstever cooking competition series focused on the art of sushimaking begins streaming on Roku on June 16.

“I have Japanese experience but I’m not [Japanese]. But I’m pretty sure when you guys watch the show the Filipinos are gonna love it because I think I represented Filipinos very well on the show,” she revealed. Throughout her two-decadelong career, Chef Frances’s unwavering determination, creativity, and hard work have paved the way for her success. Her mission to elevate Filipino cuisine while keeping it authentic is evident in every dish she creates. By challenging stereotypes and pushing boundaries, she showcases the elegance and sophistication of Filipino cuisine, proving that it can be as enticing and remarkable as any other cuisine.

As Trust Bae continues to captivate diners with its artful fusion of flavors, Chef Frances Tariga stands as a trailblazer, transforming Filipino cuisine into an elegant and sophisticated culinary experience. Her unwavering determination, creativity, and hard work serve as an inspiration to others, reminding us of the power of food to empower, celebrate, and unite people. Through each dish she creates, Chef Frances invites us to savor the diverse and vibrant world of Filipino cuisine, encouraging us to appreciate its elegance and sophistication. n

BEST BITES. Among the highlights of 16-course omakase experience are the kaiseki dishes bursting with Filipino flavors from kinilaw to paksiw to lumpia and the nigiri dishes that offered hints of adobo, sisig, and tinapa. Chef Frances went over the top and used Osetra caviar, truffle, and gold flakes to further elevate her dishes. There were also cocktails made with Filipino flair such as Calamansi Sour, Queen Pia, and Manila Old Fashioned. AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya

Jhong Hilario

Photo from Instagram/@jhonghilario

The chef’s personality shines through the entire 90-minute dining experience. Here, Chef Frances puts on finishing touches for the Binalot dish, a reimagining of the Filipino human made with coconut sticky rice, king crab and topped with crispy shallots and paksiw foam.

Chef Frances Tariga is on a mission to empower women and introduce the cuisine of her homeland to a wider market. Her journey has been marked by challenges, but she is determined to make a difference and inspire others along the way.

City of San Diego awards $2.6M

Far South/Border North grants to

60 artists, cultural practitioners

Combined public-private funding will support projects in San Diego and Imperial counties

SAN DIEGO – Sixty artists and cultural practitioners in disciplines ranging from performing arts, visual arts, music, film, media and literature will receive $2.6 million in Far South/Border North grants. Far South/Border North is a California Creative Corps arts program for San Diego and Imperial counties led by the City of San Diego and implemented through a bi-county regional collaborative.

Each grant will be provided to develop artistic content that increases local awareness of public health, energy and water conservation, climate mitigation, civic engagement and social justice within Imperial and San Diego counties.

“With over 250 submissions in the first round from artists and cultural practitioners representing San Diego and Imperial counties, we are thrilled to see the overwhelming response,” said Christine Jones, Chief of Civic Art Strategies with the city’s Arts and Culture.

“The grants are aimed at promoting healthy communities through creativity, and we look forward to supporting the grant recipients with the development and implementation of campaigns over the next year to bring awareness to urgent issues shaping our region today.”

The Far South/Border North round one grant opportunity was administered through a regional open call multistep review process involving an external evaluation of eligible applications by a panel of San Diego and Imperial County-based arts, cultural and social field volunteers. Applications were reviewed with consideration given to professional capacity and readiness, project design and implementation capability, community building and public engagement experience and creative and technical skills to support health equity.

For the round one funds, each recipient will receive $43,333,

which includes $35,000 for artist and cultural practitioner fees and $8,333 to advance their campaign. Grantees selected are emerging, mid-career and established artists and cultural practitioners based in San Diego or Imperial County, reflecting a broad spectrum of diverse artistic practices, with 77% working or residing in an area designated as being in the lowest quartile of the California Healthy Places Index.

Round two of the Far South/ Border North grant program opened on Tuesday, June 13. This round will focus on grant applications from organizations and local and tribal governments to hire artists and cultural practitioners.

“The Far South/Border North round one cohort reaffirms the unique artistic and cultural perspectives and practices thriving in our region today – from social practice artists and cultural practitioners working in Oceanside to Calexico and across San Diego and Imperial counties,” said Felicia Shaw, San Diego Regional Arts and Culture Coalition Executive Director. “As an implementation partner, we collectively see this regional, open-call grant process as an opportunity to catalyze visionary artists and cultural practitioners in intersectional work that fuels positivity and contributes to health equity within our most disproportionately impacted communities.”

Recognizing artists and cultural practitioners’ critical role in supporting our communities, The Conrad Prebys Foundation recently committed $1.4 million to Far South/Border North, boosting the $4.75 million California Creative Corps grant from the California Arts Council, a state agency, to a total of $6.15 million for the program.

“The goals of this program simply could not be more aligned with the strategies that The Conrad Prebys Foundation

Trailblazing Filipino shoe designer is proud Miss Filipina International sponsor

just announced,” said Prebys Foundation CEO Grant Oliphant. “We believe a great arts community celebrates and lifts its artists and turns to them for inspiration and hope. Artists bring an invaluable perspective to the urgent health, climate and democracy challenges that define our times and will shape our shared future, and we are delighted to support them in that work.”

“This partnership among philanthropy, public agencies, nonprofits and individuals gives us a glimpse into what an ecosystem approach looks like,” said Megan Thomas, president and CEO at Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties.

“By building relationships that combine the experience and initiative of communities with the capacity and resources of larger institutions, we see a growth in funding for our region in a way that respects and builds on the strengths of the people who live and work here.”

Far South/Border North implementation partners include Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties, San Diego Regional Arts and Culture Coalition and the San Diego Foundation. The team also comprises five nonprofit social sector organizations that serve as social impact hubs to support artists and cultural practitioners throughout their creative process, including Alliance San Diego, A Reason to Survive (ARTS), Casa Familiar, Imperial County Food Bank, and RISE San Diego. For more information about the “Far South/ Border North” program, visit farsouthbordernorth.com.

The City of San Diego advances and drives an equitable and inclusive creative economy and cultural ecosystem by investing in the work of artists and creatives and the institutions and systems that amplify creative work and experiences. To learn more, visit sandiego.gov/arts-culture.

(City of San Diego Release) n

JOJO Bragais, the young Filipino shoe designer and entrepreneur who made a fashion coup when his quality platform high-heel shoes were worn by the candidates in the 2023 Miss Universe pageant, is a proud sponsor of the 10th Miss Filipina International (MFI) pageant to be held on August 5, 2023 at the International Ballroom of The Beverly Hilton.

The talented and trailblazing impresario, who is proud that his well-made shoes are handmade by Filipinos in Binangonan, Rizal, Philippines, has earned the respect of leaders and influencers in the fashion and beauty industry. He has been the go-to person when it comes to designing comfortable shoes not only for the runway or the beauty pageant stage but also for regular people who simply want to stand tall and look queenly in their Bragais shoes.

Born Jojo Bragais, the news-making Pinoy grew up in Albay, Bicol. He is a licensed midwife and nurse by profession but fate brought him to shoemaking and shoe designing. He was instantly hooked. In such a short time, Jojo Bragais Shoes have made a mark in the fashion and beauty pageant world.

The more than 40 lovely candidates of MFI will be wearing a pair from Jojo Bragais Shoes when they compete during the black-tie gala event. They will vie for these titles: Miss Filipina International; Miss Tourism; First Runner-up; Second Runner-up; and Third Runner-up.

Miss Filipina International (MFI), now owned by Geoffrey Jimenez, chairman of the board of directors of Worldwide Media Entertainment Corporation, lauded the sponsorship of Jojo Bragais Shoes.

“Having Jojo Bragais Shoes as one of our major sponsors is another big step in our commitment to give the best incentives to our candidates,” said Jimenez, a Filipino American community leader, and arts and culture patron.

Follow and connect with Jojo Bragais Shoes on their Facebook Page (BRAGAIS SHOES) and their Instagram and TikTok @jojobragaisofficial).

In addition to the previously announced top prize of either a BMW 3 Series car or a $10,000 cash prize, the winner will also receive a $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin Beverly Hills in the prestigious pageant that will be held on Saturday, August 5, at The Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom, the venue of the Golden Globe Awards,

the Academy nominees luncheon, Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party and other prestigious events.

MFI also offers the exciting incentive that three winners will be eligible to compete next year in Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) while two winners will vie in The Miss Philippines pageant.

The Philippines is considered a beauty pageant powerhouse, having produced many winners and top finalists in Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss International, among others. The MFI winners this August will be welcome additions to the Philippines’ roster of beauty queens. For sponsorship inquiries, email: missfilipinainternational@gmail.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Nearly $17M secured to address San Diego riverbed homeless encampments

A COUNTY-LED partnership has been awarded nearly $17 million in state funds to help people experiencing homelessness along the San Diego riverbed into more permanent housing and connect them with much-needed services.

Late last year, the State made $240 million in Encampment Resolution Fund grants available to local jurisdictions to help resolve encampments and get people into housing and services.

The county applied for that funding in collaboration with the City of San Diego, City of Santee and California Department of Transportation, and is getting $16,951,298.

The money, awarded to the county’s Department of Homeless Solutions & Equitable Communities, will help an estimated 300 people experiencing homelessness living along the San Diego riverbed.

It will pay for interim and permanent housing subsidies

as well as seven staff who will conduct focused collaborative outreach and coordinate services.

“This grant is the result of the strong collaborations with our partners at the City of San Diego, City of Santee and Caltrans, and we are grateful for everyone’s efforts,” said Barbara Jiménez, County Community Operations Officer. “With the funds, we’ll be

able to provide safer, cleaner and healthier living conditions for our community members now living unhoused in the riverbed.”

Over the next several weeks, the county will work with the three partner entities to bring together the staff and resources to start work on the program.

County receives national recognition for 54 programs

THE County of San Diego won 54 Achievement Awards this year for standout programs from the National Association of Counties, which recognizes excellence in county government. The county won awards in 15 categories including county resiliency, human services, information technology, health, community and economic development, criminal justice and public safety, children and youth, risk and emergency management, and civic education and public information.

“I am proud of our county employees that show up every day to meet the needs of our communities. This is a well-deserved recognition of the work we are doing and the high standard we strive for in delivering services and resources in San Diego County,” Board of Supervisors

Chairwoman Nora Vargas said.

“I am especially proud that many of the programs recognized reflect our commitment to transformational work that puts equity and inclusivity at the forefront. I see you and celebrate you! ¡Enhorabuena!”

Featured below are just providing a small sample of how the County is responding to emerging issues and priorities.

The county’s yearly online report highlights the county’s accomplishments and goals to deliver essential services, and use funds responsibly for health and social services, public safety and land use. The interactive, engaging and accessible report, produced by the County Communications Office, invited the public to “Connect With Us to Build a Better Future” and focused priority projects that the public can help shape and

(Fernanda Lopez Halvorson/ County of San Diego Communications Office) n influence through community engagement.

A new policy developed by the Health and Human Services Agency requiring daily document translation services and culturally responsive communications was expanded to include all departments and is helping the County reach people who did not previously have access to information.

A new tool developed by the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Justice called StoryMap allows people to go online and express the environmental health concerns they see in neighborhoods. This information is layered with socioeconomic data such as race and income using mapping tools. This combined information better guides planning, advocacy and education in communities.

In support of San Diego’s diverse region and new arrivals, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department collaborated with the International Rescue Committee, a resettlement agency, to create and provide “What to Expect” monthly public presentations for refugee newcomers in their native languages. The presentations are focused on basic public safety education and creating an environment of inclusivity for newcomers.

The full list of programs that won 2023 Achievement Awards is below:

Filipino shoe designer and entrepreneur Jojo Bragais with one of his shoe designs.

Photo courtesy of MFI

County to take part in new youth suicide reporting and crisis response program

HOPING to find new ways to keep young people from attempting suicide, the county is poised to take part in a $4.1 million state youth suicide-focused pilot program.

The program, County Health and Human Services Agency officials said on Tuesday, June 13, could develop new prevention responses — like systems to continue contact and follow up care when youth experiencing thoughts of suicide, doing self-harm, or attempting suicide end up in hospital emergency rooms.

Other actions could include expanding school-based suicide prevention programs like support, resources and mental health screenings for students and families; and increasing outreach, training and suicide risk screenings in rural communities, complementing the array of existing efforts the county is doing around suicide prevention.

Supervisors on Tuesday approved accepting the tentative $4.1 million from the California Department of Public Health to “develop and test models for rapid reporting and comprehensive crisis response at the local level related to youth suicide and suicide attempts” for people under the age of 25. The state could approve the funding in its final budget deliberations.

County health officials said that the agency has and continues to create ongoing suicide prevention programs and efforts, and that local suicide rates have trended down. However, they said the county’s rates are still higher than state averages and that suicide remained an urgent, growing problem that needs addressing. Officials said the numbers of suicides between the ages of 15 and 19 increased 29% between 2017 and 2021, and that suicide remains a leading cause of death for San Diegans.

Programs the county has developed that could be used as bases in the pilot program include the “It’s Up to Us” multi-media campaign. The program aims to increase public awareness and understanding of suicide and the issues surrounding it. The county’s Mobile Crisis Response Teams send mental health experts to respond to people suffering a mental health crisis where they are to connect them to care. In addition, the County’s 24/7 Access and Crisis line — (888) 724-7240 — gives people a way to talk directly with a clinician to help them around the clock. That help was supplemented last year with the local introduction of the national 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in a suicidal, mental health and/or substance use crisis, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Another County effort includes the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council, which, among other efforts, coordinates mental health trainings and takes the lead in producing the annual Report to the Community that reports on suicide resources and data.

More information about the County’s behavioral health services can be found at its website (https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/ sdc/hhsa/programs/bhs.html).

(Gig Conaughton/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

County receives...

Board acts to expand open space near Mount Olympus county preserve

THE county took steps on Wednesday, June 14 to buy more land within the PalaPauma and Rainbow community areas for open space and species protection. The Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of 425 acres of land located near Mount Olympus County Preserve. County parks department officials said the land fits into the county’s North County Multiple Species Conservation Plan area and this purchase will permanently protect its chaparral, wetland and riparian habitats.

The additional acres expand the Mount Olympus County Preserve to more than 1,200 acres, providing a large shrubland habitat for deer, mountain lion and other sensitive species.

The appraised value of the additional land is $2,128,000, and the County will be able to use a $200,000 grant received from the California Habitat Conservation Fund toward the purchase.

Acquiring this land will support multiple County sustainability goals under the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP), set by federal and state requirements for special status species conservation.

The open space will:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 540 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year through

preservation of open space — that’s equivalent to the amount of emissions produced by 120 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles per year.

• Expand opportunities for community members to access outdoor recreation and nature.

• Expand open space adjacent to native ecosystems and habitats.

The Department of Parks and Recreation evaluates multiple factors when considering open space land for potential acquisition and inclusion into County Preserves, including biology, connectivity, accessibility and value.

A core aspect of the parks department’s conservation program is to have a positive

impact on public health and provide open space lands to improve water and air quality for future generations. Visit the MSCP webpage at https://www.sdparks.org/ content/sdparks/en/AboutUs/ Plans/MSCP.html for more information. (Shauni Lyles/County of San Diego Communications Office) n